Backcountry Musings – Page 9 – Squaw Butte Blog, Library & Chapter History

PUG – Legacy Trails Funding Granted

22. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands, Trail Volunteer Groups

.We are very excited to announce that the Pulaski Users Group has been awarded funding from American Trail’s Legacy Trails Program. PUG has been awarded $48,000 from the Legacy Trails Program, administered by American Trails, for the re-establishment of the Johnson Creek area in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).

This funding will allow us to re-establish a number of USFS system trails starting from the Graham Trailhead on the northwestern side of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) up to Pat’s Lake. These trails provide alternative access to the remote and very wild western portion of the SNRA. The Johnson Creek Trail portion to Pat’s Lake has not received maintenance, Forest Service or other, since the 1990’s, and is in desperate need of attention. The lack of a clearly defined trail is promoting user created trails and river crossings which is negatively impacting the watershed. This project will benefit recreational users, future wildland firefighting efforts, and limit sedimentation and erosion. PUG crews will work closely with USFS staff over the course of the next two summers on this project.

MAP:

Trail Descriptions: GrahamTH-JohnsonCreek-PatsLake

Interested in learning more or want to volunteering on this project? Shoot us a message! PRESS RELEASE

BCHI 2023 – Leadership Contact List

17. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Trail work after a wildfire

14. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Rebuilding Trails after a Wildfire

June 29, 2022

Rebuilding Trails after a Wildfire

Unfortunately, it’s a story that repeats itself every year—wildfire racing across the landscape. As forests burn, post-wildfire recovery is becoming the norm for trail maintainers across the U.S. as these fires take a toll on popular recreation areas and natural resources. Rebuilding trails is imperative for continued use.

rebuilding trails The devastation that comes when you learn of a wildfire burning in a beloved area that holds fond memories is traumatic. Fires can mean a tragic loss of lives or homes. And we’re left wondering what the area will look like once the flames are extinguished. Fire changes an environment; understory vegetation is destroyed, trees are torched, and trails become moonscapes of ash.

Wildfire is an essential part of a natural landscape. But it is undeniable that wildfires can negatively impact outdoor recreation resources. In these cases, post-fire restoration can be crucial to prevent further damage and spur recovery.

The already astronomical price tag of wildfire suppression is projected to increase over the next decade. It comes at a cost to other Forest Service programs. Most of the Forest Service’s budget is spent fighting fires, not restoring those acres that have burned. Volunteer efforts are needed to maintain fire-damaged trails.

In the past several years, fire recovery has been an increasing part of Back Country Horsemen’s work to keep trails open and accessible for equine use. BCH crews work closely with land managers to ensure that trail maintenance positively impacts landscapes after a wildfire.

The Work that is Done

If you’re unfamiliar with trail work and rebuilding trails, you might be wondering, “What sort of work is needed on trails after a wildfire, and why is that work so important?”

When a BCH volunteer team attacks a fire rehab project, the first order of business generally includes removing blow-downs from the trail corridor. Fire-scorched trees with compromised root systems tend to topple due to wind and weather, making it very challenging for those on horseback to get down the trail. Riding around sections of blow creates a maze of “social” trails, increasing erosion of the main throughway. By clearing blow down, we’re making the ride more manageable and more enjoyable, and keeping all users on the same path reduces the impact on the land.

Once the deadfall is removed, tread and erosion control measures are tackled. “Tread” is the trail – the hardened surface our ponies travel on. Tread, as all horsemen know, is frequently studded with roots. Many of those roots burn during a fire, leaving dangerous holes in the tread. Sweating BCH volunteers fill each of those holes to keep the trail safe for stock use.

Erosion control measures are undertaken once the deadfall is cleared and the holes filled. Post-fire trails without these structures can soon turn into vast trenches where the sides of the trail brush against your horse’s belly. These constructions are built with native stone, timber, and sweat.

How You Can Help

Once you understand the work that must be accomplished after wildfire rolls through, it’s essential to appreciate how it is executed. Many BCH volunteer work projects take place in designated Wilderness, where only non-motorized tools are permitted. Wilderness trail work takes you back to a time before mechanization. Fallen trees are removed with crosscut saws powered by muscle, trail tread is re-built with well-worn picks, and water bars are installed with shovels and grit.

The sweat-stained clothes of trail crew volunteers remind us that repairing trails after a wildfire is hard work. Still, the miles of new and improved trails are a valuable reward to every trail user. Please think of the efforts that volunteers put into keeping your trail system open. Consider helping keep your trails open by joining a trails advocacy organization, such as Back Country Horsemen. Even if you don’t have the horsepower to muscle a Pulaski, you can still assist in many ways. Trail work support can be helping coordinate resources and calendars to feeding the volunteers at a base camp.

