Back Country Horsemen of Washington Partners on Pacific Crest Trail Reconstruction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2015 By Sarah Wynne Jackson Back Country Horsemen of America highly values our wild lands and our right to enjoy them by horseback. Protecting the wilderness from unnecessary damage is imperative to keeping it pristine. But that creates unique challenges that can prevent proper maintenance of trails, bridges, shelters, and other amenities that allow us to recreate there. US Forest Service wilderness regulations prohibit the use of motorized or wheeled equipment, which can cause extensive damage even when operated with care. The only way to access these remote places with the tools and supplies necessary for making repairs is the same way our ancestors traveled… on the back of a saddle horse, leading a string of pack horses and mules. Supporting Others’ Efforts Back Country Horsemen of Washington collaborates and partners with other trail advocacy orga­nizations to manage and maintain some of the most remote regions in Washing­ton’s mountains. The Lewis County Chapter recently provided pack stock support to the US Forest Service and Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) for a month-long project on the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,550-mile trail corridor from Mexico to Canada. Or­ganized by PCTA, this project re­built a section of the trail across Packwood Glacier basin in the Goat Rocks Wilderness of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where motorized and wheeled equipment is prohibited. Proper Preparation Prior to packing the trail crews, their equipment, and supplies to the 7,000-foot elevation worksite, it was necessary for everyone’s safety to repair a bridge over Goat Creek on Snowgrass Trail, a major feeder trail. Rotten decking was replaced to support horses carrying workers and supplies. In prepa­ration for the bridge repair, Lewis County Chapter BCH volunteers manufac­tured 50 hand-hewn cedar planks. Bal­anced on each side of a pack animal, two planks at a time were carried two miles to the worksite. USFS Cowlitz Val­ley Ranger District personnel removed the old decking, nailed down the new bridge planks, and cleared winter blowdowns from the trail to the PCTA base camp. Packin’ In Chapter packers hauled supplies and tools from Berrypatch Trailhead seven miles to the base camp located at the remnants of Dana Yelverton Shel­ter on the slopes of Old Snowy Mountain. Once the seven pack stock were fitted with the 800 pounds of cargo in balanced loads, the caravan started up the trail to the worksite, led by the trail crew vanguard who advised approaching hikers of the oncoming pack string. On a clear, warm day the procession was treated to the splendors of Snowgrass Flats, a 10-acre subalpine meadow, before crossing several snowfields to reach the alpine campsite which boasted a stunning view of three dormant volcanoes. A patriotic mix of red, white, and blue wildflowers ornamented the rugged, mountainous setting. Leave No Trace After a weeklong stay, the trail crew was ready to descend the moun­tain with three pack stock to haul out their gear. Lewis County Chapter BCH packers re­turned to base camp three times with food supplies for subsequent workers. The graciously pleasant weather cooled, challenging volunteers and stock with wind-driven sleet, dense fog, and heavy rain that washed out water crossings. Even so, the volunteers persisted and completed the job. This project is a good ex­ample of the tasks that can be accomplished when different user groups work together. Back Country Horsemen of America units across the country partner frequently with trail advocacy organizations to achieve the common goal of keeping trails open for the public while preventing damage to those wild lands we love. About Back Country Horsemen of America BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, chapters/units, 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! Peg Greiwe, BCHA peg@bcha.org 1-888-893-5161

Virginia's MRNRA Facing Supervisor Closure Order

Change.org petition The Forest Service intends to implement a “Supervisor Closure Order” for 200 miles of historic trails located in the East End of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in southwest Virgina. The Mount Rogers Trail Advocates' Coalition has initiated a petition to : 1. Eliminate the “Supervisor Closure Order” from the Forest Service plan. 2. Preserve the current 200 miles of historic trails they intend to close in the East End of the MRNRA. The “Supervisor Closure Order” would result in tickets and fines for citizens riding on any part of the forest not designated as an official trail. "Not only will this action restrict our personal freedoms, it will have a negative impact on the economy at all levels, on the environment, and on the health and wellness of the very citizens that make our country strong," the Coalition says. To sign the petition, see: https://www.change.org/p/united-states-forest-service-1-eliminate-the-supervisor-closure-order-from-the-forest-service-plan-2-preserve-the-current-200-miles-of-historic-trails-they-intend-to-close-in-the-east-end-of-the-mrnra?recruiter=66262644&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_facebook_responsive&utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-custom_msg

