27. October 2023 · Comments Off on Public Lands: Owyhee: Canyonlands East TMP Decision Record released: Alt D chosen · Categories: Around The Campfire

The first of five related Environmental Assessments (EAs) for Owyhee County Travel Management Areas (TMAs) has been finalized by the BLM.

Alternative D has been chosen in a Decision Record for Canyonlands East Travel Management Plan (TMP). Released October 25, a 30-day objection period has begun. Alt. D yields the most motorized access proposed of any of the Action Alternatives (B, C, D).

Decision Record and related documents here: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/12503/570

While a map has been issued within the Decision Record (page 11), it should be considered preliminary since adjustment could occur during Implementation of the EA. Implementation will occur after all five related Owyhee TMPs have been decided, anticipated to be wrapped-up in March 2024. Publishing of finalized travel maps will follow the Implementation phase.

Decisions on EAs are still to come for four TMAs: Canyonlands West (comment period closed 10/23), Grand View, Silver City, and Birds of Prey NCA South (last three EAs not yet opened for comment).

27. October 2023 · Comments Off on Inside the life of Idaho mountain man ‘Buckskin Bill’ · Categories: Around The Campfire

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the most remote and largest contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48. That’s why it’s no surprise someone seeking a life of self-efficiency and solitude – would choose to live there.

Along with other homesteaders, like Polly Bemis – mountain man Sylvan Ambrose Hart – commonly referred to as ‘Buckskin Bill’ – made a home on the bank of the Salmon River and lived there starting in 1932 up until his death in 1980. The area is so remote, that today the only way to get to it is by jetboat or plane.


Hart, who was born in Oklahoma, not only earned a degree in English and attended a graduate program in petroleum engineering, but he also studied and could speak many languages including German, Russian, Swahili, Portuguese, Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, and Norwegian.

When Hart first came to Idaho, he bought 50 acres of land at Five Mile Bar. Here he survived and lived off the land by by fishing, hunting, growing a garden, and making his own tools like guns and knives, and clothes.

“Forest Service rangers who encountered Hart nicknamed him “Buckskin Bill” because Hart dressed in deerskin clothing,” Hells Canyon Tour’s website notes. “Although he tanned the hides, he allegedly wore the deerskin with the hair against his skin.”

Hart’s compound consisted of a two-story cabin, a blacksmithing shop, and a bomb shelter that he built himself. As rafting became more popular on the Salmon, Hart began to see visitors who would stop and say hello.

READ MORE   /  THE LAST OF THE MOUNTAIN MEN

26. October 2023 · Comments Off on More than a dozen downtown Emmett storefronts owned by the same owner 1/2 are empty! · Categories: Around The Campfire

Reported by Margaret Carmel – BoiseDev Sr. Reporter

Like the rest of the Treasure Valley, Emmett is drawing in new residents for its mountain setting and small-town feel.

But, you might not necessarily pick up on that by taking a stroll down the few blocks of Main Street near Washington Avenue.

Thirteen storefronts across 10 buildings in downtown Emmett are all owned by the same Boise company, Huckleberry Properties Idaho LLC, according to public records obtained by BoiseDev. This company purchased all of the buildings at once in December of 2018 and has owned them ever since, leaving six spaces empty.   READ MORE

25. October 2023 · Comments Off on Pack Llamas · Categories: Around The Campfire

Pack Animals:

Pack animals have been helping humans for thousands of years carry heavy payloads from one destination to another. Here in North America the most common pack animals are undoubtedly horses & mules. They have become a staple for most hunters, ranchers and outdoorsmen that live near the Rocky Mountains.

Chances are if you have, hiked, camped or hunted the backcountry in the western states you have most certainly had some kind of interaction with horses or mules. When it comes to llamas not many sportsmen can say they have crossed paths with one and if you have; you were probably too shocked to remember much about the experience.

Why Llamas:

Llamas are often called the Beast of Burden. In ancient times llamas were key to the success and survival of the Inca culture. Today we use llamas to carry the weight we cannot carry ourselves. We love the backcountry of the Western United States and our llamas carry our camp, food, water and gear to each destination we seek. When you pack with trail hardened pack llamas for the first time you begin to understand why people have been packing with them for centuries, it’s just in in their DNA.

Llamas balance 65-70% of their body weight on their front legs. Their feet have a leather pad similar to that of a dog, and a split toe that allows for larger surface area and gripping ability. When it comes to rocky, steep, and tough to navigate terrain llamas excel where some pack stock might fall short. They are smaller than horses and thus they eat and drink much less in comparison.  READ MORE  /  FOR SALE

21. October 2023 · Comments Off on When hikers go missing in Idaho’s backcountry, who is looking for them? And for how long? · Categories: Around The Campfire

READ FULL STORY BY NICOLE BLANCHARD Idaho Stateman

A pair of khaki pants on the ground, off-trail in Central Idaho’s Sawtooth Range, was the first sign to Sandy Epeldi that something was not right. The 59-year-old Boise man was exploring near remote Benedict Lake north of Atlanta during a six-day backpacking trip in late July when he found the clothing. The pants had obviously been outside for some time, Epeldi told the Idaho Statesman in an interview. They were inside out, with undergarments still attached. “I knew something bad had probably happened,” Epeldi said. “That’s not something you usually find in such a remote place.”

Within a few moments of searching, Epeldi and his hiking companion, Frank Burke, located a boot. Then they found the contents of a wallet that contained the ID of a man they’d already heard of: Jack Forest Thomas. The 66-year-old Nampa man went missing while hiking in 2016. “He just happened to vanish into the part of the wilderness that’s my favorite part to go into,” Epeldi said. “The year after Jack went missing, I did a route really similar to his and it was always in my mind: ‘Are we going to stumble upon something out here?’ ” When Thomas went missing in 2016, law enforcement looked for about two weeks before calling off the search.

After that, it was up to Thomas’ loved ones to find him. Boise County officials recovered Thomas’ remains a few weeks after Epeldi and Burke found his belongings — more than seven years after he disappeared. Idaho is one of many states where missing person searches fall largely to volunteers who are led by a mishmash of local sheriffs’ offices and nonprofits that are often short on resources. Search-and-rescue officials from around the state told the Idaho Statesman the system works quite well, with the exception of funding shortfalls.

