Cupp Corral Cut-off Report Camping area Latitude: 44.48816 Longitude: -115.71245
Nine members of Squaw Butte spent a great weekend at a new camp site for us, off FR 409 east of Cascade, ID on the head waters of the Middle Fork of the Payette river. The forest service map on Trail 033 indicates this is it northern termination and checking it out and doing some trail maintenance seemed like a good idea. The camp site is one of the best we have every used, the trail was a disappointment. After clearing about 3/4 of a mile the trail could not be found, it is likely it was washed out by high water over the years.
The trail head / camping site was excellent with trailer parking, water for stock and shade for setting up a great group area.
This sign indicated we were in the right place and we found a defined trail bed and logs that had been cut by prior trail maintenance efforts.
A survey on Friday night indicated that the trail had some major downfall and the best plan of action was to start the project on foot, and only get the stock on the trail after we had cleared the first 1/2 mile of trail.
Unfortunately at the 3/4 of a mile mark the trail could no longer be located. It appears that the original trail bed has been washed away by the river and we could go no further. After a good lunch, the group did a nice afternoon ride.
While the group didn’t accomplish what they had hoped on trail 033 north, we all had a great time. SEE MORE PICTURES
Mike McGlenn, past chairman of BCHA (2011-2013), Bill Conger and Phil Ryan spent a week in late July riding in Montana’s horseman’s paradise the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
One of the Bob’s great trail heads – a model for how all horse trail heads should be setup!
Bill and Phil in camp
View’s like this make the Bob special and popular with horseman all over the west
Mike, Phil and Bill
Phil spending some quality time with his horse as another pack string passes.
One of the many bridges in the Bob Marshall
Back at the trail head after a great trip. To view more picture, CLICK HERE!
Susan Jenkins – McCall Trail ranger on the weekend – I felt terrible that we didn’t have a project! But it was a good weekend, nonetheless. I only learned late last week that someone else had cleared the trail. I didn’t have a backup trail that would have included a place for folks to camp with stock. You are right, though, about the time spent with Laurie, Lou Ann and Phil. We had a great time with them. Phil was gracious enough to provide the trail folks with a short packing lesson Saturday morning. It certainly raised their interest in using stock for trails work. It was all they talked about this morning at the office. (Which makes me extremely happy, given that the trail crew is comprised of a lot of kids that ride motorcycle dirt bikes on our trails.) See Pictures of the project
LUMMIS, Cynthia M., a Representative from Wyoming; born in Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyo., September 10, 1954; B.S., University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., 1976; B.A., University of Wyoming, 1978; J.D., University of Wyoming College of Law, Laramie, Wyo., 1985; rancher; lawyer, private practice; staff, Wyoming governor Jim Geringer, 1994-1996; member of Wyoming state house of representatives, 1979-1983, 1985-1993; member of Wyoming state senate, 1993-1995; Wyoming state treasurer, 1999-2007; Wyoming state lands and investment acting director, 1997-1998; elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Eleventh and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2009-present).
Fire wise for Horse Properties
Wednesday, August 6, 7 – 8:30 pm
Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Rd, Boise 83702
Wildfire can quickly become a real threat to rural landowners. When horses or livestock are involved, action needs to be taken quickly to reduce the chance of animals being lost and property being damaged. This presentation will help you identify wildfire risks around your horse property and provide you with the appropriate actions to minimize that risk as well as ways to expedite an evacuation should the danger of wildfire arise. FREE!
Alayne Blickle, a life-long equestrian and educator, is the creator/director of Horses for Clean Water, an award winning, nationally acclaimed environmental education program that “wrote the book” on caring for horses and land. Firewise for Horse Owners is funded by the Southwestern Idaho Resource& Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management.
About using stock in the Bridger teton’s Video
Back Country Horsemen of America Helps Girl Scouts Earn Merit Badges Press Release
Five members of Squaw Butte spend seven day exploring the Sawtooth wilderness. Pictures of the trip are available on the website.
Rob’s account of the trip The Chicks Pack Trip Account
Link to Laurie Bryan’s blog
I feel it safe to say that most of the really cool discoveries happen quite by accident. One such discovery presented itself during a four day pack trip into the Eagle Caps.
One of the items I like to carry in my saddlebags is a packet of baby wipes. They come in handy for washing up before lunch on the trail or as a bedtime sponge bath when you can’t quite make yourself jump in that cold mountain stream for a much needed bath.
The problem I’ve found with baby wipes is they dry out between trips. You might use a dozen or so out of a pack and the rest dry up like a popcorn fart, wasting product and money. Not anymore… Read More!
Press Release – Trail Maintenance HB 4886
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2014
Contacts:
Paul Spitler, The Wilderness Society (202) 360-1912
Jim McGarvey, Chairman of Back Country Horsemen of America (706) 669-1015
Ben Pendergrass, American Horse Council (202) 296-4031
Groups rally behind National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act
New legislation calls for improved investments in National Forest Trail System
WASHINGTON DC (June 18, 2014) – The Backcountry Horsemen of America, The Wilderness Society, the American Horse Council, along with motorized recreation groups, outfitters and guides, and others today applauded new legislation to improve access and public safety on national forests and better address a persistent trail maintenance backlog.
The National Forest Trails System Stewardship Act of 2014, introduced by Representatives Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Tim Walz (D-MN) would keep more trails across the nation open and accessible by expanding the use of volunteer and partner organizations and providing increased focus on a handful of priority areas around the country.
More than fifty diverse recreation and conservation groups requested the legislation after a study last year found the Forest Service trail system is being squeezed between the demands of growing public use and shrinking budgets. According to that report, the maintenance backlog for forest trails exceeds $314 million dollars and threatens to limit public access, harm natural resources, and increase future maintenance costs.
