Oregon State Wagon Train Operating Plan

Oregon State Wagon Train Operating Plan 2012

I. Mission and Purpose:

The Oregon state Wagon Train is formed to provide opportunity for enjoyment, education and personal growth while traveling the historic trails. It is our desire to help each participant to become aware of the privilege we have to learn from and enjoy the heritage and history of the trail, to encourage participation in the history and preservation of the trail and to learn practices conducive to preserving this heritage for future generations.

II. Rules for Operation of the Oregon State Wagon Train:

Participants and members of the Oregon State Wagon Train will be governed by the operational rules written up for the Oregon State Wagon Train Freemont-Carson Trail Road from July 8-21, 2012. A copy of these rules will be given to every participant and/or their parent or guardian before the trip begins.

III. Wagon Master:

The Wagon Master will be the final authority on the Oregon State Wagon Train concerning which route to follow, personal behavior, and resolution of conflicts. The Wagon Master will have authority to ask anyone for reasons of bad conduct or misbehavior to leave the wagon train without entitlement to a refund of fees paid.

IV. Officers of the Oregon State Wagon Train:

The officers of the Oregon State Wagon Train will be respected at all times and are as follows:

Wagon Master: Over all authority.

Trail Boss: The Trail Boss will be in charge of route and daily operations. A complete map of the route marking camp route and campsites will be kept with the trail boss at all times with all required permits and permission papers.

Ramrod: In charge of the smooth running of the wagon train from the time it leaves camp until it reaches the next camp. The wagon train will not move without the Ramrod giving the signal to the Point Man that all is in ready. The Ramrod will be in charge of selecting outriders to help with the safety of the wagon train when he deems necessary on a voluntary basis.

Point Man: The Point Man will be in charge of the safety of the wagon train from the front while in transit. All riders and teamsters will respect the authority of the Point Man to maintain safety on the trail.

Rear Guard: The Rear Guard will be in charge of the safety of the wagon train from the rear position. The authority of the Rear Guard to maintain safety will be respected at all times. 1 Cook: The Cook will be responsible to procure resources necessary to present a palatable meal to all participants. The authority of the Cook over all meals will be respected at all times.

Camp Rouser: The Camp Rouser will be in charge of waking everyone at a sufficient time to allow for preparation of personal concerns, taking care of animals and eating breakfast. The authority of the Camp Rouser must be respected at all times.

Camp Wrangler: The Camp Wrangler will be in charge of helping with all animal safety, nutrition, and arrangement for a picket line at night. The Wrangler will maintain safe and appropriate distance between people and livestock within the camp. The Camp Wrangler will be in charge of animal care and control; his or her authority will be respected at all times.

Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-At-Arms will be a retired law enforcement official who will have the responsibility of maintaining order in the wagon train and encampments. The Sergeant- At-Arms will have the experience to handle any situation requiring law enforcement skills and report any necessary incidents to the Wagon Master who will report any incidents necessary to the law enforcement officials within the jurisdiction the wagon train may be in at the time. A list of all law enforcement and emergency officials will be in the possession of the Wagon Master and Sergeant-At-Arms for use in any situation that may arise. The wagon train will have a no drug policy and will respect the authority of the Sergeant-At-Arms at all times.

V. Liability:

The Oregon State Wagon Train is covered by a liability insurance of $2,000,000.00. The Oregon State Wagon Train assumes no liability for the physical condition of those participating in the wagon train. Participants’ signatures and attestation on the registration form waives any liability, whatsoever, on the part of the Oregon State Wagon Train, for the health and well being of the participants. The participants must be mentally and physically capable to travel with the wagon train and are responsible for their own health care.

VI. Release of Liability:

Anyone joining and participating on the Oregon State Wagon Train is required to sign a Release of Liability Statement which states that: Neither the Oregon State Wagon Train nor anyone connected with it will be responsible for any accident, personal injuries, or loss of property at anytime during the duration of this trip. Each participant must certify, by signing the Release of Liability Statement, that he/she has no medical conditions that would prevent him/her from making this trip safely.

