Equine Trails Subcommittee (ETS) Was Called to Order by Chair Foote on January 24, 2018 at 1:18 P.M

Minutes of the Equine Trails Subcommittee January 24, 2018

The regular meeting of the Equine Trails Subcommittee (ETS) was called to order by Chair Foote on January 24, 2018 at 1:18 p.m. at the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Lansing. Members present were: Chairman Foote, Dick Kleinhardt, Kristie Walls, and Amy Scharmen-Burgdolf. Janet Holmstrom joined via phone. Sarah Nicholls was absent.

The following Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff was present: Paul Yauk, Nikki Van Bloem, Barbara Graves, Anna Boruszewski, and Stuart Neils-Kraft. Via phone: Elissa Buck, Trevor McGinn, Jeff Kakuk, Rob Katona, Paige Perry, and Anna Sylvester.

BUSINESS ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Dick Kleinhardt moved to approve the October 18, 2017 meeting minutes with a minor adjustment in the CLP report. Kristie Walls seconded and the minutes were approved unanimously.

Kristie Walls moved the motion to approve the January 24, 2018 meeting agenda. Dick Kleinhardt seconded and the agenda was approved unanimously.

Committee Member Reports

Dick Kleinhardt – Northern Lower Peninsula:

PA 288-Due to a united effort and approach to objecting to full implementation of all trails being impacted by PA 288 there were considerations and concessions made particularly in Big Oaks campground area. Common sense prevailed to avert potential conflicts and safety issues. Many folks made their concerns known by showing up at ETS meetings, testifying at NRC meetings and sending in comments on the survey along with generally talking to some very key people who saw the problems and made changes.

Work Bee in the Pigeon has been approved by all departments and is set for May 17th thru the 20th. BCHMI-PR&B will again be hosting this. At the PRCAC meeting law enforcement officer Nick Torsky reported that the illegal riding was the lowest in 3 years. Signage and trail miles with connectors has helped immensely.

BCHMI-PR&B will hold their quarterly winter meeting at Jay’s Sporting Goods Saturday, February 10th in the Outback room starting at 1:00. Director’s meeting at 11:00.

MTRA will be hosting a work bee May 4-6th and location will be announced at a later date when details are worked out. March 24th is their annual meeting and banquet which will be held at Evergreen Resort in Cadillac. A total makeover was accomplished at 4 Mile camp this past spring with 137 picket posts planted and reconfiguring roadways along with new bathrooms and fire rings and tables. Thanks to MDNR and many

ETS Minutes Page 1 January 24, 2018 volunteers lots were accomplished to make this camp user friendly again. Mayhem Swamp was not passible in June but MTRA worked with DNR to make it usable the remainder of the riding season. Again many volunteers helped make this possible. Luzerne Bridge is also completed.

Pittman Robertson-Dingell Johnson implications- In speaking with Barry Reiswig, retired USFWS employee and Wyoming Back Country Board member, told me that the words “MAY ALLOW” means just that; not that they (USFWS) have to allow other recreational activities on PR/DJ funded lands i.e., horseback riding. However, the Director has great latitude and discretionary power to allow such activity. The most “friendly” horse states for the most part will allow such activity. His recommendation to Michigan is that we start using advisory groups to help plan the management of our wildlife areas. As it is at the moment in Michigan, we are excluded completely till after the plan has already been implemented. Montana has just done this with a newly opened area and it has worked out rather well giving the public a real hands on voice. Barry regrets that he will not be able to visit us in Michigan but wishes us the best for our state.

I believe that it is incumbent upon us (ETS) to heed Barry’s advice. We should be pro- active in our communications with Director Creagh and the entire department concerning the goals of promoting and growing our trail network particularly in the Thumb of Michigan, Lapeer area and beyond.

Respectfully Submitted Dick Kleinhardt

Janet Holmstrom – Upper Peninsula:

ETS January UP Report.

Pike Lake (Houghton County)/Simar trail (Ontonagon Co): The DNR and MI-TRALE (local multi user trail group) met on December 7th to discuss writing up the proposals for both trails. Jeff Kakuk and Rich Pirhonen of the MDNR were very helpful in discussing options and strategies for development of the areas. We also hope to create a connector trail between the two areas this will need to cross private land, so it will be planned as a future phase for the area.

Courtney Lake Campground (Ontonagon Co): MI-TRALE & USDA/Ottawa National Forest (ONF) had planned to meet this fall regarding the recommendation of opening up a few campsites at the Courtney Lake campground to horses. This was put on hold due to the ONF manager taking a promotion. We hope this will not be tabled for long. The campground connects to the Courtney equestrian trail in several areas and this would be a perfect use for the under-utilized campground.

ETS Minutes Page 2 January 24, 2018

Pine Bowl (Chippewa Co.): The trail designation has been approved.  YEA!!!! The DNR would like to improve the parking area which will need to go through the approval process. Paul Gaberdiel is working with a local rider on it. I am also available if needed.

The Marquette Co. fairgrounds connector trail to Thunder Valley: No work being done on the trail at this time. Snow is too deep; come Spring the goal will be to get the brushing and signage completed.

DNR Workshop: The DNR/USDA National Forest Equestrian Workshop will be held on 3/17th at the River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center in Ishpeming. Time is set for 8:45am – 4pm EST. Topics will include Camping opportunities and how expansion occurs under both agencies; Trail opportunities current and future. EQ sponsorship and how it relates to expansion. EQ needs regarding their unique requirements. Wrap up will include a roundtable & open discussion. I have posted info on as many “FaceBook” pages as I could. It has also been shared numerous times, so I am hoping for a good turnout.

Pony Express Trail Ride across the UP: The UP MTRA is organizing a trail ride across the UP. It will be May 12 – June 30, 2018. The distance is 309 miles from Sault Ste. Marie to Ironwood. The ride will run East to West. For more information you will want to check the UP MTRA Facebook page.

ETS Minutes Page 3 January 24, 2018 Kristie Walls - Central Lower Peninsula Report:

2017 ETS Central Region Equine Friends Groups Full Calender Year Volunteer Hours Report

Hours Equip. Hours Item(s) Date Total Value per Group Miles Traveled Worked Hours Traveled Donated

IONIA $23,110.64 650.25 158.5 4,980 138.77 $ 2,298.88

FT CUSTER $34,951.05 1515 0 $ ‐

SLEEPY $25,905.23 989 0 $ 3,089.00 HOLLOW

YANKEE $25,571.08 757.5 107 $ 8,095.55 SPRINGS

SUB ‐ TOTALS 3911.75 265.5 4,980 138.77 $ 13,483.43 ~ State of Michigan $ value $23.07 $0.535 $23.07 Totals: $ 90,244.07 $ 2,664.30 $ 3,201.42 $ 13,483.43 GRAND TOTAL $ 109,593.23 ** This should include your participation in work bees, going to Senate or House or NRC meetings, working at horse expo, hours spent letter writing, food prep for work bees, time and miles spent toward events or membership, etc.

