Nag News - Back Country Horsemen of Montana

Nag News
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen
Volume 43
June 2016
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN MISSION STATEMENT
In this Issue
President’s Letter
Guest Speaker Info
2016 Trail Projects
Larry Creek Pics
Larry Creek Pics (cont’d)
General Meeting Minutes
Board Meeting Minutes
Board Meeting Minutes (cont’d)
Member Ads/Business Supporters
Issue 6
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1. To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back
country and wilderness areas.
2. To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.
3. To assist the various government, state and private agencies in their maintenance and
management of said resource.
4. To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise and sustaining use of
the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our
heritage.
5. To foster and encourage the formation of new back country horsemen’s organizations.
6. To cooperate with other B.C.H.A. organizations.
Hello Everyone,
Wow! Did summertime weather turn on in a hurry! No excuses for waiting for a warm sunny day now. I hope everyone has taken some time to
get out and enjoy it. The wet spring combined with the recent hot days
have combined to create a green lush trailside that is a joy to be riding
through.
The warmer weather has kicked this season’s projects into high gear
with Calf Creek done in April, the first phase of Gold Creek in May, Larry Creek June 4, and Coyote Coulee postponed until June 17th due to
weather. I want to thank all who participated and many thanks to Dan
Brandborg, Taylor Orr, Brad Pollman, Mike Foster and Joe Atencio for
stepping up to be project leaders. If you haven’t had the chance to participate, the next opportunity after Coyote Coulee will be the first phase of
Boulder Creek June 24-26, led by Joe Rogish. That will be a fun project
with a couple of nights camping at the trailhead. Remember anytime spent
helping on a project is greatly appreciated if you can’t commit to multiple
days.
I want to thank Bill Black for organizing our participation and all who
pitched in helping out at Mule Days. It is
an important fundraiser and great exposure for the chapter.
DEADLINE FOR THE
July 2016 NAG NEWS is
5 p.m., July 14, 2016
SUBMIT YOUR
ARTICLES AND ADS TO:
[email protected]
I think this quote by Teddy Roosevelt
sums up the overall attitude of BCH
members and reminds me of why I’m
glad to be part of BCH. “Of all the
questions which come before a nation ...
there is none which compares in
importance with the great central
task of leaving this land a better land
for our descendents than it is for us.
Take care and I’ll see you on the trail.
Alan Lackey, President
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COMMITTEE
CHAIRS AND MEMBERS
CONTACT
Audit & Budget
Donations & Awards
Education
Election & Nominations
Equipment & Inventory
Fair
Fundraisers
RTP Grant Committee
Historian
Issues
Memberships
Newsletter
Outreach
Parliamentarian
Programs
Projects
Social
Sunshine
Trail Rides
Joe Atencio/Earl Philips
Rita Atencio
Fred Weisbecker
Rita Atencio
Dave Welch
Bill Black
VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Joe Rogish, Fred Weisbecker, Joyce Wesche
Laura McManus
Fred Weisbecker
Bonnie Morgan
Aimee Sarantis
Karen Philips
VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Philip & Pam Togerson
Dan Brandborg
VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Cindy Beck
Rebecca Banks
Bonnie Morgan
961-4816/381-2705
961-4816
546-8067
961-4816
541 980 2883
546-6492
Training
642 3246
642-3018
375-9371
381-9021
361-1853
961-0101
360-4933/360-3201
381-5643
360-1165
381-4486
381-9021
May speaker dresses the part
Jan Bullock has worked the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog
Race, a 1,000-mile race, for 20 years.
Jan entered the room dressed ready to mush on the
trail - all you can see were her eyes! Jan has been with
the Iditarod since 1994, first as communications specialist using ham radios then as a vet tech starting in
1996.
The ECG Program was started to test the dogs and ensure they are healthy to race. Dogs have to be tested
30 days before the race – blood work, microchip, and
ECG. Jan has processed up to 100 dogs/day. Mushers
can bring a max of 24 dogs.
Jan analyzes the electrocardiograms for abnormalities,
and a vet does the final analysis. Dog testing is performed in Wasilla, Fairbanks, Kenai Peninsula, and at
the race start for the international participants. The microchips are checked throughout the race.
