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:
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Do not leave equines unattended.
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Disposal of stall waste, hay or manure shall not be permitted on DRED properties.
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With reasonable effort remove off and scatter manure on at remote scenic overlooks, vistas and picnic areas.
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Clean up and remove offsite site all waste where the public congregates. (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, picnic areas, staging and gathering areas.)
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
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NHHC to be a lead organization as a resource for trail information, trail education, trail etiquette, trail reference documents, etc.
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NHHC will encourage equestrians to be involved with trail maintenance, trail funding and establishing landowner relationships to insure future trail opportunities.
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NHHC will encourage equestrian groups and individuals to have a representative on the trails committee to strengthen communication and unity for trail issues.
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NHHC will encourage communication and sharing information with NHHC from the different equine groups interested in trails. This is important so NHHC will be able to provide information to State Agencies and others about equine trails and equestrian involvement.
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NHHC will assist equestrians with trail issues.
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NHHC fills the appointed seat on the Statewide Trails Advisory Committee.
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NHHC promotes and encourages sharing trails with other users!
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.