Easy Deworming -Trail Meister

14. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Deworming used to be an ordeal that neither the horses nor I enjoyed. I would sneak up to the horse, grab the halter tight, and jam the dewormer tube in his mouth. It was a vain attempt to get the job done quickly before the inevitable fight. Not only did this make the horse defensive, but it also made the process downright dangerous. Deworming days were dreaded by all involved. It doesn’t have to be.

I now look at deworming as an ongoing process, not an event to be avoided. If you take the time to make administering oral medications a regular part of your routine, the process can become much more manageable and worry-free. My goal is for deworming to be a casual kind of event. No worries, no fuss, and most importantly, no drama. Here’s how I get my animals to relax and accept their meds.

1 – Accept the Tube

The first step is getting him used to having the tube around him. I rub an empty applicator all over him. If he fights it, I hold the tube on him until he stops resisting then I take it away. Approach and retreat are key here. As soon as the horse stops moving, I remove the tube. I’ve had horses where at first, I couldn’t even approach them with the tube. In those cases, I start by just standing near them and then slowly progress to touching them. Take your time and be relaxed.

2 – Add the Sweet Stuff

Once your horse can tolerate having an empty tube resting on his face without any fuss, it’s time to up the ante and ask him to take the tube in his mouth. It helps to have the tube filled with something good. I like using applesauce. Fill an empty dewormer, or a similar type of tube, with applesauce. Don’t bother wiping off any residue. Gently place the tube near the horse’s mouth so he can smell and taste the applesauce on the outside. Once the horse learns that the tube contains something yummy, you’ll be able to gently depress the plunger and squirt the contents into his mouth. Repeat this practice “deworming” with the good stuff until the process is smooth and easy. When my horses see a deworming tube now, they come running for their treat.

3 – Deworm

Once your animals are excited and happy when they see the deworming tube, it’s time to use something that reduces internal parasites better than applesauce. Now is the time to use a little deception and then a lot of apologies. Before heading out with a real dewormer, I smear the outside with applesauce and fill an empty tube with applesauce. The coating on the outside of the real dewormer will help disguise the foul smell and taste until it’s too late, and the applesauce-filled tube serves as an apology. Always end on a positive note. If you administer the nasty medication and finish the process there, your horse will remember it longer than you.

4 – Return to the Sweet Stuff

To reinforce the idea that 99.9% of the time a dewormer tube is a good thing, I follow up with applesauce shots for the next few days after applying a real dewormer. Until once again, the ponies come running when they see the tubes. Once a month, I break out the applesauce tubes to keep the good vibes going.

I rely on my horses and mules to get me into wild and fabulous places. Part of preparing them for that requires regular preventive medical care, including deworming or administering any oral medications. I want my animals to trust me. I work towards that goal by making what used to be an unpleasant experience something to be enjoyed.

For more practical information on trail riding and camping with horses, visit me at www.TrailMeister.com. From the TrailMeister website, you can not only surf the world’s most extensive guide to horse trails and camps, but you can also order my new book, The ABCs of Trail Riding and Camping with Horses. With 178 topics, oer 315 pages, covering Essential Knowledge for horse owners, from training tips to outdoor skills to increase your safety and fun on the trail and in camp. Here’s the link https://amzn.to/3CuErid

Celebration Park – A good route with a truck & trailer

14. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Fun Rides

VIDEO of Past Ride

The recommended route from Emmett to the park is to take Highway 16 down to the intersection with Idaho 20-26. Turn right and drive to Robinson Road. Take Robinson road south all the way to it’s intersection with CAN-ADA Road. Turn LEFT (South)

Continue down CAN-ADA to Victory Lane, you will see the “Second Sign” pointing to the park, Turn RIGHT and follow it to the trailer Parking area.

Salmon-Challis National Forest – Updates

09. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

Nancy Schindele – February 3, 2023

04. February 2023 · 1 comment · Categories: Around The Campfire

I am writing to tell you that my wife Nancy passed yesterday afternoon. She had fond memories of all of you and the good times spent in your company.

Robbin Schindele
High Haven House
PO Box 342
Glide, OR 97443
208.365.1789 / robbinschindele@yahoo.com

BCHA Monthly Updates – February 2023

03. February 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Horse Sense a Guide to Minimum Impact Horse Camping

31. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Stock Packing References – 2023

BCHA Newsletter – Winter 2023

30. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

READ NEWSLETTER: BCHAwinter2023

USFS Training available to Trail Volunteers

30. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

SEE MORE ABOUT THIS TRAINING: 508-NWTC Mailer 2023

Meet SBFC’s new Executive Director!

30. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

Greetings SBFC members and friends,

It is my privilege to announce the hiring of Ryan Ghelfi as the next Executive Director of the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation. Ryan brings with him a lifelong passion for all things Wilderness. Ryan has a degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Southern Oregon University. In his resume, Ryan describes himself as “an outdoor professional with a wide breadth of experience in the mountains and in business with a lifelong passion for Wilderness, trails, and maintaining access to our vast public lands.” When you meet Ryan, you will see why we are so excited to have him leading our team.

