TEAM LEADER SIGN UP FORM I  TEAM PROJECT SIGN UP FORM I GUIDELINES FOR AWARD  I REGIONAL ALIGNMENT I ACTIVITY LOG
Join AQHA for trail conservation in June!

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF AQHA's STEP PROGRAM

Stewards for Trails, Education and Partnerships is a new program under AQHA's wing that was formerly known as Trail Trotters. Trail Trotters was launched in November 2004 by the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource in partnership with the National Forest Foundation. The idea was to build a program that would increase participation in trail stewardship among equine enthusiasts while casting a positive light on horseback riders to land managers and other trail users.

Trail Trotters promoted equestrian involvement in the restoration, repair and establishment of trails and trailheads on National Trails Day, which has been held every June since 1992. Now under AQHA's leadership, the program will be expanded to include the entire month of June in conjunction with Great Outdoors Month.

Equestrian groups and individuals are encouraged to participate in trail maintenance and restoration projects. A National Stewardship Award will be given each year to a group or organization whose project proves commendable through community involvement and sustainability.

 PROGRAM BENEFITS:

• Help the Forest Service recruit volunteers for trail stewardship
• Educate equestrians so they will be effective advocates for trail stewardship in the horse community
• Accomplish maintenance goals for trails and trailheads with land management
• Improve stewardship of land owned by horsemen that are adjacent to or critical to Forest Service land
• Build and/or strengthen relationships between local equestrian communities and Forest Service land managers for the long-term stewardship of trails, trailheads and campgrounds

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2007 PROJECTS:

TAKE PART IN THE STEP PROGRAM

If you would like to register your STEP project with AQHA, please contact Stephanie McCommon at stephaniem@aqha.org or (806) 378-4633.