Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, Michigan

I came across this article at thehorse.com.  I haven't read the whole report yet, but thought I would share :o)

This is the link to the article --> http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14614

This is the link to the report in case you can't get the article ( you might have to be a registered user) -->  http://www.elcr.org/resources/resc_31.pdf

Sue.........

Horse Use on State Lands Report, Recommendations Released

State game lands can be beautiful places to ride horses. However,riding (along with hiking, biking, and other uses) is permitted or restricted by individual state's policies. The purchase and maintenance of these lands is generally funded by the sale of licenses and sporting goods purchased by anglers and hunters. If equestrians wish to ride onstate wildlife management areas, they must understand the priorities for game lands, and develop positive relationships with game land managers.

Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) has prepared a whitepaper detailing the access of equestrians to state game lands in three states. The models presented by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Mexico show varying levels of access and regulations for users. Using these models, ELCR was able to develop a set of recommendations for horsemen seeking access in other states.

Read the full report.  (this is where you need the above link)

The report addresses the issues of balancing hunting and fishingdemands with other recreational uses. In each model, solutions have been reached that comply with a state's demands and allow various users to experience wildlife on state lands. Sensitive issues like the use ofPittman-Robinson funds and the sale of riding permits have been addressed.

Cynthia Higgs of Equine Land Conservation Resource spoke with game land managers to determine the scope of the issues of horseback riding on game lands and how horsemen can develop positive relationships with game land managers. Ultimately, all the managers interviewed suggested that horseback riders desiring access to state game lands make an effort to volunteer on those lands as well. Efforts ranging from litter removal to advocating for legislation that is beneficial to wildlife programs will help foster a cooperative relationship.

Sue,

this is an great report,

thank you for sharing

Mike

Thank you also Sue for this information.  I have sent it to as many as I can to read-also to Rep. Moore, Senators Stamas, Brown and McManus.

Thanks Sue for sharing the information, this is may open up some eyes!!!!!!!!