AERC Trails and Land Management Committee announces a new Trails Email forum

The objective of the AERC Trails and Land Management Committee is to work with the AERC membership and other concerned equestrian trail users to develop a popular trails advocacy web environment. AERC is dedicated to the riding of historic trails and encouraging the establishment, preservation and maintenance of all trails on both public and private lands. In an effort to expand AERC's trail advocacy reach, the committee has created a Trails Email Forum for AERC members. The forum is for members interested in all things trails to share trail story’s, ideas, experiences, advice, and general brain storming. This forum will stay positive and constructive. Please contact Monica Chapman AERC Trails Committee Chair to join the list. For more information on the AERC Trails committee visit the AERC.org website.

Back Country Horsemen of America Works to Benefit All Trail Users

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2015 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 em­ployees 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 super­vision 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-roof­ing 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 Sim­plot 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! Peg Greiwe 1-888-893-5161 Peg@bcha.org

April 1 Deadline for National Recognition of your Trail Project

Coalition for Recreational Trails ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
 Awards for projects funded through the federal Recreational Trails Program of the Federal Highway Administration APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2015 The Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, is pleased to announce its 2015 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The awards will be presented in Washington, D.C. during Great Outdoors Month™ in June 2015 as part of the Coalition’s ongoing effort to build awareness and appreciation of this highly successful program, which has greatly enhanced the quantity and quality of trail experiences available to the public. We will be holding the awards ceremony on Capitol Hill and will encourage Members of Congress to join us in honoring the outstanding achievements of their constituents. As an additional benefit, American Trails makes a web page for each winning project. See the over 100 award pages we have created since 2003. We hope you will join us in this important effort to recognize the significant contributions to our nationwide system of trails and greenways that the Recreational Trails Program is supporting all across the country Awards are given in several categories: • Maintenance and Rehabilitation – maintaining, repairing damage to, or upgrading the quality of a trail to improve the trail experience, increase user safety, and/or enhance protection of the environment, including wildlife • Construction and Design – planning and building a trail, portions of a trail (e.g., a bridge), or trail-related facilities (e.g., a trailhead, shelter, etc.) • Public-Private Partnerships and Access to/Use of Public Lands – facilitating and/or encouraging cost-effective partnerships between public and private entities, especially to increase access to and use of federal, state and local public lands, including parks, forests and wildlife refuges • Community Linkage – providing and/or enhancing opportunities for trail-based recreation and transportation within or near local communities • Education and Communication – using a variety of established and/or technologically innovative communications tools (e.g., web sites, social media and peer-to-peer information sharing) to increase environmental awareness, promote trail-related safety, encourage trail-related outdoor recreation and, overall, enhance trail use and enjoyment • Multiple-Use Management & Corridor Sharing – facilitating and/or encouraging the use of a trail corridor by more than one type of trail enthusiast, particularly those enthusiasts that do not ordinarily share trails or trail-related facilities • Accessibility Enhancement – facilitating and/or encouraging increased access to trail-related recreation opportunities for people with disabilities • Youth Conservation/Service Corps and Community Outreach – making effective use of the services and skills of qualified youth conservation or service corps and other community organizations as project partners and supporters NOMINATING A PROJECT Award winners will be selected from projects nominated by public agencies, trail administrators or other project sponsors. Projects must be completed in order to receive an award. In addition, projects completed before 2007 are ineligible. APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2015. The nomination form and any supporting materials, including pictures, should be returned via e-mail by April 1, 2015 to the Chair of the Coalition’s Awards Committee: Duane Taylor, Director of Federal Affairs, Motorcycle Industry Council, at coalitionforrectrails@gmail.com. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call him at (703) 416-0444 or send him an e-mail. Winners should be notified no later than May 8, 2015. The 2015 nomination form can be found on this page: http://www.americantrails.org/awards/CRTawards.html

