Pennyslvania Equine Trails Update

A significant number of our trails are either in or cross wildlife management areas. Depending on the state and the region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, we are either accepted with open arms or are blacklisted from using the wildlife management areas. Like any other issue we face with our trail access, most of our issues come down to personalities, and what they believe to be the facts when dealing with horses. The following article is an excellent outline on how to approach land managers when dealing with trail issues. The process does work. Education is the key to keeping our trails open. Remember, all you need is a horse and a trail.
Jerry Fruth

From the Pennsylvania Equine Council website, www.pennsylvaniaequinecouncil.org:

Over the last several years the trail riding community has been hearing that the Pennsylvania Game Commission would be shutting down access of the game lands to users other than hunters. The customary use trails on the game lands have become a part of many of our lives, as we have been able to enjoy the forests and watch wildlife while enjoying our time with our personal equines of choice. With close to 500 game lands totaling 1.4 million acres scattered throughout Pennsylvania it is difficult for many to ride for any length of time without having to cross through a piece of game land to access other public or private land.

We must realize that the Pennsylvania Game Commission was legislatively created and is the only agency charged solely and specifically with: protecting, conserving and managing the diversity of wild birds and wild mammals and their habitats; providing wildlife-related education, services and recreational opportunities for both consumptive and non-consumptive use of wildlife, and maintaining and promoting Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping heritage.

There has been a lot of misinformation on this issue and over the past several years we are beginning to make headway toward the resolution of this complex situation. Various Pennsylvania Equine Council (PEC) members gave testimony to different committees (see the www.pennsylvania equinecouncil.com website).

In March 2002 the PEC held a Workshop and Trail Symposium at Penn State University to help the membership gain perspective on trail issues. One of the speakers was Dr. Gene Wood, a professor of Forest Wildlife Ecology at Clemson University. One-fourth of his time is spent working as the Extension Trail Specialist, Cooperative Extension Service.

We found him so knowledgeable we traveled to Clemson last May to work with him for four days. We rode four diverse areas with different soil, terrain and usage demands. Dr. Wood showed us how good trail layout minimizes trail cost and maintenance and we learned different techniques to manage creek, bogs and sensitive crossings along with level and steep incline trails.

We believe that education is the key to a good relationship between those in control of public land and the recreational public.

In light of recent regulations passed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the increased interest in trail development by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and National Forest for their long range plans, the PEC Trail Committee has initiated a three-phase trail stewardship program.

Phase 1: Train the trainer The PEC Trail Committee has started this process by securing eight of the 32 PEC people--a minimum of five from each of the six Pennsylvania Game Commission regions and two from the National Forest area who attended a three-day train the trainer workshop held at Penn State University. Dr. Wood taught concepts and practical application of good trail design and maintenance utilizing classroom instruction and site work where participants actually lay out and construct a section of viable shared use trail. Land management personnel from the Game Commission, DCNR and National Forest also attended so as to build a working relationship between all parties. This training was an overwhelming success. Because of the limited number that can effectively be accommodated at such training three more need to be scheduled in the next 12 months and at least one every year afterwards.

Phase 2: Stewardship training In the second phase, the trained PEC individuals (regional coordinators) will go back to their respective regions and, with the Trail Committee's help, will train their regional stewardship groups. These trainings will be one or two days in several locations in the region, possibly twice a year or as needed to fit work schedules. Mapping of trails will also be a task performed by these regional groups to identify important connecting trails.

Training for safely packing stock with tools and materials such as gravel and pipe needed for trail maintenance will also be conducted.

As a holistic approach to the education process, Gwen and Bud Wills will have attended a "Leave No Trace" masters course for people who are actively teaching others outdoors skills and ethics for backcountry horse use. They will then be certified to teach these concepts here.

