2016 Rendezvous

Vol. 41 Issue 3 

Back Country Horsemen of Washington 

May/June 2016 

2016 Rendezvous 

www.bchw.org

ii 

2016 Officers, Committee Chairs & Staff 

OFFICERS: 

President Kathy Young 

president@bchw.org................ 206.551.7824 

Vice President Dave Sunde 

dsunde@frontier.com............... 509.486.1547 

Secretary Janelle Wilson 

secretary@bchw.org................ 360.748.4880 

Treasurer Teri Starke 

treasurer@bchw.org................. 253.709.5052 

Safety Officer Doc Wesselius 

wesselius@wildblue.net............ 360.736.6106 

Special Assistant for Advocacy Jeff Chapman 

bbbranch@olympus.net............ 360.385.6364 

Special Assistant for Independent 

Member Affairs Jason Ridlon 

jhridlon@fairpoint.net............... 509.964.9260 

BCHA Directors 

Darrell Wallace 

exec@bchw.org................... 360.918.3016 

Jason Ridlon 

jhridlon@fairpoint.net............ 509.964.9260 

Alternate Ken Carmichael 

kcarmichael2225@gmail.com.509.466.2225 

COMMITTEE CHAIRS: 

Legislative Chair Jeff Chapman 

bbbranch@olympus.net............ 360.385.6364 

Public Lands Chair Bernie Stratton 

stratton.bernie@gmail.com........ 360.262.3606 

Public Lands Vice Chair Darrell Wallace 

exec@bchw.org..................... 360.918.3016 

Membership Chair Heather Moorman 

membership@bchw.org............ 509.585.4001 

Awards Chair Deb Wesselius 

wesselius@wildblue.net............ 360.736.6106 

Education Chair.................................. Vacant 

LNT Chair Jane Byram 

LNT@bchw.org.................... 509.997.7407 

Lead Saw Certifiers 

Tom Mix 

backcountrypacker@gmail.com 360.582.0460 

Trygve Culp 

trygveculp@gmail.com.......... 509.486.2061 

Volunteer Hours Chair 

Deb Wesselius 

wesselius@wildblue.net......... 360.736.6106 

Governance By-Laws Chair Ken Carmichael 

kcarmichael2225@gmail.com...... 509.466.2225 

Governance By-Laws Vice Chair Teunis Wyers 

teunisjw@gmail.com................ 509.493.3939 

Special Project Coordinator Jason Ridlon 

jhridlon@fairpoint.net............... 509.964.9260 

Ways & Means Teri Starke 

tstrk21@msn.com.................... 253.709.5052 

2017 Rendezvous Chair 

Teri Starke 

tstrk21@msn.com.................... 253.709.5052 

THN Editor Dick Yarboro 

easyrider@scattercreek.com...... 360.264.2263 

Web Master & Photographer Jim Thode 

webboss@bchw.org................ 360.978.5336 

STAFF: 

Executive Director Darrell Wallace 

exec@bchw.org..................... 360.918.3016 

THN Managing Editor & Publisher Joyce Willms 

Creative Director Adriane Goodwin 

bchw@wamedia.com.............. 360.754.4543 

Volunteer Copy Editor/Proof Reader 

Sondra Johnston 

sgjohn1234@aol.com............. 253.843.2679 

The Trailhead News 

Inside this Issue 

Disclaimer 

Articles which appear in The Trailhead News (THN) 

do not necessarily reflect the position, opinion or 

endorsement of Back Country Horsemen of Washington 

(BCHW), its officers, committee chairs, staff or 

Washington Media Services, Inc. (WMS). BCHW and 

WMS are not responsible for the accuracy of all material 

and advertisements. Appearance of an advertisement 

in the THN does not constitute a recommendation or 

endorsement by BCHW of goods or services offered 

therein. Prices subject to change without warning. 

BCHW, WMS and its management shall not be held 

responsible for any typing errors or omissions other 

than a correction in the next available issue. The THN 

shall not be reproduced in any form or manner without 

prior written agreement. This includes reproduction of 

articles, photos, and the BCHW logo. 

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Back Country Horsemen of 

Washington has enacted the following policy: Back Country 

Horsemen of Washington does not endorse or oppose any 

political candidate, donate or contribute to any political 

candidate’s campaign, participate or engage in political fund 

raising events, distribute statements for or against particular 

political candidates, nor engage in any other activity that 

may constitute favoring or opposing a political candidate. 

The forgoing applies to the official position of BCHW, it 

does not restrict or discourage individual members from 

representing themselves in support of a candidate. 


www.bchw.org 

Optional Member List .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 

Prez Says .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 

When Volunteers Rise to Professionalism .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 

Congratulations to Your BCHW 2015 Award Recipients .. .. .. .. .. .4-6 

Rendezvous 2016 Rides Into The Sunset .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 

Washington State Horse Expo .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 

Trail Work 

State Trail Work Leaders .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 

Out On The Trails 

Falls Creek Horse Camp – 

Heavenly Riding and Camping in Washington ................10 

Take a Geologic Trip Back in Time 

With a Ride in the Teanaway .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 11-12 

Washington Trails – 

Southwest Washington – Klickitat Loop Trail #7A .. .. .. .. .. .. .13-14 

Spring Cleaning Rock Creek Horse Camp . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 15 

2016 Board of Directors’ 1st Quarter Meeting ....................16 

2016 General Membership Meeting . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 17 

Calendar of Events .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Outside Back Cover 

Cover Photos: Courtesy of Jim Thode, 2016 Rendevous event. 

The Trailhead News is the official 

publication of Back Country Horsemen of 

Washington (BCHW). 

The Trailhead News is published bimonthly by Back Country 

Horsemen of Washington,110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393, 

Ellensburg, WA 98926. Annual membership dues include 

a subscription to The Trailhead News. 

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Trailhead 

News, 110 W. 6th Ave. PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926. 

© 2010 Back Country Horsemen of Washington. 

Editorial: Maximum word count for articles is 

600 plus two (2) photos as space is limited. Photos 

must be accompanied by the location, name(s) of 

person(s) in photo and the name of the photographer. 

Please submit to: bchw@wamedia.com or mail to: 

PO Box 7184 • Olympia, WA 98507 • 360.754.4543 

Article, Photo & Ad Publish Date 

Deadline Dates 

of Newsletter 

December 1..........................Jan/Feb 

January 18............................Mar/April 

April 1..................................May/June 

June 1...................................July/Aug 

August 1...............................Sept/Oct 

October 1.............................Nov/Dec 

Advertising Information Call: 

360.754.4543


Optional Members 

Back Country Horsemen of Washington expresses its gratitude to those who contribute to 

BCHW as “Contributing,” “Sustaining,” and “Patron,” members. 

The Optional Membership Program is available to all members for renewal or new membership. Members in this program pay only the optional 

membership fee, which includes the Family or Single Membership. The optional membership information on this page is provided by the 

BCHW Membership Committee. If you have any corrections or questions, please e-mail membership@bchw.org. 

