Trails Committee

Contact: Randy Brown

AHC Washington Update

At the recent State Horse Council meeting in Harrisburg the AHC's Trails Survey was discussed. This survey was announced last summer and we have received nearly 100 responses. The survey is online at https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.

There is still time to fill it out and we ask you to send this to your members so they may do so.

The AHC launched this effort last summer to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. We are trying to document trail closures that have historically been available to riders and the reasons for the closures. The industry has been hampered by a lack of information regarding the reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of public lands to horses and pack animals. We hope this will provide data to share with Members of Congress and federal agencies.

Thanks you very much for helping with this effort.

Action Alert: AHC Seeks to Document Equestrian Access Issues on Public Land

Date:   July 23, 2009

The American Horse Council has launched a new effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The center piece of this effort is an AHC online form riders can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails and federal lands that have been closed to them or other access issues.  This online form is located here https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.

Efforts to gain support for legislation to protect equestrian access to public land have been hampered by a lack of information regarding the reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of public lands to horses and pack animals.  This new initiative will allow the recreational riding community to report when they are forced off a trail or are fighting to stay on a trail.  This information will be used to clearly demonstrate the extent of the problem and the need for action on the part of Congress or the federal land agencies.

The online form can also be used to document any successes riders have had keeping a trail or area open to horses.  Such information is needed as well.

The AHC is requesting that its member organizations help spread the word about this new program by placing information about it on their websites and or in their organization newsletters.   More information about this initiative and the form to report access issues can be found here https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.

Attached is a press release that can be used by your organization on your websites or in your newsletters.  Please feel free to change it for your use.

If you have any questions please contact Ben Pendergrass at (202)296-4031.

Recreational Trails Program in Jeopardy

Date: May 5, 2009

The Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is in danger of not being re-authorized.  Since its inception the RTP has provided approximately $730 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. If Congress does not re-authorize this program this year, the RTP could no longer be available to recreational riders.

It is vitally important that the recreational riding community let Congress know how important the RTP is to all recreational riders around the country.

The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users.  It was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last re-authorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act. This law is about to expire.   The RTP will have to be re-authorized in the national surface transportation program bill, which will be conspired in the coming months if it is to continue.

RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails.  Although each state manages its own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% percent on multiuse projects.

It is important to remember that the RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land available to equestrians.  The program has been a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks.

In the coming months Congress is expected to begin work on the next 5 year highway bill. We must lay the ground work for the re-authorization of RTP now.  The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users, is requesting that Congress not only re-authorized the RTP, but also increase funding for the program to $555 million to be spent over the five years of the bill. 

The AHC urges State Horse Councils to contact their Congressional delegation to voice support for this program and let them know this program is important to the horse community.  Please ask each of your members to contact their Representative and Senators with the same message.  Grassroots support for this program is very important.

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will soon begin drafting the next 5 year highway bill.  A list of members of these committees is attached.  If members of your Congressional delegation sit on either of these committees it is extremely important that you contact them as early as possible since they will be writing the first draft of this bill.  But, even if your Representatives or Senators do not sit on these committees please contact them.   

You should personalize your letter with information about your organization, yourself and your state trails.  Please Fax or Email it to your Representatives or Senators because regular mail must go through a long security process.

Contact information for your Representatives and Senators can be found at   http://www.house.gov/  and http://www.senate.gov/ or call the AHC.

 As always, please send copies of any emails, letters or faxes you provide to your elected Representatives or Senators to the AHC at bpendergrass@horsecouncil.org  or fax to 202-296-1970.   

If you have any questions please contact the AHC.

National Forest Equestrian Access in Georgia: A July 2008 Update

The topic of equestrian access to National Forest lands became an issue of concern to many equestrians in 2004.  About every ten years the Forest Service is required to update their Land Management Plans for each National Forest.  The updated Land Management Plans for the forests in Georgia and Tennessee were released in 2004 and each contained a Forest Wide Standard stating that equestrian and mountain bicycle access or use was restricted to only official or designated trails and numbered Forest Service roads.  After discussions with the Forest Service provided no relief, the Back Country Horsemen of East Tennessee and the national Back Country Horsemen of America filed an appeal of the restrictive standard.  There was no Back Country Horsemen organization in Georgia at that time, but the East Tennessee group included Georgia forests in their appeal, thanks to the efforts of only a few committed Georgia riders.  The Forest Supervisor in Tennessee placed a hold on implementing the riding restrictions, but the Forest Supervisor in Georgia continued discussions and plans for implementation.

In 2005 two Back Country Horsemen groups were formed in Georgia, and another Back Country Horsemen group was formed in Tennessee.  In mid-2006 the Chief Forester of the U.S. Forest Service announced his Record of Decision regarding the Back Country Horsemen appeal filed in 2004.  His decision stated in part:
“The Regional Forester is directed to either demonstrate that the analysis exists to support implementing Standard FW-xxx*, or to conduct additional site specific analysis, including public involvement, regarding the need for and impacts of the decision to restrict horse and pack stock to designated routes. Until such analysis is provided or completed, Standard FW-xxx* may not be implemented, and is subject to modification depending on the outcome of the analysis.”  Note: The * is used here acknowledging that different Standard numbers were used for Georgia and Tennessee.

