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September-October 2014 - Back Country Horsemen of Washington
Vol. 39 Issue 5 Back Country Horsemen of Washington September/October 2014 Grants Report See page 4 www.bchw.org Tools purchased with grant money. 2014 Officers, Committee Chairs & Staff OFFICERS: President Trygve Culp [email protected]................ 509.486.2061 Vice President Jim Anderson [email protected]...... 509.486.2061 Secretary Janelle Wilson [email protected]................ 360.748.4880 Treasurer Teri Starke [email protected]................. 253.709.5052 Safety Officer Doc Wesselius [email protected]...... 360.736.6106 Special Assistant for Advocacy Jeff Chapman [email protected]............ 360.385.6364 Special Assistant for Independent Member Affairs Jason Ridlons [email protected]............... 509.964.9260 BCHA Directiors Darrell Wallace [email protected]................... 360.918.3016 Jason Ridlons [email protected]............ 509.964.9260 Alternate Ken Carmichael [email protected] COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Legislative Chair Jeff Chapman [email protected]............ 360.385.6364 Public Lands Chair Darrell Wallace [email protected]..................... 360.918.3016 Membership Chair Heather Moorman [email protected]............ 509.585.4001 Awards Chair Deb Wesselius [email protected]............ 360.736.6106 Education Chair.................................. Vacant LNT Chair Jane Byram [email protected].................... 509.997.7407 Lead Saw Certifiers Tom Mix [email protected] 360.582.0460 Trygve Culp [email protected]............. 509.486.2061 Volunteer Hours Co-Chairs Deb Wesselius [email protected]......... 360.736.6106 Peggy Swanberg [email protected]......... 509.486.1107 Governance By-Laws Chair Teunis Wyers [email protected]................ 509.493.3939 Special Project Coordinator Jason Ridlons [email protected]............... 509.964.9260 Ways & Means Dave Swanberg [email protected].......... 509.486.1107 2015 Rendezvous Chairs lori Lennox [email protected].......... 360.482.2742 Jason Ridlons [email protected]............ 509.964.9260 Publicity Chair & THN Editor Dick Yarboro [email protected]...... 360.264.2263 Web Master & Photographer Jim Thode [email protected]................ 360.978.5336 STAFF: Executive Director Darrell Wallace [email protected]..................... 360.918.3016 THN Managing Editor & Publisher Joyce Willms Adriane Wolfe, Graphic Designer/Advertising Alexandra Mowrey, Asst. Editor/Advertising Washington Media Services, Inc. [email protected].............. 360.754.4543 Volunteer Proof Reader Sondra Johnston [email protected]............. 253.843.2679 ii Trailhead News September/October 2014 Inside this Issue www.bchw.org Prez Says . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Grants Report. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4-8 Out on the Trails Back Country Horsemen – Saddle Up. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 9-10 Education Kalispel 4-H Camp . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 11 Trail Work Table Top Mountain Work Party!. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 Trail Musings from the TrailMeister . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 When Old Guys Rule! . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 Awards. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 15 Cowboy Radio . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 2nd Quarter Board of Directors’ Meeting . .. .. .. .. .. Inside Back Cover Calendar of Events. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Back Cover Cover Photo: Ed Letcher sawing at Table Top Mountain work party. Photo Top Left: the whole group. Photo Bottom Right: gear purchased with grant money. . Disclaimer Articles which appear in The Trailhead News (THN) do not necessarily reflect the position, opinion or endorsement of Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW), its officers, committee chairs, staff or Washington Media Services, Inc. (WMS). BCHW and WMS are not responsible for the accuracy of all material and advertisements. Appearance of an advertisement in the THN does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by BCHW of goods or services offered therein. Prices subject to change without warning. BCHW, WMS and its management shall not be held responsible for any typing errors or omissions other than a correction in the next available issue. The THN shall not be reproduced in any form or manner without prior written agreement. This includes reproduction of articles, photos, and the BCHW logo. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Back Country Horsemen of Washington has enacted the following policy: Back Country Horsemen of Washington does not endorse or oppose any political candidate, donate or contribute to any political candidate’s campaign, participate or engage in political fund raising events, distribute statements for or against particular political candidates, nor engage in any other activity that may constitute favoring or opposing a political candidate. The forgoing applies to the official position of BCHW, it does not restrict or discourage individual members from representing themselves in support of a candidate. The Trailhead News is the official publication of Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW). The Trailhead News is published bimonthly by Back Country Horsemen of Washington,110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Annual membership dues include a subscription to The Trailhead News. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Trailhead News, 110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926. © 2010 Back Country Horsemen of Washington. Editorial: Maximum word count for articles is 600 plus two (2) photos as space is limited. Photos must be accompanied by the location, name(s) of person(s) in photo and the name of the photographer. Please submit to: [email protected] or mail to: PO Box 7184 • Olympia, WA 98507 • 360.754.4543 Article, Photo & Ad Publish Date Deadline Dates of Newsletter December 1..........................Jan/Feb January 18............................Mar/April April 1..................................May/June June 1...................................July/Aug August 1...............................Sept/Oct October 1.............................Nov/Dec Advertising Information Call: 360.754.4543 BCHW Chapter Locations & Directors September/October 2014 ALPINE LAKES TRAIL RIDERS: Director: Dana Baily P.O. Box 533 • Cle Elum, WA 98922 509-630-7581 BUCKHORN RANGE: Director: Bob Hoyle P.O. Box 845 • Chimacum, WA 98325 360-732-5042 CAPITOL RIDERS: Director: Karen Johnson 6326 103rd Ave SW • Olympia, WA 98512 360-273-8075 CASCADE HORSE CLUB: Director: Barbara Woo P.O. Box 1359 • Lake Stevens, WA 98258 360-435-6923 CRAB CREEK RIDERS: Director: Bill Bailey P.O. Box 519 • Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-765-4017 ENUMCLAW TRAIL RIDERS: Director: Tom Saunders P.O. Box 438 • South Prairie, WA 98385 360-897-8772 FERRY COUNTY: Director: Dave Taylor P.O. Box 1124 • Republic, WA 99166 509-485-3002 GRAYS HARBOR: Director: Lori Lennox 295 Powers Ck Rd • Elma, WA 98541 360-482-2742 INLAND EMPIRE: Director: Ken Carmichael P.O. Box 30891 • Spokane, WA 99223 509-466-2225 ISLAND COUNTY: Director: Paula Keohane 27448 SR 525 • Coupeville, WA 98239 360-969-2578 LEWIS COUNTY: Director: Bernie Stratton 1673 Market Blvd #88 • Chehalis, WA 98532 360-262-3606 METHOW VALLEY: Director: Gary Sterner P.O. Box 902 • Twisp, WA 98856 509-682-0412 MOUNT ADAMS: Director: Teunis Wyers P.O. Box 1835 • White Salmon, WA 98672 509-493-3939 MOUNT SAINT HELENS: Director: Jim Anderson P.O. Box 418 • Brush Prairie, WA 98606 360-835-5719 NISQUALLY: Director: Alan Pankau P.O. Box 641 • Yelm, WA 98597 360-446-5958 NORTHEAST: Director: Jim Hudkins P.O. Box 3094 • Deer Park, WA 99006 509-954-7446 OAKLAND BAY: Director: Traci Koch P.O. Box 1285 • Shelton, WA 98584 360-490-2878 OKANOGAN VALLEY: Director: Dave Sunde P.O. Box 812 • Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-1547 OLYMPIC: Director: Phil Bennett P.O. Box 250 • Belfair WA 98528 360-277-0643 PENINSULA: Director: Dave Seibel P.O. Box 1931 • Port Angeles, WA 98362 360-640-9472 PIERCE COUNTY: Director: Louise Caywood 21804 Mountain Hwy., #52 • Spanaway, WA 98387253-535-3767 PURPLE SAGE RIDERS: Director: Dave Jackson 1783 Jericho Rd • Richland, WA 99352 509-627-5834 RATTLESNAKE RIDGE RIDERS: Director: Dan Chappel P.O. Box 63 • Benton City, WA 99320 509-588-4342 SCATTER CREEK RIDERS: Director: Jeff Sprehn P.O. Box 1016 • Rochester, WA 98579 360-528-7743 SKAGIT: Director: Rob DeBoer P.O. Box 188 • Sedro Woolley WA 98284 360-770-5082 TAHOMA: Director: Kathy Young P.O. Box 365 • Ravensdale, WA 98501 206-551-7824 TRAILDUSTERS: Director: Cathy Nelson 17121 Butler Rd• Snohomish WA 98290 360-568-5933 WENAS VALLEY: Director: Krohn Traversie