Michigan Horsemen P.L.U
THE RIGHT TO RIDE
LETTERS
THIS IS A LETTER TO THE 105TH DISTRICT AND THE REPLY
Dear Sir,
I'm writing to you on behalf of the Thousands of horsemen in the State of Michigan
The horse industry in Michigan is an 8 billion dollar industry. I would like to bring to your attention the on going battle we horsemen are faced with.
First of all I would like to inform you of a little bit of our family history and the heritage so that you would better understand the importance of this never ending issue between the NRC/DNR and the horsemen of Michigan.
Our family's history of the Pigeon River Country dates back to the early 1900's
This land was settled by my Husbands Father and his fore Fathers and I would like to add that it was in fact settled on the Back of a HORSE!
His Father drove a team of Percherons from a farm near Burt,MI to Wolverine,MI alone at the tender age of 12. They logged the PRC with horses,they rode to town to buy supplies on their horses. My husband and I have bred and raised horses Most all our lives.
Our children and grandchildren are raised on the backs of our horses..for they are Our Future.
My husband has worked Long and hard his whole life to be able to enjoy his retirement
planning our future retreat we purchased a tract of land near the PRC. we would like to be able to enjoy what time we have left on the backs of our horses in the land that he and his fore fathers settled...to take his children and Grandchildren out on horses to teach them about nature and what God has created for them to explore and learn...To listen to a whip poor will sing just before dusk...to teach them how to fish and hunt...or how to saddle a horse....They are our Future and we are their Teachers...
The NRC / DNR are telling us that we now after the signing of the 2008 concept of Management plan that we must take our children out on the roads while on horses....
if we get off a marked trail we will be ticketed. What do you think will happen when a log
truck or motor home comes barreling down a dirt road at my child on the back of a horse?
A horse is a Prey animal...Prey animals have a fear/ flight instinct...BOLTING is the most dangerous flight of a prey animal....Horse flesh and steel do not mix well.
The state has Opened up themselves to Numerous Lawsuits with the new 2008 plan....
I hope they are prepared to deal with the rules they have set forth!
GOVERNOR'S NEW "NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE DAYS ".....HAS TURNED INTO..."LEAD YOUR CHILD INTO THE ROAD DAYS"!!!
We have talked with many of the surrounding area residents and business people near the PRC They have expressed a deep concern with the impact that will happen when the NRC/DNR close the PRC to horses.The new Concept of Management plan 2008 on May 8th Closing down 15 off sites to horse campers....These 15 off sites within the PRC are VIRTUALLY MAINTENANCE FREE.there is a post with a wooden sign...that's it!!
The horsemen of Michigan have herd from the NRC / DNR NUMEROUS reasons why the camps are being closed..From budget cuts to Noxious weeds to impact on land to Federal Mandates.
On May 13th I and many other Michigan horsemen attended a Meeting of the House of Representatives on Tourism and Outdoor recreation regarding the PRC we were VERY Grateful to FINALLY be herd by someone who would in fact Listen to what WE THE PEOPLE HAD TO SAY.
We have had many rallies to inform the horsemen of Michigan what is going on in the state. The NRC/DNR are trying to give the Michigan horsemen a black eye...Making FALSE STATEMENTS of a hostile crowd because we all cheered loud for what we believe in and are standing up for ..as OUR GOD GIVEN RIGHT'S AS AMERICANS.
REPLY FORM THE 105TH DISTIRCT
Thank you for Conveying your concerns about the Department of natural Resources (DNR)
closure of recreational equine trails and camping sites in the Pigeon River Forest.
Let me just say that I share your Concerns and have expressed the sentiments of district constituents just like you to the DNR directly. Attached is a copy of a letter that I have sent to Director Humphries concerning this important issue. I also testified before the recent committee hearing this week on this issue.
As mentioned in my letter and in the testimony, these recreational opportunities are so important to not only the residents of the district I represent, but to the local communities that rely on tourism. I applaud your efforts in creating a web-site to share information and concerns about this matter. Please know that my door is always open and you're welcome to contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Kevin A. Elsenheimer
State representative
105th House District
KEVIN A. ELSENHEIMERS Letter to NRC
APRIL 8TH 2008
TO MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIRECTOR REBECCA HUMPHRIES
Dear Director Humphries,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I appreciate you doing so>
it is our understanding that the department of Natural Resources is currently determining whether or not to keep open a number of equine trails in pigeon River Forest.
