Ochoco National Forest Revamps Wild Horse Management Plan
The Ochoco National Forest is embarking on a significant update of its 40-year-old management plan for the Big Summit wild horse herd near Prineville. This revision aims to address modern challenges and involves public participation to ensure a comprehensive approach.
Plan Revision Overview
“We are basically going to redo the plan,” said Tory Kurtz, a rangeland management specialist for the national forest. The original plan, established in 1975, has not been updated since its inception. The Big Summit herd, also known as the Ochoco Mustangs, roams a 27,300-acre management area protected under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.
Current Management and Challenges
The Big Summit herd is unique as it is the only wild horse herd in Oregon and Washington managed solely by the U.S. Forest Service, while most others are under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The outdated plan does not address current issues such as birth control and adoption programs, which are crucial for maintaining herd size.
Public Involvement
National forest officials are inviting the public to join a stakeholder group, convened by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, to develop recommendations for the new plan. The group will meet monthly starting in December, with the overhaul expected to take up to three years.
Community and Conservation Efforts
Gayle Hunt, president of the Central Oregon Wild Horse Coalition, expressed support for the update, noting the cooperative relationship with Ochoco National Forest officials. The coalition, established in 2002, plays a vital role in managing wild horses in Central Oregon.
Future Directions
The direction of the new plan will depend on the stakeholder group's input. “We don’t really have anything set in stone,” Kurtz said, highlighting the collaborative nature of the process.