Horse Riders and Outdoorsmen of Michigan - Your support of trails and public land use throughout Michigan is urgently needed. Representative Tim Moore submitted House Bill 4610 for consideration which was then referred to the committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. On April 28th, 2009, HB 4610 will be discussed by members of the committee. This petition and your presence in Lansing, is VERY IMPORTANT to getting this bill approved and adopted.
This petition, signed by citizens of the State of Michigan, Petition the State to enact Right to Ride legislation - HB 4610 - to preserve and promote horseback riding and the use of pack animals on Michigan's public lands. We believe Right to Ride legislation is necessary to prevent - and reverse - current land manager practices that restrict equestrian and other trail user access to our public lands. We urge you to approve and adopt HB 4610 in its entirety.
HOUSE BILL No. 4610 March 18, 2009, Introduced by Reps. Moore, Sheltrown, Kurtz, Polidori, Elsenheimer, Stamas, Hildenbrand and Genetski and referred to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 72101 (MCL 324.72101), as amended by 1997 PA 129, and by adding section 72114. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT: Sec. 72101. As used in this part:: (a) "Advisory council" means the Michigan trailways advisory council created in section 72110. (b) "Council" means a Michigan trailway management council established pursuant to section 72106. (c) "Fund" means the Michigan trailways fund created in section 72109. (d) "Governmental agency" means the federal government, a county, city, village, or township, or a combination of any of these entities. (e) "Michigan trailway" means a trailway designated by the commission pursuant to section 72103. (f) "Rail-trail" means a former railroad bed that is in public ownership and used as a trailway. (g) "Trailway" means a land corridor that features a broad trail capable of accommodating a variety of public recreation uses. (h) "Trailways and other areas" includes trailways, open access roads, management roads, forestry access roads, and established 2-track and single-track trails. Sec. 72114. (1) The department shall preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle animals on all state owned land where there is a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle animals. All trailways and other areas on state owned land that were open on May 7, 2008 and available for use by pack and saddle animals shall remain open and accessible for use by pack and saddle animals. Additionally, all trailways and other areas on state owned land that, prior to this date, were available for use by pack and saddle animals shall be reopened and made accessible for use by pack and saddle animals. (2) Not later than July 31, 2009, the commission shall establish a network of trailways on state owned lands that may be used by pack and saddle animals. In establishing the network of pack and saddle trailways under this section, the commission shall include those trailways and other areas of state land in which there is a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle animals. (3) The designation of a trailway for pack and saddle animals under subsection (2) does not preclude the use of the trailway for other uses as designated by the commission. (4) The commission shall facilitate the inclusion of other public and private lands within a statewide network of pack and saddle trailways to provide for a comprehensive network of pack and saddle trailways throughout the state.
HB 4610 was referred to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. Which meets on Tuesdays, at 10:30 am in Room 521 of the House Office Building Committee Clerk: David Mead Ph: 517.373.2013 Reps. Sheltrown (C), Slezak (Maj. VC), Ebli, Huckleberry, Lindberg, Simpson, Stanley, Stamas (Min. VC), Bolger, Hansen, Horn 517-373-3817 joelsheltrown@house.mi.gov 517-373-3906 JimSlezak@house.mi.gov 517-373-1791 JimStamas@house.mi.gov 517-373-2617 KateEbli@house.mi.gov 517-373-1775 mikesimpson@house.mi.gov 517-373-0834 MikeHuckleberry@house.mi.gov 517-373-7317 goeffhansen@house.mi.gov 517-373-0498 stevenlindberg@house.mi.gov 517-373-0837 kennethhorn@house.mi.gov 517-373-1787 JamesBolger@house.mi.gov 517-373-8808 WoodrowStanley@house.mi.gov
Horse Riders and Outdoorsmen of Michigan - Your support of trails and public land use throughout Michigan is urgently needed. Representative Tim Moore submitted House Bill 4610 for consideration which was then referred to the committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. On April 28th, 2009, HB 4610 will be discussed by members of the committee. This petition and your presence in Lansing, is VERY IMPORTANT to getting this bill approved and adopted.
