07/07/08 Back country stewards

July is the perfect month to saddle up and head for the back country. I'm Jeff Keane stay tuned until after the break to learn some ways we can help ensure that our wilderness areas remain open to horses and pack animals. With increased pressure from environmental groups claiming horses and mules ruin hiking and mountain bike trails and destroy habitat, wilderness riding can no longer be taken for granted. But there are some things we can do to lessen our impact and keep the greenies at bay, Here is Susan Allen with a few ideas. Jeff it boils down to being good back country steward. The number one rule is to leave campsites and trails as we found them. There are many easy ways to minimize the impact of our horses. For one, just sticking to designated trails, and using the switchbacks instead of cutting across helps immensely in preventing erosion. Another anti-erosion measure is to ford a river or stream at the flattest area. Rotating high lines, and free-grazing hobbled horses also helps to preserve plant life along with splitting up when riding in a big group cross country. It is often the little things like remembering to kick out the manure piles prior to leaving camp that will help keep hikers from getting their hackles up because an unsightly mound of manure can take years to decompose. I 'll add that riders should show respect for private property, close gates and pack out rubbish. If we work together we can ensure that the privilege of riding the back country will continue for future generations. I'm Jeff Keane.