Michigan Horsemen P.L.U
THE RIGHT TO RIDE
Picket Line Letters
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POSTED: July 11, 2008 on: DNR facing uphill battle
ESCANABA - Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries had a positive outlook on the future of citizens' advisory councils during a visit to Escanaba this week. State Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, was decidedly less positive Thursday.
"They misled us, and now they're trying to candy-coat it with an advisory group to make everybody feel good," he said.
Humphries said earlier this week that the department hopes twin councils in the eastern and western U.P. will meet for the first time later this month.
The structure for the bodies was discussed in a pair of formative meetings in May. Casperson attended both events, one in Marquette and the other in Newberry.
Humphries said she "didn't catch a lot of people with chips on their shoulder or anything like that." Casperson said, though the Newberry meeting was relatively calm, there were people "very concerned about the mistrust" in Marquette.
The work groups were administered by non-DNR personnel, and Casperson said Humphries and other DNR staff excused themselves from the room during the work group period "to not intimidate anybody."
One man who spoke at the meetings, Don Seymour, talked about an experience he had working with a DNR advisory council in Delta County in the 1960s. That group disbanded after three years because the department didn't adopt its recommendations or respond to its concerns.
"If we don't hear feedback when they discuss these things, even a couple of times a year, we are for naught," Seymour said, as reported by the Marquette Mining Journal.
Both he and some sportsmen at the meeting expressed concern about how council members will be chosen. The DNR Web site says members will be chosen from "core constituent groups, department representatives, and Natural Resources Commission representatives."
Casperson also said he thinks the department is again failing to act in good faith.
The DNR recently enacted strict limits on horseback riding in the Pigeon River State Forest downstate, he said. State law prohibits riding a horse or pack animal except on roads, trails, paths and campgrounds designated for such use.
Riders were using the 180-square mile area for cross-country rides.
Casperson said the potential loss of federal funds was one reason quoted to him for the move. He said the DNR didn't provide any information when legislators investigating the issue asked for more information on the decision-making process leading to the rule change.
When Casperson went to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), it produced a letter to the DNR dated June 26 saying an audit was done and the FWS determined the state may be in violation of federal statutes if it allowed cross-country riding.
About 12 acres of the forest area were purchased with funds supplied via the federal Pittman-Robertson Act, which is derived from taxes on hunting supplies. The DNR believes the act requires them to use the funds on hunting and hunter education.
Because of the relatively recent response, Casperson says the letter's origins are rather fishy.
"In my opinion, Becky Humphries and the (FWS) department person that gave us the letter, worked together to provide this letter," he said.
Casperson said the DNR has provided no paper trail on the Pigeon River issue, which will hurt its efforts to regain the trust of Michigan sportsmen.
"Where do they plan on getting the trust of the people, doing that kind of stuff?" he said.
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Representative Sheltrown, Chairman,
Unfortunately, one major and fast-growing user group was not represented on either the 10-person Steering Committee appointed by the MDNR or on any of the 7 subcommittees. There were no equestrians. None at all. Equestrian interests were, therefore, not seriously considered in the review and modifications to the Concept of Management Plan for the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
The MHC did not know anything about the changes proposed to the Concept of Management Plan until November 2007, too late to have meaningful input into the Plan. When word finally got out, there was a barrage of objections filed, the majority by equestrians, and the DNR decided to establish a Work Group to provide additional comments related to cycle and equestrian uses. This Work Group consisted of representatives from the equestrian and mountain bike users groups (3 each), the PRC Advisory Council, the PRC Association, hunting, fishing and trapping user groups, Resource Stewards, and the DNR. It met twice at the Pigeon. My understanding of the problem related to horses is that for about three weeks in the fall, during the elk rutting season in mid-September/early October, there is a major influx of equestrians who ride out and about to view this spectacle. During the rest of the year, the number of equestrians riding in the Pigeon is not a problem.
As a result of the Work Group meetings, the Plan now includes three new loops for equestrians out of the Elk Hill Campground, and, while better than nothing, it's about the only concession that was made to equestrians. Rejected was the suggestion to keep most service roads open to equestrians, even though no real justification was given for closing them to horses. Rejected were several less restrictive measures proposed to address the issue. Rejected was the request to study the problem for a year before taking any action so as to arrive at a less radical solution for handling the glut of riders during that brief time in the fall, as well as to address any other management or environmental concerns that might be identified during that time. The DNR also rejected out-of-hand recently-published peer-reviewed scientific studies that conclude the presence of horses on the trails were not responsible for the spread of invasive non-native species.
