The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, now commonly known as ELCR, was founded in 1997 by a group of concerned horse people who recognized that loss of open land is the greatest threat to the future of all equestrian sport, recreation, and industry.

In 1996, members of the United States Pony Club’s Task Force for the 21st Century identified loss of land and access as the greatest threat to the future of that organization because its core curriculum emphasizes riding in the open. Out of that committee came the founders of ELCR. Initially, they worked through The Conservation Fund, a highly-respected conservation organization, which designated ELCR as one of its programs. In January of 1999, ELCR became an independent 501(c)(3) organization with its own offices and staff. Since that time, ELCR has become the national organization to preserve land and promote access for all types of equestrian use. It is governed by a Board of Directors and greatly assisted by numerous volunteers from across the country who are helping to further ELCR’s goals.

ELCR was founded with the belief that the loss of open land is a great and urgent threat to the future of equestrian activities throughout this country, and that there is a serious need to take action to preserve land for equestrian use. From its inception, ELCR has recognized that if equestrians are to be successful in the effort to stem the loss of open space, they must take two important steps:

1. Embrace a land conservation focus by educating themselves with regard to key issues and processes related to land conservation, and by making land conservation part of the mission of equestrian organizations.
2. Establish partnerships with individuals and groups outside of their own equestrian constituency, particularly with those groups that represent the conservation community.

Disseminating information may be the most valuable service ELCR provides. In addition to cabinets and computer files full of information, ELCR has published several helpful guides to assist with specific circumstances. Of course, the office staff is always available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide networking assistance.

As ELCR has grown, the need for the services it provides individuals and groups across the country has also grown. Many people simply do not know where to turn or what to do when faced with zoning battles, encroaching development, trail closures, or the like. What ELCR does is help them find the ways and means to be effective. The master planning process, organization, conservation easements, smart growth planning, and other tools can all be used to benefit horse owners while providing a means of successfully coping with sprawl. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel. Land loss, particularly for equestrian use, is a n ational problem: without places to ride and keep horses, there will be no equestrian sport, recreation, or industry. There is hope, but solutions must involve individual action. No one is going to look out for the interests of horsemen except horsemen. And there is help, but action and success requires personal involvement.

 

We look forward to seeing you at this month's NVCEO open networking meeting.  Please encourage others in your organizaiton and circle of influence to attend this very important meeting for our horse community in Northern Virginia.

 

Jeff