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 Creek herd management areas.

The BLM initially 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.

BLM officials 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.

"We are surprised and saddened by this decision," said Ginger Katherins, executive director of the Cloud Foundation. "I'm concerned about where these horses are going to go."

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

"I don't know anybody that can handle 806 horses," Katherins added. "I don't even know any of the facilities in the BLM's system that can handle that number of horses."

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

"Wyoming is not against wild horses on public lands, but they must be managed appropriately," Gov. Matt Mead stated. "Today’s ruling allows that to happen and protects Wyoming land, supports ranchers and wildlife, and it benefits wild horse populations."

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

Originally posted by Casper-Star Tribune.