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  • Founded: Feb 27, 2007
  • Language: English
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#293 From: Barbara Sollner-Webb <bsollne1@...>
Date: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:43 pm
Subject: please help preserve our riding privileges at Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) in Laurel 		bsollne1@...
Send Email Send Email
  
Many of us enjoy riding at "North Tract" in Laurel.  It is especially nice
when the ground is too wet to ride on other local trails, for the horse's hooves
do not harm the sturdy dirt roads at this Refuge.
    As you may know, North Tract is part of the Patuxent Research Refuge which is
administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.  And the US Fish & Wildlife
Service generally does not allow riding on their lands.  Furthermore, the Fish
and Wildlife Service is currently developing a "Comprehensive Conservation Plan"
(CCP) for the Patuxent Research Refuge, which they describe as "a 15-year plan
designed to provide strategic management direction that best achieves the
Refuge’s purposes, attains the vision and goals developed for the Refuge,
contributes to the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, addresses key
challenges, issues and relevant mandates, and is consistent with sound
principles of fish and wildlife management".
    Not surprisingly, there are some insiders who would like to see horse riding
eliminated from North Tract.
    But others insiders are more broad minded, and advised that it would be wise
for us riders to provide input -- en masse -- to try to retain our riding
privilege.
    This coming week, they are having public scoping meetings, for the public to
provide input.   They are this coming Monday, February 22nd, from 2-4 PM and
6:30-8:30 PM in Laurel, MD and Tuesday, February 23rd, from 1-3 PM in
Annapolis.  It is best to come with your comments briefly written out, so they
have it for their files.  Alternatively you can e-mail comments to Brad Knudsen,
Patuxent Research Refuge Manager at < northeastplanning@... >.  [They say to
please put "Patuxent" in the email subject line.]
    The meeting in Laurel is not a North Tract where we ride, but nearby at the
Patuxent Research Refuge Visitor Center (in their South Tract) at 10901 Scarlet
Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708 (note:  GoogleMaps calls it 10901 Scarlet Tanager
Ct., Laurel, MD).   Directions:  coming from I-95 or US 1, head east on Rt 198
as if you were going to North Tract, but instead turn right (south) on Rt 197 at
the Home Depot; in 4 miles (which is 1.3 miles after B/W Pkwy) turn right
(south) at Powder Mill Rd, in 0.8 miies turn left (east) at Visitor's Center
Entrance Road and go 1.4 miles to the Visitor's Center.
    The meeting in Annapolis is at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, C-1
Conference Room, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD
21401
(




The meeting format is an informal Open House with a brief presentation by Refuge
staff. Also welcome are comments received in writing to Brad Knudsen, Patuxent
Research Refuge Manager at the address provided below; or, electronically via
e-mail addressed to northeastplanning@.... Please put "Patuxent" in the
email subject line.

to recognize that having people appreciate their refuge could be a helpful thing
a


After a year of preplanning, Refuge staff are initiating the next stage of the
planning process by hosting public scoping meetings. Public scoping meetings are
open to everyone and provide an opportunity for the public to speak directly
with Refuge staff and comment on what they see as the issues, concerns, and
challenges for the Refuge over the next 15 years. The meeting format is an
informal Open House with a brief presentation by Refuge staff. Also welcome are
comments received in writing to Brad Knudsen, Patuxent Research Refuge Manager
at the address provided below; or, electronically via e-mail addressed to
northeastplanning@.... Please put "Patuxent" in the email subject line.

The Refuge planning team will review all the information, data, and comments
gathered during public scoping before developing a Draft CCP and environmental
assessment.  The draft plan will be distributed for public review and comment.

Public scoping meetings are scheduled for:

Monday, February 22nd
Laurel, MD

2-4 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM
(Refuge presentations at 2:15PM and 6:45 PM)

Patuxent Research Refuge
National Wildlife Visitor Center
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708


http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/patuxent/ccphome.html

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#294 From: "Jacki Edens" <svort@...>
Date: Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:51 am
Subject: Re: please help preserve our riding privileges at Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) in Laurel 		sailthemagothy
Send Email Send Email
  
Barbara,
Thank you for keeping us informed about this important issue.  Do you have
any idea as to the specifics of the objections?  It would be great if we
knew ahead of time what these are so we can be prepared to address these in
person or in writing.  If we don't know now, but anyone learns what the
specifics are at the upcoming meetings, perhaps they  could post these as
soon as possible so those who attend the later meetings can be prepared.
As for me I will attend the Monday evening meeting.  It would be a
tremendous loss to lose access to this site.
Jacki Edens

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#295 From: "baylady7" <baylady7@...>
Date: Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:28 pm
Subject: Re: Proposal to limit equine access to Trails along Rappahannock River in Virgina 		baylady7
Send Email Send Email
  
Updated info from the meeting lasy week (provided by Toni Shead of Battlefield
Back Country Horsemen:

///////////////////////////////
Trail rider friends,
The public meeting on the Fredericksburg Watershed Property was well attended by
many groups last evening.  A handful of equestrians were there and were able to
voice concerns about having horse trails on the property.  The planning
committee seemed open minded about equestrian trails; however, their comment was
they had not heard from many horse people.  They recommended we make our voice
more well-known.  They want to hear from us.  Now is our chance.  Please write,
call, email, or schedule an appointment to share your opinion about having horse
trails on this property along the Rappahannock/Rapidan Rivers.



Comments will be welcome at the public meeting, and a public review period will
also extend from February 17th through March 3rd.  Comments can be made in
person (in the Planning Office, Room 209 of City Hall), by telephone (to Senior
Planner Erik Nelson, 540 372-1179), and by mail (Planning Department, PO Box
7447, Fredericksburg, VA  22404).  Additionally, comments can be submitted
through this website via the form below.  www.riverfriends.org



///////////////////////////////////////

--- In TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com, baylady7@... wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> Passing this on- I know you are all primarily Maryland Trail riders, but this
may also be of interest to those who venture to VA for riding and also because
it may set a dangerous precedent....
>
>
> -------------------
> ]The City of Fredericksburg,VA owns the 4,232 acre easement along the
Rappahannock River to Remington. A general management plan was released
yesterday for recreational use of this property. Horses are excluded because,
according to this plan, horses cause pollution and erosion. There is plenty of
information that disputes this fallacy. James RiverState Park
]ShenandoahRiverState Park Shenandoah National Park Phelps Wildlife Management
Area, Manassas National Battlefield, Bull RunPark and Lake Anna State Parks all
have equestrian trails near waterways without negative impact.
>
> www.riverfriends.org
>
>
> Click on the link for Public Meeting on Draft Management Plan. When you get to
the actual draft plan, page 37 indicates "no horses" on this easement property.
>
>
> I have used my “snowed-in days” to just happen upon this information about
the watershed property general management plan. Many groups were included in
making this general management plan; however, no equestrian groups were a part
of the planning process. The website provides several ways you can comment on
the draft proposal. I urge you to take a few moments to look at the draft plan
and provide comments. This stretch of public land is one of the few remaining
long stretches of open greenway space still available to the public. Equestrians
must act now to be part of this general management plan for the Rappahannock
River Watershed. But we must remember to always show equestrians in a positive
light.
>
> I will comment at the public meeting on February 17. On behalf of the
Battlefield Back Country Horsemen, I will propose a multi-use trail to extend
the length of the watershed property. The more equestrians that know about this
RappahannockRiver easement and are willing to speak out, the better our chances
are for equestrian trails to be included in the general management plan.
>
> Toni Shead
>
> Vice President Battlefield Back Country Horsemen 937-4107
>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#296 From: Barbara Sollner-Webb <bsw@...>
Date: Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:51 pm
Subject: Re tonight's meeting to help preserve our riding privileges at Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) in Laurel 		bswicey
Send Email Send Email
 
   Please try to provide your input on the future of North Tract (and the rest of the Patuxent Research Refuge) -- it is the lovely site in eastern Laurel where it is wonderful to ride especially when the ground is wet.  [Unlike most riding venues, the sturdy gravel/dirt roads at this Refuge are not harmed by the horse's hooves, even when the ground is soaked.] 
 
   As noted in the previous mailing and at the TROT meeting, the US Fish & Wildlife Service that administers this refuge is conducting a review about future uses of this site -- which evidently includes whether horse riding will continue to be permitted.  The Fish and Wildlife Service generally does not allow riding on their lands, and some insiders would like to see horse riding eliminated from North Tract. 

   You can provide input in this current review includes by speaking up at one of their public meetings (listed below) and/or e-mailing your comments to Brad Knudsen, Patuxent Research Refuge Manager at < northeastplanning@... >, preferable with "Patuxent" in the email subject line.