The DNR's new order takes horses off all but a very select few of the Pigeon's service roads (equestrians are allowed only on those service roads needed to complete the three new loops referenced below). All off-trail riding is strictly prohibited. Horses are confined to the shore to shore trail, forest roads that are marked for equestrian use and public roads. In addition, a few select service road sections and 2-track forest roads are combined to create three new loops for horses out of the Elk Hill campground. The Johnson*s Crossing Trail Campground remains open for equestrian use. The 10 Elk Hill campsites that are in the Equestrian Campground proper have been retained, but the 6 outlying campsites at Elk Hill have been closed
One issue for consideration is whether the National Environmental Procedures Act (NEPA) is applicable to the state's management of lands acquired with Pittman Robertson Act funds and, if applicable, the legality of closing trails to equestrians on lands purchased with these federal funds without compliance with NEPA's requirements, which include an environmental impact analysis.
Even if NEPA is held not to be applicable, I believe Michigan citizens (and ultimately Michigan's tourism economy) would benefit from a state law that requires the MDNR to have a procedure similar to that in NEPA, including conducting an environmental impact analysis, before it can close recreational trails on state lands to equestrians (or any other user group, for that matter).
As I understand it, it is the DNR's position that the general rule is that lands purchased all or partially with Pittman Robertson Act funds are not open to equestrians (or any other user group except perhaps hikers) unless as a designated special exception, and that such special exception designation can be removed at any time. I find no such broad hard-and-fast restriction in the Pittman Robertson Act, nor does the Act require lands contiguous, but not purchased with Pittman Robertson Act funds, to be managed as if they had been. My understanding of DNR policy is that it requires both Pittman Robertson and all contiguous public lands to be managed as if they were all purchased by Pittman Robertson funds, or so I was told in the Pigeon River Country Work Group meeting.
It is the Michigan Horse Council's position that any state administrative rules that make it the general rule to exclude equestrians on Pittman Robertson Act lands should be regarded as unnecessarily restrictive, unless such an exclusion is supported by a NEPA or other review that includes an environmental impact analysis. For example, scientific evidence does not support the position of the DNR that horses spread invasive non-native plant species. Nor is the use of horses on Michigan trails -- even remote, back-country trails -- incompatible with the protection of fish and wildlife. The general rule should be that horses, just as hikers, shall be permitted on all Michigan trailways unless there is some cognizable reason for their exclusion. And there should be a procedure similar to NEPA's with which the state is required to comply in making that determination.
The results of the 2007 Equine Survey recently completed clearly demonstrates how very economically important this industry is to the state, both as a part of agriculture and in the tourism industry. Pigeon River Country State Forest is a vacation destination for trail riders both from inside and outside of Michigan. The recent restrictions placed on equestrians by the MDNR is not supportable under any reasonable impact analysis and will likely have a discernible negative impact on the PRCSF as a travel destination for equestrians. If the DNR applies such unfounded discrimination against equestrians to other state recreational lands, whether by ignorance or by influence of competing user groups, the considerable tourism dollars equestrians spend in Michigan will increasingly go elsewhere.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Jean Ligon,
Chair, Legislative, Land Use & Environmental Committee
Michigan Horse Council
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Dear Ms Laimon,
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PRC TRAIL CLOSERS
Reply from : State Senator MC Manus
May 22,2008
Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts and concerns regarding Pigeon River Country State Forest. I appreciated hearing from you.
I have been in contact with the Department of Natural Resources and will continue to follow any new developments about the temporary closure to equestrian trails and bicycling opportunities within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Unfortunately, I do not sit on the Senate Natural Resources Committee where this issue would be taken up for discussion.
However, it is my understanding that Representative Sheltrown will be holding a hearing in the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee in the near future. Below, I have included contact information for his office and I will continue to work on this issue with the Honorable Representative from the 103rd district.
Representative Sheltrown
S-1387 Anderson Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909
e-mail: Dist103@house.mi.gov
Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of future assistance with any state government question, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Michelle A. McManus
State Senator
35th District
The following letter was written
DNR regulates use of Pigeon River Country State Forest
http://alpenanow.com/news/2008/may/19/dnr-regulates-use-pigeon-river-country-state-fores/
A land use order has been signed which was designed to retain the wild character of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, while managing the use of the forest by multiple groups.
