How to Tie the Highwayman’s Hitch
How to tie the HIGHWAYMAN’S HITCH – Knot Tying Instructions
The Highwayman’s hitch is a quick-release hitch used for temporarily securing a load that will need to be released easily and cleanly, such as your horse! The hitch can be untied with a tug of the working end. The highwayman’s hitch can be tied in the middle of a rope, and so the working end does not need to be passed around the anchor, or rail, when tying or releasing.
Steps to Highwayman’s Hitch
1 – Double your rope to make the first bight in the rope and place the bight behind your rail.
2 – Make a second bight in the standing line and pass that bight through the first bight
3 – Take the working end and make a third bight.
4 – Pass the third bight through second and pull on the standing line to snug the knot.
The knot holds with tension on the standing part and can be released with a tug on the working end.
Tired of eating pre-package backpacking meals? Guest speaker Carrie Holmes, a certified health coach, wants to help YOU spice up your backpacking meals. She will cover general hiking and backpacking nutrition, incorporating plant-based options into your menu, and how to bring a cultural flair to your recipes. Carrie has done extensive research into foods and spices from other cultures and wants to help you create delectable meals that will make your hiking partners jealous.
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCOXG11Xcoc&feature=youtu.be
Link to PDF: ITA_Backpacking_Recipes
HOW TO USE ZOOM MOBILE APP ON YOUR IOS OR ANDROID PHONE step by step in 2020. I cover how to install zoom free app on your IOS or android phone for video conferencing. You will learn how to join a meeting and how to host a meeting on your phone. I will also take you through the user interface of the zoom mobile app.
ZOOM MOBILE APP ON YOUR PHONE :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOJkfflN8O4
FULL ZOOM DESKTOP TUTORIAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isp3qPeQ0E&t=1s
However, using the zoom app on your phone has its limitations. For example there are limited display options on the zoom mobile app. You can only have four faces on the same screen at a time whereas on the desktop you can have up to 25 participants on a single screen. The virtual background feature is only supported on IOS and you may not be able to record meetings on some phoneS. The zoom app, however is very convenient for informal virtual meetings and small group conferences. Thank you for watching and like the video if it is helpful.
You will receive a meeting invite by email with a meeting ID and Password prior to the meeting date. It will look something like this. Meeting will be short, typically around 30 minutes so if you have items you want to cover, please email Ron Fergie so he can add it to the schedule. Include briefly what you want to cover.
Rob Adams is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Squaw Butte BCHI
Time: Apr 23, 2020 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74462237852?pwd=d0VqWVBMVFVpN000Z2JDTlNSOGV5dz09
Meeting ID: 744 6223 7852
Password: 1pr6B1
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are found throughout both the foothills and forests of Idaho. Between 20,000 and 30,000 black bears roam these wild lands. These bears share space with a human population that is expected to grow by more than 15 percent during the next 10 years. This means that human/bear encounters will continue and likely increase.
Every year, Idaho Fish and Game Department staff respond to dozens of calls from citizens reporting bears that have become become attracted to — and then accustomed to — human food sources such as garbage, bird seed, and pet food. Though the bears are just following their sensitive noses to high-calorie foods, being in constant contact with people can cause them to lose their natural wariness of humans. Bears intent on getting a good meal can cause harm to someone who gets in their way. For this reason, Fish and Game staff are regularly forced to euthanize some bears that have become too comfortable around people. That’s treating the symptom, not the cause of the problem.
Idaho’s mountain towns are a great place for humans, but why do bears like them so much?
Bears spend approximately one-third of the year in their den, sleeping through winter. To prepare for this, they spend most of their time during summer and fall fattening up by consuming as many calories as possible.
Contrary to popular belief, more than 90 percent of most black bear diets consist of vegetation: berries, nuts and plants. A bear’s keen nose can smell foods up to five miles away!
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The battery-powered STIHL GTA 26 garden pruner is an innovative, versatile cutting tool for garden owners and will begin shipping in late 2019. The 10-centimeter guide bar and chain prunes small-diameter branches and cuts square and round timber. The tool is supplied with energy by a replaceable 10.8V rechargeable battery and is part of the new STIHL AS cordless system for private land and garden maintenance. This system also includes the new STIHL HSA 26 cordless shrub and grass shears which will be on the market in February 2020.
