Preserve the use and access of historic and traditional uses
(including pack and saddle stock animals)on public lands, including
wilderness areas
On February 2, 2005 Representative George Radanovich (CA-R) introduce HR 586, the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005. The leadership of the Back Country Horsemen of America has worked long and hard for the passage of legislation recognizing the legitimate use of pack and saddle stock on public lands.
The stated purpose of this bill is to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands, including wilderness areas, national monuments, and other specifically designated areas, administered by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service where there is a historical tradition of such use, and for other purposes.
It says that, as a general rule, all trails, routes, and areas used by such animals shall remain open and accessible for such use. A reduction in the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands could take place only after complying with the full review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture are to issue final rules to define the meaning of a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle stock animals on Federal lands.
HR 586 makes amendments to the laws regarding other public lands as follows: (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, with respect to Bureau of Land Management lands; (2) the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, with respect to National Wildlife Refuge System lands; and (3) the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, with respect to National Forest System lands.
Horsemen across the country welcome the introduction of HR 586 in Congress. But it has a long way to go before becoming law. This bill gives us the opportunity to express our support for equestrian use of public lands to our representatives in Washington. A similar bill, HR 2966, was introduced by Mr. Radanovich in 2003. Despite garnering twenty-one co-sponsors HR 2966 died in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. If the Right-to-Ride bill is to become law in the 109th Congress, a wave of popular support must carry it through the House Resources and House Agriculture Committees as well as the US Senate.
Larry Zauberis, BCH Colorado
11374 US Hwy 550
Durango, Colorado 81303
(970) 247-3231
Here is the Preserve the use and access of historic and traditional uses
(including pack and saddle stock animals)on public lands, including
wilderness areas Bill that was just introduced in this session of Congress. Need the same bill introduced in the Senate. Really would help if we could get a Republican and Democratic Senator to be primary sponsors. I am going to work on my two senators starting this Monday.
Bob Shonka
Right To Ride Bill