The order regulates equestrian camping and riding, and bicycling within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The restrictions are needed to implement and enforce the recommendations outlined in the recently updated Pigeon River County Concept of Management.
Under the order, both horseback riding and bicycling is being confined to certain areas of the forest. A link to the management plan is available on DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrpigeonriver.
(Comments can be posted at this site.)
The following is a brief recap of the NRC Commission held on May 8, 2008 where
Director Humphries signed the Land Use Orders for the revised Concept of Management.
DNR Director Signs Land Use Order To Regulate Pigeon River Country State Forest
Outdoor News Daily / May 9, 2008 (Author Unknown) http://outdoornewsdaily.com/index.php/archives/3758
A land use order designed to retain the wild character of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, while managing the use of the forest by multiple groups, was signed by DNR Director Rebecca Humphries at Thursday’s Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.
The order regulates equestrian camping and riding, and bicycling within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The restrictions are needed to implement and enforce the recommendations outlined in the recently updated Pigeon River County Concept of Management. A link to the Concept of Management is available online to read on the DNR’s Web site.
Camping with horses or other riding or pack animals will be restricted under the land use orders to the Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp, and Johnson’s Crossing Trail Camp.
Trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals will be
restricted to certain roads and pathways. A person riding or leading a
horse, other riding animal or pack animal will be restricted to the
north spur of the Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail; a county road; a
forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River
Country State Forest access map; or a service trail road posted open by
the DNR, providing over 280 miles of riding opportunities.
Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country will be restricted to the High
Country Pathway, the Shingle Mill Pathway and the Pickerel Lake Pathway;
a county road; a state forest road designated and illustrated as open on
the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map, providing 300 miles
for bicycling.
“These land use orders will help us preserve the wild character of
this particular area and will help the department achieve greater
compatibility with federal grant fund requirements associated with the
acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country,” Humphries
said. “These regulations will allow for many different outdoor
enthusiasts to enjoy the Pigeon River Country while keeping with the
original intent of ‘the Big Wild,’ and that is to preserve the
natural and wild character of this special part of Michigan.”
Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
May 9, 2008
A land use order designed to retain the wild character of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, while managing the use of the forest by multiple groups, was signed by DNR Director Rebecca Humphries at Thursday’s Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.
The order regulates equestrian camping and riding, and bicycling within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The restrictions are needed to implement and enforce the recommendations outlined in the recently updated Pigeon River County Concept of Management. A link to the Concept of Management is available online to read on the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrpigeonriver.
Camping with horses or other riding or pack animals will be restricted under the land use orders to the Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp, and Johnson’s Crossing Trail Camp.
Trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals will be restricted to certain roads and pathways. A person riding or leading a horse, other riding animal or pack animal will be restricted to the north spur of the Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail; a county road; a forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map; or a service trail road posted open by the DNR, providing over 280 miles of riding opportunities.
Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country will be restricted to the High Country Pathway, the Shingle Mill Pathway and the Pickerel Lake Pathway; a county road; a state forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map, providing 300 miles for bicycling.
“These land use orders will help us preserve the wild character of this particular area and will help the department achieve greater compatibility with federal grant fund requirements associated with the acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country,” Humphries said. “These regulations will allow for many different outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the Pigeon River Country while keeping with the original intent of ‘the Big Wild,’ and that is to preserve the natural and wild character of this special part of Michigan.”
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
DNR needs to start helping horse riders, too
by Howard Meyerson | The Grand Rapids Press
Friday May 02, 2008, 8:52 AM http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2008/05/dnr_needs_to_start_helping_hor.html
(Comments can be posted on this article at the above link.)
Two weeks ago, I wrote that the DNR's decision to restrict horse use in the 112,953-acre Pigeon River Country State Forest was a fair one, that the agency was correct in its desire to recapture some of the forest's wild feeling by limiting where horses, mountain bikers and snowmobilers could go.
That hasn't changed.
What has changed is my sense of how much the DNR needs to do to reasonably accommodate horseback riders, particularly those they are encouraging to ride on state lands other than the PRCSF.
They need to do it pronto.
The decisions go to the Natural Resources Commission next week for final approval. If all goes as expected, equestrians will no longer be able to go cross-country in that forest. They will be required to stick to about 270 miles of two-track, forest road and county road there.
That's no small number, by any stretch, but vehicular traffic is allowed on a fair amount of it and riding horses on roads, even low volume traffic roads, is not like riding cross-country where there is no traffic.
