IIP Program
Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) is proud to sponsor the Infrastructure Improvement Program (IIP).
BACKGROUND: Several years ago, Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) established the Trail Maintenance Incentive (TMI) program. The purpose of the program was to provide funding to assist land managers with the maintenance and improvements of public trails that they were unable to accomplish due to budget shortfalls. Since then, Congress has allocated billions of dollars to address the maintenance backlog, and land managers are better able to handle the maintenance of their infrastructure. The TMI program has been phased out and is being replaced with the new BCHMO IIP. The IIP is intended to assist chapters in making significant improvements to public trails and equestrian use facilities. Each year in January, the Board of Directors of BCHMO will budget funds for the program calendar year.
PURPOSE: Assist Chapters in funding infrastructure improvement projects through a cooperative agreement with a public land manager to benefit an equestrian/multi-use trail, campground, or trailhead. Awards will be made to chapters, based on the value of the project to the public, with a focus on equestrian use. Some examples would include, but not be limited to the following: Installation of high lines, hitching rails, corrals, and enlarging parking for horse trailers. This program is not intended to fund maintenance items such as fuel and tools. The cost of rental equipment to complete an improvement project would be covered, however.
Volunteer service hours/in-kind donations will be weighted heavily by the IIP Committee in awarding IIP Grants. All such volunteer hours shall be logged and entered into the BCHMO Volunteer Service Hour online system.
All chapters of BCHMO who do not currently have an open IIP project are eligible to apply (limit one grant per calendar year).
Please note that there are significant changes from the old TMI program. It is, therefore, imperative that you familiarize yourself with the new program rules prior to submitting an application.
We sincerely hope this program will assist chapters in fulfilling the mission of BCHMO and BCHA in “Keeping trails Open for All”