“Improving access and safety in our national forests is a solid return on investment for America,” said Paul Spitler, Director of Wilderness Campaigns at The Wilderness Society. “Trails fuel a powerful outdoor economy and keep our public lands accessible for all Americans. They are simply too important to lose. We applaud Representatives Lummis and Walz for their leadership on preserving and maintaining America’s trails.”
The United States National Forest System contains the largest network of trails in the world and receives roughly 165 million visitors a year. While more people than ever are heading into national forests in pursuit of exercise, relaxation, and adventure, only one quarter of all trails are maintained to standard. The trails backlog prevents public access, poses dangers to public safety, and degrades clean water.
The Back Country Horsemen of America says the effort to create a more robust and coordinated trails-focused volunteer program is essential to preserving American’s access to the great outdoors
“Congress recognizes that our national forest trail system is deteriorating,” said Jim McGarvey, Chairman of Back Country Horsemen of America. “This bill emphasizes greater collaboration with volunteers and partner organizations and seeks to leverage additional resources to augment the important role played by Forest Service trail crews.”
“The recreational horse industry contributes $20 billion a year to the economy and supports nearly 307,000 jobs nationwide,” said American Horse Council Vice President of Government Relations Ben Pendergrass. “However, it is dependent on access to public lands and well maintained trails. The current Forest Service trail maintenance backlog is a serious threat to its continued growth and health. This bill will help address the problem and ensure equestrians and all trail users continue to have access to, and are able to enjoy, trails on our national forests.”
The legislation was also heralded by motorized recreation groups who rely on national forest trails. “The American Motorcyclist Association thanks Representatives Lummis and Walz for introducing legislation to increase off-highway-vehicle access on our national forests,” said Wayne Allard, Vice President of Government Relations of the American Motorcyclist Association. “During a time of shrinking budgets when the maintenance backlog on national forest lands exceeds $500 million, this bill would increase the use of volunteers to keep trails open and maintained for a fraction of the cost. We look forward to working with Representatives Lummis and Walz to increase the use of volunteers on public lands so all Americans can enjoy them.”
In addition to expanding the use of volunteers the legislation also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to identify nine to fifteen priority areas throughout the country for increased trail maintenance.
Hiking groups also hailed the legislation. “We appreciate what the bill sets out to accomplish,” said Peter Olsen, Vice President at American Hiking Society. “The bill would significantly increase the role of partners and volunteers in maintaining trails throughout the national forests. During times of limited agency budgets, the role of volunteers is critical to ensuring Americans can continue to explore the great outdoors.”
Introduction to the horse.
I am Mike McGlenn Chairman of BCHA and my horse “Jake”, 16-1 Quarter Horse gelding, 1200 pounds, 15 years old. Haney Meadows Washington.
A. Discuss the Horse and Rider relationship.
B. Discuss the Aging demographic of the horse rider. We are not all 18- 25 years old anymore. We are able to ride, we are able to pack in the camps for the trail workers. It is the way we can continue to enjoy the Wilderness.
C. The Horse as companion and team member.
D. Emotional bond of rider and horse.
E. The Horse is not a piece of sports equipment you pickup at the store. The horse can have a bad day just as we can.
F. Mutual trust between horse and rider.
G. Discuss the horse’s vision (what he sees and how he sees it), eyes wide set, nearly 360 degree visibility, eyes work independent of each other, the eyes of a prey animal. How the ears work and relate the horses attitude. Don’t approach if the ears are pinned back. Don’t walk up quietly behind the horse, no surprises. Talk to the horse, make some non threatening noise. The back legs can kick back up to 6 feet so stay close to the horse when going around behind them. Approach is best from a front quarter or side. We are predators, use your own body as an example, eyes close together, ears pinned back, hands carried like claws. All the things that 60 Million years of breeding have trained the horse to avoid.
Issues Stock users face
Hiker on a log across the Pacific Crest Trail, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington State. We have planned for weeks, driven 2-300 miles, loaded up the pack string and 5 miles in we come to this across the trail. This tree completely blocks the trail with no way to go around or over it. This is an inconvenience to the hiker. It is a total trip stopper for the pack string and rider.
Fire and blow down damage in the Teton Wilderness, Wyoming. The pack string is stopped while two riders dismount to clear the trail. The string gets restless and gets tangled up. There are no good places to tie up any of the stock. A potentially dangerous situation for both stock and riders.
Fire and blow down, Wind River Mountains Wyoming. There are miles of this kind of damage. How do you clear this extent of debris off a trail efficiently? Discuss minimum tool analysis.
Wind River Mountains, Wyoming. Fire damaged trees on a major trail. A trip stopper for a string. No room to turn around. 13 animals in this group. The Cross Cut Saw is on the Pack animal, number 13 of course, at the back of the string.
Wind River Mountains, Wyoming. Wilderness Society on the right, USFS Wilderness Ranger on the left cutting out the log. During the time it took, the wind came up and blew down a tree behind us. Fortunately no one was injured and the tree fell beside the trail not in it. With great difficulty, we were able to turn the string around and ride out of this pile of pickup sticks.
Wind River Mountains, Wyoming. A good example of lack of maintenance. The tree across the trail in the top background closed the trail. So someone made a go around out into the woods. This then lengthened the trail forming a new trail where one should not be. Trees grow about 3” of growth a year in this area. So you lose 6” of trail width a year if not cut back. In 4 years the trail corridor is 2’ narrower than it was.
Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Baker Lake Trail, Washington. A 160 mile round trip drive for a day ride. The trail was reported clear and open for stock. An hour from the trail head and this is across the trail. In this case the trees had come down in the week since checking with the USFS. A gamble we take. This is a 14 mile trail and we were in about 3 miles. No way around these.
