New Officers Elected for Nebraska Horse Trails Committee

On Wednesday, December 1, the Nebraska Horse Trails Committee held their end of the year meeting which included officer elections for 2005.  Fourteen members were present.  New officers are:  Kathy Newberg of Walton, Chairman, Mike Anderson of Blair, Vice Chairman, Pattianne Belitz of Omaha, Secretary and Vickie Sich of Grand Island, Treasurer.  A special thanks to out-going Chairman, Jamie Sich, for his service for the last two years!  Minutes to the annual meeting are now available on-line. 

Natural Resources District Recognizes Trail Builders
New Trail Opportunity in Eastern Nebraska

Lincoln, NE (October 20, 2004) - The Nebraska Horse Council's Horse Trails Committee volunteers recently complete clearing 13 miles of back country to create the Oak Creek Natural Trail. The natural surface path parallels the hard surface biker/hiker trail. The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program provided information on trail design and location to minimize impact while creating a challenging trail for both horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail takes advantage of the rolling hills, scenic valleys, and open plains of eastern Nebraska. The trail opened this past spring and was the site of the 2004 Mother's Day Trail Ride. Fifty-nine women and three men rode the entire route from Valparaiso to Loma, NE and back. Oak Creek Trail, located entirely in a rural setting, has been recognized as a positive economic benefit in the small rural communities where trailheads are located. The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District presented the Horse Trails Committee of the Nebraska Horse Council with a special recognition award for their work on the trail. For more information, please contact Mary Hanson, RTCA Outdoor Recreation Planner, at mary_hanson@nps.gov  or 402-661-1554.

Tributary Award!

The Horse Trails Committee of the Nebraska Horse Council was honored by the Lower Platte South NRD Board of Directors Wednesday, October 20, for their efforts in establishing an equestrian trail within the Oak Creek Trail Corridor. The 12-mile corridor stretches between Valparaiso and Brainard. A 7-mile segment between Valparaiso and Loma is nearly completed.

 

Update on Rock Glen WMA
 
The Nebraska Game and Park Commission approved the recommendations made by the Wildlife Management Area to change some of the horse back riding times and places at Rock Glen in Jefferson County.  Horses will be allowed in Rock Glen beginning May 10th through October 22nd each year. Horses will be restricted to designated marked trails only. Parties of five or more need to obtain a special permit. (During hunting season in these specified times, riding is permitted only from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm . It is our understanding that would be only 2 weeks of the above stated allotted time. )
 
This is disappointing news as we all love riding Rock Glen and enjoying the beauty there. We are, however, thankful they are working with us for horse trail use. It is important that we remember Rock Glen's primary use is hunting and wildlife. So it is very important that we follow these guidelines or in the future they may make even stricter restrictions.
 
 The Commission is willing to work with equestrians on establishing and maintaining some of the trails. Because it is a wildlife area, the law will not allow the Commission to spend wildlife dollars. So we as an equestrian community will need to work together with the Commission. The Nebraska Horse Trails Committee will meet with some of the Commissioners and Wildlife staff in the near future and get ideas of what we as equestrians can do to help.
 
Please note that these restrictions DO NOT apply to Rock Creek Station. Horse trail riders, as always, are welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the trails in Rock Creek Station as we have in the past!