MOTHER LODE UNIT MATTERS

MAY – JUNE 2009

 

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

Wild Flowers, good friends, nice weather and Great Food are the extras enjoyed by the members that joined Julie on the club ride on the 2nd of May at Camanche Lake.

The trail was in great shape and just wet enough for no dust and No damage done by riding after the rains.  There are many trees along the trail so most of the time you will ride in the shade making this a great ride all year and excellent for young or green horses.  Just enough challenges for good training ops with gates, water crossings, bridges and little (or no) other users.

Thank you Julie and Brian!  Hope to see both of you and other members on the trail at our May 30 ride along the American River, Granite Bay?? possible camp-out??
                                      
My Knight and I hope all of you are riding more than we are!  The Mother Lode Unit monthly rides will be an asset and fun for all that join in, high country rides are great! But we all need to start and work up to the elevation and distance for ourselves and our stock. 

 

Remember, this is YOUR UNIT offer to lead a ride to show us one of your favorite trails!  Knight and I hope we can ride them all.

See ya on the trail soon!!!    Becky

 

ARE YA READY FOR SOME  EXPO?

By Dan Marus, Education Committee Chair

 

Well, Horse Expo is on its way!  If you haven’t done so already, pencil-in June 12th through 14th.  Backcountry’s Gentle Use camp will be in the same old place as usual….but the activities and program just keep getting better!   The Dutch oven folks have new “experiments” they’re cooking up and the rumor is they may bring a portable still.  The Forest Service is back with a new presentation, including packing up an entire pack string.

Jo Johnson (Sierra San Joaquin Unit) will present “How to Train Pack Stock” again, but with some new ideas and techniques.  Last year so many spectators wanted to see the Forest Service string “up-close” they followed them back to their trailers.  So this year we plan to have a pen set up across from the camp where packing demos can be done on live animals. 

 

It’s nice to see so many of our members helping put on this huge event!!!  Our little corner of Expo has claimed the reputation of providing interesting, valuable, practical information NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE AT HORSE EXPO.  Ben DuBose of Sutter Buttes Unit brings a tent and a plastic mule for us to use.  If you can help set up camp on Thursday or take down on Sunday, let us know.  Please, plan on being a part of it.

 

Once again, sign-up with Corky (530-589-6914 or corkylayne@sbcglobal.net) to help for two  hours in the camp and get in free for that day.  It’s easy duty and lots of fun.  We would like to add some more camp “props” and displays, so call Dan (916-663-9343 or dmarus@gmail.com) with your ideas.  Look forward to having you there.  Thanks.

 

Note from Corky:  The shifts are for two hours, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m.  Sundays we close at 5 and take down the exhibit.  For the two hours of your shift, you just visit with other horse people and generally have a good time. 

 

If someone is interested in our publications, I usually ask them if they ride and, if so, where.  That usually gets a short conversation started.  As Dan says, it is not hard duty!  And, then you are free to see the rest of the Expo:  including the Mustang Challenge, a Driving Darby, Magnificent 7, and many clinics and seminars.  Check out the schedule on www.horsexpo.com to plan around any event you want to see.

 

EMAILING NEWSLETTER

 

If you have requested the newsletter be sent to you by snail mail, but you are still getting it by email, please let me know.  Corky Layne,  Editor

 

MOTHER LODE UNIT MEMBER WINS FIRST AT THE RENDEZVOUS DUTCH OVEN COOK-OFF!

 

Ron Akers, a member of the Mother Lode unit, achieved his second annual win in the Dutch Oven Cook-Off at the Turlock Rendezvous this year.

 

Last year, Ron won Second Place in the professional division of the Dutch Oven Cook-Off with his “Chili Verde” and “Peach Cobbler”. He also won first place for the most “realistic” period costume. Some of the judges commented that his “personable” interaction with the public, along with his cooking expertise, influenced his win.

 

This year, he won First Place in the professional division of the Dutch Oven Cook-Off with his “Chili Colorado” and “Apple Pecan Caramel Cake”. There were long lines of people waiting for samples of his cooking and he had great praises from the judges.