In 2007 the Forest Service in Georgia was informing equestrian groups that the 2004 severe riding restrictions, temporarily delayed by the 2006 Record of Decision, were going to be re-imposed.  By this time both Back Country Horsemen organizations in Georgia were active and began an aggressive public campaign to prevent implementation.  Legal counsel was obtained and used to support the Back Country Horsemen position.  In late 2007 a new Forest Supervisor was named to manage the National Forests in Georgia.

In June 2008 a meeting was held to discuss ways of assuring equestrian access to our National Forest lands.  Meeting attendees were senior representatives of the Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia (BCHNG), the Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia (BCHSG), the Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association (CTHA), the Georgia Horse Council (GHC), the Supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (CONF), two Forest Supervisor staff officers, and Forest Service recreation or trail managers from each of the four CONF Ranger Districts.  Material had been prepared and reviewed by all prior to the meeting.  The equestrian access policies contained in this article were discussed at that meeting and further clarification was provided at a July 2008 meeting between the Forest Supervisor and the BCHNG representative.

The current policy on equestrian and mountain bicyclist access to the National Forest lands within Georgia is a compromise.  Hopefully it is a win-win arrangement for both the trail riders and the Forest Service.  The Forest Service has the responsibility to manage the forests for many purposes, and environmental protection is a key purpose.  Most trail users want to protect the forest environment, just as does the Forest Service.  We may have different perspectives about the degree of damage done by equines but we all want to enjoy a healthy environment for ourselves and for future generations.

The National Forest equestrian access policy is the following:

The expected “advantages and disadvantages” of the compromise arrangement are listed here for clarity.  For trail riders, the advantages are:

For trail riders, the disadvantages are:

For the Forest Service, the advantages are:

For the Forest Service, the disadvantage is:

In this compromise arrangement, equestrians, equestrian organizations, and the Forest Service must contribute added effort for the forest access plan to be successful.  Expansion of the official forest trail system is deemed unlikely without increased support from volunteers to maintain the official trails and commitment to maintain any new trails.  Continuance of an open cross-country riding policy depends on demonstrated environmental care and sensitivity by the cross-country riders. 

A “user-created trail” is defined as any tread path (visible path on ground created by human presence) that is not in the Forest Service’s data base as an official or designated trail.  A user-created trail may be a path on an old logging road or historic trail or fire break or anywhere on National Forest land, including a path that someone uses repeatedly from his home onto the forest (anything that shows a pattern of repeated use and makes a path on the ground).  A user-created trail may or may not be caused by equines. 

The following actions are in progress or will be taken to help assure continued riding opportunities in the National Forests:

I welcome constructive feedback and comments on how we, as trail riding equestrians, can make this equestrian access plan work for all parties.  You may best contact me by email at L.Wheat@mindspring.com (note period in name).

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Wheat
President, Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia
Chairperson, Trails and Education Committee

South Carolina Hosts SETC

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh Weathers, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 14, 2008

COLUMBIA, SC - South Carolina will host the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC) on July 31 to August 2, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel in North Charleston, SC. Anyone interested in using and preserving trails is invited to attend this premier trail education conference for equestrians. The conference is an outgrowth of the first major conference on recreational horse trails held in Clemson in 1998.

The theme this time around is "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow - providing for equestrians." The conference is designed to bring together those who are concerned about the future of the trail experience as seen from the back of a horse as well as the impact of trails and trail riding on educational, ecological, and the psychological (public and equestrian perception) of recreational horse trails. The conference will begin with a choice of two daylong tours. The Lowcountry tour at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on John's Island will be followed by lunch and a carriage ride in historic downtown Charleston. Participants on the Trails Tour in Francis Marion National Forest will learn how water issues were solved in this trail system. Or participants may opt to attend a four-hour GIS class for professionals, led by Joel Harrison, GIS Coordinator.

SETC conference speakers and presenters will include: Tom Seay, host of Best of America by Horseback on RFD-TV; Bonnie Davis of Trail Rider Magazine; Rick Potts, National Parks Service; Joel Harrison - GIS Coordinator for Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests and Neva Scheve of EquiSpirit. To register or for more information about the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference, go to www.SoutheasternEquestrianTrails.com or contact Jim Edwards, 864-871-5784, im.edwards1@yahoo.com.

For more information about SC's equine industry, contact Mary Ellen Tobias, SCDA Equine Marketing Specialist,803-734-4329, mtobias@scda.sc.gov

Equine Partnership Trail Challenge

Compete on a course of creative improvised obstacles designed to test your communication with your horse. The events are designed to encourage teamwork and help your horse develop trust and confidence. Prizes awarded for “top ten”

Cost: $35.00 if pre registered/$45.00 at door
Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m.
Competition will begin at 8:00 a.m.

Contact Joyce Lewis (704)836-6201 or email biglew702@ctc.net for information and registration

For more information contact:
Marty Findley in Seymour, Tennessee, mtviewfarm@hotmail.com be sure to include subject "Trail Challenge" in email.

