BLM and University of Wyoming Collaborate on Wild Horse Movement Study in Adobe Town

In an exciting collaboration, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the University of Wyoming are embarking on a groundbreaking study to understand the movement and habitat selection of wild horses in the Adobe Town Herd Management Area (HMA). This research aims to provide insights into the seasonal use, migration patterns, and herd movements of these majestic animals without removing them from their natural habitat.

The study, which will last approximately one year, involves collaring 30 wild mares and monitoring their movements across the range. BLM Rawlins Field Manager Dennis Carpenter expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are happy to be working with the University of Wyoming on this study that will provide more information about how these horses interact with their environment and will ensure BLM continues to have healthy horses living on healthy rangelands.”

Derek Scasta, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Rangeland Specialist at the University of Wyoming, highlighted the benefits of using GPS collars: “The use of GPS collars on the Adobe Town mares will provide us with insight on how these horses move into, through, and across the public-private land matrix, how horses select rangelands resources across seasons, and how porous or not-porous the Colorado-Wyoming border really is for horses.” He also noted that these collars have been safely used on horses with a very low risk of injury, based on experience with USGS researchers.

The BLM has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the study, initiating a 30-day public comment period that will close on November 1, 2016. The EA and project maps are available at this link. Comments can be emailed to blm_wy_adobetown_hma@blm.gov, with “Movements & Habitat EA Comments” in the subject line. Comments can also be hand-delivered during regular business hours or mailed to:

BLM Rawlins Field Office
ATTN: Movements & Habitat EA Comments
1300 3rd Street
Rawlins, WY 82301

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

For more information, please contact the BLM wild horse specialist at 307-328-4311.

Originally posted by KGWN