Poker Run -Fundraiser June 15, 2013 Jake/Bull
Received this from Debbie Crowe.
Click here for the PDF flyer
Upcoming fund raising event for the Jake & Bull Mtn. multi-use trail system located just outside Dahlonega. It is a collaborative event with equestrians and mountain bikers – but we will be riding separate trails so there should be no user conflicts.
The funds raised will be earmarked for this trail system – to be spent on equipment rental, diesel fuel and other costs for trail construction & maintenance and possibly for NEPA (environmental) studies required by the Forest Service for 3 new trails that have been proposed.
I would appreciate you spreading the word to your friends, organizations, posting on your facebook & twitter pages and if you are able to print out a few of the flyers to place in your local area businesses – that would be very helpful. I simply can’t get the flyers all over the area. This would include not only your local equine related business but also any local bike shops you know of.
If you would like to volunteer on the 15th, I would very much appreciate your help. I need people to manage card stops as well as some to help with registration, parking, cooking, serving and cleanup.
Another area you can help with would be donating a dessert for the lunch. Bought or homemade is fine. If you are in a position to donate a prize or items for the 50 goody bags, that would be fantastic. I’m trying to make this event so much fun that everyone will be anxious for the next one! Check out the attached prize listing to get ideas – think outside the box. Ask your friends.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you can help with volunteering, desserts and/or prizes.
Of course, last but not least – I would most appreciate you being able to attend & participate in the ride . Remember, those who pre-register will get an extra poker hand and an extra raffle ticket!
Thanks so much for all your support!
Debbie Crowe
Chattahoochee Trail Horse Assoc USFS Liaision
CoTrails Working Group
georgiacrowes22@bellsouth.net
CoTrails General Meeting
Our next CoTrails General Meeting is next Tuesday, May 14, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the CONF Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1755 Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501.
We will review the CoTrails “Issues & Opportunities” proposals received by the May 1 deadline and discuss the evaluation process.
We will also have the usual progress updates on the other aspects of our CoTrails Strategic Plan implementation.
We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday.
Crew Leader Training Postponed!
Due to scheduling conflicts, the date for the next volunteer trail crew leader training has been changed (from April 27) to May 25. It will be held at the Forest Service office in Gainesville. There will be one more class held this year in October on the Chattooga River Ranger District. No other classes are planned until crew leader recertification in 2015 so it is important for interested volunteers to sign up for one of these.
Thanks All,
Larry Thomas
Appalachian Trail Hikers and Forest Service Manage Bear Conflicts
Through Use of Bear-Resistant Storage Canisters
Gainesville, Ga. (January 16, 2013) — The USDA Forest Service and Appalachian Trail hikers are experiencing fewer black bear conflicts along a 5-mile section of trail from Jarrard Gap to Neels Gap in the Chattahoochee National Forest after implementation of a seasonal requirement for all overnight campers to carry bear-resistant canisters to contain personal garbage, toiletries and foods. The requirement goes into effect again this year beginning March 1 and ends June 1.
The regulation was first issued in 2012 by the Forest Service as an alternative to closing the area along the Appalachian Trail in the Blood Mountain Wilderness to camping. In previous years, concerns about hiker safety after repeated bear conflicts required temporary, seasonal camping closures for the area. Now, hikers have the option of camping in the area year-round as long as they carry and use a bear-resistant canister in the springtime. The requirement was developed in consultation with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.
“We have worked closely with the Forest Service to find the best solution, and we support them in taking this measure to protect hikers,” said Shelley Rose, President of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. “So far, we are seeing fewer bear-hiker interactions, and that’s a good thing for both the hikers and the bears.”