BLM Shortens Public Notification Times Before Wild Horse Roundups

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced a significant policy change, reducing the public notification period for wild horse and burro roundups on federal rangelands. This decision has sparked a heated debate among wild horse advocates and stakeholders.

Policy Change Details

The BLM now requires only a 14-day notice before a roundup begins, a reduction from the previous 31 to 76 days. This change is outlined in an instruction memo issued to all bureau field offices, excluding Alaska.

The original, longer notification period was intended to allow opponents to challenge the decision administratively before resorting to federal court. However, the BLM noted that opponents were bypassing this step, opting instead to seek temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions directly from the courts.

Rationale Behind the Change

The BLM argues that the previous lead time did not serve its intended purpose and hindered management capabilities by limiting decision-making flexibility. The new policy aims to address these issues as part of broader efforts to manage growing wild horse and burro populations, which are reportedly three times the sustainable number on federal rangelands.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Wild horse advocates, including the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), have criticized the policy change. They argue that it restricts public participation and oversight, particularly concerning the humane treatment of animals during helicopter roundups.

Conversely, Ethan Lane of the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association supports the change, citing the need for timely responses to overpopulation emergencies.

Ongoing Litigation and Policy Adjustments

Litigation continues to influence BLM's management strategies. Recent legal challenges have led to the withdrawal of a sterilization research project and the revocation of a policy that increased the number of animals available for purchase, amid concerns about potential slaughter.

In response to congressional directives, the BLM is conducting an analysis of strategies to control wild horse and burro populations, with a report due to appropriators soon.

Adoption Incentive Program

To further manage populations, the BLM has implemented an adoption incentive program, offering $1,000 to individuals who adopt a wild horse from an off-site holding facility.

Originally Posted by E&E News