Nevada Signs Agreement to Protect Virginia Range Horses

A landmark deal has been signed in Nevada to humanely manage more than 1,500 wild horses inhabiting the Virginia Range. This agreement marks a significant step forward in the conservation of these iconic animals, ensuring their protection and management on primarily privately owned land.

The deal has been agreed between wild horse advocates and Nevada’s Department of Agriculture. It represents the second phase in the development of the largest public-private endeavor to humanely manage the historic herd across 300,000 acres.

The agreement was signed into effect by Return to Freedom, the founding organization for the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign), the State of Nevada’s Governor, Brian Sandoval, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

“As a participating advocacy group in this historic management agreement, we are excited to finally see some protections come to these historic and treasured horses,” said Shannon Windle, president of Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund.

“Countless numbers of people have worked for many decades to see this opportunity come to fruition for these graceful and iconic creatures.”

The horses of the Virginia Range are the same herd population that inspired Velma Bronn Johnston, also known as “Wild Horse Annie,” on her lifelong quest to save the American wild horse. Her dedication led to the passage of the federal 1971 Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Because the Virginia Range is primarily privately owned, these horses fall under state control and are excluded from protections afforded to wild horse and burro populations on federal public lands.

“The focal point of this management agreement is to increase public safety by keeping the horses on the range, wild and free, the way they should be,” said Ellen Holcomb, a director of the Hidden Valley group.

“We are delighted to see our local and state governments wanting to make a difference in our communities. By keeping the horses on the range, we will also be keeping them out of our congested streets and highways – a win-win-win for all involved.”

The agreement involved two years of talks and negotiation. Wild horse advocacy groups anticipate many volunteer opportunities will be created because of the management agreement, and they are seeking the help of the general public. Volunteers are already being sought.

Originally Posted By Horsetalk