Back Country Horsemen of America Public Liaison

Think Global ...Act Local
A key part of our Public Liaison committee efforts is to carry the Back Country Horsemen of America flag at as many events and public hearings as possible at the local, state and national level. It is more important today than it ever has been that we become more vigilant and engaged in our public advocacy activities. It also is essential for our entire membership to continue relationship building with our public land management agencies and partners at all levels.
Back Country Horsemen of America has been successful in efforts to attend major trail user events like the Southeast Trails Conference (SETC), the National Trails Symposium, the National Partnership for Trails, American Horse Council annual meeting, the "Hike the Hill" Trails Advocacy Week in Washington, DC, VIP rides with national land managers. BCHA is invited and in fact expected to participate at an increasing level at not only equestrian events, but trail fests, land management agency planning sessions and requests from other recreation trail user groups.
The National Board resolved to pursue recognition as THE national equine public lands trail organization. This will not happen without vigorous participation by BCHA members at all levels. The number of opportunities for a presence at trail and outdoor recreation functions across the country are encouraging but, at the same time, somewhat overwhelming.
The challenge Back Country Horsemen of America and specifically the Public Liaison Committee faces is not only to fund the expenses associated with our outreach efforts but also the significant amount of time and personal commitment required. Our entire membership must be encouraged to dedicate the time, effort and money to become effective and provide the leadership to meet these challenges.
The Public Liaison Committee has set an ambitious goal for the coming year to increase participation of local BCHA organizations at recreation and outdoor organization seminars and programs. It is more important than ever to leverage the enthusiasm of our membership to attend these important events. This year the committee has been expanded to help with the increasing responsibilities we have been given. Members are Mike Reedy (WA ), Ed Acosta ( NEV ) ,Larry Zauberis ( CO ), Mylon Filkins ( CA), Alan Hill ( CA )( Chair) and Terry Morrison ( UT )ex officio member.
In the coming months the Public Liaison Committee will take some positive steps to promote participation at significant events.
" A schedule of events which are central to our position as a leader in equine trail advocacy on public lands will be compiled and posted on the BCHA website.
" The committee will continue to reach out to and encourage each of our National Directors of each of our member states where these events will take place to encourage support and participation.
" It is essential that we speak with a unified voice that carries a consistent message. A series of white papers which contain guidance on addressing specific issues in a meaningful way will be a part of the growing responsibilities of BCHA to assist our members to become as knowledgeable of the critical issues confronting us possible. If at any time assistance is needed on clarification or better understanding of issues of concern we encourage your contact with the BCHA office to seek help or guidance.
" The committee will try to provide funds to help defray the cost of booth space, educational materials and shipping for the BCHA displays.
Even with the newly created BCHA position of Executive Director of Issues and Policy which Dennis Dailey has accepted it is impossible for the Chairman and other officers to begin to cover all the events to which BCHA is invited or expected to attend. BCHA can have a tremendously greater influence if we motivate our collective membership to attend and participate in the meetings and public presentations where we have an interest. Remember we are a grass roots organization and have grown to become THE respected national voice for equestrians who also represent one of the most effective volunteer trails organization in the country. There is no one who is more familiar with issues at the local level than our individual chapter and unit members.
Consequently our message of Think Global…Act Local is particularly significant to keep in mind.

Alan Hill is Chairmen of the Public Liaison Committee of Back Country Horsemen of America and has testified before the U.S. House Resources Committee