{"id":3774,"date":"2017-07-16T05:13:53","date_gmt":"2017-07-16T12:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sbbch.org\/?p=3774"},"modified":"2025-04-26T16:31:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T22:31:25","slug":"bcha-action-alert-july-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sbbch.org\/?p=3774","title":{"rendered":"BCHA Action Alert – July 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

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BCHA\u00a0needs your help: Calls to Congress Needed this Week!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have learned that Congress could begin negotiations this week regarding 2018 funding for a number of programs important to horsemen, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund and recreation and trail programs administered by the federal land management agencies. There is much at stake for horsemen and trail users.<\/p>\n

Congress has an important role to play in ensuring the agencies receive sufficient funding for the public to continue to enjoy and to access our public lands via trails that are safe, accessible and well-maintained.<\/p>\n

President\u2019s Budget Proposal Would Doom Trails<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yet the President proposed a budget for 2018 that would eliminate most funding for trails and fails to provide even the most basic necessities to support and manage volunteers, like you, who maintain a growing proportion of these trails.<\/p>\n

The President\u2019s budget also would cut the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) by 84%<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0compared to the amount approved by Congress for 2017. LLWCF has proven crucial to completing the Pacific Crest and the Continental Divide national scenic trails.<\/p>\n

Similarly,\u00a0the President\u2019s budget would cut the trails program of the U.S. Forest Service by 84%<\/u><\/strong>. There is little doubt the agency would be forced to make sweeping personnel changes that would leave few staff among local ranger districts to work with volunteers and partners\u2014to say nothing about the complete lack of seasonal trail crews that could be expected next year. Such budget cuts would be disastrous and unprecedented.<\/p>\n

Congress has the Power to Create and Pass its own Budget<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The good news is that Congress does not have to follow the President\u2019s proposed budget for 2018. But members of Congress need to hear from you. Otherwise, they just might fall in line behind the President\u2019s budget proposal.<\/p>\n

Take Action!<\/strong><\/p>\n

BCHA asks that you call your member of Congress\u00a0today.<\/p>\n