Dear Editor,

I am tired of being bullied by the officers at Derby Reach. I leash my dogs up until I reach the water, and then I let them off to go chase a ball and swim.

A ranger informed the dogs must be leashed the moment they step out of the water. He had his ticket book out.

At a previous meeting, I was informed that the high water mark (the point at which rangers have no jurisdiction) is out in the middle of the river - total nonsense.

I have been going down to the campsite in the winter for five years, so my dogs can swim. I am often the only person there.

On Friday, the ranger followed my car from the moment I entered the camp ground to the moment I parked. He circled around, pulled up to the campsite I was at, and had ticket book in hand.

It was the same ranger who personally informed me he would never bother me while I was at river's edge - now he wants to ticket me.

Only one other site had people at it. If this is not targeted harassment, I don't know what is.

My dogs also often swim down at the new park off 208th Street and Allard Crescent. I walk them on leash to the park, and then let them swim and romp on the beach.

There are often other dogs down there off leash and enjoying a good swim. The picnic tables are rarely in use, but the beach generally has some action.

It is a happy, peaceful spot, where dog owners gather, chat, and play with their dogs. All of it is under the high water mark.

They now want to take this away.

The constant bullying is getting a lot of people very upset. I know, because I actually talk to these people: they are angry and frustrated.

Perhaps the rangers should try talking to people, instead of threatening them.

Laurel Pickles, Langley