Recently we have been contacted by a number of constituents in our respective district concerning this issue. Specifically, they have conveyed comments, sentiments and support to keep these trails open.
As you are aware, recreational opportunities have been diminished with the closure of 20 state forest campgrounds in northern Michigan.
Future efforts to reduce these opportunities will only prove to be a detriment to those communities that rely on tourism for their income.
We merely wanted to convey the sentiments of our constituents to you as the department deliberates on this important issue. Your willingness to take our constituents' perspectives into consideration would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and attention. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions or comments
Sincerely
Kevin A. Elsenheimer Joel Sheltrown Tom Casperson
State Representative State Representative State Representative
105th House District 103rd House District 108th House District
My letter to Representative Ken Horn
May 15th 2008
Lady's and Gentlemen of the House
I Would like to take this time to give many Thanks to you all for giving the Horsemen Of
Michigan a chance to Finally be heard.
Even tho my husband and I were not allowed to speak due to the short time frame, there are still some issues that need to be addressed in this ever important task at hand.
Our family has a long history dating back to the early 1900's with horses in the pigeon River Country.
his fathers and fore fathers settled this land and I might add it was settled from the back of a horse.
I would also like to add that it was long before P.S. Lovejoy had his vision of the BIG WILD.
We are Proud of our Heritage and the horses we love and we also love the tranquility of riding into the PRC after a hard days work to relax with our children and Grandchildren
Our Future!
Every year Our family's buy hunting and fishing Permits...Why are we being Discriminated against?
If I could assist you with any decision making on this matter I would be more than willing to do so
We have had horses all our life's and we know how they react to...ELK..and ROAD RIDING
in traffic...
I have supplied Representative Casperson with Pictures of the PRC Please be sure to look at them
REPRESENTATIVE KEN HORNS REPLY TO MY LETTER
Thanks for this follow up Representative Ken Horn.
Representative District 94
THANK YOU TO THE HOUSE
COMMITTEE ON TOURISM
AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
HEARING!
This is our future this is what we Represent we are the Teachers as our fore fathers have taught us, how to be good stewards of Our land to Teach them about nature and what God has created for them to explore and Learn. This is why we are untied as one.
WE THE PEOPLE the Future Horsemen of AMERICA!
Mr Dick Kleinhardt interview to the house reporter
Gongwer Wednesday May 14
No More Horse Riding Off Pigeon River Trails
Last week Dick Kleinhardt found out he would be an outlaw if he kept riding horses on remote trails in the Pigeon River Country State Park.
On May 8, Department of Natural Resources Director Rebeca Humphries signed a land use order that restricted horse riding and camping in the 118,000 acre park that is home to the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi.
For the last 20 years Mr. Kleinhardt has hauled his horses to Pigeon River to ride with his children and grandchildren, who joined him and about 50 other citizens at a Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the restrictions.
"I think, frankly, it is discrimination," he told the committee. "Of the 12 legislative offices I spoke to about a week ago, only two of them had heard of the Pigeon River legislation," he said.
Speaking in support of the restriction, Department of Natural Resources Legislative Liaison Dan Eichinger said it was a balance that his department was looking to create. "The unregulated, off-trail riding is having an impact on the wildlife and the Pigeon River," he said. "Many of us agree that the Pigeon River is being loved to death."
There is still 280 miles of trail available for horseback riders in the Pigeon River area, according to the DNR. But those 280 miles are limited to part of the Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail, county roads, open forest roads and open service trails. Riders had previously been advised not to travel outside of those roads and trails but no formal restrictions had been in place until they took effect on May 9. Much of the now-available trails are on roads with motor vehicle traffic.
Rep. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) asked Mr. Eichinger why the DNR had decided to hire a conservation officer after the regulation was in place.
"This is about horse riding going off the trail, yet you didn't hire a CO to deal with it (before), yet now you're hiring a CO after the riders can't go off the trails," asked Mr. Casperson.
Mr. Eichinger admitted the DNR had done a poor job on enforcing trail-riding rules, but said that enforcement had to happen along with regulation.
Amy Spray, resource policy specialist for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, said the new regulations would give teeth to what had been informal recommendations. "It's really the difference, if you're from local government, between planning and zoning," she said.
The MUCC supported the new restrictions and Ms. Spray said her organization is open to the idea of an access pass that would allow horse riders and others to contribute to buying and supporting land.
