Feb. TRAILHEAD NEWS - Backcountry Horsemen of Washington
Vol. 40 Issue 1 Back Country Horsemen of Washington January/February 2015 Upper Priest Falls Pack In – Page 19 BCHW Legislative Day on the Hill 2015 – Page 1 www.bchw.org 2015 Officers, Committee Chairs & Staff OFFICERS: President Trygve Culp [email protected]................ 509.486.2061 Vice President Jim Anderson [email protected]...... 509.486.2061 Secretary Janelle Wilson [email protected]................ 360.748.4880 Treasurer Teri Starke [email protected]................. 253.709.5052 Safety Officer Doc Wesselius [email protected]............ 360.736.6106 Special Assistant for Advocacy Jeff Chapman [email protected]............ 360.385.6364 Special Assistant for Independent Member Affairs Jason Ridlon [email protected]............... 509.964.9260 BCHA Directiors Darrell Wallace [email protected]................... 360.918.3016 Jason Ridlons [email protected]............ 509.964.9260 Alternate Ken Carmichael [email protected] COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Legislative Chair Jeff Chapman [email protected]............ 360.385.6364 Public Lands Chair Darrell Wallace [email protected]..................... 360.918.3016 Membership Chair Heather Moorman [email protected]............ 509.585.4001 Awards Chair Deb Wesselius [email protected]............ 360.736.6106 Education Chair.................................. Vacant LNT Chair Jane Byram [email protected].................... 509.997.7407 Lead Saw Certifiers Tom Mix [email protected] 360.582.0460 Trygve Culp [email protected]............. 509.486.2061 Volunteer Hours Co-Chairs Deb Wesselius [email protected]......... 360.736.6106 Peggy Swanberg [email protected]......... 509.486.1107 Governance By-Laws Chair Teunis Wyers [email protected]................ 509.493.3939 Special Project Coordinator Jason Ridlon [email protected]............... 509.964.9260 Ways & Means Dave Swanberg [email protected].......... 509.486.1107 Publicity Chair & THN Editor Dick Yarboro [email protected]...... 360.264.2263 2015 Rendezvous Chairs lori Lennox [email protected].......... 360.482.2742 Jason Ridlon [email protected]............ 509.964.9260 Web Master & Photographer Jim Thode [email protected]................ 360.978.5336 STAFF: Executive Director Darrell Wallace [email protected]..................... 360.918.3016 Publicity Chair & THN Editor Dick Yarboro [email protected]...... 360.264.2263 THN Managing Editor & Publisher Joyce Willms Creative Director Adriane Wolfe Asst. Editor/Advertising Alexandra Mowrey [email protected].............. 360.754.4543 Volunteer Copy Editor/Proof Reader Sondra Johnston [email protected]............. 253.843.2679 ii Trailhead News January/February 2015 Inside this Issue www.bchw.org BCHW Legislative Day . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 BCHW Leadership Training. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..1 Prez Says . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Legislative NOVA Grants – Why They Are So Important . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4, 15 Public Lands Meeting Shares News and Views. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..5 Grants Title II Funds Improve Access to Colville Trails. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6-7 Littleton Trail and Horse Camp Grant . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..8 Rendezvous 2015. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..9 Annual Award Nominees . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10-11 BCHW-Volunteer Hours Report. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 12 Great Reads for the Trail Rider . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 13 Editor’s Note . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 BCHW Board Meeting . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 16 Out on the Trails Methow Valley Chapter – Thirty Years On . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .17-18. Upper Priest Falls Pack-In . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 19. Sixth Grade Campout. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .20. Snow Peak Cabin – Colville Forest . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 21. WTA Crew Leader College. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21. Trail Work in the Far West. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22. Senate Passes Reichert Alpine Lakes Legislation. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23. Leave No Trace Basic Skills Class. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24. Calendar of Events . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Inside Back Cover Cover Photo: Ken and Sherrie Elliott and Erin Haney. It is Upper Priest Falls trail 308 in the Kaniksu Natl Forest in North Idaho. Photo by Kelly Lynch Disclaimer Articles which appear in The Trailhead News (THN) do not necessarily reflect the position, opinion or endorsement of Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW), its officers, committee chairs, staff or Washington Media Services, Inc. (WMS). BCHW and WMS are not responsible for the accuracy of all material and advertisements. Appearance of an advertisement in the THN does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by BCHW of goods or services offered therein. Prices subject to change without warning. BCHW, WMS and its management shall not be held responsible for any typing errors or omissions other than a correction in the next available issue. The THN shall not be reproduced in any form or manner without prior written agreement. This includes reproduction of articles, photos, and the BCHW logo. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Back Country Horsemen of Washington has enacted the following policy: Back Country Horsemen of Washington does not endorse or oppose any political candidate, donate or contribute to any political candidate’s campaign, participate or engage in political fund raising events, distribute statements for or against particular political candidates, nor engage in any other activity that may constitute favoring or opposing a political candidate. The forgoing applies to the official position of BCHW, it does not restrict or discourage individual members from representing themselves in support of a candidate. The Trailhead News is the official publication of Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW). The Trailhead News is published bimonthly by Back Country Horsemen of Washington,110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Annual membership dues include a subscription to The Trailhead News. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Trailhead News, 110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926. © 2010 Back Country Horsemen of Washington. Editorial: Maximum word count for articles is 600 plus two (2) photos as space is limited. Photos must be accompanied by the location, name(s) of person(s) in photo and the name of the photographer. Please submit to: [email protected] or mail to: PO Box 7184 • Olympia, WA 98507 • 360.754.4543 Article, Photo & Ad Publish Date of Newsletter Deadline Dates 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 Legislative Day January/February 2015 BCHW Legislative Day on the Hill 2015 All Members Are Welcome! Monday, January 26, at 8 am in the Senate Rules Room (Legislative Bldg, 2nd Floor, Lt. Gov’s Office) Note to BCHW Members: As the Legislative Session grows nearer, it is important to remember that we need to be careful when communicating with lawmakers or their staff – Are we communicating an official BCHW position, or are we BCHW members who are communicating our personal viewpoint? Executive Director /Public Lands Chair, Darrell Wallace, and Legislative Chair, Jeff Chapman, are extremely careful to voice only official BCHW statements that have been approved by the BCHW President, Trygve Culp, and we hope all BCHW members follow the same principles. It is commendable to express your personal opinions to lawmakers, and we may agree with them, but let’s make it clear whether it’s a personal viewpoint or a BCHW position. When in doubt, ask: your chapter director, President Trygve Culp ([email protected] • 509.486.2061) Legislative Chair, Jeff Chapman ([email protected] • 360.385.6364) or Executive Director, Darrell Wallace ([email protected] • 360.918.3016). Thanks! We Encourage all BCHW Members, the Legislators, and Legislative Staff to Wear Cowboy Hats, to Show Support for Keeping Public Lands Open to Recreation Users! REMEMBER to take Photos to send into The Trailhead News! Call NOW to make appointments with your Legislator 11 am to late afternoon would be best Legislator contact information: 1.800.562.6000 or http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder, or call the toll free legislative hotline to contact your legislator. BCHW Leadership Training B CHW will present training in various functions at two locations: the SW Washington Fairgrounds in Chehalis on January 24th, and at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake on February 14th, both beginning at 9:00am. Subjects will include chapter presidents and directors, treasurers, membership, newsletters, grant liaisons, LNT, volunteer hours, and trail maintenance. The Chehalis session will also include PCTA procedures and coordination for PCTA volunteers. Because some members may want to attend the Chehalis session and Legislative Day two days later, we have arranged for a special BCHW room rate of $79/night at the Tumwater Best Western Motel for those who make their reservations early - 360.956.1235. We hope to have a no-host lunch on-site at both locations. Contact your chapter director, or Executive Director Darrell Wallace at [email protected] for more information. Chapter Directors: This list will be printed in The Trailhead News next issue in its regular spot. It can be viewed online at bchw.org. Trailhead News 1 Optional Members January/February 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 [email protected]. Name Chapter Lifetime Members Mitch Baird.................................................... IND Trygve Culp.................................................. OKA Dave Jackson................................................. PSR Heather Moorman.......................................... PSR Jim Murphy....................................................OLY Carol D Wilcox............................................ WEN Teunis Wyers................................................. MTA Pat Wyers..................................................... MTA 2015 Annual Meeting Head Table Kim Merrick...................................................TAH Lori Lennox.................................................. GRA Linda Foster.................................................. GRA 2014 Annual Meeting Head Table Al Norrbom....................................................TAH 2015 Patron Level Greg Johnston & Cathy Johnson.................... NIS Tamara King & Eric Leung............................TRA 2014 Patron Level George Michel............................................... IND Barbara Woo & Scott Bauer...........................CAS 2015 Sustaining Level Garry & Penelope Booker.............................. IND Jack Duffy & Eileen Kiera........................... WHA Robert & Vicki Gish..................................... NOR Mary Kane.....................................................TAH Fred & Lori Lennox...................................... GRA Samuel Mclean............................................... IND Thomas & Kristine Moran............................ GRA Mary & Dennis Owens................................. GRA Joann Reider...................................................TAH Smith Family....................................................PIE Gene & Mary Sutliff......................................TRA Penny Tanner................................................... NIS Joann Yost..................................................... GRA 2014 Sustaining Level Gene & Connie Baugher............................... MTA Sandi Berg......................................................CCR Robert & Sheila Blakely..................................PIE Campbell & Fritzinger Family....................... IND Danny & Jeanie Chappel...............................RRR Leslie Coey.................................................... IND Joel Crosby..................................................... INL Chris Enrico................................................... CAP Robert & Celeste Eversole.............................. INL Finney / Denney Family................................ MTS Bruce Foreman.............................................. NOR Peg Greiwe & Dale Kelley..............................PIE Name Chapter Sharon & Jack Jenson....................................TAH Sandi Kampen............................................... MET Joanne Lacy & Dale Bamford..........................PIE Sally & Don Laib.............................................PIE Dan Fleissner & Kay MacCready................. MET Bruce & Jenny McCall...................................CAS Mary McIntyre Lee........................................ IND Rebecca Meyers............................................. IND John Myers.....................................................RRR Al Norrbom....................................................TAH James & Carol Oakes..................................... IND David & Cathy Petrie.....................................TAH Lew Roggenbuck.......................................... ENU Darlene Sabey................................................TAH Boyd & Mikki Sharp...................................... PEN Bob & Sidney Showalter...............................RRR Teri & George Starke..................................... IND Darrell Wallace & Kristy Stender................. NOR Ken Wegner......................................................PIE Dave & Bonnie Welch.................................. MTA Dick Woodfin................................................ MTA 2015 Contributing Level Gene Brent.....................................................TAH Judith & Bob Hoyle...................................... BUC Nancy & Bob Lee..........................................TAH Ed & Teri Letcher..........................................TAH Beverly Masteller............................................ INL Dave Peterson & Kris Lenke ....................... BUC Rick & Lyn Ransom..................................... GRA Rase Family.................................................. BUC Cathy Upper.................................................. MET 2014 Contributing Level Earl & Dorothy Aalseth.................................CAS Susan & Burton Bates.................................... IND Evie Bredeson............................................... NOR Lettie Broughton............................................OLY Bill & Andrea Clark........................................ INL Bob & Elayne Clubb.................................... WEN Gary & Kathy Collins................................... MTS Allen & Missy Day........................................TAH Gary & Marie Duskin....................................SKA Kevin Eilmes.................................................. IND Ken & Pam Evans......................................... MTS Dawn Graham................................................ PEN Nancy Groff...................................................RRR Jim & Kay Hill.............................................. MTA Julie Jindal.................................................... MTA Gary & Jill Johnston..................................... LEW Shirley Landgren........................................... MTA Kim Merrick...................................................TAH For Membership Questions and Mailing List Address Corrections/Updates… Please email [email protected] directly! 2 Trailhead News Name Chapter Miles & Quicket Family............................... MTS Miller Family................................................ NOR Clare Painter.................................................. OKA Becky Penoyan..............................................OAK Terry Roberts................................................ BUC Scott & Robin Rogers................................... BUC Len & Kathy Rolph....................................... MTA Joe & Marcia Russell.................................... ENU Bonnie Schafer...............................................CCR Al Schwiesow............................................... LEW Gary & Barbara Sterner................................ MET Gerald L & Margaret Throop........................ MTA Chris Tornow & ‘Matt Shirley....................... IND Bill Waymire.................................................. IND Kathy Young & Steve Dando.........................TAH A Gift To Honor or In Remembrance Donate in memory of a friend, family, or loved one. To make a donation in their name to BCHW, please contact Teri Starke, BCHW Treasurer, at: 253.709.5052 or [email protected]. If you would like the remembrance in The Trailhead News, email information to [email protected]. Tax Deduction P lease be informed that membership dues, paid at the state as well as the chapter level, are tax deductible for the calendar year and subsequent years. Deduct your dues as a charitable contribution under authority of IRC Section 170 (assuming the person paying the membership dues itemizes their deductions when computing their federal net taxable income) or as a business deduction under authority of IRC Section 162 (assuming the person paying the membership dues has a “trade or business” and the payment of the membership dues is directly related to this “trade or business”). When making a donation, ask for a receipt. Your volunteer mileage is also deductible. Make copies of your volunteer hours logs with mileage for your taxes. January/February 2015 Prez Says 2014 – It Was A Great Year A By Trygve Culp, BCHW President s 2015 dawns, I’d like to take a few minutes to reflect on Park, was threatened by the Quinault River and bureaucratic apasome of our accomplishments in 2014 that I think we can thy on the part of Park staff. BCHW members and other interested all be justifiably proud of: parties led the charge that ultimately saw the Chalet moved out of harms way from the river. We cannot rest on our laurels, though, Last January’s Legislative Day in Olympia sort of jumpstarted the BCHW year with a bang. It energized our advocacy as a long-term solution for protection of the structure remains to efforts and prompted an outpouring of be developed and implemented. grassroots support for several legislative is Over Memorial Day weekend in late May, “...Legislative Day in sues of importance to us and our mission to the LNT Committee sponsored the first state keep trails on public lands open to the use wide Education Camp at Indian Camp up the Olympia sort of jumpof saddle and pack stock. Of singular imTeanaway River for members. In addition to portance was the passage of the Trails Act, refreshing, or in some cases, learning new which will ultimately lead to the adoption started the BCHW year LNT camping techniques, members had an of state wide trails policy and standards. opportunity to ride many of the trails in the minted Teanaway Community Forest Rendezvous 2014 celebrated the 50th with a bang. It energized newly Anniversary of the Wilderness Act;Kitty jointly managed by the Washington DepartCraig, the Deputy Director for The Wilments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Reour advocacy efforts and sources. derness Society here in Washington, set the tone for our celebration with a great 4th of July weekend saw the second keynote talk. And then, WOW, what an prompted an outpouring annual state wide work party with efforts event with record attendance, a record centered on trails leading out of the Ken number of vendors, and a record amount Horse Camp near Haney Meadows of grassroots support for Wilcox earned from registration, camping, and south of Blewitt Pass. Members logged auctions! out trails severely damaged by the Table Our advocacy efforts throughout the several legislative issues...” Mountain Fire of 2012 and winter storms that toppled literally thousands of trees in spring and summer regarding the protecthe area. tion of the Enchanted Valley Chalet has to rank high on our list of accomplishments. This iconic structure, located within designated wilderness inside the Olympic National 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. Trailhead News 3 Legislative January/February 2015 NOVA Grants - Why They Are So Important E By Jeff Chapman, Legislative Chair very biennium the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program (NOVA) grant program is funded by state gas tax proceeds generated by off-highway recreation. While motorized recreation contributes significantly to this tax, the fuel cost study, which allocated the percentage of state gas tax that will go to recreation, included the projected expenditures of other vehicles for the time they are off regular gas-funded highways. This means the tax on the gas that horseback riders, campers, hikers, bikers, and sportsmen use while driving on DNR and USFS roads goes to the NOVA fund and are reallocated through grants to support the trails and infrastructure that are accessible from these back roads. The NOVA grant program is administered through the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) with support from a 15-member Advisory Committee. Our own Louise Caywood serves on this committee. While this is a competitive grant process, the program is considered highly successful and fairly managed with thoughtful rankings