April 22 2019
Lexington, KY – April 22, 2019 – Equine Land Conservation Resource and Gwen Wills of the Pennsylvania Horse Council will co-present an educational session at the 2019 International Trails Symposium in Syracuse, New York on April 30, 2019, at 8:15 am Eastern Daylight Savings Time entitled “Planning, Funding and Managing Equestrian and Multi-Use Trails - Through Collaboration.”
The Symposium will take place from April 28 to May 30. Information can be found here: https://www.americantrails.org/symposium/2019-international-trails-symposium. It is a globally focused venue, addressing advances in the trails and recreational community for all user groups. The Symposium provides an opportunity for all trail user groups, including equestrians, and trails planners, designers and advocates to network and engage in meaningful educational and collaborative conversation.
Why attend this educational session? Equestrians often find that access to trails is limited within their local communities and beyond. This session will speak to the value of and need for equine and multi-use trails, and how to plan and fund them. The presenters will address the basics and intricacies of equestrian trail design, behavior, management and partnering that are critical to sustainable trails.
Gwen Wills is a long-time member of the Pennsylvania Equine Council (PEC). She has been instrumental in advocating for equestrian trails and forming relationships with decision makers, agencies and equestrian organizations around the state and beyond. Gwen’s frequent Trail Stewardship Workshops prepare volunteers interested in preserving shared-use non-motorized trails. Gwen partners with Denise O’Meara, ELCR’s Director of Education. With over 20 years of experience in the thoroughbred industry, Denise is a landscape architect with a unique understanding of the social, economic and design aspects of equine land, facilities and trails.
About American Trails: American Trails (AT) is a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. AT supports local, regional, and long-distance trails and greenways, whether they be in backcountry, rural or urban areas by finding common ground and promoting cooperation among all trail interests. AT’s website, www.americantrails.org , is a comprehensive online source for planning, building, designing, funding, managing, enhancing, and supporting trails, greenways, and blue ways. Contact American Trails at their Redding California office: (530) 605-4395.
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): ELCR builds awareness of the loss of lands available for horse-related activities and facilitates the protection and conservation of those lands working to ensure America’s equine heritage lives on and the emotional, physical and economic benefits of the horse-human relationship remains accessible. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse on conserving horse properties, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic impact. For more information about the ELCR visit www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.
Friday, April 26, 2019
BLM proposes trail changes across 100,000 acres in Southwest Colorado
DurangoHerald.com - Full Article
Plan is open for public comment
By Herald Staff Report
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
The Bureau of Land Management is proposing changes to trails across an estimated 100,000 acres of public land in Southwest Colorado, including nearly 35 miles of trails in La Plata County.
Earlier this week, the BLM opened a public comment period to weigh in on the proposed plan that lasts until May 22.
The process is what the BLM calls a “Transportation and Access Planning,” which seeks to manage the types of use and travel that is allowed in certain areas of public lands the agency oversees.
The BLM inventoried lands in 2017...
Read more here:
https://durangoherald.com/articles/273880
Plan is open for public comment
By Herald Staff Report
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
The Bureau of Land Management is proposing changes to trails across an estimated 100,000 acres of public land in Southwest Colorado, including nearly 35 miles of trails in La Plata County.
Earlier this week, the BLM opened a public comment period to weigh in on the proposed plan that lasts until May 22.
The process is what the BLM calls a “Transportation and Access Planning,” which seeks to manage the types of use and travel that is allowed in certain areas of public lands the agency oversees.
The BLM inventoried lands in 2017...
Read more here:
https://durangoherald.com/articles/273880
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Alabama: Horse trails bolster area’s recreation offerings
AnnistonStar.com - Full Article
Anniston Star Editorial Board
Mar 24, 2019
Here in northeast Alabama, we have the Coldwater Mountain bike trails, the Pinhoti hiking trail and the Ladiga cycling trail, but now the recreational offerings appear ready to expand into the equestrian arena.
The McClellan Development Authority voted unanimously last week to give 900 acres of the former fort to Calhoun County to create a system of horse trails. MDA members voted to transfer the land for $1 to take advantage of the county’s better insurance coverage.
News of a horse trails project was met with enthusiasm by The Star’s online readers...