This petition, signed by citizens of the State of Michigan, Petition the State to enact Right to Ride legislation - HB 4610 - to preserve and promote horseback riding and the use of pack animals on Michigan's public lands. We believe Right to Ride legislation is necessary to prevent - and reverse - current land manager practices that restrict equestrian and other trail user access to our public lands. We urge you to approve and adopt HB 4610 in its entirety.
HOUSE BILL No. 4610 March 18, 2009, Introduced by Reps. Moore, Sheltrown, Kurtz, Polidori, Elsenheimer, Stamas, Hildenbrand and Genetski and referred to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 72101 (MCL 324.72101), as amended by 1997 PA 129, and by adding section 72114. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT: Sec. 72101. As used in this part:: (a) "Advisory council" means the Michigan trailways advisory council created in section 72110. (b) "Council" means a Michigan trailway management council established pursuant to section 72106. (c) "Fund" means the Michigan trailways fund created in section 72109. (d) "Governmental agency" means the federal government, a county, city, village, or township, or a combination of any of these entities. (e) "Michigan trailway" means a trailway designated by the commission pursuant to section 72103. (f) "Rail-trail" means a former railroad bed that is in public ownership and used as a trailway. (g) "Trailway" means a land corridor that features a broad trail capable of accommodating a variety of public recreation uses. (h) "Trailways and other areas" includes trailways, open access roads, management roads, forestry access roads, and established 2-track and single-track trails. Sec. 72114. (1) The department shall preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle animals on all state owned land where there is a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle animals. All trailways and other areas on state owned land that were open on May 7, 2008 and available for use by pack and saddle animals shall remain open and accessible for use by pack and saddle animals. Additionally, all trailways and other areas on state owned land that, prior to this date, were available for use by pack and saddle animals shall be reopened and made accessible for use by pack and saddle animals. (2) Not later than July 31, 2009, the commission shall establish a network of trailways on state owned lands that may be used by pack and saddle animals. In establishing the network of pack and saddle trailways under this section, the commission shall include those trailways and other areas of state land in which there is a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle animals. (3) The designation of a trailway for pack and saddle animals under subsection (2) does not preclude the use of the trailway for other uses as designated by the commission. (4) The commission shall facilitate the inclusion of other public and private lands within a statewide network of pack and saddle trailways to provide for a comprehensive network of pack and saddle trailways throughout the state.
HB 4610 was referred to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. Which meets on Tuesdays, at 10:30 am in Room 521 of the House Office Building Committee Clerk: David Mead Ph: 517.373.2013 Reps. Sheltrown (C), Slezak (Maj. VC), Ebli, Huckleberry, Lindberg, Simpson, Stanley, Stamas (Min. VC), Bolger, Hansen, Horn 517-373-3817 joelsheltrown@house.mi.gov 517-373-3906 JimSlezak@house.mi.gov 517-373-1791 JimStamas@house.mi.gov 517-373-2617 KateEbli@house.mi.gov 517-373-1775 mikesimpson@house.mi.gov 517-373-0834 MikeHuckleberry@house.mi.gov 517-373-7317 goeffhansen@house.mi.gov 517-373-0498 stevenlindberg@house.mi.gov 517-373-0837 kennethhorn@house.mi.gov 517-373-1787 JamesBolger@house.mi.gov 517-373-8808 WoodrowStanley@house.mi.gov
The undersigned, citizens of the State of Michigan, Petition the State to enact Right to Ride legislation to preserve and promote horseback riding and the use of pack animals on Michigan's public lands. We believe Right to Ride legislation is necessary to prevent - and reverse - current land manager practices that restrict equestrian and other trail user access to our public lands. We urge you to approve and adopt HB 4610 in its entirety.
We signed the "Enact HB 4610 - Michigan Right to Ride" petition!
# 1,355:
5:49 am PDT, Sep 22,Name not displayed, Michigan
# 1,354:
8:33 pm PDT, Sep 15,Corinne Murray, Michigan
# 1,353:
9:00 am PDT, Sep 13,Sarah Carlyon, Michigan
# 1,352:
4:28 pm PDT, Aug 25,Hannah Hh, Texas
# 1,351:
5:54 pm PDT, Aug 20,Virginia Werner, Michigan
I am on the board of Yankee Springs Trail Riders. I know the DNR is doing what they can to help us keep these trails open. We work great as a team. Keep up the fight!
