TK-U: BCHA Pack & Saddle Demo – Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit

BCHA Presenters: Jim and Sue Forsman

TKO Crew Leader: Vito Perrone

Hike Distance: 0′

Elevation Gain: 0′

Hike Difficulty: Easy

Service Difficulty: Easy

Service Description: Demonstration only

Project Overview: A special thanks to Backcountry Horseman of America (BCHA) for hosting the demonstration with event support from TKO. This is a demonstration only, so participants can learn how packstock can be a resource in building/maintaining trails. Packstock are an important part of Oregon’s trails history and present day use. Many of Oregon’s trails were designed and built with trail stock in mind. In fact, many trails could not have been built, nor could they continue to be maintained, without the assistance of packstock.

Packstock can greatly increase the scope of a trail repair project by carrying materials, tools, camp gear, food and water farther into the backcountry than a trail crew can typically manage on their own. Pack support allows the crew to get to the job site quicker and with less effort. More time and energy can be utilized at the job site, helping to sustain crew morale. Another benefit of working with stock is that trail workers get a chance to observe how an animal travels over a trail segment needing work, as opposed to good terrain. Volunteers generally like working with the animals and seeing what they can do. It adds a whole new dimension to the trail crew experience. !

Trailhead & Hiking information: North Compound Zigzag Ranger Station.

What to bring:

• Lunch, plenty of water (1 liter) & trail snacks

What to wear:

• Pack for lunch/supplies
• Long sleeved shirt and pants.
• Sun shade and rain gear as appropriate for the weather

Directions: Directions to follow

COVID-19 Procedures: TKO requires proof of vaccination or a negative test in order to participate in in-person activities. Please reach out to TKO staff person natalie.ferraro@trailkeepersoforegon.org for questions regarding this policy. For a complete list of Covid specific safety measures, see our TKO C-19 Safety page.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times throughout history. We are privileged to volunteer on these lands & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical & emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable/unsafe – interrupt directly, tell a crew leader &/or complete the post-event survey.