 

Ron has been practicing and refining his Dutch Oven cooking for several years. He has been cooking at multiple outdoor camping events for groups, often up to 35 people. He is becoming known for his mouth-watering breakfasts, delicious main dishes, and “to die for” desserts.

 

Ron will be cooking at the Western States Horse Expo in June at Cal Expo. Please stop by the Mother Lode Unit Outdoor display area for “samples” and recipes of his fabulous Dutch Oven cooking!

 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

April 27, 2009

 

The Mother Lode Unit met at 7 pm in Plymouth at the Colima d'Oro Mexican Restaurant on Highway 49.   The following 30 persons were present: Becky Wolk, Andy Assereto, Randy Hackbarth, Kim O'Brien (guest), Jerry and Kathleen Griffin, Carrie Johnen, Melba Leal, Charlene Paoluccio, Al and Cheryl Kaiser, Mike Keim, Bob and Carolyn Gilmore, Ron Akers, Sheila Bond, Bill and Claudia Ball, Cordell Van Rees, Vic and Merrilyn Delius, Bob Pfaff, Brian, Julie and Sammy Hahn, Pat Williams (guest), George and Myrna Glick, Terri Riley, Sandy Stovall.  28 members and 2 guests.

President Becky Wolk called the meeting to order.  Everyone introduced themselves and then Claudia Ball was presented with the Top Hand Award for her work in Public Lands.  Claudia thanked the group and then presented the two speakers, Randy Hackbarth, Mother Lode member and also a member of the Folsom Lake Trail Advisory Board, and Kim O'Brien, a veteran member of the Folsom Lake Mounted Patrol.  

 

Melba had prepared a handout for everyone:  copies of articles from the Auburn   newspapers.  One article was about the incident where three dirt motorcycles riders in the park illegally caused two horseback riders to be thrown from their horses, resulting in injuries to one rider and one horse having to be euthanized.  The other article dealt with a recent incident where an unleashed dog attacked a horse, resulting in a rider being thrown.  The horse continued to be chased and attacked by the dog.  In its panic the horse injured the young daughter of the dog's owners.  The horse suffered so many wounds it had to be taken to Loomis Basin Vet Hospital to be treated.


Randy Hackbarth explained that the Trail Advisory Board is a result of people coming together with park staff to solve problems at Folsom Lake.  Randy also passed out a flyer prepared by ACE, Action Coalition of Equestrians, which warns riders using Folsom Lake SRA of the numerous break-ins of vehicles there.  The flyer is being made available to park users and advises them of how not to be victimized by thieves as well as how to report park violations and suspicious activities; call 916-358-1300 to report.  A card is being worked on that will be available at the park kiosk; it will be called "Park Watch" and will be like a CPR card with helpful hints, phone numbers and guidelines.  It will advise not to become part of the incident but how to report it and the phone number to call to record your report.  

 

One problem the park is having is that signage instructing mountain bikers not to use equestrian/ hiking trails is being torn down.  Additional signage is being put up denoting mountain bike exclusion and also informing the public to leash their dogs.   Randy explained it is very important for equestrians using the park to speak up and report problems and incidents.  The reason for this is that without documentation of problems the park officials take the position that there is not a problem.  So the Trail Advisory Board and ACE want to encourage equestrians to make their voices heard when they encounter a problem or if they see a problem.  Statistics are needed to ensure park officials are aware of the problems.  The ACE website www.acequestrians.org has an incident report on it that can be used; Loomis Basin Horseman's Association has one also at www.garlic.com (that is correct).   The reports will be passed on to park officials as proof of the problems being encountered.

Randy relayed that at meetings with park officials she always makes a point to explain to them how horseback riding is the most rapidly growing sport and the money that is spent on it.  Also, ACE will report a trail incident on any trail to the proper authority. 


Kim O'Brien of the Folsom Lake Mounted Patrol spoke about the incidents on the handouts.
Kim stressed that there are many legitimate bike riders who use Folsom who felt badly about the injured horse incident and wanted to help with identifying the illegal dirt motor bikers.   Kim has been attacked many times by loose dogs but fortunately has not been injured.  Kim also reported that whenever she has to call dispatch regarding an incident a ranger has come out.  But rangers have to witness an incident before they can cite a violator.  However, the rangers could cite the owners whose dog recently attacked the horse; the physical evidence of the attack was obvious.  

