05. October 2017 · Comments Off on BCHA President’s call notes – September 2017 · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Current Events


BCHA President’s call notes
respectfully submitted by Marybeth Conger, BCHI Alt National Director

On 9/ 27/ 17 I participated in BCHA Presidents ‘phone conference covering a variety of BCHA topics and activities. It is just amazing to me, to see and hear about all the outstanding work BCHA continues to do for us. Idaho was very well represented on this conference, as Amy attended too. Anyways, here are some of highlights that stood out:

Chairman Report, Freddy Dunn- BCHI should continue to pay for their national directors to attend the national board meeting. Regarding funding, consider adding a line to your membership application to make additional donation.
Treasurer’s report- As of August, current income is ahead of expenses. BCHA may have a slight expense overage by the end of year. BCHA is working to developing simpler reports for use during the fiscal year.

It is the recommendation of the BCHA Legacy Committee, that BCHA to consider opening of a stock brokerage account for BCHA to receive stock and bond donations. The Executive committee is researching to see if this action would impact current BCHA by-laws and/ or governance rules.

Public Land Report- (Note- I am only reporting on what was presented at the NATIONAL level. BCHI’s amazing Public land reps will continue to report and make recommendations about land issues in their areas.)

• Congressional champion identified who is willing to promote increase in Forest Service trails funding (CMTL) in Fiscal Year 2018. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley sits on the appropriations committee, so we have an advocate in the relevant subcommittee.

• CMTL currently slated to get $77 million in the House bill (a $2 million cut from 2017 level). The Land and Water Conservation Fund is up for reauthorization by Congress. LWCF has benefited Trail access. It has been used for purchasing conservation easements, purchasing land outright and we would like calls made re supporting its reauthorization and full funding. Bipartisan-supported bills now that would do this are HR 502 and S 569. Alabama, Montana, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee will lose out on trail related projects next year if LWCF funding cut as proposed by House (only $275 million, when last year it was$400 million.

Bikes in Wilderness Bill (HR 1349), the good news is there’s been no further action on the bill. BCHA is working with the American Horse Council, who is meeting with the house natural resources committee staff. The committee has other priorities that they want to get passed. BCHA will continue to track the bill.

Back Country Horsemen of America has added to its value to members by offering excess
Equestrian liability insurance through Equisure . The liability policy is available to BCHA
individual and family members in good standing and covers excess personal liability up to $1
million. Cost for the policy is $20 for individual and $40 for family BCHA members.
To purchase a policy or to learn more visit: https://bcha.site-ym.com/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=584459.

Should anyone wish to review the actual minutes, I will be happy to make those available. Please take a minute to check out the BCHA website that contains a wealth of information. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to attend this meeting as BCHI’s Alternate Director. See you on the trail!

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