ELCR Newsletter - July 2020
New Private Trails Webinar July 30th
Mark your calendars! ELCR and American Trails will partner to provide a free webinar on July 30 at 10 am Pacific Time (1 pm Eastern Time) entitled Successful Models in Developing and Maintaining Private Equestrian Trail Systems. The webinar will spotlight how three different communities have developed and maintained successful equestrian trail systems on private land.
Special thanks to our webinar sponsor Areté Structures for making this webinar possible!
For more information and to register for the webinar, click here.
Special thanks to our webinar sponsor Areté Structures for making this webinar possible!
For more information and to register for the webinar, click here.
Farms Under Threat: The State of the States Webinars
The American Farmland Trust's National Agricultural Land Network is continuing to host a series of state webinars presenting the findings from the "Farms Under Threat: The State of the States" study. These webinars are free and open to anyone with an interest in learning more: https://farmland.org/farms-under-threat-state-based-webinars/
Full study findings are available here
Previous state webinar recordings are also available here.
The remaining state webinars scheduled are as follows:
Full study findings are available here
Previous state webinar recordings are also available here.
The remaining state webinars scheduled are as follows:
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July 7 – Minnesota
July 8 – South Carolina July 9 – Colorado July 10 – Tennessee |
July 13 – Hawaii
July 14 - Arkansas July 15 - Maine July 16 - New Hampshire |
July 17 - Vermont
July 20 - Connecticut July 21 - Massachusetts July 22 - Rhode Island |
Legislative Update - Great American Outdoors Act
Many thanks to equestrians who recently sent approximately 550 letters to federal lawmakers urging their support for the Great American Outdoors (GAO) Act! Thanks in part to these significant efforts, on June 17th, 2020 the Senate voted in favor of the Great American Outdoors Act by an overwhelming, bi-partisan vote of 73 to 25.
The GAO Act, referred to as a “recreation package,” combines key elements of legislation long supported by the horse industry. This includes more resources for the backlog maintenance of public trails and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – at $900 million per year - which supports conservation easements that promote riding. Incorporating provisions of the “Restore Our Parks Act,” the package creates a revenue stream to dedicate funds from energy development projects to support the maintenance of trails run by the National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other agencies. Stay tuned for updates related to next steps to assure the bill becomes law.
Is there new or pending state level legislation in your state that has the potential to enhance or reduce equine access to land, facilities or trails? ELCR is interested. Please call or write and let us know so that we can keep others in your area updated and advocating!
The GAO Act, referred to as a “recreation package,” combines key elements of legislation long supported by the horse industry. This includes more resources for the backlog maintenance of public trails and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – at $900 million per year - which supports conservation easements that promote riding. Incorporating provisions of the “Restore Our Parks Act,” the package creates a revenue stream to dedicate funds from energy development projects to support the maintenance of trails run by the National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other agencies. Stay tuned for updates related to next steps to assure the bill becomes law.
Is there new or pending state level legislation in your state that has the potential to enhance or reduce equine access to land, facilities or trails? ELCR is interested. Please call or write and let us know so that we can keep others in your area updated and advocating!
Follow ELCR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates!
The more people we reach, the more equine lands can be saved!
STAY CONNECTED
The more people we reach, the more equine lands can be saved!
STAY CONNECTED
ELCR Newsletter - June 2020
Farms Under Threat: The State of the States Webinars
How threatened is your state’s agricultural land? What is your state doing to protect it? A new study from our conservation partner American Farmland Trust, “Farms Under Threat: The State of the States” provides groundbreaking new data that answer these questions and more! The study findings can be viewed here.
The American Farmland Trust's National Agricultural Land Network is also hosting a series of state webinars presenting the findings for 28 states. These webinars are free and open to anyone with an interest in learning more:
https://farmland.org/farms-under-threat-state-based-webinars/
The remaining state webinars scheduled for June and July are as follows:
The American Farmland Trust's National Agricultural Land Network is also hosting a series of state webinars presenting the findings for 28 states. These webinars are free and open to anyone with an interest in learning more:
https://farmland.org/farms-under-threat-state-based-webinars/
The remaining state webinars scheduled for June and July are as follows:
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June 8 - Pennsylvania
June 9 – North Carolina June 10- New Jersey June 11- Delaware June 12- Texas June 15 – California June 16 – West Virginia June 17 – Maryland June 18 – Kentucky June 19 – Washington |
June 22 – Ohio
June 23 – Alabama June 24 – Wisconsin June 25 – Virginia June 26 – Florida June 29 – Louisiana June 30 – Illinois July 1 – Oregon July 2 – Mississippi |
July 7 – Minnesota
July 8 – South Carolina July 9 – Colorado July 10 – Tennessee July 13 – Hawaii July 14 - Arkansas |
Legislative Updates
Great American Outdoors Act 2020
Thanks in large part to advocacy on the part of the horse industry and its allies, federal lawmakers have prioritized land conservation and trails maintenance backlog issues for the summer legislative session. On May 6, 2020, the American Horse Council, American Sportfishing Association, American Trails and more than 25 other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to pass the “Great American Outdoors Act” (S. 3422), a bill that would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide resources to address the backlog in trails maintenance projects on public lands. As you recall, members of the horse industry have submitted more than 200 letters to Congress urging support for trails legislation, especially the “Restore Our Parks Act of 2019” (ROPA) (H.R.1225/S.500).
