During the convention, all four of our 2006 Trail Master courses were filled. We have on standby more than 80 riders from across the country who are asking for Trail Master training./p>

Our challenge is to provide funding for the classes. During the convention, a memorial fund was established as a memorial in the name of Louise Riedel. If you want to make a special contribution to support our Trail Master class, please send in a note with your check that it is for Trail Master training./p>

Eventually, our goal is to have four or five permanent Trail Master training sites across the U.S. In addition to training, these sites will be used as experimental stations where new trail design techniques will be tested./p>

We are in the process of building a site on the AERC webpage where riders can enter their hours dedicated to trail preservation effort. It's time our land managers know of the hours AERC members dedicate to their trails each year./p>

Mike Jaffe is leaving the Trails Grants Committee to assume other management responsibilities. Mike has been an outstanding supporter of our trail efforts. Sue Horne of the Mountain Region has agreed to chair the Trails Grants Committee. Under her management, new guidelines will be created for trail grants. Terry Silver will continue to manage the Trail Master courses./p>

I'll continue to represent your interests in Washington D.C. and where possible on state access issues./p>

The goal of the Trails Advocacy Committee and Trails Grants Committee is for the AERC to become the premier trail preservation organization in the U.S. We are well on our way to achieving that goal. Remember, all you need is a horse and a trail.