HOUSE MEASURE AIMS TO REOPEN HORSE TRAILS

All state land that was open to horse and pack animal use before May 2008 would be reopened under legislation in the Michigan House sponsored by Rep. Tim Moore.

"Michigan's government bureaucrats need to start working in unison, because on the one hand we're building up our tourism efforts and championing all the great recreation opportunities our state has to offer but then the next day those facilities are being shut off from public use," said Moore, R-Farwell. "The horse trails through Michigan's public lands are a long-standing, historical tradition, with a dedicated segment of residents and out-of-state visitors who work cooperatively with other users of the facilities to bring substantial economic benefits to those regions.
"To help our economy, there should be more trails in a comprehensive system, not a patchwork of fewer areas."

Last summer the Department of Natural Resources closed a number of horse trails throughout the state as part of its multi-use recreation management decisions. House Bill 4610 not only reopens those paths, but also calls for the state to establish a pack animal trail network in Michigan by August 2009.

The bill is under consideration by the House Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources.
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