Of the Pigeon River's 118,000 acres, 53,000 acres were purchased with funds from hunting and fishing permits.
In order to qualify for federal Pittman-Robertson funds, Mr. Eichinger said that the DNR could not appear to use the Pigeon River lands for purposes other than hunting or wildlife management. "Lands purchased using hunting funds can only be used for hunting or wildlife management," he said.
He said the DNR was advised in a federal pre-audit report that $10.6 million the federal government had given recently could be revoked.
Following the meeting, Committee Chairman Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, said he wanted to talk with various committee members and had yet to hear from some interested parties, including the National Rifle Association. He said today's meeting was scheduled before the DNR order was signed and he would have preferred to have heard comment before then but would have to learn more before any potential legislative solutions could be examined.
"We may very well have another committee meeting on this," he said. "I'd like some time to sort through this."
MAY 13, 2008 HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TOURISM AND OUTDOOR RECREATION HEARING REGARDING THE PRC!
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee:
I would like to thank the members of this committee for the opportunity to testify today! As a veteran of this country I took the oath to protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy here in this country. This is the greatest country on the face of the earth. I’m proud of our brave young men and women who continue to defend our way of life and freedoms. We should not and can not forget the sacrifices that they make everyday, yes even with their lives! I’m speaking today on what I believe to be an abridgment of my rights to enjoy our land. This has become very personal for me, my friends and my family. I speak on behalf of my children, grandchildren and future generations. We have countless thousands of people backing our cause: 17,000 UPSA members, 20,000 MSA members and nearly 80,000 recreational equestrian trail riders. Our common concern is the continued further deprivation of the rights to use our land and our trail system. In the equine case it is a predestined intentionally exclusionary elitist agenda. This is blatant discrimination!!!!!!!!!!!
My family and I have ridden in the PRC for over 20 years. We enjoy the beauty and quietness of the forest with always the hope that we might see some Elk. We always go to one of the primitive remote sights to get away from hustle of everyday life. The 15 remote sights are scattered randomly throughout the vastness of the 118,000 acre forest. That equates to 7866 ac. / campsite which accommodates 2 horse rigs. This is hardly a negative environmental impact. I’m sad to say that in the past 5 years we’ve noticed more rhetoric and negativity towards us. I think PS Lovejoy would roll over if he knew how out of control this mandate is.
Teddy Roosevelt and FDR loved riding the land on horseback. It’s a quiet activity where one can connect with the land. It’s hard to comprehend the mindset of the vindictive individuals who no longer want to see horses in the PRC.
There is a litany of claims by the DNR that we’ve heard as to why this COM plan has to be signed (sooner rather than later). We have asked for verification with sound science based answers supporting their ludicrous claims but still have not received the information.
The truth is that a high level DNR official, Mr. Bill O’Neill, told me that they have had a lot of pressure from fringe groups and we’re asking you horse people to stay out of the PRC and ride the heck out of the other 400 and some odd thousand acres. That was an arrogant and insulting statement not only to me and my family but to the many fine folks I’ve met on the trail i.e. Dr.s, attorneys, bankers, truckers, construction and trade people along with fellow farmers. We are the very fabric of people in this state that makes Michigan tick! We are the people with larger land bases, mostly self-employed who are tax-paying, law abiding citizens. I guess you could call us FREEDOM LOVERS. We are pretty much outdoor people who also buy hunting and fishing licenses and hope to draw an Elk permit.
I’ve only had knowledge of this mandate since the end of March. I attended the DNR Rally April 5th, the NRC commission meeting on April 10th and had my wife and 5 others attend the PR Council meeting on April 11th. I’m glad they went. This venue offered 10 minutes of public comment where 3 of our folks voiced their opinions about camp closures and the dangers of road riding. They heard the discussion regarding having a year moratorium where at this meeting a council member, Dave Smethurst, stated that calmer heads should prevail, let’s do it once and do it right; he also expressed the dangers of 3 circle rides and asked what’s the big hurry? Prior to the vote, Deputy Director Mindy Koch stated that the horse input committee was in agreement with the new proposal: circle rides, camp closures as well as the closing of the random trails. The vote was taken and the year moratorium was defeated. I’ve now talked with all three that worked on the horse input committee and each said that they wanted a year moratorium, were opposed to camp closures, random trail closures, against the circle rides, and suggested that a reservation system be implemented if there is a concern about over-usage. This sounds like common sense!!! Again, as Dave said, what’s the hurry?
