Friday, July 31, 2009

SAVING THE TREES

Linda has left a new comment on your post "New Member":
I am also a new member to Ride the River Kern...although I have been riding the river off and on for 40 years. I board at Rancho Notso Grande for the last year (love my new home!) and previously at Robertson's for 2 years...would like to comment on a couple of my concerns.
I ride almost daily so am fortunate to see the changes along the banks of the river. However one feels about the beaver activity - they are a part of the natural environment that we all enjoy so much when we ride. In the interest of co-habitating with these wonderful creatures wouldn't it be great to protect the trunks of the equally wonderful sycamore trees that line the banks of our precious riding area. We all have our favorites, but the sycamores are at the top of the food chain in my book. Rather than fret after the fact when one is gnawed and felled by a beaver can we be proactive and organize a group to nip it in the bud? Anyone interested in this endeavour?
My other concern - hazards on the trail - whether they be pieces of wire or broken glass - what are the rules and regs concerning taking a non-motorized vehicle (golf cart) and picking up some of these hazards? Should signs be posted to warn riders that there is a vehicle on the trail, etc. etc. Input please...
Ed. Note: Hi Linda, how's that new horse doing? (actually it's probably been a year...) I agree about the trees, I'm sure this has been a subject of discussion with the Panorama Preserve group (which is why we should all support them). Maybe we will get a response here, if not, I'll try to contact someone "in the know". But I agree, at least a sizeable number should be identified and protected. My experience with beavers is that they target young trees with trunks or limbs under three inches in circumference. The older, larger trees do get hit if the limbs are low to the ground. (This is NOT a scientific fact, just observation from an untrained eye.)
Regarding the motorized vehicle, again we need to contact someone from the PP but I've been told that cleanups have to be cleared through the PP. This might seem like it's silly, (I mean who wouldn't want someone to go help cleanup?!), but I think it effects their ability to negotiate grants, funds, and liability.
I have posted designated clean up days in the past and will post again when I hear of one coming up. For small things, we will just continue to hop off our horses and bring it home. Thanks for your concern.

Friday, July 24, 2009

FUNDING FOR TRAILS

I found this information on Horsecity.com regarding funding for trails. I'm concerned about the bridge in Hart park, it has been "out of order" for several months. Perhaps an equestrian group could raise some funds and we could pay for it. I'll try to contact the Park authorities next week and find out how much it would cost. In the meantime, here's the information regarding federal funds for local trails...
Recreational Trails Program Up for Reauthorization
Posted on Horsecity.com: Thursday, May 7, 2009
The American Horse Council (AHC) is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administrations Recreational Trails Program. If Congress does not take action this year this program could no longer be available to recreational riders.
The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last re-authorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, this law is about to expire. The RTP will have to be re-authorized in the next national surface transportation program bill if it is to continue.
Since its inception the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails.
Although each state manages its own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% percent on multiuse projects.
The RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land. The program is a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks, said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass.
In the coming months Congress is expected to begin work on the next 5 year highway bill. The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users is requesting that Congress not only re-authorized the RTP, but also increase funding for the program to $555 million to be spent over the five years of the bill.
The AHC urges recreational riders to contact their members of Congress to voice support for this program. This is a great program and I hope equestrians will take the time to call or write their Representatives and Senators and let them know this program is important to the horse community, said AHC President Jay Hickey.

Friday, July 10, 2009

UPCOMING EVENTS

This is a re-post of summer events, but I wanted to move it to the top:

July 15th: ETI Corral 65 meeting at Cataldo's on Stockdale Hwy at 7 p.m.

July 18th: Cowboy Race Murrieta, CA (951) 677-5985 This sounds FUN!!!

July 26th, Sunday: Mt. Pinos Day Ride and lunch: ETI Corral 65 contact Helen (661) 837-2766 sorry, wrong date was listed earlier... the correct date is Sunday.

July 25-27: Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia) Are you a "packer"? Call the Sequoia Unit and help pack into the backcountry. ACE stands for American Conservation Experience, where students from around the world literally pay to come work on volunteer projects across the US.

July 26th: "Rancho Rio Open Horse Show Buckle Series" contact Joy at joygirado555@yahoo.com

August 1: Day Ride with Kern Sierra Unit (more information to follow)

August 6-9: Maggie Lakes Work Project. contact Joy (661) 399-3603 (Kern sierra Unit) Do you like packing or riding into the backcountry and want to help preserve our access? Call Joy.

August 9: "Rancho Rio Open Horse Show Buckle Series" contact Joy at joygirado555@yahoo.com

August 8-10: Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia Unit)

August 22-24: Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia Unit)

September 24-28: Montano de Oro Camp and Ride: contact Crystal (559) 972-4299 Join the Sequoia BCHC unit at beautiful Montano de Oro.

Local Stables

I'm back from vacation! It was cool at the coast, but I still love Bakersfield...
I recently received an email from an "out of towner" interested in finding a stable. It made me think that it would be a good idea to establish a list of local stables, so here's a beginning (very incomplete, I'd love to have more added. If you know of one, or would like to send a description of the amenities I will add that. I will not get into "ratings" because there is always someone who loves a facility and someone else who hates it...)

Robertson Stables: Corner of Manor and Roberts Lane 393-2976
Rancho Rio Stables: 5320 Peacock Park Lane 395-0213
Silverado Stables: 4600 Alfred Harrell Hwy. (Next to Ethel's) 872-9462
Rio Bravo Equestrian Center: East of Lake Ming 872-5050
River Oak Stables: 7931 Garrin Road 834-4985
Shady Grove Riding Club: 10811 Muller Road 363-6959
Triple C Ranch Horse Hotel: 5818 South Fairfax 845-6937 website: www.crittercleaners.com
Valley Tree Ranch: 843 Moon Ranch St. 589-8704
On the Go Farm: 4500 Cosmo 872-7147
Banner Farms Inc.: 2707 South Fairfax Road 366-2128

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Day Ride to Griffith Park

I just got my newsletter from ETI and they have added a ride to Griffith Park on July 12th. Contact Laura at 366-1390 if you would like to join up and ride.

UPDATE on Aera staging area

The staging/parking area at Stockdale and Jewetta is adjacent (part of?) the Aera baseball field: Marci Cunningham has been following the developments of this area and has the following update:
The Aera Park staging area is still a work in progress. There will be equestrian access at the opposite end from the bridge as soon as additional fencing is installed to keep people out of the canals. The KC Water Agency just met last week to discuss this access and fencing so it will take some time for it to get installed. This access will be adjacent to the double gate so there will be no need for horses to go across the bridge. However I felt comfortable riding my Arabian horse across the bridge even with its proximity to Stockdale and the posts at either end of the bridge. Signage will be placed on the fence indicating horse trailer parking only and the turn around will have no parking signs placed in it. I think those who tie their horse on the park side of their trailer will always need to be aware of vehicles and people since there will often be kids playing baseball. Carolyn Belli asked that the city stripe the length of the trailer parking area to allow for some separation but it won't be much more that a couple of feet off the edge of the asphalt. Keep up the good work with this blog as it is a great way to disemminate information.