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Re: [RC] BLM-Adopt a horse program - oddfarm----- Original Message ----- From: "Hickory Ridge Arabians" <hikryrdg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; "List Server" <AERCMembersForum-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 11:44 PM Subject: [RC] BLM-Adopt a horse program After re-reading my posts, I see my comments on the trails issues were not as clear as my feelings on the sponsorship. But it IS two separate issues. As far as the raffle goes Jerry, you are right. This is a free country, buy a ticket or not. I guess I am a little cynical when it comes to using animals to raise money. Maybe it's the many horses and ponies that have come through the Odd faRm because they are starved, abused and neglected. Some made it, some didn't. Maybe it's because of the conditions I have seen theses horses in when I went to pick them up. Most of them were at large barns, with lots of people coming and going and no one wanted to report or "tell" on their neighbor, so the horses suffered in silence. But as long as AERC gets the money, that is THEE most important part. And I am pretty darn sure, that AERC will not take responsibility, if anything God forbid, should happen to the horses that they raffle off. Because the owner IS ultimately responsible. RIGHT? Enough said. But what I wanted you to comment on Jerry, was this beautiful relationship on trails issues. Randy said "I think the new relationship between AERC and the BLM will have long term benefit for AERC on issues concerning equine use on federal lands. I just wanted to know what all was involved in this relationship. I saw the Ft. Stanton story and volunteers went to clear trails, improve trail heads and all that. And that is great. I think everyone at one time or another has done just that in their own neighborhoods, as we should. I think it said we also donated $3000. And that is fine, also. Many groups raise money and earmark it for certain trail projects. But was that a volunteer effort all the way around, or was it a written agreement? Randy said, "This is a great opportunity for both organizations and having the BLM formally associated with AERC may offer long term benefits to AERC in trail and land use issues, too. This new proposal from the BLM is the result of an ongoing recreational trails development project between AERC and the BLM that Roger has spearheaded. The current and new trails are guaranteed for equine recreational use including endurance rides with a 5 year use permit that rolls over every year....slowly but surely this partnership is gaining recognition by other BLM districts and has reached the Washington Office of the BLM, too." So we are getting a GUARANTEE to use these trails for 5 years. Wow. That's impressive. How did that happen? Will members just volunteer to clear trails etc., or is there a guaranteed donation to the BLM involved over this time frame? What is this "new proposal" by the BLM? Randy said, "The regional AERC/BLM Partnerships and the new National AERC/BLM Partnership/Sponsorship will lead to far better relationships and understanding between the BLM Land Managers and the AERC for use of trails. The Fort Stanton partnership is going to help promote similar projects in other BLM land management areas because of the very positive PR that has made its way to Washington." The " The regional and New National AERC/BLM Partnership/Sponsorship". What exactly is that? Is it just an exchange of AERC volunteering time and the BLM donating horses for raffle, (which I understand is really suppose to be two separate issues) or is it more involved than that? Is AERC guaranteeing donations to the BLM? I was under the impression that the sponsorship "contract" included an agreement for the trail partnership. And that confused me because I thought they were two separate issues. I thought the raffle sponsorship had nothing to do with the trail relationship. That is what everyone keeps telling me, anyway. Now Jerry, before you answer, don't think for an instant there is anything negative in my comments about the trails. I may be cynical here also, but we ARE dealing with the government. I am all for assuring trails for equestrian use, but not at any cost. And, as a taxpayer I like to be assured that I am not paying (donating) for something, that I already paid for. And while I don't condone how the adoption program operates, I am all for trying to improve it. But that has to start with the BLM, not AERC. But THAT IS a separate issue. Randy's comments imply, at least to me, that AERC and BLM will accomplish what no one else has. That in itself, is really amazing. Is it really that simple? Because the government just doesn't normally work that way. What have we done so different that has put us in such good grace with this government entity? Is it a secret?? I tried real hard to find more info in the minutes of meetings, but I sure couldn't. Lisa Salas, The Odd Farm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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