Chainsaw up to 18" bar 3.30 Equipment hour values are calculated Tree chipper up to 9" diameter 17.02 with the hourly rates here appropiate portable electric drill 4.29 to the equipment used. auger 23.02 skid steer 34.00 57.02 atv ???? Guessing at $20 / hour 20.00

ETS Minutes Page 4 January 24, 2018 Ionia Horsemen's Camp Campsite Usage Comparison 2016 v 2017 47 Sites available (2008 was most recent horse only usage)

2016 2017 Increase As % Total Camps 808 1108 300 37%

Corral Site 139 35 54 19 54% Corral Site 141 24 45 21 88% Corral Site 143 33 55 22 67% Corral Site 144* 21 46 25 119% Corral Site 145* 21 51 30 143% Corral Site 146* 16 45 29 181% Corral Site 147* 15 34 19 127% 165 * not in top 10 2016 55% of the increase was on corral sites

Yankee Springs Horsemen's Camp Campsite Usage Comparison 2016 v 2017 25 Sites available

2016 2017 Increase As % Total Camps 452 678 226 50%

Corral Site 3 25 48 23 92% Corral Site 4 39 68 29 74% Corral Site 7 35 61 26 74% Corral Site 10 35 45 10 29% Corral Site 14 30 51 21 70% 164 273 109 48% of the increase was on corral sites

ETS Minutes Page 5 January 24, 2018 Ionia Equine Camp Numbers

The following information is compiled to show use numbers in the equestrian campground. The use numbers were from 2008, 2016, and 2017. Those years were significant because 2008 was the last year that it was equine only camping. From 2009 until 2015 the equestrian campground was mixed use from Memorial Day until Labor Day. In 2016 the equine campground was used only by equine campers.

Equine Camp Occupancy

April May June July August September October November Total camp nights Total available camp nights Percent Occupancy 2008 0 192 165 232 368 250 183 3 1,393 11,280 12.30% 2016 23 198 56 82 71 290 76 12 808 11,280 7.20% 2017 15 176 122 202 142 352 94 0 1,103 11,280 9.70%

The Bad: The year that the proposed mixed-use camping idea came about was 2009. The data from 2008 was what they used to show poor camping numbers to justify making the campground mixed use. The years following had a noticeable increase in camp nights, but it was impossible to tell what was equine use and what was not. The year that we were officially made equine only was 2016, the first year we knew that all camps were equestrian only. The data from 2008 and 2016 are the last and first year that we know it was equine only. That is a noticeable drop in camping numbers and revenue.

The Good: Despite the noticeable dip in numbers from 2008 to 2016, 2017 had a decent rebound. This could be attributed to multiple factors. Nice weather, a new event added in, the positive magazine article (saddle up), the corrals, are a few that came to mind. I do think that its key to note that months that had a holiday, or and event had better use.

Sites Use Before and After Corrals (7 sites total)

April May June July August September October November Total camp nights Total available camp nights Percent Occupancy 2016 3 31 13 10 19 60 26 2 164 1,680 9.80% 2017 11 43 48 67 59 65 39 0 332 1,680 19.80%

Corrals: The sites that were utilized with the addition of corrals showed the greatest rate of increase. A 10% increase was noted in the one-year comparison. It is important to know that the forty-seven (47) site equestrian campground did have a 2.5% increase. Total increased nights from year to year were 295, but of that 295 additional camp nights, 168 were on the seven campsites with corrals. This means that the other 127 extra camp nights were spread out over the other forty (40) sites. That means that 50.5% of the new business was on seven (7) sites. This is a clear statement that the sites with corrals were a big hit. In terms of revenue, the sites with corrals made $2,788.00 in 2016, but made $5,644.00 in 2017. The revenue gain from 2016 to 2017 was $2,856. The corrals cost $4,693.50 and we made half of that back in the first year, with a realistic return on investment being 2 years. Its important to note that the IHTA invested an additional $1,000 toward the purchase of the corrals. The original idea was 5 sites with corrals, but since they bought all the entrance gates to the corrals, we were able to make 5 sites into 7 sites. This obviously was a wise investment seeing that they will pay themselves off in 2 years.

ETS Minutes Page 6 January 24, 2018 Most Popular Sites

When sites had corrals added it had a noticeable shift in most popular sites from 2016 to 2017. Of the 10 most popular sites, only 4 from 2016 are still in the 10 ten for 2017. The site most popular in 2016 with 51 nights rented was not in the top 10 for 2017. Its also important to note that of the 10 most popular sites, the top 7 all have corrals. That means that the least popular corral site is more occupied than the top used non-corral site. There is no question that the sites that get rented the most have corrals and the shift in campsite popularity is noticeable. Of the sites that have corrals, the only sites in the corral group that was in the top 10 for 2016 is site 139 and 143. The other 5 corral sites had between 21 and 15 camp nights for the year. The site with the highest gain in popularity was site 145 with that site gaining 30 camp nights in the first year of having a corral. The corral site with the lowest gain was a tie between sites 139 and 147 which only gained 19 sites from the previous year.

2016 Site Number Nights Rented 2017 Site Number Nights Rented 1 135 51 1 143 55 2 121 35 2 139 54 3 139 35 3 145 51 4 143 33 4 144 46 5 106 29 5 146 45 6 134 29 6 141 45 7 137 28 7 147 34 8 131 25 8 106 32 9 141 24 9 121 32 10 132 22 10 134 32 Totals: 311 426

Additional Camping Information

The table on the following page shows amount of nights each site was rented from April 1st – November 30th for both 2016 and 2017. It is important to note that April and November are also the slowest months of the operating season for both years. Site occupancy for April 2016 was 23 nights rented, and 15 nights rented in 2017. Site occupancy for November 2016 was 12 nights rented, and 0 nights rented in November 2017. Issues that could be detracting campers in April are unpredictable cold weather, wet trails from winter thaw. Lower number in November could be attributed to cold weather and firearm deer season (as all trails are open to hunting in Ionia). Equestrian guests in the past have stated the previous two reasons as to why they don’t camp in November.

