Ridecamp: [RC] Gov. agency that supports horseback riding....and Scotts comment

I'm going to relate this to endurance by stating that it's possible that
newly aquired BLM land might
be of sufficient size to host something like a big endurance ride at some
point in the future, my disclaimer being that this has not been discussed
with them yet as the management plan is in the beginning stages.  However,
the Ukiah Branch of the BLM deserves all our thanks for continuing to aquire
huge tracts of land for recreational purposes, and seeking public imput as
to what those uses will be. Different trail managers over the years have
been extremely receptive to horse use and trail development, with new trail
heads being added in the past several years.  The Payne Ranch has been added
to the already extensive Cache Creek Wilderness Study area....two parking
lots have designated horse trailer parking, with a third that is available
for over night camping with horses and being discussed as a posslble site
for a permanent horse camp with all year access.  The trail manager has
taken suggestions on trail development and maintenence, and implemented them
faster than you can believe. The area in question is at the intersections of
Lake, Colusa and Yolo Counties in California, and under the mangement of the
Ukiah office of the BLM.  In a time when trials are disappearing, it is
encouraging and refreshing to see trails being added

The Coordinated Resource Management Plan for Cache Creek shows extensive
public imput and STUDIES-archeological, botanical, historical and
geographical.   BLM has made huge efforts to seek and include
representatives from different horse groups for their opinions and imput.
This scientific and inclusive approach is quite different from what I have
seen from Fish and Game....

California Archeological Society, in working with BLM Archaeologist, trains
volunteers to monitor archaeological sites, and recently offered to chance
to monitor remote sites by horseback.  This is very rugged and steep
terrain, and no doubt will require fit, endurance-type horses.  I will find
out tomorrow exactly how far back in we will need to go...in the second day
of a workshop where we go into the field.

Thinking about Scott's comment below:


>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <FASTGraphic@xxxxxx>
> Human  beings ARE a part of the natural food chain.  Hunters are a
necessary part
> of  the balance of nature.  > > Scott

A Native American who is involved in site monitoring, and an Environmental
Resources specialist for the tribe offered the following opinion....that
based on historical accounts of animal size, and archeological bone
records.....there is evidence that deer size is shrinking.  Is it possible
this may be influenced by the fact that deer hunters seek the LARGE
and impressive looking individuals?  Are those animals being selected out of
the gene pool?

On the other hand-my opinion here-it has been also a commonly held opinion
that natural predators generally take
the prey that are old; sick, weak or genetically damamged....OUT of the gene
pool.....

Something to think about while riding.
Karen



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