National Security
By Don Dyer

Recently the Inland Empire Backcountry Horsemen had as a guest speaker at our monthly meeting a member of the Border Patrol. Why, you may ask, mainly because recently the Border Patrol has started acquiring horses and using them to patrol our northern border. Many of you may have seen the recent outstanding article in the Spokesman Review. We wanted to know more about their use of horses and how we could help them?

The Border Patrol is currently using horses and other means of transportation to patrol a 308 mile section of the United States/Canada Border spanning from the Cascade Mountains in Washington to Glacier National Park in Montana.

As Backcountry and Frontcountry riders we are often exposed to the unexpected. We often see what others miss. We go places where others do not. What do we do with the information? Lots of times we are not even sure what county we are in or what law enforcement to contact; sometimes we are not even sure of what we have seen. We may be suspicious of it but we are not sure if we should report it or just ignore it. I am sadden to say I think we have reached a day and age to where we can no longer ignore it. The security of our nation and our very lives may depend on someone having the information. Yes, your report may be ignored, it may turn out to be nothing, but you have done your duty. I think we all need to do our duty. If you are not sure what county you are in then call any county sheriff, tell them where you were and what you saw and they will inform the appropriate agency.

If you know where you are then report it to the local law enforcement agency, if you are in a national forest then report to their law enforcement agency. If you are near the Canada Border then call 1-800-218-9788 as soon as possible.

If you are riding in the backcountry and you see someone or something suspicious do not approach them. Get the best description possible and direction of travel or location (this is where a G.P.S. would come in handy). Look for things like airplanes with the numbers blocked out and note the direction of travel. NEVER, NEVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE CONTACT. STAY AWAY. If they move in your direction move away as fast as possible.

The Inland Empire Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen has offered assistance to the Border Patrol in any way possible and if you attend any of our training sessions this winter there is a good chance (hopefully) you will meet some of the Border Patrol.

We will be having a Knot Tying and Rope Braiding Clinic on Saturday, November 10th. This will be a good opportunity to learn how to repair a broken rope, eye splice and learn a variety of knots and hitches. This clinic will be held at the Cascade Mobile Home Court on 195 just south of l-90 (the Colfax exit). It is free to our members and the Border Patrol and Ten Dollars to non-members. You must register by November 3rd by calling 509-283-4250. You must bring 50 feet of 3 strand 1/4 inch rope (cheap hemp purchased at any hardware store will do).

We invite you to join us at any of our meetings the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6116 North Market, the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council Building. Social 6:30 Meeting 7:00 pm. The next meeting is Tuesday, September. 25th when we will hear from the Bureau of Land Management. Please join us.