Response from BCHA regarding Bryce Canyon. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Based on your and Freddys input (see below), my tentative recommendation is that folks write comment letters to the effect of: 1. I/we understand that portions of the trails at Bryce Canyon are unusually narrow and steep. 2. I/we agree that efforts must be taken to avoid private and commerically-guided horse trips to converge upon those sections of trail where there is a high safety risk. 3. I/we, however, do not support the proposal that all private stock (i.e., horse) parties be required to hire the services of a commercial guide. 4. Instead, I/we propose the Park adopt an alternative that would restrict the time(s) of day a private party be allowed to traverse sections of trail where there is high safety risk, in order to allow commerically-guided trips safe passage. 5. I/we understand the need to minimize the likelihood of damage to off-trail soils and cultural resources, and thereby propose that private stock parties be required to check in--prior to riding in the Park--both to coordinate departure/itinerary logistics regarding safety and to receive a briefing from either Park or commercial outfitter personnel describing regulations pertaining to use of Park trails, including 6. I/we do not object to paying a modest fee to cover agency and/or commercial outfitter costs associated with the aforementioned pre-departure briefing for private stock day rides. Ill run this past BCH Utah president, Terry Morrison, and their public lands person, Wayne Luddington. Im headed off for a short spring break with family tomorrow morning, so wont be able to develop more detailed talking points until next week. Well post an action item one BCHAs new website once its up and running on April 15. That will still give 2 weeks to generate public comment during the Parks comment period. I will also attempt our first Action Alert via Constant Contact once we populate the program with BCHA membership email addresses (exact date unknown). Sound like a plan? Sincerely, --- Randy Rasmussen Advisor for Public Lands & Recreation | Back Country Horsemen of America quietrecreation@gmail | 541.745.5452 | backcountryhorse
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 21:52:17 +0000
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