Ryan and his family will be moving from Ashland Oregon to McCall, Idaho in February. Ryan and his wife have two children with a third due in April. In Ashland, Ryan owned two Wilderness related businesses and was the treasurer for the Siskiyou Mountain Club. Ryan was a professional long distance runner from 2014-2020. He held speed records for ascents of Half Dome and Mt. Shasta. Please join me in welcoming Ryan into the SBFC community.

Ryan will begin his new position on March 1 after spending time working with outgoing Executive Director, Sally Ferguson, to assure a smooth transition.

Sincerely,
Jim Heidelberger; SBFC Board Chair

Chainsaw Maintenance Video

19. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Link to Video

Best Chainsaw Sharpener Ever – ?

McDonald’s ice cream is popular in Australia

19. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia — Sometimes you just want McDonald’s ice cream and sometimes you’re a horse.

That was the case for one tiny horse in Australia.

The horse was spotted in the drive-thru at a McDonald’s in New South Wales.

Video taken by human drive-thru customer Donna Bevan showed the horse waiting patiently in the backseat of another car.

She posted the video to TikTok last week.

Bevan told Storyful she first thought the animal was a “huge white dog” until she looked again.

The driver of the other vehicle told Bevan the horse’s name is Rocco.

“He’s excited for his ice cream!” the driver shouted.

Bevan called seeing a horse waiting in a car for McDonald’s soft serve an “unbelievable sight.”

Honoring SBFC’s Executive Director – Sally Ferguson

18. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

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BCHI 2023 State Convention

12. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Registration and Information (PDF)

Lodging Info

PAST CONVENTIONS 2022 2019 2018

2023 STATE CONVENTION – MARCH 17-18, 2023 Hosted by
Salmon River Back Country Horsemen
at the Elks Lodge, 901 Lombard Street, Salmon, ID 83467
45 Years of Tales from the Trails
$85 per person by 2/15/23 (non-refundable)
$100 per person after 2/15/23 deadline (non-refundable)
To help with planning, it would be appreciated if registrations are sent prior to the deadline.
The registration fee covers Friday and Saturday’s lunches and refreshments, Saturday’s presentations and entertainment, and Saturday’s prime rib dinner.
Make checks payable to SRBCH
Send registration form and check to:
Celeste Bingham, SRBCH Treasurer, PO Box 82, Carmen, ID 83462

Meals included: Lunch on Friday & Saturday. Prime rib dinner on Saturday night. No breakfast at the convention.
PHOTO CONTEST
• Register your photo Friday evening or Saturday morning by 9:00 am at the Registration Desk.
• The photo contest consists of the following categories:
•Animals in the Backcountry — wildlife, horses, mules, bugs, etc.
•Backcountry Horsemen Activities
• Backcountry Scenic Views – wildflowers, seasons, river, water, bridges
•Outhouses
• Photos are to be taken by BCH amateur photographers
• Pictures that have won a prize previously are not eligible
• Attach your name, address, club name, and category to the back of the photo. No frames, please.
TALES FROM THE TRAIL
Each chapter is asked to share a three (3) minute fun story from the trail.
LOCAL LODGING (mention Backcountry Horsemen for special pricing)
Stagecoach Inn 201 Riverfront Drive 208-744-3566 Super 8 104 Courthouse Drive 208-756-8880

Multiple ways to call for help!

10. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Communication Devices – Above and Beyond Cellular

BCHA Promotional Item

08. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

AND LOTS OF OTHER STUFF!

Back Country Horsemen 50th Anniversary

07. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

READ MORE & LINKS

Idaho Horse Expo April 7-9, 2023

05. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Days

Expo Offers Top Notch Clinicians, Shopping, and Entertainment

The 37^th annual Idaho Horse Expo will be held April 7-9, 2023 at the Ford Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. If you are a horse lover of any age, you can’t miss this event. The expo features international and local clinicians and trainers.

The featured clinicians are Ty Evans, of Utah and Evan Bonner, of Washington State. Ty Evans is also conducting a one-day clinic on mulemanship prior to the expo on April 6 in the Coverall Arena. The Idaho Horse Expo will also feature clinicians presenting in-hand training, ground training, ranch riding, jumping, classical dressage, and more.

Featured Events

On Friday we’ll have the Breed Showcase where 10 breeds of horses will exhibit a freestyle routine and a short explanation about their breed. Following the Breed Showcase will be a Friday Fiesta Night, highlighting our Spanish Breeds and the Escaramuza Drill Team. Miss Rodeo Idaho and the Royalty Fashion Show will be back by popular demand Saturday afternoon. Meet Miss Rodeo Idaho and many other queens from regional rodeo courts.