of projects, most all of which are worthy of funding. Only agencies can apply for NOVA grants. Key agencies like DNR and USFS have always been inclusive of many projects important to BCHW, leaving us with a sense of ownership in this great grant program even though we can’t apply directly ourselves. While we’ve debated whether non-profits ought to be able to apply for grants like we can with the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), there isn’t consensus it would make a meaningful difference. In other words, we want this program to continue, we don’t want the funds diverted to another use, and we want it fully funded (NOVA has been capped below the full gas tax allocation it ought to be receiving - even not fully funded, it is still a significantly larger grant fund than comes from RTP). NOVA grants are divided into four categories, Education & Enforcement, Nonhighway Road Projects, Nonmotorized Projects, and Off-Road Vehicle Projects. All of these contain grant projects that are important to us. That said, the one we typically find the most equestrian projects in is the highly competitive Nonmotorized category. This year there are 44 grant requests with some that are near and dear to us like DNR projects at Capitol Forest (ranked #3 and #6), Elbe Hills (#10), Yacolt Burn (#7) and 4 Trailhead News Harry Osborne (#8 and #27). USFS projects include Naches Wilderness Trail Maintenance (#1 and #2), Cle Elum Trail Maintenance (#5), and many others. During the last biennium, there was enough funding to cover the top 17 ranked projects in this category. The same amount this year would cover the top 16. What that won’t likely reach is #18, the Deep Creek Trailhead Reconstruction project which is: “The Naches Ranger District will use this grant to replace a stock trailhead parking/camping opportunity that was lost when the Deep Creek Horse Camp was closed after flood damage.” Well, that is a pretty serious project for us. It anchors our access to the William O. Douglas Wilderness from the north and keeps a foothold for us behind the upcoming Bumping Lake project. We cannot afford to lose anymore facilities and trails continued on page 15 BCHW Store Go to the BCHW website at www.bchw.org for merchandise ordering and payment information. Purchasing BCHW items supports and publicizes YOUR organization! Questions? Call Lori Lennox at 360-482-2742 or [email protected] 4 Legislative January/February 2015 Public Lands Meeting Shares News and Views By Darrell Wallace, BCHW Executive Director T he 2014 BCHW Public Lands Meeting on December 5th began with a slideshow presentation “For The Greatest Good” on the history of wilderness and the US Forest Service by Matt McGrath, manager of the Pacific Northwest Trail. The next topic was non-stock use of designated horse camps – members with documentable instances are urged to report them to BCHW President Trygve Culp as soon as possible. Brock Milliern, DNR Recreation Manager, gave a presentation on several DNR facilities and their advisory processes. He and Trygve Culp then co-signed a Memorandum of Understanding that would call for DNR to recognize BCHW’s saw certification program. Brock introduced Todd Welker, DNR SE Region Manager, who explained how they had negotiated a land swap with owners in the Barbeque Flats area that will re-allow access to that popular riding area no later than July 2015. This was greeted with enthusiasm by BCHW members in attendance! Mike Drougas will continue to be BCHW’s liaison with DNR in that area. Jeff Chapman introduced Reese Lolley, Eastern Washington Forest Program Director of The Nature Conservancy. Reese pre- sented “Forests For Our Future” about recent land acquisitions in Washington State, projects, and their history of protecting and restoring forests with partners. Reese will find out which areas have horseback riding opportunities and volunteer opportunities for maintaining those areas. Jeff Leisy (Naches RD) and Mary Maj (Cle Elum RD) reported on trail successes and challenges on the Okanogan Wenatchee NF. Lou Lemieux (Mt Baker RD), Bridget Wisnewski (Darrington RD), Tom Davis (Skykomish RD), and Gary Paull gave reports on the Mount Baker Snoqualmie NF. All thanked BCHW for volunteer support of trail maintenance in their respective areas. John Knechtel thanked BCHW for helping every year on the PNT: 5,200 hours, including packing crews. All speakers received VIP calendars and sincere thanks from President Trygve Culp, who later stated that this meeting was not only successful, but was noteworthy for having shared some of the best news in a long time (referring to the BBQ Flats announcement) and having finalized an important MOU in record time! 2014 Was a Great Year continued from page 3 In late October, the 13th Annual Wine Ride was held in the Rattlesnake Ridge country just out of Zillah. 2014 saw the most registered participants in the history of the event. The Wine Ride has become one of BCHW’s principle fundraisers. At our Public Lands Day event in early December, two events occurred that are indeed noteworthy: firstly, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Washington Department of Natural Resources that recognizes the BCHW Saw Certification on all WDNR administered lands in the State; Secondly, WDNR announced that an agreement had been reached with adjacent (private) landowners to swap land holdings in such a manner that access is assured to BBQ Flats in upper Weanas Valley. Neither of these important agreements could have been accomplished with- out the advocacy and diligent work of many BCHW members through the years. I think that is quite a list of accomplishments! But, the proof is in the pudding as folks say. To do all of the things I listed above, plus a whale of a lot more, we set a new Volunteer Hours record. Doing our mission in 2014 we volunteered 72,445 hours, drove 348,543 miles – that’s right, over 348,000 miles! – and used our stock 2,758 days. The value of that work is $2,632,611.03. Absolutely amazing! I look forward to an equally successful 2015. Several new things are in the works, but they will need to wait for another day for me to relate them to you. Stay safe this winter. I’ll see you at Rendezvous in Ellensburg March 20th – 22nd. Trailhead News 5 Grants January/February 2015 Title II Funds Improve Access to Colville Trails By Nancy Harshman, Jan and Bill Fisher M any people have enjoyed the beauty and thrill of exploring the trails of Abercrombie Mountain and Sherlock Peak. Using the trails, you can come across many individuals or organizations such as the Back Country Horseman (BCH) all enjoying our national forest. Government budget cuts over the past several years have affected the conditions of the roads to these trailheads. The roads have increasingly deteriorated to where driving safely to the trailheads could be hazardous to both vehicles and trailers. Once arriving, finding enough space for parking was another issue. Colville Statesman Examiner newspaper printed an article from the USFS encouraging the local community members and/or organizations to apply for a RAC Title II application. These grants for projects would improve Colville National Forest lands and the economies of Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties. One area of improvement included the maintenance of exiting roads; this was exactly what was needed. The roads consisted of Hartbauer Basin Road #7078300 leading to Abercrombie Mountain and Sherlock Peak Roads #7078075 & 7078109. Contact with several employees of the Colville National Forest was made, and with their help, the necessary paperwork was filled out and the RAC Grant application was applied for through Back Country Horseman. Our Grant was approved September 2012. June 19, 2013, Nancy Harshman, a member of BCH, Jan & Bill Fisher local residents had an on site meeting at the Abercrombie Hartbauer Basin road #7078300 with engineers and an outdoor recreation planner from the USFS. It was a very rainy day, but that did not put a damper on our discussion of road problems and solutions. The pouring rain showed a good example of the need for road maintenance which included crowning the road, and pulling the ditches to distribute the water properly off the road and into the culverts or cross drains. A slide area was then assessed and discussed. We continued up the road to the trailhead; the parking and turn-around areas were very small and in need of major repair. Group discussion at the trail head for Sherlock Peak. Road slide area, becoming worse each year, making driving to Abercrombie Mt Trail Head difficult and scary. Hartbauer Basin Road #7078300 6 Trailhead News Sherlock Peak Roads #7078075 & 7078109 were next. First were the huge rock outcrops with sharp points in the driving surface of the roadway. Next deep water bars made it difficult and dangerous to drive to the trailhead, especially when pulling a trailer. The driving surfaces were full of ruts with water running in them. The ditches needed to be cleaned out to redirect the water back into the culverts and/or outslope of road grade. Road #7078109 needed brushing and cutting of hazardous trees on the slopes. Again parking and turn-around areas were small, inaccessible, impossible for trailers to maneuver and turn-around, and desperately in-need of repair. As the group disbursed, we hoped the areas of concern would be repaired. The road project was suppose to commence in the October of 2013, but due to the government shut down that fall, the continued on page 7 January/February 2015 Grants Title II Funds Improve Access to Colville Trails continued from page 6 project was put on hold and reset for the Spring/Summer of 2014. Beginning the first week of June 2014, the project work commenced on the Hartbauer Basin Road #7078300. Since the roads were blocked for safety reasons, we did not view the actual work being completed. Upon completion, we were very pleased with what we saw. The roads were crowned, and the ditches cleaned to redirect the run off water. The slide area was totally revamped using large boulders for ballasts and crowned for water distribution off the road. At the trailhead Work in progress on Hartbauer Basin Road #7078300 heading leading to Abercrombie Moun- up to Abercrombie Trail Head June 2014. tain, parking and turn-around areas were enlarged, and several areas along side of the road were opened for extra parking. Wow, what a wonderful job, plus all the project objectives were accomplished. The Sherlock Trailhead roads #7078075 & 7078109 were completed after the Hartbauer Basin Road. The sharp points in the large rock outcrops in the driving surface of the roadway were completely removed. The size of the boulders removed was astonishing; they can be seen on the side of the road. Drivable dips in- Here are the rocks removed from the road bed on #7078075 on stead of deep water bars changed Sherlock