Attention Equine Enthusiasts and trail riders of all disciplines: Proposed City of Goshen Equestrian Trail System

“The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission is holding a press conference in the capital rotunda, Tuesday, March 3rd, at 3:30 p.m. to announce a $2 million dollar pilot trail grantprogram “

The City of Goshen has a proposal already in the works for a 20 + mile equestrian trail along the White River and Richland Creek. We need your help to make this dream a reality. Many of you read the Equine Newsline article, above. The City of Goshen requests your help in contacting our State and Federal elected officials, State agencies, and other parties who may be interested in helping us with this worthy endeavor. The following letter has been sent to our elected officials in NWA. Please pass it on to those whom you know who may be in a position to help us. We appreciate the equine community’s active involvement in the many issues that affect us all. Contact link: http://www.arkansas.gov/government.php

All the best, Lorel Hoffman

-------------------------------------

To Whom it May Concern:

I am writing on behalf of Mayor Joe Benson and the City of Goshen to inform you of our grant proposal to provide equestrian and hiking trails along the White River and Richland Creek, located within our city limits. Goshen enjoys a rich history of farming combined with the best of rural living which has been carefully preserved through responsible planning over many years. We have avoided urban sprawl, yet are within a 30 minute drive of virtually all cities and towns in Northwest Arkansas.

We respectfully request that you consider our trail proposal for several reasons:

• Our central location would make an ideal location for equestrians and hikers alike, drawing many visitors from Northwest Arkansas and beyond who are looking for beautiful Ozark destinations, traveling just a short distance and economizing on fuel.

• Construction and maintenance of the trail system will provide start-up and ongoing jobs for our citizens who have been adversely affected by the economy. Plans for maintenance include responsible reuse of plant and organic matter for composting.

• The trail will adjoin many farms in Goshen, providing those owners an opportunity to offer horse boarding and training facilities.

• Trailheads, parking and camping facilities will be available.

• In addition, the University of Arkansas School of Architecture is undertaking a master plan study of Goshen’s downtown district this fall, which will include a viable town square. This trail project will be an inducement for small businesses to locate in the heart of Goshen: restaurants, shops and other amenities.

This project has been a vision of our town leaders for many years. Please contact Mayor Benson via email, joe@bensonwoodlaw.com, or by telephone, (479)841-1099 with questions. See his original grant proposal letter to Richard Davies below.

Thank you for your consideration and assistance in making this unique project a reality.

Sincerely yours,

Lorel Hoffman, City of Goshen Building and Zoning Official

goshenbuild@sbcglobal.net