Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen ​Meetings will now be held during the third week of the month on Wednesday at 6:30PM. The new location is in the Pocatello Marshal Public Library, 113 S Garfield Ave (turn right after going in the main door)
THERE WILL BE NO CHAPTER MEETING IN DECEMBER, BUT THERE WILL BE A MEETING AND POTLUCK IN JANUARY.

Volunteerism is an essential activity of Back Country Horsemen. A central point of our mission statement is to assist government agencies in the stewardship of public lands. 

WE ARE HAVING A SECOND RIDE TO THE SNAKE RIVER. IT IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY MAY 9TH

Meet at 9am the at corner of ID 39 and Whitnah Rd, American Falls, Idaho.  On the West side of ID 39 there is a little gravel parking area, and Whitnah Rd is right after crossing the Dam headed North. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DNKpK9e9c7NrYfn57 or GPS 42.77859, -112.88342

From there we will travel to the trailhead GPS 42.72140, -112.95949. As this is our 2nd ride and some will have tack issues, We will probably leave by 10am-ish from the trailhead. This will allow for any registrations or releases to be signed. 
Ride is a minimum of 8 miles; it can be another 2-3 miles longer if the group would like with an extended trail. Upon coming with us you will be participating at your own risk. We do require that you are a current member of BCH or sign our 'Release of Liability' form. You can sign up same day. $25 individual/$35 family.
I would highly recommend that you bring clothing for cool weather, a rain jacket/poncho/slicker of some sort, and a lunch as we will be stopping midway. The lunch-spot does have large rocks for getting into the saddle if you need 'em.
Much of the trail is very sandy, there is some rock. If you have any questions or concerns please call or text me or message me below. We will be going to Duck Point, Eagle Rock, archeological areas.
For questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact me. Also, If you need to horse-pool / car-pool, please do so, and consider sharing the cost of the fuel. 

John McNabb
208-201-6624
​

​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.