Jan also went to the main checkpoints on the trail
course and coordinated “dropped” dogs back to Anchorage via plane. Jan answered several questions
from the audience, including a typical race is completed in 9-10 days, while some racers can be out for several weeks.
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Campout / Trail Projects for 2016
Coyote Coulee Both loops of trail clearing.
Project leader: Mike Foster / Trish Foster
546-8956 /961-4816
Dates: Friday, June 17th 9:00
Boulder Creek Camp - First
Two nights at the trailhead, three possible days on the lower section of trail to the falls and possibly to the meadows if conditions
allow. This is a preparation project for the second final trail work to the pass.
Project leader: Joe Rogish 642-3246
Dates: Friday, June 24th/25th/26th
Boulder Creek Camp - Final
Two nights in the backcountry, three days including travel time to the upper section of trail from the end of the first trips work.
Camp in the meadows and work to the pass.
Project leader: Joe Rogish 642-3246
Dates: Friday, July 22nd/23rd/24th
Gold Creek Camp
Camp at campground, main work parties’ start at lower section and work up, some members on foot work from Willow Mtn. Lookout and work down trail.
Project leader: Taylor Orr 406-930-5838
Dates: Friday August 5th/6th/7th
Friday evening board meeting for August held here
Fales Flat Camp
Multiple projects. Camp at Fales Flat, trailhead for Sheephead Creek trail and loop to Nez Perce Pass, Trailer to top of pass and
clear Jack the Ripper trail, possible Blue Joint trail work, Nez Perce grave site trail.
Project leader: Dan Brandborg 381-5643
Dates: Friday September 9th/10th/11th
Meet at 12:00 Friday at Campsite
BBCH Campout May 14-15, 2016
The Rock Creek campground at Lake Como became a horse camping training site for the Bitter Root Back
Country Horsemen on May 14-15. Sixteen members stayed all weekend while two drove home each night to
feed stock still at home. Two other members came in for day rides or to add to the training. Ten horses and
three mules were high-lined or put in electric fence corrals.
After a trail ride, Dan Brandborg showed members how to put odd shaped items with varying weights into
mantys and tie them up. Two groups practiced the skill, then guessed how close they were in weight. The
scale showed that the pairs selected were only 1-3 lbs different in weight.
A “trailer tour” of all eleven rigs let members share
their favorite camping items or ways to keep their animals secure.
The next morning Julie Schram demonstrated how to
pony her two mules, emphasizing the skills the lead
horse needs to be safe in that job. No campout is complete without good food, so Lionel and Melanie Lavallee were the chefs for the weekend.
Thanks to everyone for helping shop for food, put up
high lines, check on restless horses at night, bring the
club trailer, and put up the tent for our eating area.
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Dan & Lynn check manty weight
Great spaghetti at campout
Chef Lionel
Having fun on a trail ride
Larry Creek Crew
Brad brands the manure pit
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National Trails Day Work Project (6/4/2016)
Larry Creek: 17 volunteers, 8 head of stock, 8 miles of trail, 37 water bars cleared, 50 trees cut under 8"
and two over 8", parking area cleaned, new bigger manure bin completed, and a replacement manure fork
delivered.
Volunteers headed out from the trailhead in numerous directions and returned back in less than 2 1/2 hours,
just in time for their BBQ lunch.
Bonnie cleans up a mess
No sightings of the mama bear and two
cubs that we heard have been roaming
the recreation area.
Thank you to all who helped!
Bonnie & Pam work as a team
Checking out a rolling dip
Cleared section
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DRAFT BITTER ROOT BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN DRAFT
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES, MAY 19, 2016
The May 2016 general meeting of the Bitter Root Back Country
Horsemen (BBCH) was called to order by President Alan Lackey
at 7:06 pm with a quorum present. The meeting was held at the
Corvallis School Cafeteria. Approximately 45 members were present. President Alan led the Pledge of Allegiance to start the
meeting.
