Hello trail riders,

Most of South Dakota is receiving much needed rain this spring.  Some areas of the state more than others.

As always, please send me your trail ride lists and dates as I need to keep updating the newsletter.  The newsletter is always looking for more advertisers, and a complimentary section is being added in this edition to show what we can offer local businesses in the form of advertisement.  

I am looking for members to join in riding in the Cavalry Days Event and Celebration June 9 2007 in Strurgis SD, in support of SDTR.  If you would be interested please contact me by phone at 1-605-203-1245 for more information.   Riders may camp at Alkali Creek if there is space and ride the trails around Fort Meade during the two day celebration!!

Hope you all have a wonderful spring.                             

“For reasons that are not well understood, certain breeds and types of horses founder more often than others. Fat ponies and small fat horses that are ‘easy keepers’ are notorious for being targets of founder. Some breeds have comparatively less founder than others as reported by the New York State Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, from January 1, 1966 to January 1, 1972.”

            Owners must maintain their horse’s proper body weight, this often means a diet of no grain and limited grass hay. Excess feed given either by mistake or neglect can increase occurrence of founder, especially grain. Allow animals time to cool off after exercising them, and keep up on an established parasite and preventative vaccination program as recommended by your local veterinarian.

            “A retained placenta, reaction to antibiotics, and the use of walnut shavings as bedding can also induce founder.”

            Horses that founder must be trimmed on a 6 week schedule to best benefit the animal. Founder is an irreversible disease.

            References The Horse 2^nd Ed.

West Nile Virus

With recent much needed rains in part of western SD, mosquito numbers have increased dramatically. Take extra caution this summer and wear bug repellent containing DEET and vaccinate your steed as directed by a veterinarian.

Reduce mosquito numbers by eliminating standing water near and around your yard. Keep your kids safe too, by applying kid recommended DEET products.

FYI

Willow Creek info for campers who want to use the showers at  the KOA:  the KOA charges $2.00 to use the showers and the fee can be  paid at the Guest Registration bldg.  Also, any campers who want to  ride the KOA buses to Mt Rushmore instead of driving up from WC can  purchase a ticket for $2/head.  They must be purchased the day of  trip.  If any horse campers want to ride the buses up to the monument  for the big 4th celebration fireworks (which will be held on the 3rd  evening of) should plan to be in line at the Guest Registration bldg  by 3 AM on the 3rd.  Tickets go on sale at 7 AM and are usually all  gone by 7:10 AM.

ATVs, Horses, and Paintballs Not Allowed On Public Hunting Areas

PIERRE, S.D. -- Outdoor enthusiasts are reminded that South Dakota's public
hunting areas are designated for specific uses only.

"Each spring we see an increase in unauthorized use of our public hunting
and fishing areas, particularly from all terrain vehicles (ATVs), horses and
folks battling with paintballs," said Game, Fish and Parks Resource
Biologist Andy Gabbert of Sioux Falls.

"Specific areas in question include the state's Game Production Areas (GPAs)
and federal Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). These areas are intended for
wildlife management, in addition to hunting, fishing and trapping. They are
closed to other non-compatible activities, such as paintball battles,
horseback riding, motorcycling, and ATV and 4x4 vehicle uses. The only
exception is that vehicles are allowed in designated parking areas and on
designated trails/roads, which are signed accordingly. Roads and trails that
are authorized for vehicle use will have a sign depicting them as a
designated road or trail."

Gabbert explained that off-road vehicles and horses can cause considerable
erosion and damage to wildlife habitat. He also noted that the damage can be
permanent if nothing is done to restore it. In addition, these activities
can cause significant disturbance to many species of wildlife that rely on
these public lands for food, water and cover.

Violators can be fined for unauthorized use on South Dakota's public hunting
and fishing areas. Additional fines, including restitution, can be applied
if destruction is caused to natural features. If anyone witnesses a
violation, they may call the TIPs hotline at 1-800-592-5522 to help protect
South Dakota's public lands.

Reservations at Custer State Park French Creek HC can be made now by calling 1-800-710-2267 (CAMP) between 7 AM and 10 PM CST, or on line anytime at www.CampSD.com . Group camping reservations: Call 1-800-710-CAMP. Minimum of 10 sites and group camping may not be available on holidays or special event weekends.

BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDS OFF ROAD CHANGES

                Established by public pressure exerted on the BHNF Supervisor by people living in sensitive areas of the Hills, plus members of off-road groups also disgusted with vandalism and deliberate destruction of natural habitat areas, the Advisory Board was developed to come up with new policy. The board is comprised of 13 individuals representing off-road groups, hikers, bikers, home owners, environmental groups, horse owners, tourism and the Forest Service’s Hell Canyon District Ranger, Mike Lloyd and Rick Hudson, program manager of recreation, wilderness and trails. The board members have been working together for over a year to come up with new ideas to facility off-road travel that would help reduce-eliminate the current problems and halt any attempts to close off road access in the BHNF. The BHNF is now the only forest in the Northern Region that is “open unless posted as closed.” Although not having a member of SDTR on the Advisory Board, individual members have been closely monitoring the board’s discussions through other recreational users seated on the Board. Our primary concern as the only statewide trail riding group was to ensure the open forest designation be continued, and eliminate any risk of closure of trails, trail heads and dispersed camping for horse use. Most of the more egregious issues the group had to deal with dealt with motorized off-road users who were flaunting forest service off-road restrictions.