ETS Minutes Page 7 January 24, 2018

2017 2017 Site Number Nights Rented Notes Site Number Nights Rented Notes 101 12 101 26 102 15 102 30 103 6 103 17 104 16 104 22 105 9 105 9 106 29 106 32 107 15 107 16 108 14 108 16 109 11 109 26 110 14 110 16 111 18 111 28 112 6 112 11 113 20 113 21 114 8 114 10 115 6 115 8 116 9 116 12 117 11 117 15 118 8 118 13 119 5 119 10 120 9 120 14 121 35 121 32 122 10 122 9 123 14 123 11 124 19 124 16 125 17 125 17 126 16 126 13 127 9 127 16 128 14 128 16 129 9 129 17 130 21 130 27 131 25 131 25 132 22 132 28 133 11 133 14 134 29 134 32 135 51 135 28 136 19 136 20 137 28 137 29 138 14 138 19 139 35 no corral 139 54 with corral 140 17 140 23 141 24 no corral 141 45 with corral 142 21 142 27 143 33 no corral 143 55 with corral 144 21 no corral 144 46 with corral 145 21 no corral 145 51 with corral 146 16 no corral 146 45 with corral 147 15 no corral 147 34 with corral

ETS DRAFT Minutes Page 8 January 24, 2018 Referring to the www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails website, after selecting Equestrian, why does Yankee Springs only show 10 miles? Is it because their “9 mile” trail is on the game area? Stuart Neils-Kraft replied that while looking at the statewide trails layer and based on the mapping they did in 2016, just over 17 miles in total, about 7/10 of a mile of that is the Pines Trail, which wasn’t designated before but it goes north out of the staging area.

I don’t believe I ever got a response to my email to this group about the Camping Policy price change being effective November 1 – and no mention of it to ETS. I don’t know what the issue might be, but once again, no copy of the Equestrian Camping Policy prior to the meeting. (See Jason Fleming’s response under Draft Equestrian Camping Policy.)

Ionia is seeking approval for a path in the around the campground in a 100% Developed area. We intend to install premium quality skill building obstacles to provide trail exposure training and create an equine destination element. It should be a big draw, and the friends group is on board to begin the build this year. The district planner, Joe Strach, is coming out this week to do the walk through. This should be a slam dunk in an already Developed area. What is this group’s feedback?

WIP data base has not worked in 2+ months. Person in charge is on maternity leave. What is going to be done? How can we get past the red tape when the system is broken? What is the path forward? Nikki replied that there are ways to get some email signoffs to work the process.

Mike wants the group to make it a point to bring hours to the meeting for insertion in the minutes so he can report them to MTAC.

Amy Scharmen-Burgdolf – Southeastern Lower Peninsula:

Some of the groups have not been keeping track of all their volunteer hours while others are doing a great job of it; will work to get everyone keeping track of all hours for 2018.

Brighton Rec – Have their emergency contacts ready to add to kiosk and have provided them to the DNR office. Work Bee volunteer hours: 262 Board Meeting hours: 396 Preparation and participation hours for BTRA events (only counting the time put in for the organization people – not the guests): 210 Total: 868

Great Lakes Distance Riding Association

Highland – Their emergency contacts have been provided to the DNR. They do not have a kiosk yet but hope to raise funds to add one. Highland Trail Riders is happy to announce that equine campers will have exclusive use of the campground between April 20 – May 21, 2018 and Sept 5 – Sept. 30, 2018. This was an agreement made with the DNR since they were successful in filling the campground the past few years during our organized camping events. Their total hours worked for 2017 were 544.5 volunteer hours and 99.5 equipment hours.

ETS DRAFT Minutes Page 9 January 24, 2018 Maybury Trail Riders – Maybury’s volunteer hours for 2017 were 255 hours. They were able to clear an additional section of trail and add it to the map! They have their emergency contacts ready to provide to DNR and post for riders. Ortonville – 2017 Friends Report Ortonville Recreation Equestrian Association • Sponsored three weekend events for equestrians, bringing a total of 111 participants to the park/.campground: - Competitive Mounted Orienteering Challenge, May 13 & 14 - Spring Fling Poker Ride, May 27 & 28 - Annual OREA Judged Trail Ride, September 16 • Conducted an April work bee resulting in approximately 35 hours service as follows: - Repair of split rail fence at trailhead - Removal of mud and debris from two bridge decks - Clearing of campground perimeter areas, removing dead fall logs and brush encroachment - Improvement of footing in several trail sections by removing loose rock • Continued OREA sponsorship program receiving sponsor donations in the amount of $350. • Purchased and applied diversion timbers and deck cleats and drilled drain holes on the north bridge to reduce dangerous footing conditions and damage to deck surface from accumulated mud and debris. • Developed and instituted a visitor’s log to learn more about park users and seek feedback and suggestions. A mailbox was installed at the trailhead and OREA staff are maintaining supplies, collecting logs and preparing summaries of the information. This information is regularly shared with the DNR park supervisor. • The value of OREA’s documented volunteer hour, travel mileage, stock use/hauling and power equipment donation for the 2017 calendar year totaled in excess of $12,350.00. Volunteer hours given for the benefit of the equestrian park were 538. Pinckney – 272 trail work volunteer hours and 253.5 equipment hours for 2017, emergency contacts form had been completed and sent to DNR Polly Ann - Pontiac Lake – contacted Proud Lake Trail Riders – 963 total volunteer hours, emergency contacts form all set also and will be providing to the DNR also. Waterloo –

Mike Foote – Southwestern Lower Peninsula

He has to follow back up with the last two that have been sitting out there; the long- distance. He did not get a chance to talk to Nancy after the Horse Council meeting to see what is going on with Ft. Custer and some of the other areas out there. He is going to reach out with a letter to see if any of them want to come in and talk to him. The long distance - he has not been able to contact Barb, she has not been to several of their sheriff’s meetings, so he is going to have to email her.

Earl Flegler - At the October 18, 2017 ETS meeting, Earl promised to forward the attached documents from the Lost Nation and Lapeer State Game Area reviews of the restrictions on access by pack and saddle animals as required by Public Act 45 of 2010 (attached).

ETS DRAFT Minutes Page 10 January 24, 2018 ACTION ITEMS

Discuss Goals of the Trail Plan – Provide Top 3 – Subcommittee

Nikki asked the group to look at the Trail Implementation Plan Progress spreadsheet and evaluate them on how they are doing; what needs to be done? She would like some direction from the committee. Members agreed that the spreadsheet was, for the most part, accurate as far as progress. Chair Foote asked the committee how they would like to tackle it. Amy suggested they figure it out within the committee and then bring it back to the next meeting. Chair Foote said they will set a couple dates to have a goal by the March 8 meeting.