Saturday Night Horse Fever on Saturday evening celebrates Idaho horses and riders in musical routines and skits. You’ll see dancing horses and some of the finest horses in the state. Also on Saturday night there will be Dueling Disciplines with a dressage rider and a reiner. Each day in the Main Arena, the expo will feature collegiate teams of three who will demonstrate their skills in starting untrained colts. This is a judged challenge with the top team receiving special recognition.

With over 100 vendors, you can shop to your heart’s content! Stallion Alley will feature a variety of stallions standing in the area, and the Blue Ribbon Private Treaty Horse Sale is back as well. This sale is a great place to sell or buy a horse where the two parties do the bartering, and you can try the horse before you buy.

Kids’ activities are always a hit and there will be a Breyer Stable Mate Horse painting with a model horse show to follow each day. Also for children are stick horse activities, an Easter egg hunt, scavenger hunts, bouncy horses and much more. Remember, children 12 and under get in for free all three days!

An ETS (Equestrian Trail Sports) competition will be held on Saturday and a rodear competition held on Sunday. (A rodear is a timed and scored competition involving a cowboy, his horse, his dog and a cow or two to be driven through an obstacle course.)Sunday will be a special cowboy church service presented by Wade Black. We hope to see you there! For more information visit www.idahohorsecouncil.com. Contact Idaho Horse Council at 208-465-5477 or email idahohorsecouncil@yahoo.com.

Welcome to Idaho

05. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

Fueled still by an influx of people moving from other states, Idaho was the second-fastest growing state in the country in 2022, with a population that nearly reached 2 million people for the first time in July, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Compared to the previous estimate in July 2021, Idaho grew by 1.8% to an estimated population of 1,939,033 people in July 2022, census officials said.

As Idaho edged toward the 2 million population mark for the first time, only Florida grew at a faster rate nationally in terms of percentage growth. In 2022, Florida grew by an estimated 1.9% according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Although the latest population figures were released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the numbers are estimates and are different from the results of the official census. The official census takes place every 10 years, with the most recent census taking place in 2020. To obtain the latest population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau officials used data on births, deaths and migration to calculate population changes since the most recent 2020 census.

Results of the official census conducted every 10 years are important for a number of reasons. They determine the allocation of states’ seats in the United States House of Representatives, play a role in calculating the amount of federal funding sent to a state and shape how state legislative and congressional boundaries are drawn and divided during state redistricting procedures.

The annual population estimates, such as the new 2022 figure, give insight into how populations change and shift during the 10 years between the official census.

What caused Idaho’s population to increase?

According to news releases issued by the U.S. Census Bureau and Idaho Department of Labor on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, Idaho’s net in-migration accounted for the vast majority of Idaho’s growth. A positive net in-migration means that more people moved into the state than moved out over the time period.

In-migration accounted for 88% of Idaho’s growth, while natural changes from births outnumbering deaths accounted for about 11% of Idaho’s growth, census officials said.

Growth isn’t new for the Gem State. In fact, growth appears to be slowing. Census officials said Idaho’s growth between July 2021 and July 2022 dipped below the five-year-average of 2.3% and slowed to 2016 levels. For the first time in five years, Idaho was not the top spot for new residents, census officials said.

Nationally, the United States population grew by .4%, up to 333.2 million people. Regionally, the South and the West were the only two regions of the country to experience growth in 2022, census officials said. The Northeast and Midwest posted population declines from 2021 to 2022, with more people moving out than moving in.

“There was a sizeable uptick in population growth last year compared to the prior year’s historically low increase,” Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Population Division at the Census Bureau, said in a written statement. “A rebound in net international migration, coupled with the largest year-over-year increase in total births since 2007, is behind this increase.”

Nationally, the top five states in terms of percentage growth were:

Florida, 1.9%
Idaho, 1.8%
South Carolina, 1.7%
Texas, 1.6%
South Dakota, 1.5%

The five states with the highest percentages of population decline were:

New York, -0.9%
Illinois, -0.8%
Louisiana, -0.8%
West Virginia, -0.6%
Hawaii, -0.5%

In the spring, the U.S. Census Bureau plans to release new population estimates for metro areas, counties and cities.

Trailer 101

02. January 2023 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Trailer 101

Which inReach Device is Right for You?

23. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

VIEW ON LINE

Eagle inks deals with Spring Valley developer for sports park

22. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Current Events

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Sawyer – National Saw Call 12/13/2022 – Summary

16. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Saw Program FAQ_2022

That First or Special Horse – Some of our member share theirs

16. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Member Profiles

Rob Adams – My first horse was a pony named Little Spot who was all white with a brown head and a blue and brown eye in 1956. I rode him bareback most of the time as I was to lazy to bother with a saddle. Rex arrived in 1959 and always was saddled as he would test his rider and was know to bolt for almost any reason (he force me to be a better rider) and Kelly as a foal in 1963, the first horse I trained. We lived in SW Michigan in a area that was mostly fruit farms (both active and inactive) providing lots of places to ride. They are all subdivisions now!

