Napa Valley Register - Snow Mountain Bill Preserves Trails For Outdoor Activities
March 9, 2013
By Anna Gibson
Representatives Mike Thompson, John Garamendi, Jared Huffman, Ami Bera and Anna Eshoo and Sen. Barbara Boxer should be applauded for reintroducing the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act (“Snow Mountain bill reintroduced in Washington,” March 8). The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is truly an undiscovered treasure, loaded with recreation opportunities.
Horseback riders across the country face trail closures and deterioration due to limited resources, inadequate maintenance, or sale and closure of public land. Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region will improve the management of trails, campsites and other recreational opportunities as well as ensure continued access, use and enjoyment of these federal public lands by equestrians and other users.
Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region and the horse trails it encompasses will benefit the economy of the region.
Studies of other trail systems for horses established that for every $1 invested in horse trails, $4 comes back to the community in spending by equestrians at restaurants, gas stations and hotels in the region.
In addition, increasing the availability of horse trails will increase the ability of people with physical limitations to access trails and to enjoy the benefits of nature. Horses allow people who could not manage to walk or cycle on the trails to fully enjoy all of the benefits they offer.
We must act now, and we must work together to protect our public lands and encourage an ethic of land stewardship for the benefit of future generations.
Please stand with us in urging our elected representatives to support protection of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act.
Horseback riders across the country face trail closures and deterioration due to limited resources, inadequate maintenance, or sale and closure of public land. Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region will improve the management of trails, campsites and other recreational opportunities as well as ensure continued access, use and enjoyment of these federal public lands by equestrians and other users.
Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region and the horse trails it encompasses will benefit the economy of the region.
Studies of other trail systems for horses established that for every $1 invested in horse trails, $4 comes back to the community in spending by equestrians at restaurants, gas stations and hotels in the region.
In addition, increasing the availability of horse trails will increase the ability of people with physical limitations to access trails and to enjoy the benefits of nature. Horses allow people who could not manage to walk or cycle on the trails to fully enjoy all of the benefits they offer.
We must act now, and we must work together to protect our public lands and encourage an ethic of land stewardship for the benefit of future generations.
Please stand with us in urging our elected representatives to support protection of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act.