Name Chapter Name Chapter 

Lifetime Members 

Mitch Baird................................................ IND 

Trygve Culp..............................................OKA 

Dave Jackson............................................. PSR 

Heather Moorman...................................... PSR 

Jim Murphy................................................OLY 

Bob Shonka................................................ IND 

Teri Starke.................................................. IND 

Carol D Wilcox........................................ WEN 

Teunis Wyers.............................................MTA 

Pat Wyers..................................................MTA 

Nancy & Bob Lee..................................... TAH 

Fred & Lori Lennox..................................GRA 

Teren & Norman Macleod........................BUC 

Gerry Magnuson.......................................BUC 

Mary McIntyre Lee.................................... IND 

Kim Merrick.............................................. TAH 

Thomas & Kristine Moran........................GRA 

John Myers................................................ RRR 

Al & Marcy Norrbom............................... TAH 

James & Carol Oakes................................. IND 

Mary & Dennis Owens.............................GRA 

Darlene Sabey........................................... TAH 

2016 Annual Meeting Head Table 

Dave & Janis Jackson................................ PSR 

Daren & Heather Moorman....................... PSR 

Bob & Sidney Showalter.......................... RRR 

Coco Spurway...........................................NOR 

James A Stansfield, MD........................... WEN 

Gene & Mary Sutliff................................. TRA 

2016 Benefactor Level 

Caleb Canby..............................................MET 

Tamara King & Eric Leung....................... TRA 

Darrell Wallace & Kristy Stender.............NOR 

Judy & Roy Warnick................................. CCR 

Joann Yost.................................................GRA 

Kathy Young & Steve Dando.................... TAH 

2016 Patron Level 

Chris Enrico...............................................CAP 

Sharon & Jack Jenson............................... TAH 

Greg Johnston & Cathy Johnson................NIS 

George Michel........................................... IND 

Joann Reider.............................................. TAH 

Barbara Woo & Scott Bauer...................... CAS 

2016 Sustaining Level 

Gene & Connie Baugher...........................MTA 

Sandi Berg................................................. CCR 

Garry & Penelope Booker.......................... IND 

Danny & Jeanie Chappel.......................... RRR 

Leslie Coey................................................ IND 

Allen & Missy Day................................... TAH 

Jack Duffy & Eileen Kiera.......................WHA 

Gary & Marie Duskin............................... SKA 

Bruce Foreman..........................................NOR 

Robert & Vicki Gish.................................NOR 

Peg Greiwe & Dale Kelley......................... PIE 

Linda & Steve Harer................................. TAH 

Mary Kane................................................ TAH 

Dorothy & Larry Kehres............................. PIE 

Edris Kenan............................................... TAH 

2016 Contributing Level 

Earl & Dorothy Aalseth............................ CAS 

Jannine Allen & Danny Garner.................YAK 

Matthew Andrews & Nancy Egaas............ IND 

Gene Brent................................................ TAH 

Gary & Kathy Collins...............................MTS 

Thomas & Sandra Eddy Family................. IND 

Ken & Pam Evans.....................................MTS 

Carol Finney.............................................MTS 

Marianne & Dave Finrow.........................LEW 

Judith & Bob Hoyle..................................BUC 

Tony Karniss.............................................LEW 

Cindy & Dean Kobetich............................BUC 

Joanne Lacy & Dale Bamford..................... PIE 

Ed & Teri Letcher..................................... TAH 

Janet Mathews............................................ IND 

Lisa Michaud & Tom Burt......................... IND 

Steve & Sandi Miller................................YAK 

Jeanette O’Keefe.......................................MET 

Dave Peterson & Kris Lenke ...................BUC 

David & Cathy Petrie................................ TAH 

Len & Kathy Rolph...................................MTA 

Joe & Marcia Russell................................ENU 

For Membership Questions and 

Mailing List Address 

Corrections/Updates… 

Please email membership@bchw.org directly! 

Name 

Chapter 

Kathy Russo............................................... IND 

Nancy Rust................................................MTS 

Nancy Slye................................................ENU 

Gerald & Margaret Throop.......................MTA 

Brian Tryon................................................ IND 

Cathy Upper..............................................MET 

Patti Wible..................................................OLY 

Greg & Brenda Wiebe...............................MTA 

A Gift To Honor or 

In Remembrance 

Donate in memory of a friend, family, 

or loved one. To make a donation in 

their name to BCHW, please contact 

Teri Starke, BCHW Treasurer, at: 

253.709.5052 or 

tstrk21@msn.com. 

Tax Deduction 

Please be informed that membership 

dues, paid at the state 

as well as the chapter level, 

are tax deductible for the calendar 

year and subsequent years. 

Deduct your dues as a charitable 

contribution under authority of 

IRC Section 170 (assuming the 

person paying the membership 

dues itemizes their deductions 

when computing their federal net 

taxable income) or as a business 

deduction under authority of IRC 

Section 162 (assuming the person 

paying the membership dues has 

a “trade or business” and the payment 

of the membership dues is 

directly related to this “trade or 

business”). When making a donation, 

ask for a receipt. 

Your volunteer mileage is also 

deductible. Make copies of your 

volunteer hours logs with mileage 

for your taxes. 


1


Prez Says 

Finding Your Resources In BCHW 

By Kathy Young, BCHW President 

Writing this in April for a May issue is like being 

behind already. I have already heard how much 

work is being done out there by our members and 

chapters as weather and accessibility to trails is improving. 

Saw certifications and re-certs have occurred in several areas 

of the state. If you are not currently saw-certified I would urge 

you to strongly consider it. A lot of us carry a small trail saw 

whenever we ride, and when faced with the downed log in 

the trail, there is a lot to consider before you decide to saw or 

not. Getting your crosscut certification will help you to make 

safe and prudent decisions, even if you never plan to carry 

a cross cut saw. Besides that, getting that certification will 

give you an opportunity to hear a saw “sing”; there is really 

nothing like it. Check with our BCHW Lead Saw Certifiers, 

Trygve Culp or Tom Mix to get into a class or to find a BCHW 

qualified saw-certifier. Their contact information is in the left 

column, inside front cover of this Trailhead News. 

We had another successful Rendezvous in March, and I 

want to give one more big fat gigantic THANK YOU to our 

Rendezvous Chairman Teri Starke and to the entire Rendezvous 

crew. It seems that with planning, set up, concessions, 

vendors, programs, demos, clinics and meals I will bet that 

a lot of our members who attended had a hand in the success 

of this event. If I tried to name and thank every single person 

that I saw who was helping; well the music would come up really 

loud and the sheep hook would come out. So once more, 

THANK YOU to everyone who dived in and took a job. It was 

a really fun weekend, the successes were big, and the glitches 

were small. Our business meetings were an important part of 

this gathering of course, but we managed to keep them short 

and focused so our social time was abundant. Just like over a 

campfire out in the back country, issues were discussed and 

plans made. Teri Starke has graciously agreed to plan 2017 

Rendezvous (YEEHAW!!) and will need some help in a few 

spots for the planning stages. If trail work is not your thing, 

volunteering to help with Rendezvous could be the perfect 

way for you to support BCHW. Please consider it and contact 

Teri Stark to see how you can help, because planning for 2017 

has already begun. Teri’s contact information is in the left column, 

inside front cover of this THN. 

Another big thank you is in order for Lori Lennox, Ken 

Carmichael and Jim Thode for the revamped BCHW Directors 

page. Lori and Ken spent a lot of time reorganizing our 

documents into an indexed page that is much easier to navigate 

when trying to locate a rule, document or form. Jim was 

able to set up the pages behind the scene and activate the new 

site as soon as the BOD voted to approve the new standing 

rule that made the change. This site will be more available 

continued on page 3 

BCHW Mission Statement 

BCHW is affiliated with Back Country Horsemen of America (hereinafter “BCHA”) and therefore 

adopts the BCHA mission statement as follows: The mission of this organization shall be: 

• To perpetuate the common-sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country 

and wilderness. 

• To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. 

• To assist the various governmental and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource. 

• To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general 

public commensurate with our heritage. 

• To foster and encourage the formation of new chapters in the state organization. 