Read more here:
https://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/editorial-horse-trails-bolster-area-s-recreation-offerings/article_49e42134-4d1c-11e9-b8b7-8b55c0faa837.html
Anniston Star Editorial Board
Mar 24, 2019
Here in northeast Alabama, we have the Coldwater Mountain bike trails, the Pinhoti hiking trail and the Ladiga cycling trail, but now the recreational offerings appear ready to expand into the equestrian arena.
The McClellan Development Authority voted unanimously last week to give 900 acres of the former fort to Calhoun County to create a system of horse trails. MDA members voted to transfer the land for $1 to take advantage of the county’s better insurance coverage.
News of a horse trails project was met with enthusiasm by The Star’s online readers...
Read more here:
https://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/editorial-horse-trails-bolster-area-s-recreation-offerings/article_49e42134-4d1c-11e9-b8b7-8b55c0faa837.html
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Bipartisan Legislation Ensures Funding forAmerica’s Most Important Conservation and Recreation Program
LWCFCoalition.com
April 9 2019
Full and dedicated funding necessary to end raiding of LWCF account
WASHINGTON–A bipartisan group of senators today introduced legislation to dedicate full and continuing funding for America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Recent passage of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Dingell Act) permanently reauthorized LWCF after a lengthy effort in Congress.On the heels of this major victory, today’s bill introduction continues a bipartisan commitment to LWCF to ensure that the program receives full and dedicated funding each year.
The bill, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, was introducedby Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). Joining them as original cosponsors are Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Richard Burr (R-NC), who authored a similar bill that was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Congress. Other co-sponsors include Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine),Jon Tester (D-Mont.),Steve Daines (R-Mont.),Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),Tom Udall (D-NM), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).
The legislation builds off the successful permanent reauthorization of LWCF inthe Dingell Actby ensuring that funds already being deposited into the LWCF account in the U.S. Treasury for LWCF – $900 million annually – are invested only in the conservation of our country’s natural, cultural and historic treasures...
More at
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a60299ff7c508c3c05f2e1/t/5caceb5b4785d311f505fa53/1554836315888/LWCF+Coalition+Senate+Dedicated+Funding+Bill+Intro+Statement_4.9.19.pdf
April 9 2019
Full and dedicated funding necessary to end raiding of LWCF account
WASHINGTON–A bipartisan group of senators today introduced legislation to dedicate full and continuing funding for America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Recent passage of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Dingell Act) permanently reauthorized LWCF after a lengthy effort in Congress.On the heels of this major victory, today’s bill introduction continues a bipartisan commitment to LWCF to ensure that the program receives full and dedicated funding each year.
The bill, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, was introducedby Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). Joining them as original cosponsors are Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Richard Burr (R-NC), who authored a similar bill that was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Congress. Other co-sponsors include Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine),Jon Tester (D-Mont.),Steve Daines (R-Mont.),Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),Tom Udall (D-NM), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).
The legislation builds off the successful permanent reauthorization of LWCF inthe Dingell Actby ensuring that funds already being deposited into the LWCF account in the U.S. Treasury for LWCF – $900 million annually – are invested only in the conservation of our country’s natural, cultural and historic treasures...
More at
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a60299ff7c508c3c05f2e1/t/5caceb5b4785d311f505fa53/1554836315888/LWCF+Coalition+Senate+Dedicated+Funding+Bill+Intro+Statement_4.9.19.pdf
Monday, April 15, 2019
Colorado: BLM’s proposed tweaks to the Crown rec area will add trails for biking, horsing around in midvalley
AspenTimes.com - Full ArticleApril 12, 2019
Scott Condon
The Bureau of Land Management is tweaking a travel plan for the Crown Special Recreation Management Area in the midvalley to add trails for mountain biking and equestrians, as well as decommission some old routes currently open to mechanized travel.
The agency’s proposed action would:
• Create 11.85 miles of designated new mountain bike single-track trail.
• Convert 10 miles of designated mountain bike trail, all of which is double-track, to foot and horse trail. The new equestrian and hiking trail would provide connection between Pitkin County’s Glassier Open Space, where there is existing equestrian trail, to Nancy’s Path and south to the Divide parking area, at a high point on Prince Creek Road...
Read more here:
https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local/blms-proposed-tweaks-to-the-crown-will-add-trails-for-biking-horsing-around/
Thursday, April 4, 2019
New Mexico: State raises outdoor recreation to next level
ABQJournal.com - Full Article
By Dan Boyd / Journal Capitol Bureau Chief
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019
SANTA FE — With an approaching deadline for acting on most bills passed during this year’s 60-day legislative session, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday signed off on a bill that will create a new outdoor recreation division within an existing New Mexico state agency.