Stay tuned for an “action alert” and next steps urging quick passage of this important recreation package once we learn more about scheduled floor time in June for S. 3422.
Thanks in large part to advocacy on the part of the horse industry and its allies, federal lawmakers have prioritized land conservation and trails maintenance backlog issues for the summer legislative session. On May 6, 2020, the American Horse Council, American Sportfishing Association, American Trails and more than 25 other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to pass the “Great American Outdoors Act” (S. 3422), a bill that would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide resources to address the backlog in trails maintenance projects on public lands. As you recall, members of the horse industry have submitted more than 200 letters to Congress urging support for trails legislation, especially the “Restore Our Parks Act of 2019” (ROPA) (H.R.1225/S.500).
Stay tuned for an “action alert” and next steps urging quick passage of this important recreation package once we learn more about scheduled floor time in June for S. 3422.
Agreement reached on Farmland Preservation Area in Marion County, FL
Horses, horse farms and the horse industry create the character and culture that define Ocala/Marion County. The vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever is to ensure this ‘sense of place’ is protected for future generations, especially the Farmland Preservation Area located in northwest Marion County.
Recently, Horse Farms Forever expressed its concern about two proposed changes to the Farmland Preservation Area that were included in the amendment to the County’s comprehensive plan requested by the Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center organization. The first request was to move the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area and the second request was to apply a newly created land use designation called WEC to rural property inside the Farmland Preservation Area.
Horse Farms Forever was able to reach an agreement with the leadership of the GO-WEC organization regarding its concerns and as a result of this agreement, is enthusiastically advocating for approval of the revised amendment. This agreement will preserve the Farmland Preservation Area boundary and permit only equestrian-related uses on the property located within it.
Well done Horse Farms Forever and Golden Ocala World Equestrian Center! Join us in thanking them for their spirit of cooperation and shared respect for the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area in Marion County, FL. https://www.horsefarmsforever.com/thank-you-go-wec-for-coming-to-the-table/
Is there new or pending state level legislation in your state that has the potential to enhance or reduce equine access to land, facilities or trails? ELCR is interested. Please call or write and let us know so that we can keep others in your area updated and advocating!
Follow ELCR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates!
The more people we reach, the more equine lands can be saved!
STAY CONNECTED
The more people we reach, the more equine lands can be saved!
STAY CONNECTED
ELCR Newsletter - May 2020
ELCR Participates in #GivingTuesdayNow
We hope you will join us on May 5, 2020 for #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity organized as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.
Despite the current pandemic, ELCR remains busy producing more online educational resources for people to benefit from while at home, in addition to continuing to respond to calls from individuals and organizations around the country seeking help with various local horse land issues. However, like many other non profit organizations facing hardship at this time, ELCR relies on individual contributions to operate and fulfill its mission. #GivingTuesdayNow is an opportunity for people around the world to stand together in unity — let’s rally to help protect our endangered horse land for the benefit of this and future generations! Please show your support for ELCR's mission to save horse land in communities like yours around the country by becoming a member or making a contribution through ELCR's website or Facebook page. Recurring monthly donations are especially helpful at this time. You can also help us get the word out to other equestrian friends by liking and sharing ELCR's posts on social media. The more people we reach, the more equine lands we can help protect! In these uncertain times, every act of kindness is a beacon of hope, so however you are able to show your support for saving horse land, we greatly appreciate it! ELCR.org | ELCR on Facebook |
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New Article: Facing Rezoning with Horses By Christine Hughes, AICP for ELCR
There are so many layers to consider when determining if horses are considered livestock and if horse farms are considered agricultural uses. It’s easy to feel like there are more questions than answers, but here are a few things to consider if you are facing local challenges to your equine operations, especially if your local or state regulations leave you in a grey area. Read full article here. New Webinar Recording Now Available! Equestrian Trail Design and Best Practices: From Backcountry to Urban Edge Settings This extremely popular webinar set a new all time high for number of attendees! In partnership with American Trails and Back Country Horsemen of America, this webinar addresses best practices for trail design planning, construction, and management in undeveloped natural areas and connecting to urban edge settings. The webinar includes trailhead development, urban to wildland transition design, and equestrian trail features to provide best sustainability and lowest impact. Read more and view the recording here. |
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Questions about Horse Land Conservation?
