To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from banning horseback riding and pack animals on trails on state land where this was not prohibited before May 7, 2008; require the department to reopen horse trails closed since then; and “facilitate the continued use of saddle and pack animals on state land where there is a historical tradition of their use.” Also, to require the Natural Resources Commission to “establish a network of trailways on state owned lands that may be used by pack and saddle animals”..   Official Text and Analysis.

With the recommendation that the bill and the substitute (S-2) be referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Bioeconomy.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) previously recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs be rejected. With the recommendation that the substitute (S-5) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that allows trails to be closed to horses but only for very specific reasons.

To prohibit the sale or use of human lice treatments containing lindane.

Prohibit the manufacture or distribution of products containing decabromodiphenyl ethers (deca-BDEs), which are a commonly used flame retardant for electronics.

To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from banning horseback riding and pack animals on state land where this was not previously prohibited unless a restriction is based on "sound science," or for reasons of public safety or maintenance, and only after a public hearing.

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details. This was bypassed in favor of another substitute that gives the DNRE more discretion on closing trails.

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that gives the DNRE more discretion on closing trails, based on negotiations with the department, user groups and legislators.

To require the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to adopt a statewide trail use plan that generally allows horseback riding in state forests unless there is a legal restriction, but not in state parks or game areas, with certain exceptions. Trails would be considered closed to horses unless they are identified in the plan as open. The bill establishes new procedures the department must use for closing trails establish a from banning horseback riding and pack animals on state land where this was not previously prohibited unless a restriction is based on "sound science," or for reasons of public safety or maintenance, and only after a public hearing.

To require the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to adopt a statewide trail use plan that generally allows horseback riding in state forests unless there is a legal restriction, but not in state parks or game areas, with certain exceptions. Trails would be considered closed to horses unless they are identified in the plan as open. The bill establishes new procedures the department must use for closing trails.