Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, Michigan

Who We Are

Mission Statement:


We are a grass-roots non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting horseback riding and the use of pack animals on Michigan’s public lands. We support and promote multi-user trails throughout the state.

 

Vision:

Promote common sense use and enjoyment of equines on public lands in
Michigan.
Work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational use of equines
and pack animals.
Assist the various governmental and private agencies in the maintenance
and management of said resources.
To educate, encourage, and solicit active participation in the wise use of
Michigan’s public lands by all stakeholders.
Develop partnerships with land managers and all users to preserve and
protect public lands for future generations.
Support and promote multi-use trails in Michigan.
To educate and inform horsemen and others about Leave No Trace Outdoor
Ethics.
To demonstrate that horsemen are citizens concerned with protecting the
environment as well as sustaining economic equilibrium for the community and country.

 

Officers:

Dick Kleinhardt - President
Norm Seppi - Vice President
Kathy Lawless - Treasurer
Connie Kleinhardt - Secretary
Jackie Konecke - Communications
Gordon Davis - Director
Norma Laine - Director
Larry Kleinhardt - Alternate Director
 
 

BCH-PR&B,MI Committees:

The Charlotte Frontier Days Festival went very well! 

Click here to check it out.

 
Birch Run Expo / March 2009
 
Original Tram Steering Committee:
 
Dick and Connie Kleinhardt - Clare
Norm and Sandy Seppi - Bark River, UP
Larry and Judy Kleinhardt - Clare
Gordon and Marieta Davis - Montgomery
Bill and Gail Jacobs - Mt. Pleasant
John and Diane McConnell - Clare
Jim and Rachelle Sloan - Jonesville
Cynthia Kieliszewski - Posen
Virginia Franklin - Lansing
Carolyn Bay - Clare
Connie Frey - Lansing
Deanna Stamp - Marlette
Jackie Konecke - Alpena
Norma Laine - Ortonville
Rand Smith - Sandusky
 
Negaunee Tack Sale / March 2009
Norm Seppi, Sandy Seppi, Cathy Waino, 
 

Action Plan - Past
 
♦ For the past year and a half, our focus has been to regain access to the Pigeon River Country (PRC).
 
♦ We have shown the legislature and the DNR that the closings were not based on scientific data.  By going to the legislature on this issue, they were able to look at the specific area.  The legislature then called the meetings on this trails closing to have the DNR specifically state the reasons for the closings.  We successfully countered every reason the DNR said they used to decided to close the PRC.
 
♦ This focus enabled us to get the attention of the Legislature.
 
Action Plan - Now
 
♦ To mobilize our members when there is a threat to trail access anywhere in Michigan.
 
♦ To mobilize our members in an organized method to be the most effective.
 
What YOU Can Do
 
♦ Join ~ Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, MI
 
♦ Call your state representative and your state senator and tell them that you want recognition and representation for horse riders as stakeholders when meetings are held.  Tell them about your local issues.
 
♦ Educate your local representatives and senators on the economic contribution our industry provides.
 
♦ Call or write the Governor to ask for horse rider recognition when policy decisions are discussed and made.  We want to be part of any conversation being held about trails in Michigan.
 
♦ Remind the Governor of the economic impact the equine industry has on Michigan.  Let her know the potential the equine industry has for tourism growth.
 
Economic Impact
 
♦ Horses contribute $8 billion state-wide.

♦ More than 155,000 horse in Michigan.

♦ 80,000 Trail Riders in Michigan.

 

We must utilize every available resource to unite
and to get our message heard!
 
"TAKE ACTION NOW!" 
 
One of our State representatives is urging us to take action and to contact any and all of your friends who live outside the borders of Michigan as well.  Please urge them to write letters to our State Reps. and Senators to say that they are friends of members of Back Country Horsemen and would like to visit our state to ride and would they please stand behind all equestrians and support our "Right to Ride" legislation.
 
This is key-and will make them stand up and take notice!!!!
 
 

                                      

A wise old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his sons to bring in a bundle of sticks, and said to his eldest son: "Break it." The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the Bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. "Untie the bundle," said the father, "and each of you take a stick." When they had done so, he called out to them: "Now, break," and each stick was easily broken. "You see my meaning," said their father.

Union gives strength.

 

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