Highcountry Highline

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Wenas Valley Chapter BCHW Highcountry Highline www.bchwwenas.

697-4660 Volunteer Hours Coordinator: LouAnn Matches, 899-2820 Webmaster: Robert Badgley, 388-7005 Bee Safe! Sept. 4-7 Sept.

17-18 TBA Oct. 31 State Wine Ride President s Message Dear Members, First the heat waves and now the terrible fires that are destroying our beloved forest lands and people s lives.

1 Wenas Valley Chapter BCHW Highcountry Highline Events Calendar 2015 Board Members President: Theresa Radder, Vice President: Jill Breeze, State Director: Krohn Traversie, Alt. Director: Shari Tayar, Secretary: Jill Siegrist, Treasurer: Theresa Radder, DNR/Public Lands: Faye Bradford, USFS Liaison: Krohn Traversie, Newsletter Editor: Robin Granger, LNT Education: Robin Granger, Trail Bosses: Faye Bradford, LouAnn Matches, Jacque Sansaver, Mark Schaefer, Shari Tayar, Volunteer Hours Coordinator: LouAnn Matches, Webmaster: Robert Badgley, Bee Safe! Sept. 4-7 Sept. 10 CHANGE Easton/John Lidral s (Mark) General Meeting Round Table Pizza Sept Conrad Meadows Ride/Campout Oct. 3-4 Teanaway Ride/Campout Oct. 6 TWIG Meeting Oct. 8 General Meeting Oct TBA Oct. 31 State Wine Ride President s Message Dear Members, First the heat waves and now the terrible fires that are destroying our beloved forest lands and people s lives. I know this has slowed the summer horse riding down. My summer riding was slowed down by the swarms of ground bees. They have been horrible this year. I did get a good ride up Tumac Mountain but unfortunately it was cloudy and smoky so missed out on the good views. This did not slow down one of our members Sherrie Murphy and her daughter who have been stocking our mountain lakes with fish. If any of you have any riding trips you have had this year, share with all of us. Write a short piece about your trip, send some pictures and we will put it in the newsletter. You can me or Robin Granger. After Labor Day at John Lidral s, the next campout will be at Conrad meadows the weekend of 19 th and 20 th. Always a popular camping spot. Next meeting Round Table Pizza September 10th, social starts at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:00. Hope to see you there. Happy Trails! Theresa 1

Wenas Valley Chapter Back Country Horsemen General Meeting Minutes Round Table Pizza August 13, 2015 Call Meeting to Order 7:00 p.m. Treasurer s Report Theresa Approve July Minutes Guests or New Members Curtis Kirby and Ruth Drollinger, Linda and Mark Parrish (return visitors).

2 Wenas Valley Chapter Back Country Horsemen General Meeting Minutes Round Table Pizza August 13, 2015 Call Meeting to Order 7:00 p.m. Treasurer s Report Theresa Approve July Minutes Guests or New Members Curtis Kirby and Ruth Drollinger, Linda and Mark Parrish (return visitors). Reports: 1. DNR/Public Lands Report Faye reported on Rocky Top project 2. BBQ Flats Open for use. Waiting for word from State as to when Grand Opening will be Continuing Business: Shari, Jody, Jacque and Jim 1. Trail Clearing Projects for Future. Discussion on future trail clearing. Locations suggested were: Dark Meadows, Fish Lake/Swamp Lake. 2. Mounting Blocks. Need Jim and Jody to work together for coordination of time. Need to have picked up on a trailer as soon as possible. 3. Saw Sharpening. Tom Fabion did a great job on the sharpening of our chapter saw. Discussion on care. 4. Calendars. Krohn has 2015 and 2016 calendars available for $ Rendezvous. No new updates Sportsman Show. Money was sent in and is booked. 7. Fundraiser. Waiting for info from DOT for Indian John Hill. Another idea for future to have a stand with coffee and donuts to hunters at a location in the Wenas. For now it is tabled until next meeting. BCHW 2015 Budget to Actual comparison/dues allocation. Packets passed around for browsing. New Business: 1. Wine Ride. Need volunteers. 2. Discussion on rides for rest of year due to fires and bees. Will be TBA. 3. Discussion on distribution of our BCH brochures at State Fair and 4H groups, etc. 4. Conrad Meadows Ride Sept Christmas Party. LouAnn volunteered. Submitted By Colleen Badgley 2

Soda Springs August 14-16 Heading to Soda Springs campground on the other side of White Pass on Friday night was windy and wet.

