Saving America’s Mustangs: Proposed Eco-Sanctuary to Address Horse Holding Challenges

Facing a significant challenge in managing wild horse populations, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is exploring innovative solutions to address the overcrowding of horses on public lands and in holding facilities. The proposed eco-sanctuary by Saving America’s Mustangs offers a promising approach to alleviate these issues.

The BLM manages wild horses and burros by rounding up excess animals from overpopulated areas, housing them in pens until adoption. However, with adoption rates declining and long-term holding facilities nearing capacity, the need for alternative solutions is urgent.

Tom Gorey, National BLM spokesman, acknowledges the complexity of the issue, noting that a quick fix is not available. The agency is open to outside-the-box ideas, such as the proposed eco-sanctuary in Elko County, which has been in development for over five years.

Founded by Madeleine Pickens, the eco-sanctuary spans approximately 17,000 acres of private land and over 500,000 acres of public land. It aims to provide a natural habitat for wild horses, reducing reliance on short-term holding pens.

The BLM’s final scoping report highlights the need for innovative solutions, as current practices are not sustainable. The Elko District is preparing an environmental impact statement, with public comments collected until June 2014.

Pickens currently cares for 600 horses on private land, saved from slaughter. Her sanctuary includes an educational component to inspire appreciation for wild horses, offering guided tours and educational experiences.

Despite its potential, the eco-sanctuary faces criticism regarding costs and its impact on public lands. Some horse advocates, like Suzanne Roy of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), argue that it mirrors the BLM’s existing unsustainable practices.

Alternative management models, such as those pioneered by Neda Demayo of Return To Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary, focus on non-hormonal fertility treatments to control populations.

For more insights, read Suzanne Roy of AWHC's Letter to the Editor and explore the original article by Elko Daily Free Press.