2 

The Trailhead News



When Volunteers Rise to 

Professionalism 

By Darrell Wallace, BCHW Executive Director 

Back Country Horsemen are some of the most dedicated volunteers 

I know. I have seen them rise well before dawn, 

gulp some oatmeal and a cup of coffee, load their horses in 

the trailer, and drive for hours – to a work 

party! There, they will load tools on their 

animals and wade through cold, deep, water; 

over steep hills, and along steep cliffs 

to get to the work that they will do. They 

will even suffer through paperwork (gasp!), 

endure the worst weather nature can throw 

at them, and laugh off the aches and pains 

that inevitably come with their labors. 

And all without pay. Many times, it’s 

at their expense. Why? What could motivate 

people to do these things – not just 

once, but regularly? 

I have a theory about that: it lies in the 

nature of something just the opposite of 

“volunteer” – what people sometimes call “professionalism.” I 

looked up some traits of professionals and learned that they do 

more than expected, and they follow exceptional guiding principles. 

BCHW volunteers certainly do more than expected. 

Many of us have had the pleasure of making presentations 

to public lands managers about our trail work, and seeing the 

looks of amazement on their faces when they realize how 

much we do, and how well, and how safely. They begin to 

The public hardly knows 

us, but when they 

encounter us, they often 

see the conduct, the aims, 

and the qualities of people 

with high degrees of 

professionalism. 

recognize the expertise, the technical competence, the dedication, 

and the impact of our efforts. 

BCHW volunteers also seem to have exceptional guiding 

principles. Maybe it’s how we interpret 

our mission statement, or maybe it’s 

the majesty of the backcountry that brings 

out the best in us, or maybe it’s our equine 

partners – but something seems to make 

BCHW volunteers stand out as they clear 

trails, advocate for trail accessibility, practice 

Leave-No-Trace, and all the other 

things we do. 

The public hardly knows us, but when 

they encounter us, they often see the conduct, 

the aims, and the qualities of people with high 

degrees of professionalism. We see similar 

traits in volunteer first responders, like Firefighters, 

Search and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Technicians. 

Sometimes it requires great restraint to be professional - like 

when we are frustrated over a trail that’s closed for no apparent 

reason, and it’s all we can do to keep from pounding our fists on 

the table. Or when we see vandalism on trailhead facilities. Or 

when someone seems to be taking advantage of our generosity – 

you get the picture. 

So keep up the good work, Volunteers – your professionalism 

is noticed, and it truly makes a difference. 

Finding Your Resources in BCHW 

continued from page 2 

to BCHW members who need access to BCHW forms and 

documents. If you are a member who would benefit from 

access to the page your Chapter Director will be able to provide 

you with instructions to reach the Directors site online. 

Your Public Lands Committee has been active this 

spring, attending a number of meetings with the agencies 

that we work with throughout the year. I was able to attend 

the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie FS Winter meeting, along with 

PLC chairman Bernie Stratton and Special Projects Coordinator 

Jason Ridon. I was also able to attend a meeting that 

included BCHW, BCHO and the Pomeroy Ranger district 

regarding the Forest Service’s plan for trails maintenance 

in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. We will be providing 

specific feedback to the FS on their draft plan for this 

wilderness. Contact information for Bernie Stratton, the 

BCHW Public Lands Chairman, or any of the BCHW Committee 

Chairs is found on the inside cover of this Trailhead 

News. These people are your resources for questions, comments 

and issues that should be brought to the attention of 

BCHW. Let’s get out and RIDE! 


3

2015 Awards 


Congratulations to Your 

By: Deb Wesselius, BCHW-Awards Committee Chair 

The 2015 BCHW Award program recognized four different award 

categories: Lifetime Achievement, Lopper, Backbone, Trail Warrior, 

plus two BCHW Cinch Awards. Eight BCHW chapters participated 

in the nomination process, presenting excellent nominees for 

the judging process. Having been able to review the nomination packets, 

I was reminded of the significant contribution volunteers make for 

our organization. It was amazing to read about the time and commitment 

the nominees have volunteered over the years. 

Lifetime Achievement - 2016 

Okanogan Valley Chapter – Trygve Culp 

Northeast Chapter – Robert & Vicki Gish 

Trail Warrior - 2015 

Mt. St. Helens Chapter – 

Danny Stineback 

Start thinking about your 2016 volunteers and decide 

who in your chapter might meet the qualifications 

for one of this year’s awards. You might also consider 

forming an awards nominating committee in your chapter 

to start gathering important information and pictures 

for your deserving volunteers. 

The BCHW Awards committee wishes to give a 

special thanks to the chapters and businesses that sponsored 

the award program. Your continued support to our 

awards program is appreciated. 

Thanks to: 

BCHW Chapters: Buckhorn Range, Cascade Horse 

Club, Enumclaw Trail Riders, Ferry County, Lewis 

County, Methow Valley, Mt. Saint Helens, Peninsula, 

Traildusters & Wenatchee Valley. 

Businesses: Chris Tornow, Saddle Maker & Harbor Saw 

& Supply. 

4 


ALL AWARD PHOTOS BY JIM THODE


2015 Awards 

BCHW 2015 Award Recipients 

Lopper - 2015 

Yakima Valley Chapter – Robin Faulk 

Mt. St. Helens Chapter – Barbara Thomas 

Mt. St. Helens Chapter – Claire Fisher 

Peninsula Chapter – Cate Bendock 

(accepting for Cate was Dan Dosey) 

Backbone - 2015 

Grays Harbor Chapter – Mary Owens 

Scattercreek Riders Chapter – 

Dick & LaVonne Bailey 

(accepting by Joan Fleming and Laura Keepers) 

Tahoma Chapter – Don Boltz 


ALL AWARD PHOTOS BY JIM THODE 


5

2015 Awards 

Congratulations to your BCHW 2015 Award Recipients 



Cinch Award - 2015 

The BCHW Board of Directors selected two outstanding 

recipients for BCHW Cinch Awards. The cinch 

award nominees were recognized for their efforts 

done behind the scenes for our organization. First is Tom 

Mix, who worked for three years to develop and implement 

the BCHW Saw Certification Program successfully with 

other user groups. The second Cinch awards goes to Lori 

Lennox for running three successive years, Rendezvous! 

Under her steadfast guidance Rendezvous has become 

BCHW’s top fundraiser. 

PHOTO BY JIM THODE 

Tom Mix & Lori Lennox 

Diamond Award - 2015 

Trail Dusters Chapter - Cathy Nelson 


For the final BCHW Award, Past President Culp presented 

the President’s Diamond Award to Cathy Nelson, Trail 

Dusters Chapter, for her Herculean efforts to repair and 

reconstruct the access road to Haney Meadows and the Ken 

Wilcox Horse Camp on the Cle Elum Ranger District of the 

Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest. She started work on the 

project following the Table Mountain Fire when it became apparent 

that the road had deteriorated to the point that it was 

nearly impassable due to fire damage and fire equipment abuse 

of the road. Cathy single handedly cajoled and in some cases 

hounded land managers to complete necessary environmental 

documents, specifications and permissions and agreements. 

She beat the bushes for funding and donations until she had accumulated 

enough money to get the job done. Finally, she personally 

oversaw completion of the week-long project, camping 

onsite and working with the equipment operators to insure that 

the job was completed to specification(s). The Haney Meadows 

Road Project is the first major road project ever undertaken 

and successfully completed by BCHW. 

6 

The Trailhead News


2016 Rendezvous 

Rendezvous 2016 Rides Into The Sunset 

By Kim Merrick 

Thanks to those who attended, making this year’s event a fun 

and educational experience. It was great to see old friends, 

shop for a new scarf or some furniture, watch the TIP (Trainer 

Incentive Program) mustangs, and sample food from the Dutch 

Oven Cooking Contest. 

