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[RC] Fence Cutting and Losing Access to Trails -- Laurie Underwood - Ridecamp GuestPlease Reply to: Laurie Underwood jimmy@xxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================== Fence cutting isn't the only thing which endangers our right to use trails. In the Augusta, Georgia area we are extremely fortunate to have access to 1200 acres known as The Hitchcock Woods. Hitchcock is owned and beautifully maintained by a private foundation which was established expressly and exclusively for pedestrian and equestrian access. There are some folks who are blessed enough to own a house which provides direct access to the Woods . . . but the majority of us trailer there and ride (and are grateful for the opportunity). What Hitchcock Woods lacks is parking. The local natural gas company and a kind-hearted soul with an equestrian training facility allow us to park, free of charge, and they used to provide non-potable water from a well house. Should be paradise for all concerned, right? Of course, there are always some folks who will ruin it for the rest of us. The gentleman who allows us access has been cursed out by "day riders" because he requested that they pick up their trash, not drink beer on his premises and not canter their horses through the parking area because his riding arena is very close to the parking area which he allows us to use for free. The water was left running one too many times, so the owner disabled the well. Our group routinely picks up trash left behind by those too lazy to pick up after themselves. We scatter manure and pick up hay. We save our cantering for the trails. We do everything we know to do to keep the owners happy. But I suspect that one day someone will push too hard and too far, and we'll lose the parking . . . and ergo, we'll lose access to all of those miles of lovely trails. Laurie Underwood =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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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