To: sedrassentinel@xxxxxxx Sent: 1/29/2010 10:31:22 A.M. Eastern Standard
Time Subj: Re: South Eastern Distance Riders Assn.: new trails in
Louisiana
I am a NATRC rider. The state of
Louisiana has consulted with me concerning new trails in a new state park on
the far eastern side. I need folks to email the project manager in support of
sufficient trail miles and parking for trail events
The state of Louisiana is installing a new state park on the
Louisiana/ Mississippi area. I met with several team members from the
Parks Dept yesterday. This has been eagerly awaited.
Unfortunately the park manager is hostile to
anything equine related. He is physically interacting with the master
plan and is fearful of putting more horse trails on it. He is an
important park component and anti horse. The parks dept is aware of his
negativity and it has been addressed. I need folks to email the Chief of
Resource for Louisiana State Parks Clifford Melius, 225-328-8444 Mr.
Melius is a horse owner so he is more than willing to dialog with us. cmelius@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and
project planner Charlie Gauthier cgauthier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Please let them know that you will come to organized rides and
visit the park for recreation. Let them know how many miles you require
for your sport
There is good news and so so news. Yesterday I spoke
with Mr. Clifford Melius, Chief of Resource for Louisiana State Parks.
He called me and is impressed with the number of horse enthusiast contacting
the dept. Although he is a horse owner he is unfamiliar with the mileage needs
of other equine sports such as NATRC and AERC. He is planning 14 miles
on park property. There may be some way to lease some neighboring timber
land so extra miles for endurance riders but it would have to be during non
hunting season as there are hunting leases on that land. I am trying to
push for more than 14 miles on official state property at that park.
I
am pushing for at least 25 miles of trails for distance riders. I know
this isn't enough but it's a start. Thank you for your concern and
support. Please pass it on to other horse enthusiasts. ...contact me if
you have any questions 225-752-6817
Suzanne Murphree, tcoo@xxxxxxx Member of : NATRC, ACTHA,
NCTHA, Ride and
Tiem
