An Allegheny National Forest (ANF) project updating horse trails in the Duhring area centered around Kelly Pines is now underway.
According to Allegheny National Forest Public Affairs Officer Kathy Mohney the trail is approximately 50 years old and heavily used by equestrian groups.
Mohney said, the U.S. Forest Service will partner with the Pennsylvania Equine Council, which will provide signage for the trail system.
According to the ANF website, the upgrade encompasses approximately 38 miles throughout the forest's Marienville Ranger District and will be worked on in segments. As work is slated to be conducted on more than one segment simultaneously, there may be more than one area experiencing construction work at any given time.
"Segments may not be contiguous, so visitors to the area are advised to be informed of where construction activity may be occurring," the website warns. "Maps showing which segments are currently under construction will be posted at Kelly Pines Campground, Bob Summers' Camp, as well as on the trail. Maps will also be available at all Allegheny National Forest offices and on the ANF website."
According to the website, horseback riding will be allowed in areas around the project, but ANF personnel ask riders to stay off of new trails until segments are posted as completed.
Mohney said the upgrade is being paid for through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The project, which began on April 12, is scheduled to be completed by December of 2012.