"We've gone from unlimited use and no rules, in our perception, to being shut down," said Bevin Clayton of Alpena. Clayton is an ER physician who likes to ride with his daughter. The Pigeon is where they ride.
"It appears to us that we've been told: 'We don't want you. We don't care about you,' " he said.
Difference of opinion
In part, that is because equestrians such as Clayton had hoped to have a year to work with the DNR to create a trail system where they might ride in the forest. Some hoped for a bridle fee system like ones in Wisconsin or Minnesota, which took in $176,000 from riders over the year, Clayton said.
"What we were asking for is to set rules and bridle fees, Clayton said. "But unfortunately, the way this was handled, was it was rammed down our throats."
Carrie Barr is another rider who would say the same. She lives near Lansing, works with 4H kids and enjoys riding the woods of the PRCSF. She rides with a small group regularly and is disappointed about the loss of access.
"I don't dispute the land needs to be managed," she said. "Nor that there are groups or individuals that misuse it. But my answer to that is that they need to be dealt with more harshly."
Maybe so. And maybe too late.
What I found significant in talking with both riders was the antipathy they had regarding the alternatives available to them.
The DNR has made it clear to the media in the past few weeks that riders are welcome to ride or camp on all other state's forests, almost 3.9 million acres in total.
Both knew of the 500-plus mile Shore to Shore Trail where horses have been allowed, but neither knew of the Black Mountain Recreation Area in Cheboygan County just north, which has 30 miles of trail open to horses, and horse camp nearby.
That's one of 64 state forest pathways in the lower and upper peninsulas where horses are allowed. Granted, several are too short to be worthwhile.
But equestrians are also allowed to ride cross-country and camp in those host forests. That also was not known. And judging from the tenor of the heated letters I received after that last column, it appears that many equestrians don't realize their options.
Perhaps with good reason. The information isn't there.
It isn't on the DNR Web site, nor printed in the DNR's Michigan Recreation & Camping Guide. That's the publication that lists state park and state forest camps, pathways and facilities. It specifies what activities are allowed in each.
A casual observer easily comes away believing that horseback riding is not allowed in most places where it is.
"To be honest, the public is not that aware that they are able to ride these pathways," said Robin Pearson, the DNR's recreation specialist in the Gaylord office. "I don't know why the brochure is set up that way, but it is something that isn't well known."
Visit the DNR website and you see that someone at the agency thought about providing clear and direct links to crucial information for campers, boaters, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, off-road vehicle uses, state park visitors, hunters, fishers and tourists.
But not horseback riders.
What there is -- and it took looking around quite a bit -- a list of places for horse use in southern Michigan. All are in state parks and recreation areas.
But how about information for riding up north, where those state forests are located?
Not a thing.
"We have some work to do, education-wise," Pearson said. "We need to help people learn that there are a multitude of places they can discover, ride and play besides the Pigeon River forest."
I'll say. And riders have a job to do, too.
The Pigeon River decision will most certainly feel like a door is closing, but the shakeup should make clear that another, even bigger one is opening. When riders are done being angry, hopefully they will see the same.
Forest plans prompt protest: Access to trails,
Hosted by Antrim Conservation District and various other sportsmen and conservation groups, the rally focused on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding finances and administrative management services.
According to Heidi Lang, Antrim Conservation District soil erosion officer who was one of the hosts, mostly “horse people” attended the standing-room-only forum.
Speakers discussed the DNR closing campsites and trails for horses and closing trails for hikers.
“That’s exactly right,” said Kathy Biernacki, a member of the Otsego County Mounted Division who was at the meeting.
According to a Natural Resources Commission (NRC) news release, a proposed land use order will be amended to address the public’s use of the Pigeon River Country State Forest at tomorrow’s, NRC meeting in Lansing.
The order, which will be reviewed for information only, will discuss how multiple users can enjoy recreation in the 118,000-acre state forest tract. (See related story.)
According to the release, the order will address:
• camping with horses, other riding or pack animals;
• trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals; and,
• bicycling.
Eric Isaacson of Grayling, Northern Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association president was an important part of the decision making for the land use order.
According to Isaacson, representatives from user groups, mountain bicyclists, equestrians, biologists, naturalists, a large cross reference of people, spent two weeks working with the DNR mapping and figuring out these restricted areas.
A facilitator from Michigan State University, organized the 16-18 attendees of the Pigeon River Country work group.
“The Pigeon River Forest is the most unique piece of state-owned property in the country,” said Isaacson. “We have to be very careful of where users can go.”
