EPIC Trails, Initiatives and Member Support

Writer: Pam DuBois

EPIC continues to advocate important equestrian issues being contemplated by Montgomery County.  For starters, EPIC, in cooperation with Montgomery Parks (M-NCPPC), Montgomery County Office of Economic Development (Ag Services) and University of Maryland designed and conducted a survey of Montgomery County equestrians. EPIC is pleased to have been a recipient of a $3,000 grant from Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit to help underwrite this endeavor.  Survey result highlights have already been used in Planning Board and County Council testimony in support of additional improvements at Woodstock Equestrian Park.  Our diverse advocacy agenda also includes monitoring economic stimulus spending on trails, proposed improvements to the Seneca Greenway trail system, supporting Park’s Legacy Open Space land acquisitions (part of the Thompson Farm in Boyds), participating in Montgomery County’s zoning rewrite and land use policy, green initiatives, conservation tax incentives, augmenting resources for proper stewardship easements, and more.

EPIC’s advocacy bottom line: increased preservation and trail access!  Highlights since last year include the opening of two additional trails – Dry Seneca Creek Phase II in Poolesville and Breezy Loop in Boyds.  A testament to the excitement of these new trails was evidenced by the number of riders who braved the Dry Seneca Creek rainy day ride last May and old man winter in November when Breezy Loop was inaugurated.  An expansion to the Breezy Loop trail is currently underway.  Connectivity from our new trials in Boyds to Woodstock Equestrian Park is a 2009 priority.

A new initiative undertaken by EPIC this year is supporting its affiliates by hosting a benefit ride that took place on Saturday, June 13th.  As an equestrian enthusiast organization, there are no boundaries confining our support.  Approximately 20 riders participated in this year’s ride for the two selected beneficiaries: Circle of Hope and Great and Small Therapeutic Riding programs.

Let’s not forget EPIC’s co-sponsorship of the third annual Green Cup Polo Benefit Challenge Cup at the Capitol Polo grounds on Hughes Road on Saturday, July 18th.  This year easily surpassed attendance from last year of over 600 spectators (but the counts are not tallied yet).  We had phenomenal weather for participants to enjoy seeing this exciting sporting event that raises awareness of environmental issues and green lifestyles.

We credit our success and convey our thanks to our wonderful membership!  The number of EPIC barn affiliates has nearly doubled since last year and is now 15 barns strong and still growing.  Increased support for EPIC is based on its unique modus operandi of uniting equestrians to preserve and protect the natural resources in Montgomery County.  EPIC sponsors comprise its members who enjoy multiple benefits ranging from invitations to organized rides on newly sanctioned EPIC trails, evening community information forums, representation of equestrian interests in County Planning decisions and State legislation, access to maps of the EPIC trails, the member newsletter, resources and links on EPIC’s website and EPIC paraphernalia.  Become a member by making a donation on EPIC’s website at www.epicmontgomery.org and learn more about how EPIC is working for the equestrian community.