Guests were introduced: Nick and Eleanor Pasqualini (members
here for the summer); Richard Boone
Program: Alan Lackey introduced the program speaker, Jan
Bullock, a member who has worked the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog
Race, a 1,000-mile race, for 20 years. Jan entered the room
dressed ready to mush on the trail - all you can see were her
eyes! Jan has been with the Iditarod since 1994, first as communications specialist using ham radios then as a vet tech starting in
1996. The ECG Program was started to test the dogs and ensure
they are healthy to race. Dogs have to be tested 30 days before
the race – blood work, microchip, and ECG. Jan has processed up
to 100 dogs/day. Mushers can bring a max of 24 dogs. Jan analyzes the electrocardiograms for abnormalities, and a vet does the
final analysis. Dog testing is performed in Wasilla, Fairbanks, Kenai Peninsula, and at the race start for the international participants. The microchips are checked throughout the race. Jan also
went to the main checkpoints on the trail course and coordinated
“dropped” dogs back to Anchorage via plane. Jan answered several questions from the audience, including a typical race is completed in 9-10 days, while some racers can be out for several
weeks.
Minutes (Kathy Stroppel-Holl): A motion was made by Ed Bullock
and seconded by Brad Pollman to accept the minutes of the
April 2016 general meeting as printed in the newsletter. The
motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Marilyn Rogish presented the report. A motion was made by Laura DeGrazier and seconded by Mark
DeGrazier to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Horse for Sale: Karen Philips presented info on a horse for
sale. Owners live in WY and are looking for a good home. A flyer
was passed around with more information.
Weed Booklets: Karen P presented two booklets, Plants Toxic to Horses and Plants Toxic to Cows, that are available from the
Weed District at Stevi Airport Rd. The booklets are $2 each.
Volunteer Forms: Alan L spoke about and passed out the Forest Service (FS) Volunteer Forms that are needed to work on projects. Completed forms can be turned in to Alan or Joe Rogish.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Issues: Fred Weisbecker had no new information to present.
Education: Fred Weisbecker had no new information to present.
Projects: Joe Rogish sent around project signup sheets. Joe
discussed the remaining projects scheduled for this summer. He
asked that members look at the project dates and sign up. The
Coyote Coulee Project is postponed to June due to inclement
weather. Carol Johns talked about the possible date for the May
Creek Project in late August or the end of September. A 3-day
project is planned, with several trail loops that can be worked.
Stock can be kept near the campground. The area is outside the
wilderness. Brad Pollman spoke on the Larry Creek Project
scheduled for June 4 at 9 am. Level 1 maintenance will be done
on the entire complex, with a BBQ afterwards. He will move the
manure bin from the east side of the horse trailer parking lot.
Brad will talk with the Stevi Ranger District regarding grading
the road. Brad thanked Carol for stepping up to take on the May
Creek Project, and asked members to consider taking on project
leadership roles – mentoring will be provided.
State Director: Joe Rogish said a BCH MT meeting is on Saturday, May 21, at Deer Lodge. A report will be provided after the
meeting. Let the directors know if you have any issues to bring
up.
Training: Bonnie Morgan passed out crosscut sawyer certificates to members who recently completed the training. The website will be updated with the training info. The chainsaw class is
coming up with 8 enrollees. Debby Hassel is checking if an additional class can be set up for those who can’t make the May 22
class (Brad suggested checking with the Missoula chapter). Bonnie encouraged members to get out on the projects, even those
without training, and help in many other aspects of making the
project successful. She talked about the fun time last weekend at
Lake Como – high lining, rides, packing demo, ponying demo,
trailer tour, and good food.
Membership: Bonnie Morgan noted there are 99 memberships and 149 members. The numbers in the April minutes will
be corrected.
Outreach: Karen Philips has placed many photos on the
chapter’s Facebook page from recent activities – check them out.
Programs: Phil Torgerson thanked Jan for her presentation
this evening. He is talking with MPG Ranch about a June presentation. He will also follow up with the Duggans regarding a noxious weed presentation and with a local horse trainer.
Trail Rides: Rebecca Banks said she is available May 23 at
Calf Creek, June 17 at Chaffin Creek, and June 20 at Crazy Creek.
She suggested other rides could be at Fred Burr and at Boulder
Creek after the first project. Contact Rebecca for ride suggestions
or whether a member would like to lead a ride.
OLD BUSINESS
Mule Days: Bill Black spoke about the remaining slots to be
filled for ticket taking/selling and he thanked Nancy for her help
setting up the schedule. Nancy said there were 12 slots still available on Saturday and Sunday. Day managers, who assist Bill and
the ticket sellers/takers, have shortened time slots (10:30-4) on
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
OTHER BUSINESS
BBCH Shirts: Nancy has a half dozen orders, and needs 6
more to place the order. Email her with your ordering information. Embroidered items are also available – check the website
and handle the order yourself.
