Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act Introduced in Senate

To BCHA Directors,

There seems to still be some confusion with members of BCHA about the "Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act" Legislation.

Yes, it is correct that BCHA has been trying to get support from the hiking community for a multi-use bill including Historic and Traditional Use of non mechanized uses on public lands.  At this point that has not happened, although we are very close. When that happens and we get a Democrat co-signer for that bill, it will be introduced.

As far as the bill that was introduced. "Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act" - this bill is a single use bill that just focuses on our use. Yes, we were told last year, while meeting with many Senators' aides that a single use bill has no chance of passage. However, it was decided to introduce this bill so that we could show how much support for this kind of legislation there is. The multi-use aspect can either be added to this bill or the Multi-use versioncould be introduced in place of it.

SO What should WE do?

Business Address: 
BCHO 
c/o Becky Hope
37245 Wheeler Rd
Pleasant Hill , OR 97455

Memberships:
BCHO 
c/o Susie Wood
PO Box 362
O'Brien, OR 97534

First, we need to get behind and support the  "Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act" legislation that was introduced by Senator Crapo. The correct bill number is S. 2283.  Contact your Legislators and ask them to support this bill. If they say they can't support it because it is a single use bill, tell them that we are willing to include other non mechanized uses. If they are willing to co-sponsor in this form or a multi use bill, have them contact Reta Laford in Senator Crapo's office. (Reta's contact information is: 202-224-7477 or reta_laford@crapo.senate.gov)

We need a Democrat senator to co-sign legislation with Senator Crapo (R) from Idaho. We must have this as a Bi-Partisan legislation given the situation in DC or it will just sit like the Right to Ride bill did last year in the Senate. While we are close to getting what we need, we should not just take a wait and see attitude. Let's find a back-up, just in case.

BCH of Washington has found a web site that allows you to show your support. Here is the link to that site. Vote FOR the legislation!

http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_2283.html#toc0  

I looked this morning and it shows 78% for and 22% opposed. Some Legislators use web sites like this to find out if there is much support for a piece of Legislation.

We should show them that 16,000 BCHA members support this bill.

Now I will repeat the email we sent out last week. Maybe now it makes more sense.

Thursday, November 1st, Preserving Our Equine Heritage was introduced. Note that the version introduced is the "pure" equestrian version without foot travel included.  This version was used to demonstrate and address the horse community's concern.  However, it is fully realized that "foot travel" will likely have to be included either through a subsequent bill or Committee action.

Note that the bill currently has no co-sponsors.  We need co-sponsors! The absence of a Democratic co-sponsor is problematic.  Without a Democratic co-sponsor, the Committee is not likely to consider the bill – regardless of its content.  In order to gain co-sponsorship, Senator Crapo's office is working with Cantwell's office on a potentially revised bill that would include "foot travel" and other clarifications.

Below are some scenarios for moving the issue forward . . .

A) Use the introduced bill to seek other support and co-sponsors. If a potential co-sponsor expresses that they cannot support the bill because it does not include hikers.  Ask them if they would support the bill if we included "foot travel".  If they say yes, we can immediately introduce the version with "foot travel" with them on as a co-sponsor.

B) Senator Crapo's office is continuing to work with Cantwell's office on introducing a modified bill that includes "foot travel" and other reasonable clarifications as needed to gain their co-sponsorship.  While fulfilling the need for a co-sponsor, this may take time.

C) At any time, upon request of Back Country Horsemen, the "foot travel" version can be introduced as another bill.  However, without a Democratic co-sponsor the bill is not likely to receive Committee consideration – regardless of content.

D) We can have "and foot travel" added in subsequent Committee act.

BCHA Chair
Mike Reedy

MEMORANDUM

To: AHC Organizations

From: American Horse Council

Re: Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act Introduced in Senate

Date: November 5, 2007

Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act (S. 2283) on November 1st. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Those who enjoy riding on public lands have been concerned about the reduction of trails and public lands available to horses and pack stock. Access to such areas for riding is one of the most important issues facing riders. This bill recognizes the importance of saddle and pack stock in the settling, exploration and recreation of our country by ensuring that the horse's historic and traditional use is recognized as our public lands are managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service.

The bill directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to manage the federal lands under their jurisdiction "in a manner that preserves and facilitates the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals" on lands on which "there is a historical tradition" of use.

The bill provides that such lands "shall remain open and accessible to the use of pack and saddle stock animals" where there is such a tradition. The bill applies to the management of the National Park System, BLM lands, National Wildlife Refuge System land, and National Forest System land.

The bill does not limit the federal agencies' ultimate authority to restrict such use, provided the agencies perform the review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The bill would also impose additional specific and designated procedures to be followed by agencies before any land closures. These procedures include advance notice of any proposed reduction in use to allow public comment, convening a public meeting near the area involved, and collaboration with various users during the process.

The bill directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue a policy within 180 days of enactment that defines the meaning of "historical tradition of the use of pack and saddle stock animals" on federal lands.

This bill is similar to the so-called "Right-to-Ride" bill that was introduced in the last Congress by Senator Crapo.