I have heard several tales from a multitude of people on what is really going on at Country Haven, most of which are incorrect. I have recently contacted Stevis Siscoe, who is with the Department of Natural Resources. Steve and I have kept close contact with each other on events and circumstances as the project develops.
As you have probably found out by now, the original plan to reopen by Memorial Day weekend did not become a reality. The earliest opening date perceived at this time will be in the fall. This is NOT definite, just a goal.
I have been working on rerouting the trails, (the originals were muddy or dangerous) since late winter. Currently I have 4 trails flagged and logged out on gps and put on topo maps which have been forwarded to DNR. Two of these trails have been physically inspected by Steve Siscoe and approved. The 4 trails total about 6 miles. I hope to complete the property with 8 miles or better, but the property is currently less than needed for 10 miles or better of trails.
Steve contacted me and informed me that a crew of 5 young people hired into the Youth Conservation Corp have started working on various tasks around the property. I will be working myself on more trail design and meeting with DNR to prepare for actual trail building, which Steve has now given us the green light on beginning the construction of the 2 trails inspected so far. We shall soon be getting crews together to begin. Email Yvette Rollins at yvetterollins@intrailriders.org if you are not on the EDGE and would like to be included in the volunteer workdays.
Once again, The Indiana Trail Riders Association is about to prove that ITRA PUTS THE TRAIL IN TRAIL RIDING!!!!!!! Sounds like a great slogan for our T shirts, doesn't it?
By Brett Erwood