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On June 13th, STC president Bill Blackorby, vice president, Clyde Schmidt, his wife Joan and I, (Cheryl Blackorby), a director for both STC and the Illinois Federation For Outdoor Resources (IFOR) flew to Washington DC for a meeting with Dale Bosworth, the newly appointed chief of the US Forest Service. Bosworth comes from Missoula, Montana where he was regional forester for the northern mountain region. He will manage the 192 million acres of the nations forests. Adena Cook, public lands director of the Blue Ribbon Coalition from Pocatello, Idaho and Brian Hawthorne, executive director of the Utah Shared Access Alliance of Salt Lake City, Utah, also joined us in the meeting. Adena frequently is in the nation’s capital representing all recreational users of public lands both motorized and non-motorized, who have found the areas that they once enjoyed now closed. Officials from BRC regularly meet with land management agencies and testify before committee hearings regarding recreational interests. Because the BRC is well respected nationally for promoting responsible use of public lands, Adena was able to arrange our meeting with Dale Bosworth. Bosworth’s demeanor was down-to-earth and he listened intently as we told him of the problems that have plagued the Shawnee for the last 9 years. Clyde questioned him about his position on ATV use in the national forests and he replied "that ATV’s are a legitimate form of recreation and that he was in favor of ATV use in our national forests on DESIGNATED ATV TRAILS, which have been built to handle the impact of ATV use." We agreed! We discussed the failure of the forest service to build the 338 miles of designated hiker-equestrian trails and the 286 miles of equestrian-ATV trails as promised in the 1992 amended forest plan and the closure of the 80 natural areas to equestrians, campers, rapellers and bikes. Discussion then centered on (1). the failure of the FS to complete the environmental impact statements (EIS’s) for the ATV trails which Federal Judge Gilbert had demanded that the FS complete in 1995 before they could build ATV trails. No such studies have yet begun (2). the closure of horse trails in all natural areas in 1999 even though we had written documentation from both the Illinois Dept of Natural Resources and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission plus the word of two forest supervisors that the horse trails in 7 of the NA’s would not be closed until the new designated trails were on the ground. We provided documentation from IDNR dated in 1994 in which the state of Illinois offered both manpower and money to the FS to help in the construction of the horse trails in the NA’s. This offer had been disregarded by FS officials apparently.

Bosworth described the NEPA process as "analysis paralysis" and said that he was working to streamline the process. He explained that "it takes as much detailed environmental analysis to build 200 ft of new trail as it does to build a nuclear plant! Our FS staff people are stymied with NEPA RED TAPE!". The well funded, powerful GREEN GROUPS will undoubtedly be at battle with him this since they prefer restrictions and prohibitions to manage the federally owned public lands which comprise over 35% of the US land mass. The failure of the FS to properly do all of that NEPA analysis provides an opportunity for the environmentalists to sue and win. Nothing can be done in the forest without a NEPA analysis these days - not even trail maintenance! Shortly before our hour long meeting concluded, Robert Jacobs, regional forester from Milwaukee was introduced to us by Chief Bosworth. After several pictures were taken, we had a chance to talk with Mr. Jacobs who had been in Washington for several days conferring with Bosworth. We all felt that our meeting was very beneficial. Bosworth’s philosophy of forest management will hopefully see a positive change across the country regarding recreation, fire control and public access issues. The remainder of our day in DC was spent meeting with aids of US Rep. Jerry Costello, US Rep. David Phelps, US Senator Peter Fitzgerald, and a personal meeting with US Rep. Donald Manzullo-R of Rockford and his aid Kurt Markva. Congressman Manzullo is chairman of the powerful House Subcommittee on Small Business and is a dynamic personality . He was very disturbed to hear that trails had not been built in 9 years and that small businesses in southern Illinois are being hurt by the lack of the forest service to develop recreation opportunities. It was Manzullo that stepped into the fight between the National Park Service when they banned snowmobiling in the National Parks last fall. His persistence caused the Park Service to allow snowmobiles at Yellowstone Park and other areas last winter. The fiery congressman is considering holding a hearing here in southern Illinois regarding the Shawnee situation and possibly a hearing in Washington before his committee. Don Manzullo is definitely on the side of access of public land by the public and is a strong proponent of building a strong economy in southern Illinois. He is a good man to have on our side! Fitzgerald’s aid , who was a brash attorney from Chicago, was disinterested in southern Illinois, recreation opportunities, and the management of Shawnee National forest. His attitude was argumentative and he told us that if we didn’t like what as happening, then we should sue. Fitzgerald is a member of the congressional Green Caucus.
 

