Vol. 32 Issue 3. May/June Capitol State Forest Spring Gravel Haul. page Photos by Jim Thode, BCHW Lewis County Chapter

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1 Vol. 32 Issue 3 Capitol State Forest Spring Gravel Haul page Photos by Jim Thode, BCHW Lewis County Chapter

2 2008 State Officers & Chairs President Bob Gish Vice President Darrell Wallace Exec. Assistant to the President Jeanne Koester Secretary Janelle Treasurer Sue Branch (h) (c) Membership Heather Moorman Web Master Jim Thode BCHA Director Bob Shonka BCHA Director Randy Darling BCHA Alternate Director Trygve Culp Education Chair Jane Byram Expansion Chair Darrell Wallace Go Play Outside Patrick Zellner Governance & By-Laws Teunis Jr. BCHW Max Milholland... Legislative Chair Bob Brooke Features Great Job BCHW! Yearly Comparison Report... 5 BCHW Jubilee a Success Thanks To Many It Ain t All Pictures, Paste and Poster Board Have You Heard? National Trails Day is Coming Up Soon!...17 Departments Prez Says A Word From the V.P , 4 Legislative Report Public Lands Bulletin...6 Editor s Note Young & Daring Riders...11 Out On The Trails , 18 Capitol State Forest Spring Gravel Haul Recruiting Members Lewis County Chapter Fun Ride Integrating Land Users...18 Calendar of Events BCHW Store Membership Application Optional Members...20 BCHW Chapter Locations & Director Contacts..... Inside Back Cover Public Lands Jeff Chapman bbbranch@olympus.net Ways & Means Dave Swanberg ways_means@bchw.org Grant Development/Writing Traci Koch... toorideawildpony@aol.com Jeanne Koester jeannekoester@gmail.com Volunteer Coordinator Traci Koch volunteer@bchw.org Publicity Chair Dick Yarboro easyrider@scattercreek.com Honorary Members Congressman Rick Larsen, D, Dist. 2 Congressman Doc Hastings, R, Dist. 4 Congressman Adam Smith, D, Dist. 9 State Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D, Dist. 2 State Rep. Lynn Kessler, D, Dist. 24, Pos. 2 Magazine Published: Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec BCHW Mailing Address 110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393 Ellensburg, WA Public Relations & Publisher: Washington Media Services, Inc. Joyce Willms 407 West Bay Dr NW Olympia, WA Fax: joyce@wamedia.com Managing Editor l Joyce Willms Editor l Crissy McGee l bchw@wamedia.com Editorial & Advertising: Ad Sales Crissy McGee or Adriane Wolfe Please send articles and ads to bchw@wamedia.com or mail to PO Box 7184 Olympia, WA The Disclaimer Articles which appear in The do not necessarily reflect the position, opinion or endorsement of Back Country Horsemen of Washington State (BCHW), or its officers. BCHW and Washington Media Services, Inc. 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, Washington Media Services, Inc. and its management shall not be held responsible for any typing errors or omissions other than a correction in the next available issue. The shall not be reproduced in any form or manner without prior written agreement. This includes reproduction of articles, photos, and the BCHW logo. The is the official publication of the Back Country Horsemen of Washington State, Inc. (BCHW). BCHW is a 501 c 3 non profit organization.

3 Photo courtesy of Jim Thode Prez Says Then and Now By Bob Gish, BCHW President In 1968, Ken Wilcox got a call from a hiker acquaintance, Louise Marshall, founder of Washington Trails Association. Marshall informed Wilcox that the Forest Service was conducting meetings regarding trails and backcountry recreation and no one was representing equestrians. This simple telephone conversation between friends, combined with Wilcox s passionate and visionary leadership, led to his involvement as a leader with the Washington State Horsemen. Then, in 1977, when Ken Wilcox founded BCHW, he did so out of sheer frustration. It became apparent that a strong organization of horsemen interested in back country use would never happen under Washington State Horsemen. Wilcox recognized that if equestrians didn t start lobbying effectively in Olympia, and didn t start attending meetings where trail use was being decided, in very short order, access would not be allowed to equestrians in either Wilderness or Forest Service Trail Systems. Wilcox s cowboy hat became a familiar sight in the halls of the Capital Building in Olympia. On one occasion he wrote, In this session of the State Legislature, there have been 1,000 bills introduced in the Senate and 1,225 in the house. Many of these bills directly affect horse owners; Keeping track of this legislation is a big job. It requires a professional lobbyist. Now, BCHW has hired professional lobbyists and it is still a big job. According to Bob Brooke, BCHW Legislative Chairman, in 2007 there were 8384 bills introduced in both house and senate. Not sure how many of these had potential impact on equestrians but it is interesting to note that there were that many in a short session year. In Wilcox s Decade Report , he wrote, Membership grew from 452 to 1,986 no chapters to 18 with two more soon to be included. This growth is due to the fact that our programs are ones that most trail riding can identify with. We mix riding, working and playing. We fight for more horse riding opportunities and we fight restrictions on horse use. We work to support legislation that would benefit the horsemen and against legislation that would be detrimental to the horsemen. Challenges which Wilcox faced included a draft Wilderness Management Plan for the proposed Glacier Wilderness area, which stated that use of an area can be controlled by the level at which the trails accessing it are maintained. Needless to say Wilcox made a call and this language was dropped from the plan. Wilcox didn t have a lot of good to say about the creation of wilderness areas. We do not believe that wilderness classification is the only way to preserve this resource. Examples Wilcox used for why wilderness was detrimental to forest health included the removal of sanitation facilities and the accompanying odor and white paper flowers blooming in abundance, inability to restore critical elk habitat, and the impact upon communities, which would be hard hit financially. Now we know that the use of a wilderness area is indeed controlled by the level at which the trails are being maintained. Simply restricting the use of chainsaws to clear trails in wilderness areas has meant that miles of trails will never be accessible. Maybe for wilderness areas we need dynamite certification courses since it is okay to use dynamite but not mechanized equipment. Go figure. Wilcox observed that most trail riders are independent cusses and just wanta do a little riding and be left alone. Unfortunately, this doesn t work anymore. It is going to take a strong, informed, involved organization to accomplish our objectives. Wilcox knew that the success of BCHW depends upon the ability of its members to support the organization in its programs and its growth. Despite static and opposition received from some quarters this organization is a success and fills a need for the trail riding horsemen. Now of course we know this is still as true as when Wilcox wrote these words back in Horses properly handled cause little continued on page 2 BCHW Mission Statement 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. 1

