TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A squabble over access to the Pigeon River Country State Forest for horseback riders has spilled into the Michigan Legislature.
The House recently approved a bill that would overrule the Department of Natural Resources' decision to close off some trails in the forest to horses.
A similar measure is pending in the Senate, where efforts to compromise have failed thus far.
The bills would reopen trails that the DNR has ruled off-limits to horses and pack animals over the past decade and create a panel to advise the department on creating a trail network for them.
Supporters say horseback riders have a right to use the forests.
Opponents say horses have their place, but their access should be limited to protect natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
