upcoming trail rides - bchc-sequoia.org fileremember our next meeting will be sept 12th at 7 pm at...
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Volume 16 Number 5 September-October 2012
Upcoming Trail Rides
Horse Corral at Big Meadow, Sequoia National ParkSeptember 14-16, 2012
RSVP Required
Harvest Moon RideLake Success
October 27, 2012RSVP
Additional Details Inside
Trout Meadow Trail Ride Freeman Trail Ride
BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMAN OF CALIFORNIA
SEQUOIA UNIT STATE BOARD OFFICERS
Inside This Issue:
BCH Contact Information 2
Presidents Message/Minutes 3
September Ride Details 4
Classi eds 5
Tribute to Kerry Ladrigan 6
Trout Ranter Station Report 8
October, Moonlight Ride 9
Forest Service News Releases 10
Membership Application 11
Upcoming Events 12
President - Jan Walker 559-310-5794
State Director - Jamie Wilson 559-310-3176
Vice President - Sandy Oates 559-784-4912 [email protected]
Secretary - Peg Wilson 559-310-3176
Treasurer - Renee Zachary 909-215-8770
Newsletter - Gail Inman 559-539-2260
Education - Jamie Wilson 559-310-3176
Membership - MaryAnn Short 559-539-2554
Service - Bob Oates 559-784-4912
Public Lands - Steve Ladrigan 559-535-0529
Web Master - Jorene Downs 559-592-6450
Web Master Coordinator - Phil LoMonaco 559-539-3776
Rodeo Board Rep - Steve Ladrigan 559-535-0529
Rodeo Board Rep - Gail Inman 559-539-2260
WILDERNESS RIDERSSEQUOIA UNIT
Bonnie Searcy Bradley milesEmily Miles Paul FrisbyRuthie Heuer Bob Hodgkins
The Sequoia News is the of cial publication of the Sequoia Unit of the Backcountry Horsemen of California and is published bi-monthly. The Sequoia news is committed to print articles to inform readers of issues concernaing the Sequoia Unit and BCHC/BCHA, humorous stories, ads, cartoons, events and the minutes of the Sequoia Unit meetings. All items for the newsletter must be received by the editor no later than the 15th of each month. Your views, comments or suggestions are solicited. The Sequoia News looks forward to providing members a newsletter that will keep you informed, make you laugh and have a little history of the BACKCOUNTRY.
Change of AddressPlease inform us of any address or phone changes. Contact: MaryAnn Short 559-539-2554 (Membership)
DisclaimerThe views or opinions expressed and articles appearing in the Sequoia News are those of the persons that submitted items for Sequoia News and may not necessarily be those of the of cers or members of Sequoia Unit, BCHC or BCHA.
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President - Dennis Serpa [email protected]
1st Vice President- Richard Waller [email protected]
2nd Vice President - Carrie Johnen [email protected] - Kaye Bruns [email protected]
Treasurer - Lynn Joiner [email protected]
VP of Public Lands - Bob Magee [email protected]
CO-VP of Education - Dan Horn [email protected] Lisa Deas [email protected]
BCHA Nat’l Director - Pete Krieger [email protected] Ann Lange [email protected]
BCHA Nat’l Alternate Director. - Michael Murphy North Bay
BCHA Alternate Nat’l Board Rep - Dan Clifford [email protected]
BCHA Past Presidents - Paul “Chip” Herzig [email protected] Larry Shuman [email protected]
BCHC Webmule: Lisa Deas [email protected]
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President’s Message
BCH Sequoia UnitAugust 8 , 2012
General Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:05, with guest speaker Rick Stevens, our new District Ranger.
Membership reported that we have 127 members, 14 of them are new members.
Service reported that we are still trying to nd someone to make the shakes for the cabin so we can repair the roof of the cabin.
There was a great turnout for the July 21st Trout ride. The next ride will be Aug 18th at Freeman Trailhead.
The next ACE trips are Aug 25th and Sept 8th. We are still looking for help on the Sept 8 trip.
The next club ride will be Sept 14-16 at Horse Corral. RSVP is required due to limited space. Check the news letter for yer/sign up sheet.