3 Soda Springs August Heading to Soda Springs campground on the other side of White Pass on Friday night was windy and wet. Upon arriving (in the pouring rain) I found Mark & Della, Don &Donna and Theresa & dogs already set-up. As I was looking over the area to find the best place to camp, there was a pick-up truck with 2 hikers parked in the horse camp slot that was perfectly level, a nice spot for a camper set-up J I asked the hikers how long they were going to be gone and they weren t sure, a night or so. I mentioned that I hoped that they weren t going to get blocked in by horse trailers and such. They didn t seem concerned, so I decided on a spot not too far away that was on a slight downhill grade. Mark and Don helped me get parked and then we unhooked the trailer, got the camper level. And I look over and the hikers THEN DECIDED to move and park up the road thank you very much for that late departure Soon, Jerry, Bob and Colleen, Shari and Jacque arrived. Don and Mark had a nice propane campfire area with rain cover all set up. We sat around discussing the different ride options for Saturday. Then, one of our new members, Curtis showed up after dark. He threw out a bed role on the ground and situated his horse for the night. We did have a few sprinkles overnight, but he didn t seem to mind and said he slept fine. Saturday morning, Jerry, Jacque, Theresa, Mark and Don left early for their 20+ mile ride to Tumac Mountain and some mines. Bob, Colleen, Della, Shari, Curtis and myself thought we would take a moderate loop up the Pony Trail and into Frying Pan Lake. Off we rode. And not even 20 minutes down the trail, Curtis and his horse took an unplanned detour off the side of the trail and dropped off down over the side of the ravine. Curtis was yelling for help and we stopped and tied up our horses and found him down the hillside slipping and sliding around on the wet foliage, trying to maneuver over downed trees and rocks. His horse was very scared. From the top Shari scouted out the best path to try and get everyone back up. His horse 3 did not have a halter or lead rope, so we attached a lead rope to the reins and guided her up to the trail over some really steep and rocky terrain. This horse was scraped up on the legs but Curtis said he was okay. We thought we should return to camp, but this being his first ride with the Chapter, he wanted to try to continue on. So we continued up the Pony trail and to Carlton Pass and on to the Judkin trail. That is where we started to hit the bees. At one point we had to detour around a bad spot in the trail and lost the main trail. It took us a little time to find it again and get going towards Jug Lake for our lunch stop. After finally arriving at Jug Lake and having a late lunch, we decided we had had enough excitement for the day and thought we would take the Cowlitz trail back to camp and forego the Frying Pan destination. Sunday s ride was another adventure riding through many bee areas and with horses that weren t happy at all with the little critters. We had a nice lunch at Kincade Lake and continued on to Frying Pan Lake. Our plan was to head back towards Jug Lake and then take what Jacque calls the Pony-Jug trail to the Pony trail and back to camp. All was going pretty well until we hit several pods of bees and had to keep moving fast. We lost the illusive trail and spent quite a bit of time finding it again and getting back to the Pony trail and eventually back to camp. An adventurous weekend of riding and lots of encounters with bees. They are out there, so bee careful! Robin Granger Curtis, Jacque, Shari, Don & Mark

Crystal Mountain Ride August 21-22 Jacque, Shari and myself drove over Chinook Pass to ride the Crystal Mountain area. I love this camp and riding.

Rainier, but were not so lucky when looking over at the Goat Rocks. They were pretty much smoked in from the Mt. Adams fire.