Phase 3: Outreach Phase 3 consists of an outreach program. To support the work being done by the stewardship groups, outreach programs will be developed and presented to PEC county chapters, Saddle Clubs and various horse expos throughout the state. Incorporating sound trail layout and management practices, as well as "Leave No Trace" principles, presentations will promote understanding, natural resource conservation and cooperation between agencies and the equine public.

We will also be offering trail stewardship and "Leave No Trace" principles to the PEC's youth and 4-H horse programs.

What's next? The various land use conflicts did not develop overnight and they are not going to be resolved in a few months. The Pennsylvania Equine Council has been working hard to put this trail stewardship program together and the most important ingredient is you! PEC is a volunteer organization and we need good folks like you to get involved.

So far we have had many people come forward to take part in the first of several Train the Trainer workshops. Everyone went away with knowledge and a positive attitude that we can do this and have fun at the same time working with the agency people responsible of the land. These types of programs have worked in other states and can and must work here if we plan to continue to ride in Pennsylvania. There is no reason to send the tourist dollars to neighboring states or have to go out of state ourselves.

Not everyone's lifestyle is suited to be a regional coordinator but most can make coffee or some phone calls. We can talk to folks on the trail or in the grocery store; hang flyers at the local tack shop, ask the saddle club to host one of the trainings. If everyone does a little we can accomplish a lot. Where do you fit in?

Trails Grants

Trails advocacy committee seeks grant requests

As most of you know, AERC is now looking for trail and trailhead projects for the year 2004. Our funding requests will be presented to the board in August of this year. Funding will then be available beginning December 1, 2003.

Here is the process for making grant requests. First, let me know if you are working on a project and we will discuss the scope, size and other elements of your proposed grant request. The Trails Advocacy Committee will need a letter of need from the land agency you are working with. The letter should outline the project, who is involved, if we have other partners in the project, total estimated cost, number of man hours if volunteers are being used, and any gifts in kind, meaning material contributions. In addition we need to know if there is any other cash coming into the project and where it is coming from. There are several rides in the U.S. that take their net revenue and give it to the land agency for improvements in the ride site. We need to know if the ride management is going to be putting any cash into the project. A layout of the site and notes to the site as to what is going to take place will be required.

I'm not trying to make this too difficult, but we will have many requests, so the more we know about a project the better off you will be to secure a grant.

I need all grant requests in to me no later than July 1, 2003. The trails committee will review, and then we will send our recommendation to Roger Taylor, Jim Baldwin, and Stan Eichelberger for their review and comments. After that, I will let you know who the winners are for 2004 and will submit the grant request to the board for approval. Having Roger, Jim and Stan review our requests is being done so the approval process at the board level should be painless.

You now have the ground rules and the process to follow. This is an exciting time for all of us involved in trail preservation within the AERC. I hope to see some creative grant requests.
-Jerry Fruth

American Horse Council, USFS Enter Memorandum of Understanding

The American Horse Council, upon the recommendation of its Recreation Committee, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Forest Service. Memorandums of understanding create partnerships between government and the private sector to accomplish mutual goals.

This particular MOU essentially establishes a more formal AHC relationship with the Forest Service. It encourages the Forest Service to identify appropriate partnership opportunities in which the AHC and its member organizations may participate, to make public lands under the horsemen and women, and to work with the AHC to identify and pursue funding opportunities for facilities, trail improvement and maintenance from non-federal sources.

"The AHC Recreation Committee strongly believes that this document will help to establish a long-term partnership with the Forest Service that may lead to better recreational experiences for horse owners and riders," said AHC Recreation Committee Chairman Dr. Mylon Filkins.

Here is the text of the MOU:

Servicewide Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and the American Horse Council. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (FS), and the American Horse Council, Inc. (AHC). A. Purpose: The purpose of this MOU is to develop and expand a framework of cooperation upon which mutually beneficial programs, projects, training, and other recreation or trail activities may be planned and accomplished on National Forest System (NFS) lands by the FS and AHC working cooperatively at the national, regional, and local level. Such programs, projects and activities complement the FS mission and are in the best interests of the public.

