Cuyamaca Equestrian Association

Cuyamaca Equestrian Association - Update 11 July 2006

Update on Cuyamaca horse camp

The comment period for the Cuyamaca horse camp NOP closed on June 30. The draft Environmental Impact Report (the next part of the CEQA process) is due out sometime in the fall. Following the Draft EIR there will be another comment period, perhaps a Public Hearing before the final EIR with another comment period. Thanks to all who commented! Important business below.

Consulting Attorney

Attorney Bill Davis has been hired by CEA to oversee the CEQA process and to assist and advise CEA in efforts to open a horse camp in Cuyamaca. You may read from our contract his Scope of Services. "You are hiring me as your attorney to consult with you in the matter described below. I will provide those legal services reasonably required to consult with you regarding that matter. I will take reasonable steps to keep you informed of progress and to respond to your inquiries. I am not serving as your attorney of record. If a court action is necessary, I will discuss whether or not I will represent you, and we will reach a separate agreement for such services. This agreement, therefore, does not cover filings or representation as counsel of record in any judicial action."

Raising Legal Funds

See attached. Bill Davis’ retainer has been paid. Additional funds will allow additional assistance and consultation. So far he has written an NOP comment letter and had a long talk with the Park’s attorney; he’ll be helping us get copies of all the NOP comments.

Update on Day-Use / Staging Areas

A grand opening and dedication is being scheduled for the new Lucky 5 staging area in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, possibly for September 2. Come show your appreciation. There are some corrals for overnight (limit one night) camping.

Good news: Per District Superintendent Mike Wells the equestrian day-use area at the former Boy Scout camp, Hual-Cu-Cuish (just off Milk Ranch Rd by Cuyamaca Lake) is on target to open late summer/early fall.

Trail and Park Update

From Superintendent Laura Itogawa in Stonewall Sentinel (CRSPIA’s newsletter): "Lately I have been dealing wit those who would choose to restrict everyone to trails only, and in fact, move trails from beautiful areas to less appealing. I can’t get them to understand how important it is for people to be able to scramble down to a waterfall or creek and play in the water, or just absorb the serenity. People need to be able to climb up a boulder and sit on top, enjoying the sounds of nature and the view….. I sat there thinking how very important it is that our children, and their children, have the opportunity to experience nature, and learn to appreciate it. I also realized that nature adapts, and the fact that in spite of the fact that this spot was right next to a trail and a highway, life was thriving. There is such a thing as too much protection. If people are not allowed to enjoy their parks, they will not support their parks, and they will not understand their importance to both the wildlife and mental health of society. So come out, take a hike/ride, enjoy your creeks and views, and support your parks."

Virtually all the trails that are designated for equestrians are open. Please do not ride on the new ADA trail behind Stonewall Mine; honor all signs "no horses". Cold Stream Trail is in fine shape and being enjoyed by recent groups camping at Los Vaqueros and day riders.

The new Visitors Center, Museum and Gift Store is now open across from the Dyar House.

Cuyamaca Equestrian Association

The Cuyamaca Equestrian Association (CEA) is a collection of equestrian groups having an interest in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. We represent these groups in discussions with State Parks, and keep the groups up to date on issues affecting equestrian use in the Park.

The equestrian community needs to join forces together to represent equestrian interests. The information we are getting from the Parks Department is that a cohesive, unified, reasonable voice of the equestrians will be considered. Efforts to divide and fractionalize the equestrian voice will be successful only if you allow it. Come be part of CEA.

Your Participation Is Needed

At the August 7 meeting CEA will be considering amendments and changes to the bylaws. Contact Peggy Martin peggy@oakzanitaranch.com 619-445-1289 for a copy of the bylaws. All member clubs and any interested folks, please send up to 4 representatives to this important meeting. New bylaws will be ratified by members present at the September 12 meeting. Also there will be discussion of expanding the focus from Cuyamaca to other agencies, such as the Forest Service, County and Cities, and a review of the Mission Statement. CEA is also pursuing incorporation and 501c3 status. An estimated $1500-2000 is needed to accomplish this goal. Member clubs are requested to donate $100 each toward this fund (see attached).

The next meeting of the CEA will be August 7, 2006 (the second Tuesday of each month), at 7 p.m. Location: Linda Eskin’s house, 2235 Via Verde, El Cajon, CA 92019. For details or directions, call 619 368-4333, or e-mail linda@lindaeskin.com.

In addition to participating in meetings (and so that you can get meeting reminders), we have a Yahoo! Group for sharing messages, information and resources: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cuyamaca_equestrian/

Access to the Yahoo! Group is open to representatives from CEA member organizations only. There will be a delay of a day or so after you join for permission to be granted. Alternatively, contact Linda Eskin at linda@lindaeskin.com and she can add you to the group.