Columbia Gorge Back Country Horsemen

Oct Meeting Notes (notetaker: Gail)

Before our meeting, we enjoyed a lively slide show presented by Jody Foss of Kimberly Or of her 600 mile adventure with mules.

We had two guests, Ron Carroll from Mosier, Or, and Joy’s mother, Pat Copley.

Treasurer’s Report:
Rose reported that the $1500 came in for the Cyrus Springs corrals (we are replacing the old wooden corrals with metal ones). She paid over $900 for the steel. There are more things yet to purchase but she estimates that we will probably come in under budget.

Old Business:
Gibson Prairie: Ken reported that he will be going on a field trip tomorrow to help site-in a trail from Gibson Prairie to Long Prairie. It’s a mile long trail. The earlier location for the trail needed to be moved closer to the road for better footing.

Knebal Springs: Jim reported that the Forest Service would like us to complete some work this fall, weather permitting. (Move gravel to toilets, fill potholes, tear down old corrals) Neil agreed to bring his tractor to help with this effort. We will meet @ Knebal Springs, Nov 27 @ with shovels, and rakes.

Barb Adams reported that there are 42 miles of road the FS is decommissioning. One of those is FS 380 that serves Camp Riley. Another one is Wildcat Mt road that serves the Douglas Trail Head. Barb urges people to comment on this to the FS…especially with regards to the Wildcat Mt Road closure. This closure will prevent access to the Douglas Trail by equestrians which is a 26 mile loop. We need to advocate for a new trailhead before the old one is closed. (This is the last day to comment!!)

Gail shared a concern about the ORV alternatives the FS is considering. Alternative 3 would include trails for ORVs in the Gibson Prairie area. It was moved and seconded that Gail and Ken would collaborate on a letter to the FS from our BCH chapter to advocate for alternative 4.

Lower Post Canyon meeting: The FS is planning to convert all trails in the scenic area to hiker, biker and equestrian. We need someone from our group to who knows this area well to join the committee. Ken volunteered.

State Ride Committee: Members will meet before the next meeting .

New Business:

Lynn: Will set up a Blog for our chapter where we can send in and post our pictures, calendar, updates and meeting notes. This will take the place of our newsletter and will save us quite a bit of money.

November meeting, Kim McCarrel, author of Riding Central Oregon Trails will be our guest speaker in November. We’ll start at 6:30 –bring appetizers to share.