About
The 3R Heritage and Trail Foundation was conceived by the Roundup Riders of the Rockies, a horsemen's organization, founded in 1948 that ride high mountain trails in Colorado or Wyoming on a week-long trek each summer. In the early 1980's it became apparent that federal appropriations for trail construction and maintenance were falling far short of needs of the US Forest Service, so members of the Roundup Riders established a Foundation to raise/accept contributions to be used for trail construction and maintenance in Colorado.
In 1988 the 3R Heritage and Trail Foundation, Inc. was approved as an exempt organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and has been operating as such since that time. The financial strength of the Foundation has grown steadily over the years since 1988. Many members of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies make regular contributions to the ride throughout the year. Foundations, corporations and the general public also support the Foundation with contributions because they see the benefit to the public in improvement of non-motorized recreations trails.
It's the Foundation's principal interest is, of course, in trails which clearly favor equestrian use. The growth in use of such trails by the general public has been substantial over the last several decades. At the same time, public funding has continued to decline. The concept of public/private cooperation for doing this type of work has shown its great value, and the Foundation is proud to be long-term partner with multiple groups and agencies in the use of this concept. Donors to the Heritage and Trails Foundation not only help provide needed funding for equestrian related projects, but they also help educate the public about out Western Heritage and the role the horse has played over many generations.