Trail preservation comes in many forms. Every 10 to 15 years our federal land managers must go through the process of creating a new management plan. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest Service (NFS), and National Park Service (NPS) all go through the process.

Many of you participate in the process, as well you should. It's your input that plays a part in the overall process. Of course, if you are not at the table during the planning process and you lose trails, you have no one but yourself to blame. It's your land, your trails. And if you are not in there letting the land manager know that you care about your access, well, what do you think is going on in the minds of the land manager? You get the picture. Your input is vital. Some of you have the idea that the land we ride on is limitless. You think we will never run out of trails. That is just not the case. As our population increases, so does the demand and load on our trails.

Twenty years ago, who ever heard of a dirt bike? Uses change. As the demand for trail use increases, the resource begins to show wear. Your trails are being assaulted. What is the answer?

First, during the planning process, let your land management team know that you expect the trails to remain open. Privately, let them know that the AERC -- along with its trail masters -- has the capacity to maintain, build, and preserve your trail system. Let them know that your philosophy is that if you use the trail, you are there to take care of the resource. This is trail stewardship at its best.

This May the AERC is providing the opportunity for Mountain Region endurance riders to attend a four-day clinic on trail preservation. If you complete the course you will become a certified AERC trail master. Being a trail master is hard work -- stump pullin', rock movin', root cuttin', dirt packin', sweat pourin' down your back hard work. The pay stinks, but the rewards are fantastic.

The trail seminar will be May 4-7 at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado. Mike Riter is the instructor. It's a world-class instructor at a world-class facility. Send me an e-mail to sign up for the class today. After this class you will never look at a trail the same. The AERC Trails Grants Committee is paying for the seminar. Take advantage of this opportunity. Don't miss the event!

Remember, all you need is a horse and a trail.

Our first AERC trail master course is scheduled for May 4-7 in Parker, Colorado. We have 10 slots open for Mountain Region riders. If you can attend, please contact me at 812-499-6904 or jerryfruth@US-ETC.org for more information. The class is free to the riders who participate--your trails fund money at work.