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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-88-02560 96 CITY OF MIAMI. FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission rROIA Cesar H. Odiofl j1 City Manager tJ RECOMMENDATION DATE ; #hn L 1988 nLt SUBJECT Staff Review of Horses in City Parks RECERENCES ENCLOSURES In keeping with the Virginia Key Master Plan, the Planning Department finds that City owned park land on Virginia Key is an appropriate location for activities associated with horses and trails. However, the Planning Department does not recommend that such activity be allowed at the present time, by special permit or other means, as requested by Woody Charles, due to current State, County and City Code restrictions as well as the lack of facilities at Virginia Key for that activity. The Planning Department suggests that further consideration of this activity be withheld until appropriate code amendments are adopted and adequate facilities are in place to accommodate such use. BACKGROUND The Planning Department and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities have reviewed Mr. Charles' request to the City Commission, dated January 14, 1988, in which he requests that the department director of the Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities Department be given authority to issue special permits for domestic animals, i.e. horses, in City parks. Staff has also discussed the matter with other agencies and departments and has the following comments for your consideration: 1. Code Changes Required To permit horses in any park would require an amendment to the City Code. a. All of Virginia Key is zoned PR or GU with recreational use, and thus subject to provisions of City Code Section 38-37 which prohibits domestic animals (except dogs, with restrictions) in City parks (see attached exhibit "A"). b. The Law Department has requested that we refrain from changing domestic animal regulations, because the County is currently studying the expansion of its Animal Control Division to enforce these laws, as a result of recent changes in State Statutes. 00 i C J AS-2S6 to 2. Alternate, Local Facilities Exist Adequate facilities exist in Dade County for this purpose. a. County regulations prohibit horses except on designated horse trails at Tropical Park and at Larry and Penny Thompson Park by Metrozoo. By special arrangement, horse -riding groups are allowed at Crandon Park. 3. Health, Safety and Financial Issues are also of Concern Horse trails and riding activities must be completely separated from other public and recreational uses for health, safety and liability reasons. a. The City lacks funding to construct equestrian trails (or other facilities) on Virginia Key at this time. b. The Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department has insufficient budget and manpower to supervise such activity. c. Such activities require substantial liability protection, which cannot be provided by the City or its special event carrier. The City would have to self -insure. d. Even on specially designated trails, significant sanitary measures/facilities are required. Should the City Commission adopt a policy of allowing horses on Virginia Key, the Planning Department recommends that: 1. The necessary code amendments be drafted in keeping with State and County Domestic Animal Ordinances. And that upon passage of all necessary amendments, such activity be granted by way of special permit from the Parks Department with the following conditions: a. That such activity be restricted to a daily basis, that is, in -and -out in one day; no overnight use. b. That the grantee be required to provide all necessary insurance, holding the City harmless. c. That the grantee provide for cleanup in a sanitary manner. d. That horse riding and pertinent activities be limited solely to the area as designated in exhibit "B". e. That permit fees cover all costs which the City incurs to provide any and all services in conjunction with the equestrian activities, to any group granted a permit. Page 2 of 2 2 88-256 1 V ♦ I I HEN I S E A K J � I m `♦� ` �, -� �IRGI VIA KEY / - .. .. ..........F _ Ile . ES (il r• '' 'A' r. EXHIBIT Coll c: 0 1 r*J r [• !) t .�1 j `JF• ►tom' ' _ - '-r• ;''"" � Y' �' .t? QQ► � f, C K ci— ��, O � �' u;�, ` ''��, ,�. \ Y�•jam'•*. '-,A� •� INK :PROPERTYwe Is YTI� OFF 1 • r+r! ^ f r! • ` C AVr t �� � - I� � is �T. �.. «� ,�� .r i..•�,yz r �• { a NG r .�P�� 't � yqt,,(. (r� .rye' ? w ` • �. � .„-., 11 0 • 99 -Pay* Of -�= r? �'y .:t'�.1� �! �,�-�Y•;r� ,ti!s� �,/ !fie ?_l��'�ii is �',r .y.. ......• ..Z'`�-c' -�+ s•' rc�..�-�,.