FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Mike Milner, (828)456-1818
joeswelding@bellsouth.net

BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN ANNOUNCE ROLLOUT OF SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE

Backcountry riders are encouraged to apply for their tags today

Waynesville, N.C. – The Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina (BCHNC) is now accepting applications for a new Back Country Horsemen license plate, a specialized tag created through legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Sam Queen. Two-thirds of the proceeds collected from plate sales will go to the BCHNC, a rider-run group dedicated to keeping public lands open for recreational horseback riding.

Members of BCHNC work closely with state and federal parks and forest services and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to maintain and improve riding trails statewide.

“North Carolina has a proud heritage of back country riding, and this new license plate will help us ensure it has a bright future,” said Mike Milner, president of BCHNC’s Great Smoky Mountain chapter. Milner thanked Queen for his hard work on behalf of the organization.

“I share the Back Country Horsemen’s concern for the future of our mountains, and deeply appreciate their commitment to preserving our lands for future generations,” Sen. Queen said.

The license plate, designed by The Smoky Mountain News’ art director Micah McClure, features a horseman silhouetted against a golden background. The plate costs $30, in addition to regular license fees; Personalized plates are available for $60.

North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles has approved the plate, but production will not begin until the first 300 applications have been received. North Carolina drivers interested in applying for a Back Country Horseman plate can download a tag application at www.backcountryhorsemenofnc.com, or call BCHNC’s Great Smoky Mountain chapter vice-president Ray Hannah at (828)648-5774.

“They are a great choice for your horse trailer, truck or car tags,” Hannah adds.

PHOTO CAPTION: Back Country Horseman tag legislation sponsor Sen. Joe Sam Queen joins club leaders Mike Milner (left) and Ray Hannah (right) at their monthly meeting for the tag rollout.