Peak Trailhead road. Note the size with Jan Fisher standing the whole aspect of the road. A next to them. wet area was fixed using rock because there was a culvert near by for another water issue. The parking areas and turn-around at, or near, the trailhead were greatly improved for both vehicles and trailers. The only area of concern left would be some additional brushing and cutting of hazardous trees on the slopes of the last part of Sherlock Peak Trail road #7078109. Additional funding for this is unknown. Both of these roads in this grant project have been greatly improved and will withstand many years of use. We were very lucky to receive the Title II RAC Grant and see the work accomplished. Thanks to the Colville Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), USFS personnel, contractors, local residents, and Back Country Horseman members the job got done. Thanks to all. Editor’s Note: Several BCHW members volunteer on Resource Advisory committees (RACs), giving input from riders as to how Title II funds should be spent, while others develop grant proposals. BCHW thanks them all for volunteering their time for the common good. Slide area totally renovated using large boulders for ballast and crowned for water distribution off the road. Hartbauer Basin Road #7078300 Heading up to Abercrombie Trail Head June 2014. Trailhead News 7 Grants January/February 2015 Littleton Trail and Horse Camp Grant By Sherry Baysinger L ast year Larry Baysinger, Independent member of BCH of WA, applied for and was awarded a BCHW RTP Grant for 2014-15 to upgrade the Littleton Trail and Horse Camp on the west end of the Olympic Peninsula. In February we facilitated a Trail Maintenance Workshop with the USFS to instruct volunteers in various aspects of trail maintenance including safety issues, using hand and power tools, tread repair, water bars and ditching, turnpiking, rigPHOTO COURTESY OF SHERRY BAYSINGER overgrown with thimbleberry bushes, and filled chuckholes on the USFS access road with our tractor. In September Larry went to Littleton Horse Camp with our pump to refill the cistern for the stock tank and discovered the creek that we use to refill the cistern was completely dry. We sent out a notice to Peninsula Chapter because they were holding a ride at the horse camp for Public Lands Day. In October Larry winterized the water system for the Littleton Horse Camp and removed the stock tank. In November after a big windstorm, BCH PC members Dave and Becky Seibel, Clare Donato, and independent volunteers, Sara Woodard, Debbie White and Ray Weigel, joined us to clear 12-15 windfalls on a three-mile stretch of the Littleton Trail. We also did brushing. We cleared three miles of trail that day. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERRY BAYSINGER Trail crew testing new hitch rail with their horses. ging and stock use. Del Sage, BCH Pacific County (PC), did a rigging demonstration for moving tread materials. This was phase one of our grant project. In May we went to the Littleton Horse Camp to set up the gravity fed water system for the stock tank and discovered that all the metal parts had been stolen. After purchasing parts and reconstructing the system using plastic parts, we got it up and running. To celebrate National Trails Day we had a two-day work party to build hitch rails on Littleton trail. BCH PC Members Dave and Becky Seibel and Rod Farlee came to help. We rode in with our pack mule loaded with chainsaws and tools. We selected small hemlocks to use for the rail and used living hemlock trees for the uprights. On day two Pat Geraghty, BCH PC member, and our grandson, Cole, joined us, and we put in a second hitch in the flat area where riders have always tied their horses to trees. Having hitch rails is vital to accomplishing trail work especially in the high elevation areas where there are few places to tie horses. In July Larry refilled the empty cistern at Littleton Horse Camp, weed-eated the horse camp and part of the trail that was 8 Trailhead News Larry Baysinger and Dave Seibel constructing new Littleton hitch rail. On December 6 we scheduled a work party to hang new pipe gates at the Littleton Horse Camp corrals. These gates will make cleaning the corrals and taking horses in and out more convenient, and will replace the rotting log pole gates. Three good men showed up to work: Larry, Mike McCracken USFS volunteer, and Dave Siebel, BCH PC member. They leveled the corrals, used a cutting torch to cut holes in the metal pipe to hang the gates and hung four pipe gates. We are customizing two more gates to fit the middle corrals and will install those at our next work party. BCH Independents provided hot chilidogs and drinks to the volunteers. Rendezvous 2015 January/February 2015 A Rendezvous To-Do Rendezvous 2015 Checklist for Basic Schedule Chapters & Members Watch for the complete schedule on the BCHW website and • • • • Make your dinner and camping reservations! Find those great pictures you took last year and get them ready for the photo contest Get your gently used and clean tack and clothing out that you plan to put in the used tack consignment sale Get in shape for spring – start working out with a cross cut saw and then enter the XC competitions! CHAPTERS: • Reserve a dinner table if it’s not too late • Get your chapter display updated and ready to share with others and enter in the contest • Get your table decorating ideas together MEMBERS & CHAPTERS: • Donate to the auction • Nominate a deserving member for an award • Volunteer at Rondy! First Call for Auction Items E very year, Backcountry Horsemen of Washington throws a pretty good party for its members. One of the best parts of that party is the dinner and auction. Your Auction Committee is already hard at work planning for an excellent Rendezvous March 20-22, 2015 in Ellensburg. We are ready to start promoting auction donations for the 2015 Rendezvous Auction. Items do not have to be horse-related; we would love to have some hand crafted items or experiences donated. Last year’s examples included a weekend at a winery bed and breakfast, an oak barrel patio table with built in heater, a dutch oven dinner for 12, and a mule cookie jar. Information needed for donations includes a description of the item, the donor’s name and address, and the value of the item. Information about donations is important – knowing about great auction items helps participation and fund raising. We will be posting our donation list and vendors on the BCHW website soon. If you have an item to donate, please contact Kim Merrick at [email protected] or 253.261.6188. at the event. Visit us at bchw.org. March 20-22, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center • Ellensburg, WA OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Thursday, March 19, 2015 Time Event Noon Vendors and booth set up. Camping opens.** 4pm – 7pm Dinner & camping reservation booth opens **Reservations required for on-site camping Friday, March 20, 2015 Time Event 9am – 5pm Registration 9am – 5pm Vendors & booths open. Seminars! Clinics! Contests! Vendors! 6 pm Potluck dinner. Everyone welcome! 7 pm Directors’ meeting – all are welcome! Saturday, March 21, 2015 Time Event 9am – 5pm 9am-5pm Dinner & Camping Reservation booth open 9am – 5pm Vendors & booths open. Seminars! Clinics! Contests! Vendors! 10am – 12pm Annual General Meeting & Awards Ceremony 4pm to ?? Evening festivities: Social hour, auctions, dinner** & entertainment! ** Reservations needed for catered dinner only. Auctions and entertainment are free and open to the public!! Sunday, March 22, 2015 Time Event 9am-12pm Vendors & booths open. Even MORE seminars, clinics, & training! 4pm – 7pm Dinner & camping reservation booth opens **Dinner & camping reservation form available in the Trailhead News and at www.bchw.org. Trailhead News 9 Annual Award Nominees January/February 2015 Remember to Nominate Those Deserving Volunteers with a Prestigious BCHW Award! By Deb Wesselius, Chair [email protected], BCHW Awards Committee W ith the year coming to a close it is time to get those winter projects done. Don’t wait until the last minute to put something together for your chapter BCHW award nominations. It’s never too early to nominate that special volunteer for one of the following prestigious BCHW Awards. Work on putting together a thoughtful nomination packet. Don’t let those deserving of one of these BCHW Awards go without a nomination from your chapter. Let’s not forget those volunteers who deserve recognition for all their hard work and dedication to the organization. Nominations may be from either a chapter or BCHW member. Nomination forms and the most current list of all known award program recipients are posted at www.bchw. org. Award categories are only given out once to a volunteer. Nominees must be a BCHW member. Lifetime Achievement 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, sometimes at the last minute. This is a member who is very important in keeping the chapter, organization or event operating smoothly. Backbone = 2, maximum 3 Your Name Here This award is for the BCHW member or couple who has shown a lifetime of dedication to BCHW by actively pursuing and promoting the organization and the BCHW Mission Statement in a variety of ways. This award is recognition, not a contest. Lifetime = 2 Lopper Award This award is for the BCHW member who had demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to their chapter, or to BCHW by participation and promotion of what the BCHW Mission Statement stands for. This is kind of an All Around award, with the nominee being active in several different aspects of the many things that make up BCHW. Lopper = 3, maximum 4 Camp Cook 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 President’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 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 Keep in mind that 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. Trail Warrior Sponsorships 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 10 Trailhead News Are extremely important for the success of your BCHW Award Program. Last year nine different BCHW chapters and two businesses sponsored BCHW awards. These sponsorships, partnered with the BCHW award budget, allowed for seventeen 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 could have tax advantages for award donations. BCHW Awards Committee Deb Wesselius, Chair [email protected] Annual Award Nominees ! Please clip out and mail ! January/February 2015 Trailhead News 11 Volunteer Hours January/February 2015 BCHW-Volunteer Hours Report By Peggy Swanberg & Deb Wesselius, BCHW Volunteer Hours Co-Chair H ats off and congratulations to everyone for your hard work and dedication in submitting volunteer hours to support the BCHW mission statement! The BCHW volunteer hours report totals from October 1, 2013 September 30, 2014 have