BLM to Begin Wild Horse Roundup on Monday

After months of pressure from local ranchers and the Iron County Commissioners, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to begin a wild horse gather on Monday. This initiative aims to reduce the number of wild horses on public lands to appropriate management levels.

The gather will take place within the Bible Spring Complex from July 28 to August 5. It is open to the public, allowing them to view daily operations as long as safety is maintained and operations are not disrupted.

The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 140 horses from the Blawn Wash Herd Management Area, one of four HMAs in the Bible Spring Complex. Operations will also extend to Highway 21, where 10-30 wild horses pose traffic safety hazards.

Interested observers can meet at 5 a.m. at the KB Express Convenience Store, 238 S. Main St., Milford. BLM officials will escort participants to the range, which takes about an hour and a half to reach.

Participants must provide their own transportation, water, and lunches. It is recommended to dress for harsh summer conditions and use four-wheel drives or vehicles with higher clearance. Bringing binoculars is also suggested for better viewing.

“It’s going to be hard because this range isn’t conducive to viewing and especially with 50 people out there,” said BLM spokeswoman Lisa Reid. “I’m going to do everything I can though so that people get an opportunity to see as much as possible. I just can’t guarantee anything.”

Following the gather, the horses will be available for adoption through the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program. Animals not adopted will be cared for in long-term pastures.

Gather updates and information will be available at: http://blm.gov/4yld or on Twitter @BLMUtah using #BlawnWashGather.

For additional information on participating in public observation days, please contact Reid at 435-743-3128 or lreid@blm.gov. Those using a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.

Originally Posted By The Spectrum