But families of the missing said finding answers becomes much more complicated once sheriffs decide it’s time to call off a search. Search-and-rescue experts say a more formalized system could make it more likely that missing people are found alive or their remains are recovered in much less time — all while saving families the pain of taking on their own investigation.

 

10. October 2023 · Comments Off on Education – Upcoming Webinars · Categories: Education

Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation


2023 National Trails Workshop

07. October 2023 · Comments Off on 1959 – Trailing Horses & Mules from Kelly Wy to Rock Springs Wy · Categories: Around The Campfire

Jack Davis (1963) painted by Conrad Schwiering (American, 1916 – 1986)

05. October 2023 · Comments Off on BCHI 2023 Calendar Winners! · Categories: Around The Campfire, BCHI /BCHA

03. October 2023 · Comments Off on Public Lands – Wildfire’s Hotshot’s · Categories: Around The Campfire, Public Lands

New review of wildfire’s Hotshot program recommends numerous changes to ‘unsustainable system’

02. October 2023 · Comments Off on How this Idaho forest became petrified! · Categories: Around The Campfire, Public Lands

Idaho has a petrified forest. Although remnants remain today, the area looked different 50 million years ago.

Located about ten miles south of Challis, the Malm Gulch forest was cool and wet like today’s Pacific Coast – covered with Redwoods and Sequoias.

However, this all changed when volcanic ash from erupting volcanos covered the land. This caused the trees to turn petrified – meaning that what remained of the wood became a hard, stony material.

Huge tree stumps and a dry, arid landscape are all that remain in the once lush, wet forest.

“Today, people see the white and pastel-colored soils and rocks in the Malm Gulch area, which are remnants of the ash deposits,” BLM notes on its website. “The heat of the eruptions destroyed most of the trees in the Malm Gulch forest. However, volcanic ash buried some trees that eventually became the petrified logs you see today.”

In 1970, the BLM installed fences around the stumps and continues to manage the area.

“The remaining petrified trees within Malm Gulch can never be replaced. If they are damaged, they will be gone forever,” BLM notes in Junior Explorer Discover the Malm Gulch Petrified Forest brochure. “Enjoy looking at these treasures, but please be respectful and leave everything as you find it for others to enjoy.”

Because the environment is so dry, not very many plants can live and thrive in the soil. However, some have adapted including the Challis milkvetch, Challis crazyweed, and wavyleaf thelypody – which are all unique to the area of land.

For more information on visiting the Malm Gulch, click here.

(Malm Gulch is a petrified forest near Challis. Photo: Bureau of Land Management.)

media-center-public-room-idaho-malm-gulch-junior-explorer-activity-guide

02. October 2023 · Comments Off on ITA – 2023 Wrap-Up · Categories: Around The Campfire


That’s (almost) a wrap

This year our first project was March 19th, with a group of BSU students working the Bernard Creek trail in Hells Canyon as part of their Alternative Spring Break Program. Our last project will be October 7th, maintaining the Dry Creek Trail in the Boise Foothills. That’s nearly seven months of trail work! The upshot of seven months was logging over 13,000 hours of volunteer time clearing almost 300 miles of trail and scouting over 100 for future projects- more than ever before! Rain, wind, heat, bugs…nothing (except the errant wildfire) kept us from pulling saws and working loppers, from scraping tread and cleaning drains. ITA volunteers are tough. And resilient. And fun!

So thank you. It’s you all— the volunteers, the individual and corporate donors, the grantors, the non-profit partners, the land manager partners— who’ve allowed us to expand our season. Having the funds and volunteer power to work low-elevation trails in the cooler seasons and focus on high-elevation trails with a shorter snow-free season in the heart of summer results in more trails cleared in more places, providing access to Idaho’s deepest river canyons and highest alpine lakes.

As ITA staff and board watch the sun set earlier each day and weather besides clear skies and sun take over the forecast, we look back on 2023 with gratitude and forward with optimism on 2024 and beyond. Spring Equinox here we come, Pulaski’s raised (but not over our heads, because that’s dangerous).

Melanie Vining
Executive Director

READ MORE!

01. October 2023 · Comments Off on BCHI – 2023 Summer-Fall Broomtales · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Click to Read
2023 Summer-Broomtales

29. September 2023 · Comments Off on Sawyer – Wildland Fire Lessons – Swamper hit by tree · Categories: Education, Safety

Burbridge, Brian – FS, UT <brian.burbridge@usda.gov>

Good afternoon all, Below is a good RLS where a tree being felled went in an unintended direction and struck a swamper involved in the operation.  Thankfully all involved were treated and released from the hospital. This is a good opportunity to have a conversation about the good side/bad side of the tree and the natural lean of a tree.  When things don’t go as planned and the hinge is inadvertently compromised, where will the tree likely fall? Thanks.

Lookout Fire Swamper Hit by Tree RLS

29. September 2023 · Comments Off on Fish & Game Proposal · Categories: Current Events


Shed Antler Gathering Season Closure Proposals

Due, in part, to the effects of the severe winter of 2022-2023 on big game in eastern Idaho, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1143 during the 2023 legislative session (see Idaho Statute 36-507), which gave the Idaho Fish and Game Commission authority to seasonally restrict the possession, transportation, and collection (including searching for, locating, and gathering) of naturally shed antlers and horns and antlers and horns from animals that have died from natural causes.

Big game animals face many challenges trying to survive the winter. Those challenges increase during severe winter weather events. People entering big game winter ranges during severe winters increase the energetic stress on animals that are already struggling to survive. An emergency shed gathering closure would be designed to reduce stress on wintering animals by reducing the number of people on public land big game winter ranges during severe winters. The statute does not apply to private land.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is gathering input from Idahoans on implementation of the statute. The Department would appreciate your input on the establishment of Emergency Shed Antler Gathering Closures on an as needed basis, when and where severe weather events occur. Depending on winter severity and impacts to populations, closures could be extended or implemented for the winter immediately following the year of the severe weather event to decrease energetic stress and increase overwinter survival to help populations recover.  READ MORE

27. September 2023 · Comments Off on BLOG – Holly’s Horse Tales & Trails · Categories: Around The Campfire

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Champion Creek Trailhead and Tin Cup Horse Transfer Camp, Idaho
This is a continuation of my September 2023 trip into the Sawtooth’s. For part one, click here: Grandjean

After leaving Grandjean, I stopped off at Little Redfish Lake because I had camped in a nice little dispersed spot there before, and it is one of the only areas with cell service. BUT when I arrived, they were doing road work in that exact area, and my spot had been obliterated, foiling my plan. So I hung out by the lake for awhile, it was a rest day, and then eventually drove over to Decker Flat instead.