4 A Word From The V.P. Politics Make Strange Bedfellows or Do They? By Darrell Wallace, Vice President As we in BCHW try to keep our beloved trails open, we find that we must involve ourselves in politics. A few months ago, I quoted two articles in the Blue Ribbon Coalition s newsletter, and was surprised to learn that some people thought I was asking them to support the ORV community not necessarily! If they support keeping our trails open, then they are my friends. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with some people I thought were hard-core conservationists, and I was prepared to argue that we have a historic and traditional right to ride in wilderness and other preserved areas. As it turned out, I didn t have to argue these folks sounded just like you and me. Jasmine Minbashian from Conservation Northwest is a member of the Whatcom County BCHW Chapter and owns a share of a horse. Jonathan Guzzo of Washington Trails Association has testified in support of Back Country Horsemen historic use of federal public lands in Washington, citing their years of work maintaining trails in the backcountry in the State Legislature, including the weed free certification bill and the joint resolution on Right to Ride. He is quick to point out that groups like Washington Trails Association work extensively with stock users to make their week-long volunteer vacations possible. In order to get the tools, kitchen gear, large camp-tents and food necessary to making a week-long volunteer work party productive and fun, we rely on stock. The Backcountry Horsemen have been great partners, packing our volunteers and crew leaders into backcountry work sites so that we can 2 Then and Now continued from page 1 adverse impact. Horses, improperly handled, can and do cause considerable adverse impact, which results in an ever-increasing list of regulations and restrictions on horse use. I am sure that we can assume that the user group that adversely affects the environment will be the first to lose out. Wilcox lobbied for a permit process to minimize impact rather than face threatened closures that at one time included the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The principal reason that trail riding horsemen are still able to ride on most our public lands is that most of these lands are managed by Forest Service. Nearly all the Forest Service officials, at the policy making level, started out doing backcountry patrol work on horseback. Most of these men look back at these years as some of the best periods get work done in much deeper wilderness than we d ordinarily be able to access with tools and provisions for a week. Derrick Knowles from Conservation Northwest has implemented about a dozen work parties focused on trail maintenance in and around the Colville National Forest. All of these were deliberately focused on hiker/equestrian trails and consisted of joint work parties of horsemen, conservationists and hiker groups. Additional joint work parties have been scheduled on the Colville this Spring and Summer. Conservation Northwest has applied for and received two grants from REI over the past two years and an additional grant from the Spring Trust For Trails for 2008 to pay for gas, tools and food expenses for the joint hiker/equestrian work parties. In 2008, continued on page 4 of their lives. They hate to have to bow to the demands of the anti-horse users, but when those are the only voices that they hear, they do have to give in and the results are anti-horse regulations. As I talk to these old timers, the feeling comes across that time is short. It won t be many years before most of our built-in sympathizers will have been turned out to pasture and a new breed, who wear waffle stompers to the office, will be making the decisions and setting policy. It is later than you think. Excerpts taken from the book titled: Ken Wilcox A Burr Under Bureaucratic Saddles A Primer on: Horses, Volunteerism and Political Action Edited by Lorraine Wilcox Ross. Stay tuned for more words of wit and wisdom from our founding father. Oh! by the way, did you know that Wilcox tried twice to accomplish 501 c 3 status for BCHW? Carol Wilcox was quoted to say, Let s hope third time is a charm.

5 Legislative Report Perfection A Noble Goal? An Unachievable Trait? A Minimum Attribute For Acceptance? A Description of One s Own Image? Or a Requirement Made on Others? By Bob Brooke, BCHW Legislative Chair Well, if you think about it, none of the above are either achievable nor should they be desirable. Only those that live in a fantasy world or have unrealistic expectations of themselves or others will delve into this mind set. In spite of the logic just portrayed, there are folks who go there anyway. The point of this article is not to criticize but to point out that it ain t ever going to happen and that is particularly so in a large and growing volunteer organization. But what if in spite all logic to the contrary there is still an expectation of perfection. Then the question is, Perfection according to whom? In hopes of calming fears and misconceptions that have arisen lately, I offer the following imperfect synopsis of where we were, where we are, and where we are heading. (Note the word heading as apposed to the word going.) This organization is a fluid changing entity. There is no dictate that says we will do this or that forever. Our direction is dictated by our mission statement, which is published in each issue of the THN. So how best do we accomplish equestrian access to trails in perpetuity? Well the answer is influence government to protect and support our access to public lands. Most government land was designated to be set aside for the use and enjoyment of the American people. By virtue of that edict those agencies in charge of the various holdings are to serve the public need for recreation. That being said, it is most interesting how that edict is interpreted by the various land managers. The US Forest Service, National Parks, Bureau of Land Management, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, and a host of other local parks and recreation organizations, all have a similar BUT UNIQUE interpretation of what serving the public means. Ken Wilcox was a visionary. In 1972 he recognized that in order to maintain access to our beloved trails there would be FOREVER a need to actively remind the land managers of these various properties that we are now and forever a legitimate participant in the use of these natural resources. Now land managers will politely listen, and in many cases respond favorably to our petitions, because they agree with the premise. However there are some that will give lip service to our position but not commit to support these positions. HOWEVER, every government agency will pay close attention to the politicians that decide what will get funded and what will not. MONEY SCREAMS WHILE GOOD DEEDS WHISPER. Here is the essence of Back Country Horsemen of Washington State: To be politically active in securing for now and the future, access to trails. We do this by being politically engaged. We lobby for anything that improves trail access and we lobby against anything we determine encroaches on our right. If we were not engaged in an on going effort to politically influence the direction of land management, there would be little reason to maintain the organization. So how do we most effectively accomplish this mission? We engage in political discourse. We maintain an organization that can respond quickly to efforts that threaten our access. We represent the membership that entrusts the execution of our mission statement to the few members that have by their commitment volunteered to take a leadership role. That group of members is called the Board of Directors. This board consists of a member from each chapter, who is elected by that chapter membership to represent their interest and set policy that will protect and promote the mission statement. When the organization started with just a chapter and just a continued on page 4 3

