Horsemen on trail to benefit many cleanup
Susie Wood crossing Muddy Creek on a backcountry excursion. (Photo provided)
From our weekly issue dated December 26, 2007
If you are the outdoor type or even if you’ve only taken an occasional stroll down a forest trail, chances are that you have benefited from the work of the Backcountry Horsemen of Oregon.
This volunteer, self-funded organization has performed maintenance work on literally miles of back country trails throughout the area.
Susie Wood, the state representative for the Sourdough Chapter in Josephine County, said that the organization is deeply involved in making sure that forest trails are well maintained and kept clean in order to benefit the whole area.
By working closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the state park system and the U.S. Forest Service the group has been involved in such projects as rebuilding the Sam Browne horse camp on Onion Mountain.
Members also recently received a letter of support from the Cave Junction City Council that will allow them to go forward with improvements on an extensive trail system southwest of town.
Wood said that the local chapter has approximately 50 members. She added that there are 13 chapters in Oregon alone. And there are 21 states with chapters. Cave Junction City Councilor Margaret Miller is among those involved with the group.
“We are an activist and work group,” said Miller. After proving themselves to governmental agencies, the organization now receives material for its projects from the state, but provides all the labor free of charge.
“We work to make trails in the area safe for everyone,” Miller said.
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