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2023 OREA/DNR Accomplishments

OREA members and friends donated  2,667 volunteer hours to put on events, and maintain and improve the campground, staging/day use area, and trail system.

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On the Trail

  • Re-routed Staging Area/Day Use trail to go to main trail only, not into campground.

  • Completed signage for new trail 3A.

  • Installed addition support for bridge to trail 3A.

  • DNR repaired the river crossing between marker #1 and #2 on the east side.

  • Ortonville DNR Unit Supervisor chose to use DNR trail funds to improve the horse trails.

  • OREA provided project details and estimates for DNR funded trail improvement projects.

  • Built and installed a mounting block, hitching post and a picnic table at trail marker #8.

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  • Completed most of the work for the new trail east of Jasmond Road. Waiting on DNR trail funds for completion.

  • Cleared trails leading to and around Pinnacle Point, two trails south of trail from marker #13 to #14, and rediscovered the Pine Tree trail across Tody Road.

  • Clearing and maintenance of all existing trails.

  • Repair of impassable sand hill between Marker #13 and #14.

  • Routed new shortcut trail between Marker #1 and #2 to avoid wetland.

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In The Campground

  • DNR/OREA painted and completed maintenance on the pavilion.

  • New OREA and Sponsor signs were fabricated and installed on the pavilion.

  • Create rendering of proposed Confidence Course and submitted to the DNR.

  • We are nearing the final stages of DNR approval for the new Confidence Course.

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  • Picket posts were straightened, repaired, and replaced as needed.

  • DNR removed stumps in various areas of the campground.

  • Arrows were installed on fire pits and several fire pits were moved to clearly identify the campsites.

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  • Corrals with a sand base were built at campsites #7, #1, and #20.

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  • The split rail fence was extended 60’ next to the new community bonfire area to guide access to the trail system.

  • Developed a community bonfire area with a fire pit and benches was built west of the pavilion.

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A Possible Future View for the Campground

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  • Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground is scheduled to have about half or the campsites on the DNR reservation system launching in April 2024 (including all of the Corral sites).

  • Using USFS Equestrian Campground Guidelines, OREA developed a more horse-camping friendly layout of the campground and submitted it to our DNR partners.

  • DNR is submitting a request to reduce campsites from 25 to 22 in conjunction with the plan.

  • DNR has submitted a green initiative request to integrate solar into the pavilion area - including electric power in the pavilion and a SOLAR POWERED WELL! (We really really hope it gets approved!!!!!!)

In the Staging/Day Use Area

  • Cleared out area to expose and make existing picket post usable.

  • Picket posts were straightened, repaired, and replaced as needed.

  • Built and installed a mounting block and two picnic tables.

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The Day Use Area of the Future

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  • Created project plan for improve Staging/Day Use area to make it more inviting for day users’ hikers/hunters/riders.

a.Proposed new vault toilet near trail entrance.

b.Proposed new kiosk near trail entrance.

c.Proposed new larger expanded parking area, sized to allow multiple small and large horse trailers to maneuver and park.

d.Proposed a designate parking area for hunters and hikers with room to park 25 vehicles.

e.Submitted the plan to DNR for consideration.

  • DNR submitted a WHIP for the Staging area/Day Use

      Area improvements.

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View of Pinckney's Day Use Area

2023 Activies with OREA!

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  • Hosted two events. May 27th Poker Ride and September 9th Judged Trail Ride.

  • Created event flyers for the Poker Ride and Judged Trail Ride.

  • A new OREA banner with removable panels was designed and made to advertise OREA events and sponsors.

  • OREA provided temporary update of trail map for Poker Ride.

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Association Improvements and Planning

  • Updated Membership Application form with new options for members.

  • Started posting OREA meeting minutes in Saddle Up magazine in December.

  • Created membership email group.

  • Started sending OREA Board meeting Agendas and minutes in December.

  • OREA Agenda & Minutes on Website.

  • OREA President created winter newsletter posted on Facebook and emailed to members.

  • Created an OREA sponsorship/donation/volunteer opportunity guide.

  • Completed reworking of website and started regular posts of news and events.

  • Updated OREA by-laws to reflect OREA’s new Vision and Mission.

  • Completed the OREA 2022 Annual Report with 2022 accomplishments.

  • Created a draft of OREA’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.

  • Supported other Equestrian Association events by participating in Work Bees in Ionia and Pinckney. We leveraged these opportunities to learn about other parks and trail organizations.

  • Created Trip Reports for Ionia and Pinckney Work Bees and Big South Fork trip focused on how we can leverage what we observed and experienced.

  • Reorganized Treasurer Files

  • Created a Facebook Fundraiser to raise funds for an additional set of corrals.

  • Set up electronic filing system for all OREA operations and activities.

  • Created New Trail Map with Distances.

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