6 Politics... continued from page 2 Conservation Northwest will pay travel expenses for 13 people hiker/conservation volunteers to attend Washington Trails Association s crew leader college to increase their capacity to lead and co lead future joint work parties. The first time Chairman of BCHA, Mike Reedy met Tom Uniack, Washington Wilderness Coalition s Conservation Director, Reedy, who was sporting his cowboy hat, sat down with Uniack and began discussing what Washington Wilderness Coalition does. Uniack spoke about WWC s focus on protecting our federal wildlands for future generations to ensure that the recreational opportunities, abundant fish and wildlife populations, clean and safe drinking water and the quality of life that we all enjoy here in the Pacific Northwest will be passed on to those that survive us. Both spoke about the Wilderness designation and what it allows and does not allow and about the need to reach out. After about a five minute dialogue, Reedy paused, tipped his hat and said, Well shoot, I thought you were going to be a wacko. Since then, they have been able to work together to develop growing trust and understanding between two organizations on a range of issues (by the way, when Uniack heard that the USFS trail reclassification proposal laid out maintenance standards for pack and saddle trails in wilderness areas as clearing up to 6 feet high, he remarked that without a horse, that was 7 inches too low for him, since he stands 6 foot 7). Ben Gruel from the Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club offered up a pleasant encounter he had running into an equestrian couple in the Wyoming backcountry. When I was in college an ex-girlfriend and I went backpacking in Cloud Peak Wilderness in WYO. After a grueling 12 mile death march we luckily encountered an equestrian couple who ended up carrying the load of my crying ex-girlfriend s backpack out of the wilderness and to the campground we were staying at. When we got down to the campground they made us this great Brie cheese spaghetti dinner. They had even offered to put her on the back of one of the horses, but apparently the weight of her 30 pound pack was enough of a release to make the rest of the trip bearable. I still have the recipe for that spaghetti. BCHW has collaborated with these folks and their organizations on two issues recently USFS trail reclassification and weed free certification and they seem to have been resolved to our mutual satisfaction. Each of these folks stressed their support for equine use of trails on wilderness and all preservation lands. So it looks like we have some real friends among the conservationists and we need em all! I guess I learned that before I take a position on a political issue, I need to ask myself: Does this directly relate to keeping our trails open? If it doesn t, is it worth picking up an adversary (or two)? As we work our way through the labyrinth of politics and other stuff to keep our trails open, we need to keep a centrist position one that allows us to walk with our allies on both sides. Perfection continued from page 3 4 few members it was easy to communicate to and consult with all the members, and get feed back from many. In 1977 we had grown to 222 members. In 2004 we numbered All that is to say we can t manage a 3000 plus membership with a structure that was created for 222. So now comes a huge step in our maturity. This Board of Directors has deliberated for many years as to how best to serve the needs of the membership and at the same time develop a management structure that will be able to respond to the fast pasted flow of information and change, while at the same time, be able to generate sufficient income to support the many activities that are consistent with sustaining our mission. The unanimous answer was, and is to re-form the organization to a 501 c 3 entity, designed to be capable of attracting bigger donations, and at the same time, be managed in such a way as to be efficient stewards of mission and resources. The election of state officers by the chapter directors has created some concern. There are those that believe this process disenfranchised them. This is not the case at all. The responsibility to elect officers is put on the shoulders of the chapter directors. These are the people that sit in an all-day meeting every three months and discuss and vote on the future well being of Back Country Horsemen of Washington State. These board members, most of whom have served for many years, are keenly interested in the future of this organization. They are aware of the attributes most needed to lead this movement forward and, in most cases, are acquainted with the individuals that are willing to serve. The by-laws were written to provide the chapter directors the flexibility to make necessary changes in a time frame that would meet the needs of this fast paced world. These by-laws provide a very safe structure for our organization while at the same time permit the necessary flexibility to be efficient managers. Finally this organization, as required in the by-laws, is now run in strict accordance with Roberts Rules of Order. That process absolutely guarantees that all members will be given a fair opportunity to present their views. And that the WEAK- EST CHAIR IN THE HOUSE IS THE PRESIDENT. To those that want perfection, this is not it. BUT IT COMES PRETTY CLOSE.

7 Great Job BCHW! Yearly Comparison Report Submitted by Traci Koch, BCHW Volunteer Coordinator Basic , Skilled Trail Work , Ed/LNT Public Admin , Travel Incl. above Total Hours 27,601 35, , , Dollar Value $575, $943, $1,077, $1,149, $1,462, Per. Miles Stock Miles Parades Attending meetings Volunteer Hours Recording Web site Newsletter Editors VIP Ride Chapter fund Raisers USFS Colville Gifford Pinchot Mt Baker Snoqualmie Idaho Panhandle Okanogan Olympic Umatilla Wenatchee Pacific Crest Trail Montana 458 Misc Total Hours DNR Olympic Region Pacific Cascade Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Southeast Region South Puget Sound Region Misc Total Hours National Parks Mr Rainer National Park Olympic National Park Total Hours DFW Timber State Parks County

