News
MO Back Country Horsemen Announce 2011 Contributions
Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen (SMMBCH) has announced that its members have contributed $203,389.88 in volunteerism to the State ofMissourifor 2011. SMMBCH is a volunteer service organization dedicated to protectingMissouri’s equestrian trails through education, partnership with land management agencies, and trail advocacy.
In 2011, volunteers worked with land managers to complete a variety of tasks, including building, marking and maintaining equestrian and multi-use trails and staging areas. Many of these projects were accomplished with the use of members’ trail horses and mules; some projects included the use of pack animals. Educational exhibits, including trail riding ethics and Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics, were manned by members at events where trail riders gather. Youth Days were hosted by three chapters across Missouri, where LNT awareness and trail ethics and safety were taught. SMMBCH claims its own Leave No Trace Master Stock Educators, who have become LNT trainers for some of the partner public agencies. Chapters partnered with local land managers, in support of grants that have been awarded; members will provide in-kind donations of materials and labor to make added amenities possible for all trail users. In addition, SMMBCH is committed to equestrian advocacy and addresses timely issues in this area.
Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) has experienced 39 years of successful advocacy;Missouri’s organization, SMMBCH, was founded in 2002, and operates under BCHA. There are currently sevenMissourichapters, which work with their local land managers in this “grass roots” organization. For information visit the SMMBCH website at www. showmebch.org.
Joel Starr of BCHO and OET is not only the Region 6 volunteer of the year but the national volunteer of the year as well for the USFS.
Midwest and Eastern State, Affiliate, and Chapter Organizations,
The Marketing & Media Committee is working on updating the BCHA Brochure. We need pictures from your part of the country in specific areas. Just one high quality photo will be needed for each topic. They need to be closeup shots, as the brochure only has room for small images. Only side or front views please.
1) partnerships with other user groups or agencies. (Need both groups in the photo)
2) teaching packing or LNT
3) Packing lumber, timbers, etc
4) stock working in harness
Email to: Media@backcountryhorse.com
Thanks for your help!
Rod Parks
Marketing & Media Committee Chair
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