On the Trail
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Opened the new High Vista Trail!!!
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Finished clearing and routing in the Spring​.
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Equine Solutions was contracted with DNR funding to address mud and culvert issues in the north part of the trail.
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Equine Solutions addressed muddy sections of the Trail 3A and the trail section that was Old Jasmond Road.​
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Rerouted the trail between Trail Markers 1 & 2 to bypass a section of trail that was an annual quagmire and greatly improved the view!!!
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Put down fabric and limestone at the creek crossing and cleared the brush around the bridge.
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Cleared and maintained the Trail System!
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Identified a proposed routing for the Confidence Course / Kids Loop and started clearing.​
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Proposed a list of possible Challenge Stations for the Confidence Course.
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Installed Yield to Horses on kiosks, various locations in the campground and day use area, and on the trail system.
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Hitching posts and fire ring installed in field between marker 1 and 2 for use during events.
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Tody Road Gate Installed.
In The Campground
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New sign installed at the campground entrance
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Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground was added to the DNR Reservation System in 2024, with 17 sites available. All sites are available in 2025!!!
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Tripled Camping numbers from 119 camping nights ($2380) in 2023 to 359 camping nights ($7160) in 2024!
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Using USFS Equestrian Campground Guidelines, OREA and our DNR partners implemented a more horse-camping friendly layout of the campground.
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DNR reduced campsites from 25 to 21 in conjunction with the plan.
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Park stops were added to define the optimal orientation for parking your rig in the campsite, maximizing rig size accommodation and leveling.
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Trees were removed and trimmed to improve safety and aesthetics. Stumps and roots were ground.
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Relocated fire pits and picnic tables taking advantage of the redesigned space.
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Numbered Park Stops, Fire Pits, and Corrals
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Cleared brush near the picket posts.
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Moved 7 Picket Posts
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Leveled site 2 and moved picket posts.
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Constructed corral at site 8.​
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Cleared and leveled area for corrals on sites 11 & 12.
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The underside of the pavilion roof was painted.
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A new door for the vault toilet near the trailhead was constructed and painted and the approach to the Vault Toilet was paved with cement.
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A cement pad was poured to accommodate a manure bunker.
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Put up a chain across the Campground Entrance for use during times when the Campground isn't open to discourage theft and vandalism.
2024 Activies with OREA!
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Engaged hundreds of attendees at the 2024 Michigan Horse Council Horse Expo!
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Enjoyed a Memorial Weekend campover with a Poker Ride and Silent Auction!!
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Hosted the Michigan Horse Council Ladies Weekend!
- The (First Annual) DNR Fall Harvest Fest sold out the Campground!!! Trail rides including a night ride, campfires, archery, and other activities provided fun for all!
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Hosted WHAM campout and ride!
Association Improvements and Planning
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OREA and DNR Team participated in a Large Animal Rescue Workshop and established a team to support that activity for emergencies in the area.
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Posted monthly OREA News in Saddle Up magazine.
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Sent renewal notices and confirmations.
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OREA Agenda & Minutes on Website.
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Updated OREA by-laws to accommodate changes to membership more easily including accommodating a business membership.
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Completed the OREA 2023 Annual Report with 2023 accomplishments.
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Supported other Equestrian Association events by participating in Work Bees in Maybury and River Road / South Branch section of trail on the MTRA Shore-to-Shore Trail. We leveraged these opportunities to learn about other parks and trail organizations.
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Attended other rides / events with Michigan Trail Riders, Shiawassee Trail Riders, Addison Oaks Fall Camp and Ride, MHC Ionia Trail Riders Association Spring Fling, Proud Lake / Kensington Ride, Mohican and Malabar Farms Ohio State Parks, Horses for Hope Spring Ride and MiCMO CMO - among the riding and exploring we do across the state and across the country! We leverage these opportunities to learn about other parks and trail organizations.
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Created Trip Reports for Maybury and MTRA Work Bees, Mohican and Malabar Ohio State Parks, and Shiawassee Trail Riders Ionia / Waterloo / Pontiac Lake 1-2-3 Go Ride Michigan trip focused on how we can leverage what we observed and experienced.
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Our Facebook Fundraiser raised funds for two additional sets of corrals.
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Established Strategy Committee.
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Established Activities and Fundraiser Committee.
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Identified Pine Tree Loop Trail as possible expansion trail for ORA equestrian trail system.
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Created project list with cost estimate for trail repair needs on existing trails.
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Made presentation to Lapeer County Road Commission on the need for a STOP sign on Southbound Hadley Rd at Fox Lake Road for safety considerations. Posted an alternate route as an interim solution.
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Maintained Web Site.
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Joined Michigan Horse Council (MHC) and Michigan Horse Trails Association (MHTA).
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Attended inaugural (and other) MHTA meeting.
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Contributed designs to the MHTA Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads and Campgrounds.
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Attended Michigan Horse Council Meetings & MHC Discussion Hour
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Posting events on Michigan Horse Council and Michigan Horse Trails Association sites.
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Updated 5-year Strategic Plan.
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Updated (2024) sponsorship/donation/volunteer opportunity guide.
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Increased OREA Memberships from 50 to 79!!!