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Current news about equestrian related issues
“News” provides information about Backcountry Horsemen (BCH) and what is happening in the community, state and nation that may affect equestrians. Information is taken from a variety of sources and may be provided on this website or through links to other websites.
BCH has a mission to preserve the rights of responsible horsemen to use horses and mules for recreation on public land. The information provided here may be related to keeping trails open to equestrians or may take a wider view to include other equestrian issues. Depending on the topic, BCH may take a position for or against an issue. In other situations we simply report information that we feel is of interest to equestrians.
To contribute information contact Ken Carmichael, our Editor.
Recreation
Opportunities on DNR-Managed land
Added 2/20/10
Jeff Chapman, BCHW Public Lands Committee Chair updates us on the
lack of funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for 2010.
This is an important source of funds for BCHW to continue its trail
maintenance and education programs. Update (Adobe
PDF Reader required)
DNR
(PR): Recreation Opportunities on DNR-Managed land
Added 2/20/10
Press
Release / DNR Newsletter: Commissioner of Public Lands Peter
Goldmark today announced agency-requested legislation aimed at improving
funding for recreation on trust lands managed by the Washington State
Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bill requests authorization
for DNR to charge recreation access fees in certain situations, explores
a multi-agency access pass, creates a concessionaire pilot program,
and revises DNR’s recreational immunity.
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Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Recreation Rules adopted
Added 2/22/09
After 5 years of hard work by the public and DNR staff the Board of Natural Resources adopted the Recreation Rules at the February 3, 2009 board meeting. The Rules cover a wide variety of topics that include: campfires, livestock, trails, campsites and construction and maintenance of trails and structures. The new rules are now posted on the department’s website.
The rules will become effective starting March 14, 2009. Information and link have been provided by the DNR.
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Weed-free forage on Forest Service land is required
Added 2/22/09
Effective January 1, 2009 certified hay is required on all US Forest Service lands in Washington and Oregon. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines and/or imprisonment. Backcountry Horsemen has been working with the hay growing industry and the state weed board to develop a weed-free program, identify growers wanting to participate in the program and to develop a certification process for fields through the county weed boards. On the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) website there is a series of FAQs about the Washington Wilderness Hay & Mulch Program (WWHAM) and about weed-free forage on Forest Service land. These questions include:
Does Washington have a weed-free forage program?
Where can I purchase WWHAM certified hay and mulch?
How will I know if I am purchasing certified WWHAM product?
Who may certify fields intended for WWHAM product?
How can a grower get his or her crops WWHAM certified?
What is the fee for certifying a field?
What is guaranteed by WWHAM certification?
What is not guaranteed by WWHAM certification?
Where can I learn more about WWHAM?
Why are weed-free forage and straw now mandatory on Forest Service lands?
What kinds of products are included in this weed-free requirement?
Are these weed-free products required if someone is passing through National Forests?
The BCHW website also provides a link to the National Forest websites for additional information.
Please support Backcountry Horsemen’s efforts to support this program and protect our National Forests.
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Riders & Stock Users Learn to Travel “Green”
Added 3/14/09
EquestrianMag, the online magazine for horse enthusiasts, has an excellent article about the role that Backcountry Horsemen (BCH) plays in protecting and preserving our lands.
The article talks about how Backcountry Horsemen supports the national Leave No Trace (LNT) education program, training that is available and highlights the seven LNT principles.
To read the article, and learn more about this magazine, click to EquestrianMag.
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Washington State Department of Agriculture Livestock Information
Added 3/29/09
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) website provides information on several topics of interest to equestrians. There is a detailed list of all the RCW and WAC. There is information on the proper identification of livestock, health, feeding, diseases and inspections. This information can be found at http://agr.wa.gov/.
Among other information it provides instructions on how to report missing or stolen livestock and how to report lost or found livestock. This is on the website at http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Livestock/ReportingMissingandStolenLivestock.aspx.
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SB 5064: Y2Y (Yukon to Yellowstone) wildlife corridor legislation
Added 2/22/09
Y2Y is a proposal to develop a wildlife corridor from the Yukon to Yellowstone National Park. The corridor would pass through northeastern Washington and northern Idaho. Legislation has been proposed in the Washington State Senate as bill SB 5064. The bill Digest states:
“Requires the department of fish and wildlife:
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To participate with the wildlife management agencies and conservation organizations in other states and provinces, comprising the Canadian Rocky mountains ecoregional area, in the cooperative programs of the Yukon to Yellowstone conservation initiative; and |
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Where the Yukon to Yellowstone conservation initiative has identified priority species, habitats, or landscapes lying within Washington state, to actively seek to involve local governments, landowners, and local conservation organizations in the initiative. |
Declares that Spokane is the largest city within the Yukon to Yellowstone region in the United States; and that the city of Spokane should be recognized as the United State’ capital of the Yukon to Yellowstone ecoregion.”
Progress on Senate Bill 5064 and the entire text can be found on the Legislative website.
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SB 5956: National Animal Identification System (NAIS) legislation
Added 2/22/09
NAIS is a system by which animals and sites would be entered into a database for the purpose of locating and tracking the movement of the specified animals. Legislation has been proposed in the Washington State Senate as bill SB 5956 that would make participation in a NAIS voluntary. The bill Digest states:
“Regulates participation in an animal identification system.”
Progress on Senate Bill 5956 and the entire test can be found on the Legislative website.
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Economic Stimulus Bill, Benefits for the Horse Industry
Added 2/27/09
The Economic Stimulus Bill recently signed into law has some benefits for the horse industry. The Stimulus Act continues the bigger write-off for horses and other property purchased and placed in service during 2009. The Stimulus Bill also includes a few other provisions that may impact horse owners. Click here to read what BCHW received from the American Horse Council (AHC). Further information can be obtained by contacting the AHC at the address and phone numbers shown at the bottom of the article.
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Join us! IEBCH Poker Ride
Added 2/20/10
On May 8, 2010 the Inland Empire Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen will hold its 16th annual poker ride at Fish Trap Lake. This is BLM land west of Spokane. Participants ride a designated route with their friends at their own speed stopping at designated points to play a game (throw a dart, roll a marble, spin a dial) to determine a playing card. After five stops they have the makings of a poker hand based on how well they did at the games. Winners are the ones with the best and worst poker hands. Numerous door prizes and free camping are available. Come join us for a fun day in the saddle. Click here for additional information, map and registration form.
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