BLM Moves 700 Wild Horses to Ennis Area Ranch Amid Controversy
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is moving forward with a plan to relocate 700 wild horses to the Spanish Q Ranch, located northwest of Ennis. This decision comes despite pending appeals from neighboring landowners, who have expressed concerns about the transfer. The BLM aims to save costs by moving the horses from short-term holding facilities to this long-term location.
Background and Current Developments
The BLM's plan involves transferring the horses in eight truckloads, with the first arrivals expected between February 27 and March 1. By March 18, all 700 geldings should be at the ranch. The horses are being moved from facilities in Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Oklahoma, where the daily cost per horse is $5.50, compared to $1.36 at the Spanish Q Ranch.
Concerns and Appeals
Neighboring landowners, represented by Bozeman attorney James Goetz, have filed appeals to stop the transfer, citing issues with fencing, environmental impact, and the ranch's capacity to sustain the horses. Despite these concerns, the BLM is proceeding, as the Interior Board of Land Appeals has not ruled within the 45-day period required to halt the move.
“I think there’s a lot of chutzpah to spend taxpayers’ money by putting (the horses) on that property and then having to take the risk of having to move them,” Goetz said.
BLM's Justification
Carolyn Chad, acting deputy division chief for the BLM’s National Wild Horse and Burro Program, emphasizes cost savings and the health benefits for the horses as key reasons for the move. An inspection of the Spanish Q facility is scheduled to ensure it meets contractual obligations for horse care.
Chad acknowledges the possibility of future relocations if appeals succeed but remains confident in the Spanish Q Ranch's viability as a long-term facility.
Environmental and Management Considerations
The BLM manages wild horses and burros under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. With over 37,000 wild horses and burros on BLM rangelands, the agency faces challenges in balancing these populations with other resources. Currently, about 49,000 horses are in holding facilities.
The Spanish Q Ranch, owned by Greg and Karen Rice, spans approximately 15,000 acres, including leased BLM land. The contract with the BLM is for 10 years, and the horses will initially acclimate on lower-elevation feeding grounds before moving to larger pastures.
Future Implications
Goetz warns of the precedent this move might set, as Montana currently has wild horses only in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings. The Spanish Q Ranch would be the state's first holding facility for wild horses.
“I don’t think all the pieces are in place,” Goetz said, highlighting the unprecedented nature of relocating wild mustangs to southwest Montana.