Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen is first and foremost a service organization. We volunteer our time and energies to keep equestrian trails open and enjoyable to horsemen. We clear deadfall, prune low hanging branches, clear brush, pick up trash, improve trail heads and work on erosion control projects on Missouri’s public lands.
SMMBCH Volunteer Contributions
2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,243.85
2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $74,812.98**
2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $103,187.90
2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139,737.67
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $224,971.00
2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $188,024.71
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $266,104.98
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $177,260.83
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $203,389.88
Approximate Total Monetary Value 2003-2011 $1,411,733.80
** Estimated from 2004 hours and 2003 values
Our efforts are done in coordination with numerous federal, state and local agencies to maximize the amount of equestrian and multi-use trails open to equestrians being maintained. We place special emphasis on maintaining equestrian trails in wilderness and rough terrain areas where vehicles are not allowed or cannot reach. Our efforts are especially valued by the agencies we support as their budgets have been cut. Without our efforts, many equestrian trails would be closed due to lack of maintenance. Our efforts have also contributed to our advocacy efforts, earning us a reputation as valued supporters of the agencies managing these public lands and a ‘seat at the table’ when there are public discussions about the future of public lands.
We have service projects sites throughout Missouri. Some projects involve single work days, while others, such are the Ozark Trail, represent an on-going commitment. Service projects are identified by SMMBCH members, SMMBCH Chapters or brought to our attention by land managers from the various agencies we support.
Nationally, Back Country Horsemen volunteer efforts are valued at over $2 million a year.
If you are aware of worthy projects, please contact SMMBCH or a near-by Chapter. If you are interested in forming a new chapter in your community to ‘adopt’ a public equestrian trail, please contact us.
Service Committee Report, Winter, 2011 update
Winter has been kind to us Missourians and it is reflected in the volunteerism on the trails and other projects. Hours reported to date are:
People Hours 111
Personal Vehicle Miles 2707
Stock Hauling Miles 790
Power Equipment Hours 6
Stock Days 18
Value $11,573.60
IF YOU WILL BE REPORTING HOURS for the future, please recycle all versions of the Volunteer Hours Form that were previously used, and use the new form. The new form reflects information wanted by the Forest Service and BCHA that was not captured on the old forms. The new form is available in several locations:
- on the website: www.showmebch.org Click on the Service tab; you can fill it out on your computer, and email as an attachment,
- email me at mkchurch@centurylink.net and I will email you a copy
- or call me at 573-406-2566 and I will US Postal forms to you, which can be completed by hand and mail to me at MK Church;5132 County Rd.277; Palmyra, MO 63461
Keep up the good work!!