Butch Stidam of Medora and his horse, Blue, recently received the recognition they deserved for hoofing the trails making sure the community is safe.

Stacy Duke, recreation and wilderness program manager for the Hoosier National Forest, presented the Forest Service’s Eastern Region Volunteer and Service Award for Enduring Service to Stidam and Blue in recognition of their more than five years and 1,000 hours each of volunteer service at the forest.

“In the beginning, Mr. Stidam was a watchful trail rider, reporting back to wilderness staff on any trail concerns or downed trees. He was such an asset that we suggested he serve as an official Forest Service volunteer and incorporate his help on trail projects that needed support,” Duke said. “As it turned out, his horse, Blue, also wanted to help and has served as a lead horse to our mules on several projects over the years.”

Recently, Stidam and Blue provided support and contribution to the E. Bass Pond Trail Re-Route Project in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.

The project, a 1-mile re-route in wilderness backcountry, involved extensive logistics. Duke said Stidam and Blue were essential in implementing and completing the work on the ground successfully.

Working closely with local Forest Service staff and mules, as well as packers and mules from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest through the Pack Stock Center for Excellence program, required added situational awareness and safety measures, all of which Stidam was relied upon to follow and support.

For this project, Stidam served as a volunteer through a partnership with Society of Wilderness Stewardship and the Hoosier National Forest, providing more than 80 hours of volunteer service.

“Butch is everything the Forest Service needs in a volunteer and is indispensable to our recreation program and wilderness area on the Hoosier National Forest,” Duke said. “His commitment to service is admirable, and he has been our most reliable and trustworthy volunteer.”