The Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) and the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) have formed an alliance.

Back Country Horsemen of America is a national membership organization whose mission is to preserve horseback riding and recreational stock in America’s backcountry and public lands. BCHA work to achieve this through offering time, equipment, and stock on projects with public land managers that will benefit both horseback rider and non-user alike; educating people to reduce environmental impact; and advocating for equine rights on public lands.

“It has become our responsibility as stewards to preserve the wealth of public land resources available, for our children and future generations,” said Terry Morrison, chair of BCHA.

ELCR is a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to advance the conservation of land for horse-related activity. Since its establishment in 1997, ELCR has assisted the equine community in the conservation and stewardship of land for horse-related activity. The organization educates and facilitates partnerships to preserve land for horse farms and access to trails. ELCR provides guidance to horsemen and landowners regarding the protection of open space through conservation easements, the purchase of development rights’ programs, and community land use planning. Additionally, ELCR promotes and distributes information on best farm management practices to protect soil and water quality