P.O. Box 1325 • Selah, WA 98942 509-643-2769 WENATCHEE VALLEY: Director: Ken Bailey P.O. Box 1402 • Wenatchee, WA 98807 509-884-5566 WHATCOM COUNTY: Director: Bill McKenna P.O. Box 28607 • Bellingham, WA 98228 360-599-2526 WILLAPA HILLS: Director: Jacqueline Angermeir P.O. Box 898 • Raymond, WA 98577 360-267-1765 WINE COUNTRY RIDERS: Director: Randy Ridenour P.O. Box 641 • Prosser, WA 99350 509-882-3983 YAKIMA VALLEY: Director: Steve Miller P.O. Box 25 • Cowiche, WA 98923 509-678-5013 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Chapter Directors: This list is taken from the BCHW Directory located online at bchw.org. Trailhead News 1 Optional Members September/October 2014 Back Country Horsemen of Washington expresses its gratitude to those who contribute to BCHW as “Contributing,” “Sustaining,” and “Patron,” members. T he Optional Membership Program is available to all members for renewal or new membership. Members in this program pay only the optional membership fee, which includes the Family or Single Membership. The optional membership information on this page is provided by the BCHW Membership Committee. If you have any corrections or questions, please e-mail [email protected]. Name Chapter Lifetime Members Mitch Baird.................................................... IND Trygve Culp.................................................. OKA Dave Jackson................................................. PSR Heather Moorman.......................................... PSR Jim Murphy....................................................OLY Carol D Wilcox............................................ WEN Teunis Wyers................................................. MTA Pat Wyers...................................................... MTA 2015 Annual Meeting Head Table Kim Merrick...................................................TAH Lori Lennox.................................................. GRA Linda Foster.................................................. GRA 2014 Annual Meeting Head Table Al Norrbom....................................................TAH 2014 Patron Level George Michel............................................... IND Barbara Woo & Scott Bauer...........................CAS Greg Johnston & Cathy Johnson.................... NIS 2014 Sustaining Level Gene & Connie Baugher............................... MTA Sandi Berg......................................................CCR Robert & Sheila Blakely..................................PIE Garry & Penelope Booker............................. NOR Donald Campbell & Christina Fritzinger....... IND Danny & Jeanie Chappel...............................RRR Leslie Coey.................................................... IND Joel Crosby..................................................... INL Jack Duffy & Eileen Kiera........................... WHA Chris Enrico................................................... CAP Robert & Celeste Eversole.............................. INL Finney / Denney Family................................ MTS Bruce Foreman.............................................. NOR Robert & Vicki Gish..................................... NOR Peg Greiwe & Dale Kelley..............................PIE Sharon & Jack Jenson....................................TAH Sandi Kampen............................................... MET Mary Kane.....................................................TAH Tamara King...................................................CAS Joanne Lacy & Dale Bamford..........................PIE Fred & Lori Lennox...................................... GRA Dan Fleissner & Kay Maccready.................. MET Bruce & Jenny McCall...................................CAS Mary McIntyre Lee........................................ IND Rebecca Meyers............................................. IND Name Chapter Thomas & Kristine Moran............................ GRA John Myers.....................................................RRR Al Norrbom....................................................TAH James & Carol Oakes..................................... IND Mary & Dennis Owens................................. GRA David & Cathy Petrie.....................................TAH Joann Reider...................................................TAH Lew Roggenbuck.......................................... ENU Darlene Sabey................................................TAH Boyd & Mikki Sharp...................................... PEN Bob & Sidney Showalter...............................RRR Teri & George Starke..................................... IND Gene & Mary Sutliff......................................TRA Darrell Wallace & Kristy Stender................. NOR Ken Wegner......................................................PIE Dave & Bonnie Welch.................................. MTA Dick Woodfin................................................ MTA Joann Yost..................................................... GRA 2014 Contributing Level Earl & Dorothy Aalseth.................................CAS Susan & Burton Bates.................................... IND Evie Bredeson............................................... NOR Lettie Broughton............................................OLY Bill & Andrea Clark........................................ INL Bob & Elayne Clubb.................................... WEN Gary & Kathy Collins................................... MTS Allen & Missy Day........................................TAH Gary & Marie Duskin....................................SKA Kevin Eilmes.................................................. IND Ken & Pam Evans......................................... MTS Dawn Graham................................................ PEN Nancy Groff...................................................RRR Jim & Kay Hill.............................................. MTA Judith & Bob Hoyle...................................... BUC Julie Jindal.................................................... MTA Gary & Jill Johnston..................................... LEW Shirley Landgren........................................... MTA Nancy & Bob Lee..........................................TAH Ed, Teri, & Alli Letcher.................................TAH Beverly Masteller............................................ INL Kim Merrick...................................................TAH Miller Family................................................ NOR Clare Painter.................................................. OKA Becky Penoyan..............................................OAK Dave Peterson & Kris Lenke........................ BUC For Membership Questions and Mailing List Address Corrections/Updates… Please email [email protected] directly! 2 Trailhead News Name Chapter Rase Family.................................................. BUC Terry Roberts................................................ BUC Scott & Robin Rogers................................... BUC Len & Kathy Rolph....................................... MTA Joe & Marcia Russell.................................... ENU Bonnie Schafer...............................................CCR Al Schwiesow............................................... LEW Gary & Barbara Sterner................................ MET Penny Tanner................................................... NIS Gerald L & Margaret Throop........................ MTA Chris Tornow & Matt Shirley........................ IND Cathy Upper.................................................. MET Bill Waymire................................................ WCR Kathy Young & Steve Dando.........................TAH A Gift To Honor or In Remembrance Donate in memory of a friend, family, or loved one. To make a donation in their name to BCHW, please contact Teri Starke, BCHW Treasurer, at: 253.709.5052 [email protected]. If you would like the remembrance in The Trailhead News, email information to [email protected]. Tax Deduction P lease be informed that membership dues, paid at the state as well as the chapter level, are tax deductible for the calendar year and subsequent years. Deduct your dues as a charitable contribution under authority of IRC Section 170 (assuming the person paying the membership dues itemizes their deductions when computing their federal net taxable income) or as a business deduction under authority of IRC Section 162 (assuming the person paying the membership dues has a “trade or business” and the payment of the membership dues is directly related to this “trade or business”). When making a donation, ask for a receipt. Your volunteer mileage is also deductible. Make copies of your volunteer hours logs with mileage for your taxes. September/October 2014 Prez Says From My Spot on the Picket Line O By Trygve Culp, BCHW President h my goodness! What a summer this has been in the Okanogan; over 300 homes destroyed by wildfires in the Methow and Okanogan Valleys. Additionally, countless barns, sheds and other outbuildings burned. I’ve heard various estimates, but perhaps as many as 1,300 to 1,500 head of cattle were killed when the winds carried the fires; as much as 10,000 miles of fencing will need to be repaired or replaced as well. All of this damage and destruction occurred before the end of July – typically our active fire season does not start until around mid-August. I have not heard that any BCHW members lost homes, but there were several close calls that I am aware of, and some members have had property damage. It is still difficult to accurately verify information as telephone and internet service to the Methow and lower Okanogan is still a bit “sketchy”. As information becomes available, I will share it via the BCHW Group Spaces sites. 