8 Public Lands Bulletin Lobbying With WTA and BCHW 2008 By Jeff Chapman, BCHW Public Lands Chair Meeting with a legislator can be an intimidating experience. I had the unique opportunity to personally hold individual meetings with each of my six representatives as part of the Washington Trails Association (WTA) / Backcountry Horsemen delegation both in Olympia and in Washington DC. The goals of these meetings were first, to request $800,000 for DNR from the State legislature, and second, to request $1.6 billion for the Forest Service from the national budget that certainly being the largest sum I can remember holding my hand out for. Meeting with Representatives Kessler and Van De Wege and with Senator Hargrove in Olympia was relatively easy since I was already familiar with their work and involvement in the community. Lynn Kessler is also the sponsor of our successful state Right to Ride Memorial, so her support for both horse riders and hikers was well established. In a place like Washington State, there are few legislators who aren t familiar with and fully supportive of outdoor recreation issues (both our Senate and House Memorials passed without any votes against them). Then on to DC. I went in the company of Jonathan Guzzo, David Shoenborn, and Juelie Dalzell as part of a four person delegation from WTA/BCHW. Over the course of a week, we were able to meet with legislative staff for virtually our entire federal delegation, in addition to personal meetings with Congressmen Baird and Dicks and Senators Murray and Cantwell. It takes some time to get use to the system in DC for finding your way around the buildings, the tunnels, and the hectic schedules of officials. Fortunately, everyone was friendly and accommodating. There were even some light relaxed moments with our legislators, being we were visitors and constituents from back home. The funding discussions brought us back to the sobering reality of what it takes to run the most powerful nation in the world. At one point, we sat in on a Senate committee hearing on the Forest Service budget we were there to address. Western Senators from Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington drilled Undersecretary Mark Rey and Forest Service Chief Kimbell on funding Left to right, Jeff Chapman, Senator Cantwell, Juelie Dalzell, levels for USFS operations. For us, and Jonathan Guzzo (WTA) meet in Washington D.C. it was the peak of a huge legislative swell that began on the steps of the state capitol in Olympia and ended there, in the halls of our nation s capitol, being part of a common and united plea to provide adequate funding for managing public lands so that traditional access and recreation can continue. It was a time when hikers and horsemen stood together and said we are here to make a difference and to keep our trails and our forests open. If we are to succeed, we must not be silent. Our final meeting with Congressman Dicks ended our legislative lobbying journey on a very high note since Dicks leads our nation s public lands funding effort, and so we had little to offer to him other than our most deep felt thanks. In that light, another big thanks goes to Jonathan Guzzo and WTA for generously offering to share their advocacy effort with our own organization. 6 Trail Riding And Pack Trips In Washington Where to ride and how to get there with the special chapter on Map & Compass Use is again available because of requests for a 3rd reprint. This is a limited and final reprint! 36 trail maps, trail tips, stock first aid, 150 trail guides and over 300 pages. Copies may also be ordered from: Runnin W Inc. P.O. Box 1307 Wilsonville, OR for $18.95 plus $2.75 for postage. BRAVO! MFG., INC. SUPER GRADE OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT * Wall Tents * Cook Shacks * Spike Tents * Wood Stoves * Tent Frames * Custom Work (360) (800) NE Brunner RD., Camas, WA

9 Editor s Note We Need YOU! You Can Make a Difference By Joyce Willms, BCHW Public Relations & Managing Editor I have been involved in political campaigns since 1994 in both Federal and State Campaigns. For the 2008 Elections I am working with a Candidate for the State Senate as a Campaign Consultant and a Candidate for the State House of Representatives as Campaign Consultant and Campaign Manager. What I am encouraging you to do is get involved in campaigns. The Federal Elected Officials are up for election this year and half the Washington State Senators and all the State Representatives are up for election also. Elected officials are no different than you are, and if you talk to candidates you will find that 70 percent of the time they have the same beliefs as you (don t forget to ask them how they feel about keeping the State and Federal Lands open for riding in the back country). If you like what you hear get involved. Get involved with projects where you can work along with the candidate. For example, help put up signs when the candidate is out on speaking engagements or go doorbelling with the candidate. Volunteer on a job that you can work alongside the candidate so they will get to know you and you will get to know them. Call them and ask what they need help doing. Remember, when you commit to do something do it. Don t bite off more than you can chew. Remember, Elected Officials are people like you and me. The goal is that after the campaign is over, they know who you are, so there is an open door for you to come in and talk about your positions on BCHW or your local issues. That is why financial contributions are good but volunteering is even better because it gives you a connection to the candidate. Yes, you can make a difference. Don t forget, BCHW is a nonpartisan group. 7

10 BCHW Jubilee a Success Thanks To Many By Dick Yarboro, BCHW Publicity Chair The inaugural Jubilee in Ellensburg was a huge success, thanks to LOTS of BCHW volunteers from many chapters. Dave Swanberg put together a great team, including Jeff LaBreck s Live Auction Crew, the Okanogan Crew, and others. The Live Auction Committee consisted of Cindi Shue, Traci Koch, Ritz Duchesne, Karen Johnson, Betty Reichel, Dick Yarboro, Darrell Wallace, and Jeff LaBreck. Jeanne Koester, Trygve Culp, Janet Culp, Peggy Swanberg, and Dave Swanberg headed the overall Jubilee Committee. Live Auction Crew Auctioneers Steve Reppert and Stan Kvistad Clerk Ritz Duchesne Runner Louise Caywood Vannas Dodge Marshall and Laura Kingman Pickers Cindi Shue, Karen Johnson and Betty Reichel Cashiers Traci Koch, Sue Branch, Lori Wallace and Wayne Koch, Donna Windsor Spotters Trygve Culp, Darrell Wallace, Mike Reedy, Bob Gish, Dave Jackson, Dave Welch, Bob Shonka, Doc Wesselius and Bob Brooke Secured Area Ken Parrish, Danise Parrish and Dick Yarboro Coordinator Jeff LaBreck Okanogan Crew Auction Chair Janet Culp Bucket Raffle Peggy Swanberg Games Organizer Trygve Culp Registration Dan Birklid RV Parking Frank Osborne, George Young Registration George & Lu Young, Janet Logan, Lori Lennox Motels Gary Sterner Cowboy Church Fred Moore Sponsors Barbara Vache Vendors John Terhorst, Kim Merrick BCHW Booth Nancy Palagruti, Carol Wilcox, Lori Lennox Among the MANY donated items that helped to make this such a big success: Bob and Karen Mayer Appy Packhorse Harbor Saw Stihl Brushcutter w/brush Knife Methow Valley Stihl Chainsaw & Case Teunis Wyers Collectible Western Saddle Okanogan Valley Jubilee Belt Buckle Okanogan Valley Eden Valley Ranch Stay Purple Sage Riders Metal Sculptures Kim Merrick Mule Head Mosaic Table Traildusters Hand tooled Saddle Bags BCHW 2009 Jubilee Head Table Willapa Hills Electric Corral Kit Tom Deebach Hand Tooled Adult Chinks Gary Johnson Paint Mare and Buckskin Gelding Saddle Horses 8

