According to sources in Maryland, horsemen won the first battle with the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission, when the report commissioned by the commission declared that horses were not the reason for erosion and run-off in the WSSC reservoirs of Triadelphia, Rocky Gorge and Little Seneca.
Controversy over horse trail access
New proposed regulations to restore the access of trail riders to a watershed area are burdened with fees and unrealistic requirements that they appear to be punitive for horse owners and riders.
WSSC had used the premise that horses were the source of erosion and run-of in order impose draconian restrictions on horses in the watershed, and so when the Commission’s own study proved otherwise, WSSC was forced to reconsider its position when it prepared its regulations for 2013.
The new proposed regulations do restore the access of trail riders to the watershed, but are so burdened with fees and unrealistic requirements that the new fees and rules for trail riders appear to be punitive.
The good:
- Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails with purchase of a permit.
- Hiking, Bird watching, and leashed pets are permitted with purchase of a permit.
- Some trails in Triadelphia may be opened in the future.
The not-so good:
- All animal waste must be collected before leaving and deposited in trash receptacles or taken away for disposal.
- Horseback riding not permitted December 1 through March 15.
- Seniors, over the age of 65, no longer receive a free pass.
- Commercial stables with entrance onto the watershed must enter into a legal agreement with WSSC that requires:
- purchase an entrance permit for the stable, cost $250;
- hold the stable responsible for boarders to purchase permits before entering the watershed. cost $70 per person.
- Adjacent landowners with horses must enter into a legal agreement with WSSC that requires:
- purchase an Adjacent Landowners Entrance Permit, cost $80;
- purchase a Use Permit, cost $70 per person.
- Seasonal Watershed Use Permit fee increased from $60 to $70.
A community meeting is being held on January 24, 2013 in the Commission Auditorium, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Md., to address and protest the new rules adopted by the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission.
According to involved horse owners and riders in the area, the Commission is making every effort to prevent equestrian use of the trails and facilities in the area in spite of the commissioned report that shows little or no impact from horses near the reservoirs of Triadelphia, Rocky Gorge and Little Seneca.