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[RC] follow up on Stewart Horse Camp - wildcat7Received this from Sydney Cutting, CSHA Central Vice President, FYI Richard Hi all following is update on Point Reyes PLEASE note that comment period is NOW sc Forwarded from Pamela Schwatz of Equestrian Trail Advocates Just a follow up on the Stewart Horse Camp - I called and spoke to the head park ranger, Colin Smith (415) 464.5175 and he told me the scoop: The National Park Service (NPS) deals with the horse camp through a concessionaire - and it happens that the Stewarts have had it for a LONG time....which has worked out really well. The contract is up and being the NPS they have to put it up for bid. However, Colin doubts that there will be any other bidders for it - since the Stewarts live right near by and don't make much money on it at all. Once the NPS selects a bidder, they will negotiate the contract...at which point all the 'issues' pertaining to the horse camp will be addressed. Public input is reviewed at this time. The contract is up and the bid is 'out' - and the Stewarts are the only bidders - as planned. In the next few weeks, they will select the bidder (most likely the Stewarts) and start the contract negotiations. Therefore, if we, as users are interested in giving our input - NOW is the time to do so. I reviewed with him the potential changes - and he mentioned the following: High-ties vs hitching posts - there's been some talk about taking down the high-ties - but they are not sure yet.....so this is ONE topic to mention during the public input. I told him that the high ties are much better for horse camping - they are safer and better for the horses. I didn't get a solid feel on what his opinion was on this. Moving camp sites from the creekside - this is something they MUST do as the NPS. It's been overlooked in the past and now they have to do something about it. Their plan/proposal is to move some camp sites to the highway-side of the bridge you have to cross to get into the official camp area and close off the area along the creek - since it's considered a 'sensitive' area. We talked about how dangerous this would be if a horse were to get loose - it would run out onto the highway. He agreed and said that they have to come up with something. I suggested fencing in this new campsite area and having a gate to allow rigs into the area - and he said the problem with gates is that not all people close them...so would it really be effective. I tried to reassure him that equestrians know the importance of a gate and that they would close it for sure. This is something that the public input definitely needs to address. They are going to move campsites to this area - he sounded pretty firm about it - but the management of the area is still up for discussion. With the increase of the size of the rigs coming in there - they are going to limit the number of campers to 100/night - it is currently at 125/night. I think this is reasonable. He mentioned that all public input should be directed to Kevin McKay - their special use permit ranger/coordinator and mailed to: Pt. Reyes National Seashore ATTN: Kevin McKay 1 Bear Valley Road Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 He also mentioned that if I am or we are a member of a horse club/group - that we send one letter - speaking for the entire group. I think this is fine - but I think including to make a big impact, we should try to get as many signatures on that letter, or at least list the names of the members. Kevin's phone # is 415.464.5111 if you want to call and speak to him. So now it's time to write away and send in our public input - the NPS needs to know that we are concerned about the safety of our horses in the proposed new campsite area, as well requesting to keep the high-ties in place. If you have any questions - just let me know. Feel free to forward this information to others. I'll send it out on the Equestrian Trail Advocates list as well. Pamela Cell 925.788.9738 Pamela Swartz, L.E. LumiPlexion Skincare 1225 Alpine Road, Suite 201 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 phone: 925.933.8425 fax: 925.933.7704 email: Pamela@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx website: http://www.lumiplexionskincare.com/ No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/976 - Release Date: 8/27/2007 6:20 PM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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