Monthly Update

October 2024

Picture Courtesy of Craig Ferdig, BCH Arizona

HURRICANE HELENE

We have all heard of the impact that Hurricane Helene has had on multiple states from television, radio and social media, but the reality is unless we are in the middle of it, personally effected by it and seen the devastation first hand, we can't even imagine the destruction this horrible event has caused for so many people. The stories I have heard from people living this nightmare are heart wrenching!


The loss of human and animal lives, homes, electricity, water, basic necessities, live stock feed, and the list goes on. Fortunately, there are people and organizations who have the ability to use their own livestock to pack in supplies, clear trails, help people, and do whatever else is needed to assist many to get their lives back together. It is going to be a long process and more is needed than what our very appreciated packers can provide.


BCHA has opened a donation link to help BCHA states, chapters and members directly. The funds will be used in any means possible. Helping members rebuild, assisting with trail clearing, buying feed, paying membership dues, etc. Just let us know what the funds will be used for.


As the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund grows, we will be providing more information to the BCHA members. We will also be following up with ways to send items to additional areas.


___________________________________________________________________________________

"My thoughts today are centered on the devastation in states effected by Hurricane Helene, the loss of life is massive along with the total loss of many homes to the people of these states. I watched last night as the flood waters started to recede with many areas having nothing left, starting the rebuild will take time and a lot of support."


Mark Himmel, BCHA Chairman

PLEASE HELP!


ALL DONATIONS WILL GO TO THOSE STATES AND CHAPTER MEMBERS EFFECTED BY HURRICANE HELENE.

Hurricane Helene Relief Fund

Picture courtesy of Mountain Mule Packers

SHIPPING ITEMS

If you prefer to ship items, please use the addresses below.


North Carolina: BCH Southern Highlands, Ricky Anders - 508 Connestee Rd, Brevard NC 28712


Georgia: Tammis Pennington, 5738 Dean's Bridge Rd., Blithe GA 30805 Questions for Georgia, contact Randy Brown at rdbtrails57@gmail.com


Tenneesee: Coming Soon


South Carolina: Coming Soon

PUBLIC LANDS

BCHA encourages all members to use the E-Bike Reporting Form and the Horse Camp Incident Form when they see problems.


E-BIKE REPORTING FORM


HORSE CAMP INCIDENT FORM

CHAPTERS

Panhandle Back Country Horsemen (PBCH) of Idaho

Written by Susan Walker. Panhandle Back Country Horsemen member

The U.S. Forest Service is installing corrals at Line Creek Stock Campground and requested assistance from the Panhandle Back Country Horsemen (PBCH) of Idaho. The project was headed up by Damon Gallegos (Damon is also a member of the PBCH) and Tracy Grevelle of the Forest Service. Also assisting were Colton Gilbert (FS), Tom Knoll (President PBCH), Irv and Susan Walker (PBCH), and Jim White, volunteer extraordinaire.


Once this project is completed there will be the existing highlining sites, and the remaining sites will have corrals that are 20 x 20, with overflow corrals as well. Line Creek Horse Camping is also on www.recreation.gov so you no longer need to worry about not having an equine site upon arrival. This is a much-needed improvement to this campground for all trail riders with more improvements coming up. With 100 miles of trails to explore, this campground is a must for horseback riders. Riding along the St. Joe River and crossing several times up to the lodge is incredibly beautiful.


The St. Joe is also a great fly-fishing stream with trout (catch and release).

The work party started on September 8 th with Damon bringing a rented tractor with auger to the camp in the afternoon and holes were drilled for the fence posts. The ground was rocky in spots so the volunteers had a lot of shovel time each day. September 9 brought more auguring of post holes and the installation of the fence posts. A hot dog lunch was a welcome break during the day over a campfire.


September 10 started off but work was postponed halfway thru the day due to rain.

This will be an ongoing project, given weather, with completion planned this year.

