User Conflicts

As part of a large urban park system, the Wissahickon Valley is a source of recreation for a wide variety of Park users, including bikers, birdwatchers, dog walkers, equestrians, fishermen, hikers and runners.

At times, it is inevitable, that these various types of users will come be in conflict with one another. To establish an overall policy for Park use, the FOW has crafted a statement, Appropriate Use of the Wissahickon. In this statement, FOW emphasizes the need for all park users to be considerate of the many ways in which the park is used and to be respectful of the ecological integrity of this urban wilderness.

According to membership surveys conducted by FOW, two issues that emerge as sources of conflict are bikes and dogs off leash.

Photo by Tom Love