  Broad minded insiders have advised that it could be wise for us riders to provide input -- en masse -- to try to retain our riding privilege.  

  The arguments I have heard against allowing horses are:
      con-1:  Riding is generally not allowed on Fish and Wildlife Service lands
                 a:   So, it could be simpler to make all their lands conform.
                 b:   Also, allowing riding here could set a precedent for folks wanting riding at other Fish and Wildlife Service lands (which they deem as bad).
      con-2:  Horses poop.  
                 a:  Evidently some riders do not clean up their horses poop in the parking lot and on the trails, and some hikers report that they find this poop distasteful.
                 b:  They argue that the poop our horses leave at the refuge contains troubling things, especially seeds for invasive plants.  This "invasives" argument is being used to encompass even seeds for hay grasses, as many are "non-native".
      con-3:  Riders sometimes are late in returning (for their inordinately early 4 PM closing time), forcing staff to stay overtime.  
      con-4:  Riders sometimes stray off the designated hardpack gravel roads, damaging the wet ground.

  I hope to argue that continuing to permit riding can also have substantial positive benefits, including:
      pro-1:  Riding permission on North Tract was grandfathered in, when Fish & Wildlife Service took over these lands from Fort Meade; it seems this should not be eliminated unless there is a very strong reason.  And I submit that riding causes only negligible problems (see pro-2 below), while it can have many strongly positive effects (including those listed in pro-3 through pro-5, below).  
      pro-2:  The above-listed con items seem not compelling.   Con-1 can be answered by viewing such diversity as a positive, especially since refuges near to major to urban areas (and with already established hard-pack horse trails) can serve additional functions over those in rural areas.  Items con-2a, con-3, and con-4 could be addressed by better signage/information transfer, that I and other volunteers from TROT would be pleased to get involved with improving.   And for argument con-2b, please see < http://www.californiastatehorsemen.com/enviro/07_AERC_Final_Rpt.pdf > for a study documenting that horse refuse is not a substantial factor in the spread of invasives.
      pro-3:  Having riding as a permitted use encourages many local residents to experience and enjoy this lovely, tranquil environmental oasis.  Encouraging the public enjoy their refuges is one of the Fish and Wildlife Service's goals. 
      pro-4:  Having horse riders enjoy North Tract makes these environmentalists into strong advocates for the Patuxent Research Refuge.  
                a-   For instance, we riders would love to advocate for increased funding, to pay for a Patuxent Research Refuge staff member's salary, if that is needed to re-institute longer hours in which the refuge is open to the working public.  Many of us would especially appreciate it again remaining open on weekends until sunset, rather than closing at 4 PM.  Note that in the summer, one can enjoy seeing much more wildlife near sunset (when the Refuge is now closed) than at midday (when the Refuge is open, but people and wildlife would bake, if out in the mid-summer sun).
                b-  When future budgetary constraints may induce an effort to shut down/scale back/sell off Refuge lands, we advocates will stand up to fight that the Refuge remains.   An excellent example of this was during a major effort by some legislators several years ago to sell off WSSC to a private for-profit company:  at the critical public hearings, by far the most eloquent and outspoken advocates for retaining WSSC in public hands were the horse riders who have been permitted to enjoy WSSC's reservoir lands.  These riders clearly appreciated the value of WSSC's reservoir lands and fought to have them and WSSC preserved; indeed, many insiders credited this pubic outcry as key to retaining WSSC and its reservoir buffer lands in pubic hands.
      pro-5:  These long-established trails at North Tract are especially wonderful as they are hard pack gravel and are not damaged in wet weather, when riding on other area trails could cause hoof marks and erosion.  Thus, making these trails available helps to allow the public to enjoy the great outdoors and get exercise, while helping to preserve ridign venues with less durable trail construction. 

                       ------------------------
   
  The meetings today, Monday, February 22nd, are from 2-4 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM in Laurel, MD.  It is not a North Tract where we ride, but nearby at the Patuxent Research Refuge Visitor Center (in their South Tract) at 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708 (note:  GoogleMaps calls it 10901 Scarlet Tanager Ct., Laurel, MD).   Directions:  coming from I-95 or US 1, head east on Rt 198 as if you were going to North Tract, but instead turn right (south) on Rt 197 at the Home Depot; in 4 miles (which is 1.3 miles after B/W Pkwy) turn right (south) at Powder Mill Rd, in 0.8 miies turn left (east) at Visitor's Center Entrance Road and go 1.4 miles to the Visitor's Center.  The meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23rd, is from 1-3 PM in Annapolis,  at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, C-1 Conference Room, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401. 
   It is best to come with your comments briefly written out, so they have it for their files.  Please also send copies of your testimony notes to our TROT president, Ron MacNab (rmacnab@...), and/or to me (bsw@...), in case a package of these comments may be helpful later.
   Hope to see you tonight!  

yours,  Barbara

p.s.  you can find more info on this at   http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/patuxent/ccphome.html
p.p.s.  we can thank Ron MacNab for finding that valuable study on horse manure and invasive seeds.  




From: svort@...

Subject: Re: [TROT-Members] please help preserve our riding privileges at Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) in Laurel

Date: February 20, 2010 9:51:40 PM EST


Barbara,
Thank you for keeping us informed about this important issue.  Do you have any idea as to the specifics of the objections?  It would be great if we knew ahead of time what these are so we can be prepared to address these in person or in writing.  If we don't know now, but anyone learns what the specifics are at the upcoming meetings, perhaps they  could post these as soon as possible so those who attend the later meetings can be prepared.  
As for me I will attend the Monday evening meeting.  It would be a tremendous loss to lose access to this site.
Jacki Edens 


From: bsw@...

Subject: [TROT-Members] please help preserve our riding privileges at Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) in Laurel

Date: February 20, 2010 3:43:56 PM EST


  Many of us enjoy riding at "North Tract" in Laurel.  It is especially nice when the ground is too wet to ride on other local trails, for the horse's hooves do not harm the sturdy dirt roads at this Refuge. 
  As you may know, North Tract is part of the Patuxent Research Refuge which is administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.  And the US Fish & Wildlife Service generally does not allow riding on their lands.  Furthermore, the Fish and Wildlife Service is currently developing a "Comprehensive Conservation Plan" (CCP) for the Patuxent Research Refuge, which they describe as "a 15-year plan designed to provide strategic management direction that best achieves the Refuge’s purposes, attains the vision and goals developed for the Refuge, contributes to the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, addresses key challenges, issues and relevant mandates, and is consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management".
  Not surprisingly, there are some insiders who would like to see horse riding eliminated from North Tract. 
  But others insiders are more broad minded, and advised that it would be wise for us riders to provide input -- en masse -- to try to retain our riding privilege.  
  This coming week, they are having public scoping meetings, for the public to provide input.   They are this coming Monday, February 22nd, from 2-4 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM in Laurel, MD and Tuesday, February 23rd, from 1-3 PM in Annapolis.  It is best to come with your comments briefly written out, so they have it for their files.  Alternatively you can e-mail comments to Brad Knudsen, Patuxent Research Refuge Manager at < northeastplanning@... >.  [They say to please put "Patuxent" in the email subject line.]
  The meeting in Laurel is not a North Tract where we ride, but nearby at the Patuxent Research Refuge Visitor Center (in their South Tract) at 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708 (note:  GoogleMaps calls it 10901 Scarlet Tanager Ct., Laurel, MD).   Directions:  coming from I-95 or US 1, head east on Rt 198 as if you were going to North Tract, but instead turn right (south) on Rt 197 at the Home Depot; in 4 miles (which is 1.3 miles after B/W Pkwy) turn right (south) at Powder Mill Rd, in 0.8 miies turn left (east) at Visitor's Center Entrance Road and go 1.4 miles to the Visitor's Center.
  The meeting in Annapolis is at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, C-1 Conference Room, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
  Hope to see you there!  
  Please send copies of your testimony notes to our TROT president, Ron MacNab (rmacnab@...), and/or to me (bsw@...), in case a package of these comments may be helpful later.
yours,  Barbara
p.s.  you can find more info on this at   http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/patuxent/ccphome.html




Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#297 From: Rosie Wade <rosiewade@...>
Date: Tue Feb 23, 2010 6:49 pm
Subject: Merry-Go-Round Farm 		rosiewade@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi,
 
Does anyone have any information about Merry-Go-Round Farm on River Road, MD? I think it's a new housing estate with horse boarding options, but there's no price information. I'm guessing it's quite an expensive area, but would be grateful for any info if anyone knows any different. I'm looking for places close to Bethesda, so looks ideal ...
 
