Documents & Forms

The BCHC Documents & Forms page is a compilation of BCHC-created materials, organized by topic. To assist users in finding materials, items may be found under more than one topic.

See the Resources tab for materials and links from outside the BCH organization.

Backcountry Horsemen of California - State - 501(c)4

• Documents

• BCHC Approval of Printed Material, #4-1096
• BCHC Behavior Modification Policy, #34-0223-1 NOTE: Originally called BCHC Conflict Resolution Policy. To help change the negative behavior of a BCHC member.
• BCHC 501(c)4 State Bylaws
• BCHC Policy on Making Changes to BCHC Bylaws, #1022
• Club Membership Policy – Protocols for BCHC Units, #4-0222-2
• BCHC Complaint Policy, #34-224-1
• BCHC Conflict of Interest/Self-Dealing Transaction Policy, Annual Disclosure, #34- 0221-2
• California Conservation Corps Policy, #1097-1 NOTE: (Approved 10/11/1997) "The BCHC will support, facilitate and coordinate with the California Conservation Corps as well as the public lands agency on projects."
• Core Beliefs of BCHC, #34-397-3 NOTE: (Approved 3/13/1997). Statement of BCHC policies in regard to trails, trailheads, streams and lakes, grazing, alternative means of travel, volunteer service and environmental concerns. Request copy from BCHC Secretary.
• Dealing With Disruptive Behavior. From Robert's Rules of Order for Dummies. A helpful guide for meeting leaders.
• BCHC Dues Policy, #4-1021-2
• BCHC Elections Policy, #4-1021-4
• Policy for Formation of a New Backcountry Horsemen Unit, #4-1021-1
• Starting a New Backcountry Horsemen Unit NOTE: 11-page booklet describing the steps to form a new BCHC unit.
• Gentle Use Guide NOTE: A pocket guide for Backcountry Stock Users.
• BCHC Leadership Training and Resource Manual, revised January 2024, #34-1296
• BCHC Membership Application Form (revised Jan. 2025)
• Missed Meeting Waiver for Executive Committee, Ed Fund Board and Board of Directors
• Officers Training Manual Policy, #34-1296
• BCHC Packing Policy
• BCHC Strategic Plan as of February 10, 2019
• BCHC Structure
• BCHC Subcommittee Policy for Leadership Teams, #34-0222-1
• Subordinate Officer Selection Policy, #34-0223-2
• Trail Partnership Policies, #34-1021-3
• Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer Code of Conduct Addendum to Policy #34-1021-3
• BCHC Unit Assets Policy, #4-1021-5
• BCHC Policy on Existing and New Wilderness Designations (Policy #0302-1, Approved 3/8/2002) NOTE: BCHC policy not supporting any new wilderness designations until three specific points are adopted for all existing and proposed Wilderness areas. See policy for three points.

• Forms

• BCHC Conflict of Interest/Self-Dealing Transaction Policy, Annual Disclosure, #34- 0221-2 NOTE: Must be signed each year by members of the BCHC Executive Committee, BCHC Ed Fund Board and BCHC Board of Directors.
• Yearly Unit Report
• BCHC Suggested Web Guidelines
• BCHC Unit Inventory NOTE: This form is an Excel spreadsheet and must be downloaded to use.

• Videos

• BCHC: Who We Are and What We Do

BCHC Education Fund, Inc. - State - 501(c)3

• Documents

• BCHC 501(c)3 State Bylaws (latest revision). NOTE: Bylaws are a “living document,” subject to occasional changes. Contact the BCHC Secretary to obtain the most current version.
• BCHC Policy on Making Changes to BCHC Bylaws (Policy #1022, Approved 10/8/22)
• BCHC Conflict of Interest/Self-Dealing Transaction Policy, Annual Disclosure (Policy #34-0221-2, Amended 2/5/22)
• Backcountry Horsemen of California Custodian of Records (COR) Policy and Procedures (Policy #3-1019-2)
• Dealing With Disruptive Behavior. From Robert's Rules of Order for Dummies. A helpful guide for meeting leaders.
• 501(c)3 Funds Process Flow Chart
• BCHC Education Fund Grants Policy (Policy #3-0221-3)
• BCHC Elections Policy (Policy #4-1021-4, Approved 10/2/21)
• BCHC Intern Policy (Policy #3-1018-1)
• BCHC Leadership Training and Resource Manual, revised January 2024 (Policy #34-1296)
• Backcountry Horsemen of California Saw Certification Program (Policy #3-0316. March 30, 2016)
• BCHC Structure
• BCHC Subcommittee Policy for Leadership Teams (Policy #34-0222-1, Approved 2/5/22)
• Subordinate Officer Selection Policy (Policy #34-0223-2, Approved 2/4/22, amended 10/2023)
• BCHC Youth Activities Policy (Policy #1018-2a. Approved 10/13/18, amended 10/12/19 and 10/8/22)
• BCHC Youth Activities Background Check Requirement Policy (Policy #1019-1, Approved 10/19/19. Amended and approved 10/2023)
• Youth Fair Labor Standards for BCHC Minor Members Policy (Policy #1020-1)

