Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen

06/08/2026

Greetings, Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen,

Summer is here in full swing. Temperatures are climbing, and the flies have definitely arrived. This weekend, however, we were treated to a stretch of near-perfect riding weather, and I hope everyone had a chance to get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes.

The trails have been in great condition. Even with the storms that rolled through earlier in May, we only had a few trees come down, and we have worked to clear them as quickly as possible. If you come across any obstacles we may have missed, please reach out and let us know. We will do our best to get them cleared in the coming weeks.

I know many of our members are spending the summer up north and taking care of their properties and summer homes, but the work continues here in the Withlacoochee State Forest. Trails still need trimming, trees continue to fall, and maintenance and development projects move forward throughout the summer months. We are proud of the work that Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen does year-round to advocate for equine access and usage on state and public lands.

Speaking of local trails, there will be a Caesar W**d spraying project taking place at Townsend Park from June 8 through June 9th. Treatment for Caesar w**d is generally considered safe for livestock as long as they are not actively grazing on recently sprayed plants. However, if you have concerns about herbicides or if your horse tends to graze along the trail, it may be best to avoid the Townsend Park trails until after a good rain has passed through the area.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, wherever you may be, and I look forward to starting our meetings back up again in a few months. As always, if you have suggestions, ideas, or would like to volunteer, please reach out. We can always find a project or activity where your help would be greatly appreciated.

We are thankful for our members and look forward to bringing everyone back together this fall.

Until then, stay safe, enjoy your horses, and make the most of your time in the forest.

Charlie Kemp
President
Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen

05/15/2026

Heads up Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen, There are 2 events at Tucker Hill the next 2 weekends, This weekend on Sunday there is a 4X$ Jeep run where approximately 40-50 Jeeps will be embarking from Tucker hill and traversing the Croom WMA on an unknown route on named Forest roads from 7:30 till about noon. on May 24th there is a Mountain Bike event with about 50 cars embarking from Tucker Hill so both events will likely spill over into the Horse parking area. Please be aware and be safe!!

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03/25/2026

This double ‘widow maker’ was too dangerous for our sawyers to handle when hung up among other trees. Then nature got involved and took care of it with wind! Once they hit the ground Bob Hopta, with Bill Ehrlich and his big saw, got to work.
Cracker trail is open!
Thank you guys for your help!

03/22/2026

Bill Ehrlich said the ride on Restaurant Trail is alive with blooming Lupins! Get out there folks and enjoy the vibrant scenery!

03/19/2026

Prescribe burn by Sault Road and twin ponds has been canceled for today.

03/19/2026

A second prescribed aerial burn today. North of Croom Road along Dempsey Road. Again, folks, be safe and stay out of that area today.

03/19/2026

Control burn in Croom today!! North of Soult RD and East of Twin Pond Camp. Please avoid that area!! Be safe out there!!

03/19/2026

Prescribed aerial burn today in Croom. North of Soult Rd. and Twin Ponds. Be safe folks and avoid this area today.