Midas Gold controls the world class Stibnite Gold Project, located in the historic Stibnite-Yellow Pine mining district in central Idaho, consolidating ownership of this important past-producing gold district under one owner for the first time in its history. With a multi-million ounce high-grade open-pit gold resource already defined, important antimony credits, and significant room for further growth, Midas Gold’s Stibnite Gold project is one of North America’s premier development stories.
Transporting Livestock in Idaho EIA MOU ID_WA_OR
***Please read below the word from the State of Idaho***
It means you no longer need a coggins test on your horse when traveling in or between IDAHO, OREGON & WASHINGTON. However, you DO need a Health Certificate signed by a veterinarian and a permit number (obtained thru a vet for Washington & Oregon). This is good news and should save everyone some time and money if just traveling the Northwest this summer!
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the states of Washington and Oregon to allow an exemption to the EIA test requirement on horses moving between the 3 states. The MOU is attached.
Effective April 6, 2015 – Equine moving between the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington are exempt from having a current EIA (Coggins) test prior to movement. All equine are still required to have an interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (iCVI or Health Certificate) prior to interstate movement. This testing exemption applies only to equine traveling between the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Please contact the ISDA with any questions at 208-332-8540.
The thing about scams and the people behind them is that they are often successful. Some scams are easy to spot, such as the Nigerian cousin you didn’t know you had who is in immediate and dire need of wired cash. The best scams — the ones that fool people — are more subtle, such as reckless efforts to convince Idahoans and other Western state residents that our public lands system is broken and that we all should give up our rights by transferring shared national lands to the states.
Arguments asserting states’ rights have been made to appeal to strong federalist sensibilities in Idaho. Statements that the federal system is broken and the state can fix it sound awfully appealing. But the state land grab isn’t about states’ rights; it’s about your rights to access your public lands.
Rarely do those in the west hold up Eastern states as places we ought to mimic. Advocates of taking away public land in Idaho have declared that Western states, unlike our fortunate Eastern brethren, got a raw deal when our country was formed, because we have less private and state land within our borders. According to these advocates, New Jersey and Maryland got it right, and Idaho got it wrong. In their view, having millions of acres where we all can camp, hike, fish and hunt without having to ask a landowner for permission means Idaho got it wrong.
Let me paint a picture of what it would be like if public lands are turned over to the state. Expect that all recreation uses will be subservient to extractive uses. State of Idaho lands are not public lands and are managed for maximum economic return, by constitutional mandate. Be ready for your favorite camping spot to be closed off, and don’t be upset if your hunting spot is now posted with a “no trespassing” sign. You may even find an oil rig or mining operation behind that sign.
Idahoans don’t travel to Maryland to go hunting, and rarely do we travel to New York to go camping. People from back East come here — and dream about the chance — to chase a wild bull elk or raft the Middle Fork of the Salmon, because we have what they don’t: access and wide-open spaces. We live in a place where money doesn’t buy your ability to hunt, fish, raft, bike, hike or ride your motorized vehicle. If you think the smoke and mirrors of state management won’t change that, think again.
The state Legislature has been “studying” the ability of the state to take public lands for the past two years. The state would have to either jack up taxes or sell public land to pay for management, because there is absolutely no way the state can afford to pay the estimated $111 to $390 million per-year cost to manage public lands. Sane minds would have thought it ended there, but recently the Idaho House of Representatives passed a compact bill (HB 265), joining other special interest lobbying groups, to spend your taxpayer dollars fighting to take your public lands. Just last week, Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch voted in favor of a budget measure that would facilitate the sale of public lands.
If this sounds crazy, it is. Yet the scam continues.
The next time your elected official tells you they support the state of Idaho taking over your public lands, tell them to keep their hands off your property. Public lands are yours and mine, and nobody has any business telling us what we can do with our land.
Brad Brooks is a longtime Idaho hunter, climber and outdoorsman. He works for The Wilderness Society in Boise.
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America protects our right to ride horses on public lands in a wide variety of ways across the country. They believe in putting a priority on the things that really matter, such as making our beautiful landscape accessible to all users and developing partnerships that help us accomplish that. BCH folks know there’s value in lending a hand, even on projects that don’t directly benefit horse users.