Come and spend the weekend with us at East Fork Stables. Reserve your campsite and stall through the EFS office at 1-800-97-trail

Click here for a flyer.

Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference 2008

The 2008 Conference is July 31 through August 2, 2008 in North Charleston, South Carolina. Click here to download a flyer.

Everyone interested in using and preserving our trails should attend. Join fellow trail users and supporters from around the Southeastern US and beyond for this fun, informative and educational conference.

Ocmulgee Trail System

For the last several years much of the horse community has felt that the importance of our needs have been overlooked in the Ocmulgee.  While trying to juggle the demands of a growing variety of users, some leaders in the Forest Service had begun leaping to conclusions and making unfounded suppositions not only about the impact of horseback riding in the forest but also about the needs of the horseback riding community.  Now, it finally appears that, thanks to the horse people speaking out, the Forest Service has begun to listen, and perhaps the tide has turned and the Forest Service has taken a first exciting step towards a more cooperative relationship with the horseback trail users.  While the River Trail in the Ocmulgee is a beloved trail, we all know that being a straight line trail creates many limitation for riding and has led to many user trails being created.  We have never truly had a “trail system” in the Ocmulgee.  Now it appears that it just might happen!

The first meeting with the Forest Service concerning an official Ocmulgee Trail System is behind us and we have good news to report. Right now we have about 18 miles of designated trails on the river. With the new proposal the trail mileage will increase to between 35- 40 miles. This will include two loop trails out of 1099, Omulgee Flats and 2 out Omulgee Bluff, and maybe one out of the Concord Hunt Camp, and 1 loop out of Gladesville Hunt Camp. The Forest Service will be looking at using mostly user created trails to make these loops. If you add the usable Forest Service Roads this will add more miles to the system. This process will take some time so we will be updating you as time goes on. There is a map with the proposed trails, and as soon as it is available it will be posted on-line.

The horse community still has the responsibility to speak out about its needs and wishes so communicate with the leaders of your horse club and your state representatives.  Representatives from the different horse clubs in the area will continue to be involved in this process.  Also remember that with rights come responsibilities so be sure to educate yourself about good stewardship of the forests on the Forest Service website or the Backcountry Horseman website.  Keep watching this website for updates.  It’s been a long winding road, but the future of trails in the Ocmulgee looks bright – it looks like woods at the end of the tunnel.

                                                              Randy Brown

 

Meeting attended by,

Georgia Horse Council
Back Country Horsemen
Heart of Dixie Horse Lovers Club
Rockdale Trailblazers

George Bain, New Forest Supervisor Takes Reins And Changes Course

Click here to read the letter sent to the Georgia Horse Council by the new Forest Service Supervisor, George Bain concerning restricting equestrians to designated trails and forest service roads.

Ultimate Trail Horse Competition

There will be a Ultimate Trail Horse Competition held in Montgomery, Alabama during the Alabama Horse Council Annual Horse Fair. Date is Sunday, January 27. Entry fee is $60, first place awards $1,000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $250, 4th place $150, 5th place $100. This event is open to any/all riders/breeds states.

Information on the general Fair can be seen by going to www.alaamahorsecouncil.org.

For more information contact:

Sandy West Pegram
Alabama Horse Council
Trails Chairman
(205) 663-2309

BCHNG Raises $4,000.00 for Trails Fund

There are many emails being sent around the equestrian and trail communities echoing the good quality and great participation experienced at the August 8th meeting of the Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia (BCHNG).  The primary purposes of this meeting were to present facts and the current status of the US Forest Service's actions concerning re-implementing trail riding restrictions throughout the National Forest lands in Georgia, and then decide on a plan of action to support equestrian rights.  The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Supervisor's Office is pursuing actions that can lead to restricting equestrian riding to only designated trails and numbered Forest Service roads.  More details are contained in the presentation handout provided at the meeting.  This handout is pasted below in this message.

 

We had 125+ attendees at the meeting, 12 saddle clubs were represented along with the Southeastern Distance Riders Association (SEDRA), North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), the Georgia chapter of the American Horse Council, and the Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia (BCHSG).

 

Following the presentation and discussion period, we then discussed the available options of appeal should the Forest Service implement the proposed restriction, and an eventual federal court lawsuit should an appeal not be successfully resolved.  Appelants would be BCHNG, BCHSG, and the national organization Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA).  By motion and vote, the participants voted overwhelmingly to appeal should the Forest Service implement this unwarranted restriction on equestrian access to the public National Forest lands in Georgia.  BCHNG and BCHSG have agreed to each contribute money for an appeal fund.  Participants at the meeting were generous and contributed to the BCHNG fund nearly $4,000.00 or about $32.00 per attendee .  BCHNG had encouraged the attendees to contribute $1,250.00, so the response was fantastic.  There were numerous comments supporting the equestrian heritage in our country.  Plans are now being considered about how to raise the significantly greater amount of money needed to pay for a federal lawsuit, should that option be selected in the future.

