A troubling start to the 2025 observation season
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AWHC is on alert to ensure a troubling start to 2025 observation, at Devil’s Garden, does not signal a change in the public’s already diminished right to view and document wild horse roundups.
In January 2025, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) abruptly resumed the Devil’s Garden wild horse roundup, which had begun in October 2024 but paused a month later.
The restart came with little to no notice and troubling restrictions: the USFS limited public observation to just two days and capped attendance at four individuals
This restriction on the right to observe a government operation is unacceptable, so our legal team issued a legal letter to the USFS, even before the allowed observation period began, demanding full and transparent access to the operation and documenting the lack of transparency.
During the roundup, it became clear that not only were our observers obstructed from the roundup itself, a publishing ban meant the public was also barred from any roundup details on the USFS website. Coupled with a prohibition on viewing the recently captured horses at the Double Devil corrals, this marks a significant and concerning departure from past roundup protocols.
Again, AWHC reached out to the USFS again requesting better access and update on the roundup. Here’s what we know:
- According to the incoming Modoc Forest Supervisor, the new administration has issued a communications freeze and the USFS is not able to post to its website or social media any roundup updates.
- Our observation continued to be restricted at the roundup and the corrals. Without full access to the roundup or any information shared, the public is in the dark and there is no opportunity to hold the government accountable.
It’s clear this is a concerning information block, with a potential for an observation freeze.
AWHC is on standby for further action and continues to document these violations. It’s plain and simple: Observation is our first amendment right and we will fight to protect it.