2nd Annual State-Wide Work Party On a more pleasant note, I attended the 2nd annual statewide work party held this year over the long 4th of July weekend at the Ken Wilcox Horse Camp, on the U.S. Forest Service Cle Elem Ranger District. Kudos to BCHW Special Project Coordinator Jason Ridlon for organizing the event; to Kim Merrick, caterer extraordinaire, and master Dutch oven chef, for the great lunches and dinners she and her crew prepared and served; and to Darrell Wallace, breakfast honcho, for a great start to each day. While we were at Haney Meadows, the Forest Service announced the imposition of “hoot owl” restrictions which required us to stop operating our chainsaws at 1:00 pm daily. Despite being able to only saw for half days we were able to accomplish a whale of a lot of trail log-out work. There are photos and another article about the event elsewhere in this issue of the THN. Jason, Kim and their staff of helpers are already beginning to plan for the 2015 work party. I’m pushing to do one in one of the Wilderness Areas in the State – wouldn’t that test our mettle? Mark your 2015 calendar now to attend over the 4th of July. Volunteer Hours I am encouraged with the “new and improved” volunteer hours reporting system. Despite some glitches that the Co-Chairs will work to resolve after field season wraps up, most of the Chapters were able to submit a quarterly report for the June Board of Directors meeting. As of May 30th, the Chapters and Independent members who reported had accomplished nearly 28,000 hours of work, LNT/education, administrative/public meetings and travel. Very impressive! Take a moment and give yourselves a pat on the back! Packing Support Agreement with PCTA Another bit of good news that I need to share involves our packing support agreement with the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA). Before the Board of Directors meeting in June, Board Member Bernie Stratton, Executive Director Darrell Wallace and I met with Jennifer Tripp and Mike Dawson from the PCTA to work through several issues that the Board had previously identified (primarily involving liability). I am happy to report that we were able to resolve all of the issues and that we are in the process of putting a written agreement together. I am hopeful that we will have a signed agreement in place by our BCHW Public Lands Day meeting in early December. In the meantime, those members providing packing support for PCTA will need to continue to sign both the PCTA Packing Job Hazard Analysis and the PCTA/USFS Group Volunteer Service Agreement for each project supported. Winery/Halloween Ride In closing, I’d like to invite you all to attend the Annual Winery and Halloween Costume Prize Ride this coming October 25th in Zillah. I attended last year for the first time and plan to attend again this year as a volunteer Winery Host. Despite being stomped pretty good by a young horse, I had a great time and so did everyone else in attendance who I spoke with. It is a good time in beautiful country for a great cause – helping BCHW raise funds to keep trails open for recreational use by saddle and pack stock, and for other users too. I hope to see you there. Stay safe. I’ll see you out on the trails. Trailhead News 3 Grants September/October 2014 Grants Report By Darrell Wallace, BHCA Director May 17 & 18 Lewis County Chapter (LCC) Volunteers logged out a total of 10.5 miles of an extremely popular trail system in the vicinity of Packwood Lake prior to the Memorial Day weekend. Horsemen, hikers, bikers, and ATV’s benefit from the chapter’s trail maintenance on the wilderness and non-wilderness trails. Chapter volunteers opened up 6.5 miles of Packwood Lake Trail #78, three miles of Upper Lake Creek Trail #81 and one mile of Pipeline Trail #74. Volunteers also replaced a couple of broken planks on a puncheon, utilizing pack stock to haul the planks and tools. A specialist crew used quads on the lower trail to arrive ahead of the stock crews to take out two hazard logs with massive root balls. Wilderness crews had approximately 40 logs to buck out with hand tools hauled in by packstock. On June 3rd, National Trails Day, chapter volunteers maintained a total of 20.5 miles of trails. The chapter staged a two-day work party from Cody Horse Camp in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Maintaining 10.5 miles of the 27 mile Klickitat Trail #7A: two miles of Klickitat Trail 7B, three miles of Spring Creek Trail #115, three miles of High Lakes Trail #116, and two miles of Keenes Loop Horse Trail #120. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Deb Wesselius hauling tools Green River Trail #213. BCHW Mission Statement PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB WESSELIUS Doc Wesselius, brushing back Green River Trail #213 with collapsible brush cutter purchased by RTP grant. The chapter volunteers were able to get these trails logged out to open up loop trails connecting two popular horse camps: Cody and Keenes. These trails are all non-wilderness. Volunteers used packstock to haul the chainsaws and tools. continued on page 5 PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB WESSELIUS Tom Conner bucking out Keenes Trail #120. BCHW is affiliated with Back Country Horsemen of America (hereinafter “BCHA”) and therefore adopts the BCHA mission statement as follows: The mission of this organization shall be: • To perpetuate the common-sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country and wilderness. • To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. • To assist the various governmental and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource. • To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage. • To foster and encourage the formation of new chapters in the state organization. 4 Trailhead News Grants September/October 2014 Grants Report continued from page 4 On June 21st & 22nd, based out of Walupt Horse Camp and Coleman WeedPatch Trailhead, chapter volunteers logged out a total of 12 miles of trail: five miles of Klickitat Trail #7A, two miles of Coleman WeedPatch Trail #121, one mile of Coleman Weedpatch Horse Trail #121A, three miles of Walupt Lake Trail #101, and one mile of Walupt Lake Horse Trail #101A. In addition to logout trail maintenance, volunteers used a mechanical brush cutter to brush back encroaching vegetation on one mile of Klickitat Trail #7A. All saws, tools, and a brush cutter were hauled with packstock to the work sites. During a July 4th week-long work party, the chapter volunteers worked on a total of 26.4 miles of trails in Mt. Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument. Trail maintenance on 11 miles Green River Trail #213 and surrounding and connecting trails: 3.3 miles #213A Vanson Ridge Trail, 9.1 miles #217 Goat Mt Trail and 2.5 miles #220 Strawberry Mountain Trail was completed. These are all non-wilderness trails. Packstock was employed to carry chainsaws and mechanical brush cutters to tackle fallen old growth timber and overgrown trails. Chapter volunteers used a mechanical brush cutter on two miles of Green River Trail #213 plus trail tread and water bar projects were completed to stabilize the unique pumice soil. In addition to the trail maintenance, a new highline pole was installed. The new pole replaced an old rotten one in the horse camp. Summary: BCHW-LCC has logged out 69.4 miles of trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Goat Rocks Wilderness and the Mt. Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument. Trail tread was completed to stabilize pumice soil and water bars were installed for drainage. A highline pole was replaced in a horse camp for safety concerns. Three miles of trail was brushed back with volunteers utilizing collapsible mechanical brush cutters purchased by the RTP grant. Chapter volunteers used packstock to transport all tools, brush cutters and chain saws to the work sites. Island County – Paula Keohane The Island County Chapter has conducted three work parties on the grant-supported Putney Woods county park. These were in May, June, and July. We have also completed our grant-approved tool cache which we put to work immediately to clear limbs up to the heights required for safe passage of riders. PHOTO COURTESY OF Paula Keohane We are in the process of determining the best way to repair a section of trail that has a previously installed drainage ditch and gabions. This project, along with other identified maintenance needs, will require the remainder of our allocated RTP funds. Fortunately we are able to access the trails year round. continued on page 6 PHOTO COURTESY OF Paula Keohane Capitol Riders – Karen Johnson Capitol Riders used the grant-purchased hedge trimmer in conjunction with the Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF) work party that was held in June. The Mima Falls TH manure bins rebuilt with grant funds are getting used with all the summer riding! Capitol Riders have already covered the volunteer match with hours submitted. Trailhead News 5 Grants September/October 2014 Grants Report continued from page 5 Skagit – Rich Ruhl The length of the trail is approximately four miles and our volunteers have completed over half of the improvements identified. We have cleared brush, widened the trail, constructed switchbacks, and by-passed excessive muddy areas. A section of the Mac Johnson trail needed drainage, culverts, and turnpikes. Rotten puncheon was removed and a partnership with the DNR, PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANA DEBOER PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANA DEBOER Okanogan Valley – Dave Swanberg PNTA, CowBoy Camp, and volunteers from several BCH Chapters dug, raked, and transported approximately 128 tons of shot rock and gravel with power totes to over 200 yards of extremely muddy trail. Logs were felled, peeled and transported with log carriers to form the support for newly constructed turnpikes. Beginning in August we will continue to improve low and wet areas with drainage, culverts, and turnpikes. At this time we are developing a list of materials, supplies, tools, and safety equipment we will need to continue and finish our project. We have spent all our original grant allotment and will most likely need the additional recently allocated $2,000. This will help complete approximately two miles of trail, the last two of our project. All matching hours have been submitted at approximately $8,000 value. The Okanogan Valley Chapter members held their first work party on the three-day weekend of July 10, 2014 working on the Johnny Beall trail complex. Our first priority was to brush out the one half mile of trail to the goodenough trail bridge in order to start constructing a 150 foot long turnpike to correct the boggy portion of the trail. Our crews gathered logs and peeled the bark to be used for the side rails of the turnpike, while two other members operated a mini excavator to dig a ditch adjacent to the new turnpike to direct the water away from the trail and placed the peeled logs along the trail. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE SWANBERG PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANA DEBOER Laying geo tech fabric for new turnpike on the Johnny Beall trail complex in Loomis forest by Trygve Culp, Steve McKinney, and Michael Alvarado. A third crew started loading and hauling rock with two ATV’s and trailers from an existing stock pile provided by WDNR to the new turnpike location. We hauled rock over the three-day period while other members worked on the peeling of logs. By the end of the three-day period the turnpike was approximately 90 percent continued on page 7 6 Trailhead News September/October 2014 Grants Grants Report continued from page 6 complete. During this period another crew brushed out 5.5 miles of trails. The second weekend work party was scheduled for July 18, 19, and 20, but was cancelled due to forest fires burning throughout Okanogan County. We plan on completing the turnpike work later this summer after the fire danger is over and start working on the three bridge approaches on the Johnny Beall Trail complex, along with brushing out the trail to an eight-foot width. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE SWANBERG to the public for over three years due to the Elwha Dam removal project. ONP has set September as the reopening of the area to visitors. Continued implementation of the Chapter’s Trail Scout program that pairs a chapter member to a popular trail. The Scout handles simple trail issues and calls the Trail Project Coordinator for a trail work party to address more significant work needed. We collaborated with other trail crews staffed by Washington Trails Association, Bell Hill Gang, Gray Wolves, Olympic Discovery Trail Thursday crew, and independents to augment our efficacy. By the Numbers: Trail maintained (Miles):. . ......................................... 271 Trail work hours:.. .................................................. 1,327 Travel hours:............................................................. 363 Miles driving:........................................................ 9,595 Turnpike and puncheon Maintained/repaired/installed (feet):...................... 239 Stock bridges and hiker foot logs Maintained/repaired/installed:. . ................................ 10 Stock days:.. ................................................................ 57 Tools and equipment hauled to and From work sites (pounds): .. ................................ 6,300 continued on page 8 Trigve Culp, Stan Kvistad on mules going up the trail to install carsonite posts, and Ted Sharr brushing out the trail. Peninsula Chapter – Tom Mix Washington State Parks (WSP) - Removed blocking downed trees from WSP trails and noxious weed treatment for Tansy on Miller Peninsula trails; planned for trail corridor mowing. USFS - Regained a failed tread on the Tubal Cain Mine trail to make it safer for hikers and stock users; Reconstructed a failed switchback on the Slab Camp trail; Lower Big Quilcene trail corridor brushed; Installed a bridge at Covel Creek on the Gifford Pinchot NF; Repaired turnpike and puncheon; Constructed over two miles of trail on the Olympic Discovery Trail west of Lake Crescent. Planned for: Slab Camp trail bridge and turnpike repair, Fossil Creek gluelam beam bridge construction, Eagle Scout kiosk, and picnic table installation on the Upper Dungeness trail. DNR - Trails on the Striped Peak system were cleared and a new connector trail was constructed; Repaired damaged tread areas along the Olympic Discovery Adventure Route Trail; Planned for noxious weed control work on Burnt Hill. Olympic National Park - Maintained trails of Elwha River West side, Spruce RR Grade along Lake Crescent, Lake Angeles, and Heather Park; Wolf Creek - Removed over 26 downed trees; Little River trail - Installed the last of the sills for a three foot log complex, repaired foot logs three, four, and five and recovered stock fords at foot log three and four. Planned for: Reopening the Happy Lake trail and Olympic Hot Springs trail unavailable Nestled Within the Methow Valley, at the Foot of the Majestic North Cascades • The resort includes six (6) private cabins with rustic interiors, wood stoves, and full kitchens. Studio units are equipped with a window A/C unit. • Wireless internet access is available on the premises. • Seven (7) RV sites with hookups. • We have corrals, bring your horses for some trail riding. • Hike, bike, snowshoe, or snowmobile right from your door in the adjacent Okanogan National Forest or next-door at Yellowjacket Sno-Park. • Come and enjoy a relaxing getaway at an affordable price! Call or Visit our Website Today To Book Your Stay w w w. lo s t r i v er r e s ort. c o m 681 LOST RIVER RD, MAZAMA, WA 98833 • (509) 996-2537 Trailhead News 7 Grants Grants Report continued from page 7 September/October 2014 PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF CHAPMAN Buckhorn Range – Jeff Chapman In 2014, the Buckhorn Range Chapter used funds from grant 12-1718 to replace the failing and vandalized multistall paddocks/hitchrails at the beachfront trailhead in the Port of Port Townsend that is the portal in Jefferson County for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, the Olympic Discovery Trail, and the Larry Scott Memorial Trail. This is a high profile location that is the portal for these trails from the east as they proceed across the Olympic Peninsula towards the Pacific Ocean. The multi-use trails receive heavy use from a range of different types of users and are very popular with community horseback riders including 4-H, Pony Club, and adult rider groups. In addition, the Chapter purchased a Billy Goat Outback brush mower with grant funds to keep the trail easement and side horse trail sections of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail clear of invasive weeds and other vegetation. This provides a soft surface parallel trail for horses, thus reducing user conflicts between equestrians and the adjacent hardened surface trail traffic. This has been an annual work project for