 

We do not want to leave a misunderstanding about National Forest trails and trail support.  Many of us in the various BCH and equestrian organizations devote numerous hours to maintain trails in the National Forests, and not just horse trails.  We intend to continue to volunteer our time and resources to keep existing trails in good condition.  This difference of belief about trail riding in the National Forests is not an issue with specific persons, but is an institutional or heritage issue.  We do not condone environmental damage to our public resources, and we encourage all trail riders to be responsible users of these lands. 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Larry Wheat

Vice President - BCHNG

 

 

 

Designated Trails Overview in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

(Presented at the BCHNG members meeting on August 8, 2007)

 

This paper presents a brief history of the designated trail topic for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (CONF) located in Georgia.  Then a summary is provided of the U.S. Forest Service (FS) analysis performed to justify restricting trail riding to only designated trails and numbered FS roads.  After this short presentation, we will invite your questions and do our best to answer them factually.

 

DefinitionsImage Description

·        A Designated Trail is an official trail – one that is maintained by the FS – and declared open for equestrian use.

·        Cross-country travel means riding any place in the local area.

 

Designated Trail History

·        January 15, 2004, the Land Management Plan was approved.  It included a provision stating that horse, pack stock, and bike use is to be on designated routes only; that is, no public cross-country travel is allowed.  Routes include authorized trails, open roads, and closed roads unless otherwise posted. (FW-127)

·        An Appeal was filed in April, 2004 by the Back Country Horsemen of East Tennessee and the Back Country Horsemen of America.  In July, 2006, the Appeal Decision (Record of Decision or ROD) was released from Washington Office, USDA Forest Service.

·        The ROD stated in part “The Regional Forester is directed to either demonstrate that the analysis exists to support implementing Standard FW-127, or to conduct additional site specific analysis, including public involvement, regarding the need for and impacts of the decision to restrict horse and pack stock to designated routes.  Until such analysis is provided or completed, Standard FW-127 may not be implemented, and is subject to modification depending on the outcome of the analysis.”

 

The Forest Service’s Analysis Process and Conclusion – Called “Capability Analysis”

Four criteria were considered to determine suitable land for trails.  The complete FS PowerPoint presentation given at several clubs is available on the forest website, at http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/rogs/horse/horse.htm.  The four criteria and the FS conclusions are:

·        Management Prescription – The Forest Land Management Plan specifies that certain areas are restricted and trails are not appropriate.  Six (6) percent of the National Forest lands are in this category. 

·        Terrain Slope – The terrain slope (would be side slope for trails) must be equal to or less than 30 percent.  Six (6) percent of the National Forest lands have a slope exceeding 30 percent and are unsuitable for cross-country travel.  Steeper slopes may be acceptable for designated trails.

·        Proximity to Riparian Zones – Except for crossings, trails may not lie within 100 feet of riparian streams (streams that contain water for at least some portion of the year, as shown by blue lines on topographic maps).  Eight (8) percent of the National Forest land is in this category.

·        Soil Type – There was no definition provided for this category.  There are numerous types of soil as documented in a FS reference document.  The FS concluded that 81 percent of the National Forest land is unsuitable for cross-country travel. 

·        FS Summary Considering all Four Criteria – Based on BCHNG discussions with the FS staff, the FS clarified their position to state that eighty (80) percent of the National Forest land is suitable for development of properly designed and approved trails.  About ten (10) percent of the National Forest land could sustain uncontrolled equestrian riding (i.e., cross-country travel).  However, no cross-country riding is going to be permitted according to the FS plan.

 

Forest Service Plan of Action

·        The FS analysis is complete.  The FS plans to obtain approval to implement the same trail restrictions as initially implemented in early 2004.  Trail riding will be restricted to only Designated Trails and numbered FS roads.  There remains some uncertainty about how many miles of Designated Trails now exist for equestrian use.  The FS “Guide to Horseback Riding on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests 2007” lists 211 miles of trail.  Other values quoted have ranged from 186 to 243 miles.

·        During July 2007, the FS presented the topic to several equestrian groups and solicited their comments.

·        During August 2007, the FS plans to present the topic to at least two general public meetings and solicit comments.

·        In September or soon thereafter, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Supervisor may provide the Designated Trails Forest Wide Standard to the FS Southern Region for approval and subsequent implementation.

An Interesting Tale of Two National Forests

By Larry Wheat

I returned last night (7/21/07) from attending the Southeastern Equestrian Trial Conference (SETC 2007) that was held in Knoxville, TN.  There is one issue that is of unique interest to all of us who plan to ride on National Forest lands in the future, or hope for our children and grandchildren to ride there.  That is the Designated Trails issue.  And time is short if you plan to take any action on this!

Some of you reading this may believe that you have the ‘right to ride’ nearly anywhere on public lands, and others are satisfied to ride only in arenas, on roads and whatever official trails someone provides.  I guess that I am an ‘in-between guy’ as I believe that responsible off-trail riding has minimal and acceptable environmental impact.  Unfortunately, enough exceptions to responsible riding occur that there are places in our forests where significant environmental damage is inflicted by riders (and by other users too).  Our land managers, including the US Forest Service, have the mandated responsibility to care for our public lands so that they may serve us and be enjoyed for now and the future.  That is not an easy task as numerous users and categories of users have differing desires and thoughts on what they want from the forests.