# 1,350:
10:27 am PDT, Aug 18,Name not displayed, Michigan
# 1,349:
12:51 pm PDT, Aug 12,Name not displayed, Michigan
All of the state land around the Lowell, Ionia, Belding area has signs no horses allowed.
# 1,348:
9:05 am PDT, Aug 8,Glenn Petersen, Michigan
As a taxpayer residing in the State of Michigan I ask that you do not ban the use of horses on State of Michigan public land and trails.
# 1,347:
2:28 pm PDT, Aug 7,Stephanie Wollet, Michigan
# 1,346:
4:43 am PDT, Aug 7,Vanessa O'Dell, Ohio
# 1,345:
8:18 am PDT, Aug 6,Jeannie Wright, Michigan
I have been around horses all of my life. Camping and trial riding is where I grew up, I would hate to not be able to do this with my family.
# 1,344:
2:20 pm PDT, Jul 23,Daniel Earl, Michigan
Do you know of areas of State-owned land, in Michigan, that is closed to horses? Please let us know!
For more info go to www.bchmi.org
# 1,343:
2:46 pm PDT, Jul 19,Marilyn Miller, Michigan
Horses built many of the trails and old logging roads years ago. Now equestrians continue to enjoy nature from the back of a horse. What could be more natural? Horses do not hurt the trails. Trails are meant to be used. Do not take away our trails!
# 1,342:
5:26 am PDT, Jul 17,Helen Hart, Michigan
# 1,341:
9:47 pm PDT, Jul 16,Diana Davidson, Michigan
I support the right to ride. I enjoy trail riding and it is a good way for fellow riders to get together. Especially since riding on the pavement is not an option. Please don't take these rights away from our fellow equestrians.
# 1,340:
8:20 pm PDT, Jul 16,Alan Cox, Michigan
# 1,339:
10:22 am PDT, Jul 15,Lori Brasseur, Michigan
# 1,338:
8:08 am PDT, Jul 9,Vickie Banyash, Michigan
I have lived in Michigan all my life and have been riding since I was 12 years old. I am now nearly fifty-eight. I support the horse industry and retailers in Michigan by purchasing thousands of dollars in hay, grain, tack, veterinary services, farm equipment, paying property taxes, park fees, buying camping equipment, towing vehicles, repair services, farrier services, and riding apparel. I hope that you will support my desire to keep the trils open and available to me, my fellow equestrians, and our horses. Thank You for your time and consideration.
Vickie Banyash
# 1,337:
7:35 am PDT, Jul 9,Sandy Krikke, Michigan
# 1,336:
9:27 am PDT, Jul 8,Squire Taylor, Michigan
10 years ago i rode on the heartland trail now i cannot and have to trailer to ride plese keep riding in mich a so i wont have to go out of state
# 1,335:
8:15 pm PDT, Jul 6,Alana Burkowski, Michigan
# 1,334:
1:06 pm PDT, Jul 3,Muriel Herrick, Michigan
# 1,333:
11:15 am PDT, Jul 2,Teresa VanderMeer, Michigan
I am amazed to find out that we are not allowed to ride on state trails. I see bikes, hickers, snowmobiles but not horses?? We have been riding unknowningly on state land. Thats about the last thing I would think that horses are not allowed.
# 1,332:
9:04 am PDT, Jul 2,Carol Kline, Michigan
I enjoy trail riding through Michigan's most beautiful parks and horse trialways. I find it most relaxing and enjoyable when I can get on my horse and view nature and wildlife at its best. Please do not take that away from all of us. Road riding is not an option anymore since drivers have no respect for the horses. Also, equine owners spend a lot of money to Michigan businesses for the upkeep and care of our horses. Lets give some consideration to our future generation of horse lovers for their right to ride as well.
# 1,331:
6:44 am PDT, Jul 2,Name not displayed, Michigan
# 1,330:
6:21 am PDT, Jul 2,Marcy Rademaker, Michigan
# 1,329:
6:12 am PDT, Jul 2,Deborah DeHart, Michigan
The equine industry in Michigan is a very important part of state revenue and should be promoted continually. Every horse owner spends a lot of money at local businesses and keeps a lot of revenue in the state.