According to Isaacson, a couple of campgrounds were closed for budgetary reasons. He believes there was no cause for Saturday’s rally, which he did not attend.
“Normally you have a handful of people who ruin it for everybody,” he said.
Though Isaacson hasn’t always agreed with decisions made by the DNR, he’s pleased with the updated land use order.
“This time I think they (DNR) really listened to the user groups,” he said.
However, Lang contested, when the DNR closed the Pinney Bridge State Campground in Jordan River, North Country Trail Association offered to completely maintain the campsite, Lang maintained.
“They (DNR) said no,” she said.
Lang doesn’t blame the field personnel for the changes; she holds the upper echelon for these “policies and procedures.”
“We don’t have adequate field staff,” said Lang.
Following the meeting, the Antrim Conservation District has been inundated with telephone calls from concerned citizens asking “What’s next?” she said.
“People are pretty concerned, pretty upset,” said Lang. “We’re thinking of doing a meeting in Lansing, probably soon.”
Though she’s not looking for 1,000 people to rally in Lansing, Lang said the next step is to gather everyone together — “a dozen people who represent all of the groups.”
“We need the people in Lansing to understand that we need change,” she said. “Our natural resources depend on it.”
Though the majority in attendance at Saturday’s meeting were citizens with interest in horses, Biernacki said she felt like a lot of their questions went unanswered.
“There was nothing really definite set,” she said. “Have they shut down the trails? Are they going to shut down the trails? Who do we contact?”
Biernacki was pleased with the turnout of horse riders.
Contact Jil Schult at 748-4518 or jil@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
Natural Resources Commission to review Pigeon River plan
The order will be considered for action by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Rebecca Humphries at the May meeting of the NRC.
“I recently approved the Pigeon River Country State Forest concept of management that attempts to accommodate multiple users and their interests, while protecting the wild beauty of the area,” said Humphries. “This concept is a management framework for current and future recreation in the Pigeon River Country, and is the result of a variety of user groups who worked with us to resolve concerns. I appreciate the efforts of all these groups.”
The land use order, which will be reviewed for information only at the April NRC meeting, addresses three specific recreational aspects of the Pigeon River Country State Forest: camping with horses, other riding or pack animals; trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals; and bicycling. (See related story.)
“These regulations are necessary so that multiple recreational users can enjoy the Pigeon River Country State Forest with minimal conflict,” Humphries said. “They are also necessary to protect the wild character of the area, and for the DNR to remain in compliance with federal grant fund requirements associated with the acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country.”
Humphries said it is important to note that recreational activities can still be enjoyed in the Pigeon River Country, but that they will be restricted to certain areas.
“We want to accommodate the users who have enjoyed this area, and who have helped through volunteer efforts to maintain it,” Humphries said. “But we also wanted to make sure that the Pigeon River Country remains the ‘Big Wild’ for recreational activities that have been enjoyed for decades, such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding and bicycling. This state forest area belongs to the public, and we are charged with best managing it for multiple public recreational uses.”
For more information on the proposed land use order, visit NRC section of the DNR’s Web site at
www.michigan.gov/nrc.
All materials for the April 10 meeting, including the proposed land use order, are available in the agenda for the meeting.
• Trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals will be restricted to certain roads and pathways. A person riding or leading a horse, other riding animal or pack animal will be restricted to the north spur of the Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail; a county road; a forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map; or a service trail road posted open by the DNR, providing over 280 miles of riding opportunities.
• Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country will be restricted to the High Country Pathway, the Shingle Mill Pathway and the Pickerel Lake Pathway; a county road; a state forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map, providing 300 miles for bicycling.
The Cheboygan News, April 8, 2008
NRC to decide limits on recreational use of Pigeon River Country trails
The meeting will discuss a land-use order drafted to give specific guidelines as to how the 118,000-acre Pigeon River Country could be used by the public, while still maintaining the wild character of the vast wilderness.
Although Thursday's meeting will discuss the land use order it will be for information only, a final decision on the land use order won't come until sometime in May.
“I recently approved the Pigeon River Country State Forest concept of management that attempts to accommodate multiple users and their interests, while protecting the wild beauty of the area,” said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. “This concept is a management framework for current and future recreation in the Pigeon River Country, and is the result of a variety of user groups who worked with us to resolve concerns. I appreciate the efforts of all these groups.”
The land-use order addresses three specific recreational aspects of the Pigeon River Country State Forest: Camping with horses, other riding or pack animals; trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals; and bicycling.