READ COMPLETE BLOG POST

TIN CUP CORRALS BUILT BY SBBCHI 2023

26. September 2023 · Comments Off on IDPR – Contact US · Categories: Around The Campfire, Current Events

Headquarters

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0065
5657 Warm Springs Avenue
Boise, ID 83716
Phone: 208-334-4199
FAX: 208-334-3741
Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.




IDPR-Org-Chart-07.27.23

19. September 2023 · Comments Off on Help Keep us Wild! · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education


Problems for animals
The food that people provide can be harmful to deer.Deer digestive systems are equipped to deal with small bits of low-quality food, especially during winter.
Large amounts of highly nutritious food, such as alfalfa or pellets, can overwhelm their digestive system and lead to bloat and potentially death, especially in young animals.
Feeding elk or deer can stop them from migrating to where natural food is available. Most mule deer migrate to lower-elevation ranges during winter. Feeding over time may cause animals to lose their knowledge of migration routes to winter range.

Damage to native vegetation near feeding areas can also be a problem. Trees and shrubs, especially aspen and willow, can become heavily damaged and take a long time to recover.
Crowding creates conditions that can lead to disease outbreaks.

Wild animals need to remain wild. It’s understandable that people enjoy seeing them close to their homes, but when animals lose their wildness, they’re likely to lose their innate fear of humans and become too comfortable around people and in towns. That behavior can also be passed on to the next generation.  READ MORE

13. September 2023 · Comments Off on Greater Boise Recreationists Notes and Presentation – September 2023 · Categories: Around The Campfire

Dear Recreationists and Agency Representatives,

Thank you very much for attending the recent Greater Boise Recreationists meeting, held September 7th at the Bogus Basin ticket office. If you did not manage to attend, we hope you will make the next meeting, slated for December.  Attached please find the “power point in PDF Format” which was presented at the meeting and the notes, which are based on breakout group discussions.

Best regards,

Liz Bridges
GBR Steering Committee member

GBR_notes_09.07.2023    /  20230901GBR Presentation September 7 FINAL

13. September 2023 · Comments Off on BLM – Update on e-Bikes in Utah · Categories: Around The Campfire

St George News BLM e-bike memo Aug24 2023

12. September 2023 · Comments Off on BLM’s Canyonlands WEST Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) is now open for comment, up until October 23. · Categories: Around The Campfire, Public Lands

Those of you who studied and commented recently on the Canyonlands EAST TMP know the drill and will have had a practice run to now turn your attention westward.  And you know from the last pass what is at stake for recreationists in this second of five related sub-region TMPs under BLM’s Boise District, Owyhee and Bruneau Field Offices.

Road and trail mileages proposed to be accommodated under the Action Alternatives (B, C, D) and mapping will vary for this sub-region, in part due to a 2021 land swap which increases the ground in the analysis area and route inventory in the Alternatives. I will more thoroughly analyze the Plan and report further in the future, but the basic approach and what’s at stake should feel familiar with the info provided here.

Sub region area outline in light blue, Alternatives route inventory in dark blue; Table 2.6 from Pg 19 of the EA summarizes mileage and access types proposed to be retained under each Alternative:

Table 2.6 notes: “Open” and “Seasonal Closure” are effectively full-width routes; ATV/UTV width class is unique and newly defined as <65″ with the release of EAs for Canyonlands East and West TMPs.

This is not a reboot of the NEPA process from the beginning but a continuation of the TMP process paused in 2017. The documents to be analyzed and commented upon are the near-final versions of the Plan for the Canyonlands WEST Sub-region. This is explained in the BLM’s E-Planning FAQ page which I encourage you to read at the link below and which applies to all five related Sub-regions similarly.

Except for inventoried routes added as part of a 2021 land swap, there will be no new analysis for any routes if such were not included in the original 2009 inventory. Commentary will therefore only be considered for the routes in the proposed Alternatives, and we do not anticipate BLM will accept any proposed “new” routes due to the restrictions of the 2009 OPLM Act that “stopped the clock” at that time of the Act’s passage by Congress.

With thanks to a fellow traveler for assembling the basis of the following text, if you’ve seen it already, know that I’ve made a few edits to clarify some details.

This will not be a rolling multi-year Decision release process for the five Sub-regions, but instead as stated BLM anticipates having all five Sub-region Decisions wrapped up on a fairly fast-track, by March 2024.

Alex Ernst

IDPR, Land Access Coordinator

~ ~ ~

Canyonlands WEST TMP EA public stage NEPA process: 45-day comment period open

BLM Press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-update-second-travel-management-plan-owyhee-county

E-Planning site (Project homepage, map links, NEPA documents, etc.): https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/73196/510

BLM’s Interactive Route Alternatives Map: https://blm-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ac06e3f30d684e1c8c7f77f4eb93c6ff
GIS geodata files are here: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/73196/590

  • Use the BLM interactive map to zoom in on areas where you recreate.  Click on a route to reveal a popup including route identification number and route type to reference in your comments to BLM.
    Under the Layers pulldown, select only one letter Route Alternative at a time (A, B, C, or D) which will aid in highlighting closed designations jump out.

  • There is no preferred Alternative. B, C, and D are the “Action Alternatives” from which a final selection will be made.
  • Under NEPA, the agency must provide a wide range of alternatives.

Alternative A is no action.  It will not be selected.  If they wanted to leave it as is, they wouldn’t be doing NEPA.

Alternative B could be called the ‘conservation’ alternative… the least number of motor-accessible routes will be implemented.

Alternative C is what they referred to as the ‘balanced’ choice.  Even if it is not your preferred alternative, it is important that you list what trails should be included in it that were not.

Alternative D is the ‘wide-open’ alternative.  It is important to explain why you support this alternative.  Make sure the routes you would like to see designated for motorized use are included.

