OET Volunteers Make a Difference
Today equestrians are the minority user on our public trail systems. We must make our voice heard so federal, state and county public land managers continuing to include the interests of equestrian users on our public lands. Our volunteers spend thousands of hours each year to clear trails for downed trees maintain and build horse camps throughout the state. Federal and state budgets continue to downsize requiring more effort from volunteers to maintain the current trail inventory.
For over 40 years OET members have lobbied for continued safe equestrian access to our trails systems and camp grounds. Today with the diminishing federal budgets we are starting to see many forest service roads that are in the process of being closed. This is currently in public comment and many OET volunteers have offered input so federal roads accessing our trails will remain open.
Our goal is simple we wish to ensure that our children and beyond will be able to ride and access our favorite public trails and camp grounds throughout their life. It takes all equestrians working towards a common goal to make a difference. In 2013, Tryon Creek State Park which was going through a master plan update, upper park management suggested that all trails be closed to equestrians. Through the efforts of concerned equestrian members by attending the public meetings (standing room only) park management dropped this from the master plan ensuring equestrian access to the trails for many years to come.
Help OET to make a difference by becoming a member and start getting involved with the mission of OET.