Michigan has a wealth of trail opportunities spread throughout both peninsulas. Many miles of trails traverse heavily wooded forests, rolling hills, panoramic overlooks and open prairies, often with a lake or river not too far away. It's these bountiful and diverse nature features that draw a wealth of recreational users to the trails.

Equestrians and mountain bikers are two of the most active communities of people regularly getting outdoors. Both groups use Michigan's rustic trails for the same reasons: to get outside, into nature and away from motor vehicle traffic, work and stress-and to gain fitness in the meantime.

In the not-too-distant past, however, the relationship between these groups was acrimonious at best. Both felt the other group threatened "their" trails. The war of words got everyone nowhere. Our groups spent more time disagreeing than working together to improve the state's resources for all user groups.

Today, this relationship is headed in a new and promising direction. We now view the occasional user conflicts as an opportunity for user education or improved trail design. We know we have so much to gain by working together on common issues, such as trail access, funding, suburban sprawl and land use, DNR policies and resources, and many other issues facing Michigan's natural resources.

A highlight of this new relationship is the recently-signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Michigan Horse Council (MHC) and Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) that defines how both organizations will work together for the common good.

In addition, we're expanding our circle of partners to include other trail users and non-motorized advocates. During the past year, MEC has fostered a new group, the Active Michigan Initiative (AMI) (see box on page 9). AMI includes equestrians, mountain bikers, road cyclists, hikers, rail-trail users, as well as representatives from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

Certainly, we've come a long way, but there's a long trail ahead. At least now we're sharing this trail and helping each other along the way.

The Active Michigan Initiative (AMI)

Mission Statement
The mission of the Active Michigan Initiative is to improve Michigan's environment for active transportation and outdoor recreation.

Participants

• Michigan Environmental Council
  
• Michigan Mountain Biking Association
  
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
  
• League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB)
  
• Michigan Horse Council (MHC)
  
• West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition
  
• Michigan United Conservation Clubs
  
• Regional Trail Friends groups
  
• Public health advocates
  
• Others

Guiding principles

• Active transportation and outdoor recreation include non-motorized activities like bicycling, walking, hiking, horseback riding, running, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bird-watching, orienteering and adventure racing.
  
• Active transportation and outdoor recreation infrastructure is a necessity rather than an amenity, and includes neighborhood sidewalks, multi-use pathways, on-road bike facilities, off-road rustic trails and water trails.
  
• Active transportation and outdoor recreation provide invaluable links to Michigan's history, health and identity and should guide future economic, natural and cultural development.
  
• Active transportation and outdoor recreation lead to a healthier population, decreased health care costs, better protection and appreciation of natural resources and a stronger economy.