Talking Points for the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board

TheBLMWild Horse and Burro Advisory Board is convening fromJune 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 emailingdboothe@blm.govby 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 atBLM.gov/live.

Provide Public Comment

Speakers and those unable to attend virtually can submit written comments towhbadvisoryboard@blm.gov. 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:whbadvisoryboard@blm.gov