While attending the SETC conference in July, some members of BCHNG learned that AQHA, in partnership with Tractor Supply Company, was offering funding to groups and organizations that work with local land managers to increase trail stewardship. STEP - Stewards for Trails, Education and Partnerships is a new program under AQHA's wing that was formerly known as Trail Trotters. Trail Trotters was launched in November 2004 by the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource in partnership with the National Forest Foundation. The idea was to build a program that would increase participation in trail stewardship among equine enthusiasts while casting a positive light on horseback riders to land managers and other trail users.

  Program Benefits

· Help the National land managers recruit volunteers for trail stewardship

· Educate equestrians so they will be effective advocates for trail stewardship in the horse community

· Accomplish maintenance goals for trails and trailheads with land management

· Improve stewardship of land owned by horsemen that are adjacent to or critical to national land

· Build and/or strengthen relationships between local equestrian communities and land managers for the long-term stewardship of trails, trailheads and campgrounds

The board members of BCHNG met on the last evening of the conference and decided to submit an application to AQHA for money to buy equipment to help maintain Jacks River Fields campground (JRF), including a riding mower and other trimming equipment and a trailer to haul equipment to and from the campground.

Currently, members who volunteer their efforts at JRF also volunteer their personal equipment which must be hauled into and out of JRF on each workday.  The deadline for submission was August 1^st so the board quickly put together an application.  The application consisted of several parts including a letter of support from Larry Thomas, Operations Team Leader, Conasauga Ranger District, the history of JRF and the story of how BCHNG took over the maintenance of JRF in order to prevent the Forest Service from permanently closing the campground.  Photos of members working on JRF were included as well as a budget for tools & equipment. 

According to Stephanie McCommon, Manager of Affiliate Partnerships and Recreational Activities at AQHA, the decision would be made around September 1st.. 

Recently we received the check and a letter informing us we have been awarded a grant which will purchase a zero turn mower & trailer to haul it on. We SALUTE board members Carol Upshaw and Jim McGarvey for their work on the grant! 

BACK TO BCHNG'S HOMEPAGE!