Explain why any given route is important to loop opportunities.  Make sure they are included in both C and D.
Width classes are now identified in the Alternatives: single-track, <65″ ATV/UTV,  and full-width/road. This is a significant change compared to the 2016 drafts which failed to define width class. Comment if you anticipate an inappropriate width class will be applied to any given route. 

Background information:

There are five BLM sub-regions under the Boise District involved in this TMPing initiative.  Canyonlands WEST is the second sub-region of the five to be released for public comment, and the rest will be released successively over time for public review in the same manner. The FAQ states an anticipated Record of Decision on all five TMPs by March 2024. But realistically, timing will be determined by staffing issues and by the political climate.

The five sub-regions are Canyonlands East, Canyonlands West, Silver City, Grand View, and Birds of Prey.

The primary issues include:  Soil, Vegetation, Hydrology, Wildlife, Recreation, Cultural concerns

11. September 2023 · Comments Off on Trail Spotlight: Rainbow Basin Trail · Categories: Public Lands, Ride Ideas


Our Trail Spotlight highlights day trips to multi-day hikes across Idaho. Trail conditions can change quickly- swollen rivers can become impassable, windstorms can knock trees down across trails, and snow can come earlier than expected. Please take these recommendations as a jumping off place and do additional research to understand current conditions and keep yourself safe if you choose to hike this trail. Physical guidebooks and maps are always good to have or check out some online resources like Alltrails.com for updated trail reports. If your trip is as awesome as you hope it will be, please share photos and feedback!

Recommended by: Kelly Hewes, ITA Communications Director

Duration: Day hike or multi-day backpacking

Area: Boise National Forest

Difficulty Rating: 3 out of 5- The trail is 4.4 miles in total not counting the the spurs to the lakes. A few steep climbs, with 1,600 total elevation gain over the four miles.

Road Considerations: This area is inaccessible until early July due to snow. Google maps is known to send people on a route that is more difficult than the more recommended route through Featherville, directions listed below. This way takes about 2.25 miles from Mountain Home. A standard passenger car is fine on this route. Cell coverage is spotty so plan to use offline maps for navigation. 

  1. From Boise, Idaho, travel 40 miles toward Mountain Home, Idaho.
  2. At Mountain Home, take exit 95, (State Highway 20) and proceed 35 miles to the Pine/Featherville turnoff.
  3. Travel north on Forest Highway 61 for 29 miles to Forest Service (FS) road 172.
  4. Proceed 15 miles northwest to FS road 129. Travel 3 miles south to the Trinity Recreation Area.
  5. The trailhead is at Big Trinity Lake Campground.

Total hiking miles: 8.8 miles out and back not counting the spurs to the lakes which would add on another four miles bringing the total to 12.8 to go to all nine lakes on the trail.

READ MORE

11. September 2023 · Comments Off on Volunteer Spotlight: Dan and Marja Waugh – BCHI · Categories: Around The Campfire, BCHI /BCHA, Public Lands

Dan and Marja are Backcountry Horseman of Idaho volunteers who pack gear and supplies for ITA projects as well as other groups doing trail work in the Wilderness. We applaud their enthusiasm for protecting and maintaining Idaho’s trails and volunteering for seven pack trips across Idaho in 2023 alone! For our backcountry projects, their packing services are key to reaching remote places and getting the work done. Projects are always more fun when greeted by Dan and Marja’s smiles, treats at the trailhead, and getting to take selfies with their burro, Pedro!

“Our lands and trails in Idaho, especially non-motorized trails are quickly fading away at an alarming rate. Groups and even state and federal land managers can’t keep pace with maintaining our trails. We have to change our mindset and work with those managers to find unique and new ways to manage resources and improve our trails.”- Dan Waugh

Read their full Volunteer Spotlight here!

ITA named finalist in national contest!

As our 2023 trail season is slowly winding down, we are full of thanks for our volunteers, members, and supporters who have made this season an awesome one for trails and public lands! We still have a few projects left as well as some great events coming up:

  • ITA has been named as one of five nonprofit finalists in the Land Rover Defender Service Awards and has the chance to win a customized Land Rover and $25,000! But we need your help to win. See below for more details.

ITA has been named as one of five nonprofit finalists in the Land Rover Defender Service Awards and has the chance to win a customized Land Rover and $25,000! A large four wheel drive like this would be instrumental in allowing more volunteers (especially youth) to participate in projects requiring a high-clearance vehicle. Transportation to remote trailheads on rough roads has become a challenge as ITA grows and volunteers don’t always have their own four-wheel drive vehicle. Our goal is to make it possible for anyone to be part of a project, no matter how rough the road to the trailhead! The contest winner will be determined by public vote starting this Friday, September 15 and going through October 4 and we need your help to win. You can vote once per day and we need as many people as possible voting every single day! You can opt into this email reminder by clicking the button below or replying “opt in” to this email. Thank you for helping us win this awesome contest.

09. September 2023 · Comments Off on BCHA – Saddle Up America · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Link to Interview

09. September 2023 · Comments Off on American Horse Council – Horse owner survey · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education


The last three years have been a time of great change throughout the country for homes, businesses and industries. Rising costs of living, shrinking of assistance and changes in demographics have affected so much of our world, and that includes the equine industry.

However, not all of the changes are easy to identify. Which is why the American Horse Council (AHC) is kicking off what could be one of the biggest studies in its more than 50 years with the 2023 National Economic Impact Study.

Major economic changes have occurred during the past five years. Not only have business closures and resulting federal stimulus programs related to the pandemic made a major impact, but the horse industry has adapted to historic changes made to the tax code since 2017.

An economic impact study examines the effect of an event or industry has on the economy and usually measures changes in business revenue, business profits, personal wages, and/or jobs. As a large, economically diverse industry, the United States horse industry contributes significantly to the American economy.

The purpose of the census is to demonstrate the value of the equine industry in the national and state economies by analyzing the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of horse ownership, recreation, and equine-related services.

Over the course of its 50-plus year history, the AHC has conducted numerous national economic impact studies for the U.S. horse industry, which has included such pivotal years as 1987, 1997, 2007 and, the most recent study, 2017. “The challenges of the last few years with the pandemic and its economic impacts on all aspects of our industry make the 2023 study all that more important and necessary,” states Dr. Rick Mitchell, Chairman of the AHC Board.