Yes, we think so! Shortly after our return Bill received several phone calls from Shawnee Forest supervisor Skip Starkey, who related that both Chief Bosworth and Robert Jacobs had called him following our meeting. They were creating a new position in the SNF strictly involving completion of the EIS’s for both the equestrian trails and ATV trails and the construction of these trails. This new position will be filled within 3 weeks by a Trails Specialist who will work only on the completion of these projects. Four NEPA specialists were also sent to Shawnee to help prepare the draft EIS for the natural area equestrian trails. This draft was supposed to have been released for public review and comment in June but it appears that this draft, which is the size of a Sears catalog, will not be sent out until August or September after it has been sent to Washington for final FS approval. It is a very detailed, comprehensive document which we will respond to. Everyone who participated in the original response or are on the FS mailing list will be getting this document for their review. STC will send out a form letter response in a special mailing which you may sign and return to the FS if you don’t have the time to prepare an individual personal response. It is extremely important that everyone respond that wants horse trails in these natural areas which will provide scenic opportunities.
 

Because of the very favorable news media coverage that we have received regarding our meeting with Chief Bosworth and the positive steps the forest service seems to be making, our local environmentalists have solicited the help of a local journalist from Carbondale, Susan Luke, who writes for the Associated Press. A negative anti-horse article written by Ms. Luke last week appeared in numerous newspapers throughout the mid west and cites supposed major damage being caused by trail riders in the Shawnee. We had sent her a press release of our Bosworth meeting and she talked to Bill for 20 minutes but chose to not use any of our information. It’s sad that some writers are not objective. Her article specifically attacks the horse campgrounds and the lack of outfitter permits which have yet to be issued by the FS because EIS’s have to be complete BEFORE permits can be issued. We all know the EIS’s are NOT complete yet. However, most riders who come to the Shawnee do not go on organized, guided trail rides, but instead ride on their own or with small groups of friends. If you’ve read such as article, don’t think that more trails are closed! It’s just the same old group trying to dredge up the same old mistruths! The Harrisburg Daily Register wrote a wonderful article and even did a follow-up story on Chief Bosworth which was very positive. Several other local newspapers did also! Come to Shawnee and enjoy the finest trail riding in the mid west!!
 

RACE president Mark Donham and HEARTWOOD’S Jim Bensman have filed an appeal of Judge Foreman’s ruling to deny a stay of the back door agreement between RACE and HEARTWOOD and the USFS regarding timbering, mining, and certain recreational activities in all national forests. Judge Foreman had thrown out the agreement but the plaintiff’s had filed a stay which he also denied. Now Donham and Bensman are appealing to Federal Court of Appeals 7th District in Chicago.
 

On May 31, STC requested from the FS copies of legal descriptions and surveys on Double Branch Hole, Jackson Hole, Jackson Hollow and Burke Branch natural areas under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Our board of directors expressed concern that many of the natural areas appear to have grown over the last few years and STC has hired a registered land surveyor to survey these 4 NA’s to see if they are the size that they are supposed to be according to the Forest Plan. On June 29th, we received a response from the regional FS office which stated that the natural areas have never been surveyed so they do not have any legal descriptions. Legal descriptions are essential in order to establish boundary lines! The Forest Plan is very specific about the size of all natural areas. For instance: Double Branch Hole is 85 acres, Jackson Hollow is 289 acres, Jackson Hole is 116 acres and Burke Branch is 300 acres. How can the boundaries be properly marked if no legal survey exists? Obviously those responsible for the marking of the natural areas are just putting the boundaries wherever they feel like putting them so the sizes are incorrect. Our attorneys and others familiar with the FS Plan feel this is illegal and the natural areas may be invalid. We have 45 days to file an appeal which we are in the process of doing. Those riders who have received tickets for riding in natural areas may have a cause for dismissal of their tickets. We’ve consulted with Paul Turcke, who is the attorney for the Blue Ribbon Coalition, Charles Taylor a local attorney from Harrisburg and Claire Wilson, the attorney for Illinois Trail Riders on this matter.

Because the FS is continuing to police the natural areas, we ask that you stay out of all natural areas. A young couple with 2 small children received a $250 fine recently after they rode through a corner of the Sand Cave NA.
 

Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of STC volunteers, there’s been a good showing at most of the FS scheduled monthly trail maintenance projects. At Garden of the Gods on June 30th, 26 people showed up to help out and were divided into 6 different groups which worked on 6 different trails around the Garden of the Gods area with FS personnel. Trails were cleared of brush, water bars were cleaned out and signs were nailed to trees along the trails indicating whether the trail was hiker only or a hiker-horse trail. Blue diamonds are hiker trails while white diamonds are hiker-horse. Hitching rails at the horseman’s picnic area were also repaired. It is sure nice to see all users working together on trails! Forest supervisor Skip Starkey sent a letter to Mark Donham of RACE who had filed an objection to the use of highlines (picket lines) in the Shawnee. Starkey fully supports the use of highlines by horses to protect trees and plants from being damaged by chewing, trampling and compaction of roots. The use of these highlines, which we’ve installed throughout the forest, has contributed to less damage and confined impact in areas frequented by riders. Lower impact will help preserve our ability to continue riding in these areas. Please use them where available or cross-tie so that trees are not killed! Environmentalists and the FS are constantly complaining about tree and plant mortality caused by horses so we do not want to provide ammunition for their war against us.