Thanks!
Rosie

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Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#298 From: Harold Goldstein <mdbiker@...>
Date: Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:28 am
Subject: April 10th - Potomac River Watershed Cleanup 		dcbiker
Send Email Send Email
 
Again this year there will be a potomac river watershed cleanup day - april 10th. This is organized by the Alice Ferguson Foundation. I have no idea who they are beyond this and their website - http://www.fergusonfoundation.org/.

I am the 'site leader' (oowee) at the Ag History Farm Park and i am actively seeking volunteers to assist me on the 10th.  Since this location is a very popular (and super) area for riding I hope to get a nice number of trail riders out to keep their trails in great shape. The event is scheduled from 9 am - noon although i figure it might go beyond noon.  I will have all the supplies you need (ie gloves and garbage bags).

Last year we had about 40 volunteers at this site (about 25 from a single church group). Of these there was a nice group of about 6 TROT members.

There are other county sites if you do not want to go to the ag history park ... see http://www.fergusonfoundation.org/trash_initiative/rc_sites.shtmland and search on montgomery county.
And, actually, there are dozens of cleanup sites throughout the state if another location is more convenient to you.

let me know if you need any further information or want to sign up ... if you plan to come i need to know.

thanks.

                                                              harold ...
------------------------------------------------------------
 Harold Goldstein - mdbiker@... ~~,__o   ~^^
 Goldray Consulting:  http://goldray.com/ ~_-\  < ,   ~  o \
 Web Development/Internet Training         (*)/ (*)  ~  / {   \
 Save The Apes: http://bushmeat.net /                      /   { o}
amber for everyone - http://amberlady.com - fossil bugs too
travelling? need passport/visa? http://visaexchange.com !!


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#299 From: baylady7@...
Date: Wed Mar 3, 2010 6:44 pm
Subject: EPIC needs help with Montgomery County issues 		baylady7
Send Email Send Email
 
Passing this on to the group from EPIC:
 
March 1, 2010 -- We need your help.

Proposed cuts in county positions that support equestrians pose a threat to the Ag Reserve and to the barns and farms that reside there.

The Ag Reserve has been in existence for 30 years and has been a demonstrably major success in supporting agriculture, protecting the environment and, not least, supporting the local economy. For every dollar the Ag Reserve contributes to the county economy, it only uses about 53 cents worth of services. 

The economic downturn has adversely affected all aspects of people's lives: Jobs have been lost, and steps have been taken by employers and the government to reduce expenditures. Any job lost is a personal tragedy in our view. The Ag Reserve does not require a large number of support personnel at the county and state levels, but the few who are employed provide invaluable support to its viability.

Currently ALL three of the equestrian-related positions funded by Montgomery County are on the chopping block. The people in these positions provide advice, technical assistance and funding related to soil conservation and manure management practices.   

We do not discount the pain associated with losing teachers and other important jobs in Montgomery County, but the dollars saved from the elimination of these three jobs will have a hugely disproportionate and adverse affect on the Ag Reserve.   

We urge you to contact the members of the County Council and the County Executive IMMEDIATELY to voice your support for RETAINING these important positions. Please cc info@... on all e-mails you send to the following people:


Thank you for helping to save these important positions!

EPIC, PO Box 69, Boyds, MD 20841

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#300 From: Ron MacNab <mdbiker@...> (by way of Harold Goldstein <mdbiker@...>)
Date: Wed Mar 3, 2010 7:34 pm
Subject: Bills being considered in Annapolis that may interest trail riders 		dcbiker
Send Email Send Email
 
TROT Members,

Listed below are 2010 House and Senate bills being considered in Annapolis that I believe are of interest to trail riders.  I would like to read your point of view on these bills and will share your thoughts with the Maryland Horse Council.  If you feel strongly about any of these bills, I highly encourage you to contact your Maryland State Representative or Senator.

To find the contact information for your Representative or Senator visit:  mdelect.net/electedofficials/

To read more about the legislation visit:  mlis.state.md.us/  and type in the Bill #.

RonM

 

Sunday Hunting

HOUSE BILL 245

Authorizing a person to hunt turkey in Allegany County and Garrett County on the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, except on Easter Sunday.

HOUSE BILL 246



Authorizing a person in Allegany County or Garrett County to hunt for deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November.

HOUSE BILL 301



Authorizing a person in Calvert County to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November; and authorizing a person in Calvert County and St. Mary's County to hunt deer on private property on the first Sunday of bow hunting season in November and each Sunday during the deer firearms season.

HOUSE BILL 851



Authorizing a person in Talbot County to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November.

HOUSE BILL 877



Authorizing a person in Baltimore County to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November; and removing Baltimore County from a list of counties in which specified Sunday deer hunting privileges do not apply.

 



Helmet Bill

SENATE BILL 414



Prohibiting a person under the age of 18 from riding an equine on a highway, an equine-riding path, or a specified other property unless the person is wearing a properly secured helmet that meets specified standards; establishing a fine schedule for subsequent violations of the helmet requirement; requiring a court to order the parent or guardian of a minor under 14 years of age who is convicted of a violation of the Act to pay the fine imposed for the violation under specified circumstances; etc.

Animal Cruelty

SENATE BILL 21



Increasing the penalties for specified violations concerning the abuse or neglect of animals; and authorizing a court, as a condition of sentencing, to prohibit a defendant convicted of violating specified animal abuse or neglect laws from the future ownership of an animal.

Consumer Protection

SENATE BILL 82



Prohibiting a person from adulterating or misbranding a commercial feed, or from distributing, removing, or disposing of commercial feed in violation of a specified stop sale order, or from detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying a specified label; and altering definitions.

Funding of Maryland Horse Council

SENATE BILL 62



Requiring that all funds collected by the Maryland Horse Industry Board be paid into the Maryland Horse Industry Fund; establishing a fee for a license; and altering specified fees relating to licensure renewal and inspection of horse riding stables.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#301 From: Ron MacNab <rmacnab@...>
Date: Wed Mar 3, 2010 7:00 pm
Subject: Bills being considered in Annapolis that may interest trail riders 		ronaldmacnab
Send Email Send Email
 
Trail Riders,

Listed below are 2010 House and Senate bills being considered in Annapolis that I believe will interest trail riders.  I would like to read your point of view on these bills in MarylandTrailRiders and TROT-Members groups.  I will share your thoughts with the Maryland Horse Council.  If you feel strongly about any of these bills, I highly encourage you to contact your Maryland State Representative or Senator.

To find the contact information for your Representative or Senator visit:  mdelect.net/electedofficials/

To read more about the legislation visit:  mlis.state.md.us/  and type in the bill #.

Thanks, RonM

 

Sunday Hunting

HOUSE BILL 245

Authorizing a person to hunt turkey in Allegany County and Garrett County on the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, except on Easter Sunday.

HOUSE BILL 246

Authorizing a person in Allegany County or Garrett County to hunt for deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November.

HOUSE BILL 301

Authorizing a person in Calvert County to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November; and authorizing a person in Calvert County and St. Mary's County to hunt deer on private property on the first Sunday of bow hunting season in November and each Sunday during the deer firearms season.

HOUSE BILL 851

Authorizing a person in Talbot County to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November.

HOUSE BILL 877

Authorizing a person in Baltimore County to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November; and removing Baltimore County from a list of counties in which specified Sunday deer hunting privileges do not apply.

 

Helmet Bill

SENATE BILL 414

Prohibiting a person under the age of 18 from riding an equine on a highway, an equine-riding path, or a specified other property unless the person is wearing a properly secured helmet that meets specified standards; establishing a fine schedule for subsequent violations of the helmet requirement; requiring a court to order the parent or guardian of a minor under 14 years of age who is convicted of a violation of the Act to pay the fine imposed for the violation under specified circumstances; etc.

Animal Cruelty

SENATE BILL 21

Increasing the penalties for specified violations concerning the abuse or neglect of animals; and authorizing a court, as a condition of sentencing, to prohibit a defendant convicted of violating specified animal abuse or neglect laws from the future ownership of an animal.

Consumer Protection

SENATE BILL 82

Prohibiting a person from adulterating or misbranding a commercial feed, or from distributing, removing, or disposing of commercial feed in violation of a specified stop sale order, or from detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying a specified label; and altering definitions.

Funding of Maryland Horse Council

SENATE BILL 62

Requiring that all funds collected by the Maryland Horse Industry Board be paid into the Maryland Horse Industry Fund; establishing a fee for a license; and altering specified fees relating to licensure renewal and inspection of horse riding stables.




Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#302 From: Ron MacNab <rmacnab@...>
Date: Fri Mar 5, 2010 3:48 pm
Subject: Fwd: FW: Mustangs Endangered 		ronaldmacnab
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-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FW: Mustangs Endangered
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:06:46 -0500
From: MICHELLE BEACHLEY <webebeachleys@...>


See below for info.

Michelle



Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:05:03 -0600
From: jswartzldj@...
To: webebeachleys@...
Subject: Re: RE: Mustangs Endangered

Michelle,
The Mustangs need our help.  They are our horses, the Americans, and they live wild on our public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  Many of our horse people have watched Cloud on PBS the photgraphy program following the live of a mustang foal as he became a band leader.  Despite warnings of advocates that the horses were in good shape, but could not take such a long chase and rounding up too many horses would affect the genetic pool, BLM continued to round up the horses from the Pryor Mountain herds, chasing them with a helicopter to the pens.  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been charged with the care of the mustangs made law in the 1970's.  BLM stated the horses did not have enough food and needed to be rounded up but photos show fat horses.  BLM stated that no horses were injured but video shows a lame Cloud after the roundup.  BLM's response:  lameness is not considered an injury by their standards.  Regrettably, this was as good as it got.  Still ignoring activists' warnings to stop the roundups as winter approached, Nevada saw tragedy as the Calico Mountain roundup resulted in the death of at least 59 horses and an estimated 35 foals aborted  herded by helicpter into corrals without shelter.  Two foals were euthanized because their hooves sloughed off from the stress of being rounded up by helicopter and trying to keep up with their mothers. Now they are planning another Nevada round up.  The mustangs can not defend themselves they need you.  Below are some ideas that have been suggested for action you could take.  ME: I'm going to DC to protest on March 25 even though it is my anniversary, my husband understands the need.  Seems my calls and correspondence to the Humane Society of the United States, BLM, the White House and my political representatives have not been enough. I hope you feel the need to join me.  Let everyone know, tell your club and organization memberships, educate yourself and PLEASE take action.  Thanks for caring.  Here are some suggestions from the internet. 
1) Vote to stop the roundups
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/stop_cruel_blm_round_up_of_wild_horses
Call/write/fax/email your Senators and Representatives:
2) Contact your Senator
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
3) Contact your Representatives
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
4) Attend a PROTEST RALLY in D.C.
When: Thursday, March 25th
Time: 1:00-3:00pm, Washington, DC.
What: “March for Mustangs”, protest rally
More info
http://thecloudfoundation.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/march-for-mustangs-dc-protest-mustangs-on-the-hill-ii/
Spread the word…show up..make your voice heard….
6) Share on Facebook
7) Share on Blogs
8)Post on bulletin boards at the grocery store
9) Pass out flyers
10) Contact your local newspaper(s)
11) contact your local TV station(s)
12) contact your local radio station(s)
13) Post comments on blogs everywhere – not just on horse related sites – everyone needs to know about this
14) Do whatever it takes to protect the mustangs…
 
Jean


On Mar 3, 2010, MICHELLE BEACHLEY <webebeachleys@...> wrote:
Sure.  Want to get me all the details and I'll send out?

Michelle



From: jswartzldj@...
To: webebeachleys@...
Subject: Mustangs Endangered
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 15:11:55 -0500

I usually don't get political but there will be a March 25 demonstration in DC against BLM's treatment of the Mustangs.  Advocates have tried to halt their roundup policy stating they are making the herds too small for genetic survival.  Winter roundups, advocates warned, could be disastrous.  BLM wouldn't listen.  I believe the death count is now 59 horses at the Calico roundup with an estimates 39 foals aborted.  Is this something we can share with members to contact representatives or attend the demonstration? Jeani Swartz

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#303 From: baylady7@...
Date: Sat Mar 6, 2010 5:06 pm
Subject: All-breed open competitive Trail Ride Sat June 26, 2010 in Culpeper, VA at Tom Seay's Ranch 		baylady7
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All-breed open competitive Trail Ride Sat June 26, 2010 in Culpeper, VA at Tom Seay's Ranch

Alcon
 
The Virginia Appaloosa Horse Club is hosting an all-breed open trail ride in Culpeper, VA on 26 June 2010.  It will be held at the ranch of the famous Tom Seay who hosts RFD-TV's Best of America by Horseback show:  http://www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/
 
Those who wish to ride an not be scored are also welcome.  Details on the ride will soon be posted on the club website:  www.va4apps.com
 
 

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#304 From: "trotsar2" <TFinkle@...>
Date: Sun Mar 7, 2010 12:06 am
Subject: Trail Clearing Doncaster State Forest Charles Co. MD on 7 March 2010 		trotsar2
Send Email Send Email
  
I know this is late notice, but I am meeting tomorrow morning with folks from
Friends of Doncaster to clear riding trails.  We are meeting at 9:00am on Rt.6
at the Forest enterance.  Email me off list if you would like to come.

T'mi

TROT V.P.
TROT Charles County Coordinator

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#305 From: baylady7@...
Date: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:10 pm
Subject: EPIC Update on Elimination of County Equine Specialist Positions 		baylady7
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EPIC Update on Elimination of County Equine Specialist Positions

3/10/10--After last week's action alert asking you to write to the Montgomery County councilmembers requesting that they vote against the elimination of jobs that support the Ag Reserve and county equestrian community, we received the following information:
 
One Montgomery Soil Conservation District (SCD) position (Brian Taylor, Resource Conservationist) was abolished as part of FY10 round two budget cutbacks last month. A second SCD position (Eddie Franceschi, Equine Resource Conservationist) is slated for elimination as part of FY11 budget cuts.
 
The Soil Conservation District consists of two federal employees (one technical manager and a planner), two state employees (one planner and a technician) and four county employees (one administrative manager, one office administrator and the two planners who provide assistance and support to horse farms). Elimination of the second planner would completely wipe out SCDs support of horse farms.

Hearings on the FY11 budget will begin in mid-March. EPIC members can begin writing to the Council arguing that the position should be retained and included in the FY11 budget.
 
Please take a few minutes today to write to the County Executive and members of the County Council at the e-mails below to voice your support for retaining all Montgomery County Soil Conservation District positions that help horse farmers protect water quality. 
 
 
Please cc EPIC Montgomery on any e-mails at info@....
 
Thank you for helping to make a difference in the Ag Reserve and the Montgomery County equestrian community!
 

EPIC, PO Box 69, Boyds, MD 20841
Email > Map > Newsletter Signup >
Send us your newsletter ideas for 2010 | 2009 All Rights Reserved
info@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#306 From: baylady7@...
Date: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:11 pm
Subject: Pre-Owned Tack Sale 5/22 at Morven Park, Leesburg, VA 		baylady7
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donations are tax deductible....

Pre-Owned Tack Sale
To Benefit: Barn Electrical Upgrade and Education Programs at MorvenPark
Sale Date: May 22, 2010
Sale Location: LempBuilding at MorvenPark
41793 Tutt Ln, Leesburg, VA 20176
COLLECTING:
GENTLY USED, CLEAN ITEMS for HORSES, RIDERS & PETS
Bits, blankets/sheets/coolers,saddlepads, horse boots, riding apparel, bridles, whips, girths, halters, helmets, toys for horses or pets, spurs, stirrups, wraps, training/lunging equipment, pet beds/pillows/bowls
Convenient Drop Off Site :
MorvenPark Office
(703 777 2890)
Drop Off Starts November 11, 2009
Ends May 21, 2010

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#307 From: Ron MacNab <rmacnab@...>
Date: Tue Mar 16, 2010 4:51 pm
Subject: Bill To Expand Sunday Hunting: Oct. thru Mid-Jan., Most of Maryland 		ronaldmacnab
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Please take a moment to read this article from the Equiery. 
http://equiery.com/blog/?p=211
This year I have heard very little opposition from members of TROT and the Maryland Horse Council against Sunday hunting on private land.
In the past there has always been concern that bullets did not stay on private land and riders, hikers, mountain bikers etc should have one day a week where they can enjoy the outdoors without the danger of being shot.
This bill gives the Department of Natural Resources the option to allow Sunday firearms hunting in Montgomery, Frederick, Anne Arundel, Charles and most counties in the state.
I previously sent out a message listing five other Sunday hunting bills and received minimal reply. Unless I hear otherwise, I must assume that use of firearms on Sunday on private land is nolonger a concern and the trail riding community will not oppose bills allowing it.

If there is opposition from trail riders, I would like to hear it.  I also know that the Equiery would like to hear from you as well.
info@...