UPDATES

Five Year State Trails Plan – Paul Yauk stated that their five year trail plan is due for an update. Right now he is collecting information on how they put together the last five year plan. They used the subcommittees a lot the last time and will again.

Legislative Day – Col. Don Packard reported that Legislative Day is set for May 8, 2018. The sponsors are Senator Joe Hune and Representative Hank Vaupel. They will announce on both House and Senate floors that equestrian people will be coming to visit the legislators. He set up a website at www.equinelegislativeday.com. You can register here for the event. It will be in the Mackinaw Room starting at 8:30 a.m. They will have presenters that will include someone presenting the economic impact study. They are going to make a packet for the legislators, which will include the economic impact study. Each person will have a chance to meet with legislators. So please bring any information or questions you may have. Keep them brief and to the point. Kristie asked if they could include in the packet raising the topic of the rules pertaining to PR/DJ and how they are applied to Michigan state lands. Don recommended they prepare the document for insertion in the packet. Make sure you make 175 copies. - Last week, Best of America by Horseback did a show on trail riding and gave credit to several Michigan destinations and groups. The show can be seen at: www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/cast-crew.html. - CBS Television and Channel 50 are going to run the PSA whenever they can fill it in as filler time. They are going to do a Saturday morning show on March 3.

Camp Innisfree – Paul Yauk reported that the former Girl Scout Camp and property is up for sale. It is a 900 acre parcel just west of Brighton, north of the Lakelands Trail, and next to the Gregory State Game area. It was the Girl Scout’s equestrian site and has some very nice buildings there (see attached). It came to their attention as an option to buy. It is a very nice facility; however, PRD cannot take on another element like this, so they are looking for partners. Here is an opportunity to do something regionally that is part of the trail plan to look for a world class facility to bring equestrians in. They are looking to have an economic feasibility study done. Chair Foote will draft a letter and will send it to everyone to view.

Equestrian Trail Mapping – Stuart Neils-Kraft and Anna Boruszewski gave a presentation and update on the equestrian trail mapping (see attached presentation). Please look at the maps and provide them with any feedback.

ETS DRAFT Minutes Page 11 January 24, 2018 Tourism Representative Vacancy – Replacement Suggestions – Sarah Nicholls sent an email to Barb and Paul saying she heard back from an individual interested in filling the tourism representative spot on ETS after she sent a note out to all the Customer Visitor Bureau directors across the state. The committee liked the fact that the person would be U.P. representation in addition to tourism. Paul will seek out more information.

Great Lakes Shoreline Pilot Ride Jenny Cook said they are excited on the progress that is being made and it continues to be a pleasure to coordinate and execute pilot rides at selective state parks with the DNR and with ETS. Two great examples were pilot rides at Muskegon State Park in September, and at Silver Lake State Park in December. Both were fantastic and she looks forward to more opportunities. (See presentation).

Elissa Buck gave a brief update on the Silver Lake pilot. There was plenty of ample parking. There were some issues; areas of quick sand and some of the horses were afraid of the wave action. The park is supportive of opening up this option after the ORV season (October 31st), and would be open to hosting some additional pilot group rides next fall between November 1 and the first snowfall (reason being that sand can blow over the snow creating pockets that can be dangerous to the animals). Another issue would be emergency vehicle accessibility to the shoreline. They would need to create a detailed safety plan.

They now need to think about future rides; who is going to host them, provide the insurance, etc. An idea came up to do a beach ride for Grace Adventures, whom provided the horses for the Silver Lake ride. She is meeting with Chad Coppess, Program Administrator, to look at this option. They still need to identify some opportunities for the Muskegon group pilot ride. She is putting together a list of compiled information on other possible parks and is close to having it complete. Once complete, she will be meeting with Trails staff and others to discuss.

Draft Equestrian Camping Policy Jason Fleming believes the equestrian camping policy is ready and should be coming out fairly soon. He wanted to use this time instead on describing the cancellation and modification policy. He explained why it was done and what their thought process was when incorporating the changes. Kristie commented that when this was posted by the DNR on Facebook that she received blow-back from constituents and she had no answers for them. She would have appreciated knowing it at their October ETS meeting that it was coming, with a brief explanation of why it came about. Jason replied that in the future they will make sure that all committees affected by policy changes will have up-to-date information they can share.

The next meeting is March 8 at MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

Kristie Walls moved the motion to adjourn the meeting. Dick Kleinhardt seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

ETS DRAFT Minutes Page 12 January 24, 2018

Lost Nation State Game Area Review of the restrictions on access by pack and saddle animals as required by Public Act 45 of 2010 March, 2011

Purpose of Review and Legislative Requirements

On April 2, 2010, Michigan’s governor signed two bills into law; Senate Bill 578 and House Bill 4610 of 2009, now known as Public Acts 45 and 46 of 2010 respectively. Although these acts do not change any horse use restrictions on state lands, they do change the process for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Department) to impose any new horse use restrictions on Department owned lands. Among other things, Public Act 45 of 2010 requires the Department to review the existing horse use restrictions at the Lost Nation State Game Area by January 1, 2012.

The Department has conducted an internal review with our findings reported in this draft. These findings were provided to the public at an informational meeting held on January 18, 2011 in Hillsdale, Michigan. The purpose of this meeting was to explain these findings to interested persons in an informal setting. A question and answer period was provided at this meeting and the interaction from this session is being used to develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about equestrian use on state lands that will be available on our website. Public comment was also accepted at this meeting; comments received from the meeting along with all other comments received via mail or email since the meeting are included in this report as Appendix A. In accordance with Public Act 45, this report is being presented to the Natural Resources Commission at the March 10, 2011 meeting.

Origin of the Lost Nation State Game Area and Historic Events

In 1951, the Michigan Conservation Commission approved the purchase of land (14 parcels totaling approximately 1,092 acres) in the part of Hillsdale County tentatively designated as the Pittsford State Game Area. Additional parcels continued to be purchased within the project boundary, and in 1966, the Conservation Commission changed the name of the then 2,374-acre game area to the Lost Nation State Game Area, based on the local folk lore.

Fees from the sale of state hunting and fishing licenses were used to purchase the majority of the parcels that make up the area. Additionally, 802 acres were purchased with Federal funds from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, and 70 acres were purchased using Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund monies. The purpose and intended uses of this area were established in the official dedication of the area by the Department and in the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act grant used to acquire and maintain lands in the area. This area is designed to provide, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat, provide for the management of wildlife populations, and provide for the associated recreation of hunting and trapping.

