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Action Update: Parks Bill WITHDRAWN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 The County Executive has withdrawn Bill MC/PG 112-11, a measure that would have threatened Park funding and safety!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“enabling legislation” and late filed, without public comment, by the County Executive, legislation (MC/PG112-11) was withdrawn by County Executive Ike Leggett today.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!

Sunday Hunting Bill Introduced Into House–Your Voice Needed!

Two weeks ago we contacted you about a bill (S.B. 45) introduced into the state legislature that, if passed, would allow Sunday deer hunting on private land from October through January throughout most of the state.

Historically, Maryland has prohibited hunting on Sundays, but the legislature has chipped away at these protections over the past few years. You’ve expressed your opinion that outdoor enthusiasts, such as horseback riders, birders, campers, hikers, wildlife watchers and bikers, deserve one day per week to enjoy their recreation in relative quiet and safety.

A companion bill (H.B. 129) has been introduced in the House. This bill is scheduled for a hearing this Wednesday, February 9, at 1 p.m. The Humane Society of the United States has kindly offered to present EPIC President David Tobin’s testimony in opposition to the bill on our behalf. You can read a copy of the testimony here.

If you don’t want to share private trails with hunters on Sundays, please call your three Maryland state delegates TODAY and politely urge them to oppose efforts to expand Sunday hunting. Click here to enter your zip code and find out who represents you. Then please forward this information to your friends and family in Maryland, and consider posting the alert on your Facebook or Twitter page.

EPIC is doing our part, but we can’t do it without your help. Your calls will really make a difference—please call today!

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!

Sunday Hunting in Maryland–Yes or No?

Bill SP45 (click bill name to view) was just introduced into the Maryland State Legislature. If passed, this bill would allow Sunday hunting on private property in Montgomery County from October through January. Please complete this simple poll to let us know YOUR view.

There will be a hearing January 26, 2011. We encourage you to convey your view to the Montgomery County delegation: www.mdarchives.us/msa/mdmanual/07leg/html/gacomo.html. (Find your legislative district HERE.)

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