Data collected will inform public and private investments in equine-related businesses, equine health care, education, land use decisions, tax policy, tourism, employment incentives, etc.


The survey begins April 3 and goes through September 29.

New this year are sponsored incentives for individuals and groups who participate in the survey, including a John Deere Z545R ZTrak Mower valued at $7500, one year of Nutrena feed for one horse (a $2,000 value); one year of Purina feed for one horse (a $500 value/horse); gift certificates from Trafalgar Square Books (total value $180); enrollment in Texas A&M AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course valued at $300/enrollment; plus more.

“The Economic Impact Study is the most effective tool in our advocacy quiver,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “When the industry needs to take aim at an issue, this data is invaluable in helping us paint the picture of the contributions the industry makes and the breath & depth of its composition.”

If you have questions, contact American Horse Council President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

09. September 2023 · Comments Off on Webinar – Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation · Categories: Education

 

Engaging with Tribes on Wilderness Stewardship

06. September 2023 · Comments Off on GBR Presentation – September 7, 2023 · Categories: Public Lands, Public Meetings


Dear Quiet Rec People,

I am attaching the presentation that will be given by Nate Shake of Bogus on behalf of GBR. Josh Newman, the Idaho City Ranger will be presenting the proposed expansion of the parking lot at Whoop Um Up. I had created a somewhat different presentation, which would look at the parking lot proposal within the larger context of recreation along Highway 21, but that is not what is going to be presented tomorrow. I will attach both what will be presented and what I wanted to present. The powerpoint (PDF) with the numbers in front is what you will see, and the one that ends with FINAL is what I intended to share with the group.

Thank you, first of all, for representing quiet recreation. I truly appreciate you going to the meeting to speak up for those not at the meeting. Secondly, we are not going to turn the clock back on motorized recreation, but we can voice what we want on our public lands, and what we want as trails and access on our public lands. The Over Snow Vehicle group is very well organized, with money to support their cause, and we are not and do not have deep pockets. Or any pockets. So our voices need to be our currency. Third and last, I hope you can attend the meeting with the idea in mind that we all need to collaborate, whatever our preferred method of recreation is. We all love our public lands, and want to be able to access and use our public lands.

Thanks again, and I am so sorry I cannot be at the meeting. I’m sure you all are happy I am not, given my current condition.

Best wishes,

Liz Bridges

 

GBR Presentation September 7 FINAL

2023-09-01GBR Presentation September 7 FINAL

06. September 2023 · Comments Off on National Public Lands Day – September 23, 2023 · Categories: Around The Campfire, Public Lands

Be a part of National public lands day 2023
Join us for the 30th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on September 23, 2023!

Celebrating 30 Years of Care and Community, NPLD has joined people across the nation in the care and celebration of our public lands. From humble beginnings with one federal agency, two sites, and 700 volunteers, NPLD has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands.

As a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), NPLD fosters a strong connection between people and the environment, educating and cultivating environmental stewards. It’s also a “Fee-Free Day” where entrance fees are waived at national parks and public lands. With support from federal and state agencies, corporate sponsors, and nonprofits, NPLD ensures resilient natural spaces for generations to come, encouraging volunteering and environmental engagement. LEARN MORE

05. September 2023 · Comments Off on BCHI – 2023 Fall Board of Directors Meeting · Categories: BCHI /BCHA


DRAFT- Sept 30, 2023 Agenda SBD mtg
BCHI Fall Directors Meeting
2023-2024 Calendar Program for Distribution
2023-2024 BCHI Midyear Letter to Board of Directors
2023-2024 Treasurer’s report for distribution

04. September 2023 · Comments Off on BCHA – Youth Grants · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Introduction to Youth Grant Application MW Version

Youth Grant Application 2023

02. September 2023 · Comments Off on TRAVEL MANAGEMENT IN OWYHEE COUNTY – BLM Plan Released · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management’s Boise District Office has picked back up on efforts to complete comprehensive travel management planning throughout Owyhee County. The travel management planning process formally designates motorized and non-motorized routes to the public. Travel management is essential to ensure that there is an adequate level of access for sportsmen and women while also minimizing environmental impacts that may be occurring from pioneered routes. It’s a balancing act- the BLM has to create a plan that is supported across a variety of user groups, is enforceable, and does not create undue degradation to sensitive wildlife habitat.

This balancing act is especially difficult down in Owyhee County, where off-highway vehicle use has increased 258% between 1998 and 2014. This rapid increase in OHV use, in addition to other recreational uses, has created pressure on the landscape that now requires a travel management planning process.

The Canyonlands East landscape contains some of the largest, unburned sagebrush habitat remaining in the state, as well as one of the largest areas with a high density of sage-grouse leks. It also contains productive habitat for pronghorn and bighorn sheep. This area spans over 1,000 square miles and currently has 1,493 miles of inventoried routes. Some of these routes will be maintained for motorized use while some will not be incorporated into a comprehensive travel management plan.

Read Travel Plan: BLM Canyonlands_East_

29. August 2023 · Comments Off on Public Lands – BLM Fees · Categories: Public Lands


Idaho Jump Creek Business Plan

26. August 2023 · Comments Off on Public Lands – Wilderness Land Trust adds to FC Wilderness · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands

The largest wilderness area in the Lower 48 got a little bit bigger in Idaho this month after The Wilderness Land Trust purchased a former mining claim and transferred it to public ownership.

In 2021, the 501(c)3 Wilderness Land Trust purchased the 38-acre Surprise Lode property within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Central Idaho from a private owner, Margosia Jadkowski, The Wilderness Land Trust’s director of marketing and communications, said in a telephone interview.

The property is located above the banks of the Salmon River, about 25 miles from the Vinegar Creek Launch. The land was considered an inholding, which is private property located within the wilderness that does not receive the same protections as the wilderness itself. Such private properties within wilderness areas often exist because the land was owned privately or used for mining before the surrounding wilderness was designated and protected, Jadkowski said.

By purchasing the land and selling it to the U.S. Forest Service, the land has become part of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and will be protected from development, logging, mining and the use of motorized vehicles, Jadkowski said.

She did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

“The Frank Church is a really spectacular place,” Jadkowski said. “It is the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. It’s incredibly rugged country, and it’s really beautiful. The Salmon River is at the heart of the Frank Church, and it’s a wild and scenic river. It’s quite legendary in terms of rafting and fishing, and it has hundreds of miles of trails as well.”