Also be looking for a yer about the night ride on Oct 27th behind Lake Success.
Adjourned 8:10
Let me begin by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with the Ladrigan family at this most dif cult time. Kerry was a very special lady and a wonderful friend. She will be greatly missed. "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever" Christopher Robin Remember our next meeting will be Sept 12th at 7 pm at the Oates'. Also, join us for a weekend at Horse Corral Sept. 14-16. There's still time to sign up for Trout before the end of the season. There are a few projects still left to do, especially the fences!
Happy Trails!
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Horse Camp at Big Meadows Ride Off Hwy 180 just past the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park.
September 14 - 16, 2012
Cost for Ride
Must be a BCHC Member to participate.
Membership applications accepted on location preceeding the ride.
Please RSVP by completing the Liability Release below and mailing it to Sequoia Unit, PO Box 456, Springville, CA 93265 or by dropping it by the Westwood Large Animal Clinic, 27114 Avenue 140 Porterville, CA 93257. RSVP can also be made by calling 559-202-7216
LIABILITY RELEASE: Must be a member to attend our insurance requires. Recognizing the fact that there is potential for accidents wherever horse use is involved which can cause injuries to horses, riders & spectators, and also recognizing the fact that Backcountry Horseman of California, Units, of cers or members cannot always know the conditions of trails or experience of riders or horses taking part in outings or trail rides or other BCHC functions, I do hereby release the above named from any claim or right for damages which might occur to me, my minor children, horses or equipment.
Signature______________________ Phone ________________# of Horses _______ Date ___________
Signature______________________ Phone ________________# of Horses _______ Date ___________
Signature______________________ Phone ________________# of Horses _______ Date ___________
Must be a member of BCHC to participate.
Please mail reservations to: $5.00 per person, $10.00 per family 2 or more = ____________ Sequoia Unit Your Phone Number ______________________ P.O. Box 456 Springville, CA 93265
Why do we charge for our rides?
Breakdown of Membership Fees:
CLASSIFIED ADS
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Classi ed and Newsletter Display Ad RatesIt’s time to renew Newsletter Ads...
Ads are prepaid. Please send business card or display with check for the duration of the ad. Classi ed ad rate for business card is $5.00 per month, quarter page, $10.00 per month, half page, $20.00 and whole page is $40.00 per month. One month free with a prepaid 1 year ad subscription. Editor reserves the right to refuse inappropriate ads.
For Sale1993 Trails West 3H slant. Tack room w/swing out saddle rack and windows. New tires and bearings packed. Floor in good shape, no rust, stock style with open air gaps on sides.
$6500.00 OBO 559-310-5794
2012 Tentative Ace Trip Dates
September 8 - 9 - Help Needed
If you can help, Contact Peg Wilson 559-310-3176
2012 BCH Sequoia Unit Refreshments
Club meeting Date: Refreshment Host:
September ? October Peg WilsonNovember Gail InmanDecember Christmas Party
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Kerry Se LariganF uay 2, 1961 - August 25, 2012
With blue jeans tucked in to leopard fur bootsA bright zebra purse, but never a suitShe brightened our lives with colors and smilesHer purple, her sparkle, her ngernails, her Style
She liked to cook things, but only from scratch For dinner, for comfort, she could "whip up a batch" Whatever she cooked, you were happy to eat it She spoiled her husband, who wouldn't re-heat it
She was so creative it delighted the senses Who else could make angels out of old picket fences She crocheted, and planted, and and watered and weeded She was putting down roots, and a family was seeded
Her house was important ; here is how much She researched it's birthday, it's builder and such But her home was much more than windows and tile It's people, and memories, that made her move it 13 miles
She loved Cowboy Christmas, and Mule Days, for funAnd BCH Rendezvous, where some partying was doneShe actually shopped there for her own teeter-totter(she disguised it by saying it was for her grand-daughters)
She rode in the mountains with Backcountry HorsemenTo Little Lake, and Trout, o'er many a mountainWe loved her posole, and her boot with heart cut-outsBut not her huge bedroll, when you pack it, there's a wipe-out!
