Utah Wild Horse Roundup Begins Successfully

On a calm and warm day, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began its only Utah wild horse roundup of the year, aiming to remove 140 horses from state land. This event, known as the Blawn Wash gather, proceeded without any injuries to the horses and was observed by 20 spectators.

Successful Start to the Roundup

Gus Warr, the Utah BLM’s wild horse and burro manager, hosted the spectators as 45 horses were herded by helicopter into a corral and transported off the range. The horses emerged from the Wah Wah Mountains' juniper-covered hills in four groups over several hours.

Rancher Mark Wintch and Ellie Price, an advocate with the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign), were present, representing opposing sides of the debate over public range priorities. They engaged in discussions with Warr and each other throughout the day.

Debate Over Range Management

Ranchers and county commissioners in southern Utah have been urging the BLM to remove more horses, while wild horse advocates push for reduced livestock numbers and increased use of birth control to manage horse herds. The BLM acknowledges having twice as many wild horses as its target levels allow, with 3,979 in Utah as of March.

Wintch, who brought his children to the roundup, expressed concerns about the impact of drought and horses on his leased pasture lands. He and Warr explained to Price and Caroline Kraus, also with the American Wild Horse Conservation, that ranchers' water features help sustain wild horse populations.

Price argued for a public lands plan that is fairer to wild horses, noting the American public's preference for wild horses over livestock. Kraus questioned whether ranchers' water sources inadvertently encourage horse populations.

Impact on Wild Horses

As horses were corralled, Kraus reflected on their loss of freedom, while photographer Kelly Jay noted the emotional bonds within horse families. Linda and Mike Sandston were surprised by the horses' good condition despite the desert's scarce grass.

The gathered horses will be taken to the Central Utah Correctional Facility for branding, vaccination, and adoption. Some may be trained by inmates. Ron Torgerson from SITLA noted that while the removal helps prevent land degradation, it won't permanently solve the issue as other herds may move into the area.

Ongoing Efforts

The BLM is also using water traps to capture horses on private land and plans to remove horses from the Sulphur herd near the Nevada state line due to safety concerns for motorists.

Originally posted by Salt Lake Tribune