•_ G600" " G iS' f ` 8-2S6 J Q' v i R G I N I A K E Y M A S T E R P L A N C I T Y 0 F M I A M I P L A N N I N G D E P A R T M E N T tA1,11NU LAND U,t - Dram m AMA ® uvgm TMATmMT m w w im" MAI" MOIIGTIOM - wrua MAA ntr0�R�011 . - PU" MA I sMMeu - DOWMTOM" MARM M�lAI1CN - COMMIM "YAMR lx�o�fl+oM - eolamr w awvvm ® COIIMMCATION{ OAtOAOwrr � 1wAI1M0ATA,TgM VIRGINIA`:_=_;:KEY M A S T E R P L k N contribute to the accumulation of new sand deposits and thus help stabilize shoreline conditions. Developed Land - Approximately 250 acres or 25% of the island has been developed for commercial activities, public facilities and utilities. EXISTING LAND USE Virginia Key has approximately 1,005 acres of land area. The public use of the island and those areas which remain in a natural or undeveloped state, is displayed on the accompanying exhibit, Existing Land Use. Undeveloped Open Space - There are 150 undeveloped acres consisting primarily of mangrove tidal marshes and another 120 acres of reclaimed former land fill area which remain barren. Public Recreation Space (closed to public use) - The former Virginia Key beach area, 70♦ acres;of land immediately north of Rickenbacker Causeway along Bear Cut, remains Closed to public use except _for special events. An eroding beach, dangerous currents near shore and a lack of park staff to supervise the area has necessitated the closure. Concerts are periodically scheduled for large groups. 0 Public Recreation Space (open to public use) - The easternmost shore of the island and the LD abutting coastal hardwood hammock Q^_ was opened in June of 1986 as a 60 acre City park. Limited concessions, parking lots and lifeguard towers have been added to facilitate public use. Public Beach (open) - The new park with 5000 feet of beachfront ( see above) and the causeway right-of- way bordering 4500 feet along the bay are active and heavily used public water sports recreation areas. Swimming, wind -surfing, sailing, and snorkeling are a part of the daily activities drawing thousands of enthusiasts. Public Beach (closed) - As stated above, the hazardous swimming conditions along the 3000 feet of the former Virginia Key Beach and the lack of funds to staff and maintain the area has required its closure. Mead paNk bleach aad part (left) a.d sawly apaaad city part lead beach Z)/Ier eawvc-c Ro Ekisnma zier sawy&ff Asabs 7WAA- mo A4,11,ig-i DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY Ile ..Qc NO MVMAMMT - PWOTRCT@D WftVKWaWjUWqCvW AA O !a - PLOW NMTNCM - upmah" ammm ITWXVAW WOULAT6 - VIVMTALLV 8WWMV9 PURA FACUATON MIRAT&D M MM - WIMMMOA. MCNATXK Mf=& eDMMOICuI NAMMM MAT= MILSTRICTED - POTWMAL MVLWNMVffAL M17WM a" LOWAMA Kee" 80ATM - ACCUIL SWIVM OOCMMID ACTrA M VIRGINIA .;---KEX M A S T E R P L :'A '' K 0 e_ 31 Morris Cut opco space is ideal for active recreation facilities, generally does not exist in the City's mainland park system. The recommended use program for this site includes: A - athletic facilities for fitness programs, competitive training programs, local club sports programs and competitions, and an international training center for olympie class sports. There have been several past occasions where city and county efforts to attract international competitive events of the caliber of the Caribbean or North American Games have been rejected due to a lack of facilities meeting sanctioned standards. As the recent Key Biscayne Tennis Center has demonstrated, this is an excellent location for international sports facilities, particularly for winter training of European and North American athletes. Paired with Marine Stadium, the Olympic Sailing Center in the Grove, and the potential for windsurfing competition (Miami hosted 1986 National Championships), Virginia Key would be an ideal location for world class sports training facilities. Potential sports facilities could include swimming/diving/water polo pools, bicycling W track/velodrome, cyclo- cross/moto-cross course, archery/rifle ranges, and equestrian courses. The potential for State of Florida assistance in developing the facilities would be a possibility, given the Governor's Council on Sports and Physical Fitness continuing efforts in this direction. These facilities and others like them would be managed, programmed and promoted through the efforts of regional clubs and associations devoted to the particular sport. It would be a condition of this plan that any club or association granted the right to operate sports/recreational facilities on Virginia Key would be required to maintain an out -reach program of public education, training and open competition, particularly for inner-city residents with limited access to such facilities. It is this strategy of utilizing the private resources of regional sports associations to expand the public's opportunities for recreation that underlies this policy recommendation. OBJECTIVES It is the intent of the Master _ Plan for Virginia Key to: I. Give specific direction to an overall plan for land use that respects the broadest public purpose; II. Assure that use and development of the island is in harmony with public laws and natural conditions; III. Show how a strategy of joint public and private development can serve the recreational and educational needs of a diverse population; U. Propose solutions to existing and anticipated deficiencies in infrastructure and maintenance; Y. Produce a plan that can build public support for future recreation and educational facilities and programs, and the planned development of the island. z !