“Leave No Trace” Training Leaves a Big Trace in Missouri
Leave No Trace training given by Russ
and Tammie Martin of Bolivar, Missouri, leſt a huge impression on the 11 participants who took part in the two-day workshop to become Leave No Trace instructors. T e training was made possible through a Recreation Trails Program grant available through the Depart- ment of Natural Resources. Funds for the grant are part of the Federal Highways Bill and this grant was awarded to the Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen.
D
oug Shearer, DVM, is a commit ed vol- unteer of the Greenway Equestrians,
Equestrians and a hiker enjoy Leave No Trace Training in Missouri.
Gathering at the Bateman Ranch in the
Ava District of the Mark Twain National Forest, participants included 10 members of the Douglas County Fox Trot er Horse Breed- ers’ Association and a former Bureau of Land Management employee who is an avid hiker. T e Fox Trot er participants are also members of the Mountain Riders Chapter of the Mis- souri Back Country Horsemen. T e workshop included overnight camping. Each participant taught one of the seven
Leave No Trace principles. Aſt er each prin- ciple was introduced, Russ and Tammie lead a discussion on why that principle is impor- tant and how best to teach it. T e training will allow participants to go out and teach the “Leave No Trace” principles in their own communities. “Leave No Trace” is an international pro-
gram that teaches respect for nature. T e seven principles of Leave No Trace are: Plan Ahead, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dis- pose of Waste Properly (take it in, take it out), Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfi re Impact, Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of Other Visitors. For information on Back Country Horsemen in Missouri, visit
www.showmebch.org
Inc. of Marion County, Florida, and serves as president of the organization. Doug is this month’s Trail Warrior honoree. He organizes clean-ups to keep trails safe for equines and riders. With regard to Florida’s searing heat and high humidity, keeping volunteers motivated about what they are doing for the trails would be a challenge for anyone. Chain-sawing trees, trimming branches and clearing the trails, Doug leads the charge. He also keeps an ever vigilant, watchful eye out for serious conditions such as hornet and bee nests, sinkhole activity and wildlife like hogs that make trails dangerous. Doug’s commitment doesn’t stop with Greenway. He is a founding member of T e Shady Gre- enway Conservation Alliance and President of Citizens Against Urban Sprawl, Inc. His reputation as a compassionate veterinarian, humanitarian, environmentalist and success- ful business owner is well known throughout the county. He and his wife, Michelle, are commit ed to the presentation of the Green-
Sun Coast Trail Riders in Florida Clear Trails
The Sun Coast Trail Riders have been
gathering to help clear trails among Florida’s equestrian trails and camps. At the Ross Prai- rie trail head in Dunnellon, Sun Coast Trail Riders and other groups came to clear trails. About 15 volunteers joined together to trim up the lush greenery. In August, volunteers joined together to
help clean up the Santos trail head in Ocala. Volunteers managed to cut out 1,000 pounds of Florida’s invasive tree—the Paper Mul- berry—during this trail cleaning. T e Sun Coast Trail Riders participate and
host many activities throughout the year. T ey enjoy campouts, trail rides, moonlight rides, equestrian dinner shows, poker rides, par- ties, trail cleanups, guest speakers, volunteer work with the forestry service and at end local events as a group. For more information,
visit
www.suncoast
railriders.org
Doug Shearer
way trails and work tirelessly to stop any at empts that would create a negative im- pact on the environment. T ank you, Doug, for your continued dedication to keep our equestrian trails safe and clear.
Send your Trail Warrior nominations to
trailsaver@trailblazermagazine.us
Clearing out Paper Mulberry trees amounted to 1,000 pounds of tree
debris to be removed by members of the Sun Coast Trail Riders in Florida
continued next page
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