Building Relationships
Sometimes building relationships means pitching in even if you have to leave your horses at home. The Uinta Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah have been looking for ways to get involved with trail work in Dinosaur National Monument. This National Park Service property along the Colorado and Utah border consists of 210,000 acres of river canyons, mountains, and basins that support over a thousand different native species of plants and animals. The Utah side also boasts dinosaur fossils and the world renowned Carnegie Fossil Quarry.
Although horseback riding is not yet allowed in Dinosaur National Monument, the Uinta Basin Chapter BCH contacted the land managers to offer their assistance with trail maintenance. Because of Back Country Horsemen of America’s reputation, they were told a face-to-face meeting was not necessary and were asked to help with work on a hiking trail. Uinta Chapter Back Country Horsemen members met with hikers, youth volunteers, and NPS em¬ployees to build rock cairns and a rock stair step on the busy Sound of Silence hiking trail.
After a long work day, BCH members discussed with the land managers the possibility of a horse trail in Dinosaur National Monument and were invited to meet formally for further discussion. Lending a hand where it’s needed, regardless of personal interests, builds a rapport that benefits everyone. The Uinta Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah will continue nurturing this relationship, making a way for us to enjoy this stunning landscape by horseback.
Preserving History
Back Country Horsemen of America values our country’s past and welcomes opportunities to preserve it. Managers of the Salmon-Challis National Forest recently began restoration of the Norton Ridge Lookout in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This abandoned cabin sits on an open mountaintop at nearly 8500 feet elevation. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 to house fire spotters, it is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Treasure Valley Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho eagerly participated in the project which was carried out under the super¬vision of Archaeologist John Rose from the Challis office of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Their purpose was to begin the restoration work necessary to maintain the cabin’s historical value and for the use and enjoyment of the structure by the US Forest Service and the public.
Treasure Valley Chapter BCH’s first task was to pack in wood shingles to be stored inside the cabin for re-roof¬ing at a future date. They trucked their horses and equipment seven hours to the trailhead at Meyer’s Cove. From there, they rode and led their pack animals 14 miles along Camas Creek to the spot where it flows into the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The next day the group rode 11 miles upstream along the Middle Fork River to the Sim¬plot Ranch and airstrip, where the shingles were delivered by plane.
At this point, it was learned that the 11 mile trail from the airstrip to the cabin had not been cleared. Most of the TVBCH group spent four days clearing the trail and packing the shingles up to the cabin. It took another two days to pack out to the trailhead and return home. Despite the long trip and various challenges, the Treasure Valley Chapter of Back Country Horsemen enjoyed taking part in an important historic project.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.bcha.org; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Since 2009, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the University of Idaho 4-H Youth Development have
partnered to offer an educational opportunity and fundraiser for Idaho 4-H Horse Clubs. 4-H members gentle and train weanlings (ages 4 months to 8 months).
This year, eight 4-H horse clubs picked out weanling mustangs in February, to gentle and train. 4-H youth and their weanlings will compete at the Expo in an In-Hand Trail competition class in the D & B Supply Round Pen, on Saturday 2:45 – 3:30, and Sunday, 9:15 – 10:00.
A demonstration will also be held on Sunday, in the Boot Barn Main Arena, Noon – 1:00. These weanlings will be up for adoption, by silent auction, on Sunday, after 2:00 pm. All proceeds from the adoption over $25 will go back to the individual 4-H clubs to help cover the cost of the training program, and other events.
Through this hugely successful partnership, BLM has adopted over 100 wild mustangs to loving families and homes from across Idaho. The program has raised approximately $10,000 for the 4-H youth and their clubs’ activities.
Posted By Jessica Murri on Thu, Apr 2, 2015
Starting Monday, April 6, the Boise National Forest will have a new deputy forest supervisor. Sherri Schwenke is moving to Boise from the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, where she currently serves as the Hells Canyon District Ranger.