National Trails Day and will likely expand in scope as trail development continues westerly through the efforts of north Olympic Peninsula county governments. The endangered nature of this trail is respect to equestrian use. While the hardened bike/pedestrian trail receives agency Kris Lenke, Gerry Magnuson, Juelie Dalzell, Jeff Chapman, and Jean Grondahl (we brushed that day about 1 mile up the trail from the paddocks in the other pictures). PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF CHAPMAN Grant work done by Buckhorn Range Chapter BCHW on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail this year. This is BCHW grant 12-1718. maintenance, the horse trail portion relies on volunteers from Back Country Horsemen to keep it open, and routes horse traffic away from other non-horse savvy trail users. Mt St Helens – Jim Anderson We delivered the bridging materials to the site and began preparing the abutments when we encountered a spring! The Forest Service is now deciding how to deal with that technical issue before we can proceed. Forks – Larry Baysinger Logout work on the Mt. Muller trail continues, including construction of hitching posts. Scatter Creek – Janelle Wilson 8 Trailhead News Chapter continues to use the brush cutter to maintain trails in the Capitol Forest. Out on the Trails September/October 2014 Back Country Horsemen – Saddle Up By Christine Corbett Conklin W hen the pressures of daily life begin to pen you in, there’s nothing like saddling a horse and escaping to the backcountry. Imagine the quiet of a secluded forest the smell of fresh air, the majestic panorama of the ocean, or a lush valley spreading out below, mountains so close you feel you can reach out and touch them, and add to all of this the sense of preserving this pristine beauty for others. It’s a winning formula that has drawn more than 3,000 members in 33 chapters across the state to join the Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW). Together, these riders enjoy the majesty of nature while dedicating themselves to clearing and maintaining horse trails for all users and educating riders about environmentally friendly riding habits. They also gather for special events. Nation-wide, there are chapters in 27 states with about 13,000 members. “It’s just complete therapy,” observed Faye Bradford, who serves as alternate director for the Yakima Valley chapter of BCHW and also is a member of the Wenas Valley chapter. “We love going in the wilderness area, in the backcountry, where we can take our children, our friends. You’re out in your own little world. You can pick wild huckleberries, strawberries, hear an elk’s bugle in the distance, or a bird chirping, see a deer beside the trail.” Bradford, who lives in West Valley and owns three horses, says that she averages 12 to 14 miles on a typical group ride or maybe 20 miles for a longer trip or two each year when she takes a pack horse and camps in a tent overnight. She might trailer the horses past Winthrop, for example, to ride on the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from the Columbia Gorge through the rugged North Cascades on its 2,600-mile path from Canada to Mexico. PHOTOS COURTESY BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN PHOTOS COURTESY BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN L to R: Diane McMullin, Colleen Badgley, Mark Schafer, Jill Breeze, and Rex McCullin stop during a ride at Soda Springs. “The vistas are just gorgeous on a lot of the high-country rides,” she observed. Some of her favorite spots include Bumping Lake, Clear Lake, Jump Off Joe, and Rimrock Lake. “Once a year, we also go to Long Beach,” Bradford said. “The horse doesn’t get as tired running on the beach because it’s a softer ride. The ocean is just beautiful with the waves coming in.” “You’re sharing with your horse,” she added. “The horse enjoys getting out and doing something different. The first time the horse sees the ocean waves coming in, for example, the ears go up, they’re watching. Or, the horse will turn its head toward something as you’re riding along, point its ears to it.” Jim Breeze at a crossing. continued on page 10 BCHW Store Go to the BCHW website at www.bchw.org for merchandise ordering and payment information. Purchasing BCHW items supports and publicizes YOUR organization! Questions? Call Lori Lennox at 360-482-2742 or [email protected] Trailhead News 9 Out on the Trails September/October 2014 Back Country Horsemen – Saddle Up continued from page 9 “In the wilderness it’s best to take just a small group of riders, perhaps four to six people,” Bradford noted. “That makes it easier to enjoy the wilderness, communicate with other riders and ‘leave no trace’ while traveling through.” But why not just hike the trails? “We kind of laugh about it,” observed Jill Breeze, vice president of the Wenas Valley chapter of BCHW. “I hate to hike. That’s why I have a horse! A horse can get you up higher without you having to do the work yourself.” PHOTOS COURTESY BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN A stop along the trail. It’s a good opportunity to “get up away from civilization, into the wilderness area where there are no motorcycles, no jeeps,” she said. In “high country,” such as on the Pacific Coast Trail, “you’re up a lot higher where (most) people don’t go,” she said. “It’s quiet, more natural. You see more wildlife. The views are amazing, like Mount Rainier, Mount Adams.” Members also gather together for social events such as the annual Winery Ride and Halloween Costume Prize Ride planned for Oct. 25 in Zillah. And there are educational forums on everything from care of horses’ teeth, to chiropractic adjustments for the animals. A recent clinic offered West Nile Virus vaccinations for horses. The Back Country Horsemen also work hard to preserve horse trails for the future. Each year, the Wenas Valley chapter, for example, spends at least two weekends clearing trails, Breeze said. In wilderness areas, only large handsaws are used to clear trees, branches and overgrowth. Chain saws are sometimes used outside of official wilderness areas. Wilderness work parties are limited “by heartbeats,” Breeze explained. To lessen the impact on the environment — from noise to footprints — no more than 12 “heartbeats” (usually six riders and six horses) head out into an area at one time. It’s all in keeping with the creed of the Back Country Horsemen: “Take only pictures. Leave only hoof prints and good impressions on young minds.” The U.S. Forest Service and other government agencies are limited in money and staff to maintain backcountry trails, BCHW members say. So, members — sometimes, with several clubs joining together — ride to the rescue to keep trails open, 10 Trailhead News clean up campgrounds and outhouses or even build small bridges to improve access. At times, hikers, “Jeepers” and “ATVers” also pitch in. For example, the Yakima Valley chapter of BCHW has adopted 10-plus miles of the Pleasant Valley Trail on Chinook Pass, said Terry Morgan, past president of the group. “We’re worried that we might be the last generation to see these trails open,” Morgan said. “We feel there’s a real need to voice our opinion on what the federal government is spending money on.” The group advocates for trail maintenance, campground maintenance and upkeep of forest land even in the face of potential budget cuts. Members work with agencies such as the Forest Service to help preserve wilderness access for all. Although some of the membership of BCHW may be graying a little, there are still families with younger children who join in the chapters’ wilderness activities, said Morgan. At age 66, he says he can’t do the “competitive rodeo stuff” like team roping he used to do. Ditto for his wife, Cindy, 65, who used to compete in events such as “cow cutting.” For folks of all ages, Back Country Horsemen offers a glimpse into a hidden and beautiful world, he believes. “We love to get out and see the wonders that are out there,” he said. “People fly over them in jets and never even see what’s out there. People go to campgrounds and never leave the campgrounds. We can do what we love to do, which is ride our horses into country we would probably never be able to hike into. We see whole hillsides of colorful wildflowers, smell the scent of pine and huckleberries. There’s lush green country, beautiful sunny sky. Typically, we’ll see some deer, elk, on occasion a bear or coyotes. The sights are like something you’d see in an artist’s painting,” he said. “At times, it seems like you can see forever.” ~ Reprinted with permission Yakima Herold-Republic PHOTOS COURTESY BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN Jim Breeze (left) helps clear a trail with Rex McMullin. Education September/October 2014 Kalispel 4-H Camp By Gary Cutler, Northeast Chapter Education Chair T he Northeast Chapter has been helping the 4-H Club (sponsored by the