Fall 2023 Newsletter: Pea Ridge Grand Reopening

BCHNWA Fall 2023 Newsletter
Article by Rhonda Kelly-Duncan, Information Officer BCHNWA

Back Country Horseman of Northwest Arkansas partnered with Pea Ridge National Park this year. Roy & Kathy Henson led the first ride in August on the trail that BCHNWA added & cut out along newly acquired property. The land was obtained from the Green family with a conservation fund and the assistance from the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. Improvements include a brand new parking lot, a mounting chute, and 15 extra miles of trail.

The grand reopening event hosted many local & State dignitaries including, Steve Womack, Senator John Bozeman and the parks superintendent Shelly Todd. Members from the historical society provided music from the civil war era. Members from the Buffalo river chapter of BCH attended. The Northwest Arkansas chapter of Back Country Horsemen is now two years old, and is the fourth non profit 501c3 chapter here Arkansas.

Back Country Horsemen of America is a 50 year old trail organization. BCHNWA partners with public land managers to perpetuate stock use on lands. We have USFS certified sawyers that can procure proper permissions to use chainsaw equipment when permissible & needed keeping the trails clear of deadfall and debris.

Images:

1. Pea Ridge. We keep trails open for all to use!
2. Members enjoy Pea Ridge
3. Representative Steve Womack
4. Senator John Bozeman
5. BCHNWA President Jim Centers carry's the BCHA flag during the Washington County horse show. A parade of different breeds & mules showcased each breeds unique abilities.  A pack team demonstrated how we pack tools into remote areas.
6. BCHNWA Hobbs State Park regional leader Debbie Townsend and Marla Walker leading a clip and clean up ride.
7. Board member Charlie Vaughn demonstrates his team of pack mules.
8. Weddington regional team had a clip and clean up ride led by Mark Varner & Rhonda Kelly-Duncan. The team cleaned up over 200 yards of old insulation from the forest that was blown in from high winds. Pictured: Mary Boyd & DeeDee Moore.