Backcountry Horsemen of California

Backcountry Horsemen of California
Name	Backcountry Horsemen of California
Abbreviation	BCHC
Formation	1970s
Type	Nonprofit
Region served	California

Backcountry Horsemen of California is a statewide nonprofit association dedicated to preserving access to public lands for horseback riders, packers, and stock users across California, Sierra Nevada, and Mendocino National Forest. Founded as part of a broader movement in the United States to organize trail riders and volunteer stewards, the organization works with federal and state agencies, local governments, and recreation groups to maintain trails, advocate for policy, and provide education. Its membership includes individual riders, volunteer crews, and affiliated chapters that operate in regions such as the Tahoe National Forest, Angeles National Forest, and Inyo National Forest.

History

The organization emerged during the same era that saw formation of groups like the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and Sierra Club chapters in the 1970s United States environmental movement. Early leaders drew upon traditions from the Packers and Stockmen networks, the American Horse Council, and regional associations in the Pacific Crest Trail corridor. Over time, BCHC engaged with federal laws and agencies including the National Environmental Policy Act, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to secure administrative recognition for stock use and trail stewardship. Historic projects paralleled initiatives by organizations such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (in legacy influence), the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, and state-level entities like the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Organization and Chapters

BCHC is structured as a federation of local chapters, modeled similarly to organizations like the Backcountry Horsemen of America and regional clubs affiliated with the American Hiking Society. Chapters serve counties and National Forest units including Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, and Sierra National Forest. Leadership roles mirror nonprofit governance norms found in groups such as the Nature Conservancy chapters and the National Park Service volunteer programs, with boards, volunteers, and chapter coordinators liaising with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and county recreation departments. Membership categories reflect those used by the American Mountain Guides Association and equestrian groups connected to the United States Equestrian Federation.

Mission and Activities

The stated mission combines elements similar to mission statements from the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Trust for Public Land, and the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: to keep trails open for stock use, promote stewardship, and provide rider education. Activities include trail clearing, bridge repair, invasive species removal, and advocacy on legislative matters such as state-level trail access bills in the California State Legislature and federal public lands policy debates in the United States Congress. The organization also participates in resource stewardship projects alongside agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and local governments.

Trail Maintenance and Conservation Efforts

Trail crews operate within landscapes managed by entities including the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and federal units such as Yosemite National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Work often aligns with conservation programs seen in collaborations between the Nature Conservancy and federal partners, employing techniques recommended by the U.S. Forest Service trail handbooks and standards promulgated by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Projects have included route rehabilitation near the Pacific Crest Trail, restoration in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and stewardship on historic pack routes used since the era of the California Gold Rush and Donner Party land-use history. Volunteers coordinate with fire management entities like the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and regional fire safe councils.

Education, Training, and Safety Programs

Educational offerings parallel curricula from the American Red Cross, National Outdoor Leadership School, and equine safety modules influenced by standards from the United States Pony Clubs and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Training covers low-impact stock use, pack string management, first aid for humans and horses, and trail etiquette for shared use with hikers from groups such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and mountain bikers affiliated with the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Safety protocols reference emergency response coordination with agencies like Cal OES and the National Park Service Search and Rescue units.

Events and Community Outreach

Chapters host pack clinics, work parties, trail rides, and public forums akin to events organized by the American Hiking Society, Equestrian Trails, Inc., and county fairs such as the California State Fair. Outreach includes partnerships with scouting organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, youth equestrian programs affiliated with the 4-H movement, and veterans’ therapeutic riding initiatives comparable to Project Healing Waters and Equine Assisted Therapy programs. Annual conventions and meetings attract participants from conservation NGOs, federal agencies, and outdoor recreation businesses based in regions like the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, and Sacramento.

Partnerships and Advocacy

BCHC collaborates with national and regional organizations including the Backcountry Horsemen of America, American Horse Council, Pacific Crest Trail Association, and federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Advocacy work involves engagement with legislative processes in the California State Legislature and federal policymaking in the United States Congress, and participation in coalitions with groups like the Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, and local land trusts. These partnerships support funding mechanisms similar to grants administered by the National Forest Foundation and technical cooperation via memoranda of understanding with agency partners.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in California Category:Equestrian organizations in the United States