VII. How to Register:

Anyone that chooses may join the wagon train provided: 1. The allotted number of participants have not been reached. A maximum of 15 wagons, 50 animals and 50 people will be allowed on the Oregon State Wagon Train. 2. Fill out the Registration form, including the dates they wish to join. 3. Sign a Release of Liability Statement for the USFS as well as the Oregon State Wagon Train. 4. Indicate the total price of their choice.

2 5. State if they wish to bring a wagon and state how many animals they wish to bring. 6. If a person under the age of 18 wishes to join he/she must be accompanied by an adult or have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian does not accompany a minor, arrangements must be made prior to the event for each minor to be accompanied by an adult with a signed release of liability waiver and a consent to medical treatment form. 7. Be physically capable to travel with a wagon train. 8. Have no medical conditions that would prevent participation. 9. Have the desire to enjoy the heritage and history of the trail.

VII. Livestock:

Horses, mules, and draft oxen are allowed on the wagon train. No stallions or mares with foals will be allowed. All laws concerning the crossing of state lines will be followed which may include a Coggins Test, Health Certificate and Brand Inspection Certificate. It is recommended that all mules and horses be vaccinated for the West Nile Virus. All mules and horses must be shod. Each night a picket line will be set up to accommodate all animals. Each animal will be tied to a ring in the picket line and be kept there for the night to minimize impact on the environment. No tying directly to trees or brush for the night or staking out will be allowed. In the event of an animal death help will be given to remove it for disposal in an appropriate place. Stock will be fed the Equis Complete Cube Weed Free Feed from CHS Feed Company. No uncertified loose hay or feed will be allowed.

IX. Traveling the Trail:

Permits and/or written permission will be obtained by the Oregon State Wagon Train when traveling through all public or private lands. All parties will be given a copy of the Oregon State Wagon Train Liability Insurance coverage and named as additional insured by the policy. All participants, in signing the Release of Liability will waive any and all rights to sue anyone connected to any land the Oregon State Wagon Train has permission to cross for any occurrence connected to the Oregon State Wagon Train. All rules governing state or federal lands will be respected and followed by all participants on the Oregon State Wagon Train. All private land owners and their land and all representatives of public land, the public land and law governing that public land will be respected and complied with. There will be support vehicles with the wagon train at all times. There will be no daily shuttling of vehicles. Vehicles will be moved to designated areas as required by arrangement with the Wagon Master. Vehicle shuttling will be done by the owners or their agent. Personal vehicles will not be allowed in overnight camping areas without authorization.

X. Campsites:

Campsites will be pre-selected and permission to camp negotiated with landowners or land administration officials. Camping on public land will be governed by the state or federal rules of that jurisdiction. The campsite will be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion with consideration for other participants, the need of all animals, and other people whether public or private, not connected to the wagon train. Each campsite will be left so anyone following will find a clean area with as little impact to the environment as possible. It is highly encouraged for participants to bring tents that are representative of the westward migration.

3 Participants are to bring their own sleeping gear (sleeping bags or bed rolls) and are advised that the mountain country can be very cold even in the summer on some nights. Items that will be advised to include: canteen, sun screen, chapstick, a small personal first aid kit, personal hygiene effects, insect repellant, a water proof container for any medications, and a good hat for shade. We recommend keeping your personal items to as small a collection as possible. Support vehicles will have room to move personal gear between camps.

Oregon State Wagon Train will provide the food and equipment necessary for the daily meals. Each wagon group will be responsible for preparing the daily meals for their own group. Instructions and recipes will be handed out. Individual cooking will not be allowed. Anyone having a special diet or restriction should contact the Oregon State Wagon Train so accommodation may be made.

XI. Veterinary Services:

Contact information for veterinary service will be provided. Each participant will be responsible for the expense incurred. If veterinary service is used the veterinary will have the final decision regarding the condition of the animal and it’s ability to continue on the wagon train. Transportation of sick or injured animals away from the wagon train will be provided. Items necessary for animal care should be carried by each stock owner to include: hydrogen peroxide, disinfectant spray, antibacterial salve, bandage material, pressure wrap, and some form or anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as phenylbutazon (bute).