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness encompasses about 2.4 million acres in Central Idaho and was protected by Congress in 1980. The wilderness is home to the Salmon River Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

The wilderness was renamed in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Frank Church, D-Idaho, who sponsored the Wilderness Act of 1964.

How does transferring private property to public lands work in Idaho?

The Wilderness Land Trust is a Montana-based nonprofit organization that works to acquire private land inside of wilderness areas and transfer it to public ownership.

In Idaho, The Wilderness Land Trust has transferred seven such properties to public ownership, including the Painter Mine, a 37-acre property that borders the Surprise Lode in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The Wilderness Land Trust has also acquired and transferred the last remaining private inholdings in the Hells Canyon Wilderness and the North Fork Owyhee Wilderness, the trust said.

The trust relies on donations and foundation funding to buy properties from willing landowners. The parties selling the land receive fair market value for their land based on an appraisal, Jadkowski said. The sellers are eligible for a tax deduction and have the benefit of knowing the land will be protected permanently.

After The Wilderness Land Trust acquires a property, the trust facilitates working with the federal agency to transfer the property to public ownership. Often the process involves surveying land boundaries, addressing titles and mineral rights, closing mine shafts or removing structures and restoring the property to a wilderness state.

“A lot of times it might take three to five years to complete the transfer process, which is where we come in as a nonprofit and a partner with the federal agency,” Jadkowski said. “We will hold the property in the meantime until the agency goes through the process of accepting it.”

More information about the process for donating property within a wilderness area is available on The Wilderness Land Trust’s website.

25. August 2023 · Comments Off on Education: Fall Sawyer Workshop in South Western Idaho · Categories: Education, Safety, Training Events

Trail Volunteer Sawyer Workshops-DTS

Dates: Classroom September 30, 2023 / Field Day October 1, 2023
Workshop information:  Classroom  /  Field Day

EPSON MFP image

25. August 2023 · Comments Off on Public Lands – New Idaho Conservation Area · Categories: Public Lands

More than 120,000 acres set aside in Idaho as conservation area

21. August 2023 · Comments Off on Poison Creek Trail – TR-134 (How last falls fire changed it) · Categories: Around The Campfire, Work Parties and Projects

This picture is of the bridge that once crossed Pole Creek, now it is just three charged logs.

To see pictures from the project CLICK HERE

 

21. August 2023 · Comments Off on Trail upkeep draws volunteers from across the state each year · Categories: Around The Campfire, BCHI /BCHA

The Squaw Butte Chapter of Back Country Horseman of Idaho spend a lot of summer weekends doing trail or trailhead work in the mountains, or providing pack support for other volunteer trail crews. In July some members provided the pack support to a trail crew out of the Moscow/Pullman area spending a week cutting trees on trails in the Frank Chuck Wilderness.

Dan Waugh, of the Squaw Butte Chapter was the lead packer for the group and provided the following account of the trip back out of the Wilderness.

“Picked up the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation trail crew. They did an amazing job clearing over 5 miles and cutting more than 550 trees with a crosscut saw. If you haven’t ran one then you wouldn’t understand the task of this. But 3 crosscut teams can get to work!

We arrived and had thunderstorms overhead. Marja and I got to spend the evening of our arrival hanging out in our camper. We watched multiple bucks try to get the horses and mules alfalfa most of the evening. They sure wanted the snacks.

The morning of the pack out was cool and wet and came early. Thank goodness for good hot coffee. We had the seven pack animals and two riding horses saddled and ready to go in about an hour. The ride in was great and without issue. The trail was wet so zero dust which is always a blessing. However, the bogs were deeper and sloppier than last week.

LINK TO PAPER

21. August 2023 · Comments Off on The Peregrine Fund · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Did you know?

  • The Peregrine Falcon is famous for its fast flying. Biologists have clocked it diving at speeds of over 200 mph. That’s about as fast as a race car goes!
  • These falcons have adapted well to life in large cities, where they feed on birds like pigeons and starlings, and nest on the ledges of tall buildings.
  • Like many raptors, Peregrine Falcon females are larger than the males.
  • The Peregrine Falcon was removed from the Endangered Species list in 1999, thanks to efforts by The Peregrine Fund and many other organizations and individuals.

READ MORE

Where they live

From Morocco to Malaysia, Greenland to Greece, Australia to Argentina, and India to Iraq, Peregrine Falcons live and breed on every continent in the world except Antarctica. They are strong, efficient flyers and skilled at catching a variety of prey from small songbirds to large ducks. This versatility allows them to live in almost any type of climate and habitat – and they do!

Deserts, seashores, mangroves, wetlands, tundra, grasslands, dry forests, scrubland, and craggy mountains are places one might find a Peregrine Falcon. The most common factor among these different locations is the presence of good nesting habitat. These falcons like to nest in high cliffs, but in cities, Peregrine Falcons use tall buildings or bridges instead. As in many urban settings, a resident falcon family returns from migration each spring to raise young on the ledge of a tall building in downtown Boise, Idaho.

What they do

Among the most impressive birds to watch hunt, Peregrine Falcons are known for their high speeds, impressive aerial acrobatics, and unmistakable grace. But Peregrine Falcons not only fly fast, some populations fly incredibly long distances, too. In the northern part of their range, Peregrine Falcons are migratory, which means they travel from their breeding grounds to non-breeding grounds and back every year. Some of these individuals travel from the Arctic nearly to Antarctica, making a yearly round trip journey of more than 20,000 miles. That would be like crossing the entire United States seven times in one year!

Peregrine Falcons that live closer to the equator tend not to migrate. This makes sense if you think about one definition of migration: the seasonal movement from one area to another for the purpose of finding food or to reproduce, usually triggered by a change in the weather. Since temperatures along the equator are not as extreme as in the northern and southern regions of the world, there tends to be more year-round prey. With more available prey, there is no reason for a Peregrine Falcon to leave its home. Even when they are raising young, the tropical regions of the world usually provide them with enough food to raise a healthy family.

