Attn: PA in danger of losing gamelands for riders' use!

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Diane Nelson safehavn@fast.net
This is a serious threat to horseback and bike riders alike.  Plans are afoot to close 1.4 million acres of state gamelands in PA.  There have been "complaints" that horsemen and bikers destroy trail and spook wildlife.  Interestingly enough - only 10% of the available gameland acreage is in "high use" areas but the Game Commission is intent on shutting off access to ALL of the gamelands.

Supposedly there will be a series of hearings across the state next month according to an article in today's Allentown Morning Call (6/12/01).  Pete Johnson is director of the PA Equine Council Trail Riders Association (570-966-3745).  Call him NOW!  Ask what you can do.  Find out when the meetings will be held in YOUR area.  Don't wait.  It is almost too late already.  Once access is denied we will lose hundreds of miles of trail and it will virtually shut down distance and pleasure riding in this state.

Folks in MD, VA, WVa, NJ, NY, OH, MA, NH, VT, ME - please write to the PA Equine Council and voice your concerns.  This will affect YOU as well as riders in PA.

P.E.C.
P.O. Box 21
Dallas, PA 18612
888-304-0281


Diane Nelson
longtime AERC and ECTRA member
Allentown, PA
safehavn@fast.net