Rendezvous is centered around a meeting for all members, 

which the BCHW bylaws say we must have once a year. Some 

smart people from the early days of BCHW knew that just having 

a meeting would not be any fun, so some activities were added 

to help get members to come. In earlier days there were more 

contests, but the dinner and auction, the educational classes, the 

vendors, and awards remain the same. Since this is an all-volunteer 

effort, events change to reflect those who are doing the work. 

For 2016, one new thing was a BLM Mustang auction. There 

were six mustangs; all were gentled through the TIP process (see 

the Feb/Mar Issue of your THN for more info), and all were adopted. 

Our 2 BLM Wranglers, JW and Derrick, were the hit of the 

live auction, maybe because someone kept buying them drinks. 

Their antics really jazzed up the show. 

The first night of Rendezvous, Friday, has traditionally had a 

potluck (the mainstay of all BCHW parties). This year a bar and 

some open microphone time were added, which made the food all 

that much more enjoyable. There is always a big turnout for this; 

Darlene Brady and Shannon Burvee did a great job organizing it, 

and there were lots and lots of wonderful food. After dinner, people 

undid their belts and listened to several singers up on the stage. 

Another new thing this year was Movie Night. The movie that 

took the horse world by storm last fall, ‘Unbranded’ was shown 

on a big screen in the Armory, and there was even popcorn. All 

who participated enjoyed it, even if they had seen it before. In past 

years, we have had a dance, but it felt that maybe more guests 

would prefer a movie. We’ll see what happens for next year. 

Even our dinner had something new: Flank Steak. It was fabulous! 

Cascade Mountain Grilling always does a terrific job, and 

they are generous supporters of BCHW, donating a Dutch Oven 

Dinner for 12 to our live auction. We had more than 360 diners at 

our party, and it takes a long time to get your food sometimes, but 

there’s always enough. From drinks to dessert, all had a good time. 

Several things have remained the same as in years’ past: The 

biggest fundraiser of the year is the three auctions, which made 

about $17,000. Andy and Chuck brought their great packing classes 

back this year as well, even though they had an opportunity 

to go somewhere else. There was also the Saturday Dutch Oven 

Cooking Competition and the Crosscut Saw Competition. Awards 

given out on Sunday at the General Meeting included Bob and 

Vicki Gish (Lifetime Achievement), Don Boltz (Backbone), Cathy 

Nelson (President’s Diamond Award). For complete information 

on all the contest winners and honorees, see the BCHW website. 

So, while some things remain the same, other things change. 

I hoped that attendees enjoyed themselves and spent some of 

their hard-earned money to support their State BCHW, a leader in 

BCHA circles. After all, it is our party, and we want to play like 

we work. Thanks to those who attended, and hopefully, we will get 

more members attending that are new to Rendezvous. 

BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF WASHINGTON 

PRIZE RIDE JOE WATT CANYON MAY 14, 2016 

All proceeds go to Trail Projects and Support BCHW State Work Party. 

• First rider out 9:00 AM - Last out at 12 Noon! 

• Top Prize $500.00 in Cash / Plus many great prizes 

• $10.00 per hand $20.00 for [4] hands and $5.00 for 

every hand above [4] hands 

• Family membership to Back Country Horsemen $54.00 

gets [2] free hands! 

• Single membership to Back Country Horsemen $41.00 

gets [1] free hand! 

Joe Watt Canyon Near Ellensburg 

Thorp Exit 101 off I-90 ] 

47.070281,-120.737215 

Follow us on Facebook “Back Country Horsemen of 

Washington” for more information or contact 

Jason Ridlon,home 509 964-9260 Cell 509 699-9927 

email jhridlon@fairpoint.net 

Joy Rucker 509 304-4503 email ruckm2j@gmail.com 

• Food available- Provided by Cascade Mountain Grilling 

No Stallions or Dogs allowed on Prize Ride! • No Alcohol on Prize Ride! • Stock water only - no potable water 

Dry overnight camp sites available • Discover Pass or Washington Fish and Wildlife pass required! 


7

Washington State Horse Expo 

Washington State Horse Expo 

By Doc Wesselius 


The annual Washington State Horse Expo affords Back Country 

Horsemen of Washington an opportunity to expose itself to 

a large demographic area of equine ownership. The show at 

the Clark County Event Center is near two large metropolitan areas, 

Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon, and draws attendance 

from throughout the Pacific Northwest; 6,200 paid attendance this 

year. BCHW-Leave-No-Trace Committee sets up a display at the 

event that educates the public on minimum impact outdoor recreation 

and also promotes our organization’s mission statement. 

Volunteers from Mount Saint Helens and Lewis County chapters 

set up the indoor display that included a large tent for a Leave- 

No-Trace display, a smaller tent for chapter displays, an outdoor 

camp for sitting around and chatting, a corral for a live horse exhibition 

plus a metal-mule for cargo packing demonstrations. During 

the two and one-half day event members from several BCHW 

chapters staffed the display and answered many questions about 

skills and ethics to support sustainable use of wild lands and natural 

areas. The growing popularity of our wild lands requires us to 

embrace an outdoor etiquette and maintain a cooperative spirit. 

The display attracted outdoor recreationists other than horsemen 

and provided an opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to the 

seven principles of Leave-No-Trace. Additionally, the volunteers 

had a chance to focus on potential BCHW members and increase 

their chapter membership. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOC WESSELIUS 



Kathy Young, BCHW President, and (L-R) Larry Davis, “Doc” Wesselius, 

Tom Conner, & Danny Steinbeck at the packing demonstration 

with a metal mule. 

BCHW-LNT tent and display at WA St Horse Expo. 

8 


Craig Cameron “throwing rope” at the packing demonstration. 

Huge Thank You to 

Auction Volunteers 

The auction is a huge job; I want to appreciate my helpers 

this year. You are an amazing team, and I can not thank 

you enough! Together we helped BCHW make $17,000! 

Silent and Bucket Auction: 

• Mandy Biles, Missy Day, Mary Kane, Jeannie Chappell, 

Chloe Skinner, Jan Connors, Lourie Boltz, Teri 

Letcher, Kathy Tugwell, Louise Caywood & Jerry 

Parsons. 

Data Entry: 

• Linda McCaskill & Juli Rice. 

Live Auction: 

• Louise Caywood, Jerry Parsons, Mandy Biles, 

Gerry Magnuson, Lynn Wilhelm-Howell & Sandra Ihly. 

Security: 

• Jerry Parsons & Missy Day. 

• Thank You Letters: 

• Marcy Norrbom.


State Trail Work Leaders 

Trail Work 

By Jason Ridlon, Special Projects Coordinator 

With Rendezvous behind us that means one thing. Trail 

work season! Rendezvous is always a great place to 

network with fellow chapter leaders on upcoming 

trail work plans. What are your plans for this summer’s work 

season? This year’s Rendezvous offered a mix of classes to help 

us get started from Packing Stock, Basic Trailer Safety, to Back 

Country Communications. So what’s holding you back from 

clearing your favorite trail? At this year’s chapter officer training 

in Moses Lake and North Bend, we talked about, and gave 

instructions of finding needed safety info found on the public 

BCHW Home Page. This gives chapter Trail Work Leaders and 

Trail Ride Leaders a place to find JHA, Liability Forms, Emergency 

Evacuation Forms and more. Something we all need to 

work on this trail work season is recording our Trail work miles. 

