Meeting with DCNR and Equine Groups Held

DCNR called a meeting between the Rattling Creek Singletrackers and and the Equine folks. DCNR wanted to simply get folks together and talk about trail use, maintenance, and next steps for trails within Weiser State Forest. The Lykens Watershed trails (Rattling Creek, Doc Smith, Fawn Kill, Rugged, and Hopback) were not discussed and are not part of the trails the Equine groups ride. Those in attendance were Keith Whitcomb, Rick Brown (and Jill) from RCST; Jim Theurer, "Dee", and another gal (forgot her name - doh!) from the Equine groups; and Nick Zulli and Mark Deibler from DCNR. It was a good discussion that primarily focused on trail maintenance and the horse groups were enthusiastic to help with trail work. So much so, that Jim took the lead and will proceed with contacting Bud Wills of the PA Equine Council (Frank McGuire works closely with Mr. Wills on trail usage) to have him come to Weiser and look at Preserve line trail for a possible re-route. While the portion of Preserve line to be re-routed (the creek end) isn't a regularly used trail of the mountain bikes, it IS a primary trail for the horses and there's some concern the trail is too much on the "fall line" and erosion will occur eventually. DCNR agreed this has been a problem for years. The equine folks asked DCNR if regular trail maintenance could be set up and DCNR stated they do not have the manpower to do such maintenance. DCNR depends on folks like us -- the users -- to tell them what is needed and volunteer the hours (Like RCST has been doing for many years. We did talk about regular sessions of the past). DCNR commented we probably know the trails better than anyone and rely on us for any issues that arise. I'd like to thank DCNR for recognizing the work RCST put into the trail network. "If we didn't have you guys, there probably wouldn't be a trail system today." The Equine groups asked DCNR for better maps and that may not happen too soon due to budgetary constraints. DCNR also commented they would love to see a "Friends of Weiser" group formed consisting of all of us to regularly maintain trails. Not sure what the program is -- I'll have to research a little more.