Two people working with saddle saws to clear enough to continue the ride. The trail must be cleared adequately wide enough for a loaded pack horse to clear on both sides. BCH can’t support the work crews if the tail isn’t cleared for pack stock with loads.
Two people, two saws nearly an hour to clear the trail.
Goat Rocks Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail Washington State. The drive down, two rigs, 500 mile round trip for a week of riding. 3 hours up a trail that was reported clear for stock. A trip stopper. We need better information on the trails when we call the agency desk. The front desk folks need to understand the importance of good information and what it costs us if the information is bad. This trail is very narrow, very steep up and down on the sides. We had to dismount on the uphill side as there was nowhere to stand on the normal (left/downhill) side. Slide under the front legs of the horses and then get the saddle saws to cut the root off. No turn around room. Not a problem for a hiker. A dangerous trip stopper for a horse, rider and pack string.
Same root as the one in the slide above. This is about 6000’ elevation so two more mature folks took turns cutting this out, still took about half an hour.
Goat Rocks Wilderness, Walupt Lake Trail. A good example of a trip stopper log on this PCT access trail. It had taken 3 Cross Cut saw cuts thru this to get the hole thru the tree.
Pacific Crest Trail just north of Snoqualmie Pass in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. This section of trail, note the hiker mid way up the slope, is called the Kendal Cat Walk. We are often asked to share the trail with other users. This is not an issue with the hikers. But this example clearly shows the potential safety issues when hikers and horses are asked to share with something coming down at 15 or 20 miles per hour when we do 3 or 4 miles per hour. There are some trails that clearly do not lend themselves to sharing for all users.
Some of the financial aspects of owning and operating horses. Sometimes it IS about the money.
Jake and the Trailer.
A. Horse, $3000 to $5000 dollars to buy a decent trail horse.
B. Yearly expense of owning one horse if all goes fairly well $4000 to 5000 dollars for feed, shoes (every 8 weeks), Vet bills and general maintenance.
C. Saddle, $500 to $3000 dollars, other tack and gear $500.
D. Trailer, $5000 to $20,000 or more.
E. Travel. We commonly drive up to 125 miles one way for a long day ride. Then get just up the trail and find a trip stopper in the trail. Turn around and go home. 250 miles of driving, an entire days time and money wasted because of either bad information or poor trail maintenance.
Goat Rocks Wilderness, Walupt Lake Horse Camp. A nice camp, able to get two rigs in one site. This trip was in planning for a couple of months for 5 days of riding. The agency office was contacted twice and the trails were all given a green light.
A. 2 diesel one ton pickups @ $ 50,000 to 60,000 dollars each.
B. 2 Campers @ $20,000 each.
C. 2 Three Horse Slant load trailers @ $20,000 each.
D. 500 miles round trip for two rigs.
E. Food, expensive weed free hay, 500 miles of diesel for each truck, camp ground fees, time off work for two people.
F. The riding and trip had to be cut 2 days short. The reported open trails were not open. A bridge was out on one of the trails. It had been out for quite some time. We were not informed of this even though I had called the agency twice checking stock trail conditions.
Why do we do it?
Mount Baker and Baker Lake, Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington State.
A. The scenery.
B. Serenity.
C. Beauty.
D. Peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
E. To spend quality time with our partner and companion the horse.
The horse is not a piece of sports equipment. It is a 365 days a year, 24/7 life style. You can’t take the horse off the back of the car and lean it on the garage wall when you are done for the day.
The horse and rider spend years creating a bond between two living thinking creatures who quite literally trust their lives to the partnership that has been created between them.
The gang picking up trash
National Trails Day 2014
What: Trash pickup
Where: Steck Park to Crazy Lady Gate
When: June 7th – National Trails Day 10:30 AM – completion
Potluck at my place after the project
Latex gloves = highly recommended
BYOB (bring your own bags)
This was our second year spending National Trails day picking up trash along the Snake River from Steck Park to the red gate – or as I now call it: “Crazy Lady Gate.” It would be hard to top last year’s adventure and frankly, that would be perfectly fine with me. If you would like to know why – follow this link to last years story of “The Crazy Lady of Steck Park”
Janine, Lou Ann and Nancy trailer-pooled to my house Saturday morning. I had spotted Rob’s trailer heading for the park at 8:00 AM while on the ditch setting my irrigation water. He was either real excited to start this project or he miscalculated the traveling time. Either way, he took advantage of his early arrival by napping.
The girls and I were a little late in leaving my place. A cool breeze billowed through the open windows – the fridge jammed full of delectable food temped all to skip the project and head straight into the pot-luck. Surely we could come up with some excuse as to why we didn’t show up on the river. Conscious got the better of us, however, and the girls followed me to the park on a road made of washboards and dust.
There was a slight failure in communication at the trail-head. Rob and Bob parked at the old Dutchmen’s corrals on the hill before the boat-dock. I figured since we weren’t camping- I‘d park at the boat-dock to avoid the cattle guard. Janine parked somewhere in the middle for the sake of democracy. I think she might be running for office in the near future.
It’s about 5 miles from the boat-dock to Crazy Lady Gate. The sun was high over-head and hot. Hotter than last year at this time for sure or maybe it was the long sleeve shirt I wore. I still had a few spots of poison ivy on my forearms that flare up when exposed to the sun. Whichever it was – I was crankier than Lou Ann’s palomino mare, Brandi.
Bob, Rob and Nancy walked most of the five miles to Crazy Lady Gate. Lou, Janine and I rode into coves before dismounting to pick up trash. This year’s winning trash items were plastic water bottles, bait containers and used toilet paper (hence the highly recommended latex glove).