Schwenke’s CV working on public lands is substantial. She has worked as a staff officer on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, a district ranger on the Colville National Forest in Washington, a minerals assistant in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, and a forest landscape architect on the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. She’s worked closely with Native American tribes and Back Country Horsemen, restored a wilderness historic CCC lookout and worked to curb pine beetle infestations.
“I look forward to working with all the communities in the forest area, with the forest employees and with the many partners involved in public land management,” she said in a news release. “Working with people to attain land management goals resulting in landscapes where the resources are recognized and valued in a way that nourishes our economy, psyche and wonder is a desire I have in the new position.”
Boise National Forest public information officer David Olson told Boise Weekly that Schwenke’s position will put her in charge of developing the Boise National Forest’s budget as well as providing leadership over special projects.
“She’ll also partake in wildfire oversight,” Olson said. “She’s got qualifications that allow her to work with incident management teams for big fires.”
Schwenke will work under Cecilia Seesholtz, the Bosie National Forest Supervisor.
“I am looking forward to Sherri joining our team,” she said. “She brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experiences that lend themselves to providing support and leadership to the forest.”
Schwenke will move to Bosie with her husband and two children. She enjoys outdoor activities, playing a mix of musical instruments and reading.
Hello BCHI,
On behalf of TVBCH, I would like to invite members of BBCH AND SBBCH to a free and fun playday to be held April 25, 2015 in GreenLeaf. This is free and open to members only. Pack a lunch and come spend the day with us. We will try and wrap it up around 2pm so there will be plenty of time for a late afternoon ride. There are several trails within 30 to 45 minutes away.
Please call or email me with any questions.
Hope to see ya’ll and have a little fun.
Happy Trails: Tammie 208-989-4895 Teejnebeker@yahoo.com
Roland Cheek’s Stories Roland’s Facebook Page
About The Dogged and the Damned:
A tale inspired by the tragic story of a World War 11 combat soldier suffering the effects of what was, at the time, a little studied psychological impairment that, today, we call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It’s about a federal veterans psychiatric hospital and its well-meaning staff. And it’s about the soldier’s war at home as he repeatedly escaped confinement to live by his wits in the wilds. The story includes the efforts of a county law enforcement agency sometimes bewildered in its ongoing attempts to capture a fugitive the media sensationalized as a “Wild Man.” It’s a tale of people in a place and at a time when the author came to manhood amid that hospital’s nearby valleys and surrounding forest and mountains.
By ERIC MELSON
February 20, 2015
The next generations of conservationists want to hike and explore wild landscapes like the Boulder-White Clouds, just as the first travelers who discovered them. The only difference is we use fancier equipment.
My generation, the “millennials,” hikes, backpacks and floats the wilderness just like our forefathers have. But advances in materials and technology now allow us to go farther and lighter than ever before. You can now pack two weeks of food and gear into a 65-liter pack that weighs only 30 pounds. I know this because for the last six years I worked as a wilderness ranger in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and spent my summers backpacking while clearing trail with cross-cut saws and axes.
I consider myself a public servant, care taking wilderness for the benefit of all Americans. I love wild places just as much as anyone else, but that doesn’t mean I’ve sold off my mountain bikes because they’re nonconforming uses in wilderness.
The traditional conservation demographic has shifted. Instead of just backpackers, hunters, anglers, boaters and climbers speaking up for healthy landscapes, mountain bikers are voicing their concerns about access to and protection of America’s wild places. Adrenalin-fueled activities piloted by younger activists should now have a seat at the table. So what does that look like for the future of conservation and our beloved Boulder-White Clouds?
It means a community approach to management on a trail-by-trail basis. It means reaching across the table to negotiate for the benefit of the landscape – not to benefit a particular party or interest. It means being flexible, patient and professional.
The Wood River Bike Coalition working with the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), The Wilderness Society, Idaho Conservation League, Outdoor Alliance, along with numerous other organizations, 46 businesses, and local county and state officials all support a national monument because of its ability to reflect Idahoans’ broad interests. A monument delivers the conservation objectives, while also preserving prime recreational opportunities.