The Democratic governor attended a ceremonial bill signing at Hyde Memorial State Park outside Santa Fe and described the legislation as a first step toward bolstering the state’s outdoor recreation economy.
“Colorado, get out of our way because we’re coming for you,” Lujan Grisham said, drawing cheers from a crowd that included state lawmakers, Cabinet secretaries and representatives from several environmental groups.
A number of other Western states — including Utah, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming — have in recent years created similar state government offices that vary in size and scope...
Read more here:
https://www.abqjournal.com/1299029/state-raises-outdoor-recreation-to-next-level.html
By Dan Boyd / Journal Capitol Bureau Chief
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019
SANTA FE — With an approaching deadline for acting on most bills passed during this year’s 60-day legislative session, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday signed off on a bill that will create a new outdoor recreation division within an existing New Mexico state agency.
The Democratic governor attended a ceremonial bill signing at Hyde Memorial State Park outside Santa Fe and described the legislation as a first step toward bolstering the state’s outdoor recreation economy.
“Colorado, get out of our way because we’re coming for you,” Lujan Grisham said, drawing cheers from a crowd that included state lawmakers, Cabinet secretaries and representatives from several environmental groups.
A number of other Western states — including Utah, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming — have in recent years created similar state government offices that vary in size and scope...
Read more here:
https://www.abqjournal.com/1299029/state-raises-outdoor-recreation-to-next-level.html
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Explore Washington parks by horseback
TheReflector.com - Full ArticleNow that the weather is warming up, it’s time to take your trusty steed across the state to explore new rides
Adventure Awaits
April 2 2019
Most of Washington’s ocean beaches and several Washington state parks allow equestrian activities, including sections of State Parks’ long-distance trails. A handful of park concessionaires also rent horses and mules and offer guided rides.
Individual parks
• Bridle Trails State Park, east of Seattle, gives horses the right of way on 28 miles of trails. Social rides and equestrian events take place throughout the year at the park, allowing visitors and locals to mingle over a shared passion.
Set between Kirkland and Redmond, Bridle Trails is the place for city dwellers with horses.
With three arenas and a full calendar of equestrian events, you won’t have the park to yourself, but these activities, plus festivals and concerts, will keep you and your horse busy...
Read more here:
http://www.thereflector.com/horse_corral/article_7b442d3c-555f-11e9-8604-dffc7458d1bd.html
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
On Public Lands, Visitors Surge While Federal Management Funds Decline
NPR.org - Full Article
March 31, 20197:43 AM ET
It's the boom times in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., which is wrapping up a winter of record snowfall. Eager to take advantage of it, Donovan Sliman and his two young daughters are lumbering up a snowy trail on the outskirts of town, where the condos give way to National Forest.
"I like to get away from everybody else," says Donovan. "I like to hear the sound of the wind and the snow through the trees." "We're also going to go sledding," adds Grace, one of his daughters.
Mammoth is completely surrounded by protected federal wilderness or U.S. Forest Service land. Its destination ski resort operates on public land via a federal lease.
The Slimans try to visit the Mammoth Lakes area from their home in Orange County at least a half dozen times a year.
They're not alone.
Every year, more than 2 million people descend on California's eastern Sierra region to camp, hike, fish, hunt and ski. This region, often dubbed "the wild side" of the state, only has about 50,000 residents across two sprawling counties roughly the size of Massachusetts.
Visits up, funding down
Across the western U.S., towns surrounded by public lands are facing an increasing bind: They're seeing a huge surge in visitors coming to play in the forests and mountains surrounding them, which is leading to an economic boom. But, at the same time, federal funding to manage these lands has been drying up...
Read more here:
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/31/708051277/on-public-lands-visitors-surge-while-federal-management-funds-decline
March 31, 20197:43 AM ET
It's the boom times in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., which is wrapping up a winter of record snowfall. Eager to take advantage of it, Donovan Sliman and his two young daughters are lumbering up a snowy trail on the outskirts of town, where the condos give way to National Forest.
"I like to get away from everybody else," says Donovan. "I like to hear the sound of the wind and the snow through the trees." "We're also going to go sledding," adds Grace, one of his daughters.
