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September-October 2015 - Back Country Horsemen of Washington
Vol. 40 Issue 5 Back Country Horsemen of Washington www.bchw.org September/October 2015 2015 Officers, Committee Chairs & Staff OFFICERS: President Trygve Culp president@bchw.org................ 509.486.2061 Vice President Jim Anderson muleman1951@gmail.com...... 509.486.2061 Secretary Janelle Wilson secretary@bchw.org................ 360.748.4880 Treasurer Teri Starke treasurer@bchw.org................. 253.709.5052 Safety Officer Doc Wesselius wesselius@wildblue.net............ 360.736.6106 Special Assistant for Advocacy Jeff Chapman bbbranch@olympus.net............ 360.385.6364 Special Assistant for Independent Member Affairs Jason Ridlon jhridlon@fairpoint.net............... 509.964.9260 BCHA Directors Darrell Wallace exec@bchw.org................... 360.918.3016 Jason Ridlon jhridlon@fairpoint.net............ 509.964.9260 Alternate Ken Carmichael kcarmichael2225@gmail.com.509.466.2225 COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Legislative Chair Jeff Chapman bbbranch@olympus.net............ 360.385.6364 Public Lands Chair Bernie Stratton stratton.bernie@gmail.com........ 360.262.3606 Public Lands Vice Chair Darrell Wallace exec@bchw.org..................... 360.918.3016 Membership Chair Heather Moorman membership@bchw.org............ 509.585.4001 Awards Chair Deb Wesselius wesselius@wildblue.net............ 360.736.6106 Education Chair.................................. Vacant LNT Chair Jane Byram LNT@bchw.org.................... 509.997.7407 Lead Saw Certifiers Tom Mix backcountrypacker@gmail.com 360.582.0460 Trygve Culp president@bchw.org............. 509.486.2061 Volunteer Hours Co-Chairs Deb Wesselius wesselius@wildblue.net......... 360.736.6106 Peggy Swanberg davenpeg@gdimail.net......... 509.486.1107 Governance By-Laws Chair Ken Carmichael kcarmichael2225@gmail.com...... 509.466.2225 Governance By-Laws Vice Chair Teunis Wyers teunisjw@gmail.com................ 509.493.3939 Special Project Coordinator Jason Ridlon jhridlon@fairpoint.net............... 509.964.9260 Ways & Means Teri Starke tstrk21@msn.com.................... 253.709.5052 2015 Rendezvous Chair Teri Starke tstrk21@msn.com.................... 253.709.5052 Publicity Chair & THN Editor Dick Yarboro easyrider@scattercreek.com...... 360.264.2263 Web Master & Photographer Jim Thode webboss@bchw.org................ 360.978.5336 STAFF: Executive Director Darrell Wallace exec@bchw.org..................... 360.918.3016 THN Managing Editor & Publisher Joyce Willms Creative Director Adriane Wolfe Asst. Editor/Advertising Alexandra Mowrey bchw@wamedia.com.............. 360.754.4543 Volunteer Copy Editor/Proof Reader Sondra Johnston sgjohn1234@aol.com............. 253.843.2679 ii The Trailhead News September/October 2015 Inside this Issue www.bchw.org Chapter Locations & Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Optionals List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Prez Says . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,5 Executive Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,7 BCHW Volunteer Hours Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Legislative Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Awards Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Grants – Pasayten Work Party . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9-10 Out on the Trails BCHW Statewide Work Party. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Statewide Work Party From an Organizer’s Perspective. .. .. .. 12-13 Statewide Work Party at Pasayten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 BBQ Flats Project . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15-16 Capitol Forest Equine Courtesy Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 A New Alliance at Work on an Old Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Micro-Blasting at Snow Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20 Four Wednesdays in July – The Tradition Continues. . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside Back Cover Cover Photo: Riding at the Pasayten work party, Jason Ridlon, Robert Eversole, Kathy Nelson and Darrell Gunnells. Cover Photo by Becky Seibel. 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: bchw@wamedia.com 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 Rendezvous 2015 BCHW Chapter Locations & Directors September/October 2015 ALPINE LAKES TRAIL RIDERS: Director: Dana Baily P.O. Box 533 • Cle Elum, WA 98922 509-630-7581 kbailey4280@yahoo.comBUCKHORN RANGE: Director: Bob Hoyle P.O. Box 845 • Chimacum, WA 98325 360-732-5042 bobhoyle@usa.net CAPITOL RIDERS: Director: Karen Johnson 4809 24th Ave SE • Lacey, WA 98503 360-259-2490 kjrjatprairierim@aol.com CASCADE HORSE CLUB: Director: Kerry Graves P.O. Box 1359 • Lake Stevens, WA 98258 425-530-6287 horseladykerry@gmail.com CRAB CREEK RIDERS: Director: Bill Bailey P.O. Box 519 • Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-765-4017 bnb_works@yahoo.com ENUMCLAW TRAIL RIDERS: Director: Cheryl Reynon P.O. Box 1271 • Enumclaw, WA 98022 253-350-0275 cherdakine@outlook.com FERRY COUNTY: Director: Dave Taylor P.O. Box 1124 • Republic, WA 99166 509-485-3002 taylords@starband.net GRAYS HARBOR: Director: Lori Lennox 295 Powers Ck Rd • Elma, WA 98541 360-482-2742 llennox82@gmail.com INLAND EMPIRE: Director: Ken Carmichael P.O. Box 38613 • Spokane, WA 99228 509-466-2225 kcarmichael2225@gmail.com ISLAND COUNTY: Director: Bob Magers 27448 SR 525 • Coupeville, WA 98239 360-632-0763bobtheclimber@yahoo.com LEWIS COUNTY: Director: Bernie Stratton 1673 S Market Blvd #88 • Chehalis, WA 98532 360-262-3606 stratton.bernie@gmail.com METHOW VALLEY: Director: Gary Sterner P.O. Box 902 • Twisp, WA 98856 509-682-0412 gbsterner@nwi.net MOUNT ADAMS: Director: Teunis Wyers P.O. Box 1835 • White Salmon, WA 98672 509-490-2221 teunisjw@gmail.com MOUNT SAINT HELENS: Director: Jim Anderson P.O. Box 418 • Brush Prairie, WA 98606 360-835-5719 muleman1951@gmail.com NISQUALLY: Director: Laura Lluellyn P.O. Box 641 • Yelm, WA 98597 253-208-4548 lalluellyn@yahoo.com NORTHEAST: Director: Bob Gish P.O. Box 3094 • Deer Park, WA 99006 509-994-1075 robertgish@gmail.com OAKLAND BAY: Director: Charles Solheim P.O. Box 1285 • Shelton, WA 98584 360-463-0888 coyoteridge@q.com OKANOGAN VALLEY: Director: Dave Sunde P.O. Box 812 • Tonasket, WA 98855 509-486-1547 dsunde@frontier.com OLYMPIC: Director: Phil Bennett P.O. Box 250 • Belfair, WA 98528 360-277-0643 bennetthorse@hotmail.com PENINSULA: Director: Dave Seibel P.O. Box 1931 • Port Angeles, WA 98362 360-640-9472 daveseibel@sbcglobal.net PIERCE COUNTY: Director: Louise Caywood 21804 Mountain Hwy., #52 • Spanaway, WA 98387253-732-8105 saddleupw@aol.com PURPLE SAGE RIDERS: Director: Dave Jackson 1783 Jericho Rd • Richland, WA 99352 509-627-5834 bchwdave@dslextreme.com RATTLESNAKE RIDGE RIDERS: Director: Dan Chappel P.O. Box 63 • Benton City, WA 99320 509-588-4342 chapchar05@bentonrea.com SCATTER CREEK RIDERS: Director: Jeff Sprehn P.O. Box 1016 • Rochester, WA 98579 360-528-7743 jeff@sprehn.org SKAGIT: Director: Rob DeBoer P.O. Box 188 • Sedro Woolley WA 98284 360-770-5082 skagitbchw@gmail.com TAHOMA: Director: Kathy Young P.O. Box 365 • Ravensdale, WA 98051 206-551-7824 kyoung1735@gmail.com TRAILDUSTERS: Director: Cathy Nelson 17121 Butler Rd• Snohomish, WA 98290 360-568-5933 tripplenfarm@gmail.com WENAS VALLEY: Director: Krohn Traversie P.O. Box 1325 • Selah, WA 98942 509-643-2769 krohn_t@yahoo.com WENATCHEE VALLEY: Director: Ken Bailey P.O. Box 1402 • Wenatchee, WA 98807 509-884-5566 ken@kbelectricllc.com WHATCOM COUNTY: Director: Bill McKenna P.O. Box 28607 • Bellingham, WA 98228 360-599-2526 wintercreek10@gmail.com WILLAPA HILLS: Director: Jacqueline Angermeir P.O. Box 898 • Raymond, WA 98577 360-267-1765 djackie2@comcast.net YAKIMA VALLEY: Director: Steve Miller P.O. Box 25 • Cowiche, WA 98947 509-678-5013 millerranch@centurylink.net Chapter Directors: This list is taken from the BCHW Directory located online at bchw.org. The Trailhead News 1 Optional Members September/October 2015 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 membership@bchw.org. Name Chapter Lifetime Members Mitch Baird................................................ IND Trygve Culp..............................................OKA Dave Jackson............................................. PSR Heather Moorman...................................... PSR Jim Murphy................................................OLY Bob Shonka................................................ IND Teri Starke.................................................. IND Carol D Wilcox........................................ WEN Teunis Wyers.............................................MTA Pat Wyers..................................................MTA 2015 Annual Meeting Head Table Dave & Janis Jackson................................ PSR Daren & Heather Moorman....................... PSR 2014 Annual Meeting Head Table Kim Merrick.............................................. TAH Lori Lennox.............................................. GRA Linda Foster.............................................. GRA 2015 Patron Level Joel Crosby.................................................INL Greg Johnston & Cathy Johnson................NIS Tamara King & Eric Leung....................... TRA Rebecca Meyers & Mark Reiss.................. IND George Michel........................................... IND Barbara Woo & Scott Bauer...................... CAS 2015 Sustaining Level Susan & Burton Bates................................ IND Gene & Connie Baugher...........................MTA Garry & Penelope Booker.......................... IND Danny & Jeanie Chappel.......................... RRR Leslie Coey................................................ IND Allen & Missy Day................................... TAH Jack Duffy & Eileen Kiera.......................WHA Bruce Foreman..........................................NOR Robert & Vicki Gish.................................NOR Peg Greiwe & Dale Kelley......................... PIE Mary Kane................................................ TAH Joanne Lacy & Dale Bamford..................... PIE Fred & Lori Lennox.................................. GRA Mike McGlenn.........................................WHA Mary McIntyre Lee.................................... IND Name 2015 Contributing Level Earl & Dorothy Aalseth............................ CAS Matthew Andrews....................................... ISL Bart & Velma Bradshaw...........................MET Evie Bredeson...........................................NOR Gene Brent................................................ TAH Gary & Kathy Collins............................... MTS Jan & Jim Craghead.................................. CCR Gary & Marie Duskin............................... SKA Ken & Pam Evans..................................... MTS Carol Finney.............................................. MTS Linda & Steve Harer................................. TAH Judith & Bob Hoyle.................................. BUC Sharon & Jack Jenson............................... TAH Shirley Landgren.......................................MTA Rob Lathrop............................................... IND Nancy & Bob Lee..................................... TAH Ed & Teri Letcher..................................... TAH Beverly Masteller........................................INL Linda Mattos............................................. BUC Kim Merrick.............................................. TAH Carolie Miles & Ninette Guichot.............. MTS Steve & Sandi Miller................................ YAK For Membership Questions and Mailing List Address Corrections/Updates… Please email membership@bchw.org directly! 2 The Trailhead News Chapter 2015 Sustaining Level Samuel Mclean........................................... IND Thomas & Kristine Moran........................ GRA John Myers................................................ RRR Al Norrbom & Marcy Brunk.................... TAH James & Carol Oakes................................. IND Mary & Dennis Owens............................. GRA David & Cathy Petrie................................ TAH Joann Reider.............................................. TAH Boyd & Miyoko Sharp...............................PEN Bob & Sidney Showalter.......................... RRR Smith Family............................................... PIE Coco Spurway...........................................NOR James A Stansfield, MD........................... WEN George Starke............................................. IND Gene & Mary Sutliff................................. TRA Penny Tanner...............................................NIS Darrell Wallace & Kristy Stender.............NOR Greg & Brenda Wiebe...............................MTA Joann Yost................................................. GRA Name Chapter Russell & Cynthia Morse......................... WEN Dave Peterson & Kris Lenke ................... BUC Rick & Lyn Ransom................................. GRA Rase Family.............................................. BUC Len & Kathy Rolph...................................MTA Joe & Marcia Russell................................ ENU Kathy Russo............................................... IND Nancy Slye................................................ ENU Gerald & Margaret Throop.......................MTA Chris Tornow and Matt Shirley.................. IND Cathy Upper..............................................MET Dick Woodfin............................................MTA 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 or tstrk21@msn.com. 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 2015 Prez Says From My Spot on the Picket Line T By Trygve Culp, BCHW President always considered that a rain forest and in some way or fashion he 3rd Annual Statewide Work Party is in the books… immune from the ravages of fire. Anyway, the fires have caused My goodness, what an event! Fifty of us – by my count various Chapters around the state to cancel camped at Buchert’s sheep corrals or postpone work parties, rides and other near the Long Swamp Campgrounds on events. In late July, Department of Natural the Tonasket Ranger District and worked in “...I am doubly proud Resources Commissioner, Peter Goldmark, the eastern Pasayten Wilderness for a week decided to postpone the “Grand Opening” over the long 4th of July weekend. We not of those members who celebration of the BBQ Flats access acquisionly logged out and performed light maintion due to the extreme fire danger in central tenance on nearly 48 miles of trail; we also were willing to ride into Washington. That event will be rescheduled packed a WTA crew into Louden Lake to at a later, safer time. As soon as the celebrawork on the Boundary Trail for the Forest Service; and then later, we helped evacudanger to assist our WTA tion date is announced, we will get the word to you through the Chapters. ated that same crew when the Newby Lake Another disagreeable aspect of this Fire burned from Canada into the eastern partners...” drought that we find ourselves in the middle Pasayten. I am extremely proud of all of the of is a potential localized shortage of hay for trail work that BCHW volunteers completwinter feed. Throughout the State, many ired; and I am doubly proud of those memrigators with interruptible water rights have had their water shut bers who were willing to ride into danger to assist our WTA partoff or seriously curtailed already. As a result, some growers did ners get out of the fire area and notify other Wilderness visitors not produce a second cutting or will not be producing a third hay of the fire danger. A tip of the Stetson and a huge “thank you” to cutting. I have always purchased third cutting hay believing it to Jason Ridlon and Kim Merrick and their crew for organizing and implementing such a great event. There is another article elsebe the “least weedy”; I hope that my grower will have it available this year. I hope, too, that you will find good quality hay available where in this issue strictly devoted to the work party. close to you at a reasonable price. I mentioned the Newby Lake Fire that interfered with the statewide work party, but who knew that was just the start. Around the state more than 100,000 acres have burned so far this