Lazarus Guestbook

Gordon Davis # 1893

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:30:35 +0000

Subject: MUCC approves of bills

The primary source for Michigan conservation news

December 19, 2009

Michigan Legislative Update

While MUCC continues to express concern regarding technical issues within the bills, the overall new direction this legislation has taken is something the organization supports. When the bills were introduced, MUCC opposed them in order to (1) ensure Michigan public lands were managed on a case-by-case basis and not through specific exceptions for user groups and (2) ensure Michigan would not be placed in diversion of much-needed federal conservation funding. MUCC is proud to have played a role in making sure these two concerns appear to be solved with respect to Senate Bill 578 and House Bill 4610. We would like to specifically thank all of the stakeholders and bill sponsors for working toward a compromise, particularly Senators Gleason, Whitmer, and Basham for their support, and especially Senator Patty Birkholz for her negotiating efforts.

Helen Meier, 50% of MTRA #2247

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:45:22 +0000

For any one who thinks that there is not an agenda to remove the public’s right to access, enjoy and perhaps make a living from our lands and waters, reading this article should open your eyes and maybe even change your mind. [sports.espn.go.com] Take some of the links on the “also see” box on the right of the page. See if any of this sounds familiar to trail riders. If the activity you enjoy has not yet been targeted, wait a while.

Patty # 957

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:07:11 +0000

I do not understand how the DNR can take away our water at Smiths Bridge..( and you know there working on the same thing at Goose Creek) There was no incident that happened at Smiths Bridge just a excuse to take it away. Are we not taxes payers?To be able to use the land and water same as the hunters and fishermen? I agree...with the rolling over bit with the MTRA We have watered there for 40 years and have not hurt a thing! We need to stand up and yell not roll over!

Gabrielle (gabz) #4842

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:24:50 +0000

In response to Therese Kline's reply to my #4259 post, that is now on the next page.

Therese, I hope that your family member fully recovers.

I too am quite busy but I have stuck with the legislation and other people who also have busy lives, jobs, and families, that are trying so hard and who are spending countless hours and $$ working with legislators to DO THE RIGHT THING for recreational horsemen of MI. RTR legislation is not necessarily about protecting non-motorized trails - IT'S ABOUT HORSE TRAILS.

Re your number #3: Did the MHC BOD tell you to speak for them to the NRC?

Jean Ligon, Julie Fershtman, and other attorneys are working with PRB, BCHMI; several MI horse groups & individuals have made generous donations. If those are not endorsements, I don't know what is. The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) and Michigan Farm Bureau support us; sporting groups support us and have spoken publicly to legislative committees. I can not mention each group here, because I may not know each and everyone and I do NOT want to leave anyone out.

THere are many people who are working SO HARD to preserve trails and who are trying to open MORE AREAS not only for equestrians, but for other public land users too. All are very aware of the multitude of issues.

RE: ENDORSEMENTS. If MHC has chosen to NOT endorse RTR bills, did it have a full membership vote as you suggest is necessary for any group TO endorse RTR?

When MEP proposed the Bridle Tag Fee legislation, who's endorsement did they seek?

When MTRA rolls over after the DNRE allowed loggers to clear cut right through blue-dot trails; or the DNRE punishes ALL HORSES and ALL RIDERS because of an MTRA ride that had questionable actions at a particular watering location, did MTRA ask for a vote of its membership, or did it ask any other group of horsemen in Michigan, how they wanted to handle the situation?

You are not the only person who can speak to the NRC. What would happen if I stepped up to the mike? What if I introduced myself as a military veteran; that I was a member of 5 different equine assocs; that I have been a 4H & Girl Scout leader, an MIHA coach, and past officer of an equine association and I think that allowing 200+ horses and riders to trail ride across the state is an abomination? Or that letting 4H children camp out at Goose Creek is not good because they spend too much time in the water, swimming and playing and churning up the bottom, and the sportsmen who buy fishing licenses do not like that. What kind of impact would I create if I did such a thing?

There are many horsemen in Michigan that wish to be able to ride the land that their money pays taxes on; land that was donated to the state for recreational purposes; land that is purchased with NRTF money that belongs to all citizens of Michigan. We are horsemen who want to tread lightly on the land; to listen to birds or elk; to see a sunrise or sunset in the quiet hours of the day. People who bought 10, 20, 100 acres of land adjoining state land in the expectation that they could ride their horses on that land, and now, cannot.

I would appreciate an answer to your 3; who authorized you, to tell the NRC that MHC did not endorse HB 4610 and SB 578?

