Mission Statement

Welcome to the Whatcom Backcountry Horsemen website.

BCHW Mission Statement:

• To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country and wilderness.

• To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. To assist the various governmental and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.

• To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage.

• To foster and encourage the formation of new chapters in the state organization.

We are one of 36 chapters of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) and are affiliated with the Backcountry Horsemen of America.

Our chapter's objectives:

Leadership

Be a leader in the equestrian community where we take an active and positive role to preserve and enhance our rights to use horses for recreation on public lands.

Volunteering

Provide a valuable volunteer workforce that assists in the development and maintenance of trails and trailheads.

Education

Provide meaningful education on equestrian issues to include, but not limited to, packing and our Leave No Trace (LNT) program.

  • To minimize or prevent irreparable damage to fragile areas.
  • To encourage responsible citizen involvement in governmental actions affecting such public lands.
  • To demonstrate that horsemen are citizens concerned about protecting the environment as well as sustaining economic equilibrium for community and country.
  • To oppose unjustified restrictions on, and closure to, stock use on public lands.

Being Neighborly

Provide a social atmosphere where we may enjoy our horses and each other’s company.