4 Crystal Mountain Ride August Jacque, Shari and myself drove over Chinook Pass to ride the Crystal Mountain area. I love this camp and riding. We actually got lucky on Saturday and was pretty much smoke free from the fires, which was a welcome relief. We rode up to the top and were able to see the top of Mt. Rainier, but were not so lucky when looking over at the Goat Rocks. They were pretty much smoked in from the Mt. Adams fire. We took a long loop in the Norse Peak wilderness and into Basin lakes where we had a leisurely lunch. Then up and up we climbed toward the PCT and decided to take the tour over Bluebell Pass. This trail was in pretty good shape but is always a little nerve wracking when coming upon it. We rode along the ridge and saw several cow elk. The fall colors were just starting to come in. We came down by the Paul Wilson horse area. Sunday we were not so lucky with the smoke. We woke up to quite a bit of it and it got worse as we climbed up toward the ski area and gondolas. Before we got to the very top, we decided to turn back. All in all if was a great weekend. Submitted by Colleen Badgley Wine Ride Volunteers Needed! 14th Annual Winery Ride & Costume / Prize Ride, October 31st, 2015 at Zillah, WA Volunteer Options: 1) Volunteer only -0- stock, 2) Volunteer 4-hour shift and bring stock *BCHW fund raiser, with a profit share to all chapters whose members volunteer *Volunteers (at least 4 hour shift) get free camping *Volunteers who hold a Winery Host job will get complimentary lunch the day of the event *Volunteers who are purchasing the dinner tickets need to send in pre-registration (head count) and mark Volunteer on registration form Volunteers: Please Contact Deb Wesselius (360) or wesselius@wildblue.net *When can you arrive to help? *Could you bring an ATV to use for the Parking Committee job Please send/ your contact information: phone/cell phone, and let us know if there s a better or worse day for you. We can start using help at any time Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon. The busiest day is Saturday, October 31st, and we can use help anytime between 6:30 am until 9 pm, and everything in between. If you can give us an idea of what time you could arrive and/or would have to leave, we ll tailor your assignment to align with that, although, I m thinking Winery Host, which would need you in Zillah by 8:30 am and would have you cut loose to head for the house by 5:30 pm. There are other jobs with shorter shifts, but they all start a couple hours earlier or go later into the night. Let us know what you can work in and we ll try not to overdo it considering your drive time. Thanks for volunteering! Deb Are Mountain Lions Dangerous? To deer, yes! To people, not so much. Human encounters with mountain lions are rare and the risk of an attack is infinitely small. You are more likely to drown in your bathtub, be killed by a pet dog, or hit by lightning. If lions had any natural urge to hunt people, there would be attacks every single day. Instead, they avoid us. But if you live, work, or play in cat country, be alert! Avoid walking alone between dusk and dawn when lions are most active. Keep your children and pets close to you. Never approach or corner a mountain lion (or any wild animal). If you do encounter a mountain lion, STOP. DO NOT RUN. Unlike safety advice for encountering bears, do not act timid or play dead in front of a cat. Instead: Maintain eye contact. Stand tall. Look bigger by opening your coat or raising your arms. Chrissie Slowly taking wave a lunchtime your arms nap. and speak firmly. Throw items at the lion if necessary. Give the cat room and time to move on. 4

5 WDFW NEWS RELEASE Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA August 28, 2015 Contact: Joe Stohr, Bruce Botka, WDFW invites public to help identify conservation and recreation priorities Diana, Colleen, Bob OLYMPIA - State fish and wildlife leaders are asking people to share their views on the values and priorities that should drive the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) over the next several years. The opportunity is part of WDFW's new multi-year initiative, "Washington's Wild Future: A Partnership for Fish and Wildlife," which is an effort to strengthen the department's relationships with communities, increase support for conservation and outdoor recreation, and help ensure WDFW programs and services meet the public's needs. People can talk with WDFW managers at six regional forums in September and October. Comments will also be accepted through Oct. 31 on WDFW's website at and by to Wild- Future@dfw.wa.gov. People may also participate in the conversation through the WDFW Facebook page: Public comments and proposals will help determine priorities for conserving and managing Washington's fish and wildlife in the coming years, said WDFW Director Jim Unsworth, who was hired to lead the agency in January. "Since I joined WDFW, I have been asking people, 'If you could tell the director of Fish and Wildlife one thing, what would you say?'" Unsworth said. "This is a great opportunity for people across the state to do just that. I want to hear about what we are doing right, where we need to improve, and where we should focus our Jacque, Theresa & Colleen efforts and our funding over the next five to 10 to 20 years." Unsworth, senior WDFW managers, and regional staff are scheduled to attend the meetings, where people can discuss fishing and hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as habitat protection and restoration, licensing, enforcement, and other fish and wildlife management issues. The meetings are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the following dates and locations: Bob, Colleen & Shannon Sept Selah Civic Center, 216 1st St., Selah. Sept Center Place, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Oct. 6 - WDFW Mill Creek Office, Mill Creek Blvd, Mill Creek. Oct. 8 - Saint Martin's University, Norman Worthington Conference Center, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. Oct Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Oct Port of Chelan County Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Colleen & Shaky Wenatchee. Each meeting will include a brief presentation from a WDFW regional director about the importance of fish and wildlife management to Washington's quality of life and the economies of local communities throughout the state. Participants will then be invited to talk in small groups with representatives of the department's Fish, Wildlife, Enforcement, Licensing, and Habitat programs, as well as Unsworth and his staff. Later this year, WDFW will summarize the comments and suggestions from the public, as well as input from outdoor organizations, advisory groups, tribes, and state and local elected officials. The information will be used to help identify potential changes in WDFW's operations and services, and to develop future policy, budget and fee proposals. "We face major management challenges over the next several years, and for us to be successful we need the public's support and assistance," Unsworth said. "That can only happen if the department has strong relationships with anglers, hunters, outdoor recreation groups, and others interested in fish and wildlife in Washington." More information about WDFW is available at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife 5