 

Kim stressed that carrying a gun or weapon in the park is illegal.  Before considering carrying pepper spray to protect yourself and your horse, realize that smelling pepper spray can "drop" your horse.  Kim also explained the need to have common language for identifying locations where help is needed.  

 

Kim told us that some mountain bikers are trying to set up a mountain bike patrol to help prevent incidents and increase compliance.  Kim explained she does not have any real authority but most people have respect for her and do as she requests.   She also stressed that Folsom is still a good place to ride and the more people ride the better it will be.  It is better to ride in groups.  If riding down to the water be aware there are places where there is quicksand.

Kim discussed the problem of "night riding" mountain bikers at Folsom.  This is illegal but due to being short staffed the rangers have not been able to stop it.  Kim explained that another problem is that if someone was cited for it they get out of the citation by claiming they did not see the sign prohibiting it.  Metal signs are now being used.

      
Al Kaiser relayed a problem incident when riding at Folsom.  Al, his wife and daughter were riding on a switchback and had a mountain biker come right up behind him on an equestrian/hiking only trail and get within three feet of his mule.  He also reported the absence of civility from mountain bikers even when trying to converse with them.


Randy explained that the Trail Advisory Board draws upon different equestrian groups.  They are putting together information in an attempt to work with park officials to make things better for equestrians.  There have been three meetings with a fourth scheduled.  The hope is that this will be an ongoing board.  The park officials are now aware of the seriousness of the problems.   

 

ACE has been very vigilant about publicizing the problems faced there.  When there are meetings with officials, the Trail Advisory Board will prepare minutes and send them out to interested equestrian groups so they will have information.   There will probably be a press release issued that will stress the main points.   At this point the biggest push is getting the cards completed.  Park officials have been working on getting proper signage that explains rules to OHV users 

Kim said that the Mounted Patrol has received $500 from the Wendell Robie Foundation which is being used on better signage.  The Patrol itself also donated $500.  The account will not be given directly to Parks and Rec; the money will go directly for the purpose intended.  There is also an idea of raising money to provide a hand held speed gun so rangers could cite speeding bikers more easily.  Folsom Lake Patrol is the only one in the state where donations do not go to the state.  The Patrol is prohibited from any political action.

In response to a question, Kim explained that in the Granite Bay area of Folsom it is possible to obtain a permit for an overnight ride.


HORSE EXPO -  Please contact Corky Layne to reserve your work spot.  In exchange for your work shift you will receive free admission that day.  You must still pay for parking, however.  Becky asked how much the club wished to spend for any expenses, such as the food for the dutch oven cooking.  Cheryl Kaiser, Treasurer, explained we need to do a proposed budget to do this.  

PROPOSED BUDGET - 

Horse Expo - The food for the dutch oven cooking and expenses for passes are the two items.  We usually allot $200 for Expo.  

Donation - to Folsom Lake Mounted Patrol for hand held speed gun.  Becky suggested it be mentioned in the newsletter that we are considering this and ask for feedback.

Donation to Wild Horse Sanctuary is on budget under miscellaneous.

Cheryl advised there was now $2,720.00 in an interest bearing checking account.

Randy Hackbarth made a motion to approve the budget.  Claudia Ball seconded it.  Approved.

Melba made the point that some funds should be placed under Public Lands due to the issues with which Mother Lode is dealing.  It was decided to allot $150 for this.  Carrie made the motion and it was approved unanimously.


PUBLIC LANDS REPORT - Claudia reported that she, Melba Leal and Al Kaiser attended an Open House hosted by the Eldorado National Forest on Saturday, April 25th.  Melba spoke with staff about the need for public access.     

