[RC] A reply to David LeBlanc - Hickory Ridge ArabiansA reply to David LeBlanc regarding our trails. There are multiple reasons for equestrians loosing trails. The issue of "being out there" is something that can be dealt with one way or the other. Science. The AERC has worked hand in hand with Enviro-Horse to debunk some of the fuzzy science being used to close trails. There are other areas where fuzzy science had been used, trails closed, and now we are coming back challenging the bogus biology. All of that takes time to overcome. But, here is the best part. WE are no longer operating from behind the 8 ball. Equestrians are now organized on a national basis to deal with national issues. Most of which are access issues. The federal land managers now know we are on board to solve environmental issues. The politics of trail access is multifaceted. We need qualified personnel on the ground making a difference with the land managers. Occasionally we find we have a land manager and staff that has contracted the green disease. When faced with that obstacle we move to a political solution which may include bringing in the local congressman/woman to assist changing the land managers attitude or preconceived positions. We normally save the big hitters for the very last. Are we involved politically? Absolutely. Are we making a change? Absolutely! Is there a lot of work left to do. With out a question. Are we as endurance riders making a change out there in trail preservation land? A phenomenal turn around has taken place in the past several years with our heavy duty involvement. WE are making a huge difference. To all of you who have been out there working with your land managers to make a difference, I want to thank you time and time again. Your hard work is noticed. It does make a difference. We may not save every trail, but our losses are beginning to turn around and we are making progress. Jerry Fruth Chairman AERC Trails Committee Member AHC Recreation and Land Use Committee =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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