Under the regulations set in the pending land use order, camping with horses or other riding or pack animals will be restricted to the Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp, and Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp, noted DNR Press Secretary Mary Dettloff.
Trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals will also be restricted to specific roads and pathways.
A person riding or leading a horse, other riding animal or pack animal will be restricted to the north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail; a county road; a forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map; or a service trail road posted open by the DNR, explained Dettloff. This would provide over 280 miles of riding opportunities.
Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country will be restricted to the High Country Pathway, the Shingle Mill Pathway and the Pickerel Lake Pathway; a county road; a state forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map, providing 300 miles for bicycling.
“These regulations are necessary so that multiple recreational users can enjoy the Pigeon River Country State Forest with minimal conflict,” Humphries said. “They are also necessary to protect the wild character of the area, and for the DNR to remain in compliance with federal grant fund requirements associated with the acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country.”
Humphries said it is important to note that recreational activities can still be enjoyed in the Pigeon River Country, but that they will be restricted to certain areas.
“We want to accommodate the users who have enjoyed this area, and who have helped through volunteer efforts to maintain it,” she said. “But we also wanted to make sure that the Pigeon River Country remains the ‘Big Wild' for recreational activities that have been enjoyed for decades, such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding and bicycling. This state forest area belongs to the public, and we are charged with best managing it for multiple public recreational uses.”
For more information on the proposed land use order, visit NRC section of the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/nrc.
9 & 10 News
Right now people who ride bikes and horses can roam, for the most part, freely through the 118-thousand acre Pigeon River Country State Forest.
But the D.N.R is considering restricting different park users to designated areas.
9&10's Mona Nair and photojournalist Bridgette Pacholka spoke to one of many people upset about the proposal.
Record-Eagle
Proposal would set aside trails for bikers, riders
GAYLORD -- Changes could be in store for horseback riders and mountain bikers in the Pigeon River Country State Forest if state officials approve new proposed rules.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to keep horseback riders to certain trails and campgrounds, while setting aside other trails for bicyclists. Some forest users contend it will infringe on their right to traverse public land, but state officials say changes will benefit the forest.
DNR Director Rebecca Humphries will decide next month whether to adopt the proposal, after it was discussed Thursday at the Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.
Campers who travel by horseback may be restricted to just a couple of places in the forest, and could see a loss of 15 campsites. Also, only the northern spur of the Shore-to-Shore Riding Trail may be open to horseback riders, along with county roads, designated forest roads and certain service trails, for a total of about 280 miles.
That's a far cry from the wide open spaces where horseback riders currently meander in the 118,000-acre state forest.
"People who go there don't want to road ride. They want to be in the woods. They don't cause any more damage than the elk herd," said Connie Kleinhardt of Clare, who has ridden horses in the forest for 20 years.
It feels like the state is clamping down on horseback riders and doesn't want them there at all, she said.
That's not the case, but horse-riders can't run rampant, state officials said.
Lax enforcement there allowed horseback riders to grow accustomed to going cross-country and making unauthorized trails, said Mindy Koch, DNR resource management deputy.
"We know we need to get more control over the equestrian use. We know there's been some abuse, going cross-country and creating new bridle trails," she said.
Numerous trails of any type detract from the wild nature of the forest, which is specially managed to maintain that character and avoid resource degradation, Koch said.
"We're not trying to take anything away, but maintain the Pigeon as a special place," she said.
Also, biking in the forest could be restricted to the High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake pathways, plus county roads and designated state forest roads, for a total of about 300 miles.
"I think the new rules will work and accommodate everybody," said Eric Isaacsen of Grayling, president of the northern chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association.