Stinking catfish carcasses – cans of stale Keystone doubling as spittoons and the ever popular streams of toilet paper were about all this germ-a-phobe could handle for one hot, poison ivy covered day. “This is just stupid. Whose idea was this anyway? This is a dumb project. Littering should be a hanging offence right up there with horse thieving.” If the others had known what a bad mood I was in, they would have pinned a red ribbon to the back of my pants as a warning like they do horses that kick. I felt like kicking something!
It’s hard to stay in a bad mood for long with Janine and Lou for company. “Hey Laurie, your hat matches Lou Ann’s shirt,” Said Janine. “It does, and my hat matches Janine’s shirt!” Said Lou Ann. “Hey… and my hat matches your shirt, Laurie.” Janine says. “I know, let’s all trade hat’s and swap horses and see how long it takes the rest of them to notice!” Seriously…next ride – we are doing it.
We stopped to chase a herd of cattle before turning into the next cove. Correction, we would never chase those cows (in case there are any ranchers reading this). We merely moved them to the opposite side of the road from the cove so they didn’t come after me and kill me as soon as I dismounted. I’m telling you – it can happen. Actually, Janine and Kiger moved the cows. Lou and I hung back and watched from afar. Both of our horses understand the imminent danger lurking within a bovine herd.
Janine moving cows
We somehow picked up Bob in the second to last cove. Nancy and Rob had gone on ahead to the last cove at Crazy Lady Gate. Lou and I rode on to meet Rob and Nancy while Bob and Janine turned back to spare Kigers’ hooves. The road is five miles of sharp rock that can cause even a shod horse to gimp a little.
Rob and Nancy had taken care of Crazy Lady Cove by the time Lou and I got there. We rode back toward the park, picking up Janine and Bob on the way. Rob said he would let the park host know where we had left the garbage bags. Last year, the camp hosts were grateful that we had spent the day picking up trash and happily went back after the bags. This year’s camp host was not at all impressed. He let Rob know that it was not part of his host duties and under no circumstances was he taking his four-wheeler out of official park boundaries. Funny, he looked like he could use the exercise. I’d go after the garbage later that evening.
We made it back to my place just in time to watch California Chrome almost become the first horse in 36 years to win the Triple Crown…almost. I sympathized with owner Steve Coburn’s emotional outburst. A Triple Crown winner would have been a huge shot in the arm for a sport that has lost popularity over the last 40 years.
After everyone left, I hooked my small utility trailer to my four-wheeler and Shade and I drove the 25 miles to Crazy Lazy gate. The trailer bounced and rattled over every wash-board and pot-hole on the planet. Fishermen and campers stopped to stare: “Nothing to see here folks – move along…move along.”
Several times the jarring bounced the back rail off the trailer and I had to go back for it. One such time I looked back and a group of cows had gathered around it as it lay in the dirt. I suppose they were curious. A big momma cow pawed and gave it a rough nudge. “Hey – I need that ….SHOOO!” Not one of them cows “SHOOO’d” an inch. Now what? I had to have that back rail or all the garbage would bounce out before I got home. “Shade – get them cows out of here!” Shade lunged for the cows. Most of them moved. The big momma cow ducked her head and chased Shade back toward the four-wheeler. Here she comes, shaking her head with fire and smoke billowing out of her nostrils. You are on your own dog – I jumped on the Honda and sped up the hill as Shade clamored onto the seat behind me. Momma cow gave up the chase and meandered back to her mob. Shade and I warily coasted back down the hill to retrieve the rail.
Shade on her Four-Wheeler
The trailer wasn’t as bouncy or noisy with the weight of the trash bags in it but that didn’t stop the fishermen and campers from staring as we rambled by the various campgrounds. I secretly hoped I’d meet the camp host when I drove through the park. I had concocted a story to tell him about how, while picking up the bags, I found a duffle bag full of drug money. I sure was glad he wasn’t allowed to take his four-wheeler out of the camp or he would have found it instead!
Shade and I made it home before dark – a good thing since the trailer doesn’t have lights. I parked the stinking pile of trash far from my front door where it would sit until the dump opened on Tuesday. I counted the number of bags we’d picked up; 13 bags – less than half of what we picked up last year. Maybe that was a good thing – maybe we made a dent in it last year or people were littering less.
A contest was in order. There would be a major REWARD for the first person to guess the correct number of large black plastic trash bags I’d put in my trailer. Luckily for me – nobody won the contest…I had no idea what the major REWARD would have been. However, if it wouldn’t have been major – it most certainly would have been unique. I’m thinking a box of latex gloves and a quart of hand sanitizer.
The July play day has been moved to Sunday July 27, 2014
Play Days PDF
Heading down a dusty road
If one does not count getting lost, a flat tire, broken shocks, two tipped over horses, several impalements and a flyaway awning…one might consider the SBBCHI scouting trip into the Owyhee’s a success.
The objective: Meet with BLM staff at Current Creek to scout area for fence removal project in June. The project will involve the removal 6 miles of barbed-wire in the new wilderness area included in the Owyhee Initiative.
At least we had an objective. An accurate map would have been nice to go along with that objective. Janine and I met at I.O.N between Homedale and Marsing. Our plan was to haul in via the Jordan Valley route. We figured if anyone was going to get lost, it was best to get lost together. I had the GPS coordinates to the project site; however, past experience with “Dave” the GPS has left me with emotional scars likely to never heal. We were also unsure if the coordinates were to the camp spot or the actual fence. Our plan was to wing it.
