BLM to Study Wild Horse Sanctuary Proposal Near Drummond

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering a proposal for a 13,000-acre sanctuary for wild horses near Drummond, Montana. This initiative, led by the Rural Sustainability Organization Inc., aims to provide long-term humane care for up to 325 wild horses.

The proposed sanctuary would be located entirely on private lands, offering a natural and healthy habitat for wild horses brought from other Horse Management Areas or long-term holding facilities across the country. If approved, the BLM will sponsor the operation with funding similar to other states, primarily in the Midwest.

The ecosanctuary would be open to public viewing, potentially boosting ecotourism in Granite County. This would be the first sanctuary of its kind in Montana, with Wyoming currently hosting a similar facility near Laramie. The BLM is also considering additional proposals in Wyoming and Oklahoma.

According to the BLM, an ecosanctuary is defined as a "place of safety that provides a natural and healthy habitat for excess wild horses where they would be properly cared for, yet allowed to roam freely, while conserving the environment and ecology of the lands."

The BLM is in the early stages of analyzing the Drummond proposal and is conducting an environmental assessment. Comments on the proposal can be sent to John Thompson at the Missoula Field Office, 3255 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804, or by email.

The agency hopes to receive comments by April 18.

Originally Posted By KPAX News