Janine Townsend – That’s me and Topsy when I was about 6 years old. And an added bonus….me and the cat when i was about 4 yo! Janine grew up around the Silver City area of Idaho.
Lisa Griffith – This is my first pony, Sugar

I’m the tall one on the right!

Ellen Knapp – on her horse Amber in 1995

Phil Ryan – with his beloved mustang “Wild Bill”

Charles Chick – His Arab “Sara”

Heather Donesky – Me and my cousin on my older sisters horse, “Boots”

Also not my horse, but a horse I borrowed while we lived in Fiji for 8 months.

The school work horse, Monteruku . Circa 1975 Heather

Scott Morgan – with “Molly” and “Justice”

Linda Hughes – His name was Artful Dodger, we called him Art. 1985

Terry Macdonald – Horse was named Skeeter, and the year was around..1963

Helen Pline – This is Tucker. Arabian/Thoroughbred. He was 32 in this picture. Miss him.

$$ Outdoor Recreation and States GDP 2021

15. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events

Idaho – 2.9% increase of GDP & 16.3% increase in recreational employment in 2021

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ITA Webinar – Staying Trail Ready with Everyday Movement

10. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Current Events

SIGN UP FOR THIS WEBINAR

Time: Jan 4, 2023 07:00 PM in Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Wood River Trails Coalition annual report

08. December 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands

WRTC 2022 Impact Report

Legacy Trails Grant Program

30. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands

The goal of the program is to support projects that restore, protect, and maintain watersheds on our national forests and grasslands. American Trails is administering this grant program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service through Legacy Roads and Trails Act dollars.

What the program does:
Enables project partners to complete trails projects which improve watershed health, restore aquatic organism passages, preserve access, and decommission unauthorized and previously closed trails.

Target applicants:
Nonprofit organizations and non-Federal agencies.

Typical project size:
Small projects may apply for between $5-20K. Large projects may apply for up to $100K.

Minimum 50% match required:
Cash (preferred) or in-kind matches are allowable.

Funding cycle:
Opens October 6 to December 15, 2022 for the 2023 field season. Funding must be spent within two years.

Equitable awards:
Our evaluation and selection committee is composed of representatives of a broad spectrum of both motorized and nonmotorized trails user types, and we will be making every effort to distribute funding equitably by Forest Service region and by trail user type.
LINK TO WEBSITE

Outdoor Idaho – In the Shadow of the Bitterroots

29. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

It’s Public land, but the public can’t reach it!

26. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Public Lands

The first time I showed the app to someone who had never used it, I had to gently extract my phone from the person’s hand. This happened the second time, too, and was followed by an email requesting the name of “that mapping program.”

The app is called OnX. Its basic functionality is simple: OnX shows you where you are in real time, using a blue dot exactly the same as the one on Google Maps. The difference is that OnX is designed to show where you are in a forest, on a mountain or in a canyon. It has been around since 2009 and is popular with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

It is also at the root of a potentially far-reaching case in federal court in which a Wyoming landowner accuses four hunters of trespassing — and causing millions of dollars in damage — even though they never stepped foot on his land.

OnX was born when Eric Siegfried, a mechanical engineer and part-time hunting guide in Montana, decided to make a Google Maps for the wilderness. He had solid navigation skills, he said, but was sick of getting lost.

To address the problem, he filled up a workspace in his wife’s scrapbooking room in Missoula with U.S. government maps, which he then loaded onto a microchip. OnX’s layers of data would eventually include everything from wind patterns to fire histories. The most important data by far, however, showed property lines.

This is because hunters, more than any other type of outdoor recreationist, need to be aware of whose property they are on, as Hal Herring, a journalist and public lands activist, explained to me.

SBFC – Fall 2022 Newsletter

24. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Public Lands

The Wildest Place, SBFC’s Fall Newsletter, is here!

The newsletter highlights all of our summer wilderness stewardship accomplishments, welcomes new SBFC staff, and more!

We hope you enjoy reading it!

Outdoor Conversations is SBFC’s presentation and lecture series focused on different aspects of wilderness and the outdoors.

Join SBFC in conversation with splitboard/river guide and filmmaker Sam Thackeray.

In the Spring of 2021, Brian Peters, Jess Asmussen, and Sam Thackeray set off to traverse the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Covering a large part of Central Idaho, the Frank Church totals 2.3 Million Acres. As the largest wilderness area in the lower 48, the Frank Church is the definition of remote, and it’s becoming more so. The trio’s plan is to snowboard and ski from East to West across the expanse of the wilderness and experience a place few have ever had the opportunity to see in this way. Over 16 days the crew covers 130 miles and 67,000 vert, finding some amazing descents, maddening travel conditions, and a lot of time to reflect.