Back Country Horsemen of California Clears Storm Damage in the Sierra Mountains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2015 by Sarah Wynne Jackson The folks at Back Country Horsemen of America feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful country, and are dedicated to protecting our right to travel this stunning landscape by horseback, as our ancestors did. An important part of that goal is the down and dirty labor required to re-open trails and access roads after storms of rain, snow, ice, and wind. A Special Place A storm with winds in excess of 140 mph hit the Sierra Mountains in November 2013, leaving many popular campgrounds and trails inaccessible due to toppled trees. Since then, various groups have made cleanup efforts in the affected area. The Mother Lode Unit of Back Country Horsemen of California spent two days in the Eldorado National Forest opening up trails around the Tells Creek Horse Camp, which is nestled among the pristine lakes of the Crystal Basin at 6,300 feet above sea level. From there, adventurers on foot, horseback, mountain bikes, skis or snowshoes explore the local land that was the Van Vleck cattle ranch from the 1860s to the 1960s. Some also take longer trips into the Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. A Big Job BCHC’s first work day began with a mandatory safety briefing, then the volunteer sawyers, trained by the US Forest Service, and their helpers began work on a two-mile section of the Two Peaks Trail from the Tells Creek Horse Camp to the Bassi Creek crossing. The most experienced crewmember commented that this was the worst storm damage he’d seen in 18 years of trail maintenance. Leapfrog Isn’t Just a Game Seven workers each rode a saddle horse and four pack animals hauled an assort­ment of chainsaws, axes, shovels, and other equipment, including a Peavey pry bar. This odd apparatus looks like a five-foot pry bar with a hinged fish hook near the end, which enables a single person to roll large, heavy log segments off the trail without back strain. The Mother Lode Back Country Horsemen work group separated into two teams and used the very effective leapfrog technique. The first team unpacked and cut the first obstacle. While they cleared the area of debris and repacked the gear, the second team proceeded to the second obstacle, unpacked and cut that one. Teams of three or four people makes quick work of the task without members getting in each other’s way. Working in shifts also allows teams to last a bit longer at this exhausting elevation. If they en­countered a nest of tangled logs, the two teams took turns cutting and removing debris. Up to the Challenge The Mother Lode Unit spent six hours clearing about three dozen trees from two miles of trail. After watering their stock at the Bassi Creek crossing, the return trip took only 45 minutes on the now open track. The next morning, the group crossed Bassi Creek and cleared about 20 trees from the next part of the Two Peaks Trail. There they met up with another work party who had cleared trails around Barrett Lake and Pearl Lake on the far side of the summit of Two Peaks East. The job is tough, but projects like this are essential to preserving our access to America’s wild places. Back Country Horsemen groups from coast to coast routinely spend over 300,000 volunteer hours each year maintaining trails, trail heads, and camps for all users. 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.backcountryhorse.com; 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! Peg Greiwe 1-888-893-5161

National Forest Trail Bill Introduced

Horsecouncil.org Submitted by admin on Wed, 02/11/2015 - 14:01 On February 10, 2015, Congresswomen Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Tim Walz (D-MN) re-introduced the National Forest Service Trail Stewardship Act of 2015 (H.R.845). The bill would direct the Forest Service to take several actions to help address the current trail maintenance backlog that is adversely impacting all trail users on many national forests, including equestrians. The bill was first introduced during the last Congress. The American Horse Council, Backcountry Horsemen of America, and the Wilderness Society were significantly involved in the creation of this bill. A June 2013, study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Forest Service has deferred trail maintenance needs that exceed half-billion dollars, and only one-quarter of the agency’s 158,000 miles of trails meets agency standards for maintenance. This maintenance backlog is causing access and safety issues for equestrians and all trail users on national forests. The National Forest Service Trail Stewardship Act would direct the Forest Service to develop a strategy to more effectively utilize volunteers and partners to assist in maintaining national forest trails. It will also provide outfitters and guides the ability to perform trail maintenance activities in lieu of permit fees. Additionally, the bill would address a liability issue that has discouraged some national forests from utilizing volunteers and partner organizations to help perform trail maintenance and would direct the Forest Service to identify and prioritize specific areas with the greatest need for trail maintenance in the national forest system. In the current fiscal environment it is unlikely Congress will appropriate additional funds to directly address the trail maintenance backlog. This bill will help improve trail maintenance without the need for additional funding. The bill is supported by the AHC and many other recreation organizations.