This is found on the BCHW Home Page, and the program is easy 

to use. We all work lots of hours recording our work and conducting 

our work. But when bragging to land mangers do you say I 

worked 10 hours or I cleared and maintained 7 miles of trail? We 

all volunteer lots of hours but for me I like to say at summers end 

“I maintained 100 miles of trail”. Take the State Wide Work Party 

- nobody asks how many hours did everyone work? They ask how 

many miles did you reopen or maintain? Please contact myself at 

Jhridlon@fairpoint.net or Chris Enrico at cenrico@comcast.net, 

and we would be happy to help you get started. At Rendezvous 

we held our State-Wide Work Party Meeting, and we had a good 

turn out with interested members. This year’s event will be run 

out of the Twisp River Horse camp. Please send me an email 

or call if you are interested in coming so we can get you written 

down on the signup sheet. This is a must so we can purchase 

the correct amount of food for all the hard workers. This year at 

Joe Watt Canyon May 14th, BCHW as a state event is holding 

this year’s prize ride! This event is being run as a fundraiser with 

the BCHW Mission Statement in mind as the proceeds will go 

directly to the ground on a trail project. This year’s proceeds will 

help fund trail projects in the Norse Peak Wilderness being lead 

by the Tahoma Chapter. Another thing I would encourage us as 

BCHW members to do is get involved with a trail project - if not 

in your chapter reach out to another chapter to offer your skills to 

help grow our Mission Statement. Please contact myself if you 

have questions - let’s work together to find the answers. Hope to 

see you on the trail or at a BCHW event! 

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON RIDLON 

Access to Director’s Website 

By Ken Carmichael, Governance & Bylaws Committee 

Many of the documents necessary to effectively and efficiently 

operate BCHW are maintained on a “Director’s 

Website”. Our Webmaster Jim Thode maintains this. 

Recently two things have happened: 

First, we have reorganized the documents, removed dated and 

duplicate documents, and included documents that we felt should 

be on the website. 

Second, at the March 2016 BCHW Board Meeting, the Board approved 

“Standing Rule 2016-1, Access to BCHW Documents”. Basically 

this changes who has access to the password protected website. 

Where before at the chapter level only the State Directors had the 

password now all chapter officers, as defined by the individual chapters, 

will have the password. Further, some documents will be available 

through the officers to other BCHW members as necessary. 

What does this change mean? First, we feel that this approach 

will assist State Directors in their responsibilities of communicating 

to the chapter. The Directors will no longer be the 

only ones with access to these documents and the responsibility of 

implementing their intent. In addition, this will help with chapter 

building as chapter officers and committee chairs take responsibility 

for knowing about BCHW activities and following BCHW 

guidelines. 

If you are a chapter officer, ask your State Director about this 

change then become familiar with the information available to the 

chapters. The website is divided into chapters for easy reference. 

I want to thank Jim Thode and Lori Lennox for the hard work 

and many hours put into reorganizing the website and identifying 

the right documents. 


9



Falls Creek Horse Camp – 

Heavenly Riding and Camping in 

Washington 

By Robert Eversole, Northeast Chapter 

When Dick Yarboro, Trailhead News Editor and guru of all media, 

asked for my favorite place to ride in Washington. I was stumped. 

I have loads of favorite areas. After all, one can have many bestloved 

places. After much contemplating I arrived at my decision, 

Falls Creek Horse Camp in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

Falls Creek isn’t the best-appointed camp, nor does it have the 

largest trail system to explore. No, what sets Falls Creek apart 

from the rest is that Celeste and I talk about it, a lot. We made 

some wonderful memories there as we camped and rode and then 

camped and rode some more. 

The road into the camp is a long, bumpy, and dusty, graveled 

test of perseverance. The camp itself is on the smallish side with 

only six camp spots. And it is magical. The silence of the forest at 

night broken only by the occasional cry of an owl and the sharp 

crack of a branch as night creatures roam. Mist is silently creeping 

through forest trees early in the morning as you feed and care 

for your animals while savoring the first cup of coffee. The soft 

burble of Falls Creek as it makes it way past the camp and ultimately 

down to the Wind River miles away. Yes, Falls Creek is a 

great place to ride and camp. 

Being small means that Falls Creek isn’t the scene of group 

events with masses of people, dogs, and horses running amuck. 

Indeed, we’ve been quite fortunate and have always had the camp 

to ourselves during our visits. Nor does small mean that the camp 

is lacking in amenities. A well-maintained vault toilet, pre-strung 

high lines, and a full complement of picnic tables and fire rings 

round out the niceties available to visitors. Stock water can be had 

from the creek. The humans in the crew will want to filter or bring 

along potable water as there isn’t a well. 

If the camp proper is magical, then the riding is marvelous 

with several excellent options. Trail 152 runs south of camp to- 

wards the Lava Caves trailhead and, as you might expect, offers 

views of collapsed lava tubes. For me, however, the best riding 

starts across the road from the camp at trail 171 and leads into 

the Indian Heaven Wilderness; 20,784 acres of forest plateau dotted 

with meadows and lakes. Leaving camp, the sometimes rocky 

trail meanders through thick salal and huckleberries growing in 

the shadows of the towering forest canopy, then breaks open to reveal 

a wide pristine meadow with a lake and the Indian Racetrack. 

The Indian Heaven areas, and particularly the Indian Racetrack, 

have some great history behind them. For centuries, local native 

tribes would gather here each summer to partake of the area’s 

bounty of deer, fish, and huckleberries. When not hunting, fishing, 

or berry picking, they raced their horses so frequently and 

with such vigor that the track drummed into the dirt still exists 

today as a bare depression that runs arrow straight for over a thousand 

feet. This is the Indian Racetrack. When we visited, we thundered 

down the racetrack ...at a trot. 

For a spectacular vista, follow the switchbacks leading up to 

the summit fire lookout of Red Mountain overlooking the racetrack. 

This wonderful destination offers views of many of the volcanoes 

that make up our portion of the Pacific Ring of Fire. To 

the north, Mounts Baker and Rainier are clearly visible; to the 

northwest is Mount St. Helen’s broken cone, and to the northeast 

stately Mount Adams. A glance to the south will bring Mount 

Hood as well as California’s Mount Shasta in view. 

A trip to the Falls Creek Horse Camp won’t disappoint. 

As always, for more information about this and 

much more horse camping and riding areas in Washington, 

and beyond, visit the official trail guide of BCHW; 

www.TrailMeister.com. 

Announcement: BCHW Awards 

Committee Chair – Position Opening 

The BCHW Awards Committee Chair position is currently open and if you are looking to get involved with 

a BCHW program, this is a great opportunity for you. Deb Wesselius has resigned her position of BCHW 

Awards Committee Chair and we thank her for the years of past service. Deb mentions that she has had 

a great time getting to know the volunteers and chapters throughout the BCHW Awards nominating process. 

She notes, “We have such amazing volunteers and I loved hearing their story.” For further information and 

complete details for the BCHW Awards Committee Chair and Awards Program in general, contact Kathy 

Young, BCHW President at president@bchw.org. 

10 

The Trailhead News



Take a Geologic Trip Back in Time With a 

Ride in the Teanaway 

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLENSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY 

PHOTO COURTESY OF WA DNR 

Exlamation Point Rock 

By Eryn Akers, Recreation Communications Consultant Washington DNR 

If these hills could talk they would tell tales of bubbling lava, 

ancient jungles roamed by coyote-sized horses, and a shoreline 

sculpted by great blocks of ice. 

While all is quiet in the Teanaway now, the beauty that we 

enjoy today was formed by massive events that gave rise one-of-akind 

geologic features. The fascinating landscape, just a few miles 

east of Cle Elum, has a history of drawing people to its location. 