Kalispel Tribe) with its Summer Camp, held on tribally-owned land near Priest Lake, Idaho since 2012. Summer Camp activities include archery, stream restoration, and horsemanship; campers seem to really enjoy learning to groom and saddle up, LNT principles, packing and basic safety orientation. But what they really enjoy is the trail ride that follows! The Chipmunk Falls trail system is nearby, relatively flat and safe, yet and The middle school-aged campers and high school-aged mentors, along with the adult staff, all really enjoy the all-too brief rides, usually about two hours long. This year the camp was held on July 29th-31st just before this year’s Kalispel Pow-Wow. The problem in past years has been lining up enough safe mounts for the kids to ride. This year the Northeast Chapter lined up five cooperative horses, and Evie Bredeson loaned a box full of youth-sized boots and half a dozen helmets. In addition to their own mounts, Stuart Nieman brought one, Darrell Wallace brought one, and Bob Williams brought three! Wrangler/instructors Gary Cutler and Dave Sartell brought their own horses as well, and sometimes we used those animals for the rides too. The Kalispels made a beautiful meadow adjoining the West Fork of Priest River available for horse camping during the event, and purchased certified hay for our use, even though there was lots of graze. They also purchased Additional Insurance through BCHW. The campers prepared meals for all, wranglers included. The kids were beautifully behaved and always excited about riding! The adult leaders were very cooperative and maintained good discipline. One of the Kalispel traditions is respect for tribal elders, and our wranglers were introduced as “elders” to the kids – maybe our ages (62-75) were a factor! We were always offered meals first and had first dibs on camp chairs or anything else we might want. The kids were divided into three groups and each group got to do horsemanship for one day. During the rides we stopped each day for a sack lunch at a scenic view point above Priest River. The kids were always excited about the ride, but enjoyed getting out of the saddle for lunch too. Fortunately recent storms only presented a few logs to maneuver around until we sawed them out. We were able to reinforce LNT principles by reminding everyone to pick up all litter after lunch so we could pack it out. The hot dusty rides were followed by swimming trips to nearby Priest Lake. Northeast Chapter members are already planning for next year’s 4-H Camp, and intend to make it at least as successful as this one. ! 2014 BCHW All adult members need to sign the form. Chapter Members: contact your Chapter for an application. Membership Application Independent Members mail to: BCHW ATTN: Membership, 110 W. 6th Ave., PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926 I would like to help preserve the Horsemen’s rights to use horses on public lands. Adult Names (please print)______________________________________________________________________________________ Children Names (please print) ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________City _____________________State _____Zip ________________ Phone (______ )______________ Cell (_______ )_______________Email_________________________________________________ Occupation ___________________________________________ Do you want to be a Volunteer? o Yes o No What would you like to volunteer for?______________________________________ ! Please clip out and mail o New Member o Renewal/Past Member Mmbr #:__________County__________________________Legislative District _______ State membership for 2014 calendar year Family Membership $ 54_________ Single Membership $ 41_________ Additional State Donation $ _________ Optional Memberships (Includes Family or Single Membership) Contributing Member $ 75_________ Sustaining Member $ 125________ Patron Member $ 250________ Benefactor Member $ 500________ Lifetime (Single) Member$1,200_______ TOTAL ENCLOSED $ _________ Liability Release & Notices All ADULT members MUST sign! Adult’s signature covers minor children. Recognizing the fact that there is a potential for an accident wherever horse use is involved, which can cause injuries to horses, riders, and spectators, and also recognizing the fact that Back Country Horsemen of Washington, including chapters, officers, directors, or members cannot always know the condition of trails or the experience of riders or horses taking part in Trail Rides or other BCHW functions, I do hereby release the above named from any claim or right for damages, which might occur to me, my minor children or horses. Signed______________________________________ Dated______________ Signed______________________________________ Dated______________ Signed______________________________________ Dated______________ Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) is a public charity as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Accordingly, membership dues paid to BCHW may be treated as deductions characterized as “charitable contributions” when computing federal and state income tax obligations. Trailhead News 11 Trail Work September/October 2014 Table Top Mountain Work Party! By Jason Ridlon, F or the second year in a row BCHW sponsored what we are now calling a BCHW state-wide work party! In the summer of 2012 the Table Top Mt. fire destroyed several miles of trails. So in the summer of 2013, with help from the Cle Elum Forest service, BCHW hosted a state-wide work party. Members from all around the state gathered at Lions Rock to stage what was going to be a full-out attack on the trail system to include a full log out, building three new bridges, and completely rebuilding one bridge. All this effort was to protect and save a trail system that has a rich history with BCHW. In the summer of 2013 we were not able to camp and ride out of our founding member’s, (Ken Wilcox), Ken Wilcox Horse Camp due to fire damage. So, in 2014, as a state-wide organization again worked with the Cle Elum Forest Service. We went to work to reopen enough of the camp to hold yet another successful state-wide work party. This year’s work party found most of the trails in fair shape proving that our work in the last year was worth our efforts. We did find several trails needing a little Table Mtn work party members give campfire input to President Trygve Culp. housekeeping ranging from log outs, to tread work, and a few trails that had as many as 50-100 trees down in concentrated areas. What did the 2nd annual statewide work party look like? With the 4th of July falling on a Friday, we kicked off our morning safety meeting after a served breakfast. That’s right, your executive director Darrell Wallace along with our President Trygve Culp and Vice President Jim Anderson, woke early to get coffee going and serve pancakes and sausage both Friday and Saturday mornings! Following our breakfast and safety meeting, we were provided a sack lunch and broke into 4-8 person crews to ride loops from camp. Logging and tread work crews were out 7-9 hours, 12 Trailhead News Sandy Ihly and Kim Merrick take a break from providing camp support. and we had approximately 30-35 members engaged in trail work for two days that cleared approximately 35 miles of trail. At the end of both work days we gathered around the BCHW kitchen for a superb dinner and desserts. And yes, as I promised, and largely thanks to my wife Heather and cousin Rhonda, we served root beer floats for the 4th of July after-dinner celebration! Saturday night we had two guests from the Cle Elum Forest Service: Mary Maj, new District Ranger, and Pam Novitzky, Recreation Manager. Both were welcomed guests at our afterdinner/dessert/social. Members had lots of questions for the new ranger. This was a great time to get to know one another. So what does it take to pull together a statewide work party? It takes support from its members and chapters and this year was no exception. I worked closely with the Tahoma Chapter, Trail Dusters Chapter, Wenatchee Chapter, and Independent members from around the state who helped make this year successful. Chapters that were present, were Tahoma, Trail Dusters, Cascade, North East, Mt. St. Helens, Okanogan, Olympic, Yakima, Nisqually, and several independent members. It’s hard to give special thanks when so many did so much, but in this case a few need recognized, because without them, pulling off a gettogether of this size would have been impossible with my work schedule. I would like to thank the following: Kim Merrick for sticking with me early on to provide the great meals and heading the kitchen crew; Ed Letcher for his role in gathering all the pumps and water tanks to provide easy stock water to the camp and the camp kitchen shelters; Cathy Nelson for her help making phone calls and organizing; and my family for support and help making this happen. In parting I would say the 2nd annual