Mammoth is completely surrounded by protected federal wilderness or U.S. Forest Service land. Its destination ski resort operates on public land via a federal lease.
The Slimans try to visit the Mammoth Lakes area from their home in Orange County at least a half dozen times a year.
They're not alone.
Every year, more than 2 million people descend on California's eastern Sierra region to camp, hike, fish, hunt and ski. This region, often dubbed "the wild side" of the state, only has about 50,000 residents across two sprawling counties roughly the size of Massachusetts.
Visits up, funding down
Across the western U.S., towns surrounded by public lands are facing an increasing bind: They're seeing a huge surge in visitors coming to play in the forests and mountains surrounding them, which is leading to an economic boom. But, at the same time, federal funding to manage these lands has been drying up...
Read more here:
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/31/708051277/on-public-lands-visitors-surge-while-federal-management-funds-decline
What’s next for America’s most important parks program?
Medium.com - Full Article
Key changes could help the Land and Water Conservation Fund remain effective in the 21st century
Jesse Prentice-Dunn
April 1 2019
Since 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has helped protect critical landscapes within our national parks and increase recreational access to public lands across the country. Congress permanently renewed this key program in a sweeping bipartisan public lands bill this year, but did not provide any promise of funding — leaving the program subject to the whims of Congress each year. Now that LWCF will be around for the foreseeable future, what’s next for America’s most important parks program?
For decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has garnered strong support from both parties in Congress, as well as states and local stakeholders across the country. The program receives revenues from offshore drilling, then uses the proceeds to conserve and increase access to our parks and public lands, routinely partnering with cities and states to meet their conservation needs. In many instances, LWCF has been used to purchase islands of private lands, called “inholdings,” within our national parks from willing sellers at fair market value, protecting those critical landscapes from development. An analysis by the Center for Western Priorities found that from 2014 to 2017, the LWCF was used to complete at least 293 projects across 42 states, conserving more than 431,000 acres...
Read more here:
https://medium.com/westwise/whats-next-for-america-s-most-important-parks-program-9064f22809c2
Key changes could help the Land and Water Conservation Fund remain effective in the 21st century
Jesse Prentice-Dunn
April 1 2019
Since 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has helped protect critical landscapes within our national parks and increase recreational access to public lands across the country. Congress permanently renewed this key program in a sweeping bipartisan public lands bill this year, but did not provide any promise of funding — leaving the program subject to the whims of Congress each year. Now that LWCF will be around for the foreseeable future, what’s next for America’s most important parks program?
For decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has garnered strong support from both parties in Congress, as well as states and local stakeholders across the country. The program receives revenues from offshore drilling, then uses the proceeds to conserve and increase access to our parks and public lands, routinely partnering with cities and states to meet their conservation needs. In many instances, LWCF has been used to purchase islands of private lands, called “inholdings,” within our national parks from willing sellers at fair market value, protecting those critical landscapes from development. An analysis by the Center for Western Priorities found that from 2014 to 2017, the LWCF was used to complete at least 293 projects across 42 states, conserving more than 431,000 acres...
Read more here:
https://medium.com/westwise/whats-next-for-america-s-most-important-parks-program-9064f22809c2
Monday, April 1, 2019
Great Britain: Can you help find the lost trails?
Okehampton-today.co.uk - Full ArticleFriday, 29 March 2019 - Community News
by Times reporter
editorial@tavistock-today.co.uk
A GROUP of local horse riders are asking for help to trace lost paths and trails used by horse riders in days of yore.
South West Riders will explain their quest at a meeting open to all in Bridestowe Village Hall on Friday, April 26.
Richard Leonard, from the group, said they had until 2026 to map lost cart tracks and the other pathways or see them lost forever.
Richard, who lives at Thorndon Cross, said: ‘South West Riders have organised this meeting to bring this matter to the attention of their members but anyone who is interested in retrieving lost rights of way is welcome to attend.
‘There is no doubt that over the years many footpaths and bridleways that should have been placed on parish council definitive maps have not been.
‘In many cases rights of way have also been recorded as footpaths when historically they have always been used by carts and people on horseback.
‘This means that in 2026, the cut-off point laid down by the Government, it will no longer be possible to reinstate them. They will, in short, be lost forever..."
Read more here:
http://www.okehampton-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=435963&headline=Can%20you%20help%20find%20the%20lost%20trails%3F§ionIs=news&searchyear=2019
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