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Swedish Homestead
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We got our hands on Stihl’s smallest professional chainsaw, the MS201C. It is a light weight but yet powerful saw meant for smaller tasks like thinning young forests and cutting firewood. Here is what we though about it.
Check out our other reviews:
Stihl MS462: https://youtu.be/6XJSekItbUQ
Husqvarna 572XP: https://youtu.be/Ge-LQ-MLJ_k
While falling a dangerous tree, a faller was struck by its top section and fatally injured. The tree was severely decayed, causing it to be unstable and to fall in an unintended direction.
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READ the Whole Story: solar power for your trailer
This is Part 1 of 5 of the Crosscut Saw Filer. Warren Miller, author of the Crosscut Saw Manual, learned to file crosscut saws from Martin Winters, accomplished filer from the days when the crosscut saw reigned. Warren began filing saws in the 1970s and continues to pass on his knowledge at saw filing workshops today. USDA Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center, 1123-2D03-MTDC.
Traditional Tools & Skills
Information provided in this toolbox is intended to support the use of Traditional Tools and Skills for administrative activities in wilderness. A process for determining the minimum requirement and minimum tool is described and information and training resources are provided. The toolbox features sections on common traditional tools (i.e. saws, axes, rigging, grip hoists, rock tools, etc.), travel methods (i.e. livestock, watercraft, sled dogs, etc.), and project examples (i.e. trails, weeds, etc.). To suggest new materials for inclusion, email Lisa Ronald at lisa@wilderness.net. Date of last update: 11/26/2018.
Introduction
Overview
The use of traditional tools and skills (TTS) for necessary administrative activities in wilderness is a basic principle of wilderness stewardship. The basis for this principle is found in the Wilderness Act itself and implemented through agency regulations and policy. The use of TTS or non-motorized tools and methods is directly related to both the purpose and the definition of wilderness as described in the Wilderness Act and agency policy.
Information provided in this toolbox is intended to support the use of TTS for administrative activities in wilderness. The use of TTS is mandated by both the Wilderness Act and agency policy and exceptions are made only when the use of motorized equipment or other prohibited uses are screened through narrow criteria. Comfort, convenience, economic efficiency, and commercial value are not standards of management in wilderness or criteria that are used to screen proposals to use something other than TTS. Assumptions about the use of TTS are often not true and can be overcome. Additional information and a process for making decisions related to use of TTS skills is contained in the Minimum Requirements Decision Guide.
Training and Information Contacts
- FS Regional Trainers and Information Contacts
- Ninemile Wildlands Training Center
- Missoula Technology Development Center Publications
- Student Conservation Association Traditional Skills Training
- Lightly on the Land-SCA Trails Manual
- Volunteer and Partner Training sources
- FS Regional Blasters Contact List
- BWCAW Trail and Campsite Maintenance Guide
Happy New Year! Wanted to make sure you were aware the Forest Service’s National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program webpage is live. It should hopefully provide a site for you to get all the FS saw information consolidated such as FS Saw Policy, PPE requirements, complexity charts, and the 5 step cutting process. The new curriculum will be posted here once it becomes finalized. I look forward to a great 2020 season and hope to see you all at some point this year. Thanks and please let me know if you have any questions. Brian Burbridge, Region 4 Saw Program Manager brian.burbridge@usda.gov
Please share widely. If you have comments on the page, please send them to National Saw Program Manager Pete Duncan at pete.duncan@usda.gov
https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/trails/trail-management-tools/national-saw-program
National Saw Program Technical Advisory Group (SPTAG)
The SPTAG is made up of national and regional saw program managers as well as other subject matter experts who provide guidance for consistent implementation of the National Saw Program.
National and regional saw program managers contact information…
Sawyer Training
New crosscut and chainsaw training modules will be available soon. The module-based training focuses on “Developing a Thinking Sawyer” and emphasizes risk management, human factors, and sawyer safety. Forest Service sawyers can still attend approved training courses until the new program is finalized.
Contact your local unit saw program for training opportunities. National and regional training workshop announcements will be added to this page. Check back for updates!
