Federal Court Approves BLM and Wyoming's Wild Horse Roundup

The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the state of Wyoming, and the Rock Springs Grazing Association, allowing the removal of more than 800 wild horses from the checkerboard lands in southwest Wyoming. This decision impacts the Great Divide Basin, Adobe Town, and Salt Wells Creekherd management areas.

TheBLMinitially planned the roundup following a 2013 U.S. District Court ruling supporting the Rock Springs Grazing Association's interests. The court order mandated the removal of the horses to protect the grazing rights of the association, which controls over 731,700 acres of grazing land in the region.

BLMofficials announced that the roundup would commence either Sunday or Monday. However, wild horse advocates argue that managing the horses on the range is preferable to sending them to increasingly crowded holding facilities.

Katherins highlighted that the range is currently in excellent condition, with adequate moisture levels providing a better environment than theBLM's holding facilities.

The state of Wyoming joined the case as an intervener to support local ranchers and wildlife, citing concerns over unmanaged horse populations.

Rock Springs Grazing Association officials were unavailable for comment on Wednesday.

Originally posted by Casper-Star Tribune.