Oakland Equestrian Coalition
Update
February 2005
Thanks to all of you that stopped by the booth at the Novi Expo. I collected some new names, but haven’t had time to update my list serve. I will do that as soon as life settles down, hopefully within the next 6 weeks.
EQUESTRIAN OPPORTUNITIES IN OAKLAND COUNTY BROCHURE AND TRAIL MAP:
Things are progressing in Oakland County for Equestrians. Hopefully you have all seen the new Equestrian Opportunities Brochure that Oakland County Parks put together and printed for us. They were available at the Novi Expo and are also available at Oakland County Parks and most of the state parks offices.
ADDISON OAKS EQUESTRIAN TRAILS:
During October I was invited to meet with Dan Stencil, Oakland County Parks Administrator, and the Manager and Rangers for Addison Oaks County Park. We walked through the area that they have designated for our future equestrian trails. I indicated how to make wandering trails with cut backs and get us as much mileage as possible. They were very positive and indicated they would get them cut this winter. I was invited back on December 21st and rode in a little 4-wheeler utility vehicle and toured the trails that Ranger Keith had already made. He had the help of the Boot Camp group and the trails look very nice. There is a variety of terrain. They plan to GPS them after cutting a few more and then we will know how many miles we will have.
They have several calls about camping with a horse at Addison Oaks and are looking at a good place for a horse camp, which will have water and electricity. Keep the calls going to the Addison Oaks Park Staff. That will be a great place to camp, as they have a beach, boat rental, disc golf and other activities.
In the talking stage is a connection through Bald Mountain to the Paint Creek Trail. Very preliminary at this time. However, you can also ride dirt roads from Addison Oaks up to the Polly Ann Trail, it is about 5 miles around the Addison Oaks perimeter and up Lake George Road. We hope eventually to have an opening for hikers, bikers and equestrians onto Lake George Road.
Oakland County Parks would like us to have an Open the Addison Oaks Equestrian Trails outing at the beginning of May. I am looking at the 7th or 8th of May. Let me know if any of our trail riding groups has an event planned for either day. We would like to get at least 12 rigs over there, so they see the interest. More to follow.
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POSSIBLE CONNECTION FROM HIGHLAND TO PONTIAC LAKE RECREATION:
I have attended a couple of meetings on the possible trail connection between Highland Recreation Area and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. The discussions are very preliminary at this time, but have the support of the DNR, Oakland County Parks, White Lake Township Parks and Recreation, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians. Right now they are investigating possible routes. The crossing of M59 is a big issue. The MDOT and OCRC were both at the second meeting. While there are lots of obstacles, all interested parties are talking. I will keep you posted as I learn more.
BRANDON TOWNSHIP PRESENTATION:
Back in October, Sharon Green and I gave our equestrian presentation to the Brandon Township Planning Commission, asking for their support for trails through Holly Recreation Area to be part of the Headwaters Trails. We collected the names of the equestrians that attended the meeting and we are currently trying to get their email addresses together as most just left phone numbers. According to the DNR, Holly Recreation Area is not on the immediate list for master planning, which means the trails moratorium will not be lifted in that park until that planning is completed. We will be working to get that group of interested Holly Trail Riders together in the near future. If you were not at the Brandon Township Presentation and are interested to becoming part of this Holly Trail Riders to prepare a plan for equestrian trails in Holly Rec, email me and let me know.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSMISSION CORPORATION:
Detroit Edison has spun off their power lines and they are now owned by ITC (International Transmission Corporation. The good news is that ITC has indicated they are willing to have trails along all of their right-of-ways. Powers that be are now working on Consumers Energy to see if they will also encourage trails in their right-of-ways.
BALD MOUNTAIN AND ADDISON OAKS EQUESTRIANS:
I collected names at the Novi Expo of people interested in these trails. We will also try to get organized in the near future. Oakland County had put a tentative link between Addison Oaks through Bald Mountain to the Paint Creek Trail and also one up Lake George Road to the Polly Ann Trail. This is great for the east part of the county since the Paint Creek and the Polly Ann Trails are both equestrian friendly. We’ll be looking for interested parties to help. This great connection would not require crossing M-24.
ROSE OAKS MASTER PLANNING STARTED IN JANUARY:
Master Planning for RoseOaksCountyParkwas to begin in January. There will be notices of public meetings. Indications are that if the township and county can come to an agreement, there will be equestrian trails at Rose Oaks, along with some bow hunting. The county parks people seem to be coming around to light impact uses in these rural county parks. Please show up at meetings and show
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your interest. You do not have to be from Rose Township, as all county residents are able to give input as the park belongs to all residents. If I hear of anything I will send it out and each of you do the same.
OAKLAND EQUESTRIAN NEWSLETTER:
Sharon Green has put together and Oakland Equestrians Newsletter. It was available at the Novi Expo and we will be trying to put it on our website Hopefully you are visiting it. I will put this year’s events on the calendar as soon as I get word of any.
MICHIGAN STALLION EXPO MARCH 11, 12, 13: If you would like a township official to be specifically invited to the Expo with free tickets and escorted tour, please let us know so it can be arranged. Last year attending was instrumental in Oakland County Parks change in attitude about equestrians in the county. We need township officials on board also.
May we meet on the trails?
Merle Richmond
Coordinator, Oakland Equestrian Coalition