In light of Clovid-19 there will be no NCBCH meetings until further notice. Stay safe and soon we will resume our meetings!
Becky Card Swerdloff
President Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen
NCBCH Elections
Our new officers are:
Officers:
President: Becky Card-Swerdloff; Vice-President: Donna Black; Secretary: Ann Hopta; Treasurer: Lorri Kindberg
· Board Members:
Donna Allen, Lee Adams, Martha Casisa and Charlie Kemp
NCBCH April News
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
During this time of mandatory stay at home, those of us with horses, bikes, dogs, and hiking are lucky. We have an outlet to exercise doing what we normally do. I have continually posted on my page and Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen what trails are open. Luckily in our County trails are still open.
On that subject it has been brought to our attention that many of the people that are currently using Croom trails are not adhering to the Federally recommended social distancing guidelines. Small groups are gathering and ‘visiting and chatting’ before and after their trail use in close proximity to one another. Please adhere to the guidelines as this could be a reason for all trails being shut down.
On a lighter note we would like to congratulate Gary Macintosh for being our 2020 Volunteer of the Year and thank him for all he has done for our Forest!
Gary has almost single handedly taken care of the East Croom equestrian trails for years. He takes time from his busy schedule at his bed and breakfast, Our Father’s Haven Bed and Breakfast to address, remedy and maintain any issues with the equestrian trails in East Croom. He is one of our long-time members and has been a board member on both NCBCH’s and BCHFL’s boards. We had hoped to award this to Gary at our March meeting but Clovid-19 got in the way and has currently changed many of our normal routines.
For those of us that have lost their jobs, I have posted on my Facebook page places that are hiring. You can also apply for deferment of your mortgage and car payments and hopefully your lender will put those payments on the back end of your loan.
Ruby Tuesday, Papa Joes, Carrabba’s and Outback are all giving discounts and buy one get one free after you join their websites. Cracker Barrel, Southern Harmony, Sonnys, Dickeys and Florida Cracker all have carry out along with McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Wendys and Burger King if you are getting tired of cooking.
Grocery stores and drug stores will deliver or offer parking lot pick up if you are fearful!
Wearing a mask and glasses is suggested when going out to stores, also posted on my page is how to make a mask or just use a bandana. Using a grocery bag when pumping gas and properly disposing of it when done (please do not discard on the ground) is also suggested.
If you get any symptoms When to Seek Medical Attention Don’t Delay
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
• Trouble breathing • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest • New confusion or inability to arouse • Bluish lips or face • Total loss of taste and smell • Fever in conjunction with any other symptoms *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Please remember to log your hours that you spend checking trails, repairing trails, volunteering at Forestry etc. In light of Clovid-19 there will be no NCBCH meetings until further notice. Stay safe and soon we will resume our meetings! Please call or email me any suggestions or issues.
Becky Card-Swerdloff, President Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen 8149 High Corner Road 352-279-2505 tysonah@bellsouth.net
We would like to congratulate Gary Macintosh, our 2020 Volunteer of the Year, and thank him for all he has done for our Forest!
NCBCH
Volunteer of the Year
2020
Gary has almost single handedly taken care of the East Croom equestrian trails for years. He takes time from his busy schedule at his bed and breakfast, Our Father’s Haven Bed and Breakfast to address, remedy and maintain any issues with the equestrian trails in East Croom. He is one of our long-time members and has been a board member on both NCBCH’s and BCHFL’s boards.
One Day Chainsaw Training
If anyone would like to take the new version of the Chainsaw Training which is a PowerPoint presentation, a video, and written exam which can all be completed in one day please let me know. We will also try and schedule some hands on training if the opportunity presents itself. We are tentatively planning to hold this training at Rock Lake Lodge and I am building a list of names currently. We will let you know when the class gets scheduled.
Mark Lewis
Recreation/Volunteer Coordinator
Florida Forest Service
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Lake Townsen Preserve by Becky Card-Swerdloff TOGETHER WE WON. This morning (May 15), the Hernando County Commissioners heard from all the emails you sent in, myself and other horse owners from NCBCH, the hikers, and local homeowners asking that Townsen Park remain as an equestrian and hiking park. We asked that the county continue with removing the dead trees but leave shade along the trails. Commissioner Dukes and Commissioner John Alloco made a motion that no more clearing be done on the trails at Townsen Park and to put hardwood trees back on the initial phase of clearing. The motion passed unanimously. The Tortoises will be able to be re-homed in the first phase of the restoration and on our trails we get shade! This is a win win for all! Thanks to everyone for participating with emails, speaking and attending. You made the difference!
Papa Joe’s
Italian Restaurant, River Ratz, Luigi's Pizza of Brooksville, Mykonos II, Beef O'Brady's, Mallie Kyla’s, Country Kitchen, Glory Days Grill, Publix
Florida Forest Service
Please patronize
these generous
donors that support our local community
Good for all Florida state forests that have fees at the trailheads. The day use fee at Croom's Tucker Hill trailhead is $2 per person. The annual pass is $45 which is good for any day of the year for up to 6 people. To order the annual pass on-line go to:
Read both pages, particularly the highlighted area, print, fill it out, make a check payable to Hernando Cnty Recreation Department, & mail to 205 E. Fort Dade St., Brooksville, FL 34601, or go to their office at same address to purchase one. Call 352-754-4027 for further info.
Equisure Liability Insurance is Now Available to BCHA Members!
Dear BCHA Member,
The Back Country Horsemen of American has added to its value to members by offering excess equestrian liability insurance through Equisure. The liability policy is available to current BCHA individual and family members in good standing and covers excess personal liability up to $1 million dollars! The cost for the policy through BCHA is $20 for individual BCHA members and $40 for family BCHA members.