XII. Stock Care Rules:

Stock is one of the most important components of the wagon trip. Each stock owner is responsible to insure the health and safety of their animals and handle them in a way that will minimize any danger to the camp, other animals, persons or sleeping area. All animals must be broke to ride or pull before bringing them. Each camp will have designated areas for stock and it will be the responsibility of each owner to secure their stock to the picket line provided by the wagon train. Staking animals out to graze on native grass will not be allowed. Pack animals will be allowed and will be maintained by their owner in a safe manor especially while wagons are moving. A known kicking horse shall be identified by a red ribbon tied to the tail and must remain at the rear of the wagon train.

XIII. Outriders:

Out riders are encouraged to ride along, next to or behind the wagons. Outriders must ask the teamsters before riding in from of any wagon. It is the responsibility of the outriders to be far enough away that they don’t interfere with the teams or operation of the wagons. Use courtesy when riding. It is cautioned that galloping past teams or wagons may cause an unsafe situation to occur. Safety is to be maintained at all times. Riders will use stirrup shields or wear foot gear that will not get caught in the stirrup.

XIV. Camp Rules:

Dress representative of the 1830’s to 1880’s western attire is recommend at all times. No baseball caps, shorts, tank top, bare midriff, etc. Care should be taken to allow for fluctuation in temperature. Hot days and cold nights are possible. Rain gear is recommended and canvass slickers are preferred over plastic or rubber. Sleeping will be in canvas tents or wagons and each participant must provide their own

4 arrangements. Tents will be set up as directed by the Trail Boss and Wrangler so as to allow for safety of campers and animals.

Alcoholic consumption will be prohibited while the wagon train is in route. Because we encourage young people and families to join we ask that each person respect that some families are not comfortable with the consumption of alcohol. It will be the policy of the wagon train to not allow the consumption of or storage of alcoholic beverages in or near the wagons or within the wagon circle encampment. Those wishing to consume alcohol will be asked to do so in private and quietly as to not cause undo concern from parents with children and in respect for and in deference to the children who will be in camp. Anyone offering or allowing a minor to consume alcohol or becoming offensive will be asked to leave with no compensation for fees paid. All laws concerning controlled substances will be enforced and any such abuse will be reported.

No fireworks are allowed. Open fires will be permitted only with the permission of the governing authority and then with the supervision of the Wagon Master or Trail Boss. Firearms will not be allowed except as those authorized by the Wagon Master and as regulated by State and Federal Law. Personal possessions such as wagon gear, clothing, tools, livestock are the sole responsibility of the owner. Any lost or stolen items are the sole responsibility of the owner. Unless other times are agreed on by the wagon train participants, camp will remain quiet from 9:30 pm to 5:00 am.

XV. Sanitation:

Self-contained chemical toilets will be available at all campsites. The toilets will move with the wagon train and be available at all rest stops along the route. All participating in the wagon train will be responsible to maintain a clean and litter free camp. Trash will be collected in approved garbage bags and removed to an approved disposal facility.

XVI. Wagon Requirements

Wagons must be in good working order. Each teamster will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the wagon under his or her control. Each wagon must have working brakes and wooden spoke wheels without inflatable tires. Wagon covers are to be canvas and have tie downs so as to minimize distraction to other teams. Rough lock chains or rough lock shoes and checks are advised. Wagons must carry stakes and rope to tie down when high winds are possible.

Prior to leaving, each wagon will be inspected by the teamster and the Wagon Master to insure safety and soundness. The Wagon Master will have the authority to determine the ability of the wagon from the trip. Each wagon may display the United States Flag, State, County or City Flags. Any advertising display of flags or banners must be prearranged with the Wagon Master. Each wagon must carry a first aid kit capable of serving eight people, fire extinguisher not less than 1 B.C. rating and 8 oz capacity shovel, and supplies for fighting fires. It is recommended that each wagon carry a 5 gallon bucket of water with a lid, and several gunny sacks for beating down fires.

XVII. Traffic Control:

All authorized support vehicles, wagons and outriders will be required to remain on the designated routes. Cross country travel will be permitted only when landowners, or government agencies having jurisdiction grant approval. Vehicles and wagons will remain in formation following the designated tracks of the 5 wagon train. Participants will remain in wagon formation on county roads and highways to ensure safety. A 3x4 reflective orange sign with black letters, stating, “slow moving vehicles ahead”, will be attached to the back of the last support vehicle. The support vehicle with the sign will leave its emergency flasher on while on county roads and highways where required.