Al Kaiser and Claudia spoke at length with the Ranger for Pacific Ranger District about having two dispersed camping sites recognized and noted as such on the map for the area where Tells Creek is.  We filled out a form requesting this be done.  Not having these two areas usable for equestrian's rigs could have the effect of making Tells Creek Horse Camp very crowded.  We also spoke with Duane Nelson, Ranger for the Placerville District , about a possible camping area near Fitz Rantz bridge on the Silverfork.  This is an area John Lewis very much liked as it is the trailhead for the Caples Creek Trail, said to be a very beautiful area.  We were told we would have to speak with the Ranger for the Amador District regarding a camping area for Schneider's Cow Camp, another area John Lewis was concerned about due to the loss of the traditional staging area under the new Motorized Travel Plan.  We plan to check out the Fitz Rantz Bridge area as soon as conditions allow and to contact the Amador District Ranger.

  

PACK CLINIC - Becky said to contact Dan Marus if interested in having this in July.

 

TRAIL PROJECT - Al Kaiser said he had spoken with Doug Veerkamp who plans to go to Tells Creek Camp on June 27th, picking out some logs and cleaning up the campsite with backhoes and dump trucks.   This will push our annual work party there into July.  Al plans to speak with Dan Marus and try to work out having a work party and a packing clinic at the same time.  There is still three or four feet of snow there.  We do not want to be up there too early as we do not want to tear up the ground. 

 

Moment of Silence to Remember John Lewis -  At Bob Pfaff's suggestion we remembered John during  a moment of silence.


There will be no meeting in May due to Mule Days in Bishop. The next meeting will be held Monday, June 22nd, in Auburn at the Denny's Restaurant near the Foresthill exit.  The address is 1800 Auburn Ravine Road.  We will meet in their backroom.  Please come by 6:00 to 6:30 to order and eat.  Meeting starts at 7.

 


Claudia Ball, Secretary

JOHN LEWIS   May 18, 1936–April 9, 2009

 

We lost a great man on April 9, 2009.   John Lewis was an active member of the Mother Lode Unit.  He loved to pack his mules into the backcountry and volunteered to clear trails and assist in packing clinics and set up and take down the BCHC gentle use camp/booth at Horse Expo  and grow grapes and on and on….   He was also very involved with Project Ride in Elk Grove.   John and his wife Carolyn liked to camp and ride the trails on their mules.

 

John’s funeral may have been the biggest one ever seen in Elk Grove for he was well-respected and liked by everyone.   At the reception, son Tim led John’s favorite molly mule around the Project Ride Arena saddled and with John’s boots backwards in the stirrups.  There was not a dry eye in the place. 

 

THE ORIGINAL COW PUNCHER     

By Jeralynn Strong

(from reminiscing with Carolyn, Boys and Family

 

It was here in south county, John Lewis was raised

With family and farming and cattle to graze.

Playing football in high school and then U.C.D.

Ag business he studied and that was the key,

 

To raising tomatoes, wheat, cattle and corn,

Right here in Elk Grove, since before I was born.                 

He sure loved his sons, all close to his heart

If they got to fussin’ he’d say “boys, let’s not start….”

 

Explaining with patience, John did some fine teaching,

He was a good listener, never did preaching.

Give you plenty of time, so you’d figure things out,

He knew how to prioritize what life’s all about.

 

It may be a rare parent, whose son’s only fear,

Was in disappointing a Dad held so dear.

Call it “mind-meld” or stink-eye, or the lift of a brow,

Or his hand on your shoulder, you’d just know somehow,

 

He’d want you to relax or watch what you said.

He could radiate praise with a nod of his head.

John didn’t like cussing, wouldn’t stoop to a fight.

With peaceful encounters….It’d all be all right.

 

The ranch was a haven for all kinds of youth,

John lent a kind ear, he was fairness and truth.

He was called the “Original Cow Puncher” by many,

Whether mounted on gelding, or riding a Jenny.

 

With his neighbor Wackman, he’d fly on patrol

With their own special band of coyote control.

There were wine grapes and Christmas trees, raised on his ground

Hauling cattle and shavings and produce around.

 

To many a friend, helping hands he has lent,

But considered a branding a social event.

He always had time for you, and good advice.

If you wanted a favor, you didn’t have to ask twice.

 

John lived his life fully, with water ski teams

And fishing and hunting and camping it seems.

He loved horses and roping and mountains and snow,

Trekking through wild flowers, spotting a doe,

 

Packing with mules and headin’ to Mule Days

Family and friends loved his comforting ways.