_. u I F, LI I� SUMMARY OF ■ The marine services area west of ;A RECOMMENDATIONS Marine Stadium should remain a boating lt: services center, but reorganized functionally -• for more efficient boat storage and parking, The Virginia Key master plan better orientation of retail services _ proposes public policies for land use to the waterfront and with and land management, including limitations on commercial growth due development implementation and funding to limited parking space. strategies. Major recommendations include: ■ The northern point of the island (dredge spoil fill) should be LAND U S E utilized for active sports and recreation/fitness facilities that ■ Environmentally sensitive areas could also serve as an international including tidal flats, mangrove tidal training center. A lodging facility marshes, beach/dune systems, and should be developed to serve the coastal hardwood hammocks shall be facilities. undisturbed and undeveloped, restored when necessary, and protected from ■ The spoil fill area north of the inappropriate public activity. stadium basin should be reserved for an environmental interpretive center ■ The open p public beach area should with limited public access for remain as a public park for picnic educational, environmental field and swimming use with limited studies. concessions serving park users. ■ The former Virginia Key Beach park area should be privately developed for active public recreational uses and camping with an emphasis on natural resource based activities and open space. ■ Marine Stadium and the basin should remain dedicated to the staging of competitive marine sports events, concerts, and special event presentations, with continued emphasis on spectator viewing from boats. ■ "Shrimpers Lagoon" should be utilized primarily for water recreational activities (paddle boats, canoes, etc.) with controlled access and limited supply services for sport fishing/commercial fishing boats. ■ The Marine Stadium basin shoreline immediately southeast of the grandstands could accomodate retail food services, setback from the water and preserving public access to the shore. 3 ■ The sewage treatment plant should implement point source odor control measures within three years. IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING ■ Development of recreational ' facilities, with the exception of the existing public beach park, should be through joint public /private means defined and controlled by the City's Unified Development Process. ■ A special Virginia Key enterprise fund should be established to receive ■ all revenues generated from leaseholds, concessions, special uses permits, and user fees. ■ ■ The Virginia Key enterprise fund should finance required public infrastructure, maintenance, ■ environmental enhancement, recreation and educational programs. I 1 1 W in Ir 5 ■ is a I 7 Cl f LJ I PROPOSED LAND USE The following policy recommendations, as depicted on the accompanying Proposed Land Use map, characterize the general public purpose that each recommended '_and use fulfills. While each policy addresses specific use options, there should be flexibility in the future in choosing which activities or site designs best meet policy objectives. Unlike previous studies for Virginia Key, the details of design and site development are left to subsequent implementation efforts. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE / RECREATION Four areas constitute the public open space/recreation program proposed for the island: 1) FORMER VIRGINIA KEY BEACH Immediately east of the marine institutional research park, this 77 acre tract is Virginia Key's best opportunity for development of an active natural resource based recreation area. The entire area should be privately developed and operated under one unified program of planning, design, construction, leasing and management. Examples of suitable activity include water theme parks (with visual emphasis on landscaping), equestrian parks, campgrounds, group picnic facilities, and large open areas suitable for event and concert programming. Combinations of these and similar activities would be desirable but would require a master site development plan for the entire area prior to implementation of any one component. Active public use of the area will inevitably lead to public use of the water's edge, including swimming. This is as it should be. But it will be necessary to provide a flotation barrier off -shore to separate and protect swimmers from dangerous channel currents. The only alternative is to erect an elaborate shoreline barrier to deny public use of the water which this stu('y considers impractical, visually .n �'• ram'+' - _�_�%'.'.�` " --- __ c..►_...�_ "+ram •m*-=T `=�-'"'fir ....� � 1 J •,� A Former Virsiaia Key Beach Park is best opportunity for active recreation and camtins. 