A Forest Wide Standard that restricted equestrian trail riding in the national forests to designated trails and numbered Forest Service roads was to be implemented in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (CONF, hereafter called the National Forests in Georgia) and the Cherokee National Forest (CNF, hereafter called the National Forest in Tennessee) in early 2004.  An appeal was filed by the Back Country Horsemen of America and Back Country Horsemen of East Tennessee.  The National Forest in Tennessee chose to defer implementing the restriction until a decision was made, but the National Forests in Georgia did implement the riding restriction.  In July 2006 the appeal Record of Decision (ROD) for these National Forests was announced and it stated in part:
“The Regional Forester is directed to either demonstrate that the analysis exists to support implementing Standard FW-127, or to conduct additional site specific analysis, including public involvement, regarding the need for and impacts of the decision to restrict horse and pack stock to designated routes.  Until such analysis is provided or completed, Standard FW-127 may not be implemented, and is subject to modification depending on the outcome of the analysis.”
At SETC 2007 Ms. Debbie Caffin, USFS Wilderness/Dispersed Recreation Specialist, Southern Region, summarized information regarding the current action plan of each forest. 

I am an active Forest Service trail volunteer worker and an active trail rider.  I find it interesting that the two forests, both under the same direction from the Chief Forester’s Record of Decision, take such different approaches.  To me, the Tennessee managers seem to adhere to the decision whereas the Georgia managers do not. 

NOW is the time to get involved if you are concerned about being restricted to ride on only the current Designated Trails and numbered Forest Service roads within the National Forests in Georgia.  It is quite possible that the trail restrictions may again be imposed within the next few months.  What can you do?  As a minimum I suggest the following:

Table A provides contact information for several organizations or persons associated with the National Forest trails in Georgia.  I encourage each person to make constructive comments and offers of support to these contacts.

Table B offers some personal thoughts on how we in Georgia should proceed.  I am a member or officer in several equestrian and trail organizations.  Nothing in this document or Table B should be interpreted to be the position of any associated organization.  Rather it is my personal suggestion.  It requires some compromise from each of us but hopefully will lead to conservation-minded trail support from most of us.

Table A – Designated Trail Contact Information

Organization

Contact Person

Email or Website

USDA-Forest Service, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (CONF)

George M. Bain, Acting Forest Supervisor.

gbain@fs.fed.us

Paul Bradley, Deputy Forest Supervisor

pbradley@fs.fed.us

Larry Luckett, Engineering and Recreation Staff Officer

lluckett@fs.fed.us

Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia (BCHNG)

Jim McGarvey, President

jmcgarvey@mindsping.com
www.bchng.org

Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia (BCHSG)

Tina Maddox, President

francis@athens.net
www.bchsg.org

Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association (CTHA)

Jack Garber, President

jack.garber@IHG.com

U. S. Senate

Saxby Chambliss

http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm

Johnny Isakson

http://isakson.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives

Select your representative from the website list

http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml


 

Table B – Larry’s Suggestions for a Possible Solution for National Forest Trails in Georgia

Getting equestrian organizations to unite on a given issue is like herding cats.  Perhaps some tempting catnip could guide most cats to a common position.  In any event, my thoughts on how we might arrive at a reasonable compromise on equestrian enjoyment in our national forests are listed here.

  1. The BCHNG, BCHSG, CTHA, USFS (Districts and CONF Supervisor’s Office), and Georgia Horse Council and other selected parties if interested, work together to develop an education program about issues associated with responsible riding in national forests and then present the program to the trail riding public.  The issues might include environmental concerns, proper trail design, trail maintenance, equestrian cultural heritage, related USFS regulations, safely sharing trails with other users, avoiding wet trails, etc.  Complete and approve the education program material within the next five months.  Complete 80% of the organization presentations within one year.
  2. Beginning with the start of Item 1 above, the management team of the National Forests in Georgia defers their designated trail implementation efforts for 12 months.  Instead they provide reasonable work time to interact with the organizations developing and presenting the education program listed in Item 1 above, and to interact with and support Item 3 actions.
  3. Responsible equestrian and trail organizations, and trail users, partner with National Forests in Georgia District and Supervisor’s personnel to evaluate the need for different or additional trails and parking facilities.  This would include locations and expected use, based on some reliable method of predicting use.  The intent would be to identify suitable trail extensions or systems throughout the forests, so that appropriate trails might be available within two hours driving time for the projected day users.  Identify preferred trail and facility changes and additions within 24 months.
  4. At the end of the first 12 month deferment period, the CONF managers evaluate the success of the voluntary efforts to educate the riding public, and the initial efforts to identify mutually satisfactory trail additions and changes.  If satisfactory progress is demonstrated, then the CONF announces a further deferment of one year on implementing any designated trail restrictions.  Throughout the entire process the CONF enforces current laws related to trail usage.

At the end of the 24 month period, CONF District Rangers and the Supervisor’s staff determine how to proceed.  If the partnerships are working and environmental impacts from equestrian use are decreasing, then continue to defer the designated trail implementation, continue the partnerships and work towards developing the identified additional trails.  If progress has not been realized, then implement the designated trails restriction, preferably with some promise to develop selected high-benefit trail systems that were identified from the earlier evaluations.