The Obama administration, like them or not, has proved it wants to hear and consider local sentiment before moving forward, and any action will be based off decades of local involvement. Well, the BWC have been a conservation topic for the last 40 years; Rep. Mike Simpson’s CIEDRA bill was introduced over a decade ago, and reintroduced several times since.
And while the latest iteration of CIEDRA is a noble attempt, it has yet to result in a bill that represents the full interests of Idahoans. Now more than ever, there are additional recreation pressures that need to be considered. National monument status is sensical, does not need legislative approval and has room to negotiate travel planning for all parties, especially mountain bikers.
The collaborative group has worked together to find a balance – ensuring sensitive areas get heightened protection to safeguard critical habitat, yet allowing mountain bikes to access some of the most distinctive backcountry rides in the country. This community-based approach is the future of conservation. A national monument is the Idaho solution.
The millennial generation has just as much, I would wager more, skin in the game to decide the future of the Boulder-White Clouds as any of the old guard. We’re the ones who will end up managing it, maintaining it and ultimately paying for it. And yes, it’s true, management comes at a price, but to us the price of protection in perpetuity is worth it. #MonumentsMatter #GetLoudForTheClouds
Eric Melson, of Boise, served as the Frank Church program director for the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation from 2010 to 2015. He is a graduate of Colorado State University.
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Our next National Monument: Idaho’s Boulder-White Clouds (Feb 27, 2015)
By former Rep. Larry LaRocco (D-Ida.)
Last week was historic with three more national monument designations: Pullman in Chicago, Honouliuli in Hawaii and Browns Canyon in Colorado. President Obama has now designated 16 national monuments using the executive authority of the Antiquities Act. The Antiquities Act gives the President authority to permanently protect places of natural, cultural and historic value and, as an Idahoan who loves the outdoors, I support the Boulder-White Clouds as national monument number 17.
The congressional efforts to save Central Idaho’s Boulder-White Clouds, the largest unprotected roadless area in the U.S. outside of Alaska, are dangerously stalled. And as a former staff member of Sen. Frank Church (D-Ida.) and former member of Congress myself, I fear further waiting won’t yield a favorable outcome. Church instilled in all of his staff a great passion for untrammeled public lands, a legacy that remains today. In his four terms from 1957 to 1981 representing Idaho in the U.S. Senate, Church was an influential leader on many fronts, but is perhaps best known for preserving much of Idaho’s spectacular wild lands and waters.
He was an integral player in the passage of the landmark Wilderness Act in 1964, one of America’s greatest conservation achievements. In Idaho, he led successful efforts to protect some of the state’s most treasured landscapes– Gospel Hump, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Sawtooth Wilderness and National Recreation Area, and later the River of No Return Wilderness, re-named the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in his honor. And he and his wife Bethine backed protection of the Boulder-White Clouds region.
The Boulder-White Clouds is considered one of the last best wild places in North America and deserves permanent protection. Fishing and hunting opportunities abound. There is a stunning array of animal species from chukar partridge to wolverine; rugged, alpine terrain for hikes and climbers alike. With the addition of the East Fork of the Salmon that provides abundant clean water, the area is a literal heaven for sportsmen and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Idahoans are grateful to Rep. Mike Simpson (R) for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Boulder-White Clouds for the past 11 years. Unfortunately, his bid to gain Wilderness status has repeatedly failed to gain traction in Congress. The gridlock shows no sign of breaking even now after he’s made several concessions to try to win support. This is no fault of the Congressman’s but rather another indicator of protracted congressional malaise.
After waiting for decades, I recently joined 43 of my former colleagues from Church’s office and asked Obama to protect Church’s legacy by proclaiming a Boulder-White Clouds National Monument. Church’s work isn’t over and it’s time Obama used his authority to protect one of the last “crowning jewels” of Idaho as a national monument.
LaRocco served in the House from 1991 to 1995 and was the author of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, PL 103-64.
SBBCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS/COMMITTEE MEETING
Sunday January 18, 2015
Agenda Notes respectfully submitted by Marybeth Conger, Sec Pro Tem
SBBCH Leadership Team Meeting Notes
From Evangeline Ann Adams and her family Christian, Rebecca, Linda & Rob to all BCHI members and friends.
