Re: RC: Saving Our Trails

["Janet Benke" <qhjanet@hotmail.com>]

Colleen

I am sure you will hear from other AERC members, but I want you to know that 
AERC is very active in the trail access and preservation issue.  Jerry Furth 
is the Trails Committee Chairperson, and has written several columns of AERC 
activity, as well as what we as membvers can do.  Also, several AERC 
members, Lif Strand among them, have established a webpage for AERC trail 
issues.

This site will indicate if there is a AERC representative from Nevada for 
you to contact.  If not, you may want to voluneer to keep AERC informed on 
trail's issues in your state.

Since that land is being developed, it doesn't sound like working something 
out with the owners will do much to help now.  However, you could have 
spoken out at a permit hearing about the need for open space and room for 
equestrians.  There may be a web site with your county that lets you know 
what permits are being asked for.  Once you identify the areas you like to 
ride in, that will help you keep track of potential development.

Do you have other riders there who like the space and want to maintain trail 
access?  Maybe some of you local folks could get together and work with 
property owners on keeping places open for horses.  A little help with the 
few fences they may have, or helping put in easy open/close gates or such 
could alleviate the "fenced out" situation.

Gaining permission to ride in an area - regardless of the wide open space it 
seems to be - owned by a private party sure helps minimize 
misunderstandings.  And it also gives you a chance to talk up endurance 
riding.  Courtesy and concern on your part sure may make those property 
owners feel better about neighbors and riders.

Unfortunately, where there is beautiful country, the houses will keep 
coming.

Don't give up, Colleen, you and your fellow Nevadan AERC members can make a 
difference for open, equestrian space!

Janet

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