Ron MacNab
Chair, Trails and Greenways Committee
Maryland Horse Council


Reply | Messages in this Topic (4)
#308 From: "trotsar2" <TFinkle@...>
Date: Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:52 am
Subject: Re: Bill To Expand Sunday Hunting: Oct. thru Mid-Jan., Most of Maryland 		trotsar2
Send Email Send Email
  
I urge all trail riders to review proposed law changes for themselves. The
proposed modification to current Sunday hunting laws will not impact public
parks or forests, nor will it allow Sunday hunting on any government owned
property that is used for recreational use.   The proposed bill does not take
away the current legal right of any landowner of private property to ban hunting
(or ban horseback riding) on their own property. Please know that the truth and
facts were not properly quoted about this pending legislative, especially with
regards to Charles County (Maryland) laws; where hunting on a select Sundays has
been legal for several years now.   It may also be a good idea for all concerns
parties on this issue to review the current hunter safety laws. For over 30
years now all hunters are required to take and pass a State approved hunter
safety course before they are allowed to participate in such recreational
activities in Maryland (the stray bullets comment was way out of line and was
not based on any facts or validated data).

I am a member of several (equestrian) riding clubs within Maryland; I personally
see this grassroots lobbying effort in opposition of HR-1518 as an anti-gun
anti-hunting movement; not a public domain (equestrian) horseback riding issue. 
I've reviewed the pending legislation myself; based on facts that are written
within the proposed legislation and in conjunction with current Sunday hunting
laws, I did not see the same doom, gloom and/or speculation that was painted by
the Maryland Horse Council Representative and by the Equiery Staff.

Please take time to research HR-1518 yourself and don't become anyone's puppet.

T'mi Finkle
Active Trail Rider, Charles County Maryland

Reply | Messages in this Topic (4)
#309 From: "Lisa" <itlldofarm@...>
Date: Fri Mar 19, 2010 6:06 pm
Subject: Looking for someone to train my horse for the trail 		mysaygrace
Send Email Send Email
  
I have a few horse trainer names given to me but I'd still like to look at a few
others before I send my young gelding to them. I'm very nervous about putting
Mingo (my gelding) into someone else's hands but I don't feel confident in my
own riding skills to introduce him to his first water crossing, ditches, etc. I
just need someone to get him going on the trails. I've already backed him myself
(in the ring only). He also went to my riding instructor's for a month where she
rode him a few times around her farm bareback in a hackamore by himself. He's
such a laid back, level headed self confident horse that I'd hate to ruin him by
sending him to the wrong kind of trainer or trying to do it myself. Any
suggestions of trainers I should or should NOT use would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Lisa

P.S. I'm located in Windsor, PA, so I'd like to find a trainer not too far away
that I can go see how he's progressing and ride him myself. You can email me
privately too if you want, thanks.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#310 From: "Lisa" <itlldofarm@...>
Date: Fri Mar 19, 2010 6:33 pm
Subject: Has anyone heard of or used horse trainer Tony Eyler? 		mysaygrace
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Has anyone heard of or used horse trainer Tony Eyler? He's located in Maryland
and was suggested to me, but I'd like to know more about him other than reading
his website. I'd rather hear others experiences who actually used him., Thank
you, Lisa

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#311 From: Cathy Yingling <1cesmt@...>
Date: Fri Mar 19, 2010 9:10 pm
Subject: Re: Looking for someone to train my horse for the trail 		cyinglingnler
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Lisa,

Evelyn Susol is just outside of Gettysburg. I copied her on this post.
You 2 should talk.


On 3/19/10, Lisa <itlldofarm@...> wrote:
> I have a few horse trainer names given to me but I'd still like to look at a
> few others before I send my young gelding to them. I'm very nervous about
> putting Mingo (my gelding) into someone else's hands but I don't feel
> confident in my own riding skills to introduce him to his first water
> crossing, ditches, etc. I just need someone to get him going on the trails.
> I've already backed him myself (in the ring only). He also went to my riding
> instructor's for a month where she rode him a few times around her farm
> bareback in a hackamore by himself. He's such a laid back, level headed self
> confident horse that I'd hate to ruin him by sending him to the wrong kind
> of trainer or trying to do it myself. Any suggestions of trainers I should
> or should NOT use would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Lisa
>
> P.S. I'm located in Windsor, PA, so I'd like to find a trainer not too far
> away that I can go see how he's progressing and ride him myself. You can
> email me privately too if you want, thanks.
>
>


--
Cathy L. Yingling, CESMT
New Life Farm
1cesmt@...
http://newlifefarm.shutterfly.com/

Join our Yahoo group
nler-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#312 From: Barbara Sollner-Webb <bsw@...>
Date: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:43 pm
Subject: urgent attention -- if you ever trailride in the fall or winter 		bswicey
Send Email Send Email
 

   your input is needed immediately!  

   with these busy times, many people may have missed that there are multiple bills in the Maryland legislature attempting to strip us of our long-held right to safely enjoy outdoor riding (also hiking and bicycling) on the one day a week when we can now do this, for over 1/4 of the year. 

   historically, hunting has been allowed 6 days of the week (from the beginning of October through mid January, plus selected hunting at additional times) on private land -- but those bullets, arrows, etc. do not stop at the property boundaries.  and not infrequently, stray shots travel into abutting public parks, forests and wildlife areas, where people like to horseback ride, hike and bicycle, without fear of being shot.  since many parks are quite narrow (often following stream valleys) much of their land is within firing-range of private land, making the park safe to use only on Sundays.  i have personally experienced this when riding on public land, having an arrow flying near to my head, shot by a camouflaged hunter some distance away, who presumably mistook my orange coat and white horse for a deer; it was not a fun experience.  [indeed, to avoid the possibility of people being shot, certain venues close down to horseback riding, hiking and bicycling for all hunting days from the beginning of October through mid January.]   after an effort to allow state-wide Sunday hunting was turned back -- with diligent effort spear-headed by TROT -- starting in 2003, there has been increasing effort by hunting interests to allow hunting in individual counties on a few Sundays as well. 

   the bills now under consideration would take away this one day a week when you are safe to go in a park within firing-range of its boundaries, expanding hunting to more Sundays.   HB 1518 would open the option of hunting to all 7 days of the week, for the entire period between the beginning of October through mid January, in virtually the whole state; there are  also multiple bills (HB 245, HB 246, HB 301, HB 851, and HB 877) that apply to individual counties and for part of that time.  for weeks with Sunday hunting, there would be no days left for people to safely recreate in public land within firing range of private land.  remember how many deer stands you see on private property abutting pubic park and forest land, when you go along a trail near the perimeter of our parks and forests.

   for those who care about this, please IMMEDIATELY contact all members of the House Environmental Matters Committee specifically about HB 1518, as well as Governor O'Malley and your state delegates.  i personally feel that since bullets do not obey private property boundaries, we need to preserve the safety of the general public at least one day out of the week, by turning down these bills.  feel free to paraphrase any of this mailing.  

    e-mail addresses and other information about the members of the House Environmental Matters Committee are at <http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/04env.html>; their e-mail addresses are:  <saqib.ali@... [from Montgomery], pamela.beidle@... [from Anne Arundel], elizabeth.bobo@... [from Howard], rudolph.cane@... [from, Dorchester & Wicomico], alfred.carr@... [from Montgomery], virginia.clagett@... [from Anne Arundel], barbara.frush@... [from PG & Anne Arundel], cheryl.glenn@... [from Baltimore city], anne.healey@... [from PG], marvin.holmes@... [from PG], tom.hucker@... [from Montgomery], stephen.lafferty@... [from Baltimore county], doyle.niemann@... [from PG], wayne.norman@... [from Hartford], anthony.odonnell@... [from Calvert & St. Mary's], andrew.serafini@... [from Washington County], tanya.shewell@... [from Carroll], richard.sossi@... [from Caroline, Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne's], dana.stein@... [from Baltimore county],  paul.stull@... [from Frederick], michael.weir@... [from Baltimore county].

   e-mail to Governor O'Malley by going to <http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/>; and for your state delegates, go to <http://www.mdelect.net/electedofficials/>; then type in your address, select "House of Delegates" and click on "Find elected officials"; the results will appear on the left of your screen.   i hope that you will send your feelings.