summer and, as this is written, it is just the 1st of August. Unbelievably, there is a large forest fire burning on the Olympic Peninsula – I continued on page 5 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. The Trailhead News 3 Grants September/October 2015 October 23 - 25, 2015 Heritage Park, Chilliwack, BC, Canada Featured Clinicians Trainers Challenge Working Ranch Challenge Over 100 hours of Clinics & Demos by: 3 Horses, 3 Trainers, 1 Champion! The Mane Event is pleased to introduce the Working Ranch Challenge. This special event will feature six historical British Columbia ranches with their teams of genuine working ranch hands. Teams will compete against each other, showcasing skills used daily with stock such as branding, doctoring, roping and sorting cattle. Jim Wofford - Jumping Kristi Wysocki - Dressage Sandi Simons - Horsemanship Pat Parelli - Horsemanship Doug Leasor - Barrel Racing more Clinicians to be added! David Simons - Australia Glenn Stewart - British Columbia Sonny Garguilo - New York 160+ trade show vendors with over 80,000 square feet of shopping. Everything from bits to boots and tack to trailers. www.maneeventexpo.com 4 The Trailhead News info@maneeventexpo.com Executive Director September/October 2015 BCHW Calendars – Part of Our Mission By Darrell Wallace, BCHW Executive Director B CHW has produced a popular calendar for several years. It has served several purposes: as a public relations handout to legislators, land managers, and other influential people; as a fund raiser; and as a pleasant reminder of trail rides, work parties, and other BCHW activities. When sales of the 2015 raffle calendar failed to reach profitable levels, the Board of Directors decided to eliminate the raffle and produce a limited number of calendars, each at the same price of $10.00. However, limiting the number of calendars raised the cost of printing (no discounts for a larger printing) and the anticipated profit will be smaller. On the positive side, producing the calendars early in the year means that early sales could prompt an order for more calendars – if we feel confident that they will be sold! And for those who objected to selling a raffle calendar, the issue is no longer. Bottom line, BCHW needs its members to sell calendars to help fund its vital work. Just as BCHW has built a three-year tradition of clearing miles and miles of trail during its Statewide Work Party, we need to be able to enjoy the income from calendar sales. With that in mind, I asked two members who have been the most successful in selling calendars in recent years to share their experiences. The following is from Jeff LaBreck (Capitol Riders Chapter): “I first became involved with the BCHW calendar sales with the 2006 calendar. The calendar was attractive, useful, and had very personal touches with the small photographs highlighting members involved in work parties and activities. A plus for me is being able to use the ample-sized day boxes for keeping a record of my volunteer hours. “The very first year that I sold calendars I kept a list of each person who purchased a calendar and their phone number. That way I had phone numbers for last year’s purchasers to call for the following year’s sales. It worked very well, as most folks would buy the same number that they had the prior year. Since the calendar was so attractive it was always easy to sell. Once I got into ‘calendar selling mode’ each year, every person that I had dealings with was a potential calendar purchaser. The most difficult part was simply approaching the person and telling them what a great calendar you had for them. “I have found selling BCHW calendars to be enjoyable and have let my enthusiasm rub off on Capitol Riders members. Each year members have become more involved with calendar sales. Using your list allows you to revisit friends you may not continued on page 7 From My Spot on the Picket Line continued from page 3 On a more upbeat note, I’ve had an opportunity to help other members of the Okanogan Valley Chapter pack a Pacific Northwest Trail Association trail crew into and out of the Pasayten Wilderness. It was fun and quite rewarding to be performing that aspect of our mission again. Plus, it was specially gratifying for me to help pack a crew in that worked on the same trail that got me hooked on trail work with BCHW in 1993. Several times the crew expressed their appreciation and thanks to us for packing their tools, groceries, camp and personal gear the 6 miles or so into the wilderness. If you “do” Facebook you can see the crew’s work and our support on their Facebook page at “Okanogan PNTA Crew” or “Okanogan Valley Chapter Back Country Horsemen of Washington”. One last thing: If you have never attended the BCHW Annual Wine Ride, you really should plan to attend this year. If riding in a big crowd is not your thing, I quite understand, but I’d like to extend an invite to come on over to Zillah and just have a good time or volunteer to help. I hope to see you there. Stay safe. The Trailhead News 5 Volunteer Hours September/October 2015 BCHW Volunteer Hours Report By Peggy Swanberg & Deb Wesselius, BCHW-Volunteer Hours Co-Chairs T he first quarter deadline for recording and submitting chapter volunteer hours was June 10th and a preliminary report of statewide volunteer hours was available for review at the Directors’ board meeting. Most chapters participated successfully with observing this deadline, however a few chapters are still out of compliance by not submitting any volunteer hours in the 2015 recordable year. Those chapters should contact their Regional Coordinator for assistance. is recordable, go ahead and record the hours and give a description of what was done so your chapter coordinator can review and make the determination and record the information correctly. PHOTO BY JIM THODE PHOTO BY JIM THODE Loowit Pack In 2015, going in empty. Green River trail crew. If you are an independent member and have volunteer hours to report, please contact Jason Ridlon with your volunteer hours. You can reach him at (509) 964-9260, or email him at jhrid@fairpoint.net. The main objective is to make sure you get your volunteer hours recorded and counted. If you are not sure if something PHOTO BY JIM THODE Lost Lake area, Lewis County Chapter sawing a log. 6 The Trailhead News The schedule for the Chapter Volunteer Hour Coordinators to submit volunteer hours to the BCHW-Regional Volunteer Hour Coordinators will be September 10 and November 10. The membership at large should observe this schedule by turning in their volunteer hours well in advance of these dates. Often the review of the information will require some corrections and prompt, or even early, submitting of the report helps everybody. Thank you for your continued effort and support of this valuable program. PHOTO BY JIM THODE Lost Lake area, Lewis County Chapter pack-in crew. Legislative Report September/October 2015 Legislative Report By Jeff Chapman, BCHW Legislative Chair M uch to our pleasant surprise, the third session of the legislative session yielded the most for recreation of the three sessions. Part of this was to be expected since the funding bills were settled. What we didn’t expect was that the Senate and House would settle their differences by adding together their proposals. It was a great outcome for trails and parks with most recreation grants in the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (WWRC) program getting funded along with Big Tent and Blue Ribbon Task Force priority requests. Also, our NOVA Lid Lift bill, apparently dead, was brought back to life by recreation champion legislators like Representative Ed Orcutt working with our lobbyist Terry Kohl. It passed in the short third session and was signed into law by the Governor!!! While this lid lift doesn’t take effect for quite some time (2031), the momentum behind this bill helped keep key NOVA, Snowmobile, and Marine wording in the transportation fuel tax increase legislation that will take effect immediately. Again, Terry (BCHW/WSSA) and the marine/parks lobbyist Doug Levy worked tirelessly to ensure this would happen. It means that NOVA will see an immediate increase in available