28 _1 SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT The Dade County Water and Sewer Authority Central Waste Water Treatment Facility on Virginia Key will expand its capacity for sewage treatment within the current site boundaries. As a part of the plant's continuing facilities improvements, the covering and chemical scrubbing of primary point source odor emmissions should be programmed to be completed by 1991. Removal of the plant storage area kv along the eastern site boundary (not on WASA property) should be completed by 1988. The currently heavy truck traffic serving the plant (80+ trucks per day) is expected to grow. To minimize impacts on park users and vehicular traffic to beach park areas, it is recommended that a truck access road be built by WASA from the iG plant site's southwestern corner, i1��,uC��, along the western edge of the old Y611 6 d � ��s Ei� Loe/►) land fill site, to the current access �.f TN W 41 road (see Proposed Land Use map). D( T G Ili <<Ei ��s This would place truck traffic west rJ 74t aft C� 1fd � • of and out of contact with the Oto ¢ LS � `�,,Oes �x�5f proposed beach t recreation areas ersections leading The D f�� current park toll- gate booth just O � - east -of Rickenbacker Causeway should be -relocated east of the proposed truck access road. The proposed median -divided beach access road should provide an eastbound left turn storage lane to the new truck access road. 43 HELISTOP To accomodate needed emergency evacuation service, a helistop (not a port terminal) for helicopter landings should be provided adjacent to Rickenbacker Causeway near the beach access road intersection. This location assures best emergency vehicle access from all points on the island. Development of this facility should be coordinated with the regional helistop network to be developed by Miami International Airport. WATER TAXI If private or public water taxi service were to become a reality, several locations are attractive stops: the marina adjacent to the Rusty Pelican restaurant, the proposed docks and restaurant facility proposed just west of Marine Stadium, the Seaquarium/Rosenstiel School, and the Norris Cut proposed lodge and boat landing. Accomodating such service is appropriate and encouraged by this plan. 11 4 Virginia Key recreation area plan OKid By MARY ANN ESQUIVEL Herald SIGN write Looking to create a Miami version of New York's Central Park, the City Commission Thursday unanimously approved a plan that would create hundreds of acres of public recreation facilities on Virginia Key. "We could make something wonderful out of Virginia Key, what Central Park Is for New York City," said Commissioner Joe Carollo. The public should start noticing changes on IMe Miami Herald / Friday, July 24, I9117 r-2 the barrier Island between Miami Brach and Key Biscayne as soon as next year. Carollo sald. But it could take up to 10 years for all the clty's plans, to be realized, he said. The public beach on the Island's east side could be Improved by widening and replacing the coarse sand with finer grains, he said. Nature trails may be developed and parking spaces could "ity ,Commission OKs ecreation area plans Please turn to KEY/IC The City Commision voted Thursday to turn parts of Virginia Key over to private enterprise. City officials must now work out.the details and find. developers. gs sports clubr �,; Norris Cuf Y/ from IC preserve the natural beauty and dyne Bay ' international added. offer such attractions as windsurf- Ing or canoe and paddle boat rides. training center/ camping .. Commercials ,. 'he commission directed plan- The old beach area, closed to the marine services s to prepare a schedule for Public, Is south of the current seeding with the changes. The edule. which will Include estl• Public beach. The theme park would be similar ' r `i tes on how much the Improve- to River Country at Walt Disney r nts will cost, should be ready by World, said Joe McManus, assistant ►' ' end of the year, director of the Miami Planning �' ropical Audubon Society mem- Department. The 77•acre tract also could be ' pressed concern about up• ,ing a nesting pair of bald eagles developed for horseback riding, an VIRGINIA KEY ct of the sewage treatment plant archery range, camping, large Pic - the north end of the laland. nits and outdoor concerts. wnothy Cohen, representing the "The city of Miami really doesn't have a antral place that citizens III;I I" Public park -active Marine/ 6�1 recxeationwivet 1y � Biscayne Taxpayer Assocla- said; "This is a very massive Carollo said. "Virginia can go to, B exposition VI managed posal. our concern Is for the Key will be that with beaches, water attractions and small shop- education K NBACKER,, , idreds of le who live there Ping areas. h one entrance and one exit m the Island. it's getting pretty On Virginia Key's north end. a Bear cked up already." hotel or resort could be built on an empty trot. the area : ,;.., , , ., „ ,y •, JEFF 0I.XXOMWd Heralil tta,a he provides for privately P� Pro P Y could be used as a campground. the used pg Parts, bleacher seats would be added, to eloping about one-third of Vir- • pyn pys, The master plan allows private' I bring the fidlity's capacity �topwre a Key while declaring environ- rtally sensitive parts. such as Any private development would required to tit with the island's clubs east of Marine