B. Statement of Mutual Interests and Benefits: The FS is a land management organization dedicated to the management of NFS lands for a variety of uses and activities including outdoor recreation. The FS is interested in providing a variety of diverse recreational opportunities that are environmentally sensitive, educational and that support community objectives in order to contribute to local and regional economies and improve the local quality of life.

The AHC is an association that represents the horse industry in Washington, DC. In its role as the national association of equestrian organizations, state horse councils and horse owners, the AHC offers the industry a forum to develop programs and map policies for the future well-being of the industry. As the industry's Washington representative, the AHC works with Congress and the federal agencies in connection with proposed legislation and regulations that will affect the industry. The AHC also seeks to promote equestrian recreation opportunities on public lands.

There is a need to actively promote public-private partnerships that encourage responsible use of public lands. Both the FS and AHC share the common interest of providing information to the public on such subjects as conservation, recreation and natural resource activities as they relate to equestrian use.

In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:

C. The FS shall: 1. Work with AHC and its affiliate organizations to identify appropriate partnership opportunities (trail projects, administrative studies, education programs, etc.) and jointly pursue such projects together with the recreation and trail community and FS districts nationwide, contingent upon availability of funds and personnel and subject to compliance with applicable federal law, regulations, Forest Plans or other FS management direction. 2. Encourage local FS officials to participate with AHC office staff, representatives, affiliate organizations and members in the development of mutually beneficial work projects and educational activities. 3. Where appropriate, make AHC information available to the public regarding the development and presentation of training materials related to responsible recreational land-use and ethics, trail construction and maintenance, and the availability of recreational opportunities on NFS lands. 4. Make NFS lands available for recreation related activities, subject to applicable Federal laws, regulations, Forest Plans and other management direction. 5. In accordance with The Federal Advisory Committee Act, include and utilize AHC and its affiliates' technical expertise in developing FS programs and management as they relate to recreation use. 6. Work with AHC and its affiliate organizations to identify and pursue funding opportunities for facilities, trail improvement and maintenance from sources outside of federal appropriations and programs, such as state sponsored grant programs or private grant programs, subject to compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

D. The American Horse Council shall: 1. Work with the FS to identify appropriate partnership opportunities (trail projects, administrative studies, education programs, etc.) and jointly pursue such projects or activities, when appropriate, and to facilitate improved understanding and communication between recreational users, public agencies, and the general public. 2. Develop and maintain a communication network for contacting recreationists through a system of local, state and regional AHC organizations. 3. Provide technical assistance to land managers and communities involved in recreational projects, educational activities, opportunities, and management. 4. Maintain a database and library of publications related to AHC activities that can be made available to the public. 5. Provide training and instructions to its members and the public when appropriate. 6. Obtain FS approval prior to publication of any cooperative FS/AHC printed materials intended for public distribution regarding recreational activities on NFS lands. 7. Delegate, when appropriate, to an affiliate organization or organizations any task that is better suited to local, state or regional organizations.

E. It is mutually agreed and understood by all parties that: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Any information furnished to the Forest Service under this instrument is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).

Modification. Modifications within the scope of the instrument shall be made by mutual consent of the parties, by the issuance of a written modification, signed and dated by all parties, prior to any changes being performed.

Participation in similar activities. This instrument in no way restricts the Forest Service or the Cooperator(s) from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Commencement/Expiration Date. This MOU becomes effective upon signature by all parties and, unless terminated, shall be in force for five years from the date of the last signature, at which time it is subject to review and renewal or expiration. Each party in this MOU reserves the right to withdraw from this agreement, or any part thereof, at any time upon 30 days written notice. The agreement may continue with the remaining parties. Additional parties may be added to this MOU, and the MOU may be modified or amended, with the concurrence of the present parties.

Termination. Any of the parties, in writing, may terminate the instrument in whole, or in part, at any time before the date of expiration.

