Trails are Open 7-19-23

 The dirt trails are now open for use.

Please be mindful of any wet soggy areas

 and avoid them if possible.

Kathy's Tid Bits:

The ticks are very plentiful this year.  Please use extra caution to protect your animal and yourself. 

Poison ivy is also very thick in the forest.  Good rule of thumb " Leaves of three, leave it be."

The weather is going to get very hot and humid next week.  You need to ensure you are properly hydrated as well as your animal.  You should avoid riding in the hottest parts of the day.  If you must be out in the extreme heat, take several breaks in a shaded area and drink plenty of fluids.  Your animal will need to have access to plenty of fresh water and shade to rest also.

Be safe and be careful in these temperatures.

Smile, because it looks good on you!

Kathy

President/Editor

Dirt Trails Are CLOSED

 We have been blessed with rain.  Seven - yes- Seven inches to be exact.  We are thankful for the rain to restore the much-needed moisture for the trees, pastures, and crops.

The unofficial rain gauge showing what 7" of rain looks like.

However, this has caused the dirt trails to be closed until it dries up enough to safely use them again.

DNR Shimek Technician has reported the following:

Hello everyone, hope you all are doing well over this Fourth of July holiday!

We have had 7" of rain the last four days and it is still raining here. The rain is very welcome, however. The dirt trails have been CLOSED today for equestrian use, the WWT (Wet Weather Trail) is OPEN. Please obey this as the dirt trails are soft and tracks in them will collect water and take longer to dry out and have the staff work on any problem areas which equates to you the rider not being able to ride on them sooner.

Have a safe holiday and I'll see you out there!

The campgrounds faired pretty well.

 There is some standing water in the tree line.

Standing water at these camp spots. 

What did 7 inches of rainfall do to the Lower Campground at Shimek Lick Creek this week? We all know its on low ground and has been swamped before. But our hard-working DNR staff have been embarked on a project to upgrade the parking area and improve the quality of the sites this past year. Has it worked? Sure has!! Then two photos showing that there is only a small amount of standing water and no really soggy spots. Thanks for all the improvements!

 We will post when the dirt trails will be open again.  Until then, please use the Wet Weather Trail for your riding enjoyment.

May your troubles be less your blessing more and may nothing but happiness come through your door.

Kathy

President/Editor

Photos (and a lot of work) --thanks to Patrick Thomas