11 Photos courtesy of Jim Thode A special THANKS to sponsors Hood River Distillers and Land O Lakes. We apologize if we missed you or space didn t permit us to mention you. AND, we wish to thank all the wonderful bidders without you, it wouldn t have been any fun, or a success! See you next year! 9

12 It Ain t All Pictures, Paste and Poster Board By Wanda Holloway, BCHW Publicity Coordinator, Crab Creek Riders Chapter The enthusiasm for participating in Chapter Pride On Display competition is growing. Jubilee 2008 at Ellensburg revealed new and exciting displays. There were no poorly done presentations. Determining the winner was difficult; however, Crab Creek Riders (CCR) members, who acted at judges, came to the consensus that Okanogan Valley Chapter of BCHW stood out from the rest this year. People may not realize how much work it takes to create a top quality display. Realize now that these displays do not just come to Jubilee. They educate the public and other members on any number occasions: clinics, seminars, horse expos, county fairs and so forth. The displays are more than pictures, paste and poster board. Crab Creek Riders has for three years now desired to honor the work, sweat and creativity that are revealed in each of the displays that you see at Jubilee. This year s recipient Chapter is Okanogan Valley Chapter of BCHW. Pictured here are Peggy and Dave Swanberg receiving the plaque from Crab Creek representative, Wanda Holloway. Our criteria are very simple. The displaying chapter should be easily identified; show projects that the chapter did over the year(s) through photos and written material; promote the over all mission statement of BCHW. Materials used can be photos, brochures, actual equipment (new or vintage) etc. There is always that intangible impression about the display and what it says. Do not forget! We plan on doing this again for Jubilee OH YES! I took the trophy home with me. CCR will have the names of the winning chapters engraved and will bring the trophy to the 2009 Jubilee to be displayed and awarded again. 10 Adopt a Living Legend! May 17-18, 2008, Spokane, WA Wild Horses Available Sat., May 17 : Preview & Register, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wild Horse Gentling Demo Sun., May 18 : Preview & Adoption, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Silent Bid Adoption at 9:30 a.m. Located at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds 404 N. Havana Ave., Spokane, WA For details, call Bureau of Land Management at Or MUSTANGS In conjunction with Ride the West event.

13 Young & Daring Riders Jr. BCHers Make Coast to Coast Splash!!! By Pamila Cronkhite, SW WA Jr. BCH Advisor The Jr. s played major role(s) in the youth division of the Western Washington Hands On Horses Expo then flew to North Carolina for the American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) (a blanket organization that encompasses all youth equestrian clubs & teams from 4H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Pony Club to High School Rodeo teams) Symposium!! Morgan Nolta (Current Miss Son Rise Rider & Jr. BCHer) was nominated for the nationally recognized AYHC Student Leader of the Year Award!!! Besides making a good showing with their Expo booth the Jr. BCHers coach youth & adults through a Safety Check barrel horse with over 25 unsafe items from the off side saddle fender caught under chinch to the bit attached to the bridle up side down, then taught the Calvary Jr. BCHers Giddy-up Giggle As I was instructing a young new comer & greenhorn on how to properly clean a horse s hoof I noticed the horse was somewhat in need of farrier service. The frog had grown long and was sloughing so I decided to pull it off. The young observer curious asked me what it was. Not thinking a lengthy explanation was needed I simple said Oh, it s just a piece of dead Frog at which the youngster exclaimed YOU MEAN IT STEPPED ON A FROG!!! Tip of the Month If you commonly ride with sports boots & they become sweaty, wet from crossing rivers or playing in the ocean you can wrap them inside out around each one of your stirrups to dry & then easily brush clean for your next ride. This is also a great place to keep them if you want to be sure you are putting them on the correct legs in quick manner. Knot among other useful trail riding knots and held a daily Kids Stick Horse Rodeo helping contestants make their own stick horse then competed for awards by riding them through gaming patterns and bucking around for 8 seconds. Upon arrival in Raleigh, NC the Jr. BCHers visited the local university s veterinary sciences program with a tour to a 100 plus horse breeding farm & then were treated to a teen orientation & ice breakers hosted by the American Quarter Horse Association. The next day was full of educational sessions ranging from Preparing for the Equine Industry to the Unwanted Horse Epidemic with an Awards Banquet hosted by Purina completing the day. Youth split into groups started the last day with presentations on land conservation, giving our SW WA Jr. BCH Trail Boss: Ashley Bolton a chance to pass out 200 Leave No Trace pamphlets!! The symposium ended with live horse demos hosted by the Paint Horse Association and everyone feeling richer in knowledge and camaraderie!!! Before heading home the Jr. BCHers were treated to a theatrical production of Annie Get Your Gun by their advisor and Mt. St. Helen s BCH member Pamila Cronkhite. It was great to see these youth share their interests & gain wisdom that will help insure the future of this industry!!! I surely recommend supporting your local youth it s a rewarding treasure. 11