Trail Links

Our trail links are being revised and updated. Check back soon!

18th National Trails Symposium

Dear Fellow Trails Enthusiast:

This past fall, at the Opening Plenary Session of the 18th National Trails Symposium in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa, the membership of American Trails (over 550 trail advocates and professionals) met and thoughtfully crafted a list of recommendations for the future of trails and greenways in America. This compilation has been forwarded to the Members of the 110th Congress, the White House, key agency heads and leaders in the trails community, and the national news media.

10 Steps to Help Save Our Outdoors

1. Promote Connections In Our Communities - Trail and greenway infrastructure that connects people and places in our neighborhoods, towns, cities and regions readily accessible within 15 minutes walking
distance of every American.

2. Create a National Trails Network/System - An integrated trails network at all levels: linking cities, states, and regions of the United States and North America, as well as trails accessing National Parks, National Forests and other public lands.

3. Commit Sustainable Funding - Ongoing, sustainable revenue stream to
fund and offer incentives to create trails and greenways. Includes
federal funds & programs: Transportation Enhancements, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program, The Recreational Trails Program, U.S. Forest
Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programs, Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Safe Routes to School, and Complete Streets.

4. Expand Environmental Education - Environmental education an integral part of a national and local school curricula at every level.

5. Associate Trails with Health and Fitness - Trails are, and should be, a significant part of community health and fitness programs.

6. Encourage All Americans to Participate - Opportunities for the American People to give back-helping to plan, fund and work on trails in our neighborhoods, parks, as well as on state and federal lands.

7. Promote Sustainable Transportation - Alternative modes of travel that lessen dependence on foreign oil and reduce CO2 emissions contributing to climate change.

8. Engage, Motivate Youth - Promote stewardship with youth conservation/trail building corps.

9. Promote Access and Accessibility - An accessible, safe system for all abilities within easy reach of all homes and places of employment.

10. Build Trail and Greenway Partnerships - Trails and greenways created as vital infrastructure; working with homebuilders and developers, transportation, utility, flood and fire control agencies and others with mutual benefit.

In an era of diminishing wild spaces, American Trails is striving to create a legacy of places of outdoor recreation and solace readily accessible to all Americans. We thank all of those who participated in this heartfelt and creative effort, including the offices of Senators Obama and Huckabee. We encourage the vigorous pursuit of this vision for this and future generations.

Please forward this important message on to your network. We would greatly appreciate it if you would publish it in your newsletter and/or on your website.

Thank you for all of your great work in supporting the future of trails and greenways in America!

Sincerely,


Bob Searns
Pam Gluck
National Chair, American Trails
Executive
Director, American Trails

Trail Access Issue in Connecticut

February 6, 2007

We have been alerted by the Connecticut Horse Council of an issue important to trail riders.  While it only applies to trails in Connecticut, it could set a precedent and impact trails in your state in the future.

Background

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced that they are making a regulation change regarding trail signage specific to horses, which reads as follows:  "Trails are open unless posted closed to hiking, mountain biking, or other types of trail-related activities. Horseback riding is prohibited on trails unless posted as permitted (emphasis added).  Use of any trail, road or path posted as closed by the DEP is prohibited."

This could mean that Connecticut trail riders will lose access to most of the trails that are now available for equestrian use. Such signage for horseback riding as noted above is currently inconsistent or non-existent.  In effect, this would remove horse access from almost all trails.

The Connecticut Horse Council believes that the DEP should treat horse traffic with other user groups and allow horses on all trails except where posted as prohibited. Over the past 20 years, the Connecticut Horse Council has been working with the DEP to keep trails open for equestrian access. The Connecticut Horse Council believes this proposed regulation change is contrary to past conversations and current usage practices on trails throughout the state.

Public Comment Period

The Connecticut Horse Council is calling attention to this proposed regulation and is requesting interested parties to submit public comments to the DEP.

Written comments will be accepted through February 13, 2007 and should be submitted to:

Ms. Pamela Adams
Director, State Parks Division
Department of Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106

If you have questions, please contact the Connecticut Horse Council Trails Chair, Diane Ciano at Spirit76@snet.net or President Amy Stegall at Stegall@snet.net or 860-684-6583. You may also visit the Connecticut Horse Council website for updates.  A copy of the proposed regulations will also be available on the website.

Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Project

For anyone that rides at Jake Mountain, click here for a flyer about the upcoming Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Project. We will do our best to keep you posted, but we recommend you contact the Toccoa or Brasstown Forest Service offices prior to planning a ride at Jake Mountain from the first of April through the end of June this year. Phone numbers and email address are on the flyer. You can also check the Forest Service website for the latest information at www.fs.fed.us/conf.

USDA Announces Abigail Kimbell as the 16th Chief of the Forest Service

WASHINGTON, January 12, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the selection of Abigail Kimbell as the 16th chief of the Forest Service. Kimbell succeeds Chief Dale Bosworth, who is retiring on Feb. 2 after 41 years with the Forest Service.

"Abigail Kimbell is a veteran of the Forest Service who began as a seasonal worker and has since filled an impressive series of field assignments," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "Gail brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. She is well respected both within the agency and by our stakeholders. I'm confident she will do a terrific job as chief."