been completed, and they represent a job well done by chapter members, officers and Volunteer Hours Coordinator (VHC). The BCHW Volunteer Hours 2014 Summary is attached for review. Your chapter VHC and Director has your chapter’s volunteer hours report if you wish to review this information. If you have any questions pertaining to the volunteer hour report, please contact Peggy or Deb. This year the BCHW volunteer hours form underwent significant changes in order to simplify the reporting and to make the program a little more user-friendly. It appears the changes were beneficial. Because our report is different from last year, we cannot compare it exactly to yearend 2013; however, the reported work hours show a significant increase. This year we are reporting an increase of over 12,300 in vol- unteer hours, an increase of over 75,000 more miles driven and stock use was up 150 days. Because there was also a significant increase in some of the rates, a true comparison to the total dollar value in 2013 cannot be done. However the 2013 total value was $2,087,359 as compared to the 2014 value of $2,632,611. The hourly rates and mileage rates differ; however, more hours, mileage and stock days were turned in and certainly lends credibility to the total dollar value of over $2,632,000. We know you do the work to support our mission statement. Turning in your volunteer hours helps BCH show the public and land management agencies, which might not see our work, our continued dedication to keeping public lands open to stock use. The decision was made for BCHW Volunteer Hours CoChair to handle the new IRS 990 tax requirements pertaining to chapter volunteer hours reporting. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Regional Leadership Training - west side on January 24 in Chehalis and east side on February 14 in Moses Lake. Back Country Horsemen of Washington Volunteer Hours Report 12 Trailhead News TrailMeister January/February 2015 Great Reads for the Trail Rider A By Robert Eversole, “The TrailMeister” s much as I hate to admit it, this is the time of the year when my easy chair sees more of me than my saddle. There’s something about a log roaring in the stove that beckons after the evening’s last feeding and checking of the ponies. A warm fire, a comfortable chair, and a good book will help to pass the long winter nights ahead of us before the spring thaw opens the trails again. As I was going through my winter reading list I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the books were written by my fellow Back Country Horsemen of Washington members. From inspirational reads that will have you aching to ride, and camp to how-to guides that will give you the skills to do so, my collection is filled with BCHW names and memories. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT EVERSOLE “Pack Saddles & Gunpowder,” by Susie Drougas, Tahoma Chapter The Tahoma Chapter has a novelist in their midst. Susie has taken her experiences of riding and packing, and turned them into an adventure series of books starring many of the areas that BCHW members across the state have heard of and ridden. The first installment of the series will have you yearning to return to the high country of the Cascade range as you follow Dusty Rose through Big Crow Basin and on into the Pasayten Wilderness in this rousing adventure story. Likewise, if you’re an aspiring back country rider you really ought to give “Pack Saddles & Gunpowder” a read to hone your LNT skills as Susie deftly wraps the tenants of Leave No Trace into the saga of a reluctant big city lawyer who rides and packs into the high country. Get your copy at www.susiedrougas.com. “It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time,” by Vern Hopkins, Inland Empire Chapter Long-time member of the Inland Empire Chapter, Vern Hopkins, has taken his recollections, adventures, and memories from a lifetime spent ranching, rodeoing, and horse racing, and put them into a collection of short stories that will have you smiling with each chapter as you follow Vern through the decades spent with horses. Each tale shares Vern’s good-natured swirl as he shares his remarkable life from 1934 to the present. When I read it for the first time I didn’t put it down until I finished the whole book, so plan accordingly! Get your copy at www.amazon.com/Seemed-Like-Good-Idea-Time/. After you’ve enjoyed the rousing yarns in “Pack Saddles & Gunpowder” and “It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time” Covers of the reading material. a good instructional guide will give you the confidence to do the packing and camping that you’ll be dreaming of. “Packers Guidebook,” by Ed & Sue Haefliger, Pennisula Chapter If packing cargo for camp, trail work, or any other reason is on your list of to-do’s, the “Mountain Canary Company’s Packer’s Guidebook” should be high on your list of resources to familiarize yourself with. Ed explains the concepts of safe packing in a clear, concise, and entertaining manner as you accompany he and his much better half, Sue, deep into the backcountry of the Olympic National Forest where Ed is a long -time volunteer packer for the park. My copy is well worn, dog eared, and dirty from use. Get yours at www.mtcanaryco.com. Get the fire going, and pull up the chair! You’re going to enjoy these winter reads that will inspire you to ride and camp with your horses and mules and also teach you to do so safely. As always find your next great riding and camping spot at www.TrailMeister.com, the official trail and camping directory of BCHW. Trailhead News 13 Editor's Note January/February 2015 Editor’s Note Writers and Photographers: You are Awesome! By Joyce Willms, BCHW Member, BCHW Trailhead News Managing Editor, & Public Relations T hank you for sending in all the great articles and photos for the Trailhead News. The BCHW THN information is seen by our state Legislators, state agencies, and 1,000 other people and members. The accomplishment of trail work was made possible thanks to grant funds that BCHW received, along with all the hard work donated by our great chapter volunteers. Thank you Deb Wesselius and Peg Swanberg for keeping track of all the volunteer hours. Thanks for contributing stories and photos: Trygve Culp Darrell Wallace Jeff Chapman Deb Wesselius Sally Laib Jerry Downs Robert Eversole Llorene Bezanson Larry R. Davis Joy Erickson Jim Anderson Jane Byram Louise Caywood Sue Ward Janelle Wilson Joyce Willms Heather Moorman Lori Lennox Dave Swanburg Jim Thode Jason Ridlon Traci Koch Beth Ferris Lu Young Peggy Swanberg Karen Johnson Sherry Baysinger Bobbie McTimmon Barbara Vache Ed Haefliger Gordon Weeks Kristy Stender Betty Wagner Fran Van Diest Tony Karniss Kathy Kassel Paula Keohane Rich Ruhl Tom Mix Larry Baysinger Christine Corbett Conklin Gary Cutler Leah Smith Teri Letcher Robin Granger Phyllis Hale Dick Yarboro Theresa Radder Please Note: If your name is not listed here, and you have submitted an article, we apologize. Please email Adriane or Joyce at [email protected] so we can give you credit in the next issue. Thank You! Thanks for Supporting BCHW by buying ads: Super 8 Holiday Inn Express Western Dream Ride Riders Association Lost River Resort LNT Education Classes Washington Outfitters & Guides Assn. John Wayne Pioneer Wagons And Beaver Valley Fiber Arts When you buy an ad, you are donating money to BCHW. Please support these businesses by purchasing from them! 14 Trailhead News By Dick Yarboro, BCHW Trailhead News Publicity Chair & Editor Thank you education chair Jane Byran for your LNT articles and sending class dates and information for the calendar of events. BCHW works hard on keep the trails open, but it’s important to play hard and enjoy those trails too! Thank you everyone for sending in your fantastic articles and photos about your ride adventures. Keep it up! The quality of your articles are fantastic, so please keep on submitting your articles to [email protected]. Thank you! Thank You Sondra Johnston! T he team at the Trailhead News would like to recognize and sincerely thank Sondra Johnston of the Pierce BCHW chapter for her years as volunteer copy editor and proofreader for the THN. Sondra, you have contributed so much to the newsletter over the years, and we look forward to your fast and reliable copy editing/proofreading contributions for years to come. Keep up the wonderful work! Dick Yarboro, Publicity Chair and THN Editor Joyce Willms, Managing Editor, Publisher and Public Relations Adriane Wolfe, Creative Director Alexandra Mowrey, Asst. Editor, Proof Reader and Advertising January/February 2015 Content Deadline for the March/April Newsletter is January 18, 2015. ATTENTION! Exception: Legislative articles and photos deadline is January 31, 2015. We would like to mail out The Trailhead News early because of 2015 Rendezvous Please email your articles (600 word maximum) and 3 or 4 photos to [email protected] as soon as possible. Back Country Horsemen of Washington 2015 Photo Contest CALL FOR ENTRIES To be held at RENDEZVOUS 2015 BCHW is a unique, mission specific organization – we want your photos that portray our chosen lifestyle! Enter Your favorite pictures from this year’s riding, camping and working trips. Visit BCHW.org for information and rules Questions and entries to Contest Organizer: Sally Laib PO Box 39 Kapowsin, WA 98344 360-893-6188 or 253-307-4253 [email protected] NOVA Grants – Why They Are So Important continued from page 4 these days. We can, of course, hope that the USFS finds alternate funding for these efforts if the NOVA grant doesn’t make the cut. Still, if NOVA was fully funded, so would this grant. Our lobbyist, Terry Kohl, has worked diligently every year to find a way for NOVA to be fully funded, particularly as Transportation revenue options are explored by the state. Should there be a gas tax increase, we want NOVA to get its fair share. One thing is clear, retaining NOVA funding for grants during the tough fiscal negotiations in the upcoming session in Olympia is an absolute must-do for our legislative program. Otherwise all of these important grant requests will go unfunded. NOVA Lid Lift Fully funding NOVA will mean a “lid lift” of the gas tax rate that NOVA calculations are based on to the gas tax rate actually in existence today. NOVA is currently calculated on a gas tax of 23 cents per gallon, which at one time was the actual tax. Gas tax in existence today is 37.5 cents per gallon. This means that the tax increased, but the NOVA share did not (Note that we aren’t talking about new taxes, just how the existing tax is allocated). Providing NOVA with full funding is one of the funding recommendations (Action 12) of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Along with NOVA, the BFP (Boating Facilities Program) and the snowmobiling grant program also have been under similar limitations. Many of the core groups