Grappling with a particular issue about your horse land, stables or trails? Don’t know where to look for the answer? Our FAQ section is designed to quickly link users directly to the most pertinent articles, tools and templates – even when you don’t know where to start! https://elcr.org/conservation-resources/frequently-asked-questions/ |
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The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) recently announced authorization of a Special Solicitation period through June 30, 2020, to allow the Federal community to support CFC-approved charities as they face unprecedented challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. Full details available here.
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Follow ELCR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates!
The more people we reach, the more equine lands can be saved!
STAY CONNECTED
ELCR Newsletter - March 2020
US Forest Service Announces Trail Stewardship Challenge
Attention Trail Organizations and Enthusiasts!
The US Forest Service has announced the 10-Year Trail Stewardship Challenge!
The Trail Challenge is a “call to action” for all of us to work together to achieve a sustainable trail system by increasing our collective capacity to care for trails and by increasing on-the-ground results through shared stewardship of trails. The challenge is being implemented in three adaptive phases, with Phase 1 “Launch & Learn” geared toward a learning-lab approach that encourages local and broader level innovation and implementation of a variety of approaches developed to meet local needs and opportunities where and how it makes sense.
Information about the challenge is available on USDA’s Trail Challenge webpage, which includes online copies of the Trail Challenge Overview and Phase 1 “Launch & Learn” publications. The webpage is also being updated with additional reference materials including the Trail Challenge Element Selection Menu, Implementation Guidebook, and Idea Sheets.
The US Forest Service has announced the 10-Year Trail Stewardship Challenge!
The Trail Challenge is a “call to action” for all of us to work together to achieve a sustainable trail system by increasing our collective capacity to care for trails and by increasing on-the-ground results through shared stewardship of trails. The challenge is being implemented in three adaptive phases, with Phase 1 “Launch & Learn” geared toward a learning-lab approach that encourages local and broader level innovation and implementation of a variety of approaches developed to meet local needs and opportunities where and how it makes sense.
Information about the challenge is available on USDA’s Trail Challenge webpage, which includes online copies of the Trail Challenge Overview and Phase 1 “Launch & Learn” publications. The webpage is also being updated with additional reference materials including the Trail Challenge Element Selection Menu, Implementation Guidebook, and Idea Sheets.
ACTION ALERT: Protect Goethe State Forest Trails
Attention Equestrians --- ACTION ALERT!
Florida is planning a major toll highway to aid in evacuation. A couple of years ago, Ocala was able to fight off a part of this effort sited right through horse country. Now, the more southern and western part of the planning process is potentially targeting the Goethe State Forest - The Goethe State Forest is a trail riding treasure. With its 5 tracts offering over 100 miles of marked trails and seven well-appointed trailheads, it is the site of two major endurance competitions and countless other organized rides. A community of neighborhoods has grown up around it, filled with outdoor recreation enthusiasts, mostly equestrian, but hikers, bikers, hunters and wildlife watchers also treasure this place.
Don’t Let Turnpike Extensions Impact the Goethe Forest!
The state DOT is listening to comments from the community both in and out of state.
Here is a Petition to Protect Goethe State Forest from Toll Road Expansion: http://chng.it/MrWhNXTZWD
Learn about the Forest here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Goethe-State-Forest
Florida is planning a major toll highway to aid in evacuation. A couple of years ago, Ocala was able to fight off a part of this effort sited right through horse country. Now, the more southern and western part of the planning process is potentially targeting the Goethe State Forest - The Goethe State Forest is a trail riding treasure. With its 5 tracts offering over 100 miles of marked trails and seven well-appointed trailheads, it is the site of two major endurance competitions and countless other organized rides. A community of neighborhoods has grown up around it, filled with outdoor recreation enthusiasts, mostly equestrian, but hikers, bikers, hunters and wildlife watchers also treasure this place.
Don’t Let Turnpike Extensions Impact the Goethe Forest!
The state DOT is listening to comments from the community both in and out of state.
Here is a Petition to Protect Goethe State Forest from Toll Road Expansion: http://chng.it/MrWhNXTZWD
Learn about the Forest here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Goethe-State-Forest
Webinar Reminder: Equestrian Trail Design and Best Practices
Registration is available now for ELCR's upcoming webinar with American Trails entitled, “Equestrian Trail Design and Best Practices” on April 16, 2020 at 10:00 am Pacific/1:00pm Eastern. Presenters will review best practices for trail design planning, construction and management in undeveloped natural areas and connecting to urban edge settings. The webinar will include trail head development, urban to wild land transition design, and equestrian trail features to provide best sustainability and lowest impact.
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Special thanks to Rhino Marking & Protection Systems for sponsoring this webinar.
Register Now for this FREE Webinar! |