The TrailWriter

SHFEA

Home Membership Maps Events Calendar Links Parking Lot Project Registration Forms By-laws

The TrailWriter

February 2009

Official Newsletter of SHFEA

EQUESTRIAN TRAILS

Moving forward with plans on kicking up the efforts to get permanently marked trails in the Sam Houston National Forest for non-motorized use, the following guidelines for developing tails are provided by the Forest Service:

Stay in these compartments: 1-9, 11, 12, 14-17, 29-31, and part of 33. We need to avoid compartments that contain the multi-use trail so as to reduce the potential for conflict with motorized use.

Stay out of the Wilderness Area.

Don’t enter/pass through Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) sites (boundaries marked with light green or sometimes white paint; trees have light green or white bands), except on roads.

Minimize the number of times the Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) is crossed.

Protect streams and riparian areas:

Minimize crossings of streams and even small drains and ravines. Each one will likely need a bridge.

When approaching stream/drain crossings, approach directly, at right angles.

Don’t lay trail right along the bank of a stream or drain/ravine…back it off to protect riparian area.

Avoid low-lying, potentially wet areas; don’t lay out trail in areas that will be boggy during the winter/wet season. Stick to more upland/drier areas.

Avoid grassy, prairie-like openings in the forest. These are blackland prairies, a sensitive plant community that we are trying to restore. These occur primarily in compartments 1, 2, 4, and 5.

Don’t plan to use sections of current, actively-used fire lines (which are nearly always along the boundary of the Forest) in the permanent trail system. These are being re-bladed approx. every other year. However, there are many miles of old fire lines around stands of younger trees. These old fire lines are no longer being used, but are still visible and often easily rideable. They could potentially provide sections of trail.

At the January planning meeting and ride out, Dawn brought some maps from the Forest Service with the general area marked with the "compartment maps" attached. Fiona had some of the large topographical maps. The discussion was focused on what the steps are needed to get started with the trail plan. Dawn suggested that we get started with identifying the trails. We also need to identify the areas where we will need additional parking. Our overall goal will be to get the trails identified, marked, GPS and the proper paperwork completed to submit to the Forest Service this year or the beginning of next year. Then have everything in order so that we can apply to TPWD for the trail grant for 2010! This will be a long process but with the help of individuals and groups it can be accomplished. So start thinking about individuals or groups that you are familiar with (you know who you would like to see come ride the forest- because forest riding is not for everyone) and put a bug in their ear that we will start getting some "official" work days and many impromptu rides put together.

Calendar

Feb. 15, 2009 Meeting

10 AM - Location TBA

Always check the website for the latest updates.