in the Big Tent Coalition have unified to press for a lid lift of the gas tax limitations placed on these three funds. Trailhead News 15 Board Meeting January/February 2015 BCHW Board Meeting December 2014 By Darrell Wallace, BCHW Executive Director O ne of the first things announced by President Trygve Culp at the Board of Directors meeting on Dec. 6th was that the Central Washington University Equestrian Team has agreed to do the publicity for Rendezvous, describing the Team as “BCHW’s newest and best partner.” One of the team, Ashley Johnson, has been a BCHW member since she was one year old! Chair Heather Moorman reported that membership has declined about 8%. President Culp reminded everyone that if every member would recruit just one member, we would be twice as big next year as we are today. Lori Lennox and Jason Ridlon explained plans for Rendezvous, which will be posted to the BCHW website as they are finalized. The reservation form has already been posted. BCHW is looking for new Rendezvous chairs for 2016. Oakland Bay Chapter made a nice donation to support Rendezvous. On the subject of fund raising, BCHW Raffle Calendars are still available. Ashley Johnson will be taking over for Vicki Clark as photo coordinator for the 2016 calendar. Dave Jackson reported that the Wine Ride was the best ride ever with 650 riders, and netted over $13,000. Dave thanked chapters for volunteering. Deb Wesselius thanked chapters for their participation in Volunteer Hours. Only one chapter did not record hours. BCHW recorded 15,000 basic; 12,000 skilled; 3,800 education; 27,000 administrative; and 13,000 hours of travel time: totaling over 72,000 hours valued over $2 million. This was a 20% increase over 2013. Deb also encouraged chapters to send awards nominations and supporting data to the awards committee as soon as possible. 16 Trailhead News The 2015 state wide work party will be in the Eastern Pasayten over the 4th of July week. The 2016 state wide work party should be closer to King County. BCHW has 125 chain sawyers certified; 98 cross-cut sawyers certified. Doc Wesselius reminded everyone of the importance of completing all necessary forms and going through Job Hazard Analysis. Leadership Training will be conducted in Chehalis on January 24th, and in Moses Lake on February 14th. More information will be available through chapter directors. The trail maintenance miles database is up and running. Chris Enrico can input data from spreadsheet, if chapters are unable to record on their own. Jason Ridlon was re-elected BCHA Director #1. There were no other elections this year. Trail Maintenance Crisis - Dave Price of Rattlesnake Ridge Riders (retired USFS) spoke about the deteriorating condition of the trails of the national forest system and the declining availability of trails within the national system. Dave is suggesting a coalition with other states to move forward on this issue. Minimum tool requirement needs to be discussed. In announcements, Washington State contributed about 22% of the total donations to the recent BCHA mail out campaign. The Wine Country Riders chapter has dissolved, but most of their members will join nearby chapters. Louise Caywood, Pierce County, reminded chapters to get 2014 events pictures and details to her for the 2014 accomplishments DVD. All materials must be turned in by February 1st. Out on the Trails January/February 2015 Methow Valley Chapter – Thirty Years On By Cathy Upper, President, & Jan Ford, Chapter Historian, Methow Valley Chapter T he thirty year anniversary of both the first meeting of the Methow Valley Chapter and the Chapter’s first Spring Ride fall within a two-week period in 2015 and will be proudly celebrated. Ken Wilcox reported the formation of the Methow Valley Chapter in the April and May 1985 issues of the Trailhead News: “Another Chapter of BCH of WA is being formed in the Twisp area as an outcome of the Horsemen-agency meeting held on April 11. Dave Reynaud, Twisp, is the temporary chairman…They will hold another meeting on May 9th, 7:30 P.M. at the Twisp Senior Center. This new chapter will be promoted a little more at the Sun Country Spring Trail Ride at Pateros on April 28. “…April 28th dawned nice and clear (-) a beautiful day for the ride…and there were 115 riders out for it…On the ride there were quite a number of riders from the Okanogan Valley who indicated an interest in a chapter in their area… We sure have to thank Betty Wagoner for setting up the ride and getting these horsemen together.” continued on page 18 PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA STOOTHOFF Members of MVBCH and other chapters of BCHW, US Forest Service (Methow Valley Ranger District) and guests at the Dedication of the new South Creek Bridge on September 20, 2010. Trailhead News 17 Out on the Trails January/February 2015 Methlow Valley Chapter – Thirty Years On continued from page 17 Members of the new Chapter were dedicated, enthusiastic, and energetic. They immediately got to work on trails and trailheads, bridges and on developing a new horse camp on the Twisp River at South Creek. In 1986, 150 hours were spent on “construction and politics.” Most of the projects were, and continue to be, in association with the Forest Service, the main land manager in the area. The horse camp was dedicated in 1988, giving access to the trails from the horse camp, and the South Creek Bridge was completed in 1989. Since those early days, voluntary work has continued apace. We have helped to build several other bridges; the replacement South Creek Bridge was a large undertaking (619 recorded volunteer hours in 2009/10). We have also assisted other organizations to pack in equipment and provisions, and taken part in LNT and youth projects. Some of our members have managed to keep up with current technology in order to meet the demands of communicating, running the Spring Ride, accounting and legal requirements of reporting. Our newsletter “Horse Tales” has developed into an informative and entertaining monthly pub- lication, and a webpage and blog are regularly updated. For the last 30 years members have ridden the vast network of trails in the Methow Valley and appreciated the ready access to the Pasayten and Chelan/Sawtooth wilderness areas. Work parties have been interspersed with enjoyable social rides and potlucks. Monthly business meetings are still held in the Twisp Senior Center (now Methow Valley Senior Center), and the 30th Anniversary Spring Ride (31st Ride) will be on April 25, 2015. What of the fourth decade? A top priority is completion of another horse camp. While in the planning stage (over three years), MVBCH has already committed many volunteer hours and substantial funding to complete a camp at Loup Loup North Summit. Increasing challenges (not specific to MVBCH) include aging membership, reduced funding for trails, unwieldy bureaucracies, increasing demands for recording and reporting. Hopefully, with good will, increased co-operation with all stake holders and continued enthusiasm, MVBCH can continue contributing to the BCH Mission. In Memoriam Ken Wegner For those of you who knew Ken Wegner and the wonderful tack (plus!) store he started in 1968 in Spanaway (K&S Saddlery)...Ken recently passed away in his sleep. The horse community has lost a great friend and a great supporter of horse sports. Rest in peace Ken, you will be dearly missed. PAID AD 18 Trailhead News Out on the Trails January/February 2015 Upper Priest Falls Pack-In By Ken Elliott, IEBCH Trail Boss 2 ,375 pounds in two days! The Priest River Valley and Inland Empire chapters of the Back Country Horsemen were on hand this past September to help the U.S. Forest Service with trail maintenance in the Upper Priest River country. The Back Country Horsemen packed in bridge timbers so the USFS could repair deteriorating foot bridges on trail #308, about 25 miles north of Nordman, PHOTO BY KELLY LYNCH Idaho. The trail follows the Upper Priest River drainage before terminating at Upper Priest River Falls. The Back Country Horsemen packed in 2,375 pounds of bridge building timbers (some 10 feet long) over a two-day period. The picture shows Ken Elliott from the Inland Empire Chapter packing timbers across Rock Creek, which empties into the Upper Priest River. Also involved in the packing were Ken’s wife Sherrie and daughter Erin Haney, as well as Bob Savage, Dottie Yerkes and Tim Nichols of Priest River. Upper Priest River is a crystal clear freestone river; the tower old-growth cedars Ken Elliot loading planks. will make your jaw drop (notice the medium sized one behind the pack string). One of the cedars that we passed had at least a 9 foot base to it! You just don’t see trees with that diameter all that often. It is beautiful country that just begs to be explored. The previous portion of the article was from Priest River Lake Country Journal with permission from Kelly Lynch to use photos and write-up. I would just like to add that when Bob Savage called to see if I would be interested in helping to pack material in for the Upper Priest River Falls project, it brought back great memories of our past work parties in that area. He remembered that our group had packed in treads and 12 foot curbing for some of the eight or nine bridges that we helped construct. His main problem was getting in the longer material. He needed some help in knowing how to tie the hitches and how to handle problems that might arise when packing poles and long dimensional lumber. One of the biggest hurdles is having stock that will put up with the longer loads and not blow up. Bob Savage and Tim Nichols had packed in a lot of treads the day before we got there. Bob and Dottie helped hold and load our stock, and at the end of a long day they had dinner prepared for us. While we ate we swapped stories about previous pack-ins that we have done, and reminisced about people that have passed on that taught us the skills who we still need today to be able to get the materials in for these work parties. In conclusion, it was a pleasure for our family to help the Idaho Priest River Valley BCH on this project and would happily do it again for them in the future. 