Back Country Horsemen on-hand for a mule packing demonstration
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CASPER, Wyo. - The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) is excited to announce a mule packing demonstration conducted by members of the Back Country Horsemen Association (BCHA). On Saturday July 7, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to learn about various pack saddles as well as animal packing techniques. The Back Country Horsemen will have mules on-site for the live packing demonstration.
Many pioneers chose to travel west using pack animals. According to NHTIC Interpreter Shawn Wade, “Pack animals were a much quicker and more expedient method of trail travel than were wagons. Mules and horses used in pack trains could be loaded quicker and made much better time than the cumbersome prairie schooners used by many emigrants.”
The BCHA is a non-profit organization that promotes equine (horse and mule) use and stewardship of trails within the public lands. The organization cleans trails, builds trail heads, and works on various other trail-related projects. BCHA was founded in 1973 in Montana by four individuals who sought to preserve the public's right to explore the back country with equine stock. They now have chapters in 30-plus states. Since the non-profit was organized nationally, the public lands have received millions of dollars of in-kind services. The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through its many programs.
The BCHA packing demonstration will take place on Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. NHTIC general admission and events are free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, please contact Shawn Wade at the NHTIC (307) 261-7790.
The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, there are 30 congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National Trails System. National Historic Trails are extended trails that closely follow a historic trail or route of travel that is of national significance. The BLM now protects nearly 6,000 miles of 18 designated trails in 15 States, and the BLM also manages thousands of miles of trails under study for potential designation.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.