Hamilton Conservation Authority will be holding an Equestrian Ride in Dundas Valley on September 17, 18 & 19.  This is a fund raising effort that supports the maintenance of the trails located within the conservation area.  You can get pledge forms for this event and lots more information at this website:  www.conservationhamilton.ca or by calling 905-525-2181.  Have a great weekend riding and camping, all while supporting the equestrian trail efforts in Dundas Valley.

Check out the new website for the Big Ben Memorial Trail - http://thebigbenmemorialtrail.ca

OTRA welcomed two new faces to the Board of Directors at their Annual General meeting held in Barrie on April 18th.  Shirley Bodnarchuk and Morris Radomsky have agreed to work for your association. Kari Kelly, Marjory Morden, Ruth Pugh, Sue Haggerman and Marvin Halladay have one year of their term remaining and returning to the Board are Janice Clegg, Jan Belanger, Bonnie Simpson, Karin Zawadowsky and Wendy Downer.  Elections for Board positions will be held at the Directors meeting on May 20th.

COPELAND FOREST NEWS:  Copeland Forest is a large tract of land located at the corner of Hwy 400 and 93, just north of Barrie.  It is a favourite area for many local equestrians to ride and OTRA has held many events within the forest over the years. It seems it now may be in jeopardy due to resort development.  Following is a letter prepared by a concerned local equestrian, who is monitoring the situation and will be keeping OTRA informed.  If you can assist in anyway, please contact her.

With the recent purchase of Horseshoe Valley Resort by Skyline International and the proposed large scale development which is to be linked with Skyline’s development at Port McNicoll, there has been an increase in interest and an increase in motorized vehicles in the Copeland Forest.  This has included Segway tours that are run out of Horseshoe Resort.

The Copeland is a very special area, home to diverse plant and animal species and one of the rare areas left where motorized vehicles are not allowed. The Ministry of Natural Resources has assured me that non-motorized will continue to be the policy and those found breaking this rule will be charged.

As equine users of this park, I think we need to keep an eye on what is happening in this vicinity and also know that if we encounter vehicles there we should report them immediately to the MNR. The number is: 725-7500 and ask for an enforcement officer.

Also, watch for new boundary markers giving clear indication of Copeland property.

As things are progressing in and around the park, a “Friends of the Copeland” organization may be set up. I will notify OTRA if and when that occurs. If anyone has any thoughts on the matter please contact me.

Thank you

Elizabeth Dunn

2010 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Ontario Trail Riders Association.  In celebration of this milestone, we are planning some special events including our Annual General Meeting.

April 18th, 2010 at the Parkview Community Centre, 189 Blake Street, Barrie ON.  We will be having our business meeting in the morning, a potluck lunch, special longtime member recognition and a celebrity guest who has ties to OTRA's history.  He rode along with us on the Heritage Trail in 1977 and now rides after "prey" on the hit TV show - Mantracker.  Be sure to mark this date on your calendar to help celebrate OTRA's 40th Anniversary and come meet Terry Grant AKA  Mantracker!  Please note there is limited seating available and OTRA members will have priority at the door.

9:00AM - Coffee and Registration of Membership (no new memberships will be processed)
9:30AM - Call to Order
1:00PM - Doors Open to non-Members (if room capacity allows)
Please note there will be no admittance for non-members prior to 1 PM!

We are looking for members who wish to represent OTRA in their area.  Regional representatives are a crucial part of keeping equestrian trails open.  It is their job to keep tabs on developments within their area, represent the interests of equestrian trail users and provide information and updates to the OTRA Board.  Please contact Bonnie
if you would like to become a Regional Rep.

Big Ben Memorial Trail Update
The Scouting Committee Report that was presented to Lanark County Municipal Trail Corporation in October of 2009 was accepted and approved by the Board of Directors.  Now the Big Ben Memorial Trail Committee will meet in February 2010 to establish a chair and "action" committees for trail development, Promotions and Marketing, Fundraising and Trail Maintenance.  Two members will meet with the MNR to do a preliminary survey of the Lavart Block Community Forest where the 15 - 25 km trail will be developed over a estimated 2 year period.  This will be a "hands on" project for the trail users.  Moral support for the project received a boost when CBC celebrity and singer/songwriter Wayne Rostad added his name to the list.
If you live in the Lanark County area and would like to become involved in this project, please contact Gayda Errett for more information.