BLM Delays Plan to Return 186 Mustangs to Nevada Range

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has postponed plans to return 186 wild horses to the range in central Nevada. This decision comes as a result of an appeal filed by a rancher and rural county officials who oppose the move. The BLM initially intended to release 104 mares treated with a fertility control vaccine and 82 studs back into the Fish Creek Herd Management Area (HMA) near Eureka.

The horses were part of a group of 424 removed from the HMA during a recent roundup. The BLM regularly manages what it describes as overpopulated herds on public lands across the West, with non-adopted horses sent to pastures in the Midwest.

Rancher Kevin Borba and Eureka County commissioners filed the appeal, arguing against the return of any horses to the range. Borba claims that his livestock allotments have been significantly reduced while the number of wild horses exceeds the HMA's capacity, which the BLM sets between 101 and 170 horses.

Borba also questions the effectiveness of the fertility control vaccine, suggesting that horse populations will continue to grow. Ranchers often view wild horses as competitors for limited forage in the arid West.

"We (ranchers) have a right to be here and we don't want them to turn out the horses," Borba told The Associated Press. "By turning out horses now they're not accomplishing anything. It's asinine and doesn't make sense."

BLM spokesman Paul McGuire stated that the agency routinely releases mares treated with fertility control drugs, along with varying numbers of studs, to maintain genetic viability. He emphasized the importance of fertility control in achieving long-term management goals.

The BLM has requested an expedited review of the appeal and hopes to decide on the 186 horses' fate soon. Horse advocates support the BLM's management plan, aligning with a 2013 National Academy of Sciences panel's recommendations for increased fertility control emphasis.

Advocates claim fertility control is effective in 91% to 96% of mares, predicting a decrease in reproduction within two years. Activist Laura Leigh remarked, "We finally have a fair and sane management plan that makes sense for today. To lose ground in a standoff reminiscent of an old Western movie will be a giant step backwards."

Originally Posted By Associated Press