Principal Contact. The principal contacts for this instrument are:

Dispersed Recreation Program Manager, USDA Forest Service RH&WR (4CEN Yates) P.O. Box 96090 Washington, D.C. 20090-6090 PHONE 202-205-1313 FAX 202-205-1145

James J. Hickey, Jr., President American Horse Council 1616 H Street, NW, 7th Floor Washington, DC 20006 PHONE 202-296-4031 FAX 202-296-1970

The local contact persons for FS are District Rangers, who may enter into subsequent agreements and partnerships as needed at the local levels to accomplish portions of this MOU. Non Fund-Obligating Document. This MOU is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to this MOU will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures, including those for Government procurement and printing. Such endeavors will be outlined in separate subsidiary agreements that shall be made in writing by representatives of the parties and shall be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This MOU does not provide such authority. Specifically, this MOU does not establish authority for noncompetitive award to AHC of any contract or other agreement. Any contract or agreement for training or other services must comply fully with all applicable requirements for competition. Nothing in this MOU will be construed as affecting the authorities of the participants or as biding beyond their respective authorities or to require any of the participants to obligate or expend funds.

Nondiscrimination. During the performance of this agreement, all parties will abide by the terms of Executive Order 11246 on nondiscrimination and will not discriminate against any person because of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.

Conflict. Nothing herein is intended to conflict with current Department of Agriculture or AHC directives. If any term of this agreement is deemed inconsistent with those directives, then the portions of this agreement that are inconsistent shall be null and void; but the remaining terms and conditions will remain in full force and effect.

In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the last written date below.

s/ DAVID HOLLAND Director, Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness Resources, Forest Service

s/ JAMES J. HICKEY, JR. President, American Horse Council

Success Story: Talladega National Forest

by Joe Schoech, Southeast Region

Last January, the Southeast Endurance Riders Association (SERA) needed to decide where to put on their biannual benefit ride, affectionately known as "The Hungry Buzzard" (named after the Bourne's War Eagle Ride). We wanted to pick a place where we could have a positive lasting impact, encourage the local members to participate in the ride planning and implementation, and ultimately put on a great ride.

The trails at the Talladega National Forest, more specifically the Shoal Creek Ranger District, had been used for endurance and competitive trail rides for a number of years, but there hadn't been a ride there since 1996. There were no Alabama rides scheduled in 2002, and we knew we could count on some of the state's resident members to help with the ride. Folks who had ridden the trails at Talladega recently said the trails were in desperate need of repair and there were always a lot of trailers there when they went to ride. So, Talladega was chosen as the location for the 2002 Hungry Buzzard.

Sarah Engsberg, a Georgia member of SERA who lives about an hour from Talladega, volunteered to be the trail manager for the ride. She and Candace and Brian Bourne (of War Eagle fame) from Auburn, Alabama, met with the Forest Service at the Shoal Creek Ranger District in February to launch our effort to establish a working relationship to improve and repair the trails there for the November ride.

It was quickly apparent that the Forest Service was more than willing to work with usÑit was just a matter of how the trail program was going to be implemented. The district forest ranger, Earl Stewart, and the newly assigned forest recreation manager, Tim Slone, were cooperative and supportive throughout the entire project. It certainly did not hurt our relationship with these folks to have Brian Bourne working with us--after all, he was a Forest Service technician in the neighboring Tuskegee National Forest and he and Candace "knew the ropes" when it came to the trails and working with the Forest Service.

To learn how best to repair and improve trails, we took a Trail Boss training class conducted by the Forest Service. What better way for us to "get on the same page" regarding trails? The training would allow us to work on trails (after a review of the plan with the USFS) without us having to have a Forest Service person present with us at the work site. We also learned in the meetings with the Forest Service that a three-year "Request for Funding" had finally come to fruition and that approximately 18 miles of existing trails were to be condemned and abandoned and replaced with new trails. This was a potential scheduling problem along with hoping to fit in our ride with the proposed Hunt Days schedule in the forest.