work party served BCHW’s Mission Statement well: “To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.” Trail Work September/October 2014 Trail Musings from the TrailMeister By Robert Eversole “The TrailMeister” W e spend all winter dreaming of the bluebird sky days of summer. Well, those days are finally here. We’ve got it good here in the Evergreen State. And as Back Country Horsemen we’ve got it better than most. By simply changing the elevation we can re-visit spring flowers or venture into the very depths of hot desert riding. I’m a sucker for alpine meadows areas where the cheerful blooms of the lupines greet you in purple waves. Here in Spokane it seems that prime lupine season is mid to late May in the foothills. But by following the receding snow line I can continue viewing these colorful purple spikes almost until the snow starts pushing me back down the mountainsides. I may be biased, but to me that’s something special that just won’t be found in an arena. Not only do Back Country Horsemen (and women) get to see truly remarkable scenery, and not just of the botanical type, we are privileged to be able to share our passion for the trails with other horse folk and other user groups. From our excellent Rendezvous, our many prize rides, our good examples of trail etiquette, and our greetings to the other trail users we meet on the trail, we touch a lot of people. Every encounter is an opportunity to shine and really show what we’re about, and I’ve learned this from one Tahoma Chapter member. On every ride that I have ever been on with her she made it a point to engage the other riders we encountered and tell them about BCHW. She even had BCHW cards that she handed to other riders telling them about us. I’m not sure that I ever told her what an impact she had on me with those cards and trail greetings; I’m saying it now. So the question becomes what do the rest of us do when we encounter other riders on the trail? Do we set a good example? Do we tell them about BCHW and how we help keep the trails open? Every time? Chances are that third question caused a bit of a pause. It did for me at least. I was recently on a pleasant front country ride just over the Idaho border at Farragut State Park. On one side our neighbor was an accomplished dressage rider up for a weekend outing. Although I’ve chased letters across in an arena a time or two, we really had nothing in common so I was surprised when she asked to join us. The third time I dismounted to clear downed logs off the trail she asked “why not just step over or go around?” What an opportunity to share what we do as Back Country Horsemen! I talked about our mission statement and how BCH is a service organization that assists government and private agencies in trail maintenance. Of course I also brought up our fabulous Dutch oven cooking in hopes of getting her to attend a chapter meeting. The Tahoma Chapter member would have done better and had those cards with the website and chapter meeting information, but it was a start and better than my usual mumbles about “helping out” with trail work. The moral of this story? We have a wonderful tale to tell, make an effort to share it with others on the trail and off. Trailhead News 13 Trail Work September/October 2014 When Old Guys Rule! By Lu Young, Publicity Ferry County Back Country Horsemen B ear Pot Trail is a sixteen mile trail that begins at the Thirteen Mile Camp Ground; it can be accessed from the 2055 Road and ends off of Hall Creek road 2050-600. This neat trail in the Colville Forest starts out on the Sanpoil drainage and climbs up along rocky steep canyons, crosses creeks that open into some spectacular views of the Sanpoil drainage and the Kettle Crest. While out riding one day we started down the trail passing an old hunting cabin and came to the bridge which we found was rotting. This posed a problem for our horses. Upon further inspection, we found the planks had fallen through and exposed rotted stringers with rusty nails. It looked like a great project for our Chapter of Ferry County Back Country Horsemen to work on. Forest Service said we could take it on this project and rebuild the bridge. Our trail crew are all over the age of fifty, and some are way over the age of sixty. It just proves: “Old Guys Rule.” With the knowledge from the old guys, they dismantled the bridge and rebuilt it with stringers from local area timber using an old method of a “come along” ropes and pulleys. This method was used to pull the timbers to where they were needed. Taking on this project would involve two work parties and plenty of muscle. It wasn’t long until the stringers were in place and we came back to lay the planks across the 22 foot bridge. They carefully measured the footage and the size for the planks and determined how many were needed. Laying the planks so they fitted properly and stayed level was a job for engineers. Fortunately some of the “old guys” were engineers and some just had practical experience needed to complete this part of the project. As they positioned the planks, each one had to be secured to the stringers with twelve inch twisted nails. Yup, that’s where the muscle came in! The bridge was completed with ‘bull rails’ to insure that horses and hikers would not slip off the bridge in inclement weather. Just 14 Trailhead News goes to show you “old guys rule,” and if put to a task they will get it done. Not only did they get the job done, but our President, Jerry Downs, turned seventy nine that day! The awesome crew members involved in this project were: Stan Kvistad, George Young, Dave Taylor, Steve Hanley, Terry Fralic and Jerry Downs. Thanks guys! Awards September/October 2014 BCHW Awards Report By Deb Wesselius, BCHW Awards Committee T his time of year is relatively quiet on the BCHW Awards front, but the end of the year will be here before we know it. What you should contemplate is who in your chapter would be eligible to receive one of the BCHW awards. Start gathering and begin constructing your candidate’s BCHW story.This is a task to share with other members in your chapter in the guise of an awards committee. What really helps is getting pictures of your nominee in BCHW activities. Get pictures of your Trail Warrior candidate at a work party preforming trail work (remember the PPE’s). If your nominee is always at the computer or behind the scenes keeping the organization running smoothly, get pictures of them volunteering. Photographs of fund raisers, parades, education clinics, etc. demonstrate BCHW promotion. Just remember that it’s never too early to begin thinking about one of those deserving volunteers in your chapter for a BCHW Award nomination. Nominations may be from either a chapter or BCHW member. Nomination forms and the most current list of all known award program recipients are posted at www.bchw.org. Award categories are only given out once to a volunteer. CAMP COOK Your Name Here LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT This award is for the BCHW member or couple who has shown a lifetime of dedication to BCHW by actively pursuing and promoting the organization and the BCHW Mission Statement in a variety of ways. This award is recognition, not a contest. LOPPER AWARD This award is for the BCHW member who had demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to their chapter or to BCHW by participation and promotion of what the BCHW Mission Statement stands for. This is kind of an All Around award, with the nominee being active in several different aspects of the many things that make up BCHW. This award is for the BCHW member who willingly keeps the campfires burning and the kettles hot and full of delicious food to share with others. Whether it is at meetings, work parties or social functions, they are in the kitchen making sure all are well fed. TRAIL WARRIOR This person may not make all the chapter functions or even own a computer but they are out rain or shine, day in and day out, working on the trails. DESK JOCKEY This person is one of the behind the scenes people, always at a computer or running from meeting to meeting. They keep the wheels of our organization turning. JUNIOR BCHW Our future! Who stands out in your chapter? BACKBONE This award is to recognize that special member who is always there when needed, ready and willing to do some special job that no one else can or will, sometimes at the last minute. This is a member who is very important in keeping the chapter, organization or event operating smoothly. SPONSORSHIPS Are extremely important for the success of your BCHW Award Program. Last year nine different BCHW chapters and two businesses sponsored BCHW awards. These sponsorships partnered with the BCHW award budget allowed for 17 different volunteers to be recognized. BCHW chapters please continue to support the BCHW Award Program by sponsoring one of the award categories. Also, remember that with our 501(C) (3) businesses