Perhaps because of their amazing flying and hunting skills, Peregrine Falcons have had cultural significance for humans throughout history. To this day, they are still one of the most popular birds in the sport of falconry, and in ancient times they were considered the birds of royalty. Today, Peregrine Falcons that are trained as falconry birds are sometimes flown by their trainers at airports to scare off ducks and other birds that could collide with a plane and cause accidents. These falcons are helping to keep our skies safe! The Peregrine Falcon also appears on the U.S. Idaho state quarter.

20. August 2023 · Comments Off on Tin Cup Corral – Final Report · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Horse Camping

Submitted by Lisa Griffith

READ FULL REPORT:  Report out on the Tin Cup project

Pictures of this Project

17. August 2023 · Comments Off on SBFC – Summer Newsletter – 2023 · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands

READ NEWSLETTER:  SBFC-WildestPlace_Summer2023-Final-Web

 

17. August 2023 · Comments Off on ‘First Aid and Outdoor Recreation’ guide · Categories: Education

Suggested by Marc and Tyler Kelly

Tyler’s Boy Scout Troop is working on their Wilderness Survival Merit Badge.

FIRST AID AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

Written by Steve Belcher

It’s healthy to get outside and enjoy hobbies like hiking, biking, climbing, riding horses, and camping. However, all of these outdoor activities come with potential risks and challenges, so it’s essential for anyone who plans to spend plenty of time outside to understand the basics of outdoor first aid. The principles of first aid are the same no matter where you are, but outdoors, the practical application can look very different. You’ll need to be resourceful enough to both bring what you might need and use what you have at hand in order to stabilize someone’s condition in an emergency.

Wilderness First Aid Basics

Being well-versed in wilderness first aid is an important life skill if you plan to go on outdoor adventures. Not only does it help you become more self-sufficient and capable, but it can be a life-saving skill in certain situations. The majority of outdoor injuries are minor and easily treatable with a first aid kit, but that isn’t always the case. In some situations, knowing first aid can make a world of difference, especially since there aren’t any emergency responders close by in the wilderness. You don’t need to be a professional doctor or nurse, but you do need to have the equipment and the knowledge to be able to keep someone’s condition from worsening until you can get help.

First Aid Kits

No matter where you go, you should always have a first aid kit handy. Stock your kit with your trip in mind, thinking about the types of situations you could encounter as well as how long you’ll be gone. The longer your trip will be, the bigger your kit should be. The kit should be well-organized so that everything you need is easy to find; you don’t want to waste precious time rummaging around for what you need in an emergency situation. Consider using different-colored containers and clear labels to organize your supplies. You should also make sure that everything is packed to withstand the elements.

Wounds

Wounds can range in severity from minor scrapes to serious injuries. Without proper care, there’s a risk of infection or even death. When someone is wounded, the basic steps of wound care are to get the bleeding under control, do what you can to prevent infection, and take measures to promote proper healing. You’ll want to bring along supplies such as bandages of different sizes, gauze, antiseptic, and antibiotic ointment.

Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion

When you’re out on the trail, it’s not always easy to remember to keep drinking water like you should, and overexposure to the sun is a real possibility. When someone gets overheated, dehydration and heat stroke are real possibilities, and both of these conditions can endanger your health. Heat stroke occurs when people don’t sweat enough to lower their body temperature, and it’s incredibly common in people who are outdoors a lot. It can often come on rapidly, and it requires immediate medical attention. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need on your trip. If someone becomes overheated, find or create a shady spot where the person can rest, give them water, and use some of the water you have on hand on their skin to help cool them down. Then, head back to civilization so the person can get professional medical treatment.

Burns

If someone gets burned in the wilderness, remember the four C’s: Cool it, clean it, cover it, and call for help. Cool the burn using cool water; the longer heat stays in the body tissue, the deeper the burn becomes. Then, clean the burn with soap and water. Cover the burned area with antibacterial ointment, then apply a non-stick bandage to protect the burn. If you don’t have a bandage, cover the burn with a makeshift bandage using whatever you have, such as a clean shirt or a sock; it’s crucial to keep more bacteria in the environment from getting into the wound. Once the burn is covered, get help from a professional as soon as you can.

Strains, Sprains, and Broken Bones

Almost three-quarters of all non-fatal wilderness injuries are broken bones or sprains. It’s incredibly common to sprain an ankle on a steep trail or trip and fall on a limb, causing a broken bone. It can be hard to diagnose these injuries in the wilderness, but often, you can help to reduce greater injury by using the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Reduce the swelling by icing the area with anything you have on hand, whether that’s water from a stream, water from a bottle, or even snow. Compress the injured area with a bandage, bandanna, or clean clothes, but make sure you don’t tie it too tightly; you don’t want to cut off circulation. If you suspect a broken bone, apply a splint to immobilize the area. Elevate the injury above the heart, even if that requires you to sit down on a trail and let people pass you by. This should be done for at least 20 minutes before attempting to have the injured person move again. It may be necessary to use a hiking pole or big stick to help with balance or bear some weight while you make your way back to civilization. RICE should be repeated every two hours on the walk back to help reduce the seriousness of the injury.

CPR

In the event of cardiac arrest in the wilderness, chest compressions should be initiated right away. However, it’s important to be realistic about the situation, given the circumstances you may be in. For instance, usually, you should keep going with CPR until help arrives or until you’re too exhausted to continue. But if you’re hours or even days away from civilization, you should know that the effectiveness of CPR decreases rapidly after 20 to 30 minutes.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia due to environmental exposure is common in wilderness settings. Any temperature below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit can be linked to hypothermia, but it’s especially common in below-freezing temperatures. It’s also possible to get hypothermia in temperatures around 40 degrees if you’re exposed to heavy wind and rain. It’s easy to lose body heat, especially for people who aren’t dressed correctly, people who get wet by accident, people who are dehydrated or have poor food intake, and people who are fatigued. The severity of hypothermia (mild, moderate, or severe) can be assessed by asking the person questions that require higher reasoning; seeing if their shivering can be stopped voluntarily; checking to see whether or not you can get a pulse on their wrist (if you can’t, that may indicate a core body temperature lower than 86 degrees); and seeing whether the person can be taken out of the fetal position. Hypothermia can be treated by reducing heat loss by adding clothes or changing into dry clothes; adding fuel and fluids like hot liquids, carbs, and proteins; and getting the person warmth from a fire or another external heat source.