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing the proper PPE is critical when operating a chainsaw or crosscut saw. Follow these guidelines for required PPE when using a saw…
Sawyer Certification Levels
Forest Service employees, volunteers, partners, and cooperators can obtain 4 levels of certification for chainsaw and crosscut saw operation under the new saw policy:
Related Reference Materials
- Five-Step Cutting Process
- Determining Complexity
- Complexity Chart
- Hazard Trees and their Target Zone
- The Crosscut Sawyer (University of Montana Online Training)
- Inspecting and Repairing Chainsaw Chaps
Have a question?
Contact the Forest Service Saw Program at sm.fs.fssawprogram@usda.gov.
Tourniquet – Life saving equipment – hemorrhaging is the leading cause of preventable death in tactical and non-tactical trauma situations VIDEO
- Life saving equipment] – hemorrhaging is the leading cause of preventable death in tactical and non-tactical trauma situations
- Patent pending finger hole design for better grip in mud, blood
- No-curl tip – for the largest patients the no-curl tip resists pealing when matters most
- Apply a second tourniquet to stop difficult arterial bleeding
- New gen 3 us made kevlar stitching, aluminum windlass, aggressive teeth pinch buckle prevents strap pealing
QuikClot First Aid Advanced Clotting Sponge
- QuikClot stops bleeding 3 times faster than blood on its own
- Tested and proven in years of combat use by the U.S. military
- Pre-hydrated zeolite clotting agent does not contain botanicals or animal and human proteins
- Easily conforms to wounds; simply apply the sponge to the source of the bleeding and apply pressure
- The compact size allows you to add QuikClot to your medical supplies, glove box, or emergency kit
- VIDEO
ZipStitch Laceration Kit – Surgical Quality Wound Closure VIDEO
- WHEN YOU CAN’T STITCH IT, ZIP IT! This product contains the following: 1 ZipStitch device to close minor lacerations up to 1.5”, 1 alcohol wipe to clean the wound area, 1 gauze pad to help control bleeding and 1 bandage to cover and protect the closed wound, supplies for one wound. ZIPSTITCH is only 1.5″ so bring it along for that extra peace of mind in any situation where cuts may occur.
- IT’S EASY TO USE AND EFFECTIVE: The intuitive Zip closure allows you to close minor lacerations in seconds with no pain or puncturing of the skin and is proven to be 8X stronger and leave less scarring than stitches, specially-designed adhesive lasts for up to 7 days
Every member of a volunteer trail crew who operates a chainsaw or crosscut on public land need to complete USFS sawyer training. This is the same training that USFS seasonal employees are required to complete and is designed to keep the crews safe. In years past this training was only available directly from the USFS, but due to the 2016 Saw Policy revision FSM 2358.05 it is now possible for organizations like Back Country Horsemen members with proper training and endorsements to train Trail Volunteers.
The 2016 National Saw Policy applies to all activities on National Forest System lands (NFS) that involve the use of saws, unless a separate interagency agreement covers that activity. The Forest Service Saw Program provides direction on qualifications, training, evaluation, and certification requirements for Forest Service employees, volunteers, Training Consultants, and cooperators using saws on NFS lands.
A Sawyer. An apprentice sawyer who may saw only in the least complex situations or, for training purposes, at the next higher level and in either case only under the immediate supervision of a B or C Sawyer qualified to supervise the work.
B Sawyer ̶ Bucking Only An intermediate Sawyer who may independently buck and limb any size material in moderately complex situations within the restrictions noted on the sawyer’s National Sawyer Certification Card and who may saw at the next higher level, but only under the immediate supervision of a sawyer qualified to supervise the work.
C Sawyer ̶ Bucking Only An advanced sawyer who may independently buck and limb any size material in highly complex situations based on the Regional Saw Program Manager’s or Saw Program Coordinator’s written recommendation, which must be supported by demonstrated advanced saw knowledge and skills and, in most cases, certification as a B Sawyer (FSM 2358.1, ex. 02); who may conduct classroom and field training within their skill level for A and B Sawyers; and who may conduct field proficiency evaluations within their skill level for A Sawyers and B Sawyers ̶ Bucking Only
Back Country Horsemen of Idaho has a number of members who have completed the required training, have the experience and required endorsements and have been conducting classes working in partnership with the USFS in region 1 and 4.
Certification need to be renewed every three years, so if your certification card has expired or doesn’t look like this, you need to attend a sawyer workshop in 2020. Contact one of the Sawyer instructors listed above to learn about a training opportunity near by.
