Date

The Honorable…. . .

United States Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator . . .

The Right to Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005 has been passed by the House of representatives (H.R. 586) and referred to the Senate for action.  A companion Senate bill (S. 781) has been introduced by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID).  The legislation is now before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 

[We or Your Organization] ask that you support and co-sponsor this legislation.  Millions of Americans enjoy trail riding because of the pleasure, exercise and family-time that it provides.  In addition, [please personalize the letter to your state, situation or interests, if you wish.]

The purpose of this legislation is to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands.  The legislation would require that public lands be managed by the various federal agencies to recognize and preserve the continued use of horses, pack and saddle stock on lands where there is an historical tradition of such use.  But the legislation would not diminish any Agencies’ ability to implement emergency closures or permanent reductions in the use and access of these animals, after complying with the full public review process required by law.

The [insert organization] is concerned that too often public lands and trails are closed and access denied to recreational riders.  We are concerned that some closures are effected without sufficient consideration of the long-standing use of horses and pack animals on these federal lands.

This country was settled by people on horse back.  Please preserve this important American heritage by supporting this legislation and passing it in the Senate in this Congress.

If you have any questions about riding in [insert your state], please contact us.  Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,