About the Top of the State Unit

Philosophy and Purpose:
Backcountry Horsemen of California has the following goals:
  1. To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America's backcountry and wilderness.
  2. To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.
  3. To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.
  4. To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the backcountry resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage. Tuesday, March 2, 2010nits of the organization.
How we got started:
The Top of the State Unit started in 1992. And our unit flag was chosen the same year. Our first officers were Manuel Rais, President, Bill Kleaver, Vice President, Karen Dunford, Secretary, and Sharon Horton as Treasurer. Our first Top Hand Award went to Sharon Horton the same year.
How we've grown:

Our local unit made connections with local government officials, and began to do volunteer trail work. We now clean and clear 300+ miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and trails leading to the Pacific Crest Trail. We also work closely with the California Department of Fish and Game, planting fish in the high lakes .

The Top of the State Unit today:
The Top of the State Unit meets the first Thursday of every month. We now have 237 members in our local unit and still growing. Besides all our volunteer work we also have a lot of fun camping out, and trail rides. Any questions regarding our unit, events and membership can be answered by contacting our officers via e-mail or the old fashion way, at our address BCHC top of the State Unit, P.O. Box 461, Etna, California 96027-0461.
2010 President:

Joe Croteau at 2008 Clinic in Etna
Joe Croteau is the 2010 President.

 Joe and his wife Jennifer moved to the Scott Valley in 1999.  They joined BCHC's Mid-Valley unit in 1997 and have been active on the TOS board admistering grants since 2003.  Joe is an Environmental Scientist with the Department of Fish and Game.  Primary job duties include implementing the California Endangered Species Act and California Environmental Quality Act on the private timberlands in northern California.  His favorite hobbies inlcude hunting and angling, plus any other outdoor activities that inlcude his wife, dog, and mule.

Updated: March 2, 2010
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