BLM seeking comments on plan to manage wild horse populations

CEDARVILLE, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a plan to manage wild horse populations in three herd management areas in far northeast California and far northwest Nevada. The environmental assessment, available for review and comment through the BLM National NEPA Register, addresses population management actions on the Carter Reservoir, Coppersmith and Buckhorn herd management areas.

"Wild horse populations in these herd management areas have greatly exceeded the appropriate management level established in our Resource Management Plan," said Craig Drake, manager of the BLM Applegate Field Office. "Managing the population at the appropriate management level is important to maintaining healthy, viable herds as part of a thriving natural ecological balance on the range, as required by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act."

A 30-day comment period runs through Nov. 22. Anyone interested can comment by using the "participate now" button on the above NEPA Register page. Those who need the document in printed form can contact the BLM's Surprise Field Station in Cedarville at 530-279-6101. Comments can also be sent to the Bureau of Land Management, Surprise Field Station, 602 Cressler St., Cedarville, CA 96104, attention Wild Horse Gather.

The BLM plans to gather excess wild horses from the three HMAs to achieve and maintain populations within the appropriate management level range shown in the EA. The HMAs are not managed for burros; any that have roamed into the HMAs would be removed.

Based on aerial surveys, ground observations, and expected annual population increases, the BLM expects there are more than 700 wild horses in the three HMAs, where the combined appropriate management level is 134 - 195 wild horses. This overpopulation has impacted water and riparian resources on both public and private lands. The BLM would conduct new population survey flights prior to any gathers. The BLM does not intend to reduce populations below the appropriate management level range in any of the herd management areas. Wild horses removed from the range would be made available for private ownership through the BLM's adoption and sales programs.

The BLM is responsible under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act for protecting and managing wild horses and burros to protect resources and ensure healthy herds. The agency periodically removes animals from the range when populations exceed levels established to allow the herds to thrive in balance with other users including wildlife and permitted livestock. More information about the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program is available online.