July 15th 2026
​ Portneuf River BCH chapter meeting.

Where: Rock N Horse Arena and Stables, 10555 Hiline Rd, Pocatello, ID 
When: 6:30 pm Wednesday July 15, 2026
Activity: Dr. Kari Schultz will be doing a hands-on presentation of equine chiropractics.
Our meeting is free of charge. Please come to receive important announcements about upcoming activities and come with some good questions for our presenter.

WE WERE RAINED OUT ON JUNE 27TH SO THE RIDE TO BUCKSKIN BASIN IS NOW PLANNED FOR SATURDAY JULY 18TH

This has always been Steve Hurley's favorite ride. A lot of the ride has shade, so even if the weather is hot, it is still very doable. You don't want to miss this one. We will meet on Saturday in the town of Inkom, across from the Grocery Store (Bisharat Market) at 8:30 A.M. The trailhead is still 9 miles away up Inman Road. The ride is 10 miles long and has 2,500ft of climbing, resulting in a rating of 5.5 out of 10. Bring either a pruner, a lopper, or a saw to help clear the trail.
​(see more information on our calendar)

​Idaho Shifts Agency Oversight: SB 1300 Consolidates Executive Power
Idaho is moving away from decades of board-led agency management following the passage of Senate Bill 1300. Signed on April 2, 2026, the law transfers the power to appoint key state directors directly to the Governor, effective July 1.
Key Impacts:
  • New Gubernatorial Authority: The Governor will now hire and fire the directors of Fish and Game, Parks and Recreation, and the Transportation Department, subject to Senate confirmation.
  • Ending the 1938 Model: This overturns the science-based "merit system" established by the 1938 Fish and Game Initiative, which used independent citizen boards to insulate directors from political influence.
  • One Major Exception: The Department of Lands remains unchanged; its director still reports to the five-member State Board of Land Commissioners.
The Debate:
Supporters claim the move increases executive accountability. Critics argue it politicizes resource management and probably would jeopardize the 1961 Harriman State Park agreement, which specifically required non-political oversight for the donated land. By jeopardizing, we mean that Harriman would return to private ownership and exclude public access.

UPDATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE

Information on the New Explore Act passed in January

Big Springs Campground has six dilapidated corrals. The Westside Ranger District is writing a grant to construct new corrals. The six corrals are shown from west to east below

Our friends the Over the Hill Gang ride regularly every wednesday.

Back Country Horsemen is a non-profit service organization dedicated to preserving the right to use stock animals on public lands and maintaining wilderness trails through volunteer service.