Urgent: Please Take Action to Protect Montgomery County’s Family Farms

From the Montgomery Countryside Alliance:

Montgomery County Ag Advisory Committee

Manna Testimony

Letter from Reserve Farmer

Action Alert: Federal Equestrian Trail Funding in Jeopardy

From Equine Land Conservation Resource:

February 1, 2012—On Thursday, February 2, 2012, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s “Transportation Reauthorization Proposal,” will be considered in the markup of “The American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act” House Bill (currently H.R.7).

This Bill is a wholesale reform of federal surface transportation programs, eliminating all earmarks, including the requirement for federal set-asides such as Transportation Enhancements, including the RTP (Recreational Trails Program), and Safe Routes to Schools, that have provided the majority of trail, walking, and bicycling funding in the United States.

The bill could be voted on by the Committee this week.  Before that happens, there is a great need for you to contact your representative to express your support for continued funding.

Per an Action Alert from American Trails, here is a summary of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s “Transportation Reauthorization Proposal, PLUS links to learn more and HOW TO TAKE ACTION!

How To Take Action
There is strength in numbers and we need to present a unified voice for trails, to tell their story, to present their endless benefits, and to make the case for funding them. We urge you to contact your Representative and stress the importance of dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School, including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) — essential programs that make trails and active transportation possible and that are vital to your local efforts.

1. See below for an example support letter:
2. Attend the live webcast of the markup at transportation.house.gov, on Thursday, February 2, 2012; 9:00 a.m. EASTERN, 2167 Rayburn House Office Building
3. Please see if your member of Congress is on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
   • If your Representative IS on the Committee, please call or email their office ASAP and ask them to preserve dedicated funding for these critical trail and bike/ped programs.
   • If your Representative ISN’T on the Committee, their support is still vital! Please remind them of local projects that have benefited their District. Ask them to encourage T & I Committee members to preserve these programs. Also, they will have a vote when the bill goes before the full House.
4. Contact your Representative by visiting this website here.
5. Spread the word through your networks!

Talking Points

• Funding spent on trails, bike/ped facilities, parks, and outdoor recreation is a sound investment in the country’s economy.
• Bicycling and walking make up 12 percent of all trips, but only 1.5 percent of federal funding.
• One-quarter of children’s traffic deaths happen when they are walking or bicycling and are struck by cars. Safe Routes to School funds help ensure funding for critical sidewalks, crosswalks, and safety infrastructure to protect children and prevent unnecessary deaths.
• The more bicycles on the road; the fewer cars needed — resulting in less congestion, better air quality, and reduced road repair work needed.
• The health of our children, as well as our cities, will depend on expanding transportation choices and preserving trails, open space, parks, and places for recreation.

Read more about the benefits of trails and find talking points to help you make the case for trails and bike/ped facilities on the American Trails website.

Check the  American Trails “Supporting Trails” webpage often for the latest news regarding Reauthorization.

Sample Letter
(Please edit to reflect your region, community, situation)

Dear Representative ___________,

As an avid equestrian and caring citizen, I recognize the importance of youth and adults getting out and enjoying the outdoors and beauty of nature. I therefore urge you to consider the following request regarding H.R.7, to become the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (currently H.R.7), and the Transportation Reauthorization Proposal.

Access to trails and pathways for horses, walkers, hikers and bikers is of critical importance to the health and wellbeing of an increasingly obese and unhealthy population. Exercise gained through trail use is beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. This is especially true of horseback trail riding.  It is said that “The best way to see the world is through the ears of a horse!”

Unless the Transportation Reauthorization Proposal to is changed, the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act will effectively eliminate the Recreational Trails Program. Please amend the proposal and bill to include dedicated funding for RTP.

Respectfully,

Your name, address and affiliations

Action Needed: Recreational Trail Funding in Jeopardy

From Equine Land Conservation Resource:

July 28, 2011—There is an urgent issue that needs your attention having to do with federal recreational trail spending. The Recreational Trail Program (RTP)—the primary source of trail funding in this country—is in great jeopardy.

Horsemen should contact their federal legislators immediately to help preserve funding for recreational trails. If we do not act, many trails will be closed and there will be little in the way of new trail construction or federal funds for maintenance (which will lead to more closures).

RTP is a program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), providing funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses.

On July 7, U.S. Congressman John Mica, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released an outline of a “Transportation Reauthorization Proposal.” As reported by Stuart Macdonald, Chair of the National Association of State Trail Administrators, here are the key points for the Congressman Mica’s proposal:

• Consolidation or elimination of most “special” programs, including RTP, Enhancements, Safe Routes, etc.
• States will be permitted to fund such “non-highway activities” but will no longer be required to set aside funds.
• Funding is reduced from the $50 billion authorized in 2010 to something closer to the $35 billion in annual revenue from current fuel taxes.