Link to Website
For Back Country Horsemen of Oregon Demonstrations BCHA Demonstrations
Randy Rasmussen, BCHA Partnering for Generational Stewardship of Wilderness
Filmed in cooperation with the Bridger-Teton National Forest, this video goes over ethical practices
This video goes over ethical practices for low-impact recreating on backcountry public lands. When your enjoying your forests, remember whatever you pack in, you need to pack out. Leave nothing but your footprints. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams to protect the watersheds. Try to avoid having campfires at all, but if you do have a campfire make sure you have cleared fuels down to mineral soil and when you leave, make sure it is dead out and cool to the touch. If you use rocks to make a fire ring make sure to dismantle the ring. Hang your food in bear country at 100 yards from your camp, at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any horizontal structures. Leave your forest cleaner than you found it. PLAY VIDEO
911, when Cell phones are not an option
On Wednesday August 7, 2019 Lisa was thrown from her horse while on a pack trip with other BCHI members in the Frog Lake area of the Bolder White Cloud Wilderness. Many of the members on this trip had attended one or more Wilderness First Aid training opportunities and their training kicked it. It was quickly determined that Lisa had suffered a major trauma with possible injury to her head, neck, back and pelvic regions. It was obvious that advance medical treatment was called for and air evacuation was her best option.
Accident > inReach[SOS] > GEOS Response Center > Idaho State Comm’s > Life Flight dispatch > Advanced medical help arrives
On Sunday May 26, Sweet had a thunderstorm. This storm dumped a lot of water which made the volcanic clay in my pasture slick. The thunder got my little herd of horses zooming around said pasture and my mustang Payette lost his footing and slid into a New Zealand high tension fence, breaking off three fiberglass poles and getting himself tangled up it in. In the process of getting loose he cut his right hind leg.
I gave Madison a call on what should have been a day off and he happened to be in Emmett and agreed to stop by. We cleaned up the wound and attempted to put some stitches in, but the skin was mostly scar tissue from a previous accident and would not hold. The plan was to change the wrap every three day and after two weeks shift to an open air wound dressing if he was healing up with out complication or infection. This picture is after 7 days and looks pretty good This next picture is after two weeks, and at first glance looks worse than at one week, but what you see is new healthy tissue. At this point we stopped covering it and switched to Madison’s favorite wound dressing for this type of injury. You buy a 22 oz container of RAW honey and mix in two table spoon of powdered Alum. Once a day you slather the honey mixture over the wound. The honey protects the wound from infection and promotes healthy tissue and hair growth. I will update this post after four weeks to show the results. By the way, Payette is moving like he had never gotten tangled in that fence. I expect him to be ready to go to work the the second weekend in July.
06/27/2019 – 30 days after he was hurt, two weeks of the honey treatment. No proud flesh, healing nicely
inReach Webinar – What Happens When You Trigger an SOS?
You plan to avoid emergencies, but they do occur. In this instructional webinar led by Chip Noble, senior product manager at Garmin, and Emily Thompson, emergency operations manager at GEOS, we discussed what happens when you trigger an SOS. We also covered the SOS functionality on inReach devices, how the IERCC at GEOS coordinates a rescue response and steps you can take to help aid in your rescue.
PDF files of the presentation:
What Happens When You Trigger an SOS?
Video Presentation:
What Happens When You Trigger an SOS?
Introduction to Core inReach Features
In this instructional webinar led by Chip Noble, senior product manager at Garmin, we reviewed the core inReach features to help you get the most out of your inReach experience. Topics included setting up and sending messages, adding contacts, creating routes and waypoints, navigation, tracking, using MapShare™, requesting weather forecasts, and more.
Sawyer Safety Workshop – Sunday May 19, 2019 09:00 to 16:00 (Educational Event)
Location: Classroom: Rob & Linda Adams, Sweet, ID
Sawyer safety review and training class for new sawyers and current sawyers. “A”&”B” Sawyers
If you are currently a sawyer or would like to be, plan on attending this class room safety review.
Pictures from Past Training Events 2015 2010
All who are planning to attend should review the Sawyer Training Manual Chapter 1-3
Contact: Rob Adams 208-781-0548 projects@sbbchidaho.org
May 2019 – “C” Bucker Sawyer Training This week Charles Chick & Rob Adams completed “C” bucker training and received USFS accreditation to train and evaluate volunteer sawyers under the USFS program.
