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PA Game Lands

A great example of how horse enthusiasts can be powerful and effective 
advocates for sustained access to trails occurred in Harrisburg, PA on 
Friday, Aug 17th.  

Pete Johnson  the state trail chairman for the PA. Equine Council was 
fighting a lonely battle with little support.  Burn out made him think about 
throwing in the towel when Debbie called him about the Game land issue.   
They joined forces and organized a protest rally at the Games Commission. 
Headquarters. This was not just for horse riders.  They invited bikers and 
ATV's to join us. We met at a site about a mile from the Game Lands 
Headquarters for a march there to present our views.  There were three TV 
networks and the press from several newspapers covering the march.

We formed an impressive line with 108 riders, 2x2, a carriage and the very 
best group of pooper-scoopers in the world.  Bringing up the rear on clean 
pavement were the bikers and ATV's. The finest of PA's state troopers did the 
traffic control.  The game land personnel came out to talk with Pete and 
Debbie while we made an orderly group of friendly trail users.  The media 
recorded this.  There was a march back to the parking area followed by a 
short meeting and a lot of "thanks"

There were few endurance riders-BUT there was the real strength of us trail 
users.  The backyard  riders,  your next door neighbor biker and ATV users 
joining together for a common goal.  This was an impressive demonstration of 
our collective commitment and responsibility.  Not only did this event 
influence the policy makers, it also gave all of us hope about the promise of 
what we can accomplish together.  Debbie you stand tall! You earned the 
right.  We have our sleeves rolled up and we won't give up!

There are lots of well-organized efforts that are limiting our access to 
trails everyday.  If you think that trails will be available for our future 
without our work, advocacy, collaboration and planning - wake up and smell 
the coffee.  This is not going to happen by itself. Riders who want a future 
for their sport will need to journey down the path of activism and become a 
part of the solution.  


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