Stadium In the" than' 10.000. the plan says. basin area. The Miami Rowing �'� It also recommendls that the city mangroves on the west aide, off its to the private sector. The recreational and educational Club. which pays $100 a year In hire a prlvat� firm to operas, thit rent for waterfront property there; dlum.: ' K'1" *"''`~ ' ' " 4 r •Other of the 1,005eacre Island Is . themes is unaffected by It. t Improvements call for's ady developed " The city owns about 000 acres of Several Improvements are pro-r,��aeriot- of,, small .food : concessions "w Ida calls for a water theme the Island, mostly north of the posed for the stadium. The floating ;. hear the stadium and along the k In the old beach area on the Rickenbacker Causeway. Dade stagge and seating would be expa�n• ,� bile beach the east and of the ded. Between 3A00 i.000I}�nd}�!',ti;i�1�R'r,p���� ad's east side. The park would County Is" jurisdiction over some and 2 A8-2S6 i Each Sunday of the month - Act improuptu 1 ride from Strongline Farm, 18990 S.W. 144 Ave. Call Linda at 251-2164 Sunday / morning to let her know your are inter- ested in riding. Ride leaves at 11 AM. Calendar o waoft Each Saturday of the month - Sebeduled Eveote HORSES & HMICAPPED. Volunteers 0 always needed and appreciated. At Circle C in Sunset area. Contact Gloria Bstale at 443-8764 for more information. 12/29- TUESDAY - Junior Orange Bowl parade. Must be lined up by 10:30 70W Call Janet Linville 961-0427 or Cindy at 251-4749 for more information. 12/30-1/3 - WEEKEND - Camping at Beverly Spuckler's ranch in Sebring has been mov— ems. For details call Gloria Batule at 443-8764. 1-1 - FRIDAY - Beach ride on Virginia Key all daffy. Bring your own=food aTiorse. Hosted by: Moody Charles, Tel: 666-0999. 1/4 - MONDAY - General meeting at Fat Boy's B-B-Q Banquet Room. 12019 S.W. T=. Meeting starts @ 8:00 PM. Guest speaker will be Marcia Schloesser, president of A.H.O.O.F., speaking on "Rails to Traits". Video tape will be shown. 1/11- MONDAY - Board meeting, 8:00 PM at Leah Diamond-Wayne's home, 8101 ' .62 Ct. Call for more information. 666-1095. 1/16,17,18 - WEEKEND - Camping at Myakka River State Park. Primitive. 13207 TT-.72 Sarasota, FL. Saturday evening bring a covered dish. For more info..contact: Gloria at 443-8764. 1-23- SATURDAY - Ride out of Larry b Penny Thompson Park. 2-6 - 3`�TOk6AY - Homestead Rodeo Parade. Contact Janet Linville for eta Ts 2-7 - SUNDAY - "Round robin" ride hosted by Marcia Schloesser. 12:00 N. o�r—a ditional details see next newsletter. 2/19.20,21 - WEEKEND - Camping in Everglades National Park. See next nevsle r or details. :- :'K„' * DON'T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR RODEO ** TICKETS. CALL OR VISIT 'THE HORSE ** ** EMPORIUM". WE WANT TO SPONSER THE "' * WINNING RODEO QUEEN FOR THIS YEAR. ** .-, 1111 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH CITY HALL 1 700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI 9EACM FLORIDA 33139 oFRICE OR THE CITY MAMAOWA March 79 1988 Mr. Woody Charles 6755 S.W. 53rd Street Miami, Florida 33155 RE: SPRCL4,L ACTrir IR8 IN MAW BRACli Dear Mr. Charles: TEIEPMONE: 47*401e Thank you for your letter of :March 1, 1988, wherein you inquire about equestrian activities that may be open to the general public in the City of Miami Beach. Unfortunately, the City does not have adequate areas available to offer this type of activity for the public. Therefore, the City has never developed this type of program. If I can be of further assistance relative to this issue, please feel free to contact my office. yours, Rob W. Parkh City Manager RWP:blb cc: William H. Harrison, Purchasing and Property Management Director R8-256.. 0 00 80. MA TRAIL IIID32R9 s.o. **a aODA45 �xa::say 03►sss IMANUs �c:arcs. rLOARaa ssaa• Septodar 1, 1987 Tb: Ken Glassman Chief of Police 1100 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139 Subject: Moonlight Ride an the Nech Dear Sir; I have proposed a "trail ride" for members of the South Florida Trail Riders, Inc., a non-profit organization. This ride would be held an Miami Bench an the evening of October 10, 1987. The ride would start at the offstreet parking lot at Biscayne Street and Ooean Avenue. We would ride east to the water's edge, then, north to 20th Street. At 20th Street we would move to the inland side of the boardwalk and ride north along the green area between the boardwalk and the bulkheads of the shoreline buildings. The north end of the ride would be at 29th Street behind the Seville Hotel where we would dismount and have refreshments at the Denny's gazebo. Following the break, we would remount and return following the same route taken an the northbound segment of the journey. The South Florida Trail Riders, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedi- cated to pramDting an interest by the general public in horses and torsemn- ship. We are well known in the Dade and Broward county areas as an environ- mentally and socially responsible organization. We maintain liability insur- anos coverage to protect the public and our own members in event of