Yes Kerry, we'll miss her, both family and friendsIt hurts now, but " y'all know" , we'll see her againUntil then, remember, it's easy to nd herIn your heart, in your thoughts,
You are riding beside her
Jamie Wilson DVMPorterville, CA
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Kerry Se LariganF uay 2, 1961 - August 25, 2012
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Trout Meadow Station Report
There's been a lot going on at Trout Meadow this summer, and we have some big projects in the works. BCH members have been manning the station much of the season. The pasture fences are in bad shape, so it has been a constant battle to keep the cattle out and the pack stock in. It has actually been a losing battle for us ; the cattle and the pack station stock from the adjacent private land have seriously impacted the soil and feed conditions in the pastures. We had an archaeological event at Trout Meadow in June. The zone archaeologist for the Monument, Linn Gassaway, brought in 2 groups of volunteers with the Passport In Time program. They spent two weeks at Trout examining and mapping artifacts and features that indicate long-term habitation by prehistoric people in the area. The top priority for this fall is to replace the shake roof on the cabin. It leaks and is not very re re-tardant, and the plan is to get it done before snow ies. We are having a problem nding the cedar shakes needed. Bob Oates has been working with the forest service to locate a source of shakes. There's a lot of bear sign around the cabin, so we need to be very careful about leaving anything in the cabin, especially when we leave and the cabin is empty. Many of us remember the pictures taken of the cabin after the bear broke in several winters ago. It was UN-recognizable! The old green cookstove was broken and may never work again. Other things were repaired or replaced. The sad thing is, it could've all been prevented by taking out all of the open food containers. Since that break-in, we've been more careful, but this summer we were a little careless. So far no break-in, but the highest risk is during the off season, when the cabin is unattended.
Here are some of the items that should NOT be left at Trout:
Salt, pepper, seasoningsOpen bags of our, sugar, baking powder, pastaAnything in a ziplock!Shampoo, toothpasteOpen jars of jam or condiments(yes,we even found an open jar of honey!)Boxes of Mac n Cheese, or similar mixes.Horse feed-- grain or pellets ( Bear broke in to get pellets last year)
Things that are OK to leave at Trout:
Cans of food (Dinty Moore, pork n beans, etc)Sealed containers (the kind you have to peel of the seal on the top of the container)
If you leave paper towels, TP, empty zip locks, they need to be in a rodent-proof box. Otherwise the pack rats shred them Even though we do have a cupboard that the bear SO FAR hasn't been able to open, they still do a LOT of damage breaking into the cabin and trying to break in to the cupboard. The best way to protect the cabin is to keep anything that smells like food OUT. The annual Trout Meadow ride was held July 21-22, and there were 12 riders, 8 of whom stayed over-night.For several people it was their rst trip to Trout! We packed out a lot of supplies left from the archaeol-ogy project, and showed the newcomers how to set up the propane, light the fridge, and work the spring. Hopefully we'll have more people to man the cabin next year. Overall, it' s been a good season at Trout Meadow. There's work to be done, but it's a beautiful job site, with fun coworkers. We are privileged to have access to the cabin and the pastures in exchange for helping to preserve and protect a piece of local ( and prehistoric) treasure.
