Equestrian News
Update on the Minnesota State Trail Pass and DNR Public Discussions: State Forest Classification process of the R.J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. There will be a public open house about the access planning, and the DNR press release can be found at
http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.php/2008/02/19/dnr-to-host-open-houses-on-forest-access-planning/#more-42256
for anyone (everyone?) interested in attending. They will also be holding a public meeting concerning the Sand Dunes, which is included in the same press release.
Horse Trails are in Danger in Michigan
The Concept of Management in the Pigeon River Country has closed all horseback riding trails except for one trail through the PRC that is maintained by the Michigan Trail Riders. The PRC has stated that we can ride on vehicle access roads. In addition, they have closed all offsite camping within the PRC. There were 15 offsites within 113,000 acres.
We are very concerned about the safety of riding roads shared by vehicles. In addition, this will effectively limit horseback riding within this forest.
We are asking your support to contact the governor and express your support for horseback riding within the PRC. We ask that you request that horseback riding be allowed on two track roads, fire lanes and ability to cross berms in order to go from one two track to another. We ask that you request the DNR to maintain designated trails within the PRC and include several existing loop trails for riding.
We ask that you remind the Governor of the positive economic impact horses and horseback riding has on Michigan.
Please send your responses by April 8th.
This is a link directly to the Governors’ office. It is called Share your opinion. It is very easy to fill out. Please consider including this link in your forwarding emails as well as using the address below in sending letters to the Governor at her office in Lansing:
http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0
Mailing address:
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, PO Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909
This is the email for letters to be sent to the DNR glodent@michigan.gov Teresa Gloden
The next NRC meeting is April 8th so letters and emails sent before then would be great. Chris said she heard the horse and bike sections will not see final action until May but we don’t know that for sure, so write now before April meeting and write again before May meeting
It is still not too late to make a voice be heard. See below for ideas for your letter writing. Help us to make an impact. Numbers count-even if you do not actively ride in the Pigeon River area — Limited access for riding will continue to be an issue throughout the state. Save a place for us and our children.
Pari pgreene@agh.org