Dear Equestrian Partners:
Back Country Horsemen of America, in cooperation with the American Horse
Council, is asking for reports on horse trail closures and access issues on federal lands. AHC needs to document these
losses of trail riding opportunities in order to show Congress that Right to Right legislation is truly needed.
Reports should be emailed to Steve Didier, BCHA Public Lands Chair [
steve.didier@gmail.com].
Details about the required information and format may be found in the following information provided
in an email disseminated earlier by Mr. Didier.
Reporting Equestrian Trail Closures
or Access Issues on Federal Land
The reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of public lands
to horses and pack animals is a growing problem. The American Horse Council and its member organizations are working to address
this issue on federal lands with the introduction of legislation that will protect the rights of historic and traditional
recreational users of public land such as equestrians.
No effort to pass such legislation will be successful
unless evidence can be supplied that clearly demonstrates the scope of the problem and the need for action on the part of
Congress. The AHC is asking for documented examples of trails or entire areas that have been closed to equestrians on
federal land (National Forest Service, National Parks Service, and Bureau of Land Management), due to administrative decisions,
lack of maintenance or any other reason.
Examples need to include the following information:
1. Name and address of individual reporting closure —In order to identify that person or group as constituents
of certain members of Congress if needed.
2. Jurisdiction —National Park, National Forest, Bureau
of Land Management.
3. Location —Specific national park, forest, ranger district, etc and trail
or trail system if applicable.
4. Stated reason for closure —Environmental impact, user conflict,
maintenance issue, re classification.
5. Process associated with closure —Was public comment
solicited or accepted, was environmental impact study preformed, etc.
6. History
of equestrian use —If available.
7. Any additional relevant details —Such as volunteer
work performed by equestrian group on trail, user conflict, etc.
Steven Didier [mailto:
steve.didier@gmail.com]