Click here for the full story:Dusty Roads and Dandelions
Revised 5/9/2014
1973 Flathead Valley, Montana
1977 Backcountry Horsemen of Washington
1979 Salmon, Idaho + Montana = BCHA
1981 California High Sierra Stock Users
1986 Constitution adopted by: California, Idaho, Montana, Washington
1996 Grown to 13 states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, N. Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming)
2004 Grown to 19 states (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, S. Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)
2005 20 states (Michigan)
2006 Added Georgia (21 states)
2007 Added Alaska and Florida (23 states)
2008 Added Alabama, Kentucky and Wisconsin (26 states)
2009 Virginia (state) + Iron Mtn VA, Ft Harrod KY, Red River KY, Big South Fork TN, Pigeon River & Beyond MI; lost S. Carolina
2010 Added West Virginia (state); Lost Wisconsin (25 states)
2011 Black Hills South Dakota (state) (26) East Coast Florida BCH (affiliate)
2012 None
2013 None
2014 Arkansas (state), Florida (state), Kansas (State) 27 states
Personal Protective Equipment (Required to work in the National Forests)
(Health and Safety Code Handbook chapter 70, section 72)
Items that must be included in the JHA:
(Chain Saw Operations) (Crosscut Saw Operations)
• Forest Service-approved hardhat • Forest Service-approved hardhat
• Eye protection • Eye protection
• Appropriate gloves • Appropriate gloves
• Heavy-duty, cut-resistant Boots • Heavy-duty, cut-resistant Boots
• Hearing protection • (Not required)
• Long-sleeved shirt • (Optional)
• Chain saw chaps • (Optional)
Chain Saw & Crosscut Training Student’s Guidebook (PDF)
Chain Saw use and Maintenance (PDF)
Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques (PDF)
Cross Cut
Crosscut Saw Tasks and Techniques (PDF)
Squaw Butte teamed up with Boise and Gem County 4-H groups to kick off the weekend for their annual Backcountry Skills clinic. Normally open to the public, the chapter decided on something different this year by focusing on the younger generation of future backcountry horsemen and women.
Saturday was filled with an informative presentation by the always popular Dr. Hardy, DVM and packing demonstrations by our local chapter experts, Rob Adams and Phil Ryan.
Pre-ride safety meeting
Threatening weather conditions did little to dampen participation for Sunday’s trail ride at the Emmett Horse Park. Rob Adams started the morning with a pre-safety meeting complete with helmet checks. Anyone going on the ride was required to wear a helmet. Some of us are still getting over the visual of Chick wearing something besides his trade-mark cowboy hat. However, rules are there for safety and safety trumps style. Fashion sense aside, Chick was a trooper sporting his plastic bubble head…two sizes too small.
The large group split up into 3 smaller groups for safety and minimal impact on the environment. Rob, Phil Ryan and Linda Erickson each led a group on a moderate, 3 hour ride over Emmett’s rolling hills.
“Captain” Phil leading the pack
Back at base-camp, lunch was served: Sloppy Joes, chips, potato salad and brownies to die for. All in all, a pretty decent day in the saddle. Good food, fair weather and a fun group of kids to share it with.
Didn’t take long for everyone to trade in their helmets for a dinner plate.
Back at home, I downloaded the few pictures I took. I noticed right off that I didn’t take as many as I normally do. I think I know why. There are some things that just ain’t right… and Chick in that plastic bubble head…well, that’ just ain’t right.
It’s a beautiful morning, and you’re eager to get out on the trails. The weather forecast calls for a chance of moderate afternoon winds and a slight chance of rain. But you’re not worried. When you set out, the skies are clear, and you plan to be home by lunchtime. Besides, a little rain never kept you home – and you’ve packed a jacket, just in case. By midmorning, however, the weather suddenly deteriorates. You’re miles from home, and the wind is gusting up to 60 miles per hour. Dark thunderclouds boil up. Heavy rain pounds down. Then the hard rain becomes punishing hail. Your horse tries to swing his rump to the storm. As you try to keep him on track, he stumbles and falls to his knees. Visibility is almost nil. Now, you’re truly scared. What should you do? Dismount and seek shelter, or quickly head for home – if you can find your way? How could you have better prepared for such a storm? Here, we’ll tell you how you can prepare for six types of extreme weather conditions that might hit singly or together – high wind, drenching rain/thunderstorms, lightning, hail, snowstorms/blizzard, and extreme cold. Then we’ll tell you the course of action you should take in each case to help keep you and your horse safe, tell you what not to do, and provide expert tips. We’ll also give you six additional survival tactics and a list of resources for extreme-weather gear. Read More!
Part 1 // Part 2 // Cabin P1 // Cabin P2
“Alone in the Wilderness” is the story of Dick Proenneke living in the Alaska wilderness. Dick filmed his adventures so he could show his relatives in the lower 48 states what life was like in Alaska, building his cabin, hunting for food and exploring the area. Bob Swerer has taken the best footage from Dick’s films and he has created 3 videos about Dick, “Alone in the Wilderness”, “Alaska, Silence and Solitude” and “The Frozen North”. You can purchase all of them in DVD or VHS format from the www.DickProenneke.com website.
Time is of the essence here… the sale is next weekend!
Victoria CB Trees, Vice President
Chair: Membership, Mule Sale,
Pack Clinic Volunteer Schedule
High Desert Trail Riders Back Country Horsemen
Klamath Falls, Oregon
In the past at pack clinics, we have used live stock or a combination of stock and a packing dummy. At this year’s clinic in May, we are focusing on 4H horse groups and with a group of kids learning to pack, live stock just adds to the confusion and may result in someone getting hurt. We have a very nice pack dummy, Woody the mule, but for this clinic having a couple more would be better. I had a couple of the blue plastic 55 gallon drums and thought they would make good pack dummies. Read More!
BCHA ensures you, your children, and future generations can enjoy the wonder, beauty, and joy of unspoiled landscapes and viewscapes. Help us stay on the job!
Robbin Schindele produced and directed this video!
Why the Campaign?
Because our trails on public lands need you.