yours,    barbara sollner-webb     in laurel


Equiery article     http://equiery.com/blog/?p=211

Bill To Expand Sunday Hunting: Oct. thru Mid-Jan., Most of Maryland

Posted by Editor
March 12, 2010
On Monday March 8, 2010, Delegates Holmes (Prince George’s County) and O’Donnell (Calvert County) introduced a comprehensive Sunday hunting bill that would allow deer hunting on private land from the first Sunday in October through the second Sunday in January of the following year. This would include bow and firearms. The bill specifically exempts Baltimore, Carroll, Howard and Prince George’s Counties.
Officials at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources believe this bill would actually give the Department more control over Sunday hunting, as well as a greater ability to limit Sunday hunting – and a close reading of the bill does indicate as much. HB 1518 states that DNR “may” allow – not “shall” allow, theoretically giving DNR the flexibility to regulate deer hunting according to scientific data on deer population rather than the current law that requires or demands that DNR to allow some Sunday hunting.
Supporters of the bill also note that this bill only applies to private land. Leaving aside that the incremental expansion of Sunday hunting portends that public land would be next, much private land abuts public land, thus Sunday hunting would, indeed, severely restrict the use of some public lands; it is highly unlikely that hikers, bikers, bird watchers and trail riders will be able to utilize those public lands adjacent to hunting.
Not only does Sunday deer hunting impede the ability of non-hunters to use the land from October through mid-January, it also shuts out other hunters, such as rabbit hunters, foxchasers and some bird hunters.
And although the bill applies only to private lands, based on the history of Sunday hunting legislation in Maryland, The Equiery anticipates, if this bill passes, future bills to include public land, to include the now excluded counties, and possibly even to change “may allow” to “shall allow.”
Because the bill was filed late in the legislative session (perhaps a strategic move), it is currently in the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. It is expected to move out of this committee and move to where it would have been filed, had it been filed in a timely fashion: House Environmental Matters.
Send your comments to editor@...


Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#313 From: Barbara Sollner-Webb <bsw@...>
Date: Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:57 am
Subject: p.s. to: urgent attention -- if you ever trailride in the fall or winter 		bswicey
Send Email Send Email
 
dear everyone -- hopefully lots of you -- who have already sent in your letters about Sunday hunting,
   just today (while FINALLY sending in to Annapolis my letter arguing against expanding Sunday hunting) i realized that when copying the addressees of folks on the all-important House Environmental Matters Committee that i sent you in my earlier message, i stupidly neglected to include the Chair and Vic-Chair of the committee, maggie.mcintosh@... [Baltimore City] and james.malone@... [Baltimore County & Howard County.  please send these critical people your letters too!
   here is a funny related incident:  while conversing with one of my Delegates about this legislation, i mentioned that i personally had been shot at when riding on public land (by a camouflaged hunter some distance away, who presumably "mistook" my bright orange coat and/or fat white horse for a deer), and he replied that he also has been shot at when hiking in a public park, presumably by a similarly misguided hunter on private land.  that could be a useful shot!
yours,  barbara


On Mar 22, 2010, Barbara Sollner-Webb wrote:

   your input is needed immediately!  

   with these busy times, many people may have missed that there are multiple bills in the Maryland legislature attempting to strip us of our long-held right to safely enjoy outdoor riding (also hiking and bicycling) on the one day a week when we can now do this, for over 1/4 of the year. 

   historically, hunting has been allowed 6 days of the week (from the beginning of October through mid January, plus selected hunting at additional times) on private land -- but those bullets, arrows, etc. do not stop at the property boundaries.  and not infrequently, stray shots travel into abutting public parks, forests and wildlife areas, where people like to horseback ride, hike and bicycle, without fear of being shot.  since many parks are quite narrow (often following stream valleys) much of their land is within firing-range of private land, making the park safe to use only on Sundays.  i have personally experienced this when riding on public land, having an arrow flying near to my head, shot by a camouflaged hunter some distance away, who presumably mistook my orange coat and white horse for a deer; it was not a fun experience.  [indeed, to avoid the possibility of people being shot, certain venues close down to horseback riding, hiking and bicycling for all hunting days from the beginning of October through mid January.]   after an effort to allow state-wide Sunday hunting was turned back -- with diligent effort spear-headed by TROT -- starting in 2003, there has been increasing effort by hunting interests to allow hunting in individual counties on a few Sundays as well. 

   the bills now under consideration would take away this one day a week when you are safe to go in a park within firing-range of its boundaries, expanding hunting to more Sundays.   HB 1518 would open the option of hunting to all 7 days of the week, for the entire period between the beginning of October through mid January, in virtually the whole state; there are  also multiple bills (HB 245, HB 246, HB 301, HB 851, and HB 877) that apply to individual counties and for part of that time.  for weeks with Sunday hunting, there would be no days left for people to safely recreate in public land within firing range of private land.  remember how many deer stands you see on private property abutting pubic park and forest land, when you go along a trail near the perimeter of our parks and forests.

   for those who care about this, please IMMEDIATELY contact all members of the House Environmental Matters Committee specifically about HB 1518, as well as Governor O'Malley and your state delegates.  i personally feel that since bullets do not obey private property boundaries, we need to preserve the safety of the general public at least one day out of the week, by turning down these bills.  feel free to paraphrase any of this mailing.  

    e-mail addresses and other information about the members of the House Environmental Matters Committee are at <http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/04env.html>; their e-mail addresses are:  <saqib.ali@... [from Montgomery], pamela.beidle@... [from Anne Arundel], elizabeth.bobo@... [from Howard], rudolph.cane@... [from, Dorchester & Wicomico], alfred.carr@... [from Montgomery], virginia.clagett@... [from Anne Arundel], barbara.frush@... [from PG & Anne Arundel], cheryl.glenn@... [from Baltimore city], anne.healey@... [from PG], marvin.holmes@... [from PG], tom.hucker@... [from Montgomery], stephen.lafferty@... [from Baltimore county], doyle.niemann@... [from PG], wayne.norman@... [from Hartford], anthony.odonnell@... [from Calvert & St. Mary's], andrew.serafini@... [from Washington County], tanya.shewell@... [from Carroll], richard.sossi@... [from Caroline, Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne's], dana.stein@... [from Baltimore county],  paul.stull@... [from Frederick], michael.weir@... [from Baltimore county].

   e-mail to Governor O'Malley by going to <http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/>; and for your state delegates, go to <http://www.mdelect.net/electedofficials/>; then type in your address, select "House of Delegates" and click on "Find elected officials"; the results will appear on the left of your screen.

   i hope that you will send in your feelings.

yours,    barbara sollner-webb     in laurel

see the Equiery article on this, at    http://equiery.com/blog/?p=211



Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#315 From: "Inez" <unicorndreams21@...>
Date: Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:27 am
Subject: Re: Bill To Expand Sunday Hunting: Oct. thru Mid-Jan., Most of Maryland 		unicorndreams21
Send Email Send Email
  
I'm a big fan of research & forming my own "educated" thoughts (I can't stand
propaganda & forwards that are geared toward slander, riddled with falsehoods,
and perpetuate the "lemming' mentality).  Soooo.... the reason this concerns me
is I ride on private lands/woods/farms... Sunday's are my main ride days during
hunting season.  Now the farm/landowners have been gracious enough to allow me
access to their trails, they have also granted a select number of hunters access
to their woods (the land/farm owners themselves are not hunters).  Given that
Sundays are "protected" I do not have to worry too much about riding on Sunday
during hunt season (though I stay alert, always wear my "don't shoot me" gear,
and whistle or sing so they can hear us coming-just in case). The
farm/landowners are not concerned with whether or not these hunters have taken
and passed the State approved hunter safety course.. seriously, a lot of farmers
allow hunting of family/friends & do not necessarily check up on them, nor do
they have written agreements. I know of quite a few (at least those whose land I
ride presently and have ridden in the past) they just state, "respect the land,
stay off the crops, clean up your mess, & follow the no Sunday "rule."  Now,
this being the case, opening hunting on private lands on Sunday does potentially
have a negative effect on my own particular agenda.  Currently, there is no
hunting on Sundays in Carroll County that I am aware of... I am hoping it stays
that way.  I rather like not having to trailer my horses everytime I want to
ride, being able to come home, tack up, and hack out is a luxury I enjoy and do
not take for granted; though I also look forward to the days that I can trailer
out.

That said, I am not anti-hunt (though I am anti-kill, there's a big difference
between hunters & killers) nor am I anti gun (I proudly own a couple myself).  I
have family and friends who hunt, & though I choose not too, I am more than
happy to consume the spoils of their labor (but, don't care for squirrel, looks
too much like a rat when skinned.