Natural Resources Commission to Review Land Use Order For Pigeon River Country State Forest at April Meeting http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-45414_45416-188982--,00.html Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 | |
April 3, 2008 A proposed land use order will be amended to address the public's use of the Pigeon River Country State Forest at the April 10 Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing. The order will discuss how multiple users can enjoy recreation in the 118,000-acre state forest tract in northeast lower Michigan, while protecting the wild character of the Pigeon River Country. The order will be considered for action by Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries at the May meeting of the NRC. "I recently approved the Pigeon River Country State Forest concept of management that attempts to accommodate multiple users and their interests, while protecting the wild beauty of the area," said Humphries. "This concept is a management framework for current and future recreation in the Pigeon River Country, and is the result of a variety of user groups who worked with us to resolve concerns. I appreciate the efforts of all these groups." The land use order, which will be reviewed for information only at the April NRC meeting, addresses three specific recreational aspects of the Pigeon River Country State Forest: camping with horses, other riding or pack animals; trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals; and bicycling. Camping with horses or other riding or pack animals will be restricted under the land use orders to the Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp, and Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp. Trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals will be restricted to certain roads and pathways. A person riding or leading a horse, other riding animal or pack animal will be restricted to the north spur of the Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail; a county road; a forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map; or a service trail road posted open by the DNR, providing over 280 miles of riding opportunities. Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country will be restricted to the High Country Pathway, the Shingle Mill Pathway and the Pickerel Lake Pathway; a county road; a state forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map, providing 300 miles for bicycling. "These regulations are necessary so that multiple recreational users can enjoy the Pigeon River Country State Forest with minimal conflict," Humphries said. "They are also necessary to protect the wild character of the area, and for the DNR to remain in compliance with federal grant fund requirements associated with the acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country." Humphries said it is important to note that recreational activities can still be enjoyed in the Pigeon River Country, but that they will be restricted to certain areas. "We want to accommodate the users who have enjoyed this area, and who have helped through volunteer efforts to maintain it," Humphries said. "But we also wanted to make sure that the Pigeon River Country remains the 'Big Wild' for recreational activities that have been enjoyed for decades, such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding and bicycling. This state forest area belongs to the public, and we are charged with best managing it for multiple public recreational uses." For more information on the proposed land use order, please visit the NRC section of the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/nrc. All materials for the April 10 meeting, including the proposed land use order, are available in the agenda for the meeting. for current and future generations.
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http://www.blogsmonroe.com/expatriate/2008/04/13/outdoor-news-digest-parks-edition/
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
AGENDA
November 8, 2007
Diagnostic Center or Population and Animal Health
4125 Beaumont Road
Lansing
If you would like further information on Agenda items or would like to address the Commission, please contact Teresa Gloden at 517-373-2352, or e-mail: glodent@michigan.gov
NOTE from Michigan Horse Council:
http://www.greatlakeshorsesports.com/pages/politics.html
Important meeting on equestrian and recreational trails on May 13.
The house committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources is having a meeting on May 13 on changes in recreational access (including the reduction of equestrian access) to the Pigeon River Country. The meeting is at 10:30 a.m. in Room 521 of the House Office Building. The House Office Building is located at 124 N. Capitol Ave.; Lansing, MI. Those who cannot attend can email the chairperson of the committee : Rep. Sheltrown at joelsheltrown@house.mi.gov to let him hear your thoughts on the Pigeon River Country reduction of horse trails and camping and on a reduction of horse trails generally. Rep Casperson is the minority party vice chair. He is from the UP and is a strong supporter of citizen's rights to recreation in state owned lands. You could also email him at tomcasperson@house.mi.gov. It is important that the equestrians' voice is heard. If you are a trail rider, please take the time to write if you cannot attend.
Thank you
Marilyn Graff, MHC Communications Chair
The Concept of Management in the Pigeon River Country has closed all horseback riding trails except for one trail through the PRC that is maintained by the Michigan Trail Riders. The PRC has stated that we can ride on vehicle access roads. In addition, they have closed all offsite camping within the PRC. There were 15 offsites within 113,000 acres.
We are very concerned about the safety of riding roads shared by vehicles. In addition, this will effectively limit horseback riding within this forest.
We are asking your support to contact the governor and express your support for horseback riding within the PRC. We ask that you request that horseback riding be allowed on two track roads, fire lanes and ability to cross berms in order to go from one two track to another. We ask that you request the DNR to maintain designated trails within the PRC and include several existing loop trails for riding.
We ask that you remind the Governor of the positive economic impact horses and horseback riding has on Michigan.
Please send your responses by April 8th.
This is a link directly to the Governors’ office. It is called Share your opinion. It is very easy to fill out. Please consider including this link in your forwarding emails as well as using the address below in sending letters to the Governor at her office in Lansing:
http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0
Mailing address:
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, PO Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909
This is the email for letters to be sent to the DNR glodent@michigan.gov Teresa Gloden
The next NRC meeting is April 8th so letters and emails sent before then would be great. Chris said she heard the horse and bike sections will not see final action until May but we don’t know that for sure, so write now before April meeting and write again before May meeting
It is still not too late to make a voice be heard. See below for ideas for your letter writing. Help us to make an impact. Numbers count-even if you do not actively ride in the Pigeon River area — Limited access for riding will continue to be an issue throughout the state. Save a place for us and our children.