mishap dur- ing public outings, such as this proposal, parades and drill team performances. On the evening chosen, the phase of the moon will be near full which will allow for good night vision. We would be assisted an the ride by Ellen Knight, a Miami. Beach police officer who is also a member of our group. [1 of 21 88-25G. '''1 04 i have ovntacted: It* Florida Dept. of Natural Resources and qx*w with Lt. Palfrey Mao sgxeased no concern as lonq as there is no interference with the turtle breeding season= the Basch Patrol, Chief Saforsa= Beach Clean-V, Mr. Jim Hoover= Piblicity Dept. of Miand Beach, No. Ginger Palmed Seville Motel, Mr. Horatio Saial Denny's Restaurant, Mr. Ghobani and have found no objections to the proposed ride. the turnout for this ride is st ected to be about 20 to 30 riders. We would be off of the beach by addnight at the latest and will do any necessary clean up iaeediately afterwards. 2 await your favorable response and thank you for your time and consideration in this emitter. Yours Stnoarely, ibody Charles 6755 S.N. 53 Street Miaad, n 33155 Zbl1 666-0999 NC/jls CC$ IMFM �E letter I2 of 21 f 8SPI15s_ CITY OF MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA 33139 KEN OLASSMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT CNIEi OP ►DUCE RIM NASHMOTON A11WX TEL. NO. E787Mi September 15, 1987 Mr. Woody Charles 6735 S.W. 33 Street Miami, Florida 33133 Dear Mr. Charles, i have reviewed your request for your Trail Ride along South Beach on the evening of October 10, 1987. Permission is granted pursuant to the conditions outlined In your request. Officer Ellen Knight, who will be participating in your Ride on her off -duty time, should carry a Police Department walkie-talkie in the event that Police assistance is required. I will also place a Watch Order on your vehicles which will be left in the parking area of South Pointe Park. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Major Jack P. Mackie at 673-7873 and good luck on your Ride. Sincerely, KEN GLASSMAN Chief of Police by: PA)� Major Jack P. Mackie Commander, Patrol Division KG13PMsjs N8--256 am Ta BE!® Yeah gap, THE beach, lhIANI Beach, Elm nary today can say they rode a horse along Pdam[ Beach. Well, thanks to the efforts of Woody Charles, 19 is the answer. This moonlight ride started it's day with pouring down rain everywhere in Dade L Bra and counties (50 measured at my barn near Homestead) and didn't improve at all right up until time to rtrwnt up. So, these we were, crossing the intrarnastal bridge and to and behold the rain goes away. It wasn't something you noticed right away, the wind continued blowing the horse trailer and truck as hard as ever req- uiring full attention on driving. As we pulled into the lot at the ass- embly point we realized that the declared 70 plus participants would not arrive. These were not more than 10 horse trailers. We were mounted and ready to ride only 1/2 hour late, 17 riders including our police escort. Oh, well, who counts anyway. As we node out onto the hoist, firm sands of the beach we felt the wind whipping at our faces as though we were al- ready galloping at full speed. The beach stretched for miles to the north, more than 100 yards in bredth, bordered an the west by hotels and an the east by ocean waves breaking on the shore. As we rode north, sane of us riding as fast and hard as the horses wished and others taking their time and enjoying the coolness of the night. We lost five of our riders (no names motioned) to the threat of a smell rain squall which amounted to nothing after a few drape. At the SEVIIdE Not-1 we tied our horses to the ample improvised hitching posts. As we seated ourselves at the hotel's pool bar, our hostess in- troduced herself as Doris along with two patrons who constantly marvel- ed about the horses. We found that Doris had laid out a feast of small snacks for which most of us were greatly appreciative. We rested and re- freshed ourselves for about an hour before starting back, joined by some additional members who arrived a bit late. The return ride was as enjoyable as the outgoing log. The horses played in the surf and ran down the beach with pleasure. The worst part was load- ing the horses and returning in the pouring rain on the mainland side of Biscayne Bay. Our thanks go out our !Miami Beach police escort and the Seville hotel and our - - I - lances go out to those five riders who melted into the night when threatened by the rain. Another ride is being planned for the full moon of December for those faint hearts who missed the ride of the decade. — ME 9QINOtST — g8-256 SOUTH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS, INC. P.O. BOX 160145 SNAPPER CREEK BRANCH VOLUME X vu ,, ��� I �F�2V T !7,1, �71 70,_x�� i J 4), . 1 � CITY OF MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA 33139 KEN OLASIMAN CNIEF of POLICE Nmmber 139 1987 POLICE OEPAIITMENT 1100 NASMiI/OTON AVENUE TEL. 010. 