Sam and Brian will introduce the short film they made about their experience, screen the film, and take time for questions and answers after the presentation.

ITA – There’s a trail out there for everyone!

21. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Current Events

Youth Trail Crew

This was ITA’s third season for our Youth Trail Crew program. Volunteers ages 14-18 came out for seven different projects and cleared 22 miles of trails! Seeing teens experience living and working together in a new, challenging environment, growing connections with each other and the land, has been beyond rewarding.

“It’s really given me unforgettable experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” Daunika, ITA Youth Trail Crew Volunteer

Video premiere! Check out our new video about our Youth Trail Crew program.

Ridge to Rivers Interactive Map

18. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Public Lands

Boise Foothills hikers and cyclists can now check trail conditions before leaving the house.

Ridge to Rivers, the group that manages the Foothills trail system, created an interactive map with live updates on specific trail conditions. The map will tell users if a trail is dry, snowy, muddy, or frozen, when it thaws, and when to stay off. It also gives a trail description along with who or what is permitted, such as off-leash dogs, horses, or bikes.

Ridge to Rivers says that using trails when they are muddy is the leading cause of damage in the Boise Foothills because of the high clay content in the ground. Trail widening, rutting and erosion are common outcomes when using wet trails.

“Displaying up-to-date trail conditions on the interactive map will allow users to make informed decisions when planning a hike or ride during the muddy trail season,” said Ridge to Rivers Manager David Gordon. “With more than 200 miles of trails throughout the system, there are great alternatives and all-weather options for folks to utilize when temperatures drop, and wet weather moves in. This new interactive map feature will help guide those decisions.”

Adopt a wild horse at the Boise Off-Range wild horse corrals

17. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a wild horse adoption walk-up event and Trainer Incentive Program pick-up at the Boise Off-Range Wild Horse Corrals from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. If you miss this event but are interested, contact the BLM, they always are looking for good homes for the many animals they have available.

There will be 50 wild horses available ranging in age from yearlings to ten years. These horses primarily come from Herd Management Areas in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming.

Wild horses and burros available for adoption have been removed from overpopulated herds roaming western public rangelands. A BLM-approved application, which may be completed at the event, is required to adopt.

For more information about adopting a wild horse or burro, visit Wild Horse and Burro | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov) or contact the national information center at 866-468-7826 or wildhorse@blm.gov.

The BLM works to place excess animals into private care through its Adoption and Sales Programs as well as successful partnerships with organizations across the nation. Many have found it personally challenging and rewarding to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro. It is a chance to care for, and then own, a part of America’s heritage. Read more >>

Learn more about:

The BLM strives to provide valuable information to the public regarding the Wild Horse and Burro Program, including wild horse and burro adoption and purchase opportunities, information about upcoming gathers and more. We also encourage you to report any inhumane treatment of adopted wild horses and burros. We value your feedback.

Wild Horse and Burro Information Call Center
866-4MUSTANGS (866-468-7826)
wildhorse@blm.gov

Contact information for off-range corral facilities can be found on each facility webpage.

Contact your local BLM state, district or field office for specific questions regarding submitting an adoption application, obtaining title and more.

Public Meeting – Greater Boise NF Recreationalists

17. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Public Lands, Public Meetings

Catharine Beverly-Bishop
Recreation Management Specialist
Forest Service
Boise National Forest
catharine.beverly-bishop@usda.gov
1857 HWY 16
Emmett, ID 83617

GBR Invitation2022-12-07

PUG – Exploring Mindful Environmental Stewardship

15. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

In June 2022, the Pulaski Users Group (PUG) and the Flourish Foundation embarked on a collaborative trip to the Garden Isle of Kaua’i. Five alumni from the Compassionate Leaders Program, along with a student from Oahu, and PUG and Flourish staff, spent two weeks exploring the island, deepening their understanding of and appreciation for the cultural practices and significance of the Hawaiian culture and engaging in regenerative tourism.

What makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is the stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and the deeply rooted practice of mālama. Mālama means to take care of, tend, attend, care for, preserve, protect, save, and maintain. The Hawaiian culture exemplifies this practice and the group was fortunate to experience this in a deep and profound way by giving back to the local trails.

Please join us to watch the premier of the video created by Flourish and PUG about mālama and their time on Kauai. After the short film, they will discuss how we can all engage in regenerative tourism and mindful environmental stewardship.

The event will be livestreamed and available to watch later. Click here to watch online.

ITA – Great Winter Hikes Webinars

15. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Books for Horsemen – some new releases to consider

11. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

Trafalgar Square Books

Idaho Horse Expo 2023 – April 7-9, 2023

11. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Days

The 37^th annual Idaho Horse Expo will be held April 7-9, 2023 at the Ford Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. If you are a horse lover of any age, you can’t miss this event. The Expo features internationally known clinicians as well as local clinicians and trainers.