14 Out On The Trails Capitol State Forest Spring Gravel Haul By Ritz Duchesne, BCHW Publicity Coordinator, Capitol Riders Chapter After months of planning, the Third Annual Great Gravel Haul at Capitol Forest was held on Saturday, March 1. Using pack strings, 20,160 pounds of rock and gravel were hauled to repair tread damage to the trails along the C-Line out of the Mima Trailhead. Thank you, Doug Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands for the Dept. of Natural Resources and staff for providing the rock and gravel for the gravel haul and working with BCHW in spreading rock and gravel to repair the damaged trails, as well as your continuous support in keeping the trails of Washington state open. Also special thanks to Joyce Willms, Washington Media Services, for a great job in working with the local media, including KGY Radio, Nisqually Valley newspaper, the Lewis County Chronicle newspaper, etc. BCHW member Ed Haefliger and others, 15 mule and horse pack animals and 10 riders from the Lewis County, Pierce County, Olympic, Buckhorn and Capitol Riders chapters including a pack team from Deschutes County, Oregon moved the gravel down the trail to the dump site to do the repairs. Work teams from all of the above chapters plus the Grays Harbor, Oakland Bay, Scattercreek and Nisqually chapters turned out to make the day a huge success. In addition to the horse people, there were volunteers from other hiker and mountain bike user groups and the Friends of Capitol Forest. The Thurston County Sheriff Jeep Patrol provided assistance with communications and coordinating the parking and traffic issues associated with the trucks, cars and rigs that were needed to get the job done. This year several chapters donated food, time and effort to feed the work crew. Based on last year s numbers, the volunteers planned to feed 50 to 60 people. The turnout was so great, 119 people were fed and nourished for their efforts for the day. Members of the Capitol Riders chapter worked at the Mima Trail head on Friday to clean up the manure bins and pick up debris from the winter. Their efforts were noticed by many. Workers ranged in age from 86 year old Glenn Griggs to the Haefliger s 7 year old grandson, Gabe. This represents both the past and the future of BCHW. DNR is tracking the total number of hours that were accumulated during the day. These volunteer hours help in getting future grants for trail maintenance. BCHW members should be sure to include their volunteer hours for the day to report to their local chapters. Photos courtesy of Jim Thode 12

15 Out On The Trails Photos courtesy of Louise Caywood Adopt a Wild Horse! June 14-15, 2008, Pasco, WA Wild Horses Available Sat., June 14 : View & Register, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Two Wild Horse Gentling Demos and More! Sun., June 15 : View & Register, 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. Silent Bid Adoption at 9:30 a.m. Horse Raffle for Pasco Adoption to benefit 4H and Back Country Horsemen of WA For details, call Bureau of Land Management at Or MUSTANGS 13

16 Out On The Trails Recruiting Members By Louise Caywood, BCHW Publicity Coordinator, Nisqually & Pierce County Chapters Our Leave No Trace trailer ventured into foreign waters, by shining at the Tacoma Unit #1 (I don t know where #s 2, 3, 4, etc. are located, or if they even exist) Tacoma Unit #1 is a horse show facility in Pierce County used by many breed and zone shows, for over 40 years. This event was their 27th Annual Stallion Parade and used tack sale. BCHW members from Nisqually and Pierce County spent some frigid hours enlightening stock owners who ride in a different venue with their animals. The majority of them were not aware of BCHW and the involvement we have to offer. Our main objective was to recruit new members and while we were at it, we filtered some LNT into conversations, of course. Thanks to those that participated. I hope we drew in some new BCHW members and enlightened some with our Minimum Impact techniques. 14

17 Out On The Trails 2008 Lewis County Chapter Fun Ride By Doc Wesselius, BCHW Publicity Coordinator, Lewis County Chapter Photo courtesy of Deb Wesselius For the last twenty years Lewis County Chapter has held a Fun Ride to kick off the spring riding season. The chapter maintains a trail system on private property on Burnt Ridge near Onalaska for front country trail riding. The annual chapter occasion is preceded by a work party to clear and maintain the ten miles of loop trails. Last year, Larry Davis, Chapter Trail Boss, organized the chapter s first work party of the year to replace a bridge on the trail and install signs at trail junctions. Twentyfive chapter members volunteered 145 hours for getting the trails ready for the event. This year a March work party will concentrate on getting the trails cleared after the results of winter damage and will have the course ready for stock riders. The Fun Ride will be held on Saturday, May 10th and includes a drawing for prize winners. All riders must register and sign a release to use the private trail. In the past, trail riders from many BCHW chapters in Western Washington have participated in the event along with members of other equine organizations. The trail system is suitable for all levels of riders; however some sections include bridge crossings and graded changes in elevations. Information on the event can be reviewed at In addition to the traditional concession stand, manned by the renowned chapter cooks, the chapter s Leave No Trace Committee has arranged for the BCHW Leave No Trace trailer to be on site at the staging area. The trailer is an excellent education medium that helps public land visitors understand and practice their own minimum impact ethic. Guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation from your backyard to your backcountry are stressed in the trailer s displays. Lewis County Chapter members bridge repair work party on Burnt Ridge Trail, After getting work crews tuned-up on the front country Burnt Ridge work party the chapter s trail bosses (Larry Davis, Tom Herrin, & Doc Wesselius) will start organizing back country work parties. Keenes, Cody, and Green River horse camps have been adopted by the chapter and are cleaned-up annually in preparation for the riding season in the high country. Trails in the immediate vicinity of the three horse camps are also cleaned and maintained by the chapter. Trail conditions remain to be assessed after last winter impact Mother Nature will have our work cut out for us this year. Wilderness Packers Clinic June 15th thru 21st 2008, Located at the Minam Lodge, in Oregon s Eagle Cap Wilderness. Featuring: Wilderness Packing, First Aid, No Trace Camping and working with your horse or mule. ALL packing Demos are hands on training. Learn hitches, knots, mantie packing, pack boxes and much more. ALL participants will receive General First Aid Certification and Basic Certification for No-Trace- Camping. Clinician s Shawn Steen: Owner operator of Steen s Wilderness Adventures. David Porter: Retired Outfitter and past owner of Back Country Wilderness Outfitters, as well as a Forest Service contract Packer. Laurie Warren: The mule Teacher...There to help correct ANY training issues you have with your horse or mule. David Moore: Rustic Dutch Oven Chef. To teach all aspects of Dutch oven cooking; including heat control, different methods to season your oven and GREAT Mountain recipes. Tom Herrin: Back Country Horseman Master Trainer of Leave-No-Trace Camping. Teaching various techniques and basic certification in No-Trace-Camping. We will be departing the Moss Springs Trailhead at NOON the 15th for a gentle, scenic 8 1/2 mile ride into the lodge. After a warm breakfast on the 21st, we will all be packing out together. Cost is $ per person for 5 complete days. Three square meals, cabins and showers are included. For those wishing to fly in, the Minam Lodge does support an airstrip though and additional $ per person will apply. Flights originate from Enterprise, Oregon Airport around NOON the 15th...If you have your own plane, just fly in!! We have a limited number of cabins, complete with private bathrooms and showers. Also available is a dorm area located within the main lodge, and two teepees. Sign up early to reserve your sleeping arrangements. Contacts for Reservations: Shelly Steen steens@oregontrail.net Laurie Warren muleteacher@yahoo.com Brought to you by Steen s Wilderness Adventures and muleteacher.com 15

