We are well into the start of AERC's 2005 ride year. Thanks to all those who sent in donations to the trails fund when they renewed. (If you haven't yet donated to AERC's trails fund, consider mailing a separate donation via the AERC office.) Added funding from riders makes it possible for us to do more with our trail grants. From time to time you will see a notice in Endurance News that gives the details of how your trail grant money is being spent.

To keep us on our trails, it is important for the AERC to take a leadership role in working with land managers.

We have completed trail grant projects from California to Florida. In most instances our grant money was the seed money that made a project possible. Most grants have other partners helping with the project, but the AERC is the driving force that makes the project happen. By working with other trail groups we not only create good will with our land managers but with other trail users as well.

The Trails Advocacy Committee and the Trails Grants Committee are working together to develop a plan whereby over the course of the next two years we will conduct a series of Trail Master training workshops across the United States.

Our objective is to train enough endurance riders so they may return to their respective states and teach others the latest techniques in new trail design and trail maintenance.

To keep us on our trails, it is important for the AERC to take a leadership role in working with land managers. With few dollars for trail maintenance, we must prepare ourselves for the work that needs to be done to fill in the gaps. By working with our land managers we show that we are committed to working in partnership with them to keep our trails sustainable.

This fall Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. This makes the former fee demo permanent for the next 10 years. With access fees the land managers will now be able to return the money to the repair of trails and other facilities. We want to be right there to help them allocate the money where it is needed. We want the money to hit the ground--and it will if you are engaged with your land manager.

As you begin your ride season take a look at the trails you are on. Do they need re-work? Do you need to build some bridges over water crossings? Do you need signs to keep everyone on the trail? All of these items have been provided under our trails grant program.

Funding for training, re-work of trails, bridges and so forth are all items your board of directors supports. It's up to you to take advantage of our programs.

AERC trail master workshops debut this May