Advocacy

The 10 Habits of Highly Successful Trail Advocates

Tips on Meeting With Members of Congress or Congressional Staff

Advocacy as the third spoke of the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA)   philosophy is inherent in all of the stated purposes.  “To speak in favor of, to recommend” is a simple definition but, its accomplishment involves going to meetings, lots and lots of meetings, on public land management and other issues.

Compared to other public land user groups and non governmental organizations (NGOs), equestrians are rank beginners, constantly playing catch up. It is best to be involved in the initial planning phases for public land policy as once enacted; it is much more difficult to change. NGOs which advocate for hikers primarily have been involved in these planning sessions for decades.  In some instances, it is like arriving at the announced time for dinner to discover the main course has already been served. 

Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen believes that the first step is a strong statewide organization addressing trailrider issues.  The second step for equestrians is adherence to trail ethics; every responsible equestrian by their actions and courtesy is a trail advocate.  Other steps involve going to meetings, contacting your elected officials, the list goes on and on.

Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen have been extremely successful in earning a ‘seat at the table’ when land managers are deciding the future of equestrian access to public trails in Missouri.  Our Memoranda of Understanding with the U.S. Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are precedent setting.  Missouri is leading the way in acknowledging and supporting our continued access to public trails.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed  between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks and the Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen.  The purpose of this MOU is to continue to develop and expand a framework of cooperation upon which mutually beneficial programs, projects, training, and other equestrian activities may be planned and accomplished on State lands by the DNR and SMMBCH working cooperatively at the state, regional, and local level. Such programs, projects and activities complement the DNR mission and are in the best interests of the public.

The DNR is a land management state agency dedicated to the management of State Park lands for a variety of uses and activities including outdoor recreation.  The DNR is interested in providing a variety of equestrian opportunities that are environmentally sensitive, educational and support community objectives that contribute to local and regional economies and quality of life.

There is a need to actively promote public-private partnerships that encourage responsible use of public lands by visitors participating in equestrian and recreational stock travel and activities.  Both the DNR and SMMBCH share the common responsibility and interest of disseminating information to the public regarding conservation, recreation and natural resource activities as they relate to equestrian and recreational stock use.

The DNR has committed to work with SMMBCH and its affiliate organizations to identify appropriate partnership opportunities (trail projects, administrative studies, education programs, etc.) and jointly pursue such projects in conjunction with the equestrian and recreational stock community and park districts statewide, contingent upon availability of funds and personnel.