"I am grateful to Dale Bosworth for his 41 years of public service and especially for the tremendous leadership he provided during his six years as chief," Johanns continued. "I am struck by all that the Forest Service accomplished under his watch, from advancing the Healthy Forest Initiative to a four-fold increase in fuels treatment work. He also bolstered the agency's financial system, making it a source of pride government wide. I wish Dale all the best in retirement."

Kimbell currently serves as Regional Forester for the Northern Region in Missoula, Montana, which includes northern Idaho, and North Dakota. As Forest Service Chief, Kimbell will oversee an organization of over 30,000 employees and a budget of just over $4 billion. Before becoming regional forester, Kimbell served in the Washington Office as Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System, with responsibility for assisting in the development of the Healthy Forest Restoration Initiative.

Gwinnett County Information Line

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will now have a phone number that we can call to find out if the equestrian trails will be closed at a particular Gwinnett park (due to abundance of rain, maintenance, a special event, etc.). They also plan to post the information on their website; however, the most current information should always be recorded on their information line - and that number is: 770-978-5270

Before hauling your horse to a Gwinnett County Park, call the above info number and be sure the trails are open.

Hope everyone is getting an opportunity to ride the new equestrian trails at Little Mulberry Park - they're awesome and the parking lot is really nice too (remember to keep it clean and use the manure container provided there).

We are very fortunate that Gwinnett County has remembered us at so many of their wonderful parks:

Whenever you have a chance, remember to say Thanks! You can view more information on these parks using the following link.

http://www.co.gwinnett.ga.us/cgi-bin/gwincty/egov/ep/gcNavView.do?path=Departments|Community+Services|Parks+%26+Recreation|Our+Parks+%26+Facilities|Parks+by+Amenities

Equestrian Workday Planned at our 5 GA State Parks

There exists a group of equestrian trail advocates who meet on a regular basis with key managers of our Georgia State Parks organization.  Ms. Gloria English is the leader/coordinator of this group.  The purpose of this cooperative process is to support and encourage equestrian trails and equestrian support facilities in the state parks.  Currently there are five state parks that have trails open for equestrian use.  One outcome of the group’s effort is that a special equestrian trail/facility workday has been established for all five state parks on Saturday, March 10, 2007.  There is always a need for volunteer help to maintain the 93 miles of equestrian trails available in the state parks.  We are asking for your help – help from all Georgia equestrian trail riders – to set aside that day in your schedules/calendars and come out and work on the trails.  Naturally we welcome our bicycle and hiking friends, along with any other volunteers, as we work together to improve trails open to horseback riding.  We have also selected March 17th as a backup work date if it is raining on March 10th.

More specifics will be announced as workday details are finalized.  A Certified Trails Crew Leader (or leaders) has been assigned for each of the 5 state parks.  We are asking equestrian trail clubs and individuals to contact the crew leader assigned to the park they are willing to help.  This will be our first statewide State Park Equestrian Workday, so we really want to have a great turnout to show GA State Parks personnel how much we need and want these safe places to ride and camp with our horses.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we show such overwhelming support, that GA State Parks personnel and politicians see that we ARE a VERY LARGE user group and definitely are deserving of more equestrian trails and facilities.

Please ask your equestrian friends to help and, if you do belong to a trail club or riding group, please ask them to participate in this event as well.  The assigned crew leader will meet with the specific park manager to determine the exact work that will be performed on the workday.  Look for more published info on this workday in the Georgia Farmers Market Bulletin, StableMates, and your club newsletters.  For now - please mark Sat. March 10th, 2007 on your calendar and start "talking it up".  We've set a 9:30 a.m. start time to allow for travel time.  Unless specific arrangements are made with the crew leader, please do not bring your horses to this event.  Please email or call one of the contacts provided below so we can start getting a head count.

Georgia State Park

Crew Leader(s)

Phone / E-mail

A.H. Stephens Historic Park

Crawfordville, GA

Mike Medlock

 

Linda Kundell

medlock30012@bellsouth.net

770-760-0537 or 770-231-3154

kundell@bellsouth.net

706-769-6395 or 706-338-4723

F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Pine Mountain, GA

Tina Maddox

 

Ron Cook

francis@athens.net

706-319-0239

adrianeEaltman@aol.com

478-986-4097

Fort Mountain State Park

Chatsworth, GA

Jim Holland

 

Larry Wheat

lanconn@tds.net

706-258-2830

L.Wheat@mindspring.com

770-977-4783

Hard Labor Creek State Park

Rutledge, GA

Randy Brown

 

Rick Jones

 

Gloria English

Rdbtrails57@windstream.net

478-607-0008 or 478-288-6684

ervinpjones@hotmail.com

770-786-5535

GEandTripleT@bigfoot.com

770-922-7995

Watson Mill Bridge State Park

Comer, GA

Diane Ayres

 

Joan Grant

dmayres@alltel.net

706-864-7594 or 770-653-1139

jgrant@fhlbatl.com

706-654-7081 or 404-888-5676

Click here to download a flyer

Yellow River Trail Map

Mike Medlock has created a trail map of the Yellow River trails. The map can be downloaded in JPG format or PDF format. Thanks Mike.

