The crazy snowstorm in New England (about a month ago) knocked so many big trees down that our only trail in riding distance from home can’t be negotiated by a horse, in multiple places. We have no trailer. We have no chainsaw. It is private property anyway(on the edge of state forest). What would you do?
Is there a community horse group or trail group? Are their easements across the land for trail use? Can you get a group of riders together to ask the landowners for permission to cut the downed trees?
This is why we all need to have well organized horse groups in every community, who maintain close ties with landowners and the local government. If you have a solid horse group and trail easements, it will be easy to get the trails open. If not, this may be the end of your trail to the park. Good luck. I hope you are successful.
1 Like
Assuming you have permission to be riding on the private property, you need to contact the owner or whoever maintains the trail (some public trails have easements through private property and may have a group that manages and maintains the trail.) If they aren’t willing to clean it up perhaps ask if you can hire someone or find a group of volunteers to do it. If they won’t go for that or you’ve been riding there without really having permission, you may be out of luck.
3 Likes
Definitely contact the property owners, with huge gratitude that they are allowing passage to the park. Offer to help financially or with actual work. Send them a cake of thanks. Then ask.
2 Likes
Even a hand saw will eventually do the trick! If you don’t have a chainsaw, you can pick up a hand saw for less than $10 at most thrift stores, or surely you have an axe in the garage. Sure, it takes longer, but consider it part of your own spring conditioning routine.
1 Like
Rent or borrow a chainsaw!
I would rent equipment to clear and try and try to get people to chip in and help.
