Utah Counties Advocate for State Management of Wild Horses

Iron and Beaver counties in Utah are advocating for a significant shift in the management of wild horses. Instead of taking matters into their own hands, as previously threatened, they are pushing for state control over the management of these animals, currently overseen by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

These counties propose that states should determine the number of wild horses allowed on the range and decide on actions when overpopulation occurs. A resolution supporting this idea, crafted by Beaver County Commissioner Mark Whitney, has gained the backing of the Utah Association of Counties. Whitney, along with a Garfield County commissioner, plans to present this proposal to the National Association of Counties in New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, is drafting legislation to allow states and Indian tribes the option to manage wild horses, similar to other wildlife management practices.

"This really is a political problem," said Iron County Commission Chairman David Miller. "We need Congress to get off their butts."

Whitney emphasized the need for a political platform to advance this cause, having previously set a deadline for the BLM to address the excess wild horse population.

While the BLM acknowledges the overpopulation issue, it had no plans for roundups this year due to limited space in long-term pastures, which already house nearly 50,000 horses. However, under pressure from ranchers and counties like Iron and Beaver, BLM Utah Director Juan Palma received permission to remove 200 horses this summer from these areas.

Of these, 140 horses are slated for removal from the Blawn Wash herd area, primarily state-owned land in Beaver County. The remainder will be gradually removed as they enter water traps on private property in Iron County. The Blawn Wash roundup is expected to occur in late July.

Suzanne Roy, director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), criticized the proposal for state management of wild horses, calling it "a ridiculous proposal." She emphasized that wild horses are protected by Congress as part of the national heritage and are a valued resource for all Americans.

Wild horse advocates argue that the BLM overstates the number of horses on the range and should first consider reducing livestock numbers, as there are significantly more cattle than wild horses on public lands.

Ranchers Matt Wood and Mark Wintch disagree, asserting that the BLM's failure to control horse numbers undermines their land stewardship efforts. They argue that cattle, unlike horses, are frequently moved to prevent over-grazing.

Wintch, who holds grazing permits for 350 mother cows and calves on BLM and state land in Blawn Wash, faces challenges due to insufficient grass, forcing him to use pastures typically reserved for hay production. This situation will cost him $150,000 in hay for the winter.

Despite these challenges, Wintch supplements his income by hauling water to wild horses in the drought-stricken Sulphur Herd Management Area, with the BLM compensating him for this effort. He notes that the horses are visibly stressed by the drought conditions.

Originally Posted By the Salt Lake Tribune