Public Comment Sought on Pryor Wild Horse Population Control Programs
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Billings Field Office is inviting public comments on an environmental assessment analyzing the continued use of fertility control on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. This initiative aims to manage the wild horse population humanely and effectively.
The BLM is accepting public comments and requests any relevant information, data, or analysis for 30 days starting January 20, 2015. The environmental assessment can be reviewed on the field office's website at www.blm.gov/mt.
Fertility control has been utilized since 2001 to manage the wild horse population. The current program, initiated in 2011, is set to expire this year. A new proposal is being developed based on the results of existing and previous treatments.
"The Billings Field Office is excited to be on the cusp of nearly eliminating the need for wild horse removals due to the use of fertility control administered in the field," said Billings Field Manager Jim Sparks.
The environmental assessment considers two alternatives. The proposed action is based on results from the 2011-2015 fertility control using a vaccine, comprising a specific treatment prescription and allowing for other management steps depending on changes in the wild horse herd. The no-action alternative would continue the existing fertility control treatment.
Comments can be emailed to blm_mt_wildhorse@blm.gov by February 18, 2015. Written comments may be mailed or hand-delivered to James M. Sparks, Billings Field Office, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, MT 59101.
The BLM will issue a final decision at a later date. The agency cautions that including personal information in your comment means it may be made publicly available. While you can request to withhold your personal information, the agency cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
For questions or to request a hard copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA), please contact Jared Bybee at the Billings Field Office at (406) 896-5223.
Originally posted by MTN News.