• Flyers

• Are You a Mountain Lion Lunch? A Common Sense Guide for Understanding Mountain Lions.
• Bare Bottom Basics "Improper disposal of human waste can produce significant health hazards"
• Black Bear Sense "Having more people and vehicles in the back country doesn’t mean there is less danger”
• Hello Camp A Common Sense Guide for Selecting a Campsite and Use of Fire
• Equine First Aid "A simple and easy reference guide to common issues and solutions for your critters!"
• High Country Manners A Common Sense Guide for Gentle Use of the Backcountry
• Highlines in the Backcountry A versatile system that protects the resources, your stock, and your gear!
• How to Have a Safe and Enjoyable Trail Ride Here are some tips for a day out riding with safety in mind first!
• Living with Rattlesnakes What's lurking in the grass...................?
• Lost Rider Plan If you don't know where you are going or where you came from, you are lost
• What’s the Buzz?? So what is that buzz or hum of wings? Is it a bee or wasp?
• Who We Are and What We Do! A great overview of each one of the Gentle Use Concepts!

• Other Useful Materials

• Gentle Use Guide
• Packers Manual Part 1 - Pack & Saddle Stock Camping
• Packers Manual Part 2 - Use of Pack Equipment
• Packers Manual Part 3 - Animals
• Packers Manual Part 4 - Kitchen & Camp Setup
• Packers Manual Part 5 - Wilderness Act Ethics & Other Readings
• Packers Manual Part Appendix
• Planning a Pack Trip
• Leave No Trace Riders Wanted posters (1) (2)
• What the Horse Sees (biker) (hiker)
• BCHC Education Awards – Unit and Individual
• BCHC Educational Project Submission Form, Form 1
• Budget, Form 3
• BCHC Educational Project Completion Form, Form 5
• BCHC Educational Project Submission Form, Form 4

Grants - a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• BCHC 501(c)3 State Bylaws (latest revision). NOTE: Bylaws are a “living document,” subject to occasional changes. Contact the BCHC Secretary to obtain the most current version.
• 501(c)3 Funds Process Flow Chart
• BCHC Education Fund Grants Policy (Policy #3-0221-3)

• Forms

• BCHC Educational Project Submission Form, Form 1
• Budget, Form 3
• BCHC Educational Project Completion Form, Form 5
• BCHC Educational Project Submission Form, Form 4

Insurance

Important Note: If you have questions or concerns about BCHC insurance coverage, please contact BCHC 1st VP (Insurance) NOT the insurance agent.

• Forms

• BCHC Event Agreement and Release Waiver (rev. 10/2022)
• BCHC Insurance Request Form for Additional Insured

Intern Program - a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• BCHC Intern Policy (Policy #3-1018-1)

• Forms

• 2023 Packing Intern Program Description and Application

Leave No Trace - a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• Gentle Use Guide
• LNT Group Use Brochure
• Leave No Trace Riders Wanted posters (1) (2)

Membership

• Documents

• BCHC 501(c)4 State Bylaws (latest revision – February 2024)
• BCHC Club Membership Policy (Policy #4-0222-2)
• BCHC Dues Policy (Policy #4-1021-2)
• New Member Packet Long Version (customizable)
• New Member Packet Short Version (customizable)
• Policy for Formation of a New Backcountry Horsemen Unit (Policy #4-1021-1, Approved 10/2/21)
• Starting a New Backcountry Horsemen Unit
• BCHC Tri-Fold Information Brochure
• BCHC Youth Activities Policy (Policy #1018-2a, Amended 10/12/2019.)
• BCHC Youth Membership Application/ Youth Membership Parent Permission For ages 12-17
• Membership Development and Retention PowerPoint Presentation

• Forms

• BCHC Membership Application (revised January 2025)
• BCHC Youth Membership Permission Ages 12-17)