Like you, the men and women of Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) care about protecting and sustaining a safe and accessible outdoor experience for our families and future generations. But we can’t do it alone. We count on our partners and you to help us preserve access to public lands. In 2012, only 37% of the 158,000 miles of National Forest Service trails received basic maintenance. Only one-quarter of these trails meet standard regulation for public use.
Gaps of investment, oversight, and maintenance point to a future with fewer sustainable trails in our 144 National Forests.
Please take a few minutes to support and share our campaign! Trails may be owned by government entities, but volunteers are needed to keep them open and maintained.
A National Foundation has posted a Challenge Grant of $25,000 when we hit our goal! That means for every $1 you donate .50 cents will be added to your donation when we reach our goal!
The Untrammeled video .
BCHA National Board Meeting Live Broadcast
For the first time the Back Country Horsemen of America will broadcast live the National Board Meeting along with Announcing the “Keep Trails Open For You” Campaign. Please join in April 23rd to 26th.
CLICK HERE IS GO TO LIVE VIDEO FEED
Live Video Streaming Schedule
Wednesday, April 23 All Times Eastern Standard Time
- 8:30 am – 10:15 – BCHA NBM Opening; Speaker Joe Meade Director, USFS for Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Resources
- 1:00 pm – 2:45 pm – Boardsmanship; Chairman’s Report; Resolutions
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm – Speaker Amos Tuck Program Coordinator, Coosa River Basin Initiative
Thursday, April 24, Public Lands Day All Times Eastern Standard Time
- 8:00 am – 9:15 am – “Opportunities to Engage Public Lands Stewards – Working Effectively with Youth”
- 9:30 am – 11:45 am – Solutions: USFS Trail Maintenance Backlog – Panel Discussion
- 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm – National Park Service: A Trend Toward Limiting Stock Use; Joining via Skype Bob Ratcliffe, NPS Chief, Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Program
- 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm – Issues from States
Friday, April 25 All Times Eastern Standard Time
- 8:00 am – 9:45 am – Movie “Untrammeled”; Strategic Plan
- 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Nominations; Elections of Officers and EC Members; BCHA Foundation Report
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Election Results; Roll Out of Initiatives
- 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – ONLINE CROWD FUNDING START
Saturday, April 26 All Times Eastern Standard Time
- 8:00 am – 9:40 am – Committee Reports
- 10:15 am – 12:00 noon – Committee Actions; Resolution Reports; Executive Committee Actions
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Discussion of 2015 and 2016 NBM’s; Conclusion of NBM
NOTE: Videos will also be available for later viewing
– See more at: http://www.backcountryhorse.com/blog/2014/04/16/bcha-national-board-meeting-live-broadcast/#sthash.Q9IVLWEY.dpuf
Notes from the National Board Meeting:
TO: Jim McGarvey
Subject: Four things
1. Thank you for everything you did to make it a great meeting!
2. I have asked everyone to get me numbers for monies owed by the 5th so will have it all to you by then
3. The embroidery guys contact information is Eric Craig – The Cad Company 404-392-3356 mail@cadcompanies.com He can put new logo on anything!
4. Recipe Requested after BarBQ
Recipe: Blue Cheese Cole Slaw
1 Bag of the Angel Hair Cole Slaw
¾ cup of Hellman’s Real Mayo
4 oz. block of Blue Cheese – crumble it (we used the Kroger Private Selection) Sprinkle salt, white pepper and sugar over the top.
Let sit for a couple hours before serving… may get too soupy if made the night before.
Thanks again!
Cindy Mitchell-McGarvey
The Spanish Mustang is a horse breed of historical importance. They descend from horses introduced from Spain during the early conquest of the Americas. They are a type that today is mostly or wholly now extinct in Spain.[1] They are classified within the larger grouping of the Colonial Spanish horse.
Spanish Mustangs today are primarily domesticated horses but are sometimes confused with the feral American Mustang. The latter animals are descended from both Spanish horses and other feral horses escaped from various sources; they run wild in protected Herd Management Areas (HMAs) of the western United States, currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and to a lesser degree, in Canada. DNA studies indicate that Spanish breeding and type does still exist in some feral Mustang herds, including those on the Cerbat HMA (near Kingman, Arizona), Pryor Mountain HMA (Montana), Sulphur HMA (Utah), Kiger HMA and the Riddle Mountain HMA (Oregon). The true Spanish Mustang as a modern breed differs from the “wild” American Mustang in appearance and ancestry.
The Last of the Spanish Mustangs
This is the 1/2 hour show that aired in Phoenix and Tucson. It drew a 4.4/8 rating with no promotion, highest in its time slot in Phoenix. People are interested in wild horses. This show also won the Associated Press award for best enterprise news.
Wild Mustangs PBS Documentary Untamed Legacy
Sometime after 1864 Chinese laborers constructed an impressive rock wall and ditch on each side of lower Reynolds Creek. It will still acquaint you with the kind of countryside that has been protected in the new Owyhee Canyon lands wilderness bill. This is a non-motorized hiking area that’s also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The area is managed by the BLM.
Riding the ditch wall
Enjoying the Pot Luck after the ride
Dear BCHA members,
Bryce Canyon National Park has proposed changes for users of privately-owned stock on designated horse trails within the park. The changes are intended to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect park resources. The park initiated a public comment period on the proposed changes for 30 days beginning March 26, 2014.
The changes proposed by Bryce Canyon National Park include a requirement that all horseback riding must be coordinated with the park’s authorized trail-ride concessioner, prior to entering the park. Of concern, however, is that private stock users also would be required to the pay a substantial fee to the park’s concessioner to guide and accompany all privately-owned stock riding groups for the duration of their trip over any portion of the eight miles of park trails available for stock use.
The fee that would be charged by the concessioner for this service would be based on the number of riders, up to eight riders per guide. The proposed fee schedule would range from $100 for the first rider to $345 for eight riders.