I’ve now spoken with 3 PR Council members to get a sense as to how all this came about so suddenly. Two voted for the year moratorium and one against!
Dave Smethurst informed me that he was the chair of the advisory committee that worked with the horse people. He told me that when he submitted their results, suddenly a steering committee usurped their work and reversed their recommendations. He felt disenfranchised and used. I’ve served on many boards and that is not how business is conducted. How can you possibly have a representative outcome when the deck is stacked against you?? From that point forward with a pre-destined outcome we basically were wasting our time with the comment periods and testifying at the NRC commission meetings. At the last meeting where 6 or 7 of our folks testified there was not 1 question asked of them! Why waste time when you’re mind is made up!
This whole deal does not sound like democracy in action!
In my 20 plus years of riding the Pigeon I’ve never had a user conflict; folks are cordial and respectful of the privilege and right to ride the Pigeon! The only conflict I’ve ever had has been with the DNR! The 15 remote sites are just that, remotely located! 118,000 acres divided by 15 = 7866 acres per campsite. That’s why I want to continue camping there! The original camp at Elk Hills was intentionally built for small rigs not the larger ones which seem to be the trend. But as Dave Smethurst stated: this new ruling is destined for failure; again you must remember that Dave has a lot of common sense! So much so that they couldn’t accept his committees recommendation.
The SPIN should cease!
According to Clay Taylor of Capitol News Service the index finger of Michigan’s Mitten is suffering a disproportionate high unemployment rate. Of the 10 highest increases in unemployment by county from 2006-2007; four of them Alpena, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle are in the northeast, according to the Michigan League for Human Services. These counties have seen food assistance increases from 15% to 40%. The Governor is always talking about ways to reinvigorate Michigan’s Tourism Industry; why then is there no consideration to the area businesses up there?? Towns like Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Onaway, Indian River, Cheboygan, Atlanta, Johannesburg and other town will be devastated by this order. When we travel to the Pigeon we drop money: Fuel, few groceries, restaurant and supplies. While up to the Pigeon a week ago I spoke to some area business people and they thought I was joking. They said that they depend on the horse people for their business particularly in the summer and fall months: They said they hadn’t heard anything about it? Again I ask, as Dave Smethurst asked, ‘" What’s the Hurry?" On page 35 of the COM draft it states that "It is critical to gain public support by fostering an increased awareness and understanding of the value and uniqueness of the PRC. Public support should be increased by regular communication with conservation groups, area businesses local government, private landowners and the general public.
In trying to organize our thoughts for this meeting I wanted to review the minutes of the PR Council meeting for January and April. They still are not posted! I wonder why; January was a long time ago!
I think that this period was somewhat contentious; I need the information, please!!
What about the impact to folks who have purchased land to enjoy riding out their back yard and into the Pigeon. On Thursday they were law abiding citizens, on Friday they were outlaws. The DNR simply doesn’t care about the "human impact"! What impact does it have to land values? The oppressive actions by the DNR are running out of control. It’s amazing that our legislators weren’t even aware of this boondoggle. Of the 12 legislative offices I spoke with only 8 weeks ago, only 2 had heard something about it. Lansing is broken and needs to be fixed. How long do you think the citizens of this state will continue to put up with this? You should have an oversight committee that keeps track of the DNR’s movements. There seems to be no accountability! We are tired of one-way mandates! Of the People, By the People, and most importantly For the People!! There should have been state wide hearings, economic impact study and input from diverse trail groups with grass roots involvement.
An intentionally exclusionary elitist agenda should never dictate to the masses; IT IS NOT AMERICAN!
Respectfully Submitted,Richard Kleinhardt
A big thank you for taking the time today to show up at the Hearing today. We did make a difference! We were so proud of everyone and so sad that all weren't heard but thanks just the same.
Congressional Cavalry program
No matter what legislation is introduced in the coming months, it will be important for the new Congress to hear from members of the horse industry. This is why the AHC, in cooperation with its member organizations, has launched a new grassroots initiative called the Congressional Cavalry program. All individual horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, or anyone who desire to join the grassroots efforts of the horse community in Washington, are encouraged to join. Through this free program the AHC will let you know when legislation that affects the horse industry is introduced and when and how to contact your members of Congress.
To sign up for this program call the AHC at 202/296-4031.