For years, Powell residents have enjoyed visiting the Dog Ponds south of town along the Shoshone River. Locals who frequent the area were surprised recently to see “No Trespassing” signs posted —announcing that the owners of the Dog Ponds closed the land to public use.And who can blame them?The only surprising part of the decision is that it didn't come sooner, considering everything the owners dealt with over the past few years.Careless visitors littered the area with beer bottles, cigarette butts and other garbage. Some thoughtlessly left gates ajar, releasing mules. Reckless hunters shot three of the owners' horses, killing one. Irresponsible drivers tore up the land.Rather than leaving the Dog Ponds a trash-strewn mess, the owners continued to be responsible stewards of the area, keeping it clean and maintained. In recent years, they began conservation efforts to encourage the wildlife habitat. And all the while, they shared the property with the community.But after chasing down mules, caring for wounded horses and cleaning up litter time and again, no wonder the owners finally closed off the property to public use.It's unfortunate that the behavior of a few careless residents results in loss of privileges for all. But the owners' decision is justifiable. School children still will be able to access the Dog Ponds for educational trips, but casual use is now barred, and for good reason. Misuse of land — private or public — is unacceptable.

For years, Powell residents have enjoyed visiting the Dog Ponds south of town along the Shoshone River. Locals who frequent the area were surprised recently to see “No Trespassing” signs posted —announcing that the owners of the Dog Ponds closed the land to public use.

And who can blame them?

The only surprising part of the decision is that it didn't come sooner, considering everything the owners dealt with over the past few years.

Careless visitors littered the area with beer bottles, cigarette butts and other garbage. Some thoughtlessly left gates ajar, releasing mules. Reckless hunters shot three of the owners' horses, killing one. Irresponsible drivers tore up the land.

Rather than leaving the Dog Ponds a trash-strewn mess, the owners continued to be responsible stewards of the area, keeping it clean and maintained. In recent years, they began conservation efforts to encourage the wildlife habitat. And all the while, they shared the property with the community.

But after chasing down mules, caring for wounded horses and cleaning up litter time and again, no wonder the owners finally closed off the property to public use.

It's unfortunate that the behavior of a few careless residents results in loss of privileges for all. But the owners' decision is justifiable.

School children still will be able to access the Dog Ponds for educational trips, but casual use is now barred, and for good reason. Misuse of land — private or public — is unacceptable.