10/26/2023
Attention all horse riders and campers:
This message is about how to support new horseback riding and camping opportunities in our area. Please take time to read, make your voice heard, and then forward to others in the horse community.
As most of you know, there are horse trails in the Sauk Prairie State Rec Area (former Badger Munitions) next to Devil's Lake State park. Now the DNR is updating the Master Plan for the entire Central Sands region including these two properties. Potential plans include options for
1) developing horse trails in the northeast area of Devil's Lake (DLSP)
2) expanding the trails in Sauk Prairie Rec area (SPSRA)
3) connecting the two systems and
4) adding a horse campground in Devil's Lake " if demand warrants."
The public comment phase of the Sand Hills Regional Master Plan process is NOW and it is super important to make our voices heard. If something is not included in the master plan, it will not happen! I attended a public meeting last week and spoke to John Pohlman, the top planner on this huge master planning project. He is very open to expanding recreational opportunities for horseback riding and was very very clear
"if your people want this, tell them they have to ask for it."
You can read the relevant parts of the draft plan on the Central Sand Hills Master Plan website. The Devil's Lake part starts on page 30. Scroll down to the section on the Northeast Recreation Area, and see:
Alternative 6: Provide equestrian trails and associated support facilities
Alternative 7: connect these trails with equestrian trails at SPSRA
Alternative 8: provide an equestrian campground if demand warrants.
Mr. Pohlman even used these in his talk as an example of how multiple alternatives could be pursued at once, such as developing more horse trails AND a campground are not an either/or situation but can be pursued together. So, when commenting we should say we support Alternatives 6, 7 and 8 for the Northeast Rec Area of Devil's Lake. We should also say we support expanding the horse trails in the Sauk Prairie area into the more scenic and less developed areas of the property (this is already included the existing plan for the property).
You can fill out an online comment form for Devil's Lake or a general comment form on the Central Sand Hills Master Plan website. Probably it's easiest to email your comments directly to planner John Pohlman at [email protected].
A few other points: :
-horse trails improve access to nature for people with age or mobility limitations. Opening new areas for horse riding supports the DNR's objective of increased accessibility for all.
-the only state operated equestrian campgrounds in the SW area are Wildcat and Gov Dodge. Both are generally full on weekends and reservations are hard to come by. Although primitive horse camping is available at KVR, there is clearly a demand for more improved (electrified) equestrian campsites in the region. Adding a campground at DLSP would help relieve some of the pressure at existing facilities.
-horseback riding can occur on shared trails. Hikers and horse riders enjoy meeting and greeting and happily co-exist. Horses and bicycles are not such a great combination and shared trails between horses and bikers should be limited.
Thank you for taking time to read this lengthy message and please e-mail Mr. Pohlman or fill out an online comment form TODAY. The public comment period is short and it is really important to speak up for ourselves and future generations of trail riders and horse campers.
John Pohlman
Planner
Facilities and Lands
tel:+1-608-264-6263
