May 2008 News Letter has been published. (Downloadable copy)

Calendars are being built...Get your events in today (Calendars)

           The house committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resouces is having a meeting on May 13 on changes in recreational access
(including the reduction of equestrian access) to the Pigeon River Country. The meeting is at 10:30 a.m. in Room 521 of the House Office Building. The House Office
Building is located at 124 N. Capitol Ave.; Lansing, MI. Those who cannot attend can email the chairperson of the committee : Rep. Sheltrown at joelsheltrown@house.mi.gov
to let him hear your thoughts on the Pigeon River Country reduction of horse trails and camping and on a reduction of horse trails generally. Rep Casperson is the minority party vice chair.
He is from the UP and is a strong supporter of citizen's rights to recreation in state owned lands. You could also email him at tomcasperson@house.mi.gov . 
It is important that the equestrians' voice is heard.  If you are a trail rider, please take the time to write if you cannot attend. (more)

Department of Natural Resources Announces the Reopening of All State Forest Campgrounds
The Department of Natural Resources announced today the reopening ofall temporarily closed state forest campgrounds for the 2008 camping
season. With the recent Legislative approval to restore $500,000 ofGeneral Fund appropriation to the Recreation and Trail Program, DNR
Director Rebecca Humphries has authorized a land use order, effectivetoday (May 12), removing 20 state forest campgrounds from their
temporarily closed status. (more)

 

***Michigan Horse Council Establishes Endowed Fund***
With a gift of $35,000 in June of 2007, the Michigan Horse Council (MHC) continued a long tradition of supporting Michigan
State University students and programs related to the horse industry in Michigan. (Read More)

 Dec 12,2007 a meeting of the Agricultural Preserve Boards of Michigan met to review and update each County Representative
on the status of the American Farmland Trust, Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, Wind Energy and Ethanol Development in
Michigan, as well as hearing from two speakers from Maryland and Pennsylvania report on the history and progress of their agricultural
preservation programs.  (Read Complete Report)
For additional information contact Mr. Scott Everett, Regional Director, American Farmland Trust
           318 West Ottawa Street
           Lansing, Michigan 48933
           517 484-4928
agpresbrdofmi@earthlink.net

"Expo Pictures"  www.justplaincrazyranch.com
 

Horses Health Issues   (see Horse Health)

• AAEP Releases Updated Equine Vaccination Guidelines for 2008  (more)

• NEW ONLINE HORSE COURSES AND LIVE FREE WEB CASTS AVAILABLE FROM MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
  "My Horse University"

• State Urges Owners to Protect Companion Animals During an Emergency Evacuation Planning can avoid separation and loss in disaster situation (more)

• "Public input is sought on changes to the Michigan Right to Farm Act's Learn More

• Michigan is developing a SART (state animal response team), through the generous funding of the  Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and Pet Smart Charities. (More)      

• Grassroots activism by Horsemen is an extremely important and effective way to advance equestrian interests in federal legislation Learn More

• The Equine Species Working Group has released the second edition of an informational booklet titled: NAIS and Horses:
  The Facts Surrounding the National Animal Identification System and the Horse Industry in the U.S. Learn More   PDF

• Ballot in 2008 could ask for racinos, casinos at tracks  Learn More

• HIPPA Legislation for Recreational Riders Introduced in Congress Learn More

• USDA 08 House Appropriations Bill Passes - August 3 , 2007  Learn More

• AHC Study Finds Horse Show Industry Has Significant Economic Impact  Learn More