For more information, view the Park’s website here:
http://www.nps.gov/brca/parknews/proposed-rule-change-for-private-horse-use.htm
Squaw Butte’s founding member Verl J Law (1992-2003) has left us for a new wilderness.
Verl J. Law, 68, of Emmett, Idaho, died Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at his home. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Emmett LDS Stake Center. Burial is at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at the Brigham City Cemetery in Brigham City, Utah. Services are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Chapel, Emmett.
BCHI State Board Meeting and Convention, hosted by the Selkirk Valley BCH on March 21 and 22nd was a great success and tons of fun, says SBBCH Roving Reporter, Marybeth Conger
The Weather God was looking out for those that made the trip too, as roads were clear and dry. The views of the northern Idaho landscape to include some Moose and Elk sightings were awesome. Due to the distance (appx 1,000 round trip) there was some major carpooling going on. A big thanks to Phil and Kay Ryan, Robbin Schindele, Bill and Marybeth Conger and Roger Segers who represented the Squaw Butte Chapter well at the State Board and State Foundation Meetings.
It is apparent that the Squaw Butte Chapter is active, both locally and statewide, as 4 of the 4 resolutions discussions items came from us. So let’s recap these Proposals. The State Insurance Proposal, presented by Bill Conger, BCHI Insurance Chairman passed. This mean the State established a policy that at PUBLIC EVENTS dogs must remain contained in camp, and no alcohol shall be sold unless by a licensed caterer.
Then our State and BCHI National Director Robbin Schindele, presented another Proposal dealing with Crowdsourcing and this too passed. So BCHI will be donating$ 2500.00 BCHA to show support of our National organization. In fact, the BCHA chairman called to thank us that day!
Next Marybeth Conger, Alternate State Director presented the proposal on the Calendars and this failed. The Consensus felt it was better to print 2,000 calendar with the intent to sell them all. Of interest though, when the call was made for each individual calendar to commit, the State was about 200 short of the 2,000 mark. This roving reporter found this very interesting.
The last proposal dealing with the importance of growing our organization with increased chapters and increased members within our chapters was presented by Marybeth and became more of a discussion item. It was interesting hearing what other chapters are doing to grow. There continues to be more emphasis on youth projects and the scholarship idea from Panhandle was just one of these. Also, the State Board approved CONDITIONALLY the Palouse Chapter of BCHI, which is up north. Plus there is some interest to start a chapter is the South East area of our state. So it looks like BCHI is looking at ways to grow.
Roger Segers, our Foundation Director attended the Foundation meeting and reminded us to use the Foundation. There is still monies available for Education and Trail work.
Now that we have covered the business part of things, the Convention was just plain FUN. The Food of delicious, and the Speakers were informative and had great presence. Although I could have missed a few of the Trappers graphic photos right before dinner, his message was excellent. The Mayor was a kick and we learned that the Selkirk Valley has more law enforcement due to the proximity of the Canadian border. There was a lively auction and some folks brought home a few special treasures, so you never know when one of them might show up. It was great spending time with BCHI friends from all over the state. All for now!
Photo Contest Results
Devon Mills
1st Place
People Choice
- Rob Adams
2nd Place
- Laurie Bryan
2nd Place
Laurie Bryan
2nd Place
Hello BCHA and the Media,
Attached is a press release for your information and to please pass on to the members. Also attached are two group sign-on letters that BCHA and The Wilderness Society generated regarding the US Forest Service trail maintenance backlog–one was sent last week to all members of Congress, the other was sent to the Chief of the USFS.
The press release is ready to go.
Peg
Peg Greiwe, Executive Secretary
Back Country Horsemen of America
PO Box 1367
Graham WA 98338-1367
360-832-2461
www.backcountryhorse.com
TRAILS Legislation Letter 3-25-14 FINAL
BCHA-TWS Trails release – FINAL
For years I have carried a great trail saw on my saddle that I got from Sawtooth Outfitter. They no longer carry them but I did find out where you can get them. The one I like is the Fanno K24 curved tree saw. You can make a saw sheath or the are available to order. Here a a good video on care of your saw.
Fanno Saw Works
Address: 224 W 8th Ave, Chico, CA 95926
Phone:(530) 895-1762
http://www.fannosaw.com/
The Back Country Horsemen of Idaho’s annual convention was hosted in Bonners Ferry by the Selkirk chapter of the organization. The Selkirk chapter is centered in Bonners Ferry. Back Country Horsemen of America is a national organization with state organizations that have chapters located throughout the state.
Twelve Idaho chapters joined the Selkirk chapter at the Kootenai River Inn to get together to discuss current business. The organization’s mission is to promote the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in the back country. BCHI works with the Forest Service to keep trails open to horseback riders and to maintain and build trails. BCHI also promotes the use of horses on the trails and works to
educate horsemen of all ages to participate in sustainable use of forest trails by horseback. All who have interest in riding the back country of Idaho are welcome to join. It is a very close knit group of riders who have the same goal of keeping horseback riding available on the forest trails.
2014 Convention Report 2014 SBD Meeting Minutes 2014 Convention Minutes
Ever purchased a new saddle and after the excitement of you new ride wore off, realized your legs would take a beating as you try in vain to mold your fresh leather stirrups fenders into a comfortable position? You constantly turn your ankles outwards in an attempt to get that perfect placement and lose your horsemanship in the process… OR you get the brilliant idea of leaving a broomstick handle through your stirrups, with the fenders flipped outwards when the saddle is not in use?
Well, never again! Here’s a quick and easy fix to get your stirrup fenders in the perfect position for your ankles – with your toes facing forwards. How To Do a Texas Roll
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell may want an official invitation from the state’s congressional delegation to study the Boulder-White Clouds National Monument proposal, but that’s unlikely to happen.
