After lengthy public testimony the Commissioners decided not to terminate the
graing leases or recreational trail riding on SF watershed lands. The
leasors are required to prepare a plan to mitigate the threat of
cryptosporidia from cattle. This plan will be voted upon in early May. If
the plan is found to be unacceptable, a moratorium on grazing will be
declared. After close questioning of the Commissioners and PUC staff we are
fairly confident that recreational trail riding is not an issue but we will
continue to follow the grazing decisions.
The Back Country Horseman have done a real service for all trail riders.
They have funded a study of horses and cryptosporidia and the results will
be published soon. They mounted an effective letter writing campaign and
testified at the hearing. I think they have a web site so think about
checking it out and to thank them for their efforts.