funds to the USFS and DNR for trail/campground maintenance, education and enforcement, and recreation planning for all backcountry recreation enthusiasts again thanks to the efforts by our lobbyist. You can’t ask for a better end to the session for recreation. Our legislative program delivered not just by keeping a watchful eye on policy bills, but by working for and nailing down more state revenue for recreation to the benefit of all types of recreational pursuits. I think this also speaks to the success of our collaborations with other recreational organizations. This year we worked with a long list of groups on their priorities and ours. We discussed common strategy with Mountain to Sound Greenway and with Washington Bikes, both who were good partners and resources. We worked a booth on the Capitol lawn along with State Parks while kids navigated a climbing wall just outside the booth. We had our rug horse during Big Tent day situated between the House and Senate chambers in the Capital building. We worked with REI, WTA, WOHVA, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and with rail-trail organizations to secure project and maintenance funding for everything from horse camps to parks to safe routes to schools. It also speaks to the bipartisan interests of our state legislators in supporting outdoor recreation in Washington State for its economic, health, and enjoyment value. They deserve our thanks, so remember to do just that – thank them. BCHW Calendars - Part of Our Mission continued from page 5 have seen since last year. You get to rekindle your friendship and sell a calendar or two. You are sharing a very nice and useful product with them with the added bonus that they, or a friend, could have a picture on it. “Capitol Riders is proud to be promoting BCHW activities and helping to fund activities through our calendar sales. The methods we have used over the last ten years have been very successful. During this period the chapter has sold 1,087 BCHW calendars. We have had so much fun that we are taking 150 of the 2016 BCHW calendars to sell. We are even having success imparting this enthusiasm to our sister chapter, Oakland Bay. BCHW calendar selling is a team activity, the more you participate the more you and the team benefit. Go, Team Go.” And from Gary Cutler (Northeast Chapter): “Although I moved from the Auburn area to Deer Park five years ago, I found that it was pretty easy to sell BCHW calendars to strangers. I just kept some in my pickup and showed them to people I met who owned, or were interested in, horses. I met people at feed stores, or while having their horses shod, or at clinics – they were all interested, and most bought at least one. I can’t believe that every member can’t sell at least one each year. Hey, it’s only ten bucks. Buy one and sell one. Every member needs a calendar.” The Trailhead News 7 Awards September/October 2015 BCHW Awards Report By Deb Wesselius, BCHW Awards Committee Chair T he end of the year will be here before we know it, therefore, consider who in your chapter would be eligible to receive one of the BCHW awards. Start now to gather and begin constructing your candidate’s BCHW story. This task could be shared with other members in your chapter in assisting as 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. In addition to photos, news clippings and letters of recommendations from BCHW members and land managers will help the judging team learn about your nominee. Start collecting documentation from chapter projects, work parties, fundraising events, education training and other BCHW programs. Nominations may be from either a chapter or a BCHW member. Nomination forms and the most current list of all known award program recipients are posted at www.bchw.org under “BCHW Awards”. Award categories are only given out once to a volunteer. BCHW Awards Categories 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 for recognition, not a contest. Lifetime = 2 LOPPER AWARD This award is for a BCHW member who has 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. Lopper = 3, maximum 4 CAMP COOK 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. Camp Cook = 1 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. Trail Warrior = 3, maximum 4 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. Desk Jockey = 2, maximum 3 JUNIOR BCHW Our future! Who stands out in your chapter? This person would participate in chapter events such as work parties, fund raisers, LNT/education, training or BCHW promotion such as parades. Junior BCH = 1, maximum 2 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 do, sometimes at the last minute. This is a member who is very important in keeping the chapter, organization or an event operating smoothly. Backbone = 2, maximum 3 CINCH AWARD This award was created to recognize those hard working BCHW members who have consistently and competently carried out jobs at the state level, year after year. Recipients shall be Volunteer Committee Chairmen, Volunteer Committee member, or an UNELECTED state officer - they keep the wheels of this great organization running smoothly. They may or may not be very visible - they may be quietly working in the background, reliably doing their jobs. They may or may not be active or hold an office in a chapter or even be a chapter member, but they are invaluable at the state level. Cinch Award = 1, maximum 2 PRESIDENT’S DIAMOND AWARD The Presi- dent’s Diamond Award is decided autonomously from the BCHW Awards Program - the BCHW President awards a person or persons “In recognition of outstanding dedication, passion and commitment to the BCHW mission”. President’s Diamond Award = 1, maximum 2 SPONSORSHIPS Are extremely important for the success of your BCHW Award Program. Last year eleven different BCHW chapters and two businesses sponsored BCHW awards. These sponsorships partnered with the BCHW award budget resulted in thirteen 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(c3) businesses, chapters have a tax advantage for award donations. BCHW Awards Committee, Deb Wesselius, Chair wesselius@wildblue.net 8 The Trailhead News Grants September/October 2015 A Pasayten Work Party By Robert Eversole, Northeast Chapter S ummer brings many wonderful things: Fresh watermelon, bluebird skies, and the BCHW Annual Work Party. Two thirds of our mission statement include: 1) Keeping trails open for all users, and 2) providing volunteer service to resource agencies. For the past three years BCHW has been tackling these duties in part by organizing statewide work parties that bring in dedicated volunteers from across the state to attack the biggest and the worst trail systems with sweat, saws, horses and mules. This year the scope of the work was centered on the eastern side of the Pasayten Wilderness. From June 30th to July 7th your organization worked on making all the trails into the wilderness from the Tonasket Ranger district passable by stock. We had our work cut out for us from the beginning and it only became more challenging as the week wore on. This is the story of the 2015 BCHW Pasayten Work Party. If you were one of the 44 amazing attendees you already know the highlights of what you accomplished. If you weren’t, please read on, and make plans to join us next year. The Pasayten is a very big piece of very wild country in north central Washington. With nearly 150 peaks towering over 7,500 in elevation and over 160 water bodies dotting the landscape, the area has much to offer stock users. Over 600 miles of trails exist to grant access into the Pasayten, but maintenance on many of those trails has been lacking. In many cases these trails haven’t been usable by mule and horse riders for the better part of a decade. Enter the Back Country Horsemen of Washington. While all work parties are enjoyable and productive, this year’s annual Work Party went far beyond the usual. The first of July began with a chill in the air as we rose to feed and tack ten animals before departing the trailhead at 0630 to make the trip to the Iron Gate trailhead where we would be loading the gear, equipment and camp supplies for a Washington Trails Association crew that was to work with BCHW for