Bay Area Barn and Trails :: Marin County News

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking your input on preliminary alternatives and concepts for the Marin Equestrian Plan Environmental Assessment (EA). When completed, this plan will guide the future use of three Marin stables located on Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) land. The Plan will confirm stable sites, address necessary site and facility improvements, Best Management Practices, sustainability, and actions to protect and improve affected natural and cultural resources.

Public Comment (Comments due by March 5, 2010): Issues and concerns from the public, government agencies, and organizations will assist the Park in preparation of an EA. Preliminary alternatives and concepts will be available for review on February 3, 2010 on the parks public website

When completed, the GGNRA management plan will propose options for the future use of three Marin County stables located on GGNRA land. It will address site and facility needs, improvements, and protection of important cultural and natural resources at and surrounding the sites. The plan will enhance the public outreach and equestrian programs, identify Best Management Practices, sustainable programs, increase protection of natural resources, and preserve the cultural and historic resources at the stables.
www.nps.gov/goga/parkmgmt/current_plans.htm
*GGNRA planning continues on the Peninsula (San Mateo County).

The GGNRA/Marin District currently permits boarding, lessons, trailer parking, trail access at the following locations:
Rodeo Valley: Fort Cronkhite Stables, 901 Bunker Road, Marin Headlands www.presidioridingclub.net/

Tennessee Valley: Miwok Stables, 701 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley. www.miwokstables.com

Muir Beach: Golden Gate Dairy Stables, 1760A Shoreline Highway. 415-388-7670
Maureen Pinto, President of Ocean Riders/Golden Gate Dairy Stables, continues to work with GGNRA Planners who are considering several proposals for the 'Dairy' including the 'transfer' of horses to a new site a mile to the north: The Banducci Farm.

Horse Hill… ‘every town needs hills for horses’
‘Horse Hill is a very special place on the border of Mill Valley and Corte Madera, adjacent to Highway 101 in Marin. Fourteen privately owned horses graze freely. The horses are able to graze on this land thanks to an arrangement between the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) and the Alto Bowl Horseowners Association (ABHA). ABHA is a non-profit coalition of horseowners that work in close collaboration with the County to remain in compliance with the Open Space regulations…Just like all Open Space in Marin, people are welcome on Horse Hill with little interference from the horses. When not under saddle, the horses have little interest in the trails. They are mostly interested in the grass. People walking with their canine companions are also welcomed. The horses simply ask that the dogs stay with their human companions, either on leash or by voice control, just as they would around other wildlife.’
www.horsehill.org

Horse Hill photo by Robert Eichstaedt

Marin Stables and Trails
The Board of Marin Stables and Trails wants to thank the equestrian community for its recent support of the Denim and Diamonds fundraiser. The purpose of this event was to foster community awareness of Marin Stables, and to raise funds for the repair of the arena. The event raised $ 30,000! In addition to our many friends and supporters in the community, we are pleased to have the support of Supervisor Hal Brown, Assemblyman Jared Huffman, the Marin Municipal Water District, the Marin Horse Council, the Horseman's Association of Sleepy Hollow, and Bay Area Barns and Trails. Thank you one and all.'

Arena Update: While we do not have all the necessary funds to complete the arena repairs, we are beginning first phase of construction in November. If necessary, we will stop the project at a logical and safe point, while additional fund raising takes place.

Help with fundraising: To help us with our fundraising, the Board has retained Shelley Hamilton, Executive Director of MarinSpace. MarinSpace is a local nonprofit organization, which collaborates with community organizations to strengthen their capacity and effectiveness. MarinSpace, in particular, has expertise in grant writing and real property infrastructure development. MarinSpace is also awarding MS & T a service grant.

Moving forward. Our steel trusses have arrived, and are stored in the arena! We hope you will stop by the barn and see them. We are pressing forward with the construction, because we believe it is absolutely vital to the long term preservation and success of Marin Stables. If you can help in any way with our efforts, please contact Linda Novy at 415-457-5268. Once the arena is restored, we can restart our community outreach programs, and begin planning for the next phases of renovation. Working together, we can rebuild the arena, and, take a significant step in saving Marin Stables.
www.marinstablesandtrails.org/

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