Today, the Lost Nation State Game Area contains approximately 2,500 acres across two townships in southwestern Hillsdale County (figure 1). The area still serves its acquisition purpose and intended uses. The area is known to support several game species of interest to hunters as well as nongame and sensitive wildlife species (including federally endangered species) with specific habitat requirements. Truly contentious issues regarding the allowable use

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 1 of 10 of the area are not prevalent, as most users partake in hunting, fishing, shooting at the small, un- manned shooting range, and observing wildlife. Conservation officers and area managers, however, have noticed illegal off road vehicle and horse use over the years.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

As with all state game areas, the Wildlife Division manages and maintains the Lost Nation State Game Area according to the Division’s mission:

“To enhance, restore, and conserve the State’s wildlife resources, natural communities, and ecosystems for the benefit of Michigan’s citizens, visitors, and future generations.”

As part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Division strives to allow recreational opportunities that meet the mission of the Department while not compromising the wildlife resources that are of primary concern to the Division. In keeping with both the Division and Department’s missions, activities that conflict with wildlife related resources of state game areas are regulated and restricted. In addition to mission constraints, there are numerous legal and regulatory requirements that protect lands and funds for wildlife related purposes from being diverted to other uses.

As previously discussed, most of the lands in the Lost Nation State Game Area were acquired with state license fees and federal funds that have specific requirements for the purposes for which the funds can be used. Under the federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, an excise tax is collected from the manufacture of guns, ammunition, bows, and arrows. These funds are then apportioned to the states in the form of grants for the purposes of managing the states’ wild birds and mammals. These federal funds require the state to provide matching funds on a 3:1 federal to state ratio. Michigan matches these federal funds with fees collected from the sale of hunting licenses. The acquisition fund sources for lands in the Lost Nation State Game Area are as follows:

Acres % of Fund Source Acquired Total License Fees 1,693 66.0 Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (75% federal funds and 25% 802 31.3 license fees) Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund 70 2.7 Totals 2,565 100.0

There are specific federal and state laws and regulations on how these funds and lands acquired with these funds can be used. When federal funds under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act are used to acquire lands, those lands must be used for their intended purpose and the state cannot allow incompatible use described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), namely 43 CFR 12.71(b), as follows:

43 CFR 12.71(b) Use. Except as otherwise provided by Federal statutes, real property will be used for the originally authorized purposes as long as needed for those purposes, and the grantee or subgrantee shall not dispose of or encumber its title or other interests.

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 2 of 10 Misuse of lands acquired with federal funds constitutes a misuse of federal funds. The penalty for misuse is particularly severe as the state can become ineligible for funds under the Pittman- Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. In addition, adverse effects must be remedied, the cost of which cannot come from federal funds or license funds. This remedy may include reimbursing the federal funds and license funds used to acquire the lands at current fair market value. Funds used for this reimbursement also cannot come from federal funds or license funds. The regulations are contained in 50 CFR 80.14 as follows:

50 CFR 80.14 Application of Federal aid funds.

(a) Federal Aid funds shall be applied only to activities or purposes approved by the regional director. If otherwise applied, such funds must be replaced or the State becomes ineligible to participate.

(b) Real property acquired or constructed with Federal Aid funds must continue to serve the purpose for which acquired or constructed.

(1) When such property passes from management control of the fish and wildlife agency, the control must be fully restored to the State fish and wildlife agency or the real property must be replaced using non-Federal Aid funds. Replacement property must be of equal value at current market prices and with equal benefits as the original property. The State may have a reasonable time, up to three years from the date of notification by the regional director, to acquire replacement property before becoming ineligible.

(2) When such property is used for purposes which interfere with the accomplishment of approved purposes, the violating activities must cease and any adverse effects resulting must be remedied.

In order to be eligible for federal funds through PR and DJ, Michigan had to pass legislation protecting funds derived from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses. Commonly referred to as “Assent Legislation,” this state law requirement is established in 50 CFR 80.3 as follows:

50 CFR 80.3 Assent legislation. A State may participate in the benefits of the Act(s) only after it has passed legislation which assents to the provisions of the Acts and has passed laws for the conservation of fish and wildlife including a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters and sport fishermen to purposes other than administration of the fish and wildlife agency. Subsequent legislation which amends these state laws shall be subject to review by the Secretary. If the legislation is found contrary to the assent provisions, the State shall become ineligible.

Michigan’s Assent Legislation is codified in that section of Public Act 451 known as MCL 324.40501 as follows:

The department shall perform such acts as may be necessary to conduct and establish wildlife restoration, management, and research projects and areas in cooperation with the federal government under the Pittman-Robertson wildlife restoration act, 16 USC 669 to 669i, and regulations promulgated by the United States secretary of the interior under that

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 3 of 10 act. In compliance with that act, funds accruing to this state from license fees paid by hunters shall not be used for any purpose other than game and fish activities under the administration of the department.

For the purposes of eligibility under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, license fees are defined the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as follows:

50 CFR 80.4(a) Revenues from license fees paid by hunters and fishermen are any revenues the State receives from the sale of licenses issued by the State conveying to a person the privilege to pursue or take wildlife or fish. For the purpose of this rule, revenue with respect to license sales by vendors is considered to be the net income to the State after deducting reasonable vendor fees or similar amounts retained by sales agents. License revenues include income from:

(1) General or special licenses, permits, stamps, tags, access and recreation fees or other charges imposed by the State to hunt or fish for sport or recreation.

(2) Sale, lease, rental, or other granting of rights of real or personal property acquired or produced with license revenues. Real property includes, but is not limited to, lands, building, minerals, energy resources, timber, grazing, and animal products. Personal property includes, but is not limited to, equipment, vehicles, machine, tools, and annual crops.

(3) Interest, dividends, or other income earned on license revenues.

(4) Federal Aid project reimbursements to the States to the extent that license revenues originally funded the project for which the reimbursement is being made.

50 CFR 80.4 contains a specific prohibition against diverting any of these revenues to any purpose other than the administration of the State Fish and Wildlife Agency. The definition of a diversion and the penalty for such diversion is contained in 50 CFR 80.4(b-d) as follows:

50 CFR 80.4(b) For purposes of this rule, administration of the State fish and wildlife agency include only those functions required to manage the fish and wildlife oriented resources of the State for which the agency has authority under State law.