We were pleased to learn that many miles of poor trails were going to be replaced, but as it turned out, the new trails would not be ready by the proposed ride date. Unfortunately, we were going to have to improve and repair trails that were ultimately going to be abandoned. This was actually a good thing (maybe not to the trail manager) because it allowed us to learn a great deal about trail design and repair on some trails that were in very poor shape as a result of no maintenance in a long time. This is where the Trail Boss training was so important.

Seven SERA members and other horse enthusiasts (Alabama Horse Council, etc.) participated in the Trail Boss clinic conducted at the Shoal Creek Ranger District. The Forest Service provided all of the tools and hard hats (a requirement while working on National Forest trails) and one of the instructors was our own Brian Bourne. We learned the basics of trail design, trail repair, tool usage safety and the importance of teamwork with each other and the USFS while in the forest working. During the clinic we actually worked on some of the trail that would be used in the ride. It was an invaluable experience in which we learned a great deal, but just as importantly, further solidified our relationship with the land managers.

Over the next few months, there were five SERA "work sessions" conducted by trails manager Sarah Engsberg. In addition to repairing and cleaning the trails that were to be used for the ride, we were able to also do some work on the new trails that would be opened after our ride date. SERA provided some funds to facilitate the new trail system, going a long way to help ensure a long-lasting, healthy relationship with the land managers.

During the work sessions we used a GPS to identify and mark areas of the trail that needed a reroute or chain saw work done. The USFS has to pre-approve any rerouting of trails and we were not allowed to use chain saws in the forest--only those trained and certified by the USFS can use chain saws. The use of GPS technology proved invaluable in communicating our trail needs (visually) to the USFS. In addition, we used the GPS to measure and map the trail routes for the ride. There was extensive need for chain saw work in this trail project and many of us came away from this experience feeling a need to take the chain saw training the USFS offers. Although many of us already know how to cut down a small tree or cut some firewood, this training will prepare you to be a sawyer--much more than a chain saw operator.

As time went on, scheduling conflicts with potential hunt dates were avoided, insurance was obtained, permits were issued and trail work neared completion. Only ride managers and trail managers know how many countless hours are spent in preparation for a ride. Sarah Engsberg said at the pre-ride meeting that she enjoyed the time she spent working with the Forest Service and on trails. If it is true that one does a better job when working on something they like, then that is certainly why the trails at Talladega were so good for the ride.

You have heard it before, but it is important to know that this successful trail experience could not have happened without a great deal of time and effort by many people. The partnership created, developed and maintained by this endurance community (SERA) and this land manager (Talladega National Forest Shoal Creek Ranger District) was a result of countless hours of planning, communicating and sweat equity.

When we look for ways to secure our future in this sport, we should learn from this positive experience and know that it is worth the time and effort to create, develop and maintain good working relationships with our public (and private, for that matter) land managers. The Hungry Buzzard trails were brought to fruition by the efforts of Sarah Engsberg (trail manager, SERA), Tamra Schoech (ride manager, SERA), Joe Schoech (SERA Trails Chair), the SERA BOD, Brian and Candace Bourne (USFS & SERA), Earl Stewart (USFS), Tim Slone (USFS), Larry Hollingsworth (USFS) and many volunteers who graciously responded to our call for help. Thanks for a job well done! We all look forward to being able to reap the rewards of your efforts for many years to come on the Talladega National Forest Trails.

BLM Publishes Final Guidelines on When Special Recreational Permits Are Needed

from the American Horse Council AHC News

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has published its final guidelines detailing when Special Recreational Permits are needed, and noted that an additional fee could be charged if a permit took more than 50 hours to process. Familiarity with these guidelines is particularly important for those who use public lands for commercial recreation activities or organized group activities and events.