The Ramrod and Point Rider will hold a safety orientation meeting before the wagon train begins and volunteers will be selected to act as safety assistants. The safety assistants will act as crossing guards at highway and road crossings and will wear identifiable, reflective clothing and carry flags or signs to ensure visibility. Repair crews, veterinarian help, and stalled vehicle removal crews will retrieve stranded wagons, support vehicles and animals by traveling with the flow of the wagon train. The wagon train will not cross traffic without crossing guards in place. The wagon train will not stop on main roads or highways if at all possible but will find areas assigned for pulling over if stopping is necessary.

When the wagon train is traveling on unimproved road the point man will ride ahead far enough to notify oncoming traffic of the wagon train’s position to facilitate passing on narrow roads. The Point Man will notify the wagon train by 2-way radio of oncoming traffic. Traffic approaching the wagon train from the rear will encounter the “slow moving vehicles ahead” sign and will be advised on how to pass the wagon train ahead. The Rear Guard will facilitate passage by vehicles approaching the wagon train from the rear.

The wagon train will comply with all Road Department and Highway Patrol regulations to ensure safety in travel.

XVIII. Fire Control:

Extreme care must be taken with matches, cigarettes, or other sources of ignition to minimize the risk of fire. No fires will be allowed except those permitted by the federal, state and local laws. If fires are permitted by any of the above laws no open fires will be permitted except those designated by the Wagon Master in the main wagon circle. All fires will be checked by hand to be sure they are cold and out. Each wagon will be carrying fire fighting equipment as designated in section, XV, Wagon Requirements, as well as the support vehicles following the wagon train. The support vehicles will be carrying a 500 gallon container of water, round point shovels, fire extinguisher, and other fire fighting equipment. Fire fighting instruction will be given as part of the orientation meeting before the wagon train begins.

XIX. Cultural Resources:

Participants are to respect the historic and cultural resources along the trail. Such resources are to be viewed, enjoyed and preserved for others to enjoy. Destroying, altering, or any other act that desecrates such resources will not be allowed.

XX. Medical Emergencies:

Each participant will be advised of the appropriate local Medical Emergency Agency that will be available to respond in case of a medical emergency. An emergency support vehicle will follow the wagon train at all times and be available to assist anyone needing medical or other emergency assistance.

All officers of the wagon train will have radios for communication to assist in efficient communication. All emergency and law enforcement phone numbers will be posted with the cook wagon and the 6 emergency support vehicle driver will be instructed as to the best route of evacuation, type of services rendered and contact information. Each participant is responsible for their own medical supplies for the administration of first aid. Each participant is required to bring a personal first aid kit and each wagon is to carry a first aid kit at all times. There will be at all times a person qualified in the administration of first aid with the wagon train. In all cases the health and welfare of the participants and animals will be attended to before the movement of the wagon train. A health and safety orientation will be given before the wagon train begins.

XXI. Law Enforcement:

In the event of lost animals, criminal acts by a participant or participants, civil disputes or other situations requiring law enforcement, the Sheriff will be notified. The phone number for the local Sheriff having jurisdiction will be posted with the emergency support vehicle and cook and be available for immediate contact. The local Sheriff from each county we enter will be notified of the planned trip, route to be taken and number of people and animals with the wagon train. The US Department of Fish and Game will also be notified of the planned trip, route and scope of the event. The wagon train or its members will in no way act as a legal entity for any reason other than that provided by the Constitution of the United States. All laws of the United States of America will be obeyed by the wagon train participants and respect will be given to all government representatives.

XXII. Outcome:

The purpose of the wagon train is to provide recreation, enjoyment, learning and desire to relive a small portion of the historic past. It is our desire that all participants will be safe, be responsible, be respectful of yourself, others, the animals and the environment. In short, to have happy trails!

Resources: Operators: Bill Vixie Owner, Vixie Construction, LLC/APCO Plumbing 85198 Edwards Road Milton-Freewater, OR 97862 541-558-3827 [email protected] www.oregonstatewagontrain.com

Dave Vixie Teacher, Historical Advisor 1234 Bennett Road Paradise, CA 95969 530-872-2249