The Charleston Trail Riders is a local group of horseback riding enthusiasts who have entered into the Adopt-A-Natural Resource program with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
The group plans to repair and maintain the trails in the Charleston State Forest, which is located in the town of Charleston approximately 15 minutes from the towns of Cobleskill and Fonda.
The forest consists of 4,000 acres with 23 miles of trails.
The DEC is implementing a Unit Management Plan that designates certain trails for use during the spring, summer, and fall as foot trails or horseback trails.
Currently, 10 miles of trails designated as horseback riding trails have been adopted by the club.
Once the horse trails have been upgraded to an acceptable condition, the group hopes to reopen the remaining 13 trails to horseback riding.
“Our club is diligently working on the trail improvement plans and once approved by the DEC, we will begin our team efforts,” explained Jodi Barnes, one of the members. “This will include many projects, for example, installing water bars to divert water off of trails, sloping stream banks and trails to prevent erosion, installing PVC drains plus raising the trail level in many muddy areas.
“These maintenance and repair efforts will improve the conditions of the trails plus make them safer for horses and hikers. To date, we have completed two major projects within the forest, which included installing water bars, PVC drains and raising an area on the trail.”
The Charleston Trail Riders are looking for volunteers to help improve and maintain the trails, which can be used by hikers as well. This team effort will ensure that the trails remain open for multiple recreational clubs.
They are currently upgrading the trail between Sara Lib Road and the Route 30A pull-off.
“If you have been in the forest lately, you may have noticed our improvements. These improvements were designed to protect the forest plus the horse, as they contain no nails, and make the trail drier to help avoid erosion,” Ms. Barnes said.
In addition to volunteers, the following are also needed: PVC piping for drainage, wood slabs and chips to elevate and stabilize the trails, and stone to firm up the stream banks. Also ATVs and operators to carry the material into the forest are needed.
The Charleston Trail Riders will host their next meeting on February 22 at 7:30pm in the Charleston Town Municipal Building located at 480 Corbin Hill Road.
For additional information call 875-6544 or email jodibarnes@hawaii.com.