Film Fundraiser: Joyce Wesche spoke about the youth group
who made and showed the film at the convention last year. A dinner and silent auction fundraiser is on Saturday, May 27 to fund
their next film effort. Entry is $6/person, $20/family.
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Continued from page 6
Western Heritage Days: Brad P noted that Heritage Days is
on June 18-19 in Stevensville, with a parade on June 18. Bonnie M
will be the point of contact for chapter members who want to
ride in the parade. He will lead BBCH riders with the chapter
banner. This is good exposure for the chapter.
Next Meeting: June 16 at Lake Como, with the potluck dinner
starting at 6:30.
Adjourn. A motion was made by Marilyn Rogish and seconded by Bonnie Morgan to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 pm. The
motion carried.
Kathy Stroppel-Holl, Secretary BBCH
DRAFT BITTER ROOT BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN DRAFT
BOARD MEETING MINUTES, JUNE 2, 2016
The June 2016 Board meeting of the Bitter Root Back Country
Horsemen (BBCH) was called to order at 7:05 pm at the Daly
Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana, by Alan Lackey. Present
were officers President Alan Lackey, Vice President Karen
Philips, and Secretary Kathy Stroppel-Holl. Board Members present included: Bill Black, Dan Brandborg, Ed Bullock, Steve Greer,
Taylor Orr, and Joyce Wesche. Also present were Past President
Mike Foster, State Chairman Brad Pollman, and State Director
Chuck Miller. Absent were Treasurer Marilyn Rogish, and Board
Members Mike Costanzo, Joe Rogish, and Fred Weisbecker.
Guests: Nancy Pollman.
Minutes (Kathy Stroppel-Holl): A motion was made by Ed Bullock
and seconded by Mike Foster to accept the minutes of the
May 2016 Board meeting as printed in the newsletter. The
motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Potential Email Fraud: Alan Lackey noted that Marilyn R had
received an email in Alan’s name asking for transfer of funds to
an account (this did not happen). He said to be aware of fraudulent emails. It was suggested that the bank should also be made
aware.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Projects: Dan Brandborg suggested a new date for the Coyote Coulee Project on Friday, June 17. Mike Foster will confirm it.
Discussion ensued on the Larry Creek Project occurring on June
4. Lunch will be provided. Brad Pollman will check on road accessibility to shuttle walkers up trail. He will also handle moving the
manure bin. Stock can be brought – Brad will conduct tailgate
safety with them and send them out first. This project is covered
under the RTP grant, so data should be tracked. Dan noted that
the form should be filled out and submitted to the project leader.
He said that Carol Johns is working on setting the date for the
May Creek Project for September or October. Dan noted that
fence riding at Calf Creek could be done on your own rather than
under a formal ride – he will bring it up at the general meeting.
Any fence breaks need to be repaired and trespass cattle needs to
be brought to FWP attention. BBCH does have permission to take
care of any needed trail work at Calf Creek.
State Director: Chuck Miller deferred to Brad Pollman, who
spoke about the recent BCH MT meeting. The Forest Service (FS)
Region 1 report was informative on use of mechanized vehicle in
wilderness study areas, which was dependent on what was in use
in 1977. Brad further discussed that the BCH MT will support the
FS on how they manage areas. BCH MT agreed to a cost-share
agreement with the FS of $10,000 to be used over the next 5
years for certified sawyer trainer training (a 40-hour course).
These funds could also be used to reimburse chapters for training expenses. The BCHA National meeting will in Great Falls next
year. No action was taken on the BCH MT state constitution. Nancy P will forward the BCH MT meeting minutes after they are
prepared.
Membership: Bonnie Morgan said one new member, Larry
Gill, needs to be approved. A motion was made by Karen Philips
and seconded by Bill Black to accept the new membership.
The motion carried. BBCH now has 100 memberships and
150 members.