A Sawyer – Apprentice Sawyer Bucking Only. These sawyers must be supervised by a B or C skill level sawyer (supervising within their individual restrictions) during saw work activity in the least complex situations. Sawyers at this level may perform at the next higher level under the immediate supervision of a sawyer qualified at the higher level. Re-evaluation schedule: yearly.
B Sawyer – Intermediate Sawyer Bucking Only. These sawyers may work independently during saw work activity, and may cut any size material in moderately complex situations. Sawyers at this level may perform at the next higher level under the immediate supervision of a sawyer qualified at the higher level. Re-evaluation schedule: every 3 years.
Any member not listed above who in interested in learning about operating a chainsaw or working around someone who is should attend our Sawyer Safety workshop!
Ask anyone who attended last year, it is worth your time and is fun.
The Git-It-Done team of Lisa Griffith, Janine Townsend, Janelle Weeks, Shelly Duff and Kelly Ragland present a six hour clinic at the Emmett public arena on a perfect spring day. Twenty six members and guest attended. Including members from a local Boys Scout troop who will be working with Squaw Butte on our National Trails Day project. The woman have been planing this clinic for months and put together a great program of both hands on and demonstrations and lectures of what stock packing is and how you can use your stock to explore the back country.Lisa Griffith started the clinic explaining the goals and how the day would progress, Janine Townsend talked about basic equipment and stock care, Shelly Duff discussed different packing saddles and there use and correct fit on your pack stock. Janelle Weeks did a spellbinding presentation on how to “back pack” on your riding horse. Just like magic, she pulled a complete outfit out of her saddle bags, that included tent, sleeping bag, pad, spare cloths, first aid and personal items, cooking equipment and food. Total weight 23 pounds.Kelly Ragland talked about first aid and kits for both humans and stock and that completed the morning session. Phil Ryan had grilled hot dogs, chips and drinks ready and the group enjoyed a great lunch. The team than brought the star of the show, Bubba the mule on stage and fitted a pack saddle on him, loaded boxes and an H-Pack and with the help of a couple of scouts pack him. We then broke up into groups and working with the “Blue” mules practiced a number of the items that had been discussed and answered a lot of great questions.
As the snow continues to melt across Central Oregon, outdoors enthusiasts of all types are getting increasingly eager to venture out onto dirt trails.
Hikers, runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders are all ready to enjoy spring on the area’s seemingly endless network of paths.
But before they do so, perhaps a refresher on trail etiquette is in order. Yes, the Bend area is growing and the trails are getting more use. But knowing how to react when you encounter another trail user — and knowing the rules regarding dog-leash restrictions and muddy trails — can greatly add to everybody’s enjoyment of our renowned trail system.
Right of way
The yellow upside-down triangle sign that is affixed to trees on certain trails where there might be conflict among users offers perhaps the simplest explanation for who yields to whom: Mountain bikers yield to both pedestrians and equestrians; all user groups yield to equestrians.
This is mostly for safety reasons, as some horses can spook easily and knock their riders off if a mountain biker or runner comes whizzing by without yielding or warning.
“It’s always good to communicate with a person on horseback and get some feedback,” says Jana Johnson, dispersed recreation team leader for the Deschutes National Forest. “And to be ready to dismount if you can or to get off the trail. Yeah, some horses get spooked if someone comes around a corner quickly. But they all react in different ways depending on the horse. There’s some hazards associated with that.”
At areas such at Horse Butte, just east of Bend, encounters between mountain bikers and horseback riders are fairly common. Other high-use areas, such as the Phil’s Trail network west of Bend, do not have as much equestrian use.
At some popular areas, such as Peterson Ridge near Sisters and Maston near Tumalo, separate trails have been built for mountain bikers and horseback riders.
“Most of our trails are multiple use, so it’s always a good idea to follow the yield sign, but also a friendly gesture to say hello to other user groups,” Johnson says. “I find that can just send a message, that hey, we’re all out here enjoying the same thing and we can all enjoy it together by being respectful to each other. The trails are starting to dry out now and become snow-free. People are definitely starting to get out now.”