50 CFR 80.4(c) A diversion of license fee revenues occurs when any portion of license revenues is used for any purpose other than the administration of the State fish and wildlife agency.

In addition to acquisition, the Lost Nation State Game Area is almost entirely managed and maintained with Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds and license fees. Over the years, many habitat projects were developed and lands acquired using license fees in the Lost Nation State Game Area. Federal regulations require that lands acquired with and developments made with license fees must continue to serve their intended and allowable purposes. When uses unrelated to the intended and allowable purposes of lands and developments purchased with license fees conflict with those intended and allowable uses, a diversion occurs. The remedy in such cases is specified in 50 CFR 80.4(d) as follows:

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 4 of 10 50 CFR 80.4(d) If a diversion of license revenues occurs, the State becomes ineligible to participate under the pertinent Act from the date the diversion is declared by the Director until:

(1) Adequate legislative prohibitions are in place to prevent diversion of license revenue, and

(2) All license revenues or assets acquired with license revenues are restored, or an amount equal to license revenue diverted or current market value of assets diverted (whichever is greater) is returned and properly available for use for the administration of the State fish and wildlife agency.

The penalty for diversion is severe; the Department’s annual apportionment for wildlife restoration through PR for the last six years has been steadily increasing to an all time high of $13.5 million in FY 2010. Allowing conflicting uses at the Lost Nation State Game Area would result in the loss of these funds. Additionally, the $1.2 million provided through PR for hunter education could also be lost. Because DJ funds are also covered by the State’s “Assent Legislation” these funds would be jeopardized if this legislation is violated; the Department’s appropriation of DJ funds in FY 2010 was approximately $12.6 million.

In addition to the provisions of the PR and DJ acts along with the State’s “Assent Legislation,” an amendment to Michigan’s constitution was passed by voter referendum and took effect in December of 2006. This amendment extended constitutional protection to license fees in Section 40 of Title IX as follows:

§ 40 Michigan conservation and recreation legacy fund.

The game and fish protection account is established as an account within the legacy fund. The game and fish protection account shall consist of revenue derived from hunting and fishing licenses, passbooks, permits, fees, concessions, leases, contracts, and activities; damages paid for the illegal taking of game and fish; revenue derived from fees, licenses, and permits related to game, game areas, and game fish; and other revenues as authorized by law. Money in the game and fish protection account shall be expended only for the following:

(a) The development, improvement, operation, promotion, and maintenance of wildlife and fisheries programs and facilities.

(b) The acquisition of land and rights in land that support wildlife and fisheries programs.

(d) The enforcement and administration of the wildlife and fisheries laws of the state, including the necessary equipment and apparatus incident to the operation and enforcement of wildlife and fisheries laws.

(e) The protection, propagation, distribution, and control of wildlife and fish.

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 5 of 10 (f) Grants to state colleges and universities to implement programs funded by the game and fish protection account.

(g) The administration of the game and fish protection account, which may include payments in lieu of taxes on state owned land that has been or will be purchased through the game and fish protection fund or account.

Recreational Uses and Conflict Management

To ensure the Lost Nation State Game Area continues to serve its intended purposes, a number of recreational uses have been restricted since its inception in 1951. As with virtually all of Michigan’s state game areas, there have never been any portions of the Lost Nation State Game Area that have been designated open to horse use. Under the administrative rules governing allowable uses of state lands, horses are only allowed in areas designated open to horse use as follows:

R 299.922 Unlawful acts generally.

Rule 22. On lands owned or under the control of the department, it is unlawful for a person or persons to do any of the following:

(v) To ride or lead a horse, pack animal, or other riding animal, or any animal-driven vehicle on any area, except on roads that are open to the use of motor vehicles, trails, bridle paths, and campgrounds designated for such use by the department and on state forest lands not posted closed to such use or entry.

The prohibition on horse use for game areas goes back to at least 1954 when a similar portion of the administrative rules was in effect for state game areas as follows:

R 299.333. State game areas in zone 3 [southern lower Michigan], unlawful acts.

Rule 3. In addition, on state-owned lands in a state game area in zone 3, as described in section 10 of chapter 1 of Act No 286 of the Public Acts of 1929, as amended, being section 311.10 of the Compiled Laws of 1948: …

… (3) It is unlawful to ride or lead a horse, other riding animal or pack animal on, or to allow such animal or any animal-drawn vehicle to use or travel on any areas other than established public roads or trails designated for such use, without proper written permission.

In addition to horse use, to protect the integrity of the state game area system to provide, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat, provide for the management of wildlife species, and to provide for the associated recreation of hunting and trapping, the following administrative rules, which have existed in various forms since at least 1954, apply to all state game areas:

R 299.926 Game areas; unlawful acts.

Rule 26. In addition to the unlawful acts specified in R 299.922, on state-owned lands in a state game area, it is unlawful for a person or persons to do any of the following:

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 6 of 10 (a) To camp between May 15 and September 10, except in areas specifically designated for camping.

(b) To park any wheeled, motorized vehicle more than 20 feet from the traveled portion of a road, forest road, parking lot, or trail open to wheeled, motorized vehicle use.

(c) To operate any self-propelled motor or mechanically driven vehicle, including snowmobiles and bicycles, on other than a designated established road open to the public, a trail or area properly signed by the department as being open to such use, or a parking lot.

In 1956, while the area was still called the Pittsford State Game Area, a proposal to convert the area to a park or recreation area was considered. A delegation with representatives from the Hillsdale Chamber of Commerce, City of Hillsdale, and the treasurer of Michigan United Conservation Clubs felt more visitors might be attracted to the area by a park. The delegation felt that exploiting the history of the area, glamorizing historic local outlaws, locating caves used by outlaws, erecting monuments, and having old mills restored and maintained would be good for the local economy. The proposal also called for the construction and maintenance of picnic grounds, camp grounds, hiking trails, and other recreational facilities. The delegation determined that such a conversion would require that the license fees and Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds invested in the area would have to be replaced to avoid a diversion of license fees and a misuse of federal funds.

Ultimately, the Department’s Wildlife Division determined the lands were important for wildlife management and providing hunting opportunities in a part of Michigan with relatively little public hunting access. Additionally, the Department’s Parks and Recreation Division did not consider the area to have sufficient interests to warrant the investment necessary to bring it under their administration. Consequently, the Lost Nation State Game Area has been managed since its inception in accordance with state game area rules and for the purposes of eligibility under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Horse use has never been permitted on the area and no horseback riding trails have ever been designated on the area.