There’s also a new outhouse located on the Coyote Club property next to the trail into Secret Canyon. One of the CC owners had requested that trail riders who frequently take nature breaks in the vicinity might possibly make use of such a facility. Lonnie Barger donated wild cherry boards and they were crafted meticulously by volunteer carpenters Don Roy, Don Cloud and Dick Manders who have built ONE FINE OUTHOUSE (click to see picture)! Please provide your own toilet paper. Several more workers showed up on the day when it was hauled to its final resting place. Pictures of the new facility which will appear on our website: News, membership applications, meeting dates and trail project dates are also listed on our web page. You can check the forest service website for info on projects, trail meeting dates, maps and programs here in the Shawnee at Another website to checkout is the Blue Ribbon Coalition site at They have a wealth of information concerning public access issues, trail problems and what’s happening concerning recreation opportunity across the country. We encourage you to join their organization as well as the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources(IFOR) which represents sportsmen and recreational users of public land in the state of Illinois. These organizations have a large memberships and numbers speak loudly when it comes to getting things accomplished! Also don’t forget to join the ILLINOIS TRAIL RIDERS, 3855 Somerset Rd., Harrisburg, IL 62946 which deals with horse trail issues across the state. It takes a lot of time and a little money to belong to several organizations but without membership support and your dollars, your rights to enjoy trail riding, hunting, ATV riding, bicycling, rock climbing, camping, hiking or anything else that involves your using public land may be in jeopardy. Those of us who fight for your rights and ours, need your support, since we are just dedicated unpaid folks who believe in protecting our children’s and grandchildren’s heritage. Please send in your membership to STC if your newsletter indicates that your dues are due. We can’t afford to send newsletters to those whose memberships have expired. Encourage your friends and local saddle clubs to join also! STC IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE! ALL USERS MUST UNITE TOGETHER!
 

Several STC members, which include Don and Joy Roy, Larry and Roberta Meana, Dick Manders, Janette Dove, Mary Jean Jones, Jan Hunt, Bill Blackorby and yours truly have been involved with Kelly Pearson and Pat York of the FS along with several hikers and Dr. Cem Basman, a professor of Human Resources in the SIU Forestry Dept., with the formulation of 2 new brochures which are designed to educate hikers and equestrians on trail ethics and low impact trail use. This cooperative effort took several months to develop and complete with both hikers and horsemen working on each brochure committee. Shortly before the completion of the drafts, environmental extremists Mark Donham, Kristy Hanson, Duane Short, and Barbara McCaslin showed up at two of the meetings and tried to stop the brochure project. This educational endeavor had originated from one of the Master Trails Meetings last fall. Evidently the environmentalists do not believe in educating trail users to be good land stewards. Donham has threatened to again sue the FS if these brochures are printed so we’ll have to see what happens. These brochures will be available at FS offices, campgrounds, convenience stores and restaurants near the forest and are endorsed by STC, IL. Trail Riders, Horseman’s Council of IL., S. IL Ranch and Campground Owners Assoc. and others who all believe in promoting responsible land stewardship, low impact trail use, and courtesy between all users which must all share the same trails.
 

OUR THANKS TO the generous support of the TRAIL RIDERS OF DUPAGE County (TROD) for their $1000 donation and Steve Heine and Karen Kendall Heine, Haywood Transportation Services and Jim and Cathy Markman for their generous donations to STC. WE APPRECIATE IT!. STC spends its money on newsletters, printing, postage, office supplies, trail maintenance materials, legal fees and even trips to Washington. It is not wasted! STC is a 501C3 tax exempt organization so donations and dues are tax deductible.
 

STC vice president, Clyde Schmidt is recovering from a nasty broken leg. NO! It didn’t happen on his ATV! It was a job related injury. After a few hours of surgery and several days of bad pain, he is back at work at Metropolis Builders Center. His recreational activities, though, will be curtailed for a few weeks. Hopefully, he will be able to keep his Colorado ATV trip plans in place for September. We wish him a speedy recovery!
 

*JULY 19TH - POPE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL- 1 MILE WEST OF GOLCONDA ON RTE 146,- 7PM

*AUGUST 16TH -HAYES CANYON CAMPGROUND- 1 MILE NORTH OF EDDYVILLE- 7PM

*SEPT 20TH - BEAR BRANCH CAMPGROUND- RTE 145 2 MILES NORTH OF EDDYVILLE- 7PM

*OCT. 18TH -ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS- DOLLY’S RESTAURANT, AT THE EAST EDGE OF VIENNA ON RTE 146- DINNER BUFFET AT 6PM, MEETING AT 7PM

HAPPY TRAILS,

Cheryl Blackorby, STC director and newsletter editor