The featured clinicians are Ty Evans, UT and Evan Bonner, Sultan, WA. Ty Evans is conducting a 1 day clinic on Mulemanship prior to the Expo on April 6 in the Coverall Arena.

Idaho Horse Expo will also feature many local clinicians presenting in-hand training, ground training, Ranch Riding, Jumping, Classical Dressage, etc.

Featured events on Friday, will be the Breed Showcase where 10 breeds of horses will exhibit a freestyle routine and a short explanation about their breed. Following the Breed Showcase will be Friday Fiesta Night, highlighting our Spanish Breeds and the Escaramuza Drill Team.

Back by popular demand will be the Miss Rodeo Idaho and Royalty Fashion Show Saturday afternoon. Meet Miss Rodeo Idaho and many other queens from rodeo courts who are from the region.

Saturday evening will be Saturday Night Horse Fever celebrating Idaho Horses and riders in musical routines and skits. See dancing horses and some of the finest horses in the state. Following Horse Fever, will be Dueling Disciplines with a Dressage Rider and a Reiner.

Each day in the Main Arena, we will feature Collegiate teams of 3 who will demonstrate their skills in starting untrained colts. This is a challenge that will be judged with the top team receiving special recognition.

There will be over a 100 vendors, so you can shop to your heart’s content. For those who want to better their horsemanship, we have clinics by many knowledgeable local horsemen and women.

Blue Ribbon Private Treaty Horse Sale is back!! Great place to sell or buy a horse where the seller and buyer do the bartering and you can try before you buy.

Stallion Alley will feature a variety of stallions standing in the area.

Kids Activities are always a hit and we will have Breyer Stable Mate Horse painting with a model horse show to follow each day. Stick Horse Activities and races. Easter egg hunt and scavenger hunts all three days. Bouncy horses and many more activities for youngsters and remember Kids 12 and under get in FREE all three days!!!

As for competitions, an ETS (Equestrian Trail Sports) competition will be held on Saturday and a Rodear competition held on Sunday. For those who are wondering what this is, it is a timed and scored competition involving a cowboy, his horse, his dog and a cow or couple of cows to be driven through an obstacle course. Sunday will be a Special cowboy church service presented by Wade Black!! Hope to see you there!!! For more information contact Idaho Horse Council at 208-465-5477 or idahohorsecouncil@yahoo.com.

Idaho Horse Council website: www.idahohorsecouncil.com

Idaho Horse Expo website: www.idahohorseexpo.com

Backcountry Packing – Romance VS Reality

08. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Mountain Manners Handbook LNT – Seven Principles Training

3 Miles An Hour (Montana PBS) PBS Special on legendary packer and LNT mentor Smoke Elser

Video & Training

What is a pulaski? A short history

04. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

The Big Burn – by Timothy Egan

PBS American Experience, The Big Burn
Comedy Central Drunk History – Ed Pulaski

Bi-Directional Satellite Commutation – inReach

02. November 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Education

In the event of an emergency, an interactive SOS message can be sent to the 24/7 staffed Garmin Response Center. The trained staff is available to respond to messages, track devices and coordinate with emergency services or others to provide assistance, giving individuals peace of mind in the scariest of situations. Garmin Response stays in touch with individuals until help arrives or until they no longer require assistance.

With 100% global Iridium® satellite network coverage, an SOS can be triggered globally.* That includes lesser traveled places — the southern Pacific Ocean and northern Canada, for example. It is interesting to note how conglomerations of incidents indicate mountainous regions, such as the Pacific Crest Trail in western United States, the Alps in Europe and nearly all of New Zealand.

The locations of SOS incidents speak to the power of the Iridium satellite network, the intel of inReach technology, and the sophisticated inner workings of Garmin Response and its ability to make timely connections with local emergency resources in almost any region of the world.

In the event of an emergency, an interactive SOS message can be sent to the 24/7 staffed Garmin Response Center. The trained staff is available to respond to messages, track devices and coordinate with emergency services or others to provide assistance, giving individuals peace of mind in the scariest of situations. Garmin Response stays in touch with individuals until help arrives or until they no longer require assistance.

With 100% global Iridium^® satellite network coverage, an SOS can be triggered globally.* That includes lesser traveled places — the southern Pacific Ocean and northern Canada, for example. It is interesting to note how conglomerations of incidents indicate mountainous regions, such as the Pacific Crest Trail in western United States, the Alps in Europe and nearly all of New Zealand.