One year ago, Laurie’s grand daughter Sophia was at the Aurora Colorado Children’s Hospital after she had fallen about 5 feet onto the concrete basement floor. She had an orbital fracture and a fractured skull and the biggest shiner ever. One year later she is asking Santa Claus for a horse and a set of guns so she can shoot balloons with her Grandma. Sophia and brother Emmett. Link to Laurie’s 2014 Christmas Story
Saturday, Dec 20, 2014, the BCHI President Karen Kinball drew the calendar winners for 2014 and delivered a Christmas surprise for two Squaw Butte members. Phil Ryan and Robbin Schindele both won $1000.00 gift cards in this years raffle. So remember as you’re selling calendars to keep a couple for yourself and don’t forget to mail in your cards!
2014 Calendar Winners (BCHI Web Site)
Jason Winters Middleton, Id
Robin Schindele Emmett, ID
Carol Young Boones Mill, VA
Bonnie Stacy Jerome, ID
Debi Riggin Walla Walla, WA
Ray Robinette Grangeville, ID
Les Chapman Meridian, ID
Brenda McRoberts Grangeville, ID
Cassidy Lindsey Meridian, ID
Sharon Katzke Caldwell, ID
Jo Hardy Grangeville, ID
Phil Ryan Emmett, ID
This is the link to the SDPB program. The first 10 minutes is on the Harney Peak Tower restoration project and the next five and a half minutes is on the Black Hills Back Country Horsemen of South Dakota.
Available Soon at the BCHA On-line Store
The Rose Parade and the week long series of events that precede it, are steeped in tradition and pageantry. Last year, 80 million people (including 55 million Americans) from 115 countries and territories worldwide watched the Rose Parade on television and streaming online. Three-quarters of a million people are expected to line the parade route along Colorado Boulevard this year. The backdrop of the parade, as it is every year, will be the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest.
In 1897, the first Forest Rangers in California rode out of Pasadena into the (then) San Gabriel Timberland Reserve. On January 1, an entourage of Forest Service Rangers in period uniforms and anchored by three traditional mule pack strings, will emerge from the forest and step onto Colorado Boulevard, representing all 35,000 employees and the thousands of volunteers who care for our national forests. The mule pack strings will be expertly guided by Region 5 packers Michael Morse, Lee Roeser and Ken Graves, who have an average of 37 years of experience in the saddle. As the centerpiece of our entry, Regional Forester Randy Moore will be joined in a vintage wagon by Chief Tom Tidwell, a national wilderness volunteer award winner and, of course, Smokey Bear. A crew of U.S. Forest Service wild land firefighters will also hike in the parade alongside the wagon and pack trains. A traditional color guard will lead the way.
The Rose Parade is a special event and we believe our entry is something for which all Forest Service employees can be very proud. It represents the culmination of many months of hard work and planning by the Region 5 Packers and many other employees and volunteers. In fact, there are currently employees from nine forests, the Regional Office (Public Services, FAM & PAC) and the Washington Office that are involved. Our entry is a celebration of many things. Key themes include the Wilderness 50th celebration, the historic role of packers in supporting wild land fire and other Wilderness operations and appreciation of our outstanding volunteers. More details on this in Update #2.
The Tournament of Roses (TOR) includes many associated events leading up to the parade and Rose Bowl game. One of these is the “Equestfest” which we’ll be participating in on December 29 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. This lively exhibition provides the audience an up-close view of each of the equestrian entries in the parade. For more information on the Equestfest and a complete list of TOR events and times, visit: www.tournamentofroses.com.
Interested in volunteering to support the Forest Service Rose Parade entry? Please contact Michael Morse by December 5th at 760-924-5511. This would be for work from December 27-31st.
