The annual AERC convention in Louisville provided a foundation of support and ideas for the future growth of trails activities throughout our country. The Trails and Land Management Committee activities figured prominently in all meetings of the AERC Board of Directors, the Trails Committee meeting and John Parke's Hot Topic seminars, as well as informal meetings throughout the halls of the Galt House Hotel. The summaries of activities and accomplishments follow:

Terry Silver reported to the committee on the excellent attendance and certification of Trail Masters in 2008 as well as the schedule for 2009. Terry manages the Trail Master program for AERC by scheduling all courses and coordinating with hosts and instructor Mike Riter. Trail Master training is available to all AERC members and to select land managers.

Christine Eickleberry, who manages the State Trails Advocates program, enthusiastically explained her efforts to update the advocates list and involve advocates in local state efforts to improve trail conditions. Chris welcomes advocate volunteers from all states.

Lucy Bagot, trails grants program liason, presented two proposals to the committee which were passed on to the board of directors where they were approved for funding. The first proposal was for developing a solar-powered water supply system for the Lake Meredith site of the Llano Estacado endurance ride (a joint project with the National Park Service located in the Texas panhandle). The second proposal was for trailhead and trails development on the Pierce Ranch, site of the Shanghai Trails endurance ride (southwest of Houston). Both of these projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Lucy also provided a summary of trails grants projects to date.

Roger Taylor provided his insights to the committee on budgetary considerations for the future as we all work our way through tough economic times. Roger was also largely responsible for the Lake Meredith project described above.

Jerry Fruth, who founded the committee and AERC trails program, guided the committee in a variety of specific policy considerations, strategies, and tactics for developing and supporting viable trail systems for future generations of equine trail users. Jerry also provided insightful commentary on trails issues at the Saturday morning Hot Topic session. Jerry lobbies, at his own expense, for trails in Washington and with several national trails advocacy groups.

John Parke's Hot Topics emphasized the risk we all face of the loss of trails in the future without thoughtful planning and preparation. In particular, John and his audience agreed that the inclusion of private land owners/managers will be essential for maintaining trails access to equestrians of the future. To that end, the Trails Committee and board of directors approved a grant to the Pierce Ranch with the proviso that the land owner make the site available to AERC for endurance rides at least twice a year for the next 10 years.

This was my first convention as chair of the Trails Committee. I was most pleasantly surprised by the level of enthusiasm and interest in trails issues. Several members stopped me in the halls or at the trails booth to express thoughtful opinions on problems and decisions facing trail advocates at all levels.

Many of the topics listed above may seem mundane to the average rider. But all of these efforts and accomplishments are part of a pattern that will provide for trails access to successive generations of endurance riders and other equestrians. The Trails and Land Management Committee welcomes comments and suggestions from all AERC members.