America’s Horse, June 29, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on national land conservation projects.
The Forest Service is a federal agency dedicated to the management of National Forest System lands for a variety of uses and activities, including outdoor recreation. AQHA also wants to see the preservation of public lands for recreation, specifically equestrian activities.
By partnering together, AQHA and the Forest Service will actively promote public-private partnerships that encourage responsible use of federal lands by visitors participating in equestrian activities. Both organizations seek to disseminate information to the public regarding conservation, recreation and natural resource activities relating to equestrian and recreational stock use.
“By teaming with the Forest Service, AQHA is showing its commitment to trail conservation,” said Don Treadway Jr., AQHA executive vice president. “We are pleased to partner with the Forest Service in efforts to preserve trails for equestrians and all outdoor recreational enthusiasts.”
AQHA will work with the Forest Service at the national, regional and local levels to identify appropriate cooperative opportunities (trail projects, recreational use studies and educational programs) and pursue these projects with the recreational community in general and the equestrian community in particular. AQHA also will develop and maintain a communication network for equestrian users through its STEP (Stewards for Trails, Education and Partnerships) program.
“STEP will become the platform by which equestrians and land managers like the Forest Service can work in unison on issues concerning trails,” said Stephanie McCommon, AQHA manager of affiliates, partnerships and recreational riding. “The STEP program was designed to help the Forest Service with trail preservation, and this memorandum of understanding further emphasizes that goal.”
For more information on AQHA’s STEP program and recreational riding initiatives, visit www.ridegreen.aqha.com.