2015 Rendezvous Tack Consignment Sale Mount St. Helens Chapter will offer the tack consignment sale at the 2015 Rendezvous. A 15% commission will be charged to the seller for all items sold and 100% of the proceeds will go to BCHW. Go through your tack room for any items you no longer need or want, clean them up, and we will handle the rest. Only cash or checks accepted for payment. Contact Jim Anderson, 360-835-5719 or [email protected] for more information. Trailhead News 19 Out on the Trails Sixth Grade Campout January/February 2015 ~ Ride to Rendezvous 2015 ~ May 4-8, 2015 – Winthrop, WA By Cathy Upper S ince 1990, the 6th grade class has participated in an annual three-day wilderness class in the Methow Valley. It is full of classes about staying safe in the woods, canoeing, plant identification, and LNT horse camping. There is also a day spent hiking Maple Pass in the North Cascades. For more years than I can remember the Methow Valley BCH has offered a class on LNT. It is combined with bringing a few horses to groom and learn from, setting up highlines, learning about some helpful gear to have, and more. In a valley with four outfitters, there is always a few kids that can teach the class for me. We have had Suekii Cornwall talk about her Rendezvous experiences. If you are not familiar with these 1880’s period campouts that happen around the Northwest, you should check them out. We end the class with some fun three-legged hobble races and roping practice (a stump, not each other’s heads). It is a fun time to interact with today’s youth. Check out Methow Grist archives for a past article. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY UPPER • Teamsters & Riders Welcome • Ride Historic Trails & Back Roads • Bring your own stock OR Rent a horse • Ride in WOGA-Provided Wagon • Campfire Entertainment • Dutch Oven Cooking ~ 49er Day Outfitter Rendezvous ~ May 8-10, 2015 – Winthrop City Park PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY UPPER • Vendors & • Live Auction & Packing Demonstrations Competition • Parade • Cowboy Dinner • Cowboy Music & Poetry • Hearty Breakfast ~ Wild Game Dinner ~ Spring 2015 – Winthrop, WA Please contact the WOGA office or website for more information P.O. Box 1125 Twisp, WA 98856 Email [email protected] 20 Trailhead News 877-ASK-WOGA Web www.woga.org Out on the Trails January/February 2015 Snow Peak Cabin – Colville Forest By Lu Young, Publicity Ferry County Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington T he Snow Peak Trail begins at the 100 Road off of Hall Creek Road (99) off of Highway 20 East of Republic, Washington. This is one of the most beautiful trails in the Colville, and only 2.7 miles to the cabin at the top of the Kettle Crest trail. The trail starts at 5,000 ft. elevation and has some easy riding switchbacks to the top where it joins the Kettle Crest trail at 6,320 ft. In the summer you are treated to the array wildflowers and grass that grow on this mountain trail. In the fall a colorful canopy of aspens make the ride a pleasing experience. It is one of my favorite rides in October. For years now the cabin at Snow Peak has been the destination of many trail riders, hikers and hunters as well as back country skiers. The cabin is 17 feet by 19 feet outfitted for six persons. Wood stove, table sleeping cots and propane cook stove, and solar lighting are some of the amenities. Horse corrals are provided nearby PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG PHOTO COURTESY OF LU YOUNG The Snow Peak Shelter in 2014 ready with winter firewood. In winter months snow shoers and cross country skiers find this is a great place to stay for a few days of enjoyable back country experiences. Come and visit our Colville Forest. WTA Crew Leader College Packing up the trail in the fall aspens 2014. and horse troughs also. Pack in your weed free hay and plenty of food and you are set to explore the back country trails in the Colville Forest every morning from the quaint cabin. The building of this cabin in the mountains was started sometime before 1995. The Snow Peak Shelter Alliance that constructed this cabin consisted of volunteers from the Colville Outdoor Cub, Kettle Range Ski Club, Kettle Range Riders Back Country Horsemen, as well as the Inland Empire Back Country Horsemen. This trail was one of the first trails we rode with our friends Nick Davenport, and Ray and Dolly Watkins when we first moved to Republic. Through the years, we have visited many times and a few times we stayed at the cabin while doing trail work on our Edd’s Mountain Trail in 2007, and again while helping to pack firewood for the cabin in 2008. From the front porch of the cabin one evening we saw a black bear and two cubs crossing the hills. This is an area where hunters come to hunt the elusive Mule deer bucks in the high country in the fall. E ach year Washington Trails Association (WTA) invites two Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) members to attend their Crew Leader College. In 2015 the event will be held May 16th & 17th in North Bend at USFS Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie District facilities. The two-day gathering offers trail maintenance training for WTA volunteers, and also an opportunity for BCHW members to interact with another trail advocacy organization. Instruction and hands-on experience with various trail projects during the event is a chance for our members to learn about trail maintenance, and most importantly, to validate our organization’s dedication to keeping trails open on public lands. Contact Tom Mix – backcountrypacker.mix@gmail. com - or Doc Wesselius – [email protected] - if you would like to be considered for attending this course and represent BCHW. Trailhead News 21 Out on the Trails January/February 2015 Trail Work in the Far West Olympic Peninsula Rain Forest By Larry & Sherry Baysinger, Independent Members S ince we have a couple days “off,” it might be good to write something for THN about trail work on the far west end of the Olympic Peninsula. Having days “off” means I’m off the back of a horse/mule. My husband Larry and I have been members of BCH of WA since 1995. We are licensed/insured guides with the Olympic National Park and the USFS, and have been packing mules (Solduc Valley Packers) and taking horse riders on trails (Rain Forest Horse Riders) for about 15 years. We’ve been “retiring” from our commercial work for several years now. Every year that we think will be our last, we end up taking on one more packing job! Horses, mules, trail riding and volunteer trail work are have been a part of our life for so long that we don’t know what else to do! As Independent BCH members, here’s what we’ve been doing since summer arrived: In July we volunteered to pack for a Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew doing trail work for the Olympic National Park on the Bogachiel River Trail. In preparation for this pack in, we took a pack mule, chain saw, and tools to clear some windfalls. Summer Martell (Buckhorn/Peninsula Chapter) accompanied us on both trips and packed one of her horses on the WCC trip. We took in five mule/horse loads of trail equipment, food and miscellaneous supplies for the crew about eight miles up river. The crew of trail workers couldn’t have been more appreciative of our help. For National Trails Day we took BCH PC Members Dave and Becky Seibel and Rod Farley, along with our pack mule loaded with chainsaw and tools, and the four of us rode in to build hitch rails, starting with falling the trees at the Rock House on the Littleton/Mount Muller Trail. A few more helpers joined the five of us the next day to put in the second hitch rail. The BCH of WA grant for this trail includes installing several hitch rails along the 12-mile loop trail. Having a safe place to tie up our stock is vital to accomplishing the tread and brushing work that we will be doing later on. Larry and a USFS volunteer spent several days in July using our tractor to punch in a stock trail at the Bogachiel trailhead. This new access is less steep and more stock friendly than the main trail. We will be working with the USFS to finish this project later this summer. Last week we brushed the Littleton Horse Camp and parking area, filled in chuckholes on the USFS road and refilled the water cistern for the stock tank. While we were doing all this, our local herd of about 40 head of elk moved into our pasture, so we will take some time out from trail work to fix fences and clear brush around our own place. I always find some spare time to horse around with our seven grandkids and help 4-H kids with horse projects. If you care to join us for trail riding or trail work, email us at [email protected]. Happy Trails! 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. Adult Names (please print)______________________________________________________________________________________ Children Names (please print) ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________City _____________________State _____Zip ________________ Phone (______ )______________ Cell (_______ )_______________Email_________________________________________________ Occupation ___________________________________________ Do you want to be a Volunteer? o Yes o No What would you like to volunteer for?______________________________________ ! Please clip out and mail o New Member o Renewal/Past Member Mmbr #:__________County__________________________Legislative District _______ State membership for 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 $ _________ 22 Trailhead News Liability Release & Notices All ADULT members MUST sign! Adult’s signature covers minor children. Recognizing the fact that there is a potential for an accident wherever horse use is involved, which can cause injuries to horses, riders, and spectators, and also recognizing the fact that Back Country Horsemen of Washington, including chapters, officers, directors, or members cannot always know the condition of trails or the experience of riders or horses taking part in Trail Rides or other BCHW functions, I do hereby release the above named from any claim or right for damages, which might occur to me, my minor children or horses. Signed______________________________________ Dated______________ Signed______________________________________ Dated______________ Signed______________________________________ Dated______________ Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) is a public charity as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Accordingly, membership dues paid to BCHW may be treated as deductions characterized as “charitable contributions” when computing federal and state income tax obligations. Out on the Trails January/February 2015 Senate Passes Reichert Alpine Lakes Legislation Dec. 12, 2014 Issues: Energy and Environment W ashington, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate passed legislation from U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Senator Patty Murray to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in Washington State and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic. The legislation was included as part of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. Reichert first introduced legislation to designate the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in 2007, and he has since tirelessly championed its passage in order to preserve the stunning landscape for future generations. The House passed the 2014 NDAA, with the wilderness legislation, last week. “I am so pleased to see the Alpine Lakes legislation pass the Senate today, sending it to the President for signature to become law,” said Reichert. “This has been a pri“The existing Alpine ority project of mine since 2007 Lakes Wilderness was when I first introduced it. The prodesignated by Congress cess has involved a lot of hard work in 1976 and is one of the and patience, but we came together most visited wilderness and got it through Congress, and areas in the country.” now it’s on its way to the President’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law shortly. Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area is truly one of the gems of Washington State and I am excited to see this beautiful natural and economic legacy preserved for our children and grandchildren.” The existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. Key elements of the Alpine Lakes legislation include: Alpine Lakes Wilderness • Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the lower elevation lands, which will bring a richer diversity of ecosystems, including deeply forested valleys, into the wilderness area and increase its overall biodiversity. The addition of these 21,000 acres of public land into wilderness has the direct effect of protecting a broader array of outdoor recreational opportunities easily accessible for wilderness enthusiasts. • Designating the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic, which would permanently protect the rivers’ free-flowing character, water quality and outstanding recreation, fisheries, wildlife, geological and ecological values. This designation provides for many recreational activities including unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is unheard of so close to a major urban center. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1) is a co-sponsor of the House legislation. Trailhead News 23 Education January/February 2015 Leave No Trace Basic Skills Class O PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS n April 11 & 12, 2015, the BCHW LNT Committee will sponsor, in conjunction with USFS – Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, a LNT Basic Skills Class. Hosted by the Lewis County Chapter, the two-day class will be held at the USFS – CVRD facilities in Randle, WA. Classroom training and hands-on field demonstrations will be instructed by BCHW Master Stock Trainers, covering the “Seven Principles of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.” The class is not a horsemanship or packing clinic, therefore participants do not bring stock. The curriculum will include both back country and front country instruction on techniques for minimizing the environmental impact of outdoor recreation with stock. As the popularity of outdoor recreation increases, back country horsemen risk exhausting the good will of other trail users and land management hosts. Our responsibility is greater than learning about minimum impact stock recreation. Horsemen’s accountability for insuring that public lands remain open to recreation stock use is contingent upon the way trail riders demonstrate their concern for the environment and how they interact with other trail users. Campfire Demonstration Membership expires: 12/31/2014 John Doe 123 Horseback Loop SE Ellensburg, WA 98926 Please check with your chapter treasurer or refer to page 22 of this issue for the membership renewal form. 24 Trailhead News PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS Let’s think of ourselves as environmental stewards instead of trail users. Our dedication to sharing trails with others recreationists and complying with various land managers’ regulations portrays responsibility. Our selfless efforts in building and maintaining trails are acknowledged by many trail advocacy organizations: however, it is our trail riding exposure that leaves a lasting impression with the general public. As trail stewards demonstrating trail riding responsibility, instead of being portrayed as just trail users, back country horsemen will ensure that we do not exhaust our welcome. The two-day LNT Basic Skills Class costs $50 – meals and lodging is included. Participant’s recreational vehicles can also be accommodated at the USFS facilities. BCHW chapters are encouraged to sponsor members, especially new members, to attend the class and have the students become active in their chapter’s LNT Committee. Other trail user groups are welcome to attend the LNT Basic Skills Class. To resister contact: Doc & Deb Wesselius 360.736.6106 • [email protected] Make checks payable to: BCHW- Lewis County Chapter Send payment to: 1608 Big Hanaford, Centralia, WA 98531 Registration and payment by March 15th is required for enrollment. Members! This is your last issue of The Trailhead News if you have not paid your 2015 membership dues yet. Your membership expiration date is located on your mailing label. For questions, please contact your chapter treasurer or Heather Moorman, Membership Chair, at [email protected]. Calendar of Events January/February 2015 FREE Listing on BCHW Chapter Events Calendar Be sure to: • Check with the ride host on whether or not • Contact the ride host to check for updates on the event. weed-seed-free feed is required. • Check to see if dogs are welcome. Note: The BCHW Trailhead News represents as many events as possible, however, makes no guarantees an event will be published. BCHW Legislative Day on the Hill 2015 Monday, January 26, 2015 Senated Rules Room, Legislative Bldg Olympia, WA • 8:00 am Contact: Your Chapter Director or Executive Director, Darrell Wallace [email protected] • 360.918.3016 BCHW Leadership Training Saturday, January 24, 2015 SW WA Fairgrounds • Chehalis, WA 9:00 am Contact: Your Chapter Director or Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] BCHW Leadership Training Saturday, February 14, 2015 Grant Co. Fairgrounds • Moses Lake, WA 9:00 am Contact: Your Chapter Director or Executive Director, Darrell Wallace [email protected] • 360.918.3016 18th Annual Fundraiser Auction Friday, February 27, 2015 Everson Auction Barn 7291 Everson-Goshen Rd, WA 5:30-7:00 pm - Silent Auction, 7:00 pm Live Auction Begins Bill McKenna • 360.599.2526 Sam Miller • 360.325.2833 Nancy Giordano • 360.961.0822 Rattlesnake Ridge Riders 29th Annual Chili Feed Ride Sunday, March 8, 2015 Horn Rapids Park, Benton City, WA Long Ride 10:00 am sharp Short Ride 10:30 am sharp Register by March 1, 2015 (Late registration on site) $10 person $35 family of 4 Contact: Michele Lawrence 509.460.7528 • [email protected] www.rattlesnakeridgeriders-com.webs.com 2015 Rendezvous Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center, Ellensburg Lori Lennox • 360.482.2742 [email protected] Jason Ridlon • 509.964.9260 [email protected] BCHW Leave No Trace Basic Skills Class Saturday-Sunday, April 11 & 12, 2015 USFS - Cowlitz Valley Ranger Dist, Randle, WA Doc Wesselius • 360.736.6106 [email protected] WA Outfitters and Guides Ride to Rendezvous 2015 Monday-Friday, May 4-8, 2015 Winthrop, WA 877.275.9642 • www.woga.org WA Outfitters and Guides 49er Day Outfitter Rendezvous Friday-Sunday, May 8-10, 2015 Winthrop City Park 877.275.9642 • www.woga.org BCHW LNT Social Weekend Saturday-Sunday, May 30 & 31, 2015 FREE Indian Camp/Middle Fork Teanaway, CleElum Jane: [email protected] Short education offered: LNT safety Saw certification. Bring your stock to ride Potluck on Saturday 2nd Qtr Board of Directors’ Meeting Saturday, June 20, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center Ellensburg, WA Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] 3rd Qtr Board of Directors Meeting Saturday, September 19, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center, Ellensburg, WA Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] 14th Annual Winery Ride & Halloween Costume/Prize Ride Saturday, October 31, 2015 Zillah, Yakima County Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] [email protected] www.bchw.org BCHW, USFS & State Land Managers Friday, December 4, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center Ellensburg, WA Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] 4th Qtr Board of Directors’ Meeting Saturday, December 5, 2015 Kittitas Valley Event Center Ellensburg, WA Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] Remember to email an article and photos of your event to the THN at: [email protected]. Example Your Chapter Ride Must Be Open To All BCHW Members To Have A FREE Listing Please submit the following information with your event listing to [email protected]. Chapter Name______________________________ Grays Harbor BCHW Fund Ride Saturday, June 27, 2015 Hunter Tree Farm, Shelton Ride out 9-11 am, camping may be available Cost: $10 per person, lunch at additional cost Short and long ride 1st Qtr Board of Directors’ Meeting Sue Watson • 360.580.7704 Friday, March 20, 2015 Barb Paris • 360.482.4197 Kittitas Valley Event Center Ellensburg, WA Executive Director, Darrell Wallace 360.918.3016 • [email protected] Name of Ride______________________________ The calendar of events are subject to change Please check with ride contact for most updated information. Please send calendar corrections to: [email protected] Email______________________________________ Date______________________________________ Time_______________________________________ Location___________________________________ Register____________________________________ Name of Pass Required (if needed)____________ Cost to Member_____________________________ Cost to Non-member_________________________ Contact Name______________________________ Phone_____________________________________ Website___________________________________ Trailhead News 25 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED rg sbu n e l d El rts, nwoo gton e b le rlin Ro ne sier, G on, A erock i t s Ju Ro ittl ers er: LeRoy Greg ara, L lock b vem ber: Kathy cNam l, Win Falls o a : M N to e Oc mber heryl O’Ne , Kettl ater l w lock C a ae t: um rm pte Se ugus : No b Mich ao, T rt Had rn A July : Ro na M , Po ubu o A e Alvi m l , t n Ho tupa , Mon Ju ay: y r M l: Ma Roni S Brown slyn : ri Ro y Ap arch harle Fox, M b: C eslie Fe an: L J 2014 Raffle Ticket Drawing $3,000 Grand Prize Winner! Dave & Dee Nieman, Loon Lake Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 BCHW Raffle Calendar contest. 2015 Raffle Calendars Are Available Now! - $20 each! YOU Could be The NEXT BIG WINNER! Buy your Ticket NOW! • 11 chances to win $300.00 • One chance to win $3,000.00 • $300.00 drawings are the last day of each month in 2015. • $3,000.00 Grand Prize drawing will be on Friday, Dec. 5, 2015, at the Board of Directors’ meeting at the Kittitas Valley Event Center, Ellensburg, Washington. Contact your Chapter Director or call Dave Swanberg at (509) 486-1107 to purchase a raffle calendar for just $20.00. Support BCHW By Purchasing a Raffle Calendar!
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