AERC has some very dedicated members and trail volunteers working to build and maintain trails on all endurance ridersÕ behalf. The level of dedication of these volunteers is mind-boggling.
Their trail projects are measured in years and as soon as one project is completed there are 10 or more more ready to go with more on the drawing board. The process of creating, implementing, and finishing a trail project is a complicated process and can take years.
These projects are accomplished by a collaboration of several groups, including volunteers, land owners, and government agencies. The AERC trail grant program helps provide some of the needed funds to see these trail projects are completed. Thank you to all of the AERC members who have donated to the trail conservation fund which has made these projects possible!
The grant application process
The Trails Committee receives three to four grant applications a year requesting funds of various amounts. If you have a trail project that needs matching funds, consider applying for an AERC trails grant. AERC grant money is used on Òbricks and sticksÓ projects to ensure trails remain open, are accessible, and safe to riders. These applications can be submitted at anytime throughout the year. To apply for a trail grant please e-mail me at Lucy@acesetsthepace.com and I will send you an application form.
Your AERC Trails Committee gives careful and objective review of these applications, and if needed, additional questions may need to be answered or explanations provided. If the grant application is approved by the Trails Committee, the recommended application is then sent on to the AERC board for their review and final approval.
This two-step process ensures good stewardship of AERC member-donated funds which are fully accounted for and well spent on deserving projects that benefit the endurance community at large. Funds are not disbursed until proper documentation has been submitted to the AERC office verifying the work has been done.
Project collaboration
Trail projects are usually a collaboration of dedicated volunteers and land managers. Having land managers engaged with endurance riders is a long-term mission for long-term results. It all starts with good, clear communication and a willingness to understand and listen to each other.
Roger Taylor established a pilot program, and a working relationship with the BLM and AERC developed to bring electricity and water to the trailhead at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. This trailhead has access to nearly 200 miles of trail.
Melissa Ribley, DVM, worked with three organizations -- the Tahoe National Forest, the Gold Country Trails Council and AERC to provide a safe trailhead to a trail that covers 150 miles. The old trailhead was located at a dangerous site along a busy highway!
Patti Pizzo is working with the Wharton State Forest in Batsto, New Jersey, to install permanent trail markers over 50 miles of trail.
These are just three success stories of the AERC grant program working to bring AERC volunteers together with land managers. Having the support of land managers is priceless and the benefits of working together will be apparent for many years. You must ask yourself: if these projects had not been undertaken by AERC volunteers, would these trails be closed or trail access limited?
Devotion required
These AERC trail conservation volunteers work quietly over many years to get projects done and devote hundreds if not thousands of hours to the trails on which we train and ride. Sometimes projects have to be put on hold when weather gets in the way; tornadoes, floods, or fire can sidetrack projects but AERC volunteers persevere until the trail project is done. When projects are completed, if possible, a plaque is installed indicating AERC has been a contributor to the project.
Trail grant money is not spent on Trail Master classes -- that is a different area of the AERC budget. However, many of the trail projects have been initiated by, worked on, and/or completed by individuals who have taken the Trail Master class. There have been several individuals who have worked on AERC trail grant projects who later take the Trail Master class to further their abilities to continue their trail work. Your Trail Masters are out there working!
Started back in 1998, the AERC trail grants are completely funded through donations, which can easily be made during membership renewal. These funds are kept in a separate fund from the AERC operating budget. In 2006 the membership donated $10,180 and 2007 (through June) donations total $10,845.
The AERC membership believes in this program! Donations have exceeded disbursements in each of these two years. Grants were $5,600 and $9,500 in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Once again, if you have a worthwhile trail project, please contact the AERC Trails Committee to find out more information. AERC needs good trail projects!
Lucy Bagot is the grants liaison for AERCÕs Trails and Land Management Committee and may be reached at lucy@acesetsthepace.com.
