Wyoming Back Country Horsemen of America is a non-profit organization
presently made up of seven chapters spread across our great state. These
chapters work with public agencies in their chapter areas and have developed
relationships to assist these agencies in making decisions for the good of
recreational stock users.
History of WBCH
The idea of Back Country Horsemen of America was originated by concerned
horse users in Montana after the passage of The Wilderness Act in 1964. The
first club was formed there in 1973. The BCHA movement spread and in
1979 a number of Montana and Idaho clubs formed the Back Country Horsemen of
America. Currently there are approximately 150 local chapters with a
membership of over 14,000 nationwide.
In 1989, the Wind River BCHA of the Riverton-Lander area was organized as
the first chapter in Wyoming. Since that time, chapters have been
formed statewide with a current membership of over 400 individuals.
The Wyoming BCHA was formed in 1993.
Since 1996, the Wyoming Back Country Horsemen of America have contributed
over $588,820 in volunteer labor on trails, at trailheads, and in
educational roles.
Membership
Membership in Wyoming BCHA is open to anyone who shares the common
interest of recreational horse/mule use in the back country. The
organization is family oriented. Participation in chapter activities
by young people needs to be a primary goal. Regular monthly meetings
are recommended to conduct chapter education and business.
Membership dues are set by the local chapter. Yearly dues range
from $15.00 to $30.00. The State and National Back Country Horsemen of
America are supported by a portion of these dues. Participation is
strictly voluntary. There are no paid officers - even at the national
level.
Support
We realize that if we do not do something now to protect our right to use
the Back Country, our children and grandchildren will never be able to enjoy
what we treasure today. Support can be provided in many ways.
- Working on trail maintenance crews.
- Being an active member at meetings.
- Serving as a chapter, state, or national officer.
- Working on educational programs.
- Building membership - local and national.
- Writing letters supporting land uses.
Whatever your reason, your help is needed. Please contact the
chapter in your area, attend a meeting, and see what we're all about.
Local Chapters
- Cloud Peak - Buffalo, Sheridan
- Mountain Man - Pinedale
- Pathfinder - Casper, Douglas
- Powder River - Gillette
- Shoshone - Cody, Powell, Lovell
- Teton - Jackson
- Wind River - Lander, Riverton, Dubois,
Shoshoni