If you let yourself be one of them, you’ll see how erosion has exposed 

impressive formations of resistant Roslyn Formation sandstone, 

remnants of 40 million year-old swamps and rivers that also 

left behind a coal field that was mined for more than 80 years. 

Even older, a dark, blocky rock unique to this area and accordingly 

named Teanaway Basalt, holds up the high ridges north and 

west of the forest. It was formed as continental plates moved and 

stretched creating cracks and fissures that basalt lava filled up from 

below. This process also formed small cavities in the basalt that 

later filled with silica-rich fluid. This fluid eventually crystalized 

and became the rare Ellensburg Blue agate. It’s the only place in 

the world where the Ellensburg Blue agates exist. 

So, we see that these hills, or at least their rocks, do talk. The 

Division of Geology and Earth Resources, a part of Washington 

State’s Department of Natural Resources, is helping people to interpret 

what these stones say. 

A new one-page geologic map and summary centers in on the 

agency’s new Teanaway Community Forest. 

Trails begin just beyond Indian Camp, where 11 DNR-managed 

campsites, some set up specifically for camping with horses, 

are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Indian Camp is expected 

to reopen in April, though trails may need additional time 

for snow to clear. 

The challenging Middle Fork Teanaway, Yellow Hill, and 

West Fork Teanaway trails each begin amid lower Roslyn Formation 

sandstone, but riders will soon find themselves amid the 

chunky Teanaway Basalt that forms the area’s high summits and 

ridgelines. Bring a map and keep in mind that trail conditions can 

be rough and signage uncertain. Alternately, several old, gently 

inclined roads in the area, such as Teanaway Butte Road, are also 

open to non-motorized exploration. 

Use your geologic map and summary to spot signs of the area’s 

geology or explore points of interest in the scenic landscape. 

You’ll leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for 



11

Out On The trails 


Take a Geologic Trip Back in Time 


how the surrounding mountains and valleys were formed. The Division 

of Geology and Earth Resources intends to produce more 

one-page geologic summaries for other landscape destinations in 

the future. This one is available now at www.dnr.wa.gov/Teanaway. 

Until recently, the Teanaway was privately owned. It was 

purchase in 2013 as the state’s first community forest and is now 

co-managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Department 

of Fish and Wildlife. A management plan, based on broad 

stakeholder input and with Back Country Horsemen participation, 

was adopted earlier this year outlining how the more than 50,000 

acres should be cared for in the future. When you visit, remember 

to bring your Discover Pass – its display on vehicles is now required 

at trailheads and in campgrounds. 



Cheese Rock 

Mammoth Rock 

! 

Please clip out and mail 

! 

2016 BCHW All adult members need to sign the form. Chapter Members: contact your Chapter for an application. 

Membership Application Independent Members mail to: BCHW ATTN: Membership, 110 W. 6th Ave., PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA 98926 

I would like to help preserve the Horsemen’s rights to use horses on public lands. 

o New Member o Renewal/Past Member Mmbr #:__________County__________________________Legislative District _______ 

Adult Names (please print)______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Children Names (please print) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 

Address _______________________________________________City _____________________State _____Zip ________________ 

Phone (______ )______________ Cell (_______ )_______________Email_________________________________________________ 

Occupation ___________________________________________ 

Do you want to be a Volunteer? o Yes o No What would you like to volunteer for?______________________________________ 

State membership for 2016 calendar year 

Family Membership $ 54 _________ 

Single Membership $ 41 _________ 

Additional State Donation $ _________ 

Optional Memberships 

(Includes Family or Single Membership) 

Contributing Member $ 75 _________ 

Sustaining Member $ 125________ 

Patron Member $ 250________ 

Benefactor Member $ 500________ 

Lifetime (Single) Member $1,200_______ 

TOTAL ENCLOSED $ _________ 

o Please do not mail me The Trailhead News, I will read it online at the BCHW website. 

Liability Release & Notices 

All ADULT members MUST sign! Adult’s signature covers minor children. Recognizing the fact that 

there is a potential for an accident wherever horse use is involved, which can cause injuries to horses, riders, 

and spectators, and also recognizing the fact that Back Country Horsemen of Washington, including 

chapters, officers, directors, or members cannot always know the condition of trails or the experience of 

riders or horses taking part in Trail Rides or other BCHW functions, I do hereby release the above named 

from any claim or right for damages, which might occur to me, my minor children or horses. 

Signed______________________________________ Dated___________________________ 

Signed______________________________________ Dated___________________________ 

Signed______________________________________ Dated___________________________ 

Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) is a public charity as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 

501(c)(3). Accordingly, membership dues paid to BCHW may be treated as deductions characterized as 

“charitable contributions” when computing federal and state income tax obligations. 

12 

The Trailhead News



Washington Trails 

Southwest Washington – Klickitat Loop Trail #7A 


Midway Meadows 

By Doc Wesselius, Safety Officer 

Forest Service road closures due to washouts and slides will 

make access to trails south of Randle challenging this year. 

Horse camps and trailheads that remain reachable will experience 

overcrowding because of the road closures that will probably 

take several years to repair. Forest Service Road #21 will now 

provide the only entrance to popular recreational areas in the Gifford 

Pinchot National Forest and Goat Rocks Wilderness. It will 

require continual maintenance to correct washboard conditions in 

the unpaved motorway, especially with its heavy anticipated use. 

Contact the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (360-497-1100) before 

venturing into the area. 

Cody Horse Camp is an alternative to the camping fees 

charged at Keenes (pronounced Key-nuss) and Walupt horse 

camps. Klickitat Loop Trail #7A, a 26-mile trail, runs right past 

the horse camp and connects with other trails to create several 

loop trails of varying lengths. The horse camp, developed in cooperation 

with USFS by BCHW-Lewis County Chapter, disperses 

the heavy outdoor recreational use experienced in the nearby Goat 




Cody Horse Camp 

Mt. adams from Trail #7A 


13



Washington Trails 


NEW RATES! 

14 

$225.00 per issue & per spot color ad 

$600.00 per issue for full color ads 


Rocks Wilderness. Located in the Cispus River valley and surrounded 

by steep ridges, the riding out of the camp involves elevation 

gains, both east and west. 

Trail #7A east out of the horse camp is the most popular for 

day rides with its connections for several loop rides. An 8.5 mile 

round trip loop to Midway Meadows incorporates both #7A and 

#7B trails. A spectacular view of the area can be reached by a short 

side-trip from the old Midway Guard Station garage on an unmarked 

jeep road to the abandoned Midway Lookout. A 14-mile 

round-trip loop to Keenes Horse Camp combines Spring Creek 

Trail #115, Keenes Trail #120A, and High Lakes Trail #116. The 

longest round trip loop ride, 17.5 miles, leaves the horse camp, 

connects with the PCT near the old Midway Guard Station garage, 

continues north on the PCT to the Coleman Weedpatch Trail 

#121, descends west to the Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 - Trail 

#7A junction, and returns to the horse camp by Trail #7B. 

Heading west out of the horse camp to Elk Peak is worth the 

ride for its panoramic views. Trail #7A crosses the Cispus River 

and turns north for ten miles of switchbacks, with a 2500 feet 

elevation gain. There is a steep, rocky, 300-foot hike to the top of 

the peak. 

From Elk Peak the Trail #7A continues north, descends to a 

Forest Service Road #21 crossing, and then climbs to Chambers 

Lake. Chambers Lake has a no fee dispersed campground and is 

the northern limit of the #7A trail. From Chambers Lake the trail 

turns south, continues towards Walupt Lake and Midway Meadows 

after crossing the Cispus River and returns to Cody Horse 

Camp. 