could have tax advantages for award donations. Deb Wesselius, Chair [email protected]. Share Your Experiences! Everyone wants to hear about what fantastic adventures and riding experiences you’ve had this summer! Please email your summer ride stories (600 word maximum) and photos to [email protected] as soon as possible but make sure it is before October 1st for the November/December issue of the Trailhead News. Trailhead News 15 September/October 2014 Cowboy Radio 2014 Raffle Ticket Drawing 00 $3 By Louise Caywood I rs! e nn i W ck nlo lls i W a al, ttle F er e t e N ’ O el, K mwa lock a a u d orm Mich ao, T rt Ha urn N ub ob a M Po ly: Ju ne: R Alvin olm, pat, A Mono Ju ay: ary H i Stu wn, lyn M il: M : Ron y Bro , Ros r x le h Ap arc Char lie Fo s M b: Le Fe an: J Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 BCHW Raffle Calendar contest. recently visited the revised BCHA website. It is very nice. While on the site I listened to the second interview of BCHA Chairman, Jim McGarvey, on Equestrian Legacy Radio. BCHA will contribute to the radio program every first Tuesday of each month. Jim had the opportunity to tell the USA about BCHA’s mission and why it is so important to all trail users. He mentioned HR 4886 and how it would aid the agencies that run our public lands (contact your representatives and ask them to sign this bill). If passed, this legislation would encourage state and federal agencies to take advantage of volunteers to clean out the back log of trail maintenance that is keeping recreationalists off of public lands. He also explained in detail the Crowd Funding Event that we held, bringing in a gross total of $100,000. 25 percent will be used as grant funds for chapters. Details for applying will be out this fall, so start planning your projects. Among other regulars on the new radio show, “Saddle Up America,” BCHW’s own Robert Eversole, alias: The Trailmiester, will be featured discussing his equestrian network. Go take a listen to the first two episodes. An edited version of only Jim can be found on the home page: www.backcountryhorse.org. 2015 Raffle Calendars Are Available Now! - $20 each! - Don’t delay, time is getting short; someone else might buy your winning ticket! • 11 chances to win $300.00 • One chance to win $3,000.00 • Contact your Chapter Director, President or call Dave Swanberg at (509) 486-1107 to purchase a raffle calendar for just $20.00. • $300.00 drawings are the last day of each month in 2015. • $3,000.00 Grand Prize drawing will be on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at the Board of Directors meeting at the Kittitas Valley Event Center, Ellensburg, Washington. Support BCHW By Purchasing a Raffle Calendar! 16 Trailhead News September/October 2014 Meeting 2nd Quarter Board of Directors’ Meeting T he Back Country Horsemen of Washington Board of Directors held their 2nd Quarterly Meeting of 2014 on Saturday, June 21st at the Kittitas Valley Event Center’s Manastash Hall in Ellensburg, WA. President Trygve Culp called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. after everyone in attendance had a chance to introduce themselves. A quorum was present with Alpine Lakes Trail Riders and Willapa Hills absent and Crab Creek Riders excused. The Board approved the agenda for the day and the Minutes from the 1st Quarter Board of Directors’ meeting. Officer and Committee reports followed. The Board approved expenditures on 3 cross cut saws for auction at Rendezvous; voted to pay for the 2014 state work party dinner; adopted 3 new Standing Rules: Timelines for Membership Dues, Awards for Volunteers, and Fundraising Event Guidelines; and elected to add two additional agency codes the the Volunteer Hours Recording forms. There were discussions on: membership retention and recruiting young members; volunteer hours; Rendezvous 2015; private landowner access fees; public lands issues; the 2014 State Work Party at Ken Wilcox Horse Camp; and the 2015 State Work Party at a location still to be decided. The BCHA directors reported on the National Board Meeting. Three new states joined BCHA: Kansas, Florida, and Arkansas. Crowdfunding was a huge success. There is a new logo and website for BCHA. BCHW may host the National Board in 2017. Chris Enrico from Capitol Riders show cased the new developing data base for trail maintenance miles reporting. The Board thanked Chris for his work on the data reporting program. The BCHW Wine Ride still needs prizes donated. Anyone with connections to businesses who might be willing to donate is asked to help with this BCHW fundraiser task. The Saw Certification Program is going well. 35 instructors are now certified to teach the saw certification and certify members; so there are instructors within 100 miles of all chapters. There are now 151 certified sawyers. 2015 raffle calendars were available for pickup up at $20.00 each. The BCHW store was open for merchandise purchase and distribution of brochures and forms. LNT’s Indian Camp was a huge success and the road in was graded and graveled a week after the event. The new grant application was almost ready. It will involve 9 chapter projects. Jim Hudkins of Northeast Chapter was chosen to replace Robert Eversole on the Grant Committee. Chapters were reminded to start thinking about nominations for BCHW Awards. Under unfinished business, President Trygve Culp announced that the memorandum of understanding between the Pacific Crest Trail Association and BCHW will be signed this month. Rattlesnake Ridge Riders presented a check to BCHW for both the general fund and the legal fund. The meeting was adjourned at 3:08 p.m. The next regular quarterly meeting for the Board of Directors is on Saturday, September 20th in Ellensburg, WA and any member is welcome to attend. Trailhead News 17 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED FREE Listing on BCHW Chapter Events Calendar (See example below) Be sure to: • Check with the ride host on whether or not • Contact the ride host to check for updates on the event. weed-seed-free feed is required. • Check to see if dogs are welcome. By Ed Haefliger Note: The BCHW Trailhead News represents as many events as possible, however, makes no guarantees an event will be published. Cascade Horse Club BCHW CHC Chapter Prize Ride September 13, 2014 Pilchuck Tree Farm, Lake Armstrong Gate Arlington, WA $5.00 per hand Registration 8:30 am Riders out between 9-11am Lunch available Sue Ward: (206) 618-2098 [email protected] Barbara Vache; [email protected] Buckhorn Range Chapter Prize Ride September 13, 2014 New Layton Hill Horse Park 2514 Chicken Coop Rd., Sequim, WA 98382 1st riders out at 10am Camping ($15 Fri./$20 Sat.; $30 both nights) Potluck & Music Saturday night Register for camping by Sept.1st gets you one free ticket Dogs on leash; No stallions Nicole Short - (360) 301-5139 [email protected] Island County Annual Russell Maugans Memorial Ride September 13, 2014 Ferry County Fall Ride Putney Woods, Whidbey Island September 20, 2014 Raffle, Treasure Hunt and Chili Cook-Off Colville Forest and Okanogan 1st rider out 9am - last rider out 10:30am First riders out 9am $10 for ride and 5 raffle tickets Hamburgers at Sweat Creek $5 for bowl of chili, cornbread & Trail classification levels 2 and 3 water/soda Some downhill riding No dogs; No stallions Trygve Culp • (509) 486-2061 Dianne Bolton ‚ (360) 221-0115 George Young • (509) 775-9998 [email protected] https://islandcountybchw.webs.com Annual Winery and Halloween Costume Prize Ride to Benefit BCHW Oct 25, 2014 Zillah, Yakima County Darrell Wallace • (360) 918-3016 [email protected] www.bchw.org Traildusters Halloween Fun Ride October 25, 2014 Pilchuck Tree Farm, Arlington, WA Registration 8am 1st rider out 9am – last rider out 11am 1st place $300 – 2nd place $100 Audrey Gunderson • (425) 308-4636 [email protected] BCHW, USFS & State Land BCHW Public Lands Meeting December 5, 2014 Kittitas Valley Event Center Ellensburg, WA Darrell Wallace • (360) 918-3016 [email protected] 4th Quarter Board of Directors’ Meeting December 6, 2014 Kittitas Valley Event Center Ellensburg, WA Time: 9am Darrel Wallace • (360) 918-3016 [email protected] Example Your Chapter Ride Must Be Open To All BCHW Members To Have A FREE Listing Please submit the following information with your event listing to [email protected]. Chapter Name______________________________ Name of Ride______________________________ Date______________________________________ Time_______________________________________ Location___________________________________ Weed_____________________________________ Register____________________________________ Name of Pass Required (if needed)____________ Cost to Member_____________________________ Cost to Non-member_________________________ Contact Name______________________________ Phone_____________________________________ Email______________________________________ Website___________________________________