Cause John knew the value of family and fun,

He’d start many projects, maybe not get all done,

 

But the fun is in trying ideas that are new,

Wisely knowing there’d always be something to do.

He was charismatic, with definite style,

Charming and humble, with a handsome, kind smile.

 

From Big Sky Montana, he’d call home on Thanksgiving.

Carolyn asked “are you cold?”  He’d say “This is good living!”

He was genuine, easy, his dancing was stellar.

He found excitement in nature, was a great story teller!

 

If someone he loved, was getting uptight,

He’d just reassure saying “you’ll be all right.”

John Lewis was calm in the eye of a storm,

He liked to be positive, keep in good form.

 

If the fabric of life, were all knitted and purled;

Like John lived his life, there’d be peace in the world.

I’m hopin’ he’s glad that we’re all here to show him,

We were lucky and happy and so proud to know him.

 

John still might be saying, as he heads to the light…

“I know my way back to camp…

And we’ll all be all right.”

 

PUBLIC LANDS SEMINAR AT RENDEZVOUS

By Jaede Miloslavich

 

Randy Hackbarth, Debbie Thorsen and I drove down to the Rendezvous in Turlock to attend the Public Lands Seminar, "Do-It-Yourself Guide to Protecting Your Access to Public Lands" with attorney Kevin Garden. I attended because our Emigrant Trail Conservancy is working to gain access to a public right of way in the Grass Valley area and I was appointed to the Board of ACE, an equestrian trails advocacy
organization. I was looking forward to attending this seminar hoping I would take away information that could help our groups achieve their goals.

I wanted to let the BCHC members know that the seminar more than met expectations.  Everything was clearly stated and exact actions were listed. The Q and A period went on for hours because so many people had specific needs, and Kevin (and Daniel Clifford) stayed and helped everyone. At the end, we were given a large booklet on how to protect our rights of access, including relevant law, regulations and policy.

This was the best public lands seminar I have attended, and the information received will definitely assist my groups and many others.

KUDOS to BCHC for bringing Kevin to our Rendezvous!!

Thank you,

Jaede Miloslavich
Executive Director,  Action Coalition for Equestrians (ACE)
President, Emigrant Trail Conservancy
Member, Mother Lode Unit BCHC

 

     VERY  IMPORTANT  QUESTIONS

 

Would you like to go on unit trail rides?  Where

Would you like to ride?  Day ride or overnight?

Please call Claudia Ball:   530-626-8589.

 

Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. – Woody Allen

 

 

SUPPORT FFA

 

Go to HelpGrowYourSoup.com/FFA click on the red barn and Campbell Soup Company will donate $1 on your behalf—up to $250,000—to the National FFA Organization, which is dedicated to developing future leaders through agricultural education.  The donations continue until June 21, 2009.  Click often!

 

Use the group code BCHOFAMERICA every time you shop at CountrySupply.com and a donation of up to five percent (5%) of your purchase (except for dewormers and shipping and handling) will go to BCHA.

 

Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.  It’s already tomorrow in Australia!  Charles Schultz

 

                 BCH GETAWAY

. 

For special, hot travel deals check out www.ytbtravel.com/bchc and book your vacation to help raise funds for

Backcountry Horsemen of California.   One hundred percent of the commission goes to BCHC.

 

 

SADDLE UP FOR ST. JUDE

 

South County Horsemen will have a ride at Lake Camanche on May 30 to benefit St. Jude.  Meet at 9, ride out at 10.  For a $20 donation you receive a lapel pin; for $35, a Tshirt; for $75 a hat; and for $150 or over, saddle bags. A potluck/BBQ will be after the ride.  Bring a dish to share and your own table service.  Call Pat Shockey (916-687-7980) for details.

