Iron County and BLM Begin Wild Horse Removal Efforts
Iron County, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has commenced the removal of wild horses in Iron County, bringing in the first group of eight horses. Despite this, the county's commissioners remain dissatisfied, citing the overwhelming population of 1,500 to 2,000 wild horses as a pressing issue.
The commissioners are joining a lawsuit filed by local ranchers against the BLM, demanding immediate action to reduce the wild horse populations. Iron County Commissioner Dave Miller expressed that the current efforts are insufficient, stating, "While we appreciate the BLM’s efforts trapping horses, reducing the numbers to the tune of 10 at a time will not get the job done."
The lawsuit, filed in the Salt Lake City U.S. District Court, names Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, BLM Director Neil Kornze, and BLM Utah Director Juan Palma as defendants. The commissioners argue that the federal government has failed to manage the horse numbers as required under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971.
Frustration has grown since federal officials initially agreed to collaborate with the county to reduce wild horse numbers on private property. However, only one corral has been set up, and the removal of horses has been minimal.
BLM's Chad Hunter explained that rounding up or trapping wild horses can take years, even on private property. He noted, "The only reason these horses didn’t require that time is because we dropped everything to deal with it, and we can’t normally do that."
Ranchers, feeling desperate, have proceeded with the lawsuit. Iron County natural resource specialist Mike Worthen believes the BLM is hindered by regulations that prevent effective management.
The BLM is reviewing requests to set up corrals on private property for horse removal, including two in Iron County and two in Beaver. One request is in the Bible Springs Complex, where an environmental assessment was recently conducted.
For more information, read AWHC's response to the removal here.