479-"U Mr. Woody Charles 6733 S.W. 33 Street Miami, Florida 33133 Dear Mr. Charles, I have reviewed your request for your Trail Ride along South Beach on the evening of December 3, 1997. Permission is granted pursuant to the conditions outlined In your request. Officer Ellen Knight, who will be participating in your Ride on her off -duty time, should carry a Police Department walkie-talkie in the event that Police assistance Is required. 1 will also place a Watch Order on your vehicles which will be left in the metered parking lot located at Biscayne Street and Ocean Drive. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Major Jack P. Mackie at 673-7973 and good luck on your Ride. Sincerely, KEN GLASSMAN Chief of Police Major Jack P. Mackie Commander, Patrol Division KGt3PMsjs cc: Officer Ellen Knight t ' ns*-2~Js. MOONLIGHT MAGIC WOW! Again, South Miami Beach! The magic of the moonlit beach on horseback! All of the elements of perfection came together this time, except, it was cold. But that didn't phase the (at LEAST!) 41 riders that participated in the Second South Beach Moonlight Ride. The moon was high and bright, the sand was firm and clean, the horses were excited and willing. You could even detect the deep emerald green color of the nearly smooth ocean basking in moonlight and the reflected bright lights of passing cruise ships and freighters. Many of the riders raced to the collection point at the end of the boardwalk. Others took their good old time and walked. The PREZ? She was different. She rode her horse near the water's edge, then she (the horse) decided to LEAP into the surf. Prez, horse, saddle, bridle and all, underwater. Probably the perfect cold weather activity. Hmmm? Finally, we all got together where the fast ones were waiting for the slow ones and rode along the inside of the boardwalk to the Seville Hotel for a period of relaxation and conversation. We need to compliment all of our riders on the safety and behavior aspect of the ride. We are all representing the Trail Riders on these events and everyone did well. Did I say well? Well, almost. It seems that there was a vicious, wild hat attacking one fearful horse and the rider instantly became eligible for our infamous "Rough Rider's" award which will have been presented by the time this goes to print. Special appreciation to the Seville Hotel pool lounge overseen by Doris, who was, again, despite the surprise of more than twice the number of patrons as last time, an impeccable hostess, Woody Charles, who arranged, hosted and, especially, cleaned up after this most lovely ride. Welcome to the several new members from Hialeah, Ft. Lauderdale and as far away as Big Pine Key. We hope this was a good introduction to the club and that we will enjoy your company at ALL of our functions. Let me just conclude by saying that those of you who missed this ride. for whatever reason, missed this finest reward which ultimately justifies all of the hard work and many times thankless tasks performed by most of our members. It was beautiful! + + + Joe Somhorst + + + This month's Rough Rider award went to Barbara Rothschild and "Devilin" who just managed to avoid an attacking hat by dumping his rider. i She was, fortunately, all right, but, not sailing broadly. SOUTH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS, INC. P.O. BOX 160145 lal SNAPPER CREEK BRANCH MIAMI, FLORIDA 33116 VOLUME l)�'3 ISS[1E V JANLvkm 1968 , C;- o - -. , r. ., 6 .'�- /q HORSE AND THE ENV 1 RON1 011- & In discussing the environmental impact of horses, A.A.E.P. President Dr. James T. O'Connor stated that as a companion animal in the human environment, the horse has many characteristics in his favor and essentially none that detract. Most important from.a public health disease standpoint the horse can in no way pose a health thieat to people in this country because no equine disease exists here that affects man; and further, the horse is not the natural carrier or source of any disease that does affect man. A few diseases do exist here such as Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis (sleeping sickness), tetanus and others that affect man, horses, and other animals alike; however, the horse is not and cannot be the source of these infections. We know of only two equine diseases, Dr. O'Connor said, that have affected man and then only rarely. They are glanders and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis neither of which has existed in this country for many years. By nature the horse is a friendly, inspiring, harmless creature. He never molests, attacks or threatens anyone - unless forced to do so by man's abuse. He is not destructive in his travel, eating or living habits.. Inherently he is a clean animal and he is neither a litterburg nor a true polluter. He leaves no non -degradable litter along the trail or elsewhere. His droppings rapidly disintegrate and disappear to become the best of soil fertilizers - a most useful purpose for which they have served for thousands of years. On the trail due to his means'of locomotion he leaves no continuous tracks and is not as conclusive to soil erosion as are wheeled vehicles. His ability to negotiate rough and tangled terrain in any kind of weather vastly reduces