Training: Bonnie Morgan reported that training is done, with
a few individual training over the summer if needed. She noted
there are leftover food staples from the Lake Como campout that
can be used for projects this summer. Brad P said the chainsaw
training went well. He will be sent the training cards to distribute. He said the chainsaws are in good shape. The New Zealand
crosscut saw needs to be sharpened, and Dan B said Missoula
Saws can handle it. The Board was asked to consider having a
more localized member handle the shed equipment and inventory. Alan will check with Dave Welsh as to his availability to oversee equipment. It will be brought up at the general meeting.
Outreach: Karen Philips said the website is very up-to-date
for the training info and thanked Nancy for her efforts. She also
thanked Bonnie for her training efforts. She met with Todd
McKay regarding the BBCH project schedule. He has three partner projects happening on Saturday, June 4: the BBCH project at
Larry Creek, the SPWBCH project at Blodgett, and a bike group
project at Lolo.
Program: Karen Philips (for Phil Torgerson) said Phil has
contacted Christy Duggan to be speaker at the June meeting to
talk about toxic weeds and stock. She said that Phil has been doing a great job following up on programs.
OLD BUSINESS
Mule Days: Bill Black said that Nancy P has the volunteer
slots under control. Bill noted that advertising has been minimal
so far, so attendance could be low. Everything is a go for starting
on Thursday, June 9.
Stevi Western Heritage Days Parade: Bonnie M talked about
a BBCH group that will ride in the Parade on June 18. She will
send an email to the chapter to determine numbers so the entry
form can be filled out. She will send in the entry form once the
numbers are determined. Check in is at 9:30 at the Burnt Fork
Market, judging is at 10, and the parade starts at 11. Brad offered
a location for parking trailers. Marilyn R will call in the insurance
once participant numbers are known.
Calf Creek Toilet: Karen asked whether anyone has followed
up on talking to other groups about helping with funding. She
will draft a letter once she hears feedback from others.
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Continued from page 7
Camp Trailer and Tent: Bill Black talked about the cook tent
and that many of the 6” and 9” bungees are stretched out and
need replacement. He requested the Board order replacements. A
motion was made by Dan Brandborg and seconded by Ed
Bullock to buy bungees for the tent at a cost of approximately $100. The motion carried. Earl Philips will place the order.
Joe, Mark, and Carol practice for the
World Champion Team Log Rolling
Competition!
OTHER BUSINESS
PA System: Ed Bullock has taken on management of the PA,
projector, and screen system. He will store the equipment in a
heated area and keep a supply of batteries on hand.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Ed Bullock and seconded by
Karen Philips to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 pm. The motion
carried.
Kathy Stroppel-Holl, Secretary BBCH
For Sale: McQuerry 1984 horse trailer
2-horse straight load trailer bumper pull. It is blue/
white with a locking tack compartment. It is a good
trailer but my horse outgrew it and no longer fits comfortably. New (bought in 2015) tires.
$3,200.00 Call 406-961-4429
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1999 American 3 horse slant load trailer for sale
Children's Saddle, good condition $100.00
Call Laura 406-369-5770 OR email: [email protected]
It’s is really good shape, very solid, and pulls
great. It is a bumper pull. Has drop down windows
and saddle rack in nice tackroom pulls out.
Asking $6200
Call us at 208 481 0761 or 208 940 2887
BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen 2016 Board
President
Vice President
Alan Lackey 505-603-8499 Karen Philips 961-0101
Secretary
Kathy Stroppel 961-0096
Treasurer
Marilyn Rogish 642-3246
Directors: Bill Black 363-6834, Ed Bullock 907-575-7878, Mike Costanzo 375-1340,
Steve Greer 961-4429, Dan Brandborg 381-5643, Taylor Orr 930-5838, Joe Rogish 642-3246,
Fred Weisbecker 375-9317, Joyce Wesche 961-5349.
Past President: Mike Foster 546-8956
State Directors: Chuck Miller 961-5453 / Joe Rogish 642-3246
Alt. State Director: Mark DeGrazier 777-1234
National Director: Br ad Pollman 546-6491
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Bitter Root
Back Country Horsemen
NEXT BBCH MEETING
June 16, 2016
Location: Rock Creek Horse Camp
(site 3) at Lake Como
Bring your own beverage and a chair.
Visit our website:
bchmt.org/bitterroot
Potluck at 6:30
Meeting at 7:00
Program: Christy Duggan
(from the Ravalli County Weed District)
Guests are welcome!
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen
P.O. Box 1083
Hamilton, MT 59840
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