18 Calendar of Events 2008 Calendar of Events Inland Empire Chapter 14th Annual Poker Ride Saturday, May 10, 2008 Register by May 7 is $13 per rider (17 years & under free), otherwise $18 late registration BLM Fishtrap Lake west of Spokane Ken Carmichael: (509) kcarmichael@hughes.net Lewis County Chapter Fun Ride May 10, 2008 $6.00 donation (includes prize drawing) Burnt Ridge near Onalaska, WA Larry Davis: (360) larryd232@aol.com Jim Thode: (360) jthode@myhome.net BCHW Education Program presents Train The Trainer LNT Class May 16-18, 2008, starts 8 a.m. Indian Camp Teanaway, Cle Elum Cost: $70 per person, including meals Register by: April 14 Jane Byram: (509) lnt@bchw.org Oakland Bay Chapter Annual Fun Ride May 17, 2008 Located on Hwy 101 between Olympia & Shelton Rollin or Debbie Binion: (360) rbinion@hctc.com Dale Urlacher: (360) Georgia Preiskorn: (360) Ride The West Horse & Ranch Expo May , 2008 Spokane Fair & Expo Center Susan Rae: (509) susanrae@ridethewest.net Go Play Outside Youth Expo May 18 & 19, 2008 Benton County Fairgrounds Patrick Zellner: (425) pzellner@ci.renton.wa.us BCHW Board of Directors Meeting June 7, 2008 Cle Elum Mt. St. Helens Chapter Fun Ride and Raffle June 21, 2008 Complimentary Pancake Breakfast, Trail Ride, Prize Raffle, Potluck Dinner Kalama Horse Camp Forest Service Rd #81, Gifford Pinchot NF Judy Smith: trailridenbuddy@yahoo.com Norm Welsh: allworthit@wa-net.com Willapa Hills Chapter Prize Ride June 21, 2008, $12/rider (includes ride, lunch, and prize ticket) lunch tickets only $6 State Route 6 between Raymond and Chehalis close to Mile Post 10, substation on the corner of Oxbow Road follow signs First rider out 10:00, last out 11:00 Dennis Trotter: (360) Nisqually Chapter 2nd Annual Trail Challenge June 28, 2008 Happ s on Hwy 12, Ethel, WA Louise Caywood: (253) trailchallenge@aol.com Inland Empire Chapter Chewelah Creek Fundraiser Ride July 13-18, 2008 $170 per person for entire ride or daily rate of $40 per person per day Chewelah Creek, northeast WA Don Dyer 509) ddyer8036@aol.com Ferry County Chapter Steak/Poker Trail Ride July 26, 2008 $35 per person Register by June 27, 2008 Lambert Creek Horse Camp, Republic, WA Lloyd Odell: (509) fccsteakride@hotmail.com Enumclaw Chapter Annual Prize Ride August 2, 2008 Buck Creek Campground on Hwy. 410 Peggy Wolf: (253) rosehunt@aol.com enumclawbchw.org Springwood Ranch Ride August 15-17, 2008 $110 per person Springwood Ranch, Thorp WA George Ahrens: (360) eagle-a@msn.com Mt. Adams Horse Camp Weekend Mt. Adams Chapter September 6-7, 2008 Connie Baugher: (509) cbaugher@gorge.net BCHW Board of Directors Meeting September 27, 2008 Cle Elum BCHW, USFS & State Land Managers Meeting November 21, 2008 Cle Elum BCHW Board of Directors Meeting November 22, 2008 Cle Elum Check out BCHW s website at Want your event featured here? your event with details included in the form on the next page to bchw@wamedia.com or mail it to the address below. 16

