Public Announcements

Attached in a recent information sheet published by the Pacific Northwwest Trail Association regarding the Whistler Canyon trailhead aquisition project. Many of you have asked me about the BCHW involvement in the project - the information sheet does a very good job of explaining the role(s) of all of the partners involved. OVC President Dave Swanberg and I will present an update on the aquisition at the BOD meeting in Ellensburg tomorrow.

Okanogan Valley Chapter

SAVE THE DATE!

September 26, 2009
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Horse Park Site - Cle Elum, WA

Guided tours of planned Horse Park site and Suncadia
Food, Entertainment, Vendor Village, Kids Games and and More!

Click to Enlarge
Washington State Horse Park site plan rendering; subject to change.

Invitation to follow in the coming days. RSVP will be required to attend. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the new Washington State Horse Park!

Special benefits for Foundation Members - join or renew today!
www.washingtonstatehorsepark.org

Sponsored by the Washington State Horse Park Foundation and Suncadia

On Behalf Of DNR RE Recreation E-News
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 5:20 PM
Subject: DNR to reduce services at many recreation facilities

Hi folks,

I appreciate the input I received from many of you regarding reduced services at some of DNR’s recreation sites. I understand, appreciate, and share your frustration.

Unfortunately, this week we began reducing services at many of our facilities. You will find the list of these sites, their legislative district, cost savings information, and a timeline on DNR’s Web site at: www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_rec_sites_list_reduced_services_063009.pdf

You can also download a map showing the affected sites at:

· www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_rec_sites_reduced_services063009.pdf (1.9 MB PDF file)

· www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_rec_sites_reduced_services063009.jpg (1.9 MB JPG file)

The hard truth is that we can no longer support all our facilities and trails with our current budget. Our new fiscal year begins July 1, and we need to take immediate action and cut back on services in some areas or run the risk of compounding the budget shortfall later this year.

Reduced services will include removing outhouses or nailing doors shut and removing picnic tables, garbage cans, and signs. Some sites that were open year round will now only be open seasonally. In other areas, we are able to keep from reducing services thanks to donations of volunteer time and money from user groups.

Many of you have offered ideas on how to keep these facilities operating. These suggestions reflect how deeply you are committed to working with us to ensure that recreational opportunities are available in this state. We want to continue the dialog with you and look into ways to continue to provide facilities at our recreation areas.

Public lands still open to the public

You may have noticed by now that I am no longer using the term “closure,” except in terms of seasonal closures. Even though we are reducing services or no longer providing services of any kind at some sites, these public lands are still open to the public for recreation. We ask that you pack-out whatever you pack-in and observe other principles of outdoor stewardship such as Leave No Trace. (http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)

Also, be aware that gated areas may be locked, and the only way into a site will be on foot.

More cuts expected

This list of reduced services is just an initial step. Many of us here at DNR believe that we will need to make further reductions later this summer or in the fall. As always, we will be tracking our budget closely.

In my next e-mail message, I will outline what it takes to manage and maintain a recreation site, facility, and trail. My hope is that by providing you with this information, we can continue the discussion on how all of us, collectively, can come up with the necessary resources to prevent further reductions in services.

Thanks for your concern and understanding.

You can help

If you witness any abuse to resources, vandalism, or illegal dumping on DNR-managed lands, please report these incidents. Be sure to note any license plate numbers and get a description of any vehicles involved. If the matter doesn’t require an immediate law enforcement response or for after hours and on weekends call 800-562-6010. Otherwise, call 911. You can also call the regional offices directly for non-emergencies. A list of phone numbers is at: www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/Regions/Pages/Default.aspx

Mark Mauren

Assistant Division Manager

Asset Management and Recreation Division

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

360-902-1047

mark.mauren@dnr.wa.gov

This is a press release that came through American Horse Publications (BCHA is a member). Thought you might like to see it. Perhaps the Stilliguamish Tribe could help BCH out sometime… Who knows.

Peg, BCHA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: May 8, 2009

CONTACT: Stefanie Hargreaves, People Helping Horses

PHONE: (360) 435-9393

EMAIL: stefanie@peoplehelpinghorses.org

PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

The Stilliguamish Tribe Graciously Offers People Helping Horses a Helping Hand

When the Stilliguamish Tribe, located in Washington State, heard of People Helping Horses’ need of open pasture for the coming summer, they graciously offered twelve acres of pristine land for the organization’s use.

“We have a number of yearlings whose growing bodies need room to roam as well as three mares that will be foaling soon,” said PHH Founder and Executive Director Gretchen Salstrom. “Access to a larger pasture setting will make all the difference for these horses and free up stall space in the barn for more rescues. Unwanted horses have always been a sad reality, but with the current economic climate has come a drastic increase in the need for our services. Add to this the troubling news that our donations for the first quarter of 2009 our down 62% from what they were a year ago, and we now find ourselves in the unenviable position of having to say no to horses and people in need. With the Silliguamish Tribe’s help, more horses will have a chance to find their forever homes. We are extremely thankful for the tribe’s generosity and proud to be partnering with such kind and thoughtful individuals.”

The organization will take possession of the acreage June 1, 2009 and will be allowed to use the land for one year while the tribe’s buffalo herd graze on alternate land. PHH staff and trainers will visit the site on a daily basis to insure that all is running smoothly. Salstrom added, “green grass, plenty of room to run, and a mild Northwest summer. What’s not to love?”

People Helping Horses is a nonprofit horse rescue, education, and community support organization located in Arlington, Washington. In existence since 2002, the PHH staff and volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge, integrity, and passion to all that they undertake. PHH is committed to saving lives, one horse at a time. Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.peoplehelpinghorses.org, or by mail: People Helping Horses; 24717 43rd Ave. NE; Arlington, WA 98223.

May 12, 2009