Nope, It’s Still Not Over!

In December more than 35 people spoke at the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) meeting, with 29 speakers in favor of keeping horses on the Joder Ranch, with trails and parking. That is absolutely HUGE!!! Even more incredibly, the OSBT and City Council received more than 350 emails on this topic… that is completely unprecedented, and it shows the amazing level of support for equestrian access and the horse community’s personal involvement with the Joder Ranch.

Congratulations and thanks! You guys have been doing great!

Alas, it’s still not over. The OSBT kicked the can into January… and just today we learned that staff has kicked the can again, into February. After that comes the North Trail Study Area process, which they have promised will be completed in 2015.

So that means you will have several more opportunities to provide input, even if you already have.   Keep up the pressure, horse people!

We urge you to come to the next meeting of the Open Space Board of Trustees and speak under “Public Participation Items Not on the Agenda” or on “Joder Ranch,” if they put it on the agenda, and/or under “North TSA:”

Weds. February 18, 2015
Boulder City Council Chambers (Municipal Building)
Broadway & Canyon
6pm

It doesn’t have to be perfect, or eloquent, or creative. If you just want to say you support horses and trails on Joder Ranch and the North Trail Study Area, that’s okay. Or you can just say that you support BCHA’s position, which is for a loop trail, horse trailer parking, and regional trail connections. Or you can elaborate on the history of the ranch and Bob & Eloise’s commitment to having it be open to horses and trails. But if you don’t say anything, they won’t know which side you’re on.

Be polite but firm. Do not — ever — put down any other user group.

If you can’t make it to the meeting, send a personal email to the Boulder City Council and Open Space Board of Trustees. Please write a short paragraph about your interest in the ranch, the Joder family, horses in general and access to our public lands. Send your email ASAP to give the OSBT members time to read it thoughtfully before the meeting.

Every person who communicates is a “vote” for horses in Boulder.