Although the trails are marked, a Cowlitz Valley Ranger District 

map and/or “Green Trail” maps are recommended for determining 

directions for the loop rides. Riding stock should be in 

good condition before attempting the elevation gains experienced 

on the trails and hoof protection is advised. Both fords of the Cispus 

River, which are wide but shallow, can be challenging, especially 

during the spring runoff. Trail #7A is designated “challenging” 

with sections traversing steep hillsides but is free of cliffs with 

drop-offs. 

Cispus River Crossing 


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News magazine assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions. The advertiser assumes 

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Spring Cleaning Rock Creek Horse Camp 

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM ANDERSON 

By Jim Anderson, Director Mount St. Helens 

On March 5th, five organizations came together to do 

spring clean up of the Rock Cr. Horse Camp in the 

DNR’s Yacolt Burn State Forest. It was the Mount St. 

Helens Chapter of BCHW, Washington Trail Riders Association, 

Pacific Northwest Endurance Riders, Washington Trail 

Association, and Chinook Trail Association. The weather man 

predicted rain, but he was wrong. We had the sun and mild 

temperatures; made it nice for working. 

We had 38 dedicated people show up for the largest turnout 

ever for our work parties. Those folks brought with them 

three tractors, two motorized totes, and a 1937 bulldozer. I 

think the good lunch provided to everyone helped the turnout, 

but cabin fever may have been a factor two. As always thanks 

to the cooks, a hot meal out on the work parties is always appreciated. 

We accomplished everything that we and DNR had on our 

to-do list. An old unused corral was removed to possibly make 

room for a new camp site. The day park area was expanded to 

make parking much nicer. The dozer really shined here, pushing 

out old stumps, logs, brush, and rocks. The tractors bladed 

the roadway, hauled gravel, loaded the toters and pulled out 

unneeded parking barricades and moved tools around. Two 

retired carpenters constructed new gates for several corrals. 

The campfire rings were cleaned out of garbage and sites were 

raked up of winter storm debris. Weed/Brush cutters were used 

to cut back the brush on the camp trail where the toters delivered 

their gravel. 

This camp/trail head is used by non-motorized users. There 

are a few non-stock camp sites too. DNR is in the early stages 

of getting seventeen miles of new trail built here over the next 

couple of years. This will make some nice shorter loops and a 

wider variety of distances available to ride. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM ANDERSON 


15

Board Meeting 

2016 Board of Directors’ 

1st Quarter Meeting 



By Janelle Carolyn Wilson 

The Back Country Horsemen of Washington held the 1st 

Quarter 2016 Board of Directors Meeting on March 19, 

2016 in Ellensburg, WA, at the KVEC - Armory Building. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 a.m. by President Kathy 

Young. Roll Call Attendance was taken. Crab Creek Riders 

was absent. Ferry County, Grays Harbor, and Whatcom were 

absent for the roll call but arrived late. A quorum was present. 

The agenda was adopted. The 4th Quarter 2015 Board of Directors 

Meeting Minutes were adopted after the correction that 

the Enumclaw Director was actually present at the December 

Board meeting. 

Officer and Committee reports were previously posted on-line 

for Directors to review. Kathy Young reported for the Executive 

Committee. A new Executive Advisory Board had been 

appointed. The Board approved the actions of the committee, 

which included: changing the BCHW D&O Insurance agent 

and policy, advertising in the Northwest Horse Source magazine, 

and adding the Joe Watt fundraiser ride. 

The Treasurer’s report had been posted by Teri Starke, Treasurer. 

Teri reported that everything looks good. The Membership 

report had been posted by Heather Moorman. Heather reported 

that the numbers are in the same place as last year. The Rendezvous 

report was given by Teri Starke. Teri will chair next 

year, but needs more volunteers. The Statewide Trailwork Party 

report was posted by Jason Ridlon. 

The Governance and Bylaws Committee was represented by 

Ken Carmichael. The BCHW Board of Directors voted to approve 

Standing Rule 2016-1 Access to BCHW Documents regarding 

document posting. 

The Legislative report was given by Jeff Chapman about legislative 

bills since the last board meeting. Jeff answered questions. 

There was no Public Lands report. Ways and Means, 

Calendars report had been posted, and there were no questions 

for Teri Starke. The BCHW Store report had been posted and 

Lori Lennox asked folks to buy stuff. The Volunteer Hours report 

had been posted by Deb Wesselius and there were no questions. 

The Awards report was given by Deb Wesselius. It was 

announced that the ceremony would be held on Sunday during 

the General Membership. The Executive Director and Grants 

report had been posted by Darrell Wallace. Darrell advised 

that local chapters can work on RAC grants and he can help 

if requested. The LNT report had been posted. Deb Wesselius 

noted that there are a couple of openings for Basic Skills Class 

in Randle. The Website report had been posted and Directors 

were given instruction for receiving the new password. 

Unfinished Business included a discussion of the BBQ Flats/ 

LNT Weekend. Darrell noted that he needs counts of attendance 

that weekend. Volunteers are needed for parking, food 

prep, and more. It is the May 21st weekend. 

New Business followed. Kathy Young, BCHW President, announced 

that BCHA has monthly conference calls; and she has 

been sending out information for Directors based on these. She 

asked BCHW to help pay BCHA for the USA Today contract of 

a full page advertisement for the 100th Anniversary of National 

Parks by having chapters donate $15 each. The Board voted to 

encourage and recommend that each chapter donate at least $15 

for the BCHA advertisement. 

Wilderness Watch lawsuit was reported on by Dave Seibel, 

Peninsula. There was discussion, and the Board voted to authorize 

the Executive Director to engage a pro bono law firm to 

write an amicus curiae brief on behalf of BCHW in support of 

the Olympic National Park. 

Okanogan Rehabilitation Maintenance was reported on by 

Dave Sunde, Okanogan. There was discussion, and the Board 

voted to endorse the resolution suggested by the Okanogan 

Chapter relating to MRA. 

Announcements followed. The 2015 Accomplishments DVD 

copies were available for Directors. Directors applauded all 

the work Louise Caywood, Pierce County, had done preparing 

this presentation for the General Meeting on Sunday. It was 

announced that the BCHW Rendezvous Tack Sale had already 

grossed over $6,000. An advertising idea was presented. Cowboy 

Church was advertised. Skagit Chapter was thanked for 

sending two members to the WTA leadership college. 

The 1st Quarter 2016 BCHW Board of Directors Meeting was 

adjourned at 8:15 a.m. 

16 

The Trailhead News


General Meeting 

2016 General Membership Meeting 


By Janelle Carolyn Wilson 

Back Country Horsemen of Washington held the 2016 

General Membership Meeting on March 20, 2016, in 

Ellensburg, WA, at the KVEC - Armory Building. The 

meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Kathy 

Young. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The 2015 General Membership Meeting Minutes were approved 

and accepted. President Kathy Young thanked Teri 

Starke and the Rendezvous crew. Members applauded. 

BCHW President, Kathy Young, gave the annual State of 

BCHW address. She talked about the three big things BCHW 

did in 2015: trail work, advocacy, and education. She thanked 

the membership for their extraordinary efforts in 2015. She 

addressed LNT, Leadership Training, and Legislative Day. 

Teri Starke, BCHW Treasurer and Rendezvous Chair, announced 

that all the 2016 Rendezvous auctions combined 

preliminary gross was a little over $17K. Members applauded. 

Kathy asked for new business. There was none. Kathy 

Young thanked Trygve Culp, BCHW Past President, for encouraging 

her to run for President. 

Deb Wesselius, BCHW Awards Chair, was the Master of Ceremonies 

for the BCHW 2016 Awards. After thanking all the 

chapters who participated, judges, helpers, awards constructor, 

donors and others, Deb Wesselius presented the awards 

that were chosen by the committee. 