the necessary costs of trail construction and maintenance for horses as compared to other trail users. Horsemen have in -fact established hundreds of trails merely. by carefully riding in columns over selected terrain thus packing a firm trail. Dr. O'Connor warns that horsemen should be fully aware of all the foregoing and must forcefully make the facts known to others - especially those involved in the planning or management of land use programs, zoning ordinances, trail use and maintenance programs, environmental and other related studies which may Involve horses. Most people are afraid of and have an aversion for the horse' simply because they do not understand his. Only horsemen can set the record straight and educate and they must vigorously do so by action and example. *From, the.report of the 22nd Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. HORSE MANURE NEED NOT CAUSE W ES BY bharon Saare, Consultant to Trail, Inc.* As long as there are horses, there will be horsemanure, and it appears that as long as horsepeople share trail and recreational facilities with non -livestock oriented individuals,. we will continue to be involved in conflict about it. One of the problems consistently mentioned is that horsemanure causes flies and odor. In answer to that, I will quote portions of a letter to the East Bay Regional Park District from J. D. Wheat, DVM, Professor of Veterinary Surgery, University of California at Davis. The letter was related to horse use on the Contra Costa Canal Trail. "The question of whether or not the fecal matter from horses on the trail will present a problem from the standpoint of odor and flies is one which I believe cin be adequately answered. "The majority of horses defacate when they are first saddled and start out, so they should be emptied out before they ever reach the trail in question. "The fly breeding season in California is during our dry season, at which time trails are very dry and will not provide enough moisture to permit flies to breed. Another factor to support this inability of flies to breed is that on a trail the droppings will be broken up and worked into the dirt on the trail. It may be in- teresting to you to know that the breaking up and scattering of horse droppings is still recommended as one of the most satisfactory methods of preventing parasite development in pasture droppings. "In regards to odor, horse fecal matter has very little odor to begin with and with the rapid drying and scattering that will occur on a trail, there will be no problem whatsoever in this regard." There are a few factors that could be of real assistance in resolving this situation. If multi -use trails were designed in such a way that access trails from staging areas or trailheads separated hiker and rider traffic with two routes for the first few hundred feet to say up to 1/4 of a mile, most of the horses would be fairly well emptied out by the time they reached the main multi -use route. This will reduce the amount of horsemanure on the main trail, thus also reducing the potential for conflict. Also, as Dr. Wheat stated, since many horses defacate while being saddled, it would be helpful if either there were separate parking facilities or if that is impractical, a section could bra set aside for horse vehicle parking. As trailheads have become more sophisticated, many of their parking areas are now paved. While this may be a convenience for the hiker and biker, it is of no advantage to the horse vehicle other than in very special circumstances that would be unlikely to occur in most recreation situations. With separated or at least somewhat separated facilities, which would actually be more appropriate, non -horse people would also have a potential for less direct *For information about TRAIL, INC. contact: TRAIL, INC. 26380 SW 4S Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 contact with manure as they leave their cars and head for the trail. Horsepeople could help the situation if they were careful to put droppings back into their trucks or trailers rather than leaving them. There is also another alternative that doesn't seem to have occurred to most recreational jurisdictions and that is they are overlooking what'could be a real source of assistance to them in solving erosion problems. Horse manure is a highly effective agent in helping to rebuild eroded areas. Most land managers would be well ahead of the game if they either provided dumping sites immediately adjacent to the horse staging areas with instructions to use them (and explaining why), or if they simply sent crews in frequently to collect it and take it to locations where it is needed. It would be a good idea for horsepeople to bring that fact to the attention of land managers. You might also mention that as a matter of record. in the 1800ts. Golden Gate Park in San Francisco suffered a serious wind erosion problem. It was horsemanure from the city streets and stables that eventually stabilited the soil and created the foundation for what is now one of the most famous parks in the World, May$ 1982 Ad . ♦ r,.