2014 BLM Roundup Report: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2014 fiscal year marked a significant period for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as it concluded on October 31, 2014. Throughout the year, the BLM removed over 2,548 wild horses and burros from seven Western states, a notable decrease compared to previous years. With holding facilities at capacity, housing 48,490 wild horses, the BLM limited removals to cases involving litigation, range emergencies, public safety concerns, and private landowner requests. The plans for FY 2015 remain undisclosed.
Below is detailed information on some of the BLM's larger 2014 roundups:
Triple B Roundup: November 13, 2014
On November 13-14, 2014, the BLM conducted a two-day helicopter roundup, removing 69 wild horses from the Triple B Herd Management Area in Nevada. Despite Nevada being a "fence out" state, the roundup was conducted to address complaints from a horse breeder about wild stallions breeding with domestic mares. The BLM's video documents the helicopter stampede and the final moments before these mustangs lost their freedom.
Eagle/Silver King Roundup: November 11, 2014
On November 11, 2014, the BLM captured 52 wild horses in the Silver King HMA in eastern Nevada. This operation was conducted to appease ranchers requesting the removal of horses from private lands. The BLM permanently removed 48 horses, sending them to holding pens at the Palomino Valley facility outside Reno.
Reveille Roundup: November 3, 2014
The BLM rounded up approximately 120 horses from the Reveille HMA and surrounding areas. About 70 wild horses were removed, while 50 were returned to the HMA with fertility control measures applied to manage population growth.
The roundup began on November 3, 2014. As of November 5, 93 horses had been removed. Photos from the roundup can be found here. Daily reports are available at http://on.doi.gov/10qLBlh.
Palomino Butte Emergency Roundup: October 14, 2014
The OR/WA BLM conducted an emergency roundup of 54 horses within the Palomino Buttes HMA due to water scarcity. If not adopted within nine months, these horses will be returned to the HMA following adequate winter and spring moisture.
Wyoming Roundup: September 15, 2014 to October 9, 2014
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Photos by Jennifer Maharry
Between September 15 and October 9, 2014, the BLM removed 1,263 wild horses from "checkerboard" lands in Wyoming, resulting in 14 deaths. The roundup left populations below the established Appropriate Management Levels, primarily to appease local ranchers.
Our lawsuit against the BLM continues, aiming to establish a precedent to prevent future violations of law and to seek relief for Wyoming's wild horses.
Hard Trigger Roundup: October 2014
Between 23-35 horses were removed from the Hard Trigger HMA in Idaho by bait/water trapping.
Bible Springs Roundup: July 28, 2014
The BLM's roundup in Utah's Bible Springs Complex began on July 28, 2014, removing 143 wild horses. An additional 36 horses were captured outside the Sulphur HMA, with 30 permanently removed.
Read a detailed report from the field here.
Humboldt HA Roundups: June 23, 2014 to July 7, 2014
101 horses were removed from the land surrounding the Humboldt Herd Area by bait/water trapping.
Read our eyewitness report here.
Red Lake HMA Removal: February 2014 to August 11, 2014
According to this report, the removal of 129 horses from outside the Red Lake HMA has been completed.
Adobe Town Salt Wells Roundup, November 22 - Dec. 4, 2013
Wyoming's wild horses faced significant challenges in FY 2014, with two major roundups removing nearly 2,000 horses. These actions were taken to satisfy the Rock Springs Grazing Association.
Read the report on the first Wyoming wild horse roundup in FY 2014 here.
Burro Removals
In FY 2014, the BLM removed over 200 wild burros from California, Arizona, and Oregon. Despite efforts to increase adoptions, over 1,000 burros remain in holding facilities. The BLM has proposed sending at least 100 burros to Guatemala, a move that has faced public opposition.
Information on some of these 2014 burro removals can be found at the following links: