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| Horse council notes concern over GGNRA changes By Greg Thomas [ greg@hmbreview.com ] Published/Last Modified on Monday, September 8, 2008 2:57 PM PDT A 9-year-old advocacy group known as the Coastside Horse Council, dedicated to preserving equestrian interests, issued a press release on Monday denouncing possible changes to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. One of the implementations of the GGNRA's "Preliminary Alternatives for San Mateo County" could mean relocation or removal of four equestrian facilities on land within the Rancho Corral de Tierra boundaries, according to the council. The press release notes that GGNRA "has not announced any commitment to maintaining the leases when it takes over management of the Rancho land," and that could threaten the livelihood of the four facilities. The facilities stable approximately 300 horses and, according to group president Larry De Young, "provide unique social, economic and recreational opportunities" for Bay Area residents. The Coastside Horse Council has joined the GGNRA Recreational Users Coalition and is requesting that the name be changed from "national park" so that the horses are allowed to remain on the property. They are also advocating for hearings to be held on the matter so that community members can voice their comments and concerns. |