ridecamp@endurance.net: PA state forest trails/legislation

PA state forest trails/legislation

Pete and Deb LaBerge (plaberge@epix.net)
Tue, 28 Oct 1997 20:35:45 -0500

Dear PA riders,(and riders in adjoining states who ride here)

I have gotten some more information which might be helpful in writing your letters to
the Division of State Forest Management as recommended by Patti Pizzo (and remember to
send PATTISAM@aol.com a copy to read at the meeting on Nov. 6th in Williamsport.) The
meeting will be held at the Sheraton, 100 Pine St., Williamsport at 6:30 PM.
You also have until Nov. 12th to send a letter to Div. of State Forest Management(I've
listed address again below with phone number in case you want to call for info or a copy
of the proposal)

I was initially confused and thought it was re:state game land again- but Patti
clarified to me that it is regarding state parks. In talking to Representative Brett
Feese, I learned that 18 designated trails(listed below) in PA state parks will be (so
far)affected by this proposal. As well as losing a trail, riders will lose that trail as
"connectors" to other trails. I believe he said that the district forester would have
some leeway in posting trails open or closed-and certainly nothing to count on.

Apparently, this came about as various hiking groups (who have been very visible and
verbal in their trail maintenance efforts) have complained about the horses and bikes
-either from a trail damage point of view or from lack of help in trail maintenance
efforts.In fact, as you read the proposal(below), you will see that hiking club
volunteers are credited with trail maintenance.

The meeting on Nov 6 is to review the Bureau of Forestry's proposed changes to its rules
and regulations which have been in effect for 25 years.

The proposal of special interest to riders and bicyclists:
"Sections 21.26(horses, pack animals)and 21.27 (bicycles, person-powered vehicles):This
new section prohibits horses, pack animals, and bicycles from the two National hiking
trails and the 18 State Forest hiking trails unless posted open to such use. Those
specific trails are maintained by volunteers from the hiking community and horses and
bicycles have the capability to cause severe damage where the trails pass through
fragile ecosytems."

Affected trails:
Baker Trail-Kittanning State Forest
Black Forest Trail-Tiadaghton State Forest
Buck Tail trail-Elk State Forest
Chuck Keiper Trail and Donut Hole Trail-Sproul State Forest
Golden Eagle Trail-Tiadaghton
John P Saylor Trail and Lost Turkey Trail- Gallitzen State Forest
Loyalsock Trail-Tiadaghton and Wyoming State Forests
Midstate Trail-Buchanon, Roth Rock, Bald Eagle,and Tiadaghton State Forests
Old Logger Trail-Tiadaghton
Pinchot Trail System-Lackawanna State Forest
Quehanna trail-Moshannon State Forest
Rocky Knob Trail-Michaux State forest
Susquehannock trail system-Susquehannock State Forest
Thunder Swamp Trail- Delaware State forest
Tuscorora Trail-Buchanon and Tuscarora State Forest
West Rim Trail-Tioga State Forest

Under national:
The Appalachan trail is listed where it goes through Michaux, Weizer and Delaware State
Forests but I thought horses were never permitted on that trail.
Also North Country Trail (Kittanning State Forest) and Potomac Heritage or Laurel
Highlands in Forbes State Forest.

The address to send your thoughts on this(they are requesting comments, suggestions and
objections):
Warren Ely,Chief, Division of State Forest management, PO Box 8552, Rachael Carson State
Office bldg., Harrisburg, PA 17705-8552.
You may call 717-787-2014 or 717-787-2703 for a copy of proposed regs.

If you are unsure what to say,it might be a good idea if you could document the trail
work-where, when ,what you have done-and your willingness to help develop alternate
routes around fragile areas. Also, think back to any instances where you were on
horseback and were able to help a hiker or be of special assistance as a rider on the
trail in some way-trail security etc. Things that we may take for granted (and others
won't realize until we are gone) that are benefits to including horses on multi-use
trails. Document those things in your letter.The economic impact, as Linda Flemmer
pointed out in her letter is also a good thing to include.

Debbie LaBerge
plaberge@epix.net

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