Backbone Award: Mary Owens - Grays Harbor Chapter (accepting 

for Mary was Cheryl Clark), 

Dick and LaVonne Bailey - Scatter Creek Riders Chapter (accepting 

for the Baileys was Joan Fleming and Laura Keepers), 

and Don Boltz - Tahoma Chapter. Trail Warrior Award: 

Danny Stineback - Mount St Helens Chapter. Lopper Award: 

Barbara Thomas and Claire Fisher - Mount St. Helens Chapter; 

Cate Bendock - Peninsula Chapter (accepting for Cate 

was Dan Dosey), and Robin Faulk - Yakima Chapter. 

Every year the BCHW Board of Directors nominate and select 

the recipients of the Cinch Award. This year the Cinch Awards 

went to: Lori Lennox - Grays Harbor Chapter, and Tom Mix - 

Peninsula Chapter. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to: Trygve Culp - 

Okanogan Valley Chapter; and 

Robert & Vicki Gish - Northeast Chapter. 

The Presidents Diamond Award was given by Past President, 

Trygve Culp, to Cathy Nelson - Trail Duster Chapter. Cathy also 

recognized Tony Karniss and Bernie Stratton for their assistance 

on the Haney Meadow road construction. 

Deb Wesselius thanked all the chapters who donated towards the 

purchasing of the Awards. 

Several announcements were made about the DNR/BBQ Flats 

dedication in May; thanking the Rendezvous Chair, the Rendezvous 

Committee, noting that Cathy Upper, Methow Valley 

Chapter, won the packing contest at Rendezvous and received a 

Decker saddle as a prize at last night’s Rendezvous Awards Ceremony. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m., and then the 

2015 Accomplishments DVD was shown. Copies were made 

available to all Directors at the 1st Quarter BCHW Board of 

Directors meeting. 


17

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED 

FREE Listing on BCHW Chapter Events Calendar 

Be sure to: • Contact the ride host to check for updates on the event. • Check to see if dogs are welcome. 

Note: The BCHW Trailhead News represents as many events as possible; however, it makes no guarantees an event will be published. 

The calendar of events is subject to change. Please check with ride contact for most updated information. Please send calendar 

corrections to: bchw@wamedia.com. 

Ride To Rendezvous 2016 

Monday -Saturday, May 2-6, 2016 

Winthrop, WA 

877.275.9642 • outfitters@woga.org www.woga.org 

Public Horse & Equipment Sale 

Sunday, May 8, 2016 

9 am to 3 pm 

Riverside State Park, Spokane 

Register on site 

No Discover Pass required 

See website for costs 

Ken Carmichael, 509-466-2225 

Kcarmichael2225@gmail.com • www.pbchw.com 

BCHW Joe Watt Canyon Prize Ride 

ALL procedes go to support BCHW 

Saturday, May 14, 2016 

May 14th 1st rider out 9 last noon 

Cascade Grilling on site for Lunch 

Contact: Jason Ridlon: 509-964-9260 

email: jhridlon@fairpoint.net OR Joy Rucker 509 

304-4503 email ruckm2j@gmail.com 

BCHW and DNR BBQ Flats Dedication and 

LNT Social Campout 

Saturday, May 21, 2016 and Sunday May 22, 2016 

BBQ Flats Equine Camping Area 

Contact Darrell Wallace: exec@bchw.org or 

Jane Byram: LNT@bchw.org 

Oakland Bay/Capitol Riders Chapters – 

annual Kennedy Creek Fun Ride 

Saturday, May 21, 2016. 

Riders out 9-11 • $20 a person including a catered lunch 

Extra prize tickets available for purchase. Bring 

your GPS & compete in the GEO Cache comp. 

Camping available by RSVP. 

Located on Hwy 101 between Olympia & Shelton 

Call or text Traci at 360-490-2878 

Debbi at 360-701-9899 for more information. 

oaklandbaybchw.org or capitolriders.org 

2nd QTR BCHW Board of Directors’ meeting 

Saturday, June 18, 2016 

Kittitas Valley Event Center - Ellensburg 

Exec. Dir., Darrell Wallace 

exec@bchw.org • 360.918.3016 

Grays HarborChapter Trail Fund Ride 

Saturday, June 25th 

Matlock, WA, No permit required, 

$10 per rider, inc. 2 tickets, extra tickets avail. for purchase 

lunch available for a fee 12-3 pm 

Free Camping, LNT practiced 

Contact: Barb Paris, 

360-482-4197 • ibriding@centurytel.net 

State wide BCHW work party 

Thursday-Monday, June 30th - July 4th, 2016 

Twisp River Horse Camp, Methow Valley 

Contact: Jason Ridlon 

jhridlon@fairpoint.net • 509.964.9260 

NW Region BCHW Prize Ride 

Saturday, July 9, 2016 

Time: First Rider out 9:00 am 

Location: Harry Osborn Trail Head 6998 Medford, 

Hamilton WA 98255 

Registration: 8:30-10:45 am 

Lunch available 

DNR pass required 

Cost: $5.00 per hand 

dunerydr2@aol.com triplejmule@msn.com 

Pierce Co BCHW Prize Ride. 

Saturday, July 16 

Sahara Creek CG/Elbe State Forest 

Contact: Sally @ 253-592-4609 

Back Country Horsemen St. Helen’s 

Chapter Annual Fun Ride 

Saturday, July 23rd at Kalama Horse Camp. 

Long and short loop rides. 

Complimentary pancake breakfast served at 7:00am 

Low-cost lunch available. Overnight camping avail. for a fee 

Certified weed free hay required. 

GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES!!! 

Contact: Judy Smith: Trailridingbuddy@yahoo.com, 

Nancy Rust: alrust@comcast.net or Brian Parr: rockinnp@hotmail.com 

Ride The Old Stage Trail In Colville Forest 

Friday-Sunday, July 29th to the 31st Ride the 

Kettle Crest and the Old Stage Trail Fifteen miles 

in the high country of Eastern Washington 

Steak dinner Saturday night 30th and Cowboy 

breakfast Sunday 31st. 

Price: $25.00 children under 12 $15.00 

Certified Weed Free hay Camping 

For more info and registration contact our 

Web site: fccbchw.com 

Tahoma chapter Prize Ride 

Saturday, September 10, 2016 Ravensdale, WA 

King County Parks trails, no permit required 

easy well-marked trails 

$20 includes hot lunch and 5 raffle tickets. 

drawings at 3 pm • Silent Auction. 

tahomabchw.org • Missy Day Event Leader 

3rd QTR BCHW Board of Directors’ meeting 

Saturday, September 17, 2016 

Kittitas Valley Event Center - Ellensburg 

Exec. Dir., Darrell Wallace 

exec@bchw.org • 360.918.3016 

Cascade Horse Club BCHW 

Annual Prize Ride 


Pilchuck Tree Farm , Arlington, WA 

Registration starts at 8:30 AM 

Riders out between 9 AM and 11 AM 

$10.00 First hand, each additional $5.00 

Contact information: Kathryn L 425 737 4594 

Barbara V 425 334 6010 

Lunch Available 

Ponderosa Chapter 

Fall Fun Ride & Scavenger Hunt 


Start 9am - 1 pm 

Riverside State Park, Spokane 

Register on site • $25 per rider 

Chili feed to follow $5 • No Discover Pass required 

Ken Carmichael • 509-466-2225 

Kcarmichael2225@gmail.com 

www.pbchw.com 

Remember to email an article and photos of your event to the THN at: bchw@wamedia.com.

2016 Rendezvous

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