August 5, 2024
Albuquerque Open Space Meeting
It has come to our attention that the city of Albuquerque is fast tracking an ordinance to open all Open Spaces to E-bikes of all classes on paved and non-paved trails including non-motorized trails. We have drafted a letter to the councilors objecting and asking them to put this amendment on hold until further transparency is given to the public. No additional funding will be added to enforce this action. Please send your letters to: https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor
Also please attend the meeting to show your support!
The meeting will be at: WHEN: 5 p.m. Aug. 5
WHERE: Vincent E. Griego Chambers in the Albuquerque Government Center, 1 Civic Plaza NW
VIRTUAL: GOV-TV or on the city’s YouTube channel
May 2024-
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Management Plan
The National Monument area of the Rio Grande del Norte is changing their plan to allow e-bikes on all trails. However as noted in all National Monuments :
Final NEPA# DOI-BLM-NM-F020-2020-0015-EA
After further, careful review, the BLM recognizes that the Presidential Proclamation that established Rio Grande del Norte National Monument precludes motorized trails within the Monument. Therefore, e-bikes are permitted to be used only on roads designated OHV Open.
Public comment until May 23, 2024
https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2024165/510
March 2024-
National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry
Our partners, the American Horse Council (AHC) and the AHC Foundation, recently released their highly-anticipated National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry. AHC conducts the rigorous survey roughly every five years. BCHA is one of many organizations that provides financial contributions to assist the extensive research necessary to produce the report. The latest results highlight the significant and growing contributions to the US economy that result from the multi-faceted equine industry.
AHC’s report includes a comprehensive overview of economic benefits and trends within the recreation sector, which the report describes as “the largest sector of the horse industry”—larger than the US competition and racing sectors. The report will serve as an important frame of reference for AHC, BCHA and partners when shared with elected officials, state and federal land management agencies, and the tourism industry.
Importantly, the report notes that trail riding is enjoyed by 9.8% of the US population, or by about 13 million households. The vast majority of trail riders, 87%, utilize public lands. According to the report:
“The recreation sector supports more than 277,000 direct jobs and adds $14.5 billion in direct value to the national economy. These direct impacts drive a further $22 billion in added value to the economy and more than 189,000 jobs from indirect and induced effects.”
February 2024-SB9
The "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" passed and was signed by the governor. Thank you to all who help get the vote out! Now fully funded to 10 State programs which include forest restoration, building trails, and emergency relief for wildfires.
February 2023 -BLM Socorro Public Comment
Re: DOI:BCM-NM-A020-0037-EA
The Socorro office has completed an EA for trails that connect the Socorro Rodeo and Sport Complex to Box Canyon Recreation Area, and the trail is currently open for Non-Motorized multi-use. They have proposed some different stacked loops, as well as a potential way of connecting down to the Bosque trail system using a cement culvert under I-25. They are asking for allowance for class 1,2,&3 E-bike use on these non-motorized trails and are planning a total of 500 miles of trails for future use. Public comment is until Feb. 24,2023. Please go to this link and give your opinion. BCHNM is in support of the trail system, however non-motorized trails are just that non-motorized, and the new ruling down from BLM 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a) allows the overseeing managers to decide whether to allow e-bikes on non-motorized trails. Say no to e-bikes on trails for equine, hikers, and mountain bikers. Follow this link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022862/510
October 2022 -
NM Outdoor Economics Conference
NMOE was held in Taos from Oct 5-7, 2022. They had an attendance of 350 people. Many dignitaries were there such as county, state, federal, and outdoor groups such as fish, bicycling, hunting, and more. A new state division started in 2017, NM Outdoor Recreation Division is starting a campaign called, “Slow & Say Hello!” instead of the traditional triangle design on right of way. The main goal is to eliminate conflict with users.
Also noted, the Horse Thief Mesa Trail will be part of the Rio Grande Trail. Also, a few equestrian trails are being designed in the Carson National Forest Area. Construction to begin on the parking lot in Summer of 2023. The Enchanted Circle Trails Association attended and have several trails for horses and would love to have a group adopt a trail for maintenance. They are all National Forest or Wilderness areas and he’s done all the paperwork to have it done. In return, you’ll get signage identifying your group.
On the San Lorenzo trail near Socorro, the state is working on making it an example of an “Adaptive Trail System” throughout the state. They are looking at state lands and seeing which ones can be converted for trail use. They are also working on the Petroglyphs trail as well. The minimum time frame from start to finish is 4 years.
May 2021- Horse Thief Mesa TMP
Horse Thief Mesa is part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, BLM, and US Forest Lands. They are revising their plans to allow a variety of trails to run together. As equestrians we are concerned with over lapping with motor vehicles and the layout of the parking areas. We voiced our concerns and revisions were made.
After review of the public comments, the agency chose Alternative E, which approves 14 miles of new trail segments contingent upon pending surveys that provide for the avoidance of important cultural and biological resources and the completion of respective consultations with Native American Tribes, the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as required by law.
The decision also includes limiting motorized travel to 6.34 miles of routes to maintain access for fishing, hunting, fuelwood collection, and other uses, while closing approximately 10 miles of largely redundant two-track routes.and as of January 2024 they have received access for the parking area and working on completing
Update: In January 2024 they gained access to National Forest Lands, and with additional funding will complete the parking area.
August 18, 2020 - Hale Lake Management EA
BCHNM responded to the Hale Lake Area Management Public Comment period in the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest. The Plan proposed giving special designation to e-Bikes to non-motorized trails. BCHNM opposes motorized bicycles (e-bikes) onto trails that are intended to be shared by hikers, equestrians, and others. Our primary concerns were safety, potential impacts of e-bike use, not supporting the EA analysis of the Forest Service policy, and the main fact is an e-bike is motorized and should not be on a non-motorized trail.
Final Decision: Successful
Hale Lake responded with eliminating e-bikes from non-motorized trails.
April 10, 2020 - Revision of Forest Plan for the Gila National Forest
Backcountry Horsemen stated the following :
Building partnerships and volunteerism in assisting with the planning and maintenance of all trail systems. A well distributed trail system should be maintained to protect the opportunities for solitude, to implement and maintain the purpose of the wilderness, and not be limited. In 2019, the Gila chapter cleared trees and maintained 135 miles of trail in the Gila. Many of those severely degraded.
Continuing to maintain historic structures such as the log cabin at Mogollon Baldy, Hillsboro Peak, and White Creek cabin.
Final Decision : Feb. 1 2025