the week. Vicki Gish and I left early to clear the way for the main pack train and I’m glad we did as there were 12 newly fallen trees blocking the way that needed removed. Stella, my crosscut saw, made short work of them as we slowly worked our way to our appointment. Veteran packer Al Whitworth arrived at Iron Gate soon after us and quickly organized the loads of pulaskis, shovels, McLeods, and other assorted tools and gear that would support the WTA personnel for what was supposed to be a fiveday work trip into the wilderness. The party had begun. Almost immediately after leaving the trailhead we encountered a sobering vista of burned forest, stretching along the flanks and ridges of the wilderness. This stark scene is a lingering reminder of the Tripod fire that burned an area three times the size of Seattle in July 2006. Large meadows blanketed in wildflowers greeted us as we approached Sunny Pass on the way to Horseshoe Basin where we would drop continued on page 10 PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT EVERSOLE Pasayten Work Party by the Numbers: • 7 days • 44 people • 65 horses & mules • 7 wilderness trails • 42 miles of trail cleared Value of work completed: – Priceless. Vicki Gish. The Trailhead News 9 Grants September/October 2015 Pasayten Work Party continued from page 9 off our load. A snug camp in the wilderness would be our home for the night before returning the following morning to our next assignment. Little did we know that almost nine years to the day after the start of the Tripod incident another wildfire would occur in the same area. The nearby peaks shown like gold in the early morning sun the morning of the 2nd as we broke camp, said our good byes to the trail crew, and made our way back over Sunny Pass. After 16 miles and six hours we arrived at the BCHW main camp with horses, mules, and humans alike tired after a long haul. Once the beasts were watered, fed, brushed, and tended to it was time to take a moment for us. As I settled into a cozy camp chair I noticed a cloud rising above the forest. Thick, swirling, and the color of an old bruise, this was no sunny day wisp. A forest fire was burning in the wilderness, near the spot from which we had just returned. As we watched the smoke plume slowly twist upward, the Forest Service soon decided that the WTA trail crews would evacuate their camp immediately, leaving behind all of their tools and gear. The BCHW base camp was located upwind from the fire and out of immediate danger so we were safe at least for the time being. If it were safe to do so the following day a BCHW pack crew would make its way to the WTA campsite and retrieve the gear we had just delivered. If it still existed. The rest of the day was spent with a close eye on the direction of the smoke plume. Friday, the 3rd, brought good news. The fire had spread only slightly during the night. It was safe for the packers to head in and collect the trail crew’s equipment and OK for the rest of the BCHW group to continue clearing trails and replacing lost trail signs west of the area impacted by the fire. Vicki and I reported in to Kathy Young’s sign crew and proceeded up the trail to Windy Peak. Although the PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT EVERSOLE Dave Seibel and Robert Eversole and Stella. 10 The Trailhead News path to Windy Peak was some nine miles away from Horseshoe Basin, traveling through the forest of fire-killed trees was a constant reminder to stay alert to the radio and to the smoke plume overhead. Shortly after midday the Siebel clan, of Dave and Becky, joined us as we made our way back to camp stopping to unleash Stella on the many fallen logs that blocked our way. Independence Day found me joining the organizer and leader of the work party Jason Ridlon, Darrel Gunnells, Cathy Nelson, and Kathy Young. The plan was to install trail signage past the crest of Windy Peak and then to work our way down PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT EVERSOLE Jason Ridlon with smoke plume. the mountainside, clearing trail as we went. The long climb to the top of Windy took longer than expected and we had to turn around after placing our trailer marker. However, from the top of the peak the smoke plume from the wildfire was both fascinating and scary as the fire raged only a few short miles away. The daily routine of the work party continued in a similar manner throughout the trip. Rise early to feed and water the animals. Grab a quick breakfast and lunch from the tireless and remarkable camp cooks, led by Kim Merrick, then ride out to clear and maintain trails. Return to base camp in the evening and repeat the process the following morning. While the sounds of a well-sharpened crosscut singing its way through a fallen tree and the scraping of a Pulaski clearing a waterbar are soothing, there’s no denying that this was/is hard work. A light coating of ash on the morning of the 7th marked the last day of the shindig. The fire was still burning, but thankfully away from the main body of trails that we had re-claimed from the forest. Over 42 miles in total of wilderness trails are once again passable by stock users and hikers that will appreciate not having to crawl, climb, and scramble through deadfall. Out on the Trails September/October 2015 BCHW Statewide Work Party By Jim Anderson, BCHW Vice President W hat’s this thing called the BCHW Statewide Work Party? Well, when you really look at it, it’s a social event. What makes it social when the word “work” is involved? People. Working side by side with people you might not know at all, or just by name, makes a relationship that is unique. You get to know another person’s work ethic, as well as their personality. You share downtime with them at meal times and happy hour. You learn from those with more experience and share what you know with others with less experience. It brings people together from all over the state to work towards a common cause. All of this makes a strong bond amongst those attending, thus making BCHW a stronger unit. This type of activity is why I joined BCHW. Alas, back when I joined, all of this happened at the chapter level only. Not that this was bad, it was just narrow in focus; you ended up getting to know only a few people from your own area. With the statewide work party we can really show the land managers what we can accomplish on bigger projects and showcase our skills. I’m really excited about the future of BCHW because of the unity that is being developed by statewide events. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM ANDERSON Far left background: Kathy Upper. Left on the saw is Terri Anderson and right is Jim Anderson. This was on the Windy Peak Trail. Donate Money to BCHW by Buying an Ad in The Trailhead News BCHW The Trailhead News Ad Insertion Rates (Design Extra Cost) Email Ads to: bchw@wamedia.com Ad Deadline Dates and Payment Due Publish Date Ad of Newsletter Size (or first business day after this date) December 1.................................................. 