The Iron Mountain Back Country Horsemen of Virginia is a volunteer organization that brings trail riders and other trail users together for the good of trails. The IMBCH partners with the Forest Service and Land Owners to keep trails open and safe.
Join us on the trail!
The Iron Mountain Back Country Horsemen work on and ride the trails of the Virginia Highlands area of the Jefferson National Forest and Mount Rogers National Recreational Area stretching from Fries to Damascus. Focusing on the Iron Mountain Trail, the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail and their connectors the Iron Mountain BCH organize work days throughout the year to clean trails and fix problem areas. Members also meet for recreational riding and networking with other trail organizations.
The purpose of Back Country Horsemen is to:
1. To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in
America’s back country and wilderness.
2. To work to insure that public lands remain open to
recreational stock use.
3. To assist the various government and private agencies in their
maintenance and management of said resource.
4. To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the
wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public.
For more information about Back Country Horsemen of America visit http://www.backcountryhorse.org
PLEASE JOIN US!! SUPPORT BETTER TRAILS!!!
To join the Iron Mountain Back Country Horsemen please download a membership form from our download section in the menu to the left. Help us in our quest for better trails to ride!
Iron Mountain Back Country Horsemen Meetings the Second Friday of Every Month
2010 meeting dates scheduled so far-
May 14, June 11, July 8, August 13
Meetings are held at the Wythe Public Library in Wytheville and start at 7PM. See our Events page for directions.
ATTENTION!!! The September meeting will be held on Saturday September 11 in conjunction with our fall camp out at the Old Virginia Horse Camp. See our events page for more information.
Check our Trail Days & Events page for more activities
***ATTENTION*** NOTICE FROM FOREST SERVICE***
Reconstruction of Virginia Highlands Horse Trail
(FT 337)Within Lewis Fork Wilderness
Crews will be working to improve and reconstruct portions of the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail during 2010.
Blasting work by USFS Certified Blasters to provide rock for trail surface hardening and to allow for water drainage from the trail will occur during the week of May 3-7, 2010, periodically between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm.
Trail Guards will be in place for provide for public safety during blasting operations.
Trail Users of ALL trails within Lewis Fork Wilderness, including the Appalachian Trail, should expect and plan for delays of up to 30 minutes during this time frame. Trail Users must follow the directions of Trail Guards.
An SCA Trail Crew under USFS supervision will be working to reconstruct up to 2.5 miles of the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail within Lewis Fork Wilderness from June - August of 2010.
Trail Users of the VHHT should expect delays of up to 30 minutes during this time frame.
1. Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy and create or save millions of jobs so our country can thrive in the 21st century.
The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
2. U.S. Forest Service Role in the Recovery Act
Under the Recovery Act legislation, the President has asked the U.S. Forest Service to help put people back to work. Nationwide, we will have over a billion dollars this year for our Economic Recovery Program and over the next two years, we expect to create almost 20,000 new private-sector jobs.
Projects undertaken under the Recovery Act are helping address a wide range of conservation issues, including the impacts of climate change, reduced tree vigor, and reducing the threat of wildfires, as well as improving the quality of trails, roads, and the energy efficiency of facilities.
3. Reconstruction of the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail (FT 337) within Lewis Fork Wilderness.
This high priority work will improve resource conditions and provide for the safe, sustainable enjoyment of this popular 2.5 mile section of the 82- mile Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. Surface blasting using multiple small charges by USFS Certified Blasters, followed by trail crew handtool work have been determined to be the minimum tools required to safely perform this work.
Contact: Sara Schell, Recreation Program Manager, (276) 783-5196.
Why be a volunteer?
Everyone who enjoys trails should volunteer at least once a year. Why??
Due to a lack of funding and manpower the Forest Service cannot maintain the trails they have let alone think about adding more. As trail use popularity increases the pressure on trails is causing erosion, damage, unsafe situatuations and trail closures. By providing man power (and woman & kid power!) the IMTR helps keep the trails open and safe for everyone. Please join us at one of our trail days!!
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