Inez Donmoyer
Happily able to hack out from home, Carroll County Maryland

--- In TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com, "trotsar2" <TFinkle@...> wrote:
>
>
> I urge all trail riders to review proposed law changes for themselves. The
proposed modification to current Sunday hunting laws will not impact public
parks or forests, nor will it allow Sunday hunting on any government owned
property that is used for recreational use.   The proposed bill does not take
away the current legal right of any landowner of private property to ban hunting
(or ban horseback riding) on their own property. Please know that the truth and
facts were not properly quoted about this pending legislative, especially with
regards to Charles County (Maryland) laws; where hunting on a select Sundays has
been legal for several years now.   It may also be a good idea for all concerns
parties on this issue to review the current hunter safety laws. For over 30
years now all hunters are required to take and pass a State approved hunter
safety course before they are allowed to participate in such recreational
activities in Maryland (the stray bullets comment was way out of line and was
not based on any facts or validated data).
>
> I am a member of several (equestrian) riding clubs within Maryland; I
personally see this grassroots lobbying effort in opposition of HR-1518 as an
anti-gun anti-hunting movement; not a public domain (equestrian) horseback
riding issue.  I've reviewed the pending legislation myself; based on facts that
are written within the proposed legislation and in conjunction with current
Sunday hunting laws, I did not see the same doom, gloom and/or speculation that
was painted by the Maryland Horse Council Representative and by the Equiery
Staff.
>
> Please take time to research HR-1518 yourself and don't become anyone's
puppet.
>
> T'mi Finkle
> Active Trail Rider, Charles County Maryland
>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (4)
#316 From: "baylady7" <baylady7@...>
Date: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:19 pm
Subject: Idea for speakers for next general membership meeting 		baylady7
Send Email Send Email
  
Hello
I have called Ron but wanted to share so maybe others have ideas and we can come
up with some good options for a good speaker.

1.  Soil conservation officer- to talk about the USDA grants available to large
and small farms in MD for everything from wells to manure pits to heavy use
areas, plus ways to help with mud and pasture management

2.  Self-defense person- I think one of the TROT board members is an expert in
this but if not there are various folks that do clinics on this.  What to do if
you are in danger of assault while out riding or at your trailer.

3.  Lawyer to discuss pet trusts: you do not have to be rich to set up a pet
trust and make sure your pets (horses, dogs, cats) are immediately cared for by
someone you TRUST when you pass away or if you become unable to care for them
(incapacitated).  This keeps your resources for this type of thing out of
probate and makes them immediately available to take care of your beloved
animals.  They are now finally legal in Maryland.

any other good ideas???

Kathy sends

Reply | Messages in this Topic (4)
#317 From: Barbara Sollner-Webb <bsw@...>
Date: Sun Mar 28, 2010 7:31 pm
Subject: great news - Sunday hunting bill HB1518 defeated 		bswicey
Send Email Send Email
 
hi, all!
   i heard from Barbara Frush -- our senior representative in Annapolis and a member of the House Enviro Matters Committee -- that they just defeated HB1518.  this was the most intrusive of the Sunday hunting bills, which could have opened ALL Sundays from October into January for hunting.  
   to everyone who contacted your representatives in Annapolis and the members of this committee, giving your recommendations on this proposed legislation, thank you very much.  evidently our citizen input was an important part in it not passing.
   however, please note that the myriad of county-specific hunting bills are still pending and will be decided by that same committee on Monday.  so if you have not yet written in and care, please do so!  [i gave each member's addresses in my earlier postings, they are on <http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/04env.html>]
    yay!
yours,  barbara


>  On Mar 23, 2010, at 11:57 PM, Barbara Sollner-Webb wrote:
>  dear everyone -- hopefully lots of you -- who have already sent in your letters about Sunday hunting,...


>>   On Mar 22, 2010, Barbara Sollner-Webb wrote:
>>      your input is needed immediately!    .... bills in the Maryland legislature attempting to strip us of our long-held right to safely enjoy outdoor riding (also hiking and bicycling) on the one day a week when we can now do this, for over 1/4 of the year. ...



Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#318 From: abernathy.allison@...
Date: Mon Apr 5, 2010 6:28 pm
Subject: TROT Trail Ride Challenge and the April TROT rides 		abernathyall...
Send Email Send Email
  
ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2010 TROT TRAIL RIDE CHALLENGE?

TROT is challenging all TROT members to participate in the 2010
organized trail rides and win awards!  Read the rules below, and get
ready to take up the challenge!

Special TROT Trail Ride Challenge Awards will be handed out at our 2011
Annual Potluck Dinner in the following categories:

    ·  Adults 18 and over

    ·  Children under 18

Rules:  You must ride in at least three TROT-sanctioned rides listed on
our website.  For each category, awards will be issued based on the
number of completed rides with a special award in each category to the
individual with the most rides.  Ride leaders get two points for the
rides they lead.

How to enter:  By December 15, 2010, send the TROT Trail Ride
Coordinator (saabernat@...) an email listing the TROT rides you
attended.   If you were a ride leader, make sure you include that
information, as you get double points if you lead a ride.

Make it an adventure!!  Try keeping a journal and/or writing an article
about it for our TROT newsletter.  Pictures are welcome.  We would love
to highlight individuals who are riding the Challenge!   Consider
telling us over the summer how it is going via our TROT newsletter.
The April rides are pasted below.   See our website for all the
scheduled rides for this year: http://www.trot-md.org/calendar.php













                                Liberty Reservoir - Sunday April 18 - Led by Mary
Prowell
                           This ride will be a combination of a dirt fire road
that goes around
                             Liberty Reservoir and some woods trails that connect
to it.  The
                          footing is mostly good although there are some rocks on
the fire road
                           and part of the woods trail is not well used.  There
will be a break
                              for lunch or snacks around noon.  The pace will be
walking and
                          trotting with a possible canter depending on the size
and abilities of
                          the group.  The Reservoir is a pretty place to ride
with views of the
                            water and through a mostly deciduous forest.  There
can be hikers,
                             bike riders and sometimes motor bikes on the fire
road so horses
                          should be able to deal with those things.   Plan to be
out for 2 ˝ to
                                                         3 hours.


                                                  In the saddle at 10 AM
                                         Location/parking:  Park on Deer Park Rd
                                 Contact:  Mary Prowell @ 301-829-7709 or
boprow@...

                           Rock Creek Park - Sunday, April 25 - Rock Creek Park -
Led by Susan
                                                        Montgomery
                           Come ride the beautiful trails of Rock Creek Park.  At
this time of
                          the year we will probably be treated to a display of
the famous cherry
                          blossoms.  The pace will be a walk so that all may
enjoy the scenery.
                          We have parking permits for the Nature Center Parking
lot off Military
                               Rd. No fees but a $2 donation to the Nature Center
is always
                          appreciated. Trails have some rocks, but you can get by
without shoes
                          as I recall. Restrooms in the Nature Center! Bring
lunch and make sure
                          you have scoops to clean up the parking lot. This event
is limited to
                                           10 trailers due to limited parking.
                                                In the saddle at 10:30 AM
                           Location/directions: Park at the Nature Center,
Military Road, Rock
                                 Creek Park
 http://shadowsrider.com/trails/rockcreek.htm
                               Contact:  Susan @410.446.3138 or
shadowsrider6749@...

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#319 From: Ron MacNab <rmacnab@...>
Date: Tue Apr 6, 2010 6:04 pm
Subject: Fwd: New Jersey Quarantine 		ronaldmacnab
Send Email Send Email
 


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: New Jersey Quarantine
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:07:35 -0400
From: J Robert Burk <BurkJR@...>
To: <info@...>


Published on Standardbred Canada (http://www.standardbredcanada.ca)

Six Farms Quarantined In EHV Investigation

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health announced on Friday the quarantines of five Monmouth County farms and one Gloucester County farm as the investigation continues into a possible Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) outbreak.

Two horses at Sweet Dreams Farm, 463 Casino Dr., Farmingdale, were euthanized with clinical signs consistent with the neurological form of EHV-1, and another died with similar signs. Two horses had presumptive positive tests for the disease and confirmatory testing continues.

While EHV is not harmful to humans, the neuropathogenic form of the disease is often fatal to horses and is spread quickly from horse to horse.

“Quarantines are necessary to ensure that this serious disease does not spread,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “Our investigation is continuing as we work to protect the health and safety of horses in New Jersey and other states."

Included in the quarantine are Never Ends Farm, 384 Conover St., Howell; 266 Lanes Mill Road, Howell; Riata Man Ranch, 27 West Farms Rd., Howell; 43 Charleston Springs Rd., Millstone; and 780 Heritage Rd., Sewell. These locations were placed under quarantine due to high risk contact with Sweet Dreams Farm or having received a horse from Sweet Dreams.

Investigations have concluded at Camelot Auction Company in Middlesex County and Handy Acres Farm in Ocean County and they were not included in the quarantine.