Sue Seifert 6253

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:44:39 +0000

just checking in :)

barbie the bus driver 3841

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:24:21 +0000

Is there a chance to have a web-site or web link for postings of jobs.... and un riding stuff??? So much space is being used that us poor slobs with dial up can't hardly get to read about the horse and riders. I'd like to talk about this years riding. The MTRA, rides and how this is going. looking forward to see all on the Blossom ride.

Therese Kline 2049

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:53:31 +0000

"I CAN'T READ THIS!"

Seminar Saturday night, 4:30 at the Stallion Expo, MSU

There are many new trails, and trail repairs in Michigan. With these new trail proposals comes a set of plans - an official document that tells the public what the proposal is for that trail.

Do you know what HMA means? Is this good or bad for the equine rider? What is MUCTD and the BOCA code and why are they important in plans? Requirements - Recommendations: what's the difference?

Therese Kline 2049

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:59:44 +0000

The Michigan Horse Council is developing a youth council to further the goals of equine owners in Michigan. One youth from each county will be selected by the committee to represent their area. At this time the youth council will meet via email and at large equine events within the state. The first face to face meeting will be at the Michigan Horse Council’s Stallion expo. in Lansing on Saturday, March 13th from 7:00pm to 7:30pm? in Seminar Room A. This is an open meeting, all youth age 13 – 18 are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group that attends the meeting will determine the specific goals and activities for 2010. Attendees are not committing to any further involvement this is an informational/organizational meeting only. Thank you for your time and interest. Please contact Sherry White with any questions or concerns you may have

Sherry White
Secretary Michigan Horse Council
Youth Coordinator MHC
cadence1st@comcast.net

Darlene Lewandowski #4314

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:37:37 +0000

For Sale: Horse size halter/bridle with split reins. Used but in great shape. Reins are new. $20. 34 x 34 hunter green Circle H wool saddle blanket. Never used. Has leather wear pads on sides. $20.

Gabrielle (Gabz) #4842

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:19:54 +0000

Therese –
If I am in error, please correct my errors and accept my apologies. I would not have chosen to use a public forum to address you except that you have chosen to use public forums, such as this one, to inform horse folks and trail riders on multitudes of issues. I believe you have, as a representative of some organizations, made appearances and comments for the public record. For example, I believe that in the past, you have appeared in support of bridle tag fee proposal put forth by Michigan Equine Partnership (MEP). It is my understanding that you also sit on various boards and councils whose actions directly impact horse issues. For example, I believe you are, or have been, an MEP board member and that you are chair of the trail committee for the Michigan Horse Council (MHC) (but not an officer, is that correct?). Therefore, it seems correct to allow you the opportunity to respond in a public forum to some concerns which currently occupy the thoughts and goals of trail riders and horse folks. Like many of those folks, I find I am confused and believe that only you can answer the questions that are troubling me.

I have heard from 2 persons who attended Thursday’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting that you spoke to the commission in regard to the Right to Ride (RTR) Bills – HB 4610 and SB 578. I was told that you addressed the Commission as a representative of MHC. At this time, the minutes of the recent NRC meetings are unavailable, so, until the minutes are published, I must rely on you to provide accurate and verifiable information if what I learned from others, is not correct.

I was told that you made statements to the effect that the RTR legislation is not supported by the MHC, and that a majority of trail riders in Michigan also are not in support of passage of the RTR bills and also that the Waterloo Horseman’s Assn (WHA) was “neutral” on the issue.

Here is where my confusion originates. First, it is my understanding that Ron Beyer and Chad Simpson of the WHA have vigorously <b>refuted </b>that assertion that WHA is not in support of the RTR bill, and in fact, strongly support its passage. Next, I have personally never spoken with any trail rider who is not in support of the RTR bill, although such folks certainly do exist. And finally, I have not seen any documentation for the MHC regarding its position – pro or con – on the RTR bills. So, my questions are as follows: First, if WHA supports the RTR, on what basis did you testify to the contrary to the NRC? Did someone in a position of responsibility, or even the Board of the WHA, authorize you to testify that that organization opposes or is “neutral” to the RTR? If not, by what authority did you act as spokesperson for the WHA? Next, if my experience reflects the true and positive sentiment of trail riders in Michigan regarding the RTR bills – such as the 13,000+ persons who have signed the petitions that were created, what data did you rely on in your testimony that most trail riders do not support its passage? And, if no such data exist, did you, before making your statement, issue a caveat such as “although there has not been any formal survey or polling done, it is my opinion…”?