Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, Michigan

Mark your calendars for July 31st 1:00 for our next quarterly meeting at Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare.  Same place as always.  Have many things to discuss:  Work Bee Aug. 20-22 at Elk Hills, appointments to ETS, possible fund raising ideas.  Hope to see you there.

We have received several calls and emails regarding the status of Pigeon River and changes that have been made.  To this date, things are the same as was implimented in regards to the Land Use order that was signed May 8, 08.  Till the Director reissues a new directive things remain the same.  The proposed 4.29 segmented miles of single track connectors and the 2 outcamps are still on the table for consideration.  If you have any questions regarding where it is legal to camp or ride I suggest that you place a call to Scott Whitcom at the Headquarters of Pigeon (989-983-4101).  He is the one in charge to the area and should be up on all the current rules and regs.  To my knowledge, the only legal places to camp are still in the original Elk Hill trail camp and Group camping area with a group.  A letter was received from Lynne Boyd stating that the department is applying for a grant to study the develpoment of our horse camps. 

Quote from letter received: The DNRE is not opposed to expanded opportunities when such expansion can be accommodated without negative impact to the enviroment and our mission.  We will be investigating our ability to expand equestirian camping opportunities at Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground, and are pursuing grant funding to study the impacts this expansion would cause.  The findings will be shared withthe PRCA Council once the study is completed so a knowlegeable decision on the future of the campground can be made...end quote.

 I suggest that we all stay in compliance with the rules at this time or we could be setting the stage for more serious repercussions later down the road.  Our biggest hope at this point for the quickest change for equestrians in this state is a new regime change.  This starts for the Top position...Governor and then the appointment of a new Director!  Keep the faith and stay focused and things can and will get better!