What We’re All About
People have recognized the ACE (Action Coalition for Equestrians) name for the past 20 years, and have long associated ACE with its work dedicated to the preservation and growth of equestrian trails in the Sierra Foothills. ACE has not been very active in recent years, but for 2022 we are coming back with a revised name, renewed energy, and a modified purpose!
Celebrating our 20th anniversary, we now enter our 21st year with a new name: “Ace 4 Safe Trails”
Our new name reflects our new purpose to serve a variety of trail users and our new focus on trail user safety. Ace 4 Safe Trails now serves many more trail users, including hikers, seniors, equestrians, bird watchers, nature lovers, families with children, joggers, scouting groups, the disabled, and any others who enjoy being outdoors and using trails.
One of our primary functions is to represent the many California State Park trail users who enjoy the simple peaceful pleasure of wandering down a trail, relaxing, de-stressing and enjoying nature. Among our objectives is to serve as an advocate for trail users, to raise California State Park’s awareness of trail safety issues and user safety concerns, and to work with State Parks to ensure they provide safe trails for all park visitors.
Our Board
Directors and Members
Lynelle Robertson
I have lived in Pilot Hill for 25yrs and my parents are both buried in Shingle Springs so I am 2nd generation on the divide. We retired here because of the peace and tranquility of all the beautiful trails with so many activity options. I have been certified for mounted patrol for three different park areas. What I have seen and experienced is the blatant unwillingness by the State Parks management to protect the slower user groups on our trails. Horse riders and hikers are being terrorized and even injured by fast moving bikers. I believe that with the public’s awareness and support, we can implement a workable solution for all trail users.
Mike Finta
I have been involved in Folsom Lake State Park trail safety issues since the original 2001 proposal by State Parks to open up the Browns Ravine Trail to bikes, and I was asked by State Parks to be the “homeowner” representative to the “Folsom Lake Trail Stakeholders Group” assembled in 2003. This stakeholders group developed trail design and use recommendations for State Parks to consider as it developed the General Plan for Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. These stakeholders consisted of representatives from all trail user groups, and they unanimously recommended implementing separate parallel trails to State Parks. It was the group’s consensus that this would best meet the needs and wants of the various trail users and address user’s safety concerns.
Living directly next to Folsom Lake State Park for 25+ years, I have seen thousands of people using the State Park trails from my home, and have seen how the demographics of trail use has changed over the years. Today there are many more seniors on State Park trails enjoying nature, and the high speeds at which mountain & E-bikers are now riding the trails pose a greater hazard than ever before to slow moving trail users. I have frequently seen close calls, near collisions, and hikers jumping out of the way of speeding bikers. It is even more important now than it was 20 years ago to separate fast moving and slow moving trail users for safety reasons.
Fran
(Bio coming soon)
Peggy Christensen
My name is Peggy and I have lived in El Dorado Hills for over 45 years! I’ve been very lucky to be able to go boating and water skiing on Folsom Lake. I also horseback ride, jog and hike almost daily on the multiple trails that are so extensive in the Folsom Lake State Park area. I’m also active in the local school system both academically and athletically. We are extremely fortunate to be able to enjoy the Lake and surrounding area and I’m very passionate about helping to keep it beautiful, accessible and safe for all to enjoy!
Susan DeBruin
Susan DeBruin a retired nurse and local resident since 1982 moved to the Folsom area for the lifestyle, work, and recreational opportunities this area afforded. As a long time State Park utilizer and Foundation supporter, she and her husband enjoy the lake boating, fishing, and swimming, and the trails hiking, biking, horseback riding and observing nature.
Tammy Yeager
I’m an equestrian as well as a cyclist and although I mostly ride a road bicycle, rather than a mountain bike, I believe there are rules and protocols to follow. I’m also a member of the Folsom Lake Mounted Trail Patrol. We patrol the trails at the Folsom Lake Recreation Area to keep the trails safe for all users – making sure that those who are using the wrong trails are notified, and that those in trouble get the help they need. All trails are not created equal. It’s very important that the needs of slower moving trail users are protected. “Multi Use” trails are actually not for all users, especially if they are narrow, or have blind turns. Let make sure we all stay in our own lane. Or trail! =^..^=
Tammy Yeager resides in Placerville CA, where she has recently retired from Delta Airlines working as an international flight attendant for 35 years. She is currently a member of the Folsom Lake Mounted Trail Patrol and the Consumnes River Horseman’s Association.
Our Journey
As Action Coalition for Equestrians (ACE), we worked to preserve and expand the availability of Northern California public trails for equestrian use. ACE was formed in 2002 in response to a number of cases where historically available trails throughout Northern California were being withdrawn from public use in general or from equestrian use in particular.
ACE performed many public service projects in the parks, funded by donations and volunteer labor from our members. An example is the Sterling Point parking area landscaping:
The reasons for these threatened trail losses are diverse. They include among others…
- Land development that does not take trail preservation into account
- Public Land Management agencies that suddenly shift their view of what constitutes the “Public Interest,” and,
- Private landowners who withdraw permissions in fear of potential lawsuits by recreational users.
ACE actively sought alliances with local hiking, biking, riding, and multiuse trail clubs. It relied on these groups to bring forward potential or unfolding issues and to offer the benefit of their experience.