The Buffalo River Back Country Horsemen of America (BRBCHA) held its Annual Membership Meeting on January 12th at the Krooked Kreek Fire House in Harrison, Arkansas. Members met to elect a new board of officers and to make plans for 2019. BRBCHA, a local chapter of Back Country Horsemen of America, is a non-profit service organization dedicated to keeping public trails open to everyone and to promoting the responsible use of equines in the back country.

Through regularly scheduled work days the group helps to clip, clear, and clean trails along its primary service area, which includes the Upper Buffalo National River from Boxley to Mt. Hersey, as well as portions of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness.

With the group’s motto “We Keep Your Trails Open” in mind, newly elected Vice-President Ted Spears went right to work presenting a year’s worth of work opportunities. This schedule lays the framework, but it will likely be expanded as Ted’s goal is to ensure that every major trail within the Upper Buffalo trail system receives attention. Depending on the need, work days may include sawing logs, removing debris, clipping branches, picking up trash, and installing water bars to prevent erosion – all while riding some of the most beautiful trails in the country. “This perfect blend of work and pleasure is a large part of our organization’s appeal,” says President Nancy Deisch. “Our members have the fun and satisfaction of riding spectacular trails that they have helped preserve.”

Buffalo River BCHA 2019 Proposed Work Schedule

January 16                                    Boxley
February 2                                    Ponca
March 6                                        Centerpoint
April 6                                           Compton
May 17-19                                     Erbie
June 5                                            Pruitt-Up River
July 2                                             Pruitt-Down River
August 3                                        Hasty – Up River
September 20-22                        Lick Creek
October 12                                    Carver – Down River
November 9                                 TBA
December 14                                TBA

All rides and work days are subject to change as weather and trail conditions dictate. Most rides leave out at 9:30, but for more specific information, contact Nancy at (870) 420-3882 or Ted at (417) 434-3238. New members are welcome at any time by contacting membership chairperson Elaine Appel at (513) 477-0598 or by visiting Buffalo River BCHA under arkansasbch.org. Both contacts can suggest service opportunities to those who would like to help protect and preserve trails but are unable to ride or attend work days.