Woody Keen, trails program director for the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and a retired professional trail contractor, says mountain bikers ride different trails accordingly. If they are riding a one-way trail in the Phil’s system they are unlikely to encounter a horseback rider, hiker, or other mountain biker. But if they are riding, for instance, the Metolius-Windigo Trail or the Deschutes River Trail, they know they are likely to come across hikers or horseback riders.
“When I’m out riding the Deschutes River Trail, which is predominantly a hiking trail, my reactions need to be different than in the same situation on Phil’s Trail,” Keen says.
He adds that trail users should also be cognizant of the predominant user group and which user group was responsible for designing and building the trail they are on.
“Understand who’s actually taking care of the trails,” Keen says. “I think that goes a long way, giving that respect. Understand how these trails came to be. I think that would go a long way toward helping to reduce potential conflict. We need to figure out how to get along and reduce conflict through better education and more signage, and better camaraderie on working on that common trail.”
As mountain biking continues to grow in popularity in Central Oregon, encounters among bikers are increasingly common. The main rule is that the rider traveling uphill has the right of way.
That can be confusing for several reasons. For starters, many of our trails in Central Oregon are relatively flat. Also, does that mean uphill in general, as in riding west of Bend toward the Cascade Range? No, says Keen. It means any uphill section.
“If you’re going west, you’re generally going uphill, but there are places where you’re going downhill,” Keen says. “Coming back toward town (Bend), you generally are descending. The key is just looking ahead and expecting other users and respecting other users. It’s situation specific.”
Dogs
Keen says that one of the most prevalent types of user conflicts recently has been off-leash dogs versus on-leash dogs.
The vast majority of the Deschutes National Forest allows off-leash dogs. According to the U.S. Forest Service, from Nov. 1 to May 1, dogs are allowed on all but 1 % of the Deschutes National Forest. The area where dogs are not allowed is located north of the Cascade Lakes Highway (west of Bend) and includes areas accessed by the Virginia Meissner, Swampy Lakes, Vista Butte and Dutchman sno-parks.
During the summer, about 54 miles of the 1,200 miles of trails on the forest have an on-leash requirement, according to the Forest Service. These trails include the Three Sisters Wilderness Area between the South Sisters Climbers Trail and Todd Lake from July 15 to Sept. 15. Also, dogs must be leashed on a portion of the Deschutes River Trail (between Benham Falls and Meadow Camp) from May 15 to Sept. 15, except when entering or exiting water sources to swim and play.
Muddy trails
Many trails remain covered in snow and ice, and some are muddy from a combination of snowmelt and rainfall. Trail users are advised by both the Forest Service and COTA to stay off muddy trails, because using them can leave ruts from footprints, tire marks, or horse hooves that dry and harden later in the spring.
“Wait until they drain and firm up a little more, and dry out,” Johnson says. “Those ruts can last for a long time.”
Mountain bikers can check bendtrails.org for information on conditions of area trails.
“It was a pretty long winter — it still is,” Keen says. “I get that people want to go recreate on dirt trails. I understand that. But we ask people to use good judgment and if you observe that you are leaving tread damage because the trail is too soft, turn around and go somewhere else.”
—Reporter: 541-383-0318,
mmorical@bendbulletin.com
http://www.bbsp.org/ https://www.facebook.com/bogusbasinskipatrol/
Service and Safety
Written by Carol Peterson
Service and Safety……………….Since the inception of the National Ski Patrol by Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole in 1938, “Service and Safety” has been the NSP motto. Keeping people safe on the mountain and during other outdoor activities is the mission of every patroller wearing the red jacket with the white cross on back.
Could you be a patroller? Would you like to become a member of an organizations whose core values are Excellence, Service, Camaraderie, Leadership, Integrity and Responsiveness? Life happens and the patrol is continually looking for snow sport enthusiasts willing to give their time and skills to help recreationalists be safer during their outdoor pursuits.
The Bogus Basin Ski Patrol is a mostly volunteer organization that primarily provides support for the Bogus Basin Mountain Resort non profit organization that is entrusted with the stewardship of the ski area by the U.S. Forest Service. The support we provide is emergency first aid services. We respond, assess, treat, package, and transport to higher medical authority. Now that we have the technical accurate description out of the way, we can talk about what is ‘under the hood’. Basically, we are a large family. After the shared adversity of enduring the 15 months that it takes to become a patroller, you really get to know your fellow candidates, the patrollers that train you, and the whole patrol family.
