Planning for the opening of the new Mason Point Trail continued throughout July.  The NCHC supported the work of the Jordan Lake Trails Conservation Association in the production of materials for the Grand Opening Event.  This new trail adds additional trails on the NC Wildlife Resource Properties.  Work will continue as we develop the bottom loop to add an addition 6 miles of trails.

The Governor signed into law the 2021 Farm Bill.  This new law will enact changes in the workers compensation laws, clearly defining horse farms as part of agriculture.  The importance of this change is that it will increase workers from 3 to 10 prior to mandating workers compensation insurance.  Other sections of the Bill better define Agricultural lands.

The NC Farm Bureau held its Policy Review Day on July 27^th.  This yearly event is extremely important to the Equine Industry.  It raises awareness of concerns related to our industry and general policy areas on a statewide and national basis requiring additional consideration in the policy development process.  A potential new policy question was asked to look at large animal rescue at the state and county level.  Concern continues to be expressed regarding the inclusion of equine in the livestock shows at the North Carolina State Fair.

Discussion continued about the potential of developing a State recognized Equine Trail.  Two areas have been identified to potentially connect several trails into a larger loop trail.  This discussion will continue into August.

The State Agriculture Response Team (SART) met during July to continue to develop and revitalize SART.  The North Carolina Department of Agriculture presented their response plan to the SART Board.  A follow-up meeting will occur in September.

Multiple Grants were received and sent to the appropriate review committees.  The EEAT Grant and Trail Grants have dominated this month.