All four Idaho Republican senators and representatives expressed opposition in February to use of the 1906 Antiquities Act by President Barack Obama to designate the central Idaho mountains as a national monument.
“I think we would be very happy to meet with the community, whoever invites us,” Jewell said in Boise on Monday.
The Stanley City Council authorized letters last week asking Jewell and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday or their staffs to meet with the council on or about June 12.
“We want them to explain their intent in more detail and exactly what measures would be required in a management plan to protect the historic, scientific and cultural values,” said Councilman Steve Botti.
Designation of a 570,000-acre Boulder-White Clouds National Monument has emerged as a serious option, especially since the death of Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson’s bill. His bill would have protected swaths of wilderness while preserving some popular ATV and motorcycle trails. A monument can be created with a president’s signature and does not require congressional action; it also has more flexibility in its implementation than does land designated wilderness, which generally bans all mechanized uses, including bicycles.
Press Release 03/20/2014 Secretary Jewell Announces Order to Implement Youth Initiative
Read more about the Rocky Mountain Regional Specialty Pack String
Nature Conservancy’s Kareiva urges people-based environmentalism
The Nature Conservancy’s Chief Scientist Peter Kareiva has questioned some of the basic myths of environmentalism: that nature is fragile, that its highest value is as a place of solitude and that it’s best when people aren’t in it.
Don’t just criticize Idaho Trails; help keep them in shape!
Boise, Idaho • Environmentalists and mountain bikers have reached agreement on a proposal for protecting the Boulder-White Clouds as a national monument.
The Idaho Statesman (http://bit.ly/1qtfmdF ) reported Tuesday that the agreement creates zones to maintain wilderness characteristics in some areas, while continuing mountain-bike access to the popular area north of Sun Valley.
Marijuana growing on our national forests causes significant harm to the land, water and animals. The toxicants and lethal weapons found at these sites are both shocking in terms of amount, and raise concerns regarding the health of the Region’s forests. The Forest Service, along with other agencies and volunteers, are working together to restore these impacted lands.
My Final Ride is the true-life story of Chuck Christensen’s epic mule-back Canada-to-Mexico journey while battling stage-three bone marrow cancer/multiple myeloma. Given eighteen months to three years to live and told he’ll never ride again, Chuck crawls back on his mule and, with tears streaming down his face, vows to trek as far as he can. Learning of the Great Western Trail, which eventually is to stretch from Canada to Mexico, he excitedly sends letters, makes phone calls, collects maps, and sets out on his daring ride. Along the way he faces mud bogs, giardia, broken bones, and deep discouragement; more than once he worries he’ll have to put an animal down. With water and food scarce, his mules begin to eat cowpies; his horse, however, refuses, and begins to starve. Ultimately, Chuck’s success depends on his fixed determination to never give up.
A story of hope, perseverance, and triumph
GARY HOLT welcomes singer/song writer TEMPLETON THOMPSON and Back Country Horsemen of America’s RANDY RASMUSSEN to EQUESTRIAN LEGACY RADIO.
Templeton joins us around the “Campfire Cafe'” as we talk about her music and her life with horses.
Randy joins us for an open line discussion on the future of our Horse Trails and the public’s role in maintaining and preserving our continued use of public lands.
Back Country Horsemen of Missoula Celebrates 40 Years
By Connie Basham
Following the vision of the original founding members from the Flathead Valley, it didn’t take much convincing for a few Missoula horseman and packers joining in kindred spirits, to form the second affiliated chapter of Back Country Horsemen in the early part of 1974. On April 4-6, 2014 Missoula Back Country Horseman will celebrate their 40th year of affiliation as part of the national organization of BCHA.
BCH of Missoula will be sharing this celebration with the Wilderness Association for their 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964.
The unification of these two chapters, later joined by members from Idaho, became the backbone of the Back Country Horsemen of America, as we know it today. Thanks to these charter members – Mike Chandler, Smoke Elser, Jim Brogger, Ray Roberts, Chuck Smith, John Lance and Fred Hartkorn, Missoula’s chapter has grown to be one of the largest in the nation.
Developing a sustained working relationship with many agencies and organizations, Missoula Back Country Horsemen dealt with numerous issues over the decades which threatened stock use on public lands. Issues including, trail and trailhead closures and abandonment; access problems; endangered species; user permits; trail sharing disputes; and other land use concerns.
Working with local, state and federal agencies, BCH of Missoula members have spent countless hours, weeks, months and years pouring over forest management plans, congressional issues, environmental matters and a host of other concerns facing stock use of the back country. Vast amounts of time and labor, both human and equine, have gone into building, clearing and maintaining trail systems, trail head facilities, camp facilities, bridges and buildings to protect and promote horse use in Montana. These efforts have benefited numerous trail users insuring our continued presence while remaining a valued advocate for Montana’s wildland.
BCH of Missoula/Montana have always been actively involved in wilderness designation and preservation throughout the state. The Missoula chapter was one of many that helped stave off drilling for oil along the Rocky Mountain Front of the Bob Marshall Wilderness preserving its untouched wildness forever.
With the objective of educating and encouraging sensible, responsible horse and stock use, Missoula BCH sponsored the Equine Expo for public involvement. They proudly and actively participate in the use and enjoyment of those successful efforts to uphold our horse heritage in Montana’s back country.
For convention information visit: www.bchmt.org
Click on picture to visit National Geographic interactive to learn about the reintroduction of horse into the new world and the development of unique american breeds and the effect the horse had on the people living there.
People of the Horse
Horses forever changed life on the Great Plains. They allowed tribes to hunt more buffalo than ever before. They tipped the balance of power in favor of mounted warriors. And they became prized as wealth. For Native Americans today, horses endure as an emblem of tradition and a source of pride, pageantry, and healing. Read More