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Make payment payable to: Ads must be the same size for all six insertions Back Country Horsemen of Washington and must be paid in advance at first insertion for discount. Send check along with ad to: BCHW The Trailhead News Washington Media Services, Inc. P.O. Box 7184, Olympia, WA 98507 $225.00 per issue & per spot color ad $600.00 per issue for full color ads $120.00 $105x6=$630 (Save $90.00) $75.00 $65x6=$390 (Save $90.00) Any advertising questions please contact: Adriane Wolfe or Alexandra Mowrey 360.754.4543 • Fax 360.943.7086 bchw@wamedia.com • visit: www.bchw.org Conditions: Washington Media Services, Inc. and the Back Country Horsemen of Washington The Trailhead News magazine assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions. The advertiser assumes liability for the content of the advertisement and any claims that may arise there from against the publisher. The Trailhead News 11 Out on the Trails September/October 2015 Statewide Work Party From an Organizer’s Perspective Work team crossing Windy Peak. By Jason Ridlon, Special Projects Coordinator W hen Jeff Chapman and Darrell Wallace asked me to plan an event that would bring a large bunch of members to the trail system surrounding the Ken Wilcox horse camp on Table Mountain, I thought, “Well, clearly this is needed since the entire trail system is completely closed because of the summer 2012 fire.” This event would become the 2013 Statewide Work Party. A year had passed since that event, and after a year of reflection, what stood out to me was that everyone volunteered with a strong desire to reclaim what had been lost. Something interesting I witnessed was that chapters from all across the state came to join hands and work together. However, the majority of these chapters worked with volunteers from their own chapters. Leaving Lion Rock at the conclusion of the 2013 Statewide Work Party gave me a sense that BCHW might just have something it could build on. So, when I was asked to organize another statewide work party, I thought, “Why not?” My expectation was that there would be far less members in attendance since year one was kind of a “honeymoon.” Would members be involved in year two? Again, with the help of what I now call the “BCHW varsity squad,” we had members planning breakfast, lunch, and dinner for every day, and gathering water tanks and a method to fill them. Along with all this, my signup sheet was filling up pretty fast. Year two (2014 Statewide Work Party) was a huge success with 50 plus volunteers finishing work on all trails sur- 12 The Trailhead News rounding the Ken Wilcox Horse Camp on Table Mountain. Mission complete! During year two I also witnessed members from across the state coming together to restore the trail systems that were lost, but instead of keeping to themselves, this time chapters were intermingling and working closer together with mixed work crews. The mission was complete and I thought, “What a great event where lots of work has been completed and everyone seemed pretty happy with a job well done.” Wrong! While happy with the work at the Ken Wilcox camp, Trygve Culp and Dave Sunde inquired if I had thought about a statewide work party for 2015? They recommended the Eastern Pasayten Wilderness. Initially I had my doubts: it’s a long drive, it would be too expensive, and it’s wilderness work, meaning no chain saws! I almost had myself talked out of the prospect of such an event, but if I could get Kim Merrick to cook and just a few of the varsity squad to attend, we might really get some work done. Even if it were just a few volunteers, the work would be valuable and support BCHW’s mission statement. So, I started planning for year three’s (2015) Statewide Work Party and the first of its kind: all wilderness work! Without boring everyone with all the work it took to get everyone to drive 4-12 hours across the state, I will tell you continued on page 13 September/October 2015 Out on the Trails Statewide Work Party From an Organzier’s Perspective continued from page 12 that in year three statewide work party we partnered with Washington Trails Association (WTA) and the Tom Faubion logging crew to pack in two camps deep into the wilderness. The camp’s command center held 47 BCHW members who had volunteered to work! BCHW used donations and some Recreational Trail Program grant funds to buy food, certified hay, rent portapotties, and partially reimburse fuel costs. Volunteers completely logged out over 42 miles of trail and completed an impressive amount of water bar/tread work. We also provided 14 meals to our volunteers. All this was accomplished even with a forest fire looming and a complete evacuation of our backcountry camps! Now the Eastern Pasayten has a place where equine users can camp and enjoy the loop trails and views that inspire us to be Back Country Horsemen volunteers. During the 2015 Statewide Work Party, I witnessed even more members working together and mixing with other work crews/chapters. In year three I am comfortable saying that BCHW’s mission statement is benefiting all chapters across the state: this work party created and supported cross-chapter collaboration where friendships where formed, and valuable wisdom and tech tips that were shared. I also feel comfortable saying that everyone in attendance took something away from the 2015 Statewide Work Party besides sore muscles. I look forward to planning and working on the 2016 Statewide Work Party and seeing everyone again on another project. President Trygve Culp and Darrell Wallace cut out a 28-inch log from the Boundary Trail. 2015 Raffle Ticket Drawing 00 3 $ rs! e nn i le da W ns ille ave dinv R oo o h– mit k – W Toled way S ta R. na – vid o Kru nner – Spa llup a D r yJ Co yer Puya a a ly: Ju e: M : Tom y Me az – – Elm ton g d y r n Ju Ma Melo a Me ridge Arlin s B – ril: : Li ve wn Ap Mar : Ste Bro b a Fe Laur : n Ja Work party encounters Newby Lake Fire plume. Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 BCHW Raffle Calendar contest. The Trailhead News 13 Out on the Trails September/October 2015 Statewide Work Party at Pasayten ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM THODE Fun and games with Christina Porter to the left, Gene Brent center, and Heather Ridlon on the right. Kim Merrick Ed Letcher and Sam Gomez signing in. Left to right, Dave Sunde, Tryg Culp, and others visiting. Vicki Gish Left to right, Robert Eversole, Dave Seibel with saw. 14 The Trailhead News Out on the Trails September/October 2015 BBQ Flats Project By Doc Wesselius, Safety Officer H ow long does it take to tear down and replace a 1,000 foot fence? Two days – if you have 30 Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) volunteers, a tractor with a backhoe, two tractors with frontend loaders, two quads with trailers, plus every tool imaginable to dig post holes in rocky terrain. BBQ Flats, a pine forest in the Wenas valley, has long been a popular back country stock riding destination and connects to higher country with views of several mountain ranges. The land managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had historically been available to the public. However, the access road to the recreation area crossed private property, leaving the public with intermittent access on owner preference. As directed by 2013 legislation, DNR solidified agreements to gain ownership of an access road for future public right of entry. In March 2015 the State Board of National Resources authorized PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Volunteers’ BBQ Flats camp. DNR to proceed with a package of land transactions and infrastructure improvements that would assure permanent public access. Eighty acres were traded, plus DNR purchased another 560 acres, and planned to develop dispersed camping in the flats. “The people of Washington will enjoy exploring BBQ Flats for generations,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “I appreciate Representative Judy Warnick’s (R-Moses Lake) leadership to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in this part of the state, and to help give DNR the resources to achieve it.” The land-swap with private property owners included a provision for an access road to be fenced on both sides to pro- continued on page 16 PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Installing metal elk fence posts. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Elk fence alignment orientation. Hanging woven field wire fence. The Trailhead News 15 Out on the Trails September/October 2015 BBQ Flats Project continued from page 15 tect private property rights. Jeff Jones, DNR South East Region Recreation Manager, and Stephanie Margheim, DNR Volunteer Specialist, prearranged work parties for outdoor recreation organizations to start the access road fencing improvements. During the first work party Jeff and Jody Taylor (BCHW-Wenas Chapter) supervised tearing out the old fence and the new fence construction on one side of the access road. Volunteers from five BCHW chapters (Wenas, Yakima, Pierce, Lewis, and Tahoma), and independent members put the construction projects ahead of schedule. Originally it was anticipated that just part of the fence could get torn down and cleaned up during the three-day work party. BCHW volunteers showed up with tools and equipment not only to tear out 1,500-feet of old fencing, but to build the fence; 1,000feet of the fence was put in place. Sitting around the potluck table in the evenings, the volunteers were obviously proud of their achievement and support of the BCHW mission statement – “to assist government agencies in their maintenance of public lands.” After DNR personnel completed the 1,500-foot boundary fence, a second BCHW multi-chapter work party was organized to construct an 8,000-foot-long elk fence on the other side of the 80-foot-wide access and property boundary. Led by Jeff and Jody, volunteers from five BCHW chapters (Wenas, Pierce, Lewis, Tahoma, and Traildusters), independent BCHW members, plus local community volunteers started installing the elk fence. Prior to the work party a private construction company drove 12-foot metal posts 4 feet into the rocky ground. Once the 800 metal posts were in place Jeff and Jody coordinated the installa- PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Finished woven field wire fence. 16 The Trailhead News tion of the 8-foot high elk fence. During the two day work party 35 volunteers installed 1.5 miles of woven field fence. After the lower section of the fence was installed on the metal posts, a second section of woven field fencing was added atop it to make the 8-foot high wildlife barrier fence. BCHW Wenas Chapter arranged a work party on National Trails Day to help DNR complete the 8,000-foot elk fence. On a very hot day, 13 volunteers labored to finish the project, which included a wildlife migratory gate. Improvements to the dispersed camping area include a graveled access road with metal entry gates, an improved loop road in the flats itself and three vault toilets (two single seat restrooms and one double seat restroom). Recognizing the 1,406.5 volunteer hours contributed to this project, DNR planned an appreciation and dedication lunch at the flats for the volunteer workers. The gathering will be reminiscent of the days when cattlemen gathered in the flats for a barbeque after fall roundup; thus its namesake. Due to an active fire season for DNR staff this summer, the commemoration for the completion of a job well done has been rescheduled. The enhancements to the popular back country riding area took several years of negotiations and a sizable DNR budget allotment. Once again BBQ Flats will be a favorite destination for spring riding and fall hunting opportunities. As outdoor recreationists it is now our responsibility to maintain the pristine setting in the flats and respect the private property of the neighboring land owners. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Installing wooden fence posts. Out on the Trails September/October 2015 Capitol Forest Equine Courtesy Day By Joan Fleming, Scatter Creek Riders Chapter T he third annual Capitol Forest Equine Courtesy Day was held on Saturday, July 18th, out of the Fall Creek Trailhead. The trails around the Fall Creek Trailhead are usually crawling with mountain bikers on the weekends. This is an opportunity to ride the beautiful trails above and below Fall Creek Trailhead with minimal mountain bike activity – most mountain bikers courteously stay away for the day. Horseback riders rode the eight mile trail loop above the trailhead – Greenline, Greenline Tie and Wedekind – or they rode the Lost Valley Loop below the trailhead. Seventeen riders showed up for the day. Several members of the Scatter Creek Riders chapter manned the trailhead directing parking, passing out BCHW brochures and explaining the available trails. PHOTO BY BOBBIE MCTIMMONS PHOTO BY BOBBIE MCTIMMONS SW WA Appaloosa Club members - Deb Hall and Mickie Hathrop. Scatter Creek Riders chapter members - Laura Keepers, Joan Fleming and Kim Habel. PHOTO BY BOBBIE MCTIMMONS Lewis County BCHW member Bobbie McTimmons approaching the bridge across Fall Creek. Chloe Skinner (Capitol Riders), Nisqually Riders chapter members Sue Beall and Deb Shawrer. The Trailhead News 17 Out on the Trails September/October 2015 A New Alliance at Work on an Old Trail By Fran Van Diest, Whatcom BCH Chapter News Editor T he work party on July 25 was especially important for our Whatcom Chapter because we worked alongside the Whatcom Land Trust (WLT), a local conservation and preservation group, for the first time on a trail of historical importance to our members. In June 2014, Whatcom Land Trust approached our chapter requesting our assistance; we pledged pack support and labor to complete the first phase of their planned trail -improvement project. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRAN VAN DIEST PHOTO COURTESY OF FRAN VAN DIEST Our trail crew: Background - Rodney Vandersypen, Andy McLeod, Tim Surratt, Roger Nelson, Verna McLeod, Jackie Yereance. Foreground – Bobbie Carter, Helen Almojera, Alex Carter (Bobbie’s son), Melinda Smull. Taken on 1,000 Puddles Trail by Rocky Leavitt. Roger Nelson and Jackie Yereance with horse Kiara, and mules Jill and Fancy. Taken on 1,000 Puddles Trail by Helen Almojera. Thousand Puddles Trail begins near the Skookum Creek bridge south of Acme and follows an overgrown single lane county road that some remember driving all the way to Hamilton in Skagit County. It is the way into the wider Saxon trail system and WLT owns land surrounding a large section of the trail. As you can guess from the name of the trail, there is a lot of standing water during the rainy months. Our work that day focused on re-routing the trail around some of the wetter parts, a new route that crossed from county right-of way onto WTL land. Volunteers worked on cutting back existing trail while others positioned stepping stones at creek crossings. Except for a run-in with some ground wasps, the project was finished without incident on one of this summer’s rare overcast days. So here’s what “pack support” meant for Roger Nelson: Get up at 5a.m., feed two mules and a horse, load tack, pack bags, etc., hitch up trailer, gather up and load animals, eat breakfast in there somewhere, make a lunch, drive to trailhead, tack up animals, load brush cutters, chainsaws, etc. and large rocks for stream crossings. By the 9 a.m. start time of the work party, our packer for the day had been up and working for four hours already. Such is the life of a volunteer packer, and the Saxon area is close by, within twenty miles of Roger’s home. Thanks to the many Whatcom Land Trust volunteers and our own nine members, plus two other helpers, who worked that day so we can continue to ride this lovely trail through arching alder along the Middle Fork of the Nooksack. Advertise Your Chapter Ride In The Trailhead News! FREE ! Call: 360.754.4543 ! FREE 18 The Trailhead News Out on the Trails September/October 2015 PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG Micro-Blasting at Snow Peak Terry and George deciding where to drill first. By Lu Young, Ferry County BCH Chapter A t our last chapter meeting in July, Eric McQuay, our Recreational Program Manager in the Colville Forest, asked if our chapter would volunteer to work on breaking up some large rocks at the Snow Peak Cabin for the new outhouse to be constructed at that site. George and Terry brought a pack horse and a pack mule and they both agreed that our Micro Blaster would be just the tool for the job! We started this project on July 8th, packing our Micro Blaster, and met with our Outdoor Recreation Planner, Carmen Nielsen; she showed us the project and the boulders that needed to be broken up. The Micro Blaster is a combination of a gas rotor hammer drill and the micro blaster: it is used to break large rocks into more manageable pieces. The process involves drilling a hole into the large rocks and placing a charge in the hole. Detonating the charge causes them to break them in two. When the rock is drilled it is cleaned out with a puff of air and a brush. continued on page 20 PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG A view of Snow Peak from the trail. Drilling a rock to blast from the bottom. The Trailhead News 19 Out on the Trails September/October 2015 Four Wednesdays in July – The Tradition Continues By Kris Lenke, Buckhorn Range Chapter S ince the inception of the Buckhorn Range