"Special Recreation Permits have been in place for at least 16 years. They are used by the BLM as a way to manage visitor use and thereby protect natural and cultural resources. The new rule, however, allows the BLM to charge additional funds if a group's permit application took more than 50 hours to process," noted Jay Hickey, American Horse Council president. This rule should not affect members of the general public who wish to access public lands. Casual users will not be charged a fee. Rather, fees related to Special Recreation Permits are for labor-intensive activities and events which are conducted in BLM areas. The BLM expects fewer than 100 events a year to be affected by the regulation. In addition, local and land managers also have the authority to waive the fee.

The BLM suggests that organizations consider the following questions to determine whether it might need a Special Recreation Permit for an event:
1. Will there be fees charged?
2. Is there an expectation to make a profit on the event or is the fee to cover expenses?
3. Will there be a competition?
4. Will there be advertising for the event?
5. Will a course be marked?
6. How many vehicles will be expected at the event?
7. Will the event involve public lands? If an organization answers "yes" to any of these questions, it may need a Special Recreation Permit from the BLM.

If a special permit is required, it is important to plan early. In order to get a permit, organizations must apply with the local BLM office that has jurisdiction over the area used at least 180 days before the event is to take place. Although 180 days is not a "hard and fast" rule, it is strongly recommended that an organization contact the local BLM office and ask them how soon an application will need to be filed. The 180-day requirement is specifically for those events where the BLM will need to conduct an environmental assessment, but all should be aware of the requirement.

Reflections on 2002 and a Look Ahead

by Jerry Fruth, Trails Committee Chair

As we begin the new year, some reflection is in order for 2002. Some dramatic changes are taking place with our federal land managers. At the very top level of our three major land management agencies we see a new tone set for the recreation agenda.

That is all well and good--excellent news. Recreation is now being looked at as a purpose for land use. Don't expect miracles overnight. I find it takes a long time for the news to trickle down to the local level. There is of course the long tradition of doing things the old way and to break in a new focus will take some time.

We must be patient with our land managers at the local level. Yet, we need to let them know that doing business the old way is no longer acceptable. An example: in the past the agencies would look for input from the public, take it back to the staff, mull it over, and then plug in their own ideas of what may or may not work. On page 4 of "The Recreation Agenda" as published by the USDA, we find the following: "Delivering on this commitment requires understanding of the public's interests through direct discussions and collaboration." Webster defines collaboration as "to work together."

Working together has not always been the case. As a matter of fact it has been just the opposite. When the Yosemite plan was being worked on two years ago I remember Connie Berto telling me that, yes, the management did conduct meetings to see what the horse folks wanted, and when the final plan came out it looked like nothing that the horse folks suggested. That was a direct kick in the rear to all of those who earnestly tried to work with the National Parks Service.

The land managers are looking for new, innovative ways to accomplish their work. By working together we can help them to achieve their goals.

Some debate is now going around over the use of the word "purpose" vs. "use" to define the appropriate term dealing with our recreation and access to public lands. The question being discussed is, are public lands held for the purpose of recreation or are they held for our use? If we take the position that the public lands are held for the purpose of recreation then the issue of access is placed on a higher plane that if it is looked as being held just for use. Use should follow purpose. For example, "my purpose for being at the trailhead is to use the trail."

While we are on the subject of use, let me share some new data with you regarding user fees to our federal lands. The Department of the Interior did four studies to look at how the public perceived the recreational fee demonstration program. An overwhelming majority of people said that they would not change their plans because of the fee. A vast majority (85%) believe that the money collected should remain at the site for on-site use. As the rules are written today, only 80% of the money must remain at the site and 20% goes back to the treasury. I know of one instance where the cost to collect the money as determined by the Forest Service is equal to the amount collected. In this instance we have done nothing more than create a job in the Forest Service. The money is not hitting the ground.

