Snohomish County has a large, diverse and active equestrian community. We have several publicly maintained equestrian facilities like the Centennial Trail, Lord Hill Park and the Monroe fairgrounds.
As a member of Traildusters, a chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, I enjoy our local trails but really look forward to our many hours of trail time riding on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Over the past several years there has been continued pressure on our natural resources, specifically, public lands. The budget to maintain these lands, including trails, has been diverted to other uses, while the use of these natural resources has grown. Without enough money to pay crews to maintain the existing trails for all users, some trails have been closed or not repaired. Equestrian users end up being excluded from some trails that were originally discovered and constructed by horse and pack stock users.
To address this issue, “Right to Ride” bills were introduced in Congress. The House bill (HR586)passed this spring. It’s now sitting in the Senate committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Maria Cantwell is on this committee. She has not shown any interest in supporting this bill despite a heavy letter-writing campaign for her to take action.
I contacted Mike McGavick and explained why I want the Right to Ride legislation passed. In a letter to me, he states, “if elected I will fully support the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act in the United States Senate.”
I’m voting for Mike McGavick. I want somebody in Washington, D.C., who is willing to support the equestrian community in Washington and all across America. If you ride, own or support the equestrian community, vote for Mike McGavick.
Beth Hill
Arlington
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