Although horse use has never been allowed on the Lost Nation State Game Area, interest in using horses on the game area has been expressed sporadically by individuals and horse groups since the 1970s. Most of the requests for horse use at Lost Nation State Game Area were part of larger issues regarding horse use at other game areas (e.g., Barry State Game Area) in the early 1970s and early 1990s. Some recent requests to allow horse use on Lost Nation State Game Area were received in the early 2000s. The Department has been consistent in its response to all requests to allow horse use on the area and has maintained that such use would be inconsistent with the purpose and intended uses of the area. Consequently, no horse use has been allowed. Requests to allow horse use at Lost Nation State Game Area have been practically nonexistent since 2004; however, illegal horse use on the game area still occurs.

Conclusion

Providing equestrian recreation is part of the Department’s mission for the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. As such, 16 State

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 7 of 10 Parks and Recreation Areas have developed equestrian trails and related amenities including 7 equestrian campgrounds. These parks provide a total of 208 miles of equestrian trails, ranging in length from 4 miles at the Bass River Recreation Area to 25 miles of trail at both Fort Custer Recreation Area and Waterloo Recreation Area. The majority have at least 10 miles of equestrian trails.

In addition, the Department manages approximately 3.78 million acres of State forest land that has no horse use restrictions. There are also 322 miles of trails and 457 campsites within the State Forest developed specifically for equestrian use. Half of the Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail, a 400 mile integrated trail and camping network that provides multi-day riding prospects for equestrians, is in the State Forest. Many of the campgrounds that service this trail corridor are State Forest equestrian campgrounds.

As many recreational uses are not compatible with each other or other resource conservation needs, the Department cannot allow all activities on all Department owned and managed lands. Additionally, certain lands were acquired and are managed for specific intended uses, uses that are often restricted by the mission of the administering division and funding sources used to acquire and manage these lands. Although the intended uses can change as wildlife management needs change, intended uses of lands acquired and managed with Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds and license fees must always be part of managing the fish and wildlife resources of the State. Although the Department actively encourages the use of these lands, the Department cannot allow uses that conflict with fish and wildlife management. Failure to act on unregulated equestrian activity would result in the Department violating its mission in addition to violating state and federal laws and regulations.

Consequently, the Department finds that the current restrictions on allowable uses at the Lost Nation State Game Area are adequate and appropriate.

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 8 of 10 Figure 1: Lost Nation State Game Area map.

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 9 of 10 Appendix A: Comments Received from Public Information Meeting Michindoh Conference Center – January 18, 2011

DNRE Staff: Penney Melchoir, Steve Beyer, Earl Flegler, Kristin Bissell, Brad Brewer MSU Facilitator: Julie Brockman Public Participants: 67

Comments received at the meeting:

Comment : As they look into development at Lost Nation in the future, look into buying land in the area that is open for all to enjoy.

Comment : We are not asking for money, we want to open it up (to horse use) and allow volunteers to maintain everything involved.

Comment : Don’t want to drive north even to Waterloo to ride. I live in Hillsdale and I want to keep my money here were people need it.

Comment : We can establish an association to maintain trails and collect fees from a bridle tax. We are willing to volunteer. We could model our group after the ATV associations.

Comment : You need to advertise these meetings locally and not on computers. Not everyone knew about this meeting.

Comment : The website makes it appear that you need a group for the use of the campgrounds.

Comment : Do you have any idea how much money could be generated by horse people at Lost Nation? The local economy needs this.

Comment : Mushroom hunters come in droves to Lost Nation. Shouldn’t they also be considered disruptive to wildlife?

Comment : Dogs can damage the area just as much as horses can. Hunters too for that matter.

Comment : We’re not out to destroy anything in the area, we just want to equally enjoy it like everyone else gets to.

Lost Nation State Game Area Report – March 2011 Page 10 of 10 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date Priority: Complete comprehensive EQ Trails and Facilities Inventory and Analysis Objectives Assignment Details of Status Create a comprehensive EQ Trails Inventory DNR RAS working on updating inventory and GIS data to include comprehensive geospatial data, and descriptions of public EQ trails, trailheads and campgrounds including those “permissive use” trails that are identified as suitable for EQ use. Gap Analysis based on New Trails Inventory ETS and Friends Groups Gaps where infrastructure needs must be pursued to achieve the Vision and goals (e.g. abandoned county roads, utility corridors or user-created trails). Connect existing EQ trails with particular attention to Southeast Michigan state parks and recreation areas Broaden GIS data to include other public lands Inventory and publish EQ trails and facilities on other and Trails DNR public lands such as county parks, municipalities and federal lands.

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 1 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date Priority: Improve and Expand DNR EQ Trails and Facilities Objectives Assignment Details of Status Pursue Gaps DNR/ ETS Prioritize potential projects by geographic area where trails and facilities can be enhanced and/or expanded for equine use. Develop policies around more shared Use Trails Assess the suitability of other Park and Wildlife lands, across DNR agencies DNR ORV trails, snowmobile trails (undeveloped) rail-trails, and existing looped trails for EQ use. Expand Trails to a minimum of 10 mile loops DNR/ Friends Groups Also, look for opportunities to configure trails so multiple loops are provided including connections to other trails nearby (including neighboring states). Reopen or Repurpose Forest CG to provide more DNR EQ Camping opportunities Objective of designating 2 or more EQ campgrounds with access to 20 miles of loop trails and/or connectivity to existing equine trails in the Upper Peninsula. New Riding Opportunities in UP Investigate and provide designated trail riding ETS and Friends Groups opportunities in several dispersed locations in the Upper Peninsula that will provide a minimum of 10 miles of well- marked trails and basic trailhead amenities for day rides New Riding Opportunities in NLP Using existing or new state forest EQ campgrounds north of Clare and south of the Mackinaw Bridge, identify ETS and Friends Groups opportunities for loop riding trail development that would provide a minimum of 20 total miles of riding opportunities per campground New Riding Opportunities in SLP Identify opportunities for designation of EQ trails in State Parks and State Game Areas which won’t conflict with ETS and Friends Groups management plans or land acquisition or management funding sources ETS/MTAC Based on positive demand analysis results, identify Conduct a demand analysis to determine the potential locations for Signature Equestrian Parks and need for a Signature Equestrian Park(s) provide pros and cons for each

Develop uniform sign guidance covering design, content Deveop Sign Guidance for EQ Trails DNR and location information for use on EQ trails, trailheads, and campgrounds. Partner with Friends Groups to place and maintain signs where needed

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 2 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date DNR/ ETS Develop an implementation plan for trails and facilities recommendations that includes quarterly reporting on implementation progress

