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April 28, 2009

Public meetings on horse trails set, RSVP deadline is Friday

Submitted by the Conasauga Ranger District

The Conasauga Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is beginning an analysis of its equestrian trails to determine if the current system of horse trails is adequate to meet public demand. The purpose of the analysis is to provide safe, high-quality trail opportunities for non-motorized uses that are environmentally and operationally sustainable. The analysis is needed due to the increasing number of equestrians across the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

We will be looking at the capacity for use of the existing trail system, current and needed facilities for equestrians, and opportunities for expanding and enhancing the trail system. The density and spatial distribution of existing horse trails and trailhead facilities across the district will be an important consideration.

Public input is an important “first step” in this process. Two public meetings have been scheduled:

• Westside Middle School (cafeteria), 580 Lafayette Highway (Highway 201), Rocky Face, on Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m.

• Gilmer County Bank (conference center), 829 Industrial Blvd., Ellijay, on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m.

We intend for the public meetings to be “working meetings.” Attendees will be divided into working groups for the purpose of discussing whether or not the current trail network is adequate to meet the demand, and to identify opportunities to potentially improve the trail network. If you have an idea about how to improve our horse trail network, the proposal should meet the following criteria:

• Any new trail would be designated as multi-use, which would allow for hiking and mountain biking.

• Trails should be at least 5 miles in length, but preferably the trail system should be at least 15 miles or longer.

• We are particularly interested in trails that interconnect with existing trails or add opportunities to existing trails. Loop trails are the most desirable.

• No new trails will be considered in the Cohutta Wilderness. This decision was made through a Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) wilderness planning process.

• New trail proposals must meet Forest Plan standards and other screening criteria, such as the requirement for having a financial plan for construction and a detailed, 10-year maintenance plan for volunteer organizations.

If you plan to attend one of the meetings, we need to hear from you for planning purposes. Please RSVP by May 1 by phone at (706) 695-6736, extension 103, or by e-mail to Larry Thomas, Resources Forester, at lrthomas@fs.fed.us. If you have questions or need additional information, feel free to contact Thomas.

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