Back Country Horsemen of America has always
known that the national organization is only as strong as
its members. The actions of each individual member come together
with the actions of other members, creating a force that brings
about change. There has been an unfortunate trend towards
preventing pack and saddle stock users from accessing and
enjoying public lands. But individuals from BCHA and its member
organizations have been working together and are seeing that
trend change direction.
A Win for Us All
Show Me Missouri Back Country
Horsemen, a BCHA state member organization, recently won a
major victory in the fight to protect our right to ride on
Missouri’s public lands. House Bill 250 was first introduced
to the Missouri House of Representatives in January. This
bill was intended to make sure that any United States resident
is allowed to ride on any Missouri public land that is now
or has historically been used for riding. In May, Missouri
State Representatives listened to the voice of stock users
and voted overwhelmingly to pass House Bill 250.
At first, the bill met with opposition from
a number of other trail user groups, including Midwest Fat
Tire Mountain Biking, the Missouri Bicycle Federation, and
all major mountain biking organizations in Missouri. Their
concerns included ambiguous language in the bill and the incompatibility
of horses with other trail users. Reluctance to share trails
with horses is nothing new – it’s the complaint of trail users
across the country, despite equestrians’ adherence to proper
etiquette, safety, courtesy, and hands-on involvement with
maintaining those trails.
Proponents for House Bill 250 included Show
Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen, the Missouri Equine Council,
Missouri Farm Bureau, and a number of equestrians and stock
users. They pointed out the need for a bill to ensure that
trails that currently permit horse riding will continue to
do so in the future. They also brought to light the fact that
the horse industry brings about $9 million into Missouri annually,
a very good reason to make horse users feel welcome.
After it underwent some revision, many of
those who opposed the bill began to support it, including
Missouri Department of Natural Resources Div. of State Parks.
BCHA and SMMBCH are pleased that House Bill 250 was passed
with this wording: “Access to public land owned, managed,
or funded by the state of Missouri for horse and mule use
shall not be denied on trails and roads that are currently
designated by the state as land upon which horses or mules
can be ridden, except that access can be denied where conditions
are not suitable because of public safety concerns, necessary
maintenance, or for reasons related to the mission of the
agency that owns or manages the land so long as a written
statement is posted at the trailhead stating the cause and
estimated duration of the closure. Nothing in this section
shall cause horses or mules to be excluded from inclusion
in the development of new trails on Missouri public lands.”
Taking Responsibility for the Land
We Enjoy
Following BCHA’s example of hard work
not only in the White House and various state capitals but
also on the trail, Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen
logged 5,056 volunteer man hours in 2008, maintaining and
improving trails, trailheads, and campsites for all to enjoy.
That includes members driving 15,662 miles in their personal
vehicles; using stock to haul equipment 38,525 miles; 252
hours of power tool use; and 37 hours of using heavy equipment.
SMMBCH’s total volunteer value for 2008 totaled $188,025.
When they see a job that needs to be done, Show Me Missouri
Back Country Horsemen do it, and are glad when other trail
user groups also benefit from their efforts.
An Example to Follow
Back Country Horsemen of America commends Show
Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen for their patient dedication
to promoting House Bill 250, which resulted in a victory not
only for the horse users of Missouri, but for equestrians
across the United States. As more stock users in every corner
of our nation stand up for our right to ride on public lands,
this kind of legislation will become more commonplace.
BCHA and Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen
encourage every equestrian to be aware of the issues your
state representatives are voting on and to look for ways to
get involved with the care of the land you enjoy. Protecting
our right to ride on public lands takes a multi-faceted approach,
including contacting decision-makers to express our opinion;
educating the public about horse use on public lands; and
taking care of the land we use with voluntary trail maintenance
and low impact recreation methods.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation
made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members.
Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards
to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public
lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country
Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website:
www.backcountryhorse.com,
call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367.
The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