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 3 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date Priority: Promote EQ Trails and Facilities to Users and Businesses Objectives Assignment Details of Status Create Promotional Platforms to draw new Users ETS Collaborate with Pure Michigan, riding associations and others on the development of innovative promotional platforms that will draw new users, e.g. the development of awards/patches for riding certain areas of the state, or volunteering for maintaining certain amounts of trail corridors Create better internet access to EQ data and DNR maps Work with the Land Information Access ETS/MTAC Association to provide guidance on trail towns catering to EQs

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 4 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date Priority: Collaborate with Partners and Governmental Agencies to Improve Communications, Expand Riding Opportunities, and Maintain Trails and Facilities Objectives Assignment Details of Status DNR This information would allow EQ users the ability to assist in Inform equine riders of DNR’s trail proposal the identification and development of connecting EQ trails on process private and public land. DNR Partner with the U.S. Forest Service, other states, local governments and other public entities to provide trails and campgrounds that are identified as needed in the gap analysis

Investigate opportunities to partner with others in Develop through collaborative partnership(s) a feasibility ETS the design, construction, and operation of a assessment, development plan, business plan, and Signature Equestrian Park marketing plan DNR Inform the public on how they can effectively participate in the DNR’s land management planning processes Use existing Friends model to expand Program Collaborate with riding associations to facilitate opportunities so that the equine community can learn ETS and Friends Groups how to initiate friends associations, perform trail maintenance activities, and achieve certification for chainsaw operations

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 5 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date Priority: Identify and Pursue Stable Funding to Develop and Maintain Equine Facilities

Objectives Assignment Details of Status Raise the Trust Fund Limit for Development Projects MTAC Research Other State for EQ Funding and report to DNR ETS Work with EQ groups to encouragepurchase of Recreation Passport ETS This could provide the means for development of Create different fees schedules for EQ CG based expanded amenities and for users to pay for services on Amenities DNR received

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 6 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15 Equestrian Trails Implementation Plan Progress to date Priority: Develop a Conflict Resolution Process Objectives Assignment Details of Status

Develop a group of qualified Michigan mediators/facilitators who will receive education in the laws and regulations which affect DNR’s administration of lands under its stewardship MTAC

Develop a process for referrals to mediate/facilitate and resolve recurring conflicts between user groups utilizing those qualified Promote utilization of MTAC as a forum for directing and Michigan mediators/facilitators who have received facilitating conflict resolution at the regional or state training in the laws and regulations related to organizational level. Costs of mediation/facilitation to be DNR land administration DNR/ MTAC borne by the user groups involved in the conflict

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist

Red= no progress; orange = some progress; green = objective achieved Page 7 prepared by Kristen Bennett, State Trails Planning Specialist 12/7/15

State Designated Equestrian Trails Mapping Project

January 24, 2018

Anna Boruszewski & Stu Neils-Kraft Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division Resource Assessment Section www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails Completed & Published Equestrian Trail Maps

• Bass River Recreation Area • Brighton Recreation Area • Highland Recreation Area • Ionia Recreation Area • Maybury State Park • Ortonville Recreation Area • Pinckney Recreation Area • Pontiac Lake Recreation Area • Proud Lake Recreation Area • Sleepy Hollow State Park • Waterloo Recreation Area • William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park • Yankee Springs Recreation Area Locating Maps on DNR’s Website

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7 -153-10365_16839_54521---,00.html Coming Soon! – Draft Maps

• Allegan State Game Area • Fort Custer Recreation Area • Lakelands Trail State Park • Musketawa State Trail • Polly Ann State Trail Focusing on Rail Trails

Example: Polly Ann State Trail

• “Overall” Maps: • Identifies the entire length of the trail • Shows map extents for section/series maps • Section/Series Maps: • Zooms into an area • Easier to view trails, roads, and amenities

• Trail Surfaces: • Asphalt vs. Crushed Limestone vs. Dirt/Natural… • Need universal line symbols

Data Collection in 2017 - Shore-to-Shore Trail

• Out of about 380 miles, 225 miles of trail were mapped in total.

• Collaboration with MTRA

• Point data for trail markers, watering stops, bridges and overlooks

• 70+ miles were mapped on horseback

Project Goals for 2018

• Finish mapping the remainder of the Shore-to-Shore Trail (~155 miles) • Complete post-processing and desktop review of our updated data • Establish revision and approval process with DNR trail managers • Inventory EQ facilities at trail camps and state forest campgrounds in the Northern Lower Peninsula (Roughly 18 sites) • Create maps of the Shore to Shore Trail for the DNR Equestrian web page Questions & Thank You! State Parks Shoreline Miles Guidelines Warren Dunes 3 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. 2.5 miles of designated dog friendly beach. Grand Mere 1 Entire shoreline is pet friendly. Van Buren 1 Limited shoreline Saugatuck Dunes 2.5 Preserved Dunes Muskegon 2.5 Excellent equine option Septmeber 15 - April 15. P.J. Hoffmaster 3 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. No dogs on beach. Silver Lake 4 Excellent equine option November 1 - April 1. Only on ORV area. Ludington several Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. No dogs on beach. Petoskey 1 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. No dogs on beach. Wilderness 26 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. No pets on beach. Cheboygan 5 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. Pets permitted in specific areas of beach. P. H. Hoeft 1 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. Pets are only allowed on the pet friendly beach. Negwegon 6.5 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. Pet friendly beach with a dog beach. Tawas Point 6 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. These rules are strictly enforced. Thompsons Harbor 7.5 Pets are permitted in a specific section of shoreline. Harrisville 0.5 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. Port Crescent 3 Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals. Lakeport Pets must be on 6 foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Please clean up after your animals.

Submitted by Jenny Cook 1/22/18; updated 1/23/18 Silver Lake 12-1-17 Pilot Ride On December 1, 2017 we met at Silver

Lake State Park ORV parking area.

Grace Adventures donated rental horses for us. Ranch Manager, Tim Younglove and Program Administrator, Chad

Coppess lead and assisted us during the ride.

We followed the southern ORV border to the shoreline. We rode the shoreline about 1 1/2 miles of the nearly 4 miles available. There was plenty of shoreline to enjoy without going into the water. We returned along the southern ORV border. Silver Lake State Park is another excellent example of how to enjoy the shoreline by horseback.

We look forward to exploring other State Parks and enjoying more equine opportunities along the shoreline, parks and trails.

Thank you for your continued interest in equine opportunities.

Jenny Cook