Congress Directs BLM to Address Wild Horse Management Challenges

February 14, 2019

Congress is directing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to revisit its strategies for controlling the growing populations of wild horses and burros that threaten federal rangelands. The new directive comes as part of a spending package aimed at preventing a government shutdown and includes increased funding for the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program.

The legislation allocates $80.5 million to the program, $5 million more than the previous fiscal year. It highlights the financial and political challenges of managing these populations, with BLM spending a significant portion of its budget on caring for animals in off-site facilities.

Appropriators have instructed the BLM to conduct further analysis and report back to Congress within 180 days. The bureau is expected to evaluate its policies and explore humane fertility control methods, including sterilization, to manage costs and improve range conditions.

Despite submitting a detailed report last year, Congress has not acted on any of the proposed options, which included selling or transferring animals without limitation and euthanizing some. The new spending package prohibits the destruction of healthy, unadopted animals.

The number of wild horses and burros on federal lands could soon reach 100,000, far exceeding the sustainable limit. BLM officials have expressed frustration over the lack of clear guidance from Congress on how to proceed.

Wild horse advocates and other stakeholders have differing views on the best approach, with some calling for more humane and scientifically backed proposals.

Originally posted by E&E News