Equine Herpes Virus can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and the neurologic form of the virus can reach high morbidity and mortality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 clinically affected horses is typically 2 to 10 days, but in apparent infections may be spread for 21 days.

The Division of Animal Health Laboratory can test horses for EHV, either through a nasal swab or blood sample. Veterinarians should call (609) 984-2293 for further testing information.

The Department has a fact sheet on simple disinfection protocol for EHV-1 at
www.state.nj.us/agriculture/pdf/simpledisinfectionprotocolEHV.pdf.

The Division of Animal Health can be reached at (609) 292-3965 with any questions or concerns.

(Rutgers Equine Science Center)

Source URL: http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/notices/4-5-10/six-farms-quarantined-ehv-investigation.html

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#320 From: Barbara Sollner-Webb <bsw@...>
Date: Tue Apr 6, 2010 7:19 pm
Subject: Re: Fwd: New Jersey Quarantine 		bswicey
Send Email Send Email
 
thanks.  gluck!
-b

On Apr 6, 2010, at 2:04 PM, Ron MacNab wrote:



-------- Original Message --------

Subject:New Jersey Quarantine
Date:Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:07:35 -0400
From:J Robert Burk <BurkJR@....md.us>
To:<info@marylandhorseindustry.org>


Published on Standardbred Canada (http://www.standardbredcanada.ca)

Six Farms Quarantined In EHV Investigation

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health announced on Friday the quarantines of five Monmouth County farms and one Gloucester County farm as the investigation continues into a possible Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) outbreak.

Two horses at Sweet Dreams Farm, 463 Casino Dr., Farmingdale, were euthanized with clinical signs consistent with the neurological form of EHV-1, and another died with similar signs. Two horses had presumptive positive tests for the disease and confirmatory testing continues.

While EHV is not harmful to humans, the neuropathogenic form of the disease is often fatal to horses and is spread quickly from horse to horse.

“Quarantines are necessary to ensure that this serious disease does not spread,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “Our investigation is continuing as we work to protect the health and safety of horses in New Jersey and other states."

Included in the quarantine are Never Ends Farm, 384 Conover St., Howell; 266 Lanes Mill Road, Howell; Riata Man Ranch, 27 West Farms Rd., Howell; 43 Charleston Springs Rd., Millstone; and 780 Heritage Rd., Sewell. These locations were placed under quarantine due to high risk contact with Sweet Dreams Farm or having received a horse from Sweet Dreams.

Investigations have concluded at Camelot Auction Company in Middlesex County and Handy Acres Farm in Ocean County and they were not included in the quarantine.

Equine Herpes Virus can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and the neurologic form of the virus can reach high morbidity and mortality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 clinically affected horses is typically 2 to 10 days, but in apparent infections may be spread for 21 days.

The Division of Animal Health Laboratory can test horses for EHV, either through a nasal swab or blood sample. Veterinarians should call (609) 984-2293 for further testing information.

The Department has a fact sheet on simple disinfection protocol for EHV-1 at
www.state.nj.us/agriculture/pdf/simpledisinfectionprotocolEHV.pdf.

The Division of Animal Health can be reached at (609) 292-3965 with any questions or concerns.

(Rutgers Equine Science Center)

Source URL: http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/notices/4-5-10/six-farms-quarantined-ehv-investigation.html



Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#321 From: "trotsar2" <TFinkle@...>
Date: Wed Apr 7, 2010 2:25 am
Subject: Resignation as Vice President 		trotsar2
Send Email Send Email
  
All,

It has been a pleasure serving Trail Riders of Today (TROT) as your Vice
President. As most of you know by now, during tonight's closed Board meeting, I
verbally submitted my resignation as Vice President, as the Charles County
Coordinator and as the owner of the TROT_Members Yahoo site. I will transfer the
ownership rights to the TROT_Members group to Harold Goldstein.  While I wish
the current TROT Board well with their current and future lobbying activities, I
personally can not serve in a position of authority for any organization that
conducts legislative lobbying.

Please note that I support the preservation of existing equestrian trails and
the establishment of new trails; thus I will retain my Contributing Membership
status with TROT through the remaindered of this calendar year.

Ride safe,

T'mi Finkle

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#322 From: Grabiner1@...
Date: Wed Apr 7, 2010 4:18 am
Subject: Re: Resignation as Vice President 		Grabiner1@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Ms. Finkle, I'm dismayed by your retreat from TROT.  I respect your right to act on anything you feel strongly about. However, if you support the preservation of riding trails and the establishment of new ones as you say you do (and I believe you do!), I don't see how you can separate that from lobbying. 

Lobbying is a dirty word to many people, but not to me.  Lobbying is "where it's at" as far as pressing for money, regulation, enforcement, and other support and actions by elected officials and other government and regulatory stewards. 

Unless it is expressly forbidden by the organization's by-laws -- is it? -- lobbying is a reality and should be considered a necessity in today's sophisticated soup of ever-competing issues.  Lobbying is how you get those in authority to pay attention to what's important to trail-lovers.

Much luck in your endeavors, thank you for your service, and happy trails.

Regards,
Dana


-----Original Message-----
From: trotsar2 <TFinkle@...>
To: TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 10:25 pm
Subject: [TROT-Members] Resignation as Vice President

 
All,

It has been a pleasure serving Trail Riders of Today (TROT) as your Vice President. As most of you know by now, during tonight's closed Board meeting, I verbally submitted my resignation as Vice President, as the Charles County Coordinator and as the owner of the TROT_Members Yahoo site. I will transfer the ownership rights to the TROT_Members group to Harold Goldstein. While I wish the current TROT Board well with their current and future lobbying activities, I personally can not serve in a position of authority for any organization that conducts legislative lobbying.

Please note that I support the preservation of existing equestrian trails and the establishment of new trails; thus I will retain my Contributing Membership status with TROT through the remaindered of this calendar year.

Ride safe,

T'mi Finkle


Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#323 From: "T'mi Finkle" <TFinkle@...>
Date: Wed Apr 7, 2010 10:25 am
Subject: RE: Resignation as Vice President 		trotsar2
Send Email Send Email
 

Dear Dana,

 

I have not retreated from TROT, but I did have to remove myself any leadership roles from within our public charity organization.  I strongly support the right of any citizen to lobby both legislative and political issues.  I also support the rights of any organization whose mission statement is to engage in  lobbying activities.  I am confident that the current TROT Board is properly documenting the volunteer hours and financial receipts that are dedicated towards lobbying activities.

 

Please note that the organization’s bylaws do not address lobbying. However, all 501 (C) (3) organizations lobbying activities are strictly regulated by the IRS http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=163392,00.html

 

I encourage anyone that is in the position to support or assist in a leadership role within TROT to contact one of the Board members.  If anyone else would like to continue this conversation with me please do so off line.

 

Ride safe,

 

T’mi    

 

 

 

From: TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com [mailto:TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Grabiner1@...
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 12:19 AM
To: TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [TROT-Members] Resignation as Vice President

 

 

Ms. Finkle, I'm dismayed by your retreat from TROT.  I respect your right to act on anything you feel strongly about. However, if you support the preservation of riding trails and the establishment of new ones as you say you do (and I believe you do!), I don't see how you can separate that from lobbying. 

Lobbying is a dirty word to many people, but not to me.  Lobbying is "where it's at" as far as pressing for money, regulation, enforcement, and other support and actions by elected officials and other government and regulatory stewards. 

Unless it is expressly forbidden by the organization's by-laws -- is it? -- lobbying is a reality and should be considered a necessity in today's sophisticated soup of ever-competing issues.  Lobbying is how you get those in authority to pay attention to what's important to trail-lovers.

Much luck in your endeavors, thank you for your service, and happy trails.

Regards,
Dana

 

-----Original Message-----
From: trotsar2 <TFinkle@erols.com>
To: TROT-Members@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 10:25 pm
Subject: [TROT-Members] Resignation as Vice President

 

All,

It has been a pleasure serving Trail Riders of Today (TROT) as your Vice President. As most of you know by now, during tonight's closed Board meeting, I verbally submitted my resignation as Vice President, as the Charles County Coordinator and as the owner of the TROT_Members Yahoo site. I will transfer the ownership rights to the TROT_Members group to Harold Goldstein. While I wish the current TROT Board well with their current and future lobbying activities, I personally can not serve in a position of authority for any organization that conducts legislative lobbying.

Please note that I support the preservation of existing equestrian trails and the establishment of new trails; thus I will retain my Contributing Membership status with TROT through the remaindered of this calendar year.

Ride safe,

T'mi Finkle


Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
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