International Horse Identification Registry

I would like to announce the beginning of a new registry for horses, one that includes all horses, all ages, all breeds, and all colors. After working for decades in the horse industry and realizing the need for a breed-neutral, accurate, and reliable means of identifying horses, we have officially opened the International Horse Identification Registry, and we welcome you!

The IHIR is a registry for all horses, ponies, and miniature horses. The registry provides an official certificate of ownership with transfers printed directly on the back of the certificate. It provides three to four photos of each horse, one from either side and a frontal face photo, something that no other breed or color registry provides. There is also room for a close up photo of a brand if the horse has one.

Our registration papers are ideal for preparing yourself for the worst, whether it be a lost horse due to an open pasture gate, theft, ownership disputes, or even natural disasters. We pride ourselves in helping horse owners be prepared for any situation that crosses their path.

Please take a look at our website: http://www.horseidreg.com.

For only $40, you can register your horse for life and know that you are prepared for whatever comes your way. $10 transfers ownership or updates your certificate and records.

You can even register and pay online! Or feel free to email or call us with questions.

You can contact us at:

I H I R
PMB 137
2950 Newmarket Street, Ste 101
Bellingham, WA 98226

Phone: 360-223-5294

Email: horseidinfo@comcast.net

Horse Restrictions On Hold in National Forest

Many of you have heard that the decision to restrict horses to designated horse trails in the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests has been overturned by an appeal by the Backcountry Horsemen Association. Please note that the decision has not been overturned, it has been put on hold pending further analysis.

Below is a quote from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Supervisor regarding this recent decision by the National Forest Chief in Washington, DC.

As partners, we should all follow the rules. It's not mentioned below but remember - do not ride or graze your horse in wildlife food plots (those beautiful fields you come across occasionally!). These are not intended for your horse and you can receive a ticket for doing so. Follow the designated trail around the outer edge of the plots. Also, areas that are closed to horses would certainly include cemeteries - even if there are no signs. Please respect those who are buried there.

Begin Quote:

In response to your message, I do want to clarify that the decision to restrict horses to designated trails was not 'overturned', but was sent back to the Forest with instructions to either 'demonstrate that the analysis exists' to implement the standard FW 127 or to 'conduct site specific analysis' including public involvement. Because these instructions involve two national forests (the Chattahoochee-Oconee and the Cherokee), we will need to do some internal coordination to ascertain how much data and in what form will be required to meet the instructions sent to us from Washington. In the meantime, Washington has asked us not to implement FW 127.

Our Forest employees, including law enforcement officers, have been informed of this instruction and are aware that in the interim (until the analysis has been sent to Washington or, if required, additional analysis completed) that no tickets will be issued to individuals SOLELY for riding off of trails on the National Forest. However, there is a rather important exception to this. Forest Service law enforcement officers have the authority and there are regulations in place to protect the national forest resources from damage. This would include actions such as riding in an area that is posted closed to horseback use, riding in a way that is damaging to the forest environment (such as creating a new switchback on a trail), cutting brush or vegetation to clear a path for riding, etc. Our law enforcement officers will continue to work to protect the forest environment from users who willfully or blatantly damage the natural resources.

I ask for your patience as we work through this process. I will keep you informed as we move through this effort. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.

Kathleen Atkinson
Forest Supervisor
Chattahoochee-Oconee NF
770-297-3000
770-297-3025 (fax)

End Quote

Southeastern Trails Conference 2006

by Larry Wheat

Click here to view the lengthy handout that I provided to all participants at the just-completed Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference held in Roanoke, VA. My actual speech was shorter and presented only the more significant points in the paper.

The summary of equestrian trails (or shared passive trails) on Georgia public lands was researched with care and I believe it is accurate. I did not include the Silver Comet trail because it is not considered a safe trail for equestrians, although they are allowed on or beside it at some points.

I encourage you to consider the two Trail Challenges that are listed in the document.

You are welcome to reproduce and distribute the document if you wish. Some may want to include the list of trails in newsletters or on websites, and that is fine. Author credit would be appreciated.

The SETC 2006 was a successful and worthy conference. The next one will be closer in Knoxville, TN.

New Fee Structure for National Forest

New federal legislation has resulted in a new fee structure in various parts of the Oconee and Chattahoochee National Forests. To visit the web site matrix go to the following: http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/2006-fees-and-passes.pdf

In summary the following fees are applicable to equestrian areas. Dry Creek Equestrian Trail Head: $5 per vehicle or forest annual pass accepted.

Cottonwood Patch Developed Campground: $8 (free for day use) or 50% off for Golden Passport holders.

Jack's River Fields Developed Campground: $5 or 50% off for Golden Passport holders.

Frady Branch Day Use Trail Head: $5/person or forest annual pass accepted (note this is a per person area since it was an established fee area prior to the legislation).

Ocmulgee Bluff Equestrian Trail Head: Although the matrix indicates $5 per person, the fee is being changed to $5 per vehicle.

Willis Knob group horse camping (loops A and B) prices vary. Make reservations for Willis Knob at www.reserveusa.com.