# 1,328:
5:21 am PDT, Jul 2,Lisa Wagasky, Michigan
# 1,327:
5:14 am PDT, Jul 2,Kody Skinner, Michigan
# 1,326:
5:01 pm PDT, Jul 1,Daniel Rahl, Michigan
# 1,325:
3:43 pm PDT, Jul 1,Conni Schaftenaar, Michigan
# 1,324:
8:47 am PDT, Jul 1,Kimberley Rahl, Michigan
I would be in favor of paying for a State Tag for my horse for annual, or one day use, of trails in order to help maintain horse trails. Too many of them have been made off limits to horses in favor of off road vehicles.
# 1,323:
8:06 am PDT, Jul 1,Lisa Lawitzke, Michigan
# 1,322:
6:13 am PDT, Jul 1,Tamara L. Gauthier-Cecil, Michigan
# 1,321:
6:02 pm PDT, Jun 30,PAULA LUTZ, Michigan
# 1,320:
5:21 pm PDT, Jun 30,Name not displayed, Michigan
# 1,319:
9:42 am PDT, Jun 29,Jessica Wierckz, Michigan
# 1,318:
5:34 pm PDT, Jun 28,Pamela Wingfield, Michigan
# 1,317:
6:22 am PDT, Jun 28,Name not displayed, Michigan
Please try and understand our side of this issue, you can't ride horse on the road because people don't respect the horses, now you want to take away where we can ride and not have to worry about some one hitting you and your animal.
# 1,316:
6:19 pm PDT, Jun 27,Kathleen Briggeman, Michigan
I would like to support the right to ride legislation. I am an avid horseback rider and Michigan is a beautiful state that I would like to have the opportunity to explore on horseback. Lest we all forget how our ancestors traveled and developed this country, I would be happy to remind you. Yes, it was horses!!!!!
# 1,315:
7:34 am PDT, Jun 20,Kris Stagg, Michigan
# 1,314:
5:21 am PDT, Jun 20,Terri Swaim, Michigan
In response to the gentleman who claims horses polute the rivers, etc. I ride Elba quite often and am amazed at how little manure is actually on the trails, and they are used alot. The rains wash it into the ground quite quickly. Almost none of it gets into the lakes and rivers. The birds, geese, ducks, swans crap in the waters far more. Should we also get rid of them? Horses never pee in the water, but the people do. Ban all people in the lakes and rivers? We can all use are parks and trails and be respectfull of others. We pay taxs, use fees, and permits. Horse people only want the rights granted to others, and we don't presume to take any rights away from any other group.
# 1,313:
7:55 pm PDT, Jun 19,Name not displayed, Michigan
# 1,312:
5:43 pm PDT, Jun 19,Corinne Grazioli, Michigan
Horse back riding is a respectful and peaceful recreation in which to enjoy our public lands. How better to enjoy our natural resources if not naturally?
# 1,311:
8:37 am PDT, Jun 18,Heather Yanchula, Michigan
# 1,310:
8:35 am PDT, Jun 18,Susan J McNamara, Michigan
# 1,309:
10:07 am PDT, Jun 15,Maureen Potvin, Michigan
We are under attack by our own government passing laws on just about EVERYTHING we AREN'T ALLOWED TO DO ANYMORE, and I'm SICK OF IT! I will be remembering these things as I go to the Voting this year and in years to come. DO THE RIGHT THING!!
# 1,308:
9:41 am PDT, Jun 9,Name not displayed, Michigan
Allowing horses on the White Pine Trail will be a great economic benefit to the surrounding communities.
# 1,307:
5:56 pm PDT, Jun 7,Cathy Hughes, Michigan
# 1,306:
7:03 am PDT, Jun 7,Sandra Davis, Michigan
# 1,305:
4:29 am PDT, Jun 5,Shevonne Hartfield, Michigan
# 1,304:
4:39 am PDT, Jun 3,Name not displayed, Michigan
# 1,303:
6:19 pm PDT, Jun 2,Aunna Lippert, Michigan
# 1,302:
11:23 am PDT, Jun 1,Tom Kooienga, Michigan
# 1,301:
8:39 am PDT, Jun 1,Monica Buffman, Michigan
We enjoy taking our granddaughter camping with her pony and riding the state forest. Please don't take this away from our youth! These are the memories we want to build for her and others.