19 Have You Heard? National Trails Day is Coming Up Soon! National Trails Day will provide an excellent opportunity for Back Country Horsemen of Washington, to gain public awareness of the contributions and efforts of our many chapter volunteers. I know many of our chapters are planning National Trails Day Projects. If your chapter has not planned a project please do so and register with the AHS at I would like your volunteer hours person, to compile your hours for National Trails Day and send them to our Publicity Chairman, Dick Yarboro (easyrider@scattercreek.com) for tabulating. Thanks, Bob Gish, BCHW President Check out these National Trails Day events near you: Methow Valley Backcountry Horsemen National Trails Day 6/7/2008, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM Twisp, WA (509) nancyp@methow.com South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District Trustland Trails Project 6/7/2008, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Langley, WA (360) dirswprd@whidbey.com Chinook Trail Association s 16th Annual National Trail Day Celebration 6/7/2008, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Vancouver, WA (360) logoffnride@tds.net Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services National Trails Day 6/7/2008, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Kent, WA (253) vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us Clear Creek Task Force National Trail Day 6/7/2008, 11:00 AM-1:00 AM Silverdale, WA (360) clearcreektrail@yahoo.com Pierce County Chapter, Back Country Horsemen of WA Sahara Creek Horse Camp/ Elbe Hills 6/7/2008, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Elbe, WA (360) peg2@mashell.com Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Trail Day 6/7/2008, 08:00 AM-2:00 PM Leavenworth, WA (509) lynann_dejarnett@fws.gov! Please clip out and mail! 2008 Calendar of Events Form Chapters! See below for how you can get your event listed on the BCHW 2008 Calendar of Events at no charge! Name of event: Sponsoring Chapters: Date of event: Cost (if any): Register by date: Location: Contact person: Phone number: address or website: Please mail your event to: Washington Media Services or your event to Crissy at: bchw@wamedia.com Attn: Crissy McGee, THN Editor PO Box 7184 Olympia, WA Event listings must be submitted using the event form, which is also available on There will be no cost to members who wish to have their event on the calendar, as long as more than one chapter or organized group is participating in the event, i.e. more than one chapter or a group of members organizing/hosting the event. Please mail event to address listed above or to Crissy at bchw@wamedia.com. For questions, please call Crissy at Thank you! 17

20 Out On The Trails Integrating Land Users By Louise Caywood, BCHW Publicity Coordinator, Nisqually & Pierce County Chapters Once again, BCHW State constructed our Leave No Trace education display at the Puyallup Sportsmen s Show, in Pierce County. This year the wind didn t blow and the rain didn t flood us out. But, below normal temperatures made most volunteers glad they had prepared for all types of weather. We notice the venue of the Sportsman s Show is about the same each year, and attracts many of the same visitors. So we wonder are we really achieving our goals with this expansive, time consuming attempt to let people know how easy it can be to become Minimum Impact minded? It seems each year more non-stock owners come into the tent just to tell us what interest they found in themselves. Some of their ponderings: Why they were marveling at the fishing line accumulated on river banks Why they were interested in multiple fire rings Why they thought of re-packaging their lunches Why they didn t clean their fish in the waters where they caught them anymore Why they wanted a cat hole shovel Why they now keep biodegradable toilet paper in their rigs Oops! Please note: Correction to page 11 of the Mar/Apr 2008, Certificate of Appreciation Presented to Ferry County Chapter BCHW was actually written by Dolly Watkins, BCHW Ferry County Chapter. BARNETT IMPLEMENT COMPANY Cheaper to Feed Pack Stock They pretty much concluded it was our fault (as stock owners). They thanked us and wittily cursed us for the knowledge we had instilled in their sub-consciousness. So yes, all the hours of preparation, setting up and tearing down of the education material, the chilly 200+ volunteer hours, the 1,600 miles traveled, and the behind the scenes fretting are worth it. I thank the 30+ BCHW members and guests who helped with this annual event and hope they enjoyed their time at the Sports Show miles of trails and 300 days of sunshine... Stop dreaming about it and start planning your next horseback riding adventure. Okanogan Country... Open for Adventure! Call or go online to order FREE seasonal guides! Use our FREE online travel planner Canaan Guest Ranch Eden Valley Guest Ranch Northrup Canyon Horseback Riding North Central Washington State Whistlin Pine Ranch Sawtooth Outfitters Similkameen Adventures, LLC Sun Mountain Lodge / Tanglewood Ranch K Diamond K Guest Ranch / Horse Hotels, Horse Camps & More 18

21 BCHW Store & Membership Application Join BCHW Today!! Please clip out and mail! Quantity (circle color where applicable) Price Send Order to: Baseball Logo Caps: Dk Blue, Dk Green, Donna Geerdes $ Scarves: Green Yellow Red $ Allen West Rd. Bow, WA Truck $ Bumper $ 1.50 Shoulder $ 3.00 Volunteer Patch 50 Hr $ Hr $ Hr $ 1.75 Name: (Please Print) 500 Hr $ 1.75 BCH Guide Book (If $ 1.75 (If not $.50 BCHW Calendars Address: $ (Shrink $.50 City $ 1.95 BCHW Silhouette Sticker: Black $ BCHW Christmas Cards State Zip (If $ 9.00 (If not $ 8.00 TAX (8.0%) $ TOTAL ENCLOSED $! Please clip out and mail! 2008 Membership Application: Back Country Horsemen of Washington State, Inc. All adult members need to sign the form. Chapter Members: Turn in to chapter treasurer. Independent Members mail to: BCHW ATTN: MEMBERSHIP, 110 W. 6th Ave., PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA I would like to help preserve the Horsemen s rights to use horses on public lands. ( )New Member ( )Renewal/Past Member Mmbr #: County Legislative District Adult Names (please print) Children Names (please print) Phone ( ) Cell ( ) Chapter Address City State Zip Occupation Do you want to be a Volunteer? o Yes o No What would you like to volunteer for? State membership for 2008 calendar year. Family Membership $ 49 Single Membership $ 36 Additional State Donation $ Chapter Dues $ Optional Memberships (includes Family or Single Membership) Contributing Member $ 65 Sustaining Member $ 100 Patron Member $ 250 Benefactor Member $ 500 TOTAL ENCLOSED $ 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 State, Inc., 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 Dues are deductible as Charitable Contributions for Income Tax Purposes. Dues may be considered ordinary and necessary business deductions. BCHW is a 501 c 3 non profit organization. The information on this membership application will be shared with BCH of America, and if so designated by the applicant, the appropriate local chapter of BCHW. Otherwise, the information will not be divulged to any other person or organization without the express permission of the applicant. 19