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Historic Buck Rock Lookout Renovation
Date: June 25, 2012
SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST - This summer historic Buck Rock Lookout will undergo a major renovation. Originally constructed in 1923, the lookout has not seen any signi cant enhancements since the 1970’s and has weathered many a storm since. Located in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Buck Rock is staffed annually for wild re detection and is open to the public during the re season. Renovation of Buck Rock will include the rehabilitation of the interior and exterior siding, installation of new cabinets, refurbishing the window frames and trim, weather-proo ng the cab, replacing the catwalk fencing, upgrading the electrical system, and replacing a section of the 1942-era stairway. Wherever possible, the original materials used in the construction of Buck Rock will be refurbished and utilized in the renovation; otherwise, “in-kind” period appropriate materials will be used to re ect the 1920’s era. Located in the Big Meadows area of the Giant Sequoia National Monument in the cooler elevation of 8,500 feet, Buck Rock Lookout is a popular destination for people from all over the world. Perched 300 feet above the ground on a granite dome, visitors have grand views of the High Sierra featuring the Great Western Divide, Kings Canyon and surrounding beauty. Eagles, falcons and other magni cent birds of prey are often spotted soaring the skies around the lookout. After many years of being shuttered, Buck Rock reopened in 2000. The non-pro t Buck Rock Foundation (BRF) will coordinate the rehabilitation, which was funded in large part by the Tulare and Kern Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). Donations of supplies, materials and volunteer labor will make up over a third of the contribution to this project, with the Sequoia National Forest workforce assisting with labor and technical expertise. “The opportunity to rehabilitate Buck Rock ful lls a long-time dream,” says Kathy Allison, BRF president. “I am excited that we have pulled together a team of remarkably talented people with a ‘can do’ attitude—I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!” The goal is to minimize the impact of the operation; however, occasional closures of the lookout can be expected. People are invited to come take a look at the progress from below the lookout, where docents will be on hand as often as possible to provide information and updates. Notices of closure will be posted on the Buck Rock Foundation website www.buckrock.org and available by calling the Hume Lake Ranger District of ce 559-338-2251.
To Reach Buck Rock Lookout:
From Visalia: take Highway 198 into Sequoia National Park. Stay on the Generals Highway to Big Meadows turn off (FS Road 14S11). Drive 3 miles to Horse Camp and turn left onto 13S04; follow the signs driving 2 ½ miles along a dirt road to the lookout.
Sequoia Fire Restrictions Go into Effect July 14
Porterville, CA… Sequoia re restrictions go into effect Saturday, July 14, 2012, due to the increasing high re danger. In response to the increasing potential for a wildland re start, Sequoia of cials have announced re restrictions in the Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoia National Monument until further notice. These restrictions will affect the use of camp res, camping stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines. "This year our Forest received well below normal precipitation. This, in combination with escalating temperatures and low relative humidities, demonstrate our forest fuel moisture is approaching a critical threshold turning the forest into a dry tinderbox. Everything is in place except a triggered ignition by mother nature, or a visitor,” stated Brent Skaggs, Forest Fire Management Of cer. “Six out of ten wild res are caused by humans. Forest visitors need to be vigilant when conditions are bone-dry like this.” Beginning July 14, 2012, the following forest restrictions will be in effect: • Visitors must have a valid California Camp re Permit in their possession for any type of re use. (Permits are not required in a developed recreation site or campground.) • Prohibited are: wood camp res, charcoal res and barbecues outside of developed recreation sites and campgrounds. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open ame, or using an explosive are also prohibited. (Note: persons with a written permit from the Forest Service {other than a camp re permit} speci cally authorizing the otherwise prohibited act are exempt from the re restrictions.) • Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation site. • Allowed are: lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel outside of developed recreation sites or campgrounds, but only with a valid California Camp re Permit (available free of charge). • Forest visitors must clear all ammable material ve feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when in use. • Camp res and barbecue charcoal res are only allowed in developed recreation sites or campgrounds. For the remainder of the article, see: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/news/releases/2012/07/12_FINAL_Update_%20Sequoia_Fire_Restrictions_Take_Effect_July_13_FINAL3.pdf
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559.781.8505
Sequoia UnitP.O. Box 456Springville, CA 93265
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 12 2012 General Meeting at Oates’ 7:00 PM September 14-16 2012 Horse Corral TBA RSVP ONLY. No Exceptions. First come, rst served. Limited ParkingOctober 17 2012 General Meeting - Springville School 7:00 PM Tentative Presentation Topic: Dutch Oven Cooking
Octobeer 27 2012 Harvest Moon Ride - Success Lake TBA Bon re? - Dutch Oven Cooking - Potluck Dinner
November 14 2012 General Meeting - Springville School 7:00 PM Presenter: TBA
November 17 2012 Blue Ridge or Deer Creek Ride 10:00 AM
December 15 2012 Christmas Party - Springville Memorial Building 6:00 PM