Do I need prior medical or emergency medical care experience?
No. The patrol training program begins with the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) training course. This is a comprehensive class and practical training program that has been developed and refined over the years by the National Ski Patrol. It is intense and requires good personal study habits. You must, ultimately, successfully demonstrate that you have learned the knowledge and are able to perform the treatment skills that this course covers in a series of written and practical tests. So while prior experience is a benefit the curriculum requires only that you make a strong commitment to learn – and succeed in doing so.
On April 6, 2019 eleven Squaw Butte members joined five Bogus Basin Ski Patrol members lead by Karen King to take a one day version of their “OEC” Outdoor Emergency Care training course. This very hands on course is tailored by Karen and her team to target the types of medical emergencies that Back Country Horsemen might encounter on the trail, and what steps to take and what not to do, until the injured party is delivered to higher medical assistance.
The BBSP team would demonstrate and then we would break up into small groups and practice the procedure, during which questions were ask, suggestions made and techniques learned. 2019 Outdoor First Aid Class SummaryCoffee and snacks were available to fuel attendees and during the short lunch break we grabbed by the slice pizza from a shop near by. During the whole day, Bogus Basin staff selling season passes and taking in rental ski packages could hear the laughter through the walls of the training room. If you have not attended one of these classes, it is highly recommended you do in the future, you will greatly increase your knowledge and have a great time doing it.
John Hogge, U-of-I Extension Area Educator – Presenter at the Convention
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2332&context=extension_curall
For the 10th year the south western Idaho chapters of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, Boise, Squaw Butte and Treasure Valley have manned a BCHI information booth at the Idaho Sportsman show at the Expo Idaho grounds. As in years past our booth was next to Public Land Agencies, the US Forest Service and BLM. Our display generated a lot of interest, with lots of questions about the various pictures and the trail safety posters. We handed out lots of information about BCHI, and the ITA (Idaho Trails Association) who partners with our chapters on wilderness projects. Thank you to the members of the Boise and Treasure Valley chapters who stood booth shifts, and to the Squaw Butte Members, David Benson, Charles & Lorraine Chick, Shannon Schantz, Nancy Smith, Arlynn Hacker, Phil Ryan, Carmen Tyack, Bill Holt, Rob Adams and Bill & Marybeth Conger.
Marybeth Conger
BCHI Education chair
208-236-0769
education-chair@bchi.org
Subject: Fwd: Sawyer Certification Program
Dear Directors and Presidents,
Attached to this email you will find a file containing a completed application to establish a Sawyer Certification Program for Back Country Horsemen of Idaho according to the Forest Service Saw Policy, Forest Service Manual 2358.
Rob Adams of the Squaw Butte Chapter presented this application process at the September Board Meeting based on application information he had received from Oregon and California BCH.
Since the Board meeting, I have spoken with Pete Duncan who is the National Saw Program Manager. Mr. Duncan stated that BCH of California, Oregon and Washington all have approved programs under this policy. He would like to see Back Country Horsemen of Idaho have a Certification Program in place as well. Mr. Duncan said Back Country Horsemen of Idaho must have an approved Sawyer Certification Program in place in order to train and certify ourselves under the USFS Saw Policy.
The short version of the Sawyer Certification Program is as follows:
1. The Forest Service (USFS) will certify “C” Sawyer/evaluators.
2. Then BCHI “C” Sawyer/BCHI-Sawyer Package 12-31-2018 will train and certify other BCHI members as either
A or B Sawyers depending on experience and abilities.
3. Eventually, BCHI “C” Sawyer/evaluators will be able to certify new “C” sawyer/evaluators.
4. BCHI Education Chair or his/her designee will enter training records directly into the USFS
data base.
The only change for current “C” sawyer/evaluators that have been conducting classes is their completed evaluation forms would now be submitted to the BCHI Saw Program Coordinator rather than their local FS Districts.
Once approved, this Sawyer Certification Program will cover the entire state of Idaho. Also, since the training records are entered in the national USFS data base, our sawyers can volunteer in any state or USFS Region.
I will be seeking Board approval at the March Board meeting. Please review this with your Chapter members as soon as possible, and contact me with any questions and/or concerns.
Thank you,
Bill Conger, Chairman