                In their report released in November 2004, the following recommendations were presented to the Forest Service:

-A Black Hills Trail System for off-road vehicles

-Protection from off-roading for 19 ecologically sensitive areas

-Better enforcement of off-road restrictions, including a program modeled on the TIPS program that helps curtail poaching

-Tags and fees for off-road vehicles that cold help pay for trail maintenance and enforcement

-Maps and an atlas of Black Hills trails

-An aggressive program of public education

-Encourage private sector involvement, such as an adopt-a-trail program, similar to SDTR’s adopt-a-trail program with Harney Trail #9

                Fortunately, through the BHRMUC, we have representation that can be a very valuable resource for preventing horse users from being relegated outside the process. We have seen this happen on the national scene when changes in forest management practices were passed and all of a sudden, horse camps, trails and access were shut off. Locally, there is similar danger if horse people don’t respond to the need to keep Harney Trail #9N from closure. Closure is always just a signature away despite efforts by SDTR and others within and outside our state’s borders to keep the trail open. SDTR is very fortunate to have a good working relationship with District Ranger Mike Lloyd in our efforts to keep our horse trails open in the Harney System.

                By supporting the recommendations of the Advisory Board we can help them as well as ensure a place in the mix for horse people.

SOME GOOD NEWS - A  LOT NOT!! for Harney Trail #9 N to Harney Peak

     Funding for trail maintenance on all of the trails located in the Black Hills National Forest is still not a budgeting priority for the Feds, and #9 in the Harney System is no exception. While trail riders are keen to ride the trails, there is a real lack of help for trail maintenance funds, volunteer labor, and worst of all, a heck of a lot of non-compliance with the rules in force in the Black Elk Wilderness area which encompasses most of the #9 Trail.

     THE NOT! Over the summer of 2004, the forest service has noted that the majority of trail riders using the Harney Trail System are NOT REGISTERING when they arrive at the trail head. The Feds have been citing trail riders for other Wilderness rule violations more then they are citing hikers. What is the big deal? Well, it is a darn big deal when those of us who have been working hard with the forest service to keep the best horse trail to Harney Peak open for the past 5 years see it slipping away by the actions of our fellow riders. RIDERS, PLEASE stop at the trail heads, register, don't exceed the 12 horse per group rule, don't cut trails, do tie up your mount properly.

     THE GOOD! Dwight Schrier, SDTR Volunteer Coordinator, has been keeping our members and all of the guests at his Battle Creek Horse Camp fully informed of the implications of the management of the Wilderness areas and for that we offer our warmest thanks. It is an ongoing responsibility and he and wife, Holli, never miss an opportunity to educate riders about LNT and Wilderness rules. And, likewise, it is in the same vein that we thank Tom and Kathy Hefferman, of the Custer Trail Riders, for all of the hours they have spent volunteering on #9, and elsewhere, passing out Black Elk Wildnerness brochures to all they meet. Thanks, also, to those other trail riders who comply with the regs., practice good LNT habits and take the time to "pass it on" along with our thanks for the monetary donations for trail maintenance.

100 MILE MICKELSON TRAIL DESIGNATED A MILLENNIUM LEGACY TRAIL
The Trail now becomes one of 50 national trails designated from 47 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This Legacy Trail recognition provides national publicity for a new trail and it also provides an opportunity to qualify for federal grant money.

The Mickelson Trail managed by the SD Dept of Game, Fish & Parks is the only trail in the BHNF that requires users to purchase a trail pass. The annual pass fee was raised from $6 to $10 . Day passes remain $2. Passes are available at all the major Trail Heads, or in Custer, Hill City, Lead, Rapid City or contact the Dept of Game Fish & Parks .

RESERVATIONS FOR FOREST SERVICE HORSE CAMPS

  A new USFS national reservation system began operation on October 15, 1999 for all forest service and Corp of Engineers recreation sites. Campers will have the option of a one-stop booking service through a toll-free phone number, 1-877-444-6777. Internet service at http://reserveusa.com. Black Hills bound horse campers reserving sites at either Willow Creek HC or Iron Creek HC can expect to pay the campsite fee plus a service charge of $8.65 per reservation regardless if made by phone, Internet or in person.

The new reservation vendor is Park Net, Inc. of Ballston Spa, NY. Bookings can be made up to 240 days in advance for individual campsites and 360 days in advance for group sites.

SD WEST RIVER BRAND INSPECTIONS REQUIREMENTS

Horse or mule owners take note that all horses and mules are subject to owner inspection of papers and/or brand by a South Dakota Brand Inspector once you cross the Missouri River. Several of the state or federal horsecamps within the BHNF boundaries are visited regularly by a local inspector. Cost of the inspection is $.70 per animal and a pro-rated mileage charge of 24 cents per mile may be charged. This is a SERVICE that the Inspector is providing. If you have made other arrangements with another brand inspector you do not have to have the inspection at the horse camp. For further information, please contact the SD Brand Office in Rapid City. The phone number is (605) 343-2660 or 1-800-529-2333. Be aware that the Ownership Inspection Area is all counties located WEST of the Missouri River. To see a currrent list of brand inspectors go to http://www.southdakotastockgrowers.org/brand_inspection.htm

In Wyoming brand inspections are required at your final destination. Also needed are current health certificate and negative Coggins test. Inspection fee for first horse/mule is $8, additional animals $5 each.
Brand Inspectors: Kurt Kinghorn @ (307) 684-5718 or John Garman @ (307) 684-7905 or call the Johnson County Sheriff @ (307) 684-5581 to reach an inspector by radio.

Inspectors require at least 24 hour notice to set an appointment for inspection or horses and mules
Horse/mule owners must have a current Coggins, current health certificate, and proof of ownership.  These items are also required in adjacent states such as Wyoming which have state brand inspection laws.
Failure to comply in SD is a $100 fine.

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