 


 

   2009 MOTHER LODE UNIT OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE   BOARD__

 

Officers

President                                Becky Wolk                          (530)  622-0695                                   rwbzbranch@localnet.com

V. President                           Don Hess                               (916)  631-7288                         

Secretary                               Claudia Ball                         (530)  626-8589                                   claudia55ball@yahoo.com

Treasurer                               Cheryl Kaiser                        (916)  687-7094                                   chkais@frontiernet.net

State Director                       Julie Hahn                             (209)  274-2651                                   spmule@aol.com 

Alt. Director                          Claudia Ball                         (530)  626-8589                                   claudia55ball@yahoo.com

Editor/Membership            Corky Layne                       (530) 589-6914                       corkylayne@sbcglobal.net

Webmaster                         Carrie Johnen                         (209) 245-5617                                    cjubilee@comcast.net

Committee Chairs

Education                             Dan Marus                            (916)  663-9343                                   dmarus@gmail.com

Horse Expo                           Julie Hahn (Contacts)         (209)  274-2651                                   spmule@aol.com

                                                Corky Layne (Volunteers)  (530) 589-6914                                   corkylayne@sbcglobal.net

                                                Dan  Marus (Speakers)       (916) 663-9343                                   dmarus@gmail.com

Public Lands                         Claudia Ball                          (530) 626-8589                                   claudia55ball@yahoo.com

                                                Bill Ball                                  (530) 626-8589                                    claudia55ball@yahoo.com

John Lewis                            (916) 685-4301                                   jl3lranch@frontiernet.net

Melba Leal                           (530)  622-5205                                   apachejam@hughes.net

Cordell Van Rees                 (916)  956-4657

Rendezvous                          Julie Hahn (Coordinator)   (209) 274-2651                                   spmule@aol.com                                                                                Carrie Johnen (Raffle)`      (209) 245-5617                                   cjubilee@comcast.net

Trail Projects                        Al Kaiser                                (916) 687-7094                                 dbldiamond47@frontiernet.net

Board Members                   Bill Ball                                  (530) 626-8589

Peggy Christensen               (916) 933-0694                                   peg@folsomlakemarina.com

Charlene Paoluccio             (209) 245-3072                                    rpce@sbcglobal.net                                  

Billy White                         (530) 626-1053

 

 

            COMING ATTRACTIONS

(You must be a current member of BCHC to participate in any unit’s activity involving animals.)

                               BCHC events are open to all BCHC Members!    Nonmembers may join at the event.

 

                  

5/19-24      Bishop Mule Days, Bishop

No ML meetings in May

5/29-31      Sutter Buttes Unit work party, Beldon.  Contact Ben DuBose 530-673-1053

 

5/30           ML overnight ride, or one day if you wish, at Folsom Lake (Granite Bay or Negro Bar). We need to use the trails to help keep them open. Contact Claudia 530-626-8589 now if you want to go and especially if you want to stay overnight so she can get the permit.

 

5/30            Ride for St Jude, Camanche Lake.  Call Pat Shockey  916-687-7890

6/6                   National Trails Day

6/12-14     Horse Expo, Cal Expo

6/22           ML meeting, Denny’s Restaurant, 1800 Auburn Ravine Rd, near Foresthill exit.  Eat at 6, meet at 7.

6/27           ML Ride probably in the Auburn area.  Contact Dan Marus 916-663-9343

7/10-12      Sutter Buttes work party, Milk House Flat.  Contact Ben DuBose 530-673-1053

7/17-19      Sutter Buttes work party Carter Meadows.  Contact Ben DuBose 530-673-1053

8/21-9/7     State Fair, Cal Expo        

10/10                   BCHC State Board Meeting, Santa Nella, CA

10/24        ML overnight ride at Pt Reyes.  Contact Corky Layne 530-589-6914

 

 

 

MOTHER LODE UNIT ADVERTISING RATES

 

                                      PER ISSUE  /  YEAR                    E-mail ads to Corky Layne at corkylayne@sbcglobal.net or send to her at

Business Card                      $ 5.00   $  50.00                  86 Millet Lane, Oroville CA 95966-8810.  Members are entitled to one free

Quarter Page                          15.00      150.00                  non-business ad per year.  If you wish to fax, call Corky first so she can turn

Half Page                               30.00      300.00                  on the printer.  Checks should be made out to Mother Lode Unit, P O Box Full Page                                 40.00      400.00                  2088, Elk Grove CA 95759-2088.

 

 

 

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