Work at Collins Cove Horse Camp Scheduled

Gina has posted the following as a comment. I am bumping it up to the top for greater visibility. We hope to be able to firm up plans at out next meeting on the 24th. 7pm at the Fries Rec Center. See you there!

Greetings,
I'm happy to announce that we have our first project with the Foresters at Jefferson Nat. They have asked if we can install hitching posts at the Collins Cove horse camp. Thinking about a camp out, work, and ride on June 3& 4. Gina

Right to Ride Alert!

Some hiker groups are mounting a letter writing campaign to try to stop HR 586, the Right to Ride Legislation.

Here's the info on the bill, from the Back Country Horseman of America's website.

On February 2, 2005 Representative George Radanovich (CA-R) introduce HR 586, the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005. The leadership of the Back Country Horsemen of America has worked long and hard for the passage of legislation recognizing the legitimate use of pack and saddle stock on public lands.

The stated purpose of this bill is to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands, including wilderness areas, national monuments, and other specifically designated areas, administered by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service where there is a historical tradition of such use, and for other purposes.

It says that, as a general rule, all trails, routes, and areas used by such animals shall remain open and accessible for such use. A reduction in the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands could take place only after complying with the full review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture are to issue final rules to define the meaning of a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle stock animals on Federal lands.

HR 586 makes amendments to the laws regarding other public lands as follows: (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, with respect to Bureau of Land Management lands; (2) the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, with respect to National Wildlife Refuge System lands; and (3) the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, with respect to National Forest System lands.

Horsemen across the country welcome the introduction of HR 586 in Congress. But it has a long way to go before becoming law. This bill gives us the opportunity to express our support for equestrian use of public lands to our representatives in Washington. A similar bill, HR 2966, was introduced by Mr. Radanovich in 2003. Despite garnering twenty-one co-sponsors HR 2966 died in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. If the Right-to-Ride bill is to become law in the 109th Congress, a wave of popular support must carry it through the House Resources and House Agriculture Committees as well as the US Senate.

Contact forms for your Representatives can be found here. Please contact asap, and let them know we support the right to ride our Federal Lands.

Hello Riders!

What a great ?? way to burn daylight.

No, not trying to post pictures on a new blog!

Trail riding. Being outside.

I'm going there now. Lots of sun out there, and birdies chirping. Clip clob.

Hi Folks, this is cool! I hope it catches on because it seems like a great way to share information!!!
I am really excited about the formation of this club as it has been needed for a long time. Gone are the days when we just ride and assume that the trails are always going to be there. Now adays it takes involvement from user groups to keep trails open and maintained. If the FS hears nothing from a certain user group they have to assume that there is no interest. So now is the time to step up and make a difference because as we know trail riders can be a solitary group of folks we're all out there riding the trails but no one knows each other. This is a good way to change that!!
Happy Trails, Nancy Sluys

April meeting minutes/ May meeting date.

Next Meeting Wednesday, May 24 7PM at the Fries Rec Center

Summery of last meeting- A lot of business was taken care of at this meeting including the election of officers who are as follows-
President Gina Hagis
Vice President - Annie Malone
Secretary - Nancy Sluys
Treasurer - Linda Fraiser

Dues were discussed but not decided on, need to acquire a copy of the club bylaws and see what the requirements (if any) are.

The meeting day was changed to the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

It was decided to have a camp-out/Trail Work/Riding weekend on the first weekend in June in conjunction with National Trails Day. The location will be the horse camp at Cole Branch where some picket line posts need to be installed.
Tentative schedule: Camp Friday night, cook out, Saturday work until Noon then take a ride. Covered Dish Dinner and Campfire. Sunday??
Come to the next meeting to help plan the details!
Come ride with us for trails!!

Gina and Nancy (who are certified trail masters) offered to hold a trail design, construction and maintenance seminar sometime in the future. Annie offered to hold event at Kissing Rock Camp.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference in Roanoke. It will be held August 3-5. For more information contact Sallie Aungier saungier@mindspring.com or visit the web site at http://www.southeasternequestriantrails.com

Next meeting Wednesday, May 24 Agenda Decide on dues.
Plan National Trails Day work/ride/camp.
Plan future rides and work days.
Other business as it comes up.

PLEASE JOIN US AT THE MEETING AND HELP US PLAN SOME FUN EVENTS!

"Happy trails to you, until we meet again!"
(Roy Rogers & Dale Evans)

Welcome to the blog. If you would like to post, please mail me at blog@kissingrockcamp.com, and I will set your membership up.

Happy Trails, Annie