2020-2021 NHHC RAIL TRAIL SURVEY

We recently completed a Rail Trail Survey elicitng information from equestrian residents concerning rail trail use in the state of NH.  Below are the results.
2020-2021 NHHC Rail Trail Survey

NHHC 2020-2021 RAIL TRAIL SURVEY
NHHC Survey Significant Data Points & Costs

HAMPTON BEACH EQUESTRIAN USE

Once again we need your help to pass the clean up manure rules to your friends and members and equine social media pages.  Bear Brook, Northwood Meadows, Hampton Beach are recent complaints from equine stewards.

Hampton Beach off season equestrian riding rules


Horseback riding is permitted on Hampton Beach from October 1 - April 30.

Please Keep the Parking Area, Path to Beach, and Above High Tide Mark Clean of Manure, Hay and bedding.
Res 7300 Admin. Rule: Equines shall be permitted at Hampton Beach, from Hampton Beach South to Boar’s Head, from October 1 through April 30, and the parking of animal trailers and vehicles towing animal trailers shall be permitted at the Hampton Beach South parking lot only.
Res 7300 Admin. Rule: Owners shall clean up and remove offsite within a reasonable time but prior to leaving the site all waste eliminated by their equine or other utility animal from public traffic areas and areas where the public congregates.  These areas are defined as paved sidewalks and walkways, maintained play areas and athletic fields, lawns and fields maintained by regular mowing and associated with a developed recreation area, campsites, fresh water beaches, areas above the high tide mark at Hampton Beach, improved features such as picnic areas, staging and gathering areas, and parking lots and trail heads. Disposal of stall waste, hay or manure shall not be permitted on DRED properties.

Trail rules in addition to the above:

Be sure to be kind to any of our ambasadors who kindly remind you of the rules. Lets be proud of our stewardship on the lands we use!

 

TRAILS COMMITTEE MISSION

TRAIL ISSUES

   RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM - RTP INFORMATION

Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a competitive grant program that offers funding for quality public trail projects throughout New Hampshire. (This is money you can use for trails that have equine use). Limited grants are available for motorized, non-motorized and diversified trails. Eligible projects include maintenance and restoration of existing trails, purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment, construction of new trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages. Applicants may be non-profit organizations, private groups or government entities.
Funding for the Recreational Trail Program is generated from federal gas tax dollars paid on fuel purchases for off-highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles. These funds are appropriated to the states by the Federal Highway Administration as authorized through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The program in New Hampshire is administered by the Bureau of Trails.  Applications for 2016 are now closed. Applicants will be notified in July with selections.
Start now for planning a project for next year. For more information about the next year’s Recreational Trails Program contact:  Alexis Rudko  Alexis.Rudko@dred.nh.gov

Link  http://www.nhstateparks.org/about-us/Trails/grants/recreational-trails-program.aspx


 

   TRAIL AMBASSADORS 

Help with having Equine Trail Users recognized as supporters of the Trails we use.
VOLUNTEER-BE A MEMBER of NHHC and our NHHC affiliated organizations who are supporting equine trail use and acting as ambassadors and stewards.  See Sponsor tab.
Lets grow a list of organizations and individuals working as stewards and ambassador for trails in State Parks and Forest, Rail Trails, Conservation lands, and Town lands.
Send to NHHCtrails@aol.com a copy of an  e-mail or written statement of your permission to work on trail maintenance or involvement with trails, such as attending regular meetings regarding securing and supporting trail access for equine use. Lets share what we are doing!

   2016 Trail Report

A copy of the 2016 NHHC Trails Report is now available detailing our accomplishment over the past year.  It was an active year providing support to the equestrian community in the effort to resolve issues with equestrian trail use at NH State Parks.  Much was also accomplished.  We stayed connected with the Rails to Trails Project, with the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest meetings, and with a host of other trails activities in the state.  Download our report here to see what we have been up to>>>

  Publications for Trail Education

NHHC recommends that trail users view From Lemons to Lemonade Creating Sustainable Trails -- An ELCR Webinar - YouTube.mht
NHHC has a copy of ELCR webinar Horses and Trails How to be Successful with Both by Jan Hancock
NHHC recommends viewing http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trail-management/trail-fundamentals/

NHHC Equestrian Guidelines for Trailer Parking

Contact  NHHCtrails@aol.com

BEAR BROOK STATE PARK TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS

The purpose of the descriptions and map  is to help users choose which trails to use when navigating the park.  The map shows Green, Blue, Black trails that goes from generally being the easiest to more challenging. Orange cautions least suitable for equine use and recommends that you know the trail before riding it.
Additional information can be found in the Trail Descriptions.
Warning: The map and descriptions are only a guide as the challenge of a trail depends on its geographic location, you and your horses skill level and the ever changing environment. Snow, Ice, rain and blow downs can make a trail more challenging. When in doubt turn around and head back. See attached
 
Your suggestions are welcome. Please send to nhhctrails@aol.com.

Your trail description comments may include:
Tread width (ft wide, single or double lane, almost double lane);
Cleared width (includes tread and overgrowth removed on each side, passing opportunities);
Surface (mud, rough gravel, protrusion height, patches of closely knitted boulders)
Obstacles (describe type)
Bridge (width, length, optional bypass)
Grade (% grade, nearly flat, gently rolling, steep, X% of trail is _____)
Switchback turns (radius)

Bear Brook Trail Descriptions download >>>
Bear Brook Trail Map >>>

 

NH STATE PARKS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

This program tracks the hours that organizations and individuals put into our State Park System. Your volunteer hours is valued in dollars ($22.50/hr)
The accumulation of volunteer hours (dollars!) can help with the support of  future legislation and completing projects for our benefit as trail users.
 
LINK http://www.nhstateparks.org/about-us/support/volunteer.aspx
New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation's New Volunteer Program
The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation Volunteer Program is supported by the Supervisor of Volunteer Activities. The Supervisor will work with park managers to help them identify projects and develop stewardship opportunities. They will then work to recruit and place volunteers, as well as, track program results of volunteer contribution to the New Hampshire's State Park System.
Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the 92 state park properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, trails, waysides, natural areas, and historic sites. Opportunities are available across the state for a variety of projects and roles.