MOU with the BLM, The Wilderness Society, and Back Country Horsemen of America

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240-0036http://www.blm.govMarch 1, 2016 In Reply Refer To:8300 (250) PEMS TRANSMISSION 03/10/2016Information Bulletin 2016-037To:                   All Field Office OfficialsFrom:               Assistant Director, Resources and PlanningSubject:           Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management, The Wilderness Society, and Back Country Horsemen of AmericaThis Information Bulletin announces a recently signed national Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, The Wilderness Society, and the Back Country Horsemen of America (BLM MOU-WO-250-2016-02).  The MOU became effective upon its signing.The MOU continues development and expansion of a framework for cooperation between The Wilderness Society (TWS), the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the national, state and local levels.  It facilitates: 1) the sharing of expertise on hiker and equestrian trail best management practices; 2) engagement of the local membership bases and other stakeholders to help identify, develop and manage local trail opportunities; and, 3) assistance with obtaining the information needed to include hiker and equestrian trail opportunities within the BLM’s recreation mapping efforts.  The partnership with TWS and BCHA directly relates to and supports the BLM’s National Recreation Strategy – Connecting with Communities by promoting and facilitating more community-based hiker and equestrian trail initiatives.Since 1935, The Wilderness Society has worked to protect wilderness-quality lands across the United States.  The mission of TWS is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. The organization’s goal is to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, wildlife, natural beauty, opportunities for recreation, and spiritual renewal that pristine forests, rivers, deserts, and mountains provide.  The Wilderness Society works with federal land management agencies, its members and supporters, other partners in conservation, and the general public in a collaborative way to conserve, protect, and restore our wild public heritage.Back Country Horsemen of America is a national organization that has been working since 1973 keeping trails open on public lands for all users.  The BCHA has established a national network of saddle and pack stock users.  The BCHA works via MOUs with its partners; federal, state, and local land management agencies; and private parties to maintain trail access and recreational opportunities. The BCHA provides educational materials and classes that encourage responsible back country use, creates a positive image of saddle and pack stock users, and has a long history of volunteerism on all federal, state, and local public lands.Under this MOU, BLM field staff are encouraged to identify appropriate opportunities for cooperation with TWS and BCHA, in coordination with other stakeholders, on projects, funding opportunities, educational information, and activities in support of the improvement and development of high-quality, sustainable hiker and equestrian trails and related recreational opportunities.If you have any questions, please contact Rob Perrin by email rperrin@blm.gov or by telephone at 202-263-9891, or contact Dennis Byrd by email dbyrd@blm.gov or by telephone at 202-912-7252.Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:Michael H. Tupper                                          Robert M. WilliamsActing, Assistant Director                               Division of IT Policy and Planning,WO-870Resources and Planning1 Attachment      1 - U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, The Wilderness Society and Back Country Horsemen of America Memorandum of Understanding, BLM MOU-WO-250-2016-02, (9 pp)