The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), formed in 1992 to ensure that RTP receives adequate funding, is encouraging an amendment to the proposal, should it be introduced as a House bill. “This would require serious commitment from enough members of Congress to challenge Rep. Mica’s austere budget,” said Macdonald.

How do we save the RTP? By speaking up to our Senators and Congressmen and telling them how important recreational trails are to our families. Trail riders and equestrian trail clubs – everyone needs to participate. The voice of many is more effective than the voice of one.  We need to think beyond the next ride, sit down at the computer or pick up the phone and take action, otherwise RTP may be eliminated and the future of equestrian trails will be in great jeopardy.

When speaking with your elected official or his/her staff member, you can make your case even stronger if you point out just how much RTP funding is at risk in your state. To find your state’s share, click here.

Please contact your legislator TODAY and let them know how important the RTP program and equestrian trails are to you.

Find your Senator’s contact information.

Find your Congressman’s contact information.

Action Alert: Ask Your Senator To Restore Farm Conservation Funding

Help Ensure Maryland Trail Funding

Funding for Maryland’s public riding trails may be in jeopardy. If you enjoy riding on Maryland’s trails, your action is needed by this Thursday to help ensure their future.

From The Equiery blog:

Many Maryland equestrian trail projects have benefited from federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which is set to expire and must be reauthorized in the next national surface transportation program (highway) bill. Chances are good that the trails you ride on have received some of this funding via the Maryland Department of Transportation.

A “Dear Colleague” letter in support of RTP is being circulated by Congressmen Petri (R-WI) and Michaud (D-ME). (View Dear Colleague Letter)

The American Horse Council urges you to call or email your Representative and ask him or her to sign the Dear Colleague letter in support of RTP being circulated by Congressmen Petri and Michaud.

The deadline for your Member of Congress to sign the letter is Thursday, April 14.

Read the rest of the post HERE.

Program Open Space Needs Your Help

Do you know where most of your riding trails come from? Program Open Space funds the majority of public land where those public trails are located.

Recent budget discussions threaten to essentially abolish Program Open Space and all related land-conservation programs in Maryland. Contact your legislators today and urge them to reject recommendations to take dedicated open space funds to balance the state budget!

Although the Governor had proposed to keep Program Open Space intact in his budget, we learned in this week’s House Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act hearing that the Department of Legislative Services is recommending that all transfer tax money generated for the purpose of Program Open Space go to the General Fund and be replaced with $50 million total per year, for ALL programs, from 2013 through 2016.

Program Open Space is a nationally renowned program that works, and people across Maryland—people such as yourself—are rightfully passionate about protecting it. This recommendation made by DLS is a sweeping change in State policy that is a breach of public trust and would essentially end Program Open Space and related preservation programs. This recommended action strikes at the heart of the spirit and intent of Program Open Space as it was created 41 years ago. It would abolish Program Open Space! Now is the time to inundate the Senate and House leadership with emails and phone calls, rejecting this reccomendation.   

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY!
You can find your legislator at http://mdelect.net.

Action Update: Parks Bill WITHDRAWN

February 18, 2011—THIS JUST IN! The County Executive has withdrawn Bill MC/PG 112-11, a measure that would have threatened Park funding and safety!

Characterized as “enabling legislation” and late filed, without public comment, by the County Executive, legislation (MC/PG112-11) was withdrawn by County Executive Ike Leggett today. Characterized by Parks advocates as a “sneak attack” on the independence of the Parks system and its parent agency, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the bill, if passed, would have paved the way for more control by elected officials of the independent commission.

According to former Planning Board Chair Royce Hanson: “It is an indisputable fact that the existence of the Ag Reserve and the greening of Montgomery County are due largely to the existence of the M-NCPPC,” and its independence.

Article 28 is the state law that created the Commission as an agency independent of electoral politics. The County Executive and Council do control the operating budget of the Parks system but cannot cut below a certain threshold established by Article 28 and the County “Parks Tax” on  real estate sales. MC/PG 112-11 would have allowed the Executive to cut the Parks budget below that threshold, making it possible for the Executive to consolidate the Park Police and the County Police, described by Leggett as a cost-saver, but disputed by many.

The idea of a “merger” of the two entities is still under discussion. Concerns about actual costs or savings and the safety of Park users are only two questions being examined that cast suspicion over this initiative, with some concerned that it is more about power and control than about cost-saving measures. The Montgomery County Police Chief has stated publicly that a merger would result in lessened Parks security.

The coalition of groups behind Save our Parks Montgomery would like to thank all the concerned MoCo Residents who wrote or called the council, leading them to definitively vote down the proposal. You really made a difference!

Thanks for supporting YOUR parks!

Voice Your Support for the Recreational Trails Program

Every few years Congress passes a multiyear national surface transportation bill. This bill funds transportation projects and programs such as the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) which provides money for state and local trail projects.

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has announced a series of field hearings that will take place in February on the next multiyear national surface transportation bill. The Committee will seek input on priorities for the bill.

If you live near one of the scheduled hearings this is an opportunity to voice support of the RTP Program and the benefit it provides to equestrians.

Scheduled Hearings
2/17    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2/18    Scranton, Pennsylvania and Rochester, New York
2/19   Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State House, Senate Finance Hearing Room, 1 Capitol Square – This field hearing of the Full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.
2/19    Indianapolis, Indiana
2/20    Chicago, Illinois
2/21    Vancouver, Washington
2/22    Fresno, California
2/23    Los Angeles, California
2/24    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2/24    Jonesboro, Arkansas
2/25    Memphis, Tennessee

Contact your Representative’s local office to get times and exact locations. Find your Representative HERE.

About the Recreational Trails Program

• The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP will have to be re-authorized in the next national surface transportation program bill if it is to continue.

• Since its inception the RTP has provided approximately $700 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails.

• Although each state manages its own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% percent on multiuse projects.

• The RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land.  The program is a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks.

• The AHC in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational users has been working to ensure RTP is included in any national highway bill passed by Congress.

Montgomery County Parks Are Under Attack! Your Action Is Needed Before Monday, February 14.

Legislation just proposed by County Executive Ike Leggett threatens Montgomery County’s Park funding and safety.

1. Allow funds, now guaranteed to the Parks Department for acquisition, development, maintenance and recreational facilities, to be siphoned by the Executive and Council at their discretion.
2. Transfer management of all park lands and facilities from the independent Park and Planning Commission to the Montgomery County government. Under Mr. Leggett’s scenario, the County’s vast acres of parkland would become subject to the political whims of elected officials. Pressures to use parkland for housing or transportation projects would likely increase under politicized management.
3. Negatively impact public safety and park use by merging the Park Police, now directed by the Planning Commission, to the County Police with allegiance to the County Executive. The assertion that the merger of the two forces would save money was debunked in the 2010 budget hearings.  Park police pay and retirement benefits are lower than county police. This merger may actually cost money. Park Police are trained to routinely monitor park use, safety concerns and more. Under County Police authority, in-depth park monitoring would not likely be a priority.

What can YOU do to stop this dangerous legislation?

Write and/or call your councilmembers BEFORE next Monday, February 14, when they will vote. Tell them to oppose Bill MC/PG112-11. An individual e-mail copied to each one is most effective.

Just a few sentences in your own words are more powerful than form letters. We have included some key talking points below for your convenience.

1. Continue to guarantee funding for parks. Provision for optional funding is an invitation to disaster to the long term health of the County’s park system and to the public’s safety and welfare.
2. Montgomery’s residents rate their park system as a primary reason to live and locate businesses here. This action will negatively affect all residents.
3. Park Police are best in charge of our parks! Their presence keeps parks safe for all!
4. Our county runs strong because of the independent nature of the Park and Planning Commission! Politics must not play a role in the public’s quality of life.
5. The county’s long-term fiscal health depends on long-term, prudent, collegial planning and decision making. This legislation is counter to this basic premise.
6. This is a power and land grab that has no fiscal benefits and will not improve efficiency of either county government or parks operation.
7. In your own words, tell them how much you value Montgomery County’s parks.
8. Please vote “No” on Bill MC/PG112-11!

Your Action Needed — Say “NO” to Sunday Hunting

JANUARY 26, 2011 — We heard you loud and clear: You don’t want to share private horse trails with hunters on Sundays (85% of voters in our recent survey said they oppose Senate Bill 45). Therefore, EPIC will oppose the bill at today’s hearing. President David Tobin will submit testimony on behalf of EPIC members. You can read the content of the testimony below.

TAKE ACTION
This hearing is only the beginning. Your state senator is a critical vote on the committee that will be considering this bill. Please make a brief, polite phone call to your state senator and express your opposition to Sunday hunting in Maryland. Click here to find your state senator’s phone number. You can simply say, “I am a constituent and I oppose efforts to expand hunting on Sundays in Maryland.”

After making your phone calls (please do not skip that crucial step!), send a follow-up message to your state legislators. Elected officials receive a lot of e-mail, so be sure to edit your message so it stands out. You can send your own message by filling out this helpful form from the Humane Society of the United States or using it as the basis for your own letter.

We need YOUR voice to keep Maryland’s riding trails safe. Thanks for your help!

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