Pari pgreene@agh.org
Weekly Choice.com Hundreds attend Gaylord rally to demand government accountability http://www.weeklychoice.com/site/content/News/News_Item.asp?content_ID=472 “This is a government by the people and for the people; if we don’t get involved, changes won’t be made.” -- Heidi Lang of the Antrim Conservation District  GAYLORD – Several hundred people packed the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gaylord on Saturday to express frustration about the direction they see the state government taking. The people who attended the rally were mostly part of “user groups” affected by recent regulations implemented by the Department of Natural Resources or the Department of Environmental Quality, or both state agencies.   “Sticking together is the way to get things done,” Casperson told those in attendance, drawing cheers. Heidi Lang, a soil erosion officer with the Antrim Conservation District, seemed to speak for many in the crowd when she said change was needed at the state level. Lang expressed personal frustration in dealing with what she termed government bureaucracy. It used to be that Lang could work directly with DNR and DEQ field personnel to fix problems relating to soil conversation and other environmental issues in Antrim County. Because of recent changes “at the top level,” Lang is no longer able to work directly with field personnel. The result has been a negative impact on natural resources.  “In the end, there was two feet of shoreline lost,” she said. “We could have had the right fix in a timely manner and it didn’t happen.” Lang said that “common sense, science and a commitment to natural resources” must be employed to repair the present disconnect between people and the state government. There were several issues brought up at the meeting by people representing various user groups. The issue of the transporting of waste from Bay Harbor to a deep injection well east of Alba was among the top button topics brought up by several people at the rally. A topical issue of concern for people in Otsego County is a proposal by the DNR to limit horseback riders to certain trails within the Pigeon River State Forest.  Elizabeth Edwards, a member of the Michigan Trail Riders Association, spoke emotionally about some of the changes that have taken place in the state forest. She related tales of taking her children and grandchildren on horseback through the trails since the 1970s and seeing things like a fawn being born or coming upon bull elk in a clearing. “If the trails are restricted, these are things the kids won’t see,” said Edwards, who was visibly crying. Carol Hyzer, a retired state employee and an MTRA member who resides in Grayling, noted that the MTRA spent more than $200,000 to build campsite at locations within the state forest that were chosen by the DNR. Hyzer said she personally helped to build many of the campgrounds along with fellow trail riders. Now the DNR is closing some of those sites. Hyzer said the decision by the DNR will be costly in terms of tourism dollars. “We have people who come from Missouri, Kentucky and other states every year to use these trails,” she told reporters after the meeting. “If they restrict the use of the trails and reduce the number of campgrounds, the people will stop coming. They have a number of alternatives. They don’t have to come here and spend their money.”  Tomaski added that “restricting the use of natural resources has served a select few at the expense of many,” drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd. One dissenting voice at Saturday’s rally was that Mike Brown of Gaylord. Though Brown is not a member of the Pigeon River Advisory Council, he attends their meetings and has kept himself abreast of the current developments. Brown told those at Saturday’s meeting that the proposals by the DNR were not made without research and input. The proposed changes have been the result of a process that has taken nearly three years. During that time, there have been a number of different committees formed and the DNR has sought feedback from the public, including trail riders. An MTRA member from Alpena is a part of the advisory council, Brown added, and she was asked to “spread the word and find out what the people think.” Brown also noted that from the beginning there been regulations in place governing the use of trails within the Pigeon River, even if those regulations have not always been enforced. Rory Mattson of the Delta Conservation District in the Upper Peninsula was one of the featured speakers at Saturday’s rally. Mattson was a driving force behind a similar rally that was held in Marquette where 400 people were in attendance.  “The goal is transparency in finances and the management agenda within these two agencies,” Mattson told reporters after the meeting, referring to the DNR and the DEQ. The Gaylord rally was the second meeting in a series of meetings planned at various locations in Michigan. According to the Outspoken Sportsman website, the purpose of the meetings is “unite all the user groups interested in the protection and management of our Natural Resources.” “People want to know where their dollars are being spent,” Meriwether said, adding that the state raises user fees and reduces services at the same time, causing resentment and frustration among many state residents. If these concerns aren’t addressed, tourism will be negatively affected. “This is a government by the people and for the people; if we don’t get involved, changes won’t be made,” Lang said. “If we come together with one voice, maybe we can make a difference.” | |||||
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