Talking Points for the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board is convening from June 28-30, 2023, at the Whitney Peak Hotel, 255 N Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, to deliberate on wild horse and burro management strategies. A public field tour to the Blue Wing Complex is scheduled for June 27, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PT.
Participants interested in the educational tour must register by emailing [email protected] by June 21, 5 p.m. PT. Attendees are responsible for their own high-clearance transportation and necessary provisions for a full day in the field.
The board meeting will also be accessible virtually via Zoom and live-streamed at BLM.gov/live.
Provide Public Comment
Speakers and those unable to attend virtually can submit written comments to [email protected]. Include “Advisory Board Comment” in the email subject. Comments sent three days before the meeting will be reviewed by the Advisory Board. Below are suggested talking points:
- Abandon cash incentives in the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) that lead to mustangs and burros ending up at slaughter auctions; instead, offer veterinary vouchers as non-cash incentives.
- Invest in and increase collaboration with wild horse nonprofits to implement humane fertility control programs in Herd Management Areas (HMAs) across the West.
- Implement cameras on helicopters to ensure transparency and accountability for BLM’s contractors.
- Address the holding crisis caused by incarcerating over 60,000 wild horses and burros in holding facilities.
- Re-evaluate the BLM's arbitrary "Appropriate Management Levels" for wild horses and burros.
- Adjust livestock forage allocation within HMAs to prioritize wild horses and burros.
- Encourage BLM to explore options to retire livestock grazing allotments through compensation or other means in HMAs.
Send your comments via email: [email protected]