The Little Joe Road from St. Regis is still under improvement with completion expected Oct. 1 st . This is a really nice road for living quarters to travel. Coming from Coeur D’Alene through St. Maries or crossing over 4th of July Pass are also options.

Be sure to plan a trip next summer to this beautiful country!


Line Creek Stock Camp features pull-through units for stock trailers, new corrals for stock, feed bunks and hitch posts, trailhead parking, and vault toilets. Attractions include fishing in wild trout waters, beginning of wild portion of St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, and St. Joe River Trailhead.


Directions:

Drive 29 miles east of Avery, ID on the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50), turn south on Red Ives Road (#218) and proceed 11 miles to the campground entrance.


Photo of workers left to right: Colton, Damon, Tom, Tracy, Irv, and Jim.

Photos by Susan Walker. 


BCHW Oakland Bay Chapter



BCHW Oakland Bay Chapter in Mason County is celebrating the signing of our lease with Green Diamond for the Kennedy Creek area trails. This agreement has been in the works for several years. Our chapter members, along with other volunteers, have established and maintain a trail system that spans over 1700 acres of Green Diamond land at the Kennedy Creek area near the Mason/Thurston County line. We look forward to offering hosted rides in the new year to other chapters and members who would like to explore the Kennedy Creek area on horseback. We are anxiously awaiting collaboration with DNR over a parcel for us to use for parking so we may offer our fund ride in the spring once again!


Wendy Potkonjak, Treasurer: Oakland Bay Chapter

Resources

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HEY! Chapters and States...

2024 YOUTH GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

Do you have an event or program to promote youth?

Check out the BCHA Youth Grant Opportunity.

FREE MONEY, SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ASAP!

APPLY ONLINE HERE

Does Your State Or Chapter Need Support?

You can contact Michelle Wade at Lakeside Administrative Services to see how her company can assist your organization.

Michelle@lakesideadmin.net or call 360-620-2802



Click Here for Services Graph


"Michelle has been a great asset to BCHA and I recommend any chapter or state to hire her for assistance in their day-to-day operations."

Mark Himmel, BCHA Chairman

ADVERTISERS


ADVERTISING SPACE - Click here if you would like to advertise

NATIONAL BOARD MEETING

2025 NATIONAL BOARD MEETING


Prescott, Arizona

April 13th - 16th, 2025

Registration Opens January


Registration Fees: $400 Room Block Rate: $169 plus services and tax


https://www.prescottresort.com/our-resort


VOLUNTEER HOURS UPDATE

Hello Members,


BCHA Volunteer Hours Committee has updated the volunteer hours reporting form. The reason for this change is because we feel we are missing out on opportunities through the USFS and other organizations by not providing trail information that you all have volunteered to maintain. By collecting trail names we open the doors for potential grants and other funds paid to BCH states for their time.


The updated form is available by clicking the link below. And please reach out to the volunteer hours committee if you have any questions. volunteer@bcha.org

Volunteer Hours Form, Updated

2024 Equisure Equine Insurance

TIME TO RENEW YOUR EQUISURE INSURANCE OR SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST TIME

$1,000,000 Coverage for $20 Individual or $40 for a family.


CLICK HERE FOR FAQ



CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

Keeping Trails Open for All
BCHA OPERATIONS DONATION HERE
CHAPTER SUPPORT GRANT DONATION

SHARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

Does your chapter have a trail, project or great story you would like to share? Please send them to michellewade@bcha.org. We will do our best to include them here.



  • Please send as Word doc and pictures as attachments not in the word doc.
  • Provide description: project, place, purpose, etc.
  • Please include the name of person and chapter submitting the pictures.

2024-2025 BCHA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mark Himmel

Chairman

Craig Ferdig

Vice Chairman

Kathy Young

Treasurer

Sherry Copeland

Past Chairman

Brad Pollman

Director

Jim Allen

Director

Heather Cox

Director

Dana Chambers

Non-Director

Greg Schatz

Non-Director