Wildfire Smoke and Horses' Respiratory Health University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine - Aug 25, 2015 Use human health air quality advisories and apply them to horse events

Wildfires have raised concern among horse owners regarding the potential impact of persistent smoke and related air pollution on their equids.

6 Wildfire Smoke and Horses' Respiratory Health University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine - Aug 25, 2015 Use human health air quality advisories and apply them to horse events where horses will be exercising and breathing harmful smoke: For example, if humans eyes burn and are bothered by smoke, you can assume horses will be in the same boat. Wildfires have raised concern among horse owners regarding the potential impact of persistent smoke and related air pollution on their equids. And their concern is justified: Smoke can cause serious health problems for horses, as it can in people, notes an equine veterinarian from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), School of Veterinary Medicine. Smoke is an unhealthy combination of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, hydrocarbons, and other organic substances. Smoke particulates, which are a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, can irritate horses eyes and respiratory tracts, and hamper their breathing. Owners should limit their horses activity when smoke is visible, said UC Davis veterinary professor John Madigan, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, ACAW. During California wildfires with persistent smoke several years ago, the Tevis Cup a 100-mile endurance race was postponed based on adverse air quality for exercising horses. This is an example of important management decisions that can protect horse health. It is important to use human health airquality advisories and apply them to horse events where horses will be exercising and breathing harmful smoke. If humans eyes burn and are bothered by smoke, you can assume horses will be in the same boat. Providing horses with resting from exercise, limiting smoke exposure when possible, and monitoring for signs of increased respiratory rate or cough should be at the top of owners' to-do lists when wildfires are near. And should a concern arise, always consult your veterinarian. It s also important to provide horses with plenty of fresh water, which keeps airways moist and helps them clear inhaled particulates, said Madigan. If a horse is having difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure the horse has not developed a reactive airway disease or bacterial infection accompanied by bronchitis or pneumonia. Horses can suffer from constriction of the airways, just as humans can. In cases of heavy smoke exposure, it can take four to six weeks for smokeinduced damage to heal, during which time the horse should not be heavily exercised. Premature exercise could aggravate the condition, delaying healing and compromising the horse s performance for weeks or months. If the horse has further smoke-related problems, such as persistent cough, nasal discharge, fever, or increased rate of breathing or labored breathing, the owner should contact a veterinarian, who may prescribe respiratory medications such as bronchial dilators or other treatments that will hydrate the horse s airway passages and reduce inflammation, Madigan said. The veterinarian also may recommend tests to determine whether a secondary bacterial infection is contributing the horse s respiratory problems. Honor and Remember the Fallen Firefighters Our Mission Statement The purpose of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington is to perpetuate the legal and moral claim by the American people to use horses and mules for recreation on public lands. Our Goals 1. Perpetuate the use of horses and mules for recreation on public lands. 2. Assist government and public agencies in the maintenance of the backcountry to achieve our goals. 3. Educate, encourage, and inform horsemen in general public in the wise and sustaining use of resources in the backcountry. 4. Take responsible citizen involvement in actions affecting access and the use of stock in the backcountry. 6 SUBMISSIONS TO THIS NEWSLETTER Please send your stories, recipes, ads or anything else you would like to share with others by the 25th of each month to: Robin Granger at robi105@yahoo.com ADVERTISING RATES Business Card - $4.00/mo or $44.00/year 1/4 Page -$7.00/mo or $77.00/year 1/2 Page -$18.00/mo or $198.00/year Full Page -$25.00/mo or $275.00/year Classified (Non-Members) $3.00/mo.

Highcountry Highline

Highcountry Highline 2014 Board Members President: Jacque Sansaver, 697-4385 Vice President: Jill Breeze, 945-7086 State Director: Krohn Traversie, 643-2769 Alt. Director: Robert Badgley, 388-7005 Secretary: Jill Siegrist,