April 6, 2007 

OLYMPIA – Volunteers from the Backcountry Horsemen regularly maintain and build trails on public lands.  However, if pack and saddle stock animals are denied access to these lands, the volunteers may be less inclined to donate their time.

Historically, pack and stock saddle animals have been allowed on public lands.  Right-to-Ride bills have been introduced in Congress several times, but have never passed both houses.  Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam) introduced House Joint Memorial 4011this legislative session in order to encourage Congress to finally pass federal Right-to-Ride legislation.

“These animals are important to the economy and sustainability of our public lands,” Kessler said.  “The Backcountry Horsemen perform a significant amount of trail maintenance.  Cuts in federal funding for trail maintenance make these volunteers more important than ever, and we need to acknowledge their efforts.”

HJM 4011 passed both the state House and Senate unanimously.  In public testimony before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee, supporters stated that the majority of backpackers and hikers support sharing public lands with these animals.  Additionally, the animals do not cause much impact on the trails.

“I hope as a result of this bill Congress takes action to preserve this access once and for all,” Kessler said.

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Contact: Rep. Lynn Kessler (360) 786-7904

Media Staff Contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201

Link to House Bill 1422: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2007&bill=4011

Link to Rep. Kessler’s website and print-quality photo:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kessler/

Radio and TV news directors: For broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange TV or radio interviews, contact Dan Frizzell, House Democratic Caucus broadcast coordinator, at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208