Packing

• Documents

• Basic Knots
• Packers Manual Part 1 - Pack & Saddle Stock Camping
• Packers Manual Part 2 - Use of Pack Equipment
• Packers Manual Part 3 - Animals
• Packers Manual Part 4 - Kitchen & Camp Setup
• Packers Manual Part 5 - Wilderness Act Ethics & Other Readings
• Packers Manual Part Appendix
• BCHC Packing Policy (Policy #34-0416)
• JHA Packing with Livestock
• Planning a Pack Trip - compiled by Ben York
• Wilderness Rider Packing Ability

Public Lands

• Documents

• California Conservation Corps Policy (Policy #1097-1, Approved 10/11/1997)
• Core Beliefs of BCHC (Policy #34-397-3, Approved 3/13/1997)
• BCHC Policy on Existing and New Wilderness Designations (Policy #0302-1, Approved 3/8/2002)
• Trail Partnership Policies (Policy #34-1021-3, Approved 10/2/21)
• Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer Code of Conduct, Addendum to Policy #34-110210-3

Rendezvous – a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• BCHC Webpage QR Code

• Forms

• 2024 Rendezvous Registration Packet

Safety

• Forms

• BCHC Check List for Outings and Work Parties
• BCHC Cover Sheet Tailgate Safety Briefing Livestock Operation Leader
• BCHC Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• BCHC Emergency Evacuation Plan Coversheet
• BCHC Sawyer First Aid Kit
• BCHC Incident Report
• BCHC Personal Emergency Information
• BCHC Tailgate Safety Review
• BCHC Tailgate Safety Session Form
• Trailhead Communications Plan (TCP)

Saw Program – a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• BCHC How to Set Up a Saw Class
• BCHC Sawyer Certification Program
• Interactive Map of Sawyer Instructors
• Saw Program Layout – Hierarchy

• Forms

• Emergency Action Plan - EAP
• Emergency Notification
• Incident Report
• Job Hazard Analysis – JHA
• Saw Training and Certification Course Application
• Tailgate Safety Session and Tool Checklist
• Trailhead Communication Plan – TCP

Units (Established or New)

• Documents

• BCHC 501(c)4 State Bylaws (latest revision – February 2024)
• Club Membership Policy – Protocols for BCHC Units (Policy #4-0222-2, Approved 10/2/22)
• Core Beliefs of BCHC (Policy #34-397-3, Approved 3/13/1997)
• Dealing With Disruptive Behavior. From Robert's Rules of Order for Dummies. A helpful guide for meeting leaders.
• Policy for Formation of a New Backcountry Horsemen Unit (Policy #4-1021-1, Approved 10/2/21)
• Starting a New Backcountry Horsemen Unit
• Gentle Use Guide
• BCHC Leadership Training and Resource Manual, revised January 2024 (Policy #34-1296)
• Membership Development and Retention PowerPoint Presentation
• New Member Packet Long Version (customizable)
• New Member Packet Short Version (customizable)
• BCHC Tri-Fold Brochure (Revised 4/30/2022)
• BCHC Tri-Fold Brochure (customizable)
• BCHC Unit Assets Policy (Policy #4-1021-5)

• Forms

• BCHC Unit Report Form
• BCHC Year-End Unit Treasurer Report Form/Financial Statement (2023)

Volunteer Service Hours Reporting

• Documents

• California Volunteer Hours Reporting Guide
• Volunteer Hours Reporting and Unit Year End Summary Report

• Forms

• Blank Saddle Bag Report Sheet
• Project Questionnaire Worksheet

Wilderness Riders – a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• Leave No Trace Riders Wanted posters (1) (2)
• Wilderness Rider Agency Contact Packet
• Wilderness Rider Code of Conduct
• Wilderness Rider History
• Wilderness Rider Packing Ability

• Forms

• Volunteer Hours Reporting Guide for California
• Wilderness Rider Volunteer Hours Summary Report

Youth - a 501(c)3 activity

• Documents

• BCHC Youth Program Leadership Manual
• BCHC Youth Activities Policy 1018-2a 10/18/2022
• BCHC Youth Activities Background Check Requirement Policy
• California Penal Code Definitions to accompany BCHC Youth Activities Background Check Policy 1019-1
• Youth Card Instructions
• Youth Fair Labor Standards (Policy #3-1020-1)

• Forms

• BCHC Parent Permission Form for Individual Activities
• BCHC Ed Fund Inc., Summer Camp Release Form – Minor Membership
• BCHC Youth Achievement Program Application
• BCHC Youth Achievement Program Completion Form
• BCHC Youth Membership Permission (for Ages 12-17)
• Request for Live Scan Service, BCIA 8016 (rev 05/2018)
• Backcountry Horsemen of California Custodian of Records (COR) Policy and Procedures (Policy #3-1019-2)