Chapter ians, who sponsor the camp, have built a split rail round corral in 2001, and even before, members have coordiwith a ramp-equipped mounting structure providing for safe nated horseback riding at Camp mount/dismount area. Helmeted campers Beausite Northwest. Camp Beausite are carefully assisted (oftentimes lifted) NW offers four week-long summer onto the horse. The horse is led while a “Campers come in all camp sessions for adults and children side walker is on either side of the campwith disabilities. It’s nestled on 50 er. The camper’s counselor follows as we acres of forest and meadowland over- shapes, sizes, and levels go out of the corral, across the lawn, and looking Beausite Lake on the Olympic head down a beautiful shaded wide trail. of abilities. Some are Peninsula within the rural community Campers come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of abilities. Some are readyof Chimacum. ready-made cowboys made cowboys ready to hit the open range, Chapter members and other dediready to hit the open while others are in need of a back rider. cated community volunteers arrive on Some talk up a storm as we go down the July Wednesday mornings, sign in and trail, while others are non-verbal, or so await the first excited rider as carefully range while others are in selected horses (Jetta, Gunner, Hoosier need of a back rider. ” and Rosie) are readied for their imporcontinued on page 21 tant job of the day. The local Kiwan- Micro-Blasting at Snow Peak continued from page 19 A black powder cartridge is then inserted into the hole and the blaster is set in the hole with a long tube attached. It can be detonated by compressed air that is triggered by the firing pin from a (safe) 20-foot distance. Operators Terry Fralic and George Young set up the equipment by ten o’clock, and the job was completed in three hours. The large rocks had been split and were pushed aside to make room for the new outhouse vault. We have used this handy tool to break slab rock on trails to make them safer for horses to cross. On our trip down to the trailhead we packed out some refuse and sleeping bags that folks had packed in, but didn’t pack out. We got a big “thank you” from Carmen Nielsen. PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG The Micro Blaster in the hole that was drill and cartridges placed inside. 20 The Trailhead News Terry Fralic taking another slice off the rock. Out on the Trails September/October 2015 Four Wednesdays in JulyThe Tradition Continues continued from page 20 it’s told to us. Juelie Dalzell shares, “We had a young woman who rides every year. She fixates on repeating only five words. ‘He, her, boy, man, it’ over, and over, and over. She, of course, was repeating those same words, but as she rode out of the corral, she quietly sat up and said, ‘Happy.’” Read this second recounting of a camper’s time in the saddle: “Mary, a forty year-old [camper], has been coming to Kiwanis for as long as I can remember. She has always been too frightened to ride. She would get up onto the mounting block and in a loud voice, pitched in a scream say, ‘I don’t want to fall’ and she would get away from the horse as fast as she could go. Yesterday the same pattern occurred. Mary came over to the mounting block terrified as usual yelling, ‘I don’t want to fall.’ Gunner stood quietly as Jeff [Chapman] assured her that we wouldn’t let her fall, and before she knew what happened, Jeff hoisted her into the saddle. She looked surprised as Gunner stepped forward one foot at a time; she decided that she would go around the corral once. Well, she went around the corral several times then she went out on the trail. She told her companion side walkers in a normal tone of voice, ‘I feel like a kid again.’” If you were there and heard this, you would also end the day with your life more enriched, and maybe even feeling a bit more like a kid. Julie Dalzell coordinated the horseback riding for the campers up until last year when Bob Hoyle took the reins. Thanks to both of you for your dedication to this important, rewarding and fun chapter activity. Is your riding buddy a BCHW member? Ask them to join! Visit bchw.org for more information. 2015 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. o Please do not mail me The Trailhead News, I will read it online at the BCHW website. 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___________________________ ! State membership for 2015 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 $ _________ Please clip out and mail 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?______________________________________ ! o New Member o Renewal/Past Member Mmbr #:__________County__________________________Legislative District _______ 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. The Trailhead News 21 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED FREE Listing on BCHW Chapter Events Calendar Be sure to: • Contact the ride host to check for updates on the event. • Check to see if dogs are welcome. Note: The BCHW Trailhead News represents as many events as possible; however, it makes no guarantees an event will be published. The calendar of events is subject to change. Please check with ride contact for most updated information. Please send calendar corrections to: bchw@wamedia.com. Capitol Riders Chapter Camp Out Thursday-Sunday, September 10-13 Mount Adams Horse Camp - Gifford Pinchot NF Weed free feed required; No potable water No reservations-first come, first served $5 Overnight fee Hood River Bridge toll from OR I-84 (rec. route, $1/axle both directions, narrow bridge) No forest pass needed Carrie Russell • twalkin10@gmail.com 3rd Qtr Board of Directors’ Meeting Saturday, September 19, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center, Ellensburg, WA Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • exec@bchw.org BCHW, USFS & State Land Managers Friday, December 4, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center - Ellensburg 4th Qtr Board of Directors’ meeting Saturday, December 5, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center - Ellensburg Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • exec@bchw.org Inland Empire Chapter Developing the Trail Horse & Rider In conjunction w/Riverside St. Park Foundation Saturday, September 26, 2015 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riverside St. Park Equestrian Area, Spokane, WA Inland Empire Chapter LNT Basic Class Reg. form & Discover Pass required Spaghetti lunch and entertainment Friday-Sunday, September 11-13, 2015 Ken Carmichael • 509.466.2225 6:30 p.m. kcarmichael2225@gmail.com Equestrian area Riverside Park, Spokane, WA Preregistration required/$50 per person Your Chapter Ride or Event Must Be Open To All BCHW Members To Have A FREE 14th Annual Winery Ride & Ken Carmichael • 509.466.2225 Listing Halloween Costume/Prize Ride Kcarmichael2225@gmail.com Please submit the following information with Saturday, October 31, 2015 your event listing to bchw@wamedia.com. Zillah, Yakima County Tahoma Chapter 25th Annual Prize Ride Executive Director, Darrell Wallace Chapter Name______________________________ Saturday, September 12, 2015 360.918.3016 • exec@bchw.org or Name of Ride______________________________ Ravensdale, WA Deb Wesselius, 360.736.6106 Date______________________________________ Gates open 7:30 a.m./1st rider out 8:30 a.m. wesselius@wildblue.net Time_______________________________________ easy well marked trails BCHWwineryride@gmail.com Location___________________________________ www.bchw.org $20 includes hot lunch and raffle tickets. Drawings at 3 p.m. Register____________________________________ Silent Auction • no pass required. Lunch______________________________________ tahomabchw.org Name of Pass Required (if needed)____________ Example Weed-Seed-Free Feed Required_______________ Cost to Member_____________________________ Cost to Non-member_________________________ Contact Name______________________________ Phone_____________________________________ Email______________________________________ Website___________________________________ Remember to email an article and photos of your event to the THN at: bchw@wamedia.com.