Here is a list of what the public thinks the money should be used for:
1. improving the quality of the environment
2. rest rooms
3. trails
4. improved access for the people with disabilities

The least popular uses for the money are:
1. increased amenities
2. more Forest Service staff
3. more facilities/trailheads/trails
4. environment education

To sum this up, what the recreation user wants to see is a clean environment, rest rooms, and good trails. They do not want to see more amenities until what we have is in better shape. All common sense. Most folks interviewed in the studies thought the fee was just about right--not too high and not too low. About 51% were somewhat supportive of the recreation fee demonstration program. Only about 7% did not visit a National Park because the fees were too high. About 86% of the respondents thought that the fees are necessary to maintain the quality of services.

And now for the acid test. Only about 25% of the respondents indicated that they saw any change in the facility or facilities after the demonstration fee was put in place. This probably goes back to the issue of how the agencies charge for the collection of the fees. In other words they use the fee money for staffing vs. any significant site improvements. What I have provided is just a sketch of the details provided by the studies. I know the land managers are looking for more money to improve facilities. There may be some benefit for us to work with local land managers to find a way to leverage the fee money. Can we suggest specific projects? Can we bring work days to a higher level if they provide the material and we provide all of the labor? There have to be a lot of different alternatives we can assist with to spread the money around. It's a matter of creating the partnership with the land manager and going to work.

And what did you do for your trails today?

We Must All Work Together for Trails

by Jerry Fruth, Trails Committee Chair

The final language for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being put in place between the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (FS) and the American Horse Council. I would expect to have the completed version for the January issue of Endurance News. Once the MOU is in place with the USFS, we will turn to creating the same type of document for the BLM and the National Parks Service.

The MOU with the Forest Service goes into detail about creating working partnerships, trail projects, studies, and educational programs between the FS, the AHC and affiliates. The overall purpose of the MOU is to develop and expand a framework of cooperation. From the top down we will have in the very near future an acknowledgement from the FS that we need to cooperate to succeed.

This project has been in the making for two years. The first challenge was to gain the attention of the AHC in Washington D.C., and secure representation from them on national issues affecting our access to our trails. The next step was to put together the language acceptable to the AHC and the USFS. This will be an extraordinary Christmas present for all of us.

To switch gears just a bit, let me point out something about access and access issues. In a designated Wilderness Area, we have access. We can go ride in a Wilderness Area. However, we cannot hold an event in a designated Wilderness Area. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule, but darn few.

The idea of not having a competitive event in a Wilderness Area was expanded upon by Bruce Babitt, former director of the Department of the Interior. He made it clear that when a National Monument was designated, the management plan excluded competitive events. He took the concept from the Wilderness Act and moved it over to National Monuments. With this little bit of history in mind, just be aware that when a new area is structured as a Wilderness Area, we are out as far as having an event held in that area. You say, no big deal. There are a lot of other places for us to hold our events. Oh really? As our population grows (we will double in the next 50 years) the demands for more Wilderness Areas will be made by the environmental community.

And what of the recreational community? Not just us, but the bikers and hikers. Once an area is designated Wilderness, along with that will come designated trails. So much for the adventure of riding cross country or packing into your favorite high country lake. Change is inevitable. The question is, will you be a part of the change? Will you be engaged in the dialogue that will shape the future of the access to our trails?

The idea of Wilderness sounds just great to some. But what is the price we will have to pay for expanded Wilderness? Less access? Fewer trails? No more cross country riding? We are being given an opportunity by the USFS and the new MOU coming to us. The opportunity is to become engaged. Be a part of the ever changing landscape of recreational access to our federal lands. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Likewise, we can provide every avenue for access to your land managers. In the end its up to each and every one of us to be involved with our trail issues. Every voice does count.

The National Trails Symposium is this November in Florida. I hope to have a report from several endurance riders who will be attending this conference in future articles. In the past equestrians have not had much of a presence at this symposium. We have worked hard to change that. We are making our mark nationally. Our voice is being heard. We are becoming engaged in issues. Thank you for your support and continued involvement with our trails. And what did you do for your trails today?