The funeral mass for Ken Ausk will be December 13 at 11AM with prayer vigil at 10 and lunch to follow. The funeral will be at St Richard’s Catholic Church, 1210 9th Street West in Columbia Falls MT
Phyllis Ausk (Ken’s wife)
3020 Middle Road,
Columbia Falls MT 59912
khaos@bigsky.net
Ken’s daughters who are members of Back Country Horsemen
Keni and Ralph Hopkins
3115 Middle Road,
Columbia Falls MT 59912
rkhopkins@centurylink.net
Theresa and Tom Kolczak
PO Bos 3255
Columbia Falls MT 59912
tkolczak@centurytel.net
From Phyllis & Family to BCHA Members
To all the 14,000.00 members who made Ken’s life so much richer by your dedication to BCH. Many of you attended the service, sent beautiful cards and contributed to the beautiful flower arrangement. I and all of Ken’s family thank you for the kind words and outpouring of love you have shown us. Keep up the good work and have a Blessed Christmas.
Idaho Public Television’s Outdoor Idaho will end the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act at 7 p.m. Sunday with an hour-long special that appears to be spectacular.
The IPTV team went to every wilderness area in the state to examine the places, the issues, the controversies and the wonder that Idaho has in these special places. Many call us the wilderness state with reasons this television presentation makes obvious Read More
I never imagined myself undertaking a shopping experience of this nature and yet here I am, scrolling through online pages of justwalkers.com, perusing the latest fashion in clip on walker baskets. Here’s a cool one, I wonder if the plastic flower comes in camo?
The events leading to the root cause of this sudden interest in therapeutic medical devices yanks me back to the past approximately twenty years ago. To a time when I was young and likely thought myself invincible. I would learn that invincible meant one thing and breakable something altogether different. Read More
GARY HOLT and TINA MAE WEBER visit with JIM MCGARVEY chairman of BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN of AMERICA. What the recent agreement with BCHA and the National Park Service means to you, the Trail Rider!
2014 Developing The Next Generation of Conservationists Project List
2015-NextGen-RFP-Final-10-14-14
Response to the Ryan T Bell piece in Western Horseman on the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act
Ryan Bell Response (BCHA Letter to Editor – Western Horseman)
October 21, 2014 10:28AM
The horses from the Hard Trigger Wild Horse Herd Management Area will be available at the Boise Wild Horse Corrals off Pleasant Valley Road in south Boise.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Twenty-three wild horses gathered in southwest Idaho will available for adoption in Boise on Friday and Saturday.
Officials with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management say the horses from the Hard Trigger Wild Horse Herd Management Area will be available at the Boise Wild Horse Corrals off Pleasant Valley Road in south Boise.
Adoption hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday October 24, 2014 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday October 25, 2014.
The 2014 Extreme Mustang Makeover Champion Matt Zimmerman will conduct training demonstrations both days.
Those wishing to adopt a wild horse must be at least 18 years old, never have been convicted of animal abuse or cruelty, and have proper facilities and transportation. BLM Wild Horse Program
After a life threatening injury from a horse accident in August of 2011, I signed up for the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Not knowing if I was going to be physically able to train, but having the determination and the desire to reach my goals is what gave me the strength. A few quotes wandered my way about the time I was picking up my mustang and they read— “If you can dream it, you can believe it, then you can achieve it!” and “A champion wins first, then walks into the arena, and everyone else walks into the arena and tries to figure out what to do!”
My philosophy is that every horse must have trust before they can go on and accomplish anything. This is done by doing the correct groundwork to achieve respect and control of the horse without instilling fear. If the correct foundation is laid down from the beginning, then you will have a solid horse that will do anything for you and go anywhere you want without protest. I personally like to have all the horses that I start do a wide range of things so that they are diverse, because I feel it keeps the mind fresh and that keeps your horse wanting to be a willing partner. Plus, having a versatile horse gives you more options if some unforeseen thing happens and your horse can no longer compete in his specified field.
Extreme Mustang Makeover
The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility and trainability of these rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the BLM under federal law. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of the removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption. More than 3,300 wild horses have been adopted through Mustang Heritage Foundation events and programs since 2007
The story of a Chainsaw Chaps Injury (Blog Post)
Watch this Chap demonstration video
Chain Saw Safety – Training Video
Chainsaw Accident Statistic
Chainsaw Chaps Guide
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
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.