Idaho State EMS Communications Center – (208-846-7610)

27. October 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

LINK TO WEB SITE

2022 Chapter Hours & Miles Summary

26. October 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, BCHI /BCHA

Another Amazing Year

John Bush (Updated)

21. October 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Member Profiles

This past weekend past member of our chapter John Bush passed away. He was in the Landmark area doing some trail clearing with Joe Williams. When they got back in camp, John mentioned to Joe that he was feeling very tired and needed to sit down. Joe said that John appeared to fall asleep and shortly after stopped breathing and died. John and Jackie were members of our chapter in the early 2000’s. This is Jackie’s contact information: Jackie Bush, 6700 Sage Canyon Way, Star, ID 83669

Star, Idaho – John Michael Bush, 69 years old, of Star, Idaho, passed away on October 15, 2022 in the mountains of the Idaho wilderness that he loved.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Church in Atchison, Kansas, with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday, Oct. 28, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.

John was born on December 23, 1952, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Francis Miller Bush and Mary Elizabeth (Langan) Bush. He graduated from Maur Hill Prep and then the University of Kansas with his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He remained an avid Jayhawk his entire life. Following graduation, he departed Kansas for Texas and began his long career in semiconductor design working with leading companies in the burgeoning electronics and computer industries. Though his path never led back for more than visits, John was always a steadfast Kansan and son of Atchison.

He and Mary Louise (Jackie) Bush were united in marriage on April 18, 1981, in Leon Springs, Texas.

John was endlessly curious and always testing or investigating new thoughts. Throughout life, he pursued serious interests in photography, horsemanship, outdoorsmanship, woodworking, gardening, skiing, and snorkeling. He had a flair for repairing machinery and electronics, as well as building and renovation, and never failed to share his talents with those around him. John was also a member and past president of the Backcountry Horsemen of Idaho where he led members on trips deep into the mountains and maintained trails used by all entering the backcountry.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James “Jim” Bush, Robert “Bob” Bush, Charles “Charlie” Bush, Thomas “Tom” Bush and Dorothy Bush.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Bush, of Star, ID; a daughter, Kathryn L. “Katie” and her spouse, Travis Field, of Seattle, WA; a son, James C. and his spouse, Caitlin Bush, of Olympia, WA; his grandson, Samuel M. Bush; four sisters, Elizabeth Adams, Virginia Lefler, Barbara Bush, Mary Lou Weatherford; and one brother, Richard Bush.

Published by Emmett Messenger Index from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2022.

John’s Wife Jackie

Pictures provided by Ellen Knapp

BCHI 2022 Calendar Winners!

20. October 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

Red Flags of Phishing

19. October 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire

Every day, regular people like you lose their hard-earned money to online phishing scams.

Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals make fraudulent emails, phone calls, and texts that appear to come from a legitimate bank. The communication is designed to trick you into entering confidential information (like account numbers, passwords, PINs, or birthdays) into a fake website by clicking on a link, or to tell it to someone imitating your bank on the phone.

Don’t fall for fake. Use these tips from the American Bankers Association to learn how to spot shady texts, emails, and phone calls by knowing the things your bank would never ask.

Slow down—think before you act. Acting too quickly when you receive phishing email, text messages, or phone calls can result in unintentionally giving scammers access to your bank account — and your money. Scammers want you to feel confused and rushed, which is always a red flag. Banks will never threaten you into responding or use high-pressure tactics.
Never share personal information. Your bank will never ask for your PIN, password, SSN, or one-time login code in a text, email, or phone call. If you receive a message asking for personal information, it’s a scam.
Avoid clicking suspicious links. If an email pressures you to click a link — whether it’s to verify your login credentials or make a payment, you can be sure it’s a scam. Banks never ask you to do that.
Watch for attachments and typos. Your bank will never send attachments like a PDF in an unexpected email or text. Misspellings and poor grammar are also warning signs of a phishing scam.
Be skeptical. In the same way defensive driving prevents car accidents, always treating incoming email as a potential risk will protect you from scams. Fraudulent emails can appear very convincing, using official language and logos, and even similar URLs.
Hang up—even if it sounds legit. Whether it’s a scammer impersonating your bank or a real call, stay safe by ending unexpected calls and dialing the number on the back of your bank card instead.

Learn more at BanksNeverAskThat.com, follow #BanksNeverAskThat on social media for quick tips, or check this in-depth guide on how to spot phishing and what to do if you fall prey.

BCHA October News Letter

15. October 2022 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA

BCHA FALL-WEB final_10-11-22

More Information on E-Bikes
To view a 2.5-minute YouTube video that includes eMTBs
and the various e-bike classes, click here.
For more information on current e-bike policies of the federal
land management agencies, see BCHA’s Winter 2021 newsletter.

Rebuilding Trails after a Wildfire

The Work that is Done

How You Can Help

1 – Accept the Tube

2 – Add the Sweet Stuff

3 – Deworm

4 – Return to the Sweet Stuff

What caused Idaho’s population to increase?

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