What to Do in an Outdoor Emergency

Knowing what can be done to help nurse somebody back to health using first aid is essential in an emergency, but it’s not the only thing you can do. Before you go on your trip, make sure that you’ll be able to summon help if you need it. For short trips close to civilization, bringing a fully charged phone may be sufficient. But if you’re heading farther afield, get a personal locator beacon. These devices can be activated in an emergency to send out a distress call by satellite. While you wait for help to arrive, do your best to stay calm and administer first aid as best as you can.

12. August 2023 · Comments Off on Idaho Sporting & Wildlife Partnership · Categories: Around The Campfire

12. August 2023 · Comments Off on Idaho Non-Motorized Trails Initiative Meeting Tuesday August 15th 10am · Categories: Around The Campfire, Current Events

Good Evening,

Just wanted to remind everyone of Tuesday’s meeting. We will have the horse council office open as well as zoom. I know it’s still a busy time of year for many. Below are the topics I am wishing to discuss, please see the attached documents for review. If you cannot attend and want to chat or share thoughts and ideas feel free to reach out to me.

1. Updated Info Graphic
2. Proposed Legislation
3. Proposed date of Oct 17th for the next trails summit at Gowen Field.

The Zoom link is below, also this is a recurring link so this link will continue to be the one to use.

Respectfully,
Dan Waugh
360-791-1591

Idaho Horse Council Administrator is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Funding Infogrpahic – July 18 draft
Draft legislation-Non motorized trail funding

Topic: IHC Idaho Non-Motorized Trails Initiative
Time: Aug 15, 2023 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Third Tue, 12 occurrence(s)
Aug 15, 2023 10:00 AM
Sep 19, 2023 10:00 AM
Oct 17, 2023 10:00 AM
Nov 21, 2023 10:00 AM
Dec 19, 2023 10:00 AM
Jan 16, 2024 10:00 AM
Feb 20, 2024 10:00 AM
Mar 19, 2024 10:00 AM
Apr 16, 2024 10:00 AM
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Jun 18, 2024 10:00 AM
Jul 16, 2024 10:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwtdOyoqjsjHdbaTF3shll_ef2jdw3L4ycF/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrjgvGtCVuR6FRpw-AojCZ_TwiGJEgqdfnSvDUDNbbg_JM-QQOLZoQ_SE

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88035040972?pwd=OERKMk1pT2dnWEFEVFRNMGJKRVhaUT09

Meeting ID: 880 3504 0972
Passcode: 225301
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kevE8IGp8z

11. August 2023 · Comments Off on ITA – August Old Saw · Categories: Trail Volunteer Groups

11. August 2023 · Comments Off on Trail Volunteer – Making a difference – TVTMA · Categories: Trail Volunteer Groups, Work Parties and Projects

Several TVTMA members worked this project had been certified at the Thinking Sawyer Workshops lead by BCHI. This trail with its many boggy spots has been a notorious horse-swallower I’ve heard, not too good for bikes either. More areas to do since conditions have changed since the 2017 scoping finally implemented, but I think horse use is going to be much less risky now with the replacement and new puncheon at 7 sites.

Notably, the upper 3 miles of the trail above Whitehawk meadow that was impassible, blown-in for several years with endless deadfall, is now open at the hands of a number of your new or recertified students.

Your efforts are now multiplied in a measurable return to the users. Lots of folks are pretty pleased about this outcome and are looking at it is a template for future projects and partnering with FS to improve recreational access.

One of the details, left out for brevity, is that the northern-most portion of Tr019 –about 2.5 miles, had been inaccessible due to extensive deadfall for an unknown number of years. From its intersection with Tr021 at Whitehawk Basin to road 510, that trail is now cleared of deadfall, with new puncheons installed at planned sites, and now usable by all single-track users after years of being effectively “closed-and-stored” by nature.  That’s worth celebrating.

Granted there’s more to do on other parts of the trail not covered by the original project scope, conditions having evolved since the original proposal (2017?) of the project now implemented. So we’ll look forward to working with the Forest and Lowman RD on continuing improvements along this popular trail and its interconnects. My understanding is that Mike Lindenfelser is working on trailhead sign replacements, and that will be an ongoing task to put a bow on this current effort.

JT Wagner and his crew of two seasonal and two interns should also be noted for their significant contribution to the timely and quality completion of the project. Their contribution was a force-multiplier and expediting factor, which we were not originally counting on when anticipating a three-weekend work plan.


08. August 2023 · Comments Off on SBFC – Video Blog · Categories: Around The Campfire, Trail Volunteer Groups

Play Video

Play Video

06. August 2023 · Comments Off on Making West Mountain Memories – August 19 & 20, 2023 · Categories: Horse Camping, Work Parties and Projects

Pictures from the 2023 Project

Trail Project – Saturday & Sunday August 19-20, 2023 ( Trail Project & Horse Camping)
Location: Chief Eagle Eye Creek (west mountain north), & Poison Creek West Mountain, North of Ola, ID
GPS    USFS[131]     USFS[134]    MAP  Pictures  2021    SC-2020   PC-2020 
Work will concentrate on Poison Creek Trail – which needs extensive brushing)
Great horse camping area with some fun but challenging trails.  Most people arrive at the camp site on Friday night.
Potluck meals Breakfast (Sat & Sun), Dinner (Sat) – Bring lunches, We will be working on Saturday with a short fun ride on Sunday!
Contact: Rob Adams 208-781-0548 projects@sbbchidaho.org

SIGN UP: https://www.supersaas.com/schedule/sbbchidaho/Squaw_Butte_Events

05. August 2023 · Comments Off on BCHI – Fall Board Meeting · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

01. August 2023 · Comments Off on SBFC – Tales from the Trails – July 2023 · Categories: Current Events

READ BLOG

READ BLOG

01. August 2023 · Comments Off on American Trails – Free August 2023 Webinars · Categories: Education

29. July 2023 · Comments Off on Volunteer Trail Crews – BCHI Pack Support – (SBFC – ITA – PUG) · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Public Lands

Marjaliisa Waugh and her string of Welch ponies & mules

Jun – SBFC Pack Support – Sulphur Creek  
Jul – ITA Pack Support – Little Queens  
Jul – ITA Seven Devils Pack Support   
Jul – PUG East Mayfield Creek Pack Support