Wyoming Legislators to Study Wild Horse Management

Members of Wyoming's Select Federal Natural Resource Committee are urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reconsider its approach to managing wild horses in the state. This initiative aims to preserve land also used for grazing privately ownedlivestock.

In September, theBLMbegan removing wild horses from the Great Divide Basin, Adobe Town, and Salt Wells Creek herd management areas. Following the gather, 338 animals were sent to the agency's Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility. This removal was conducted to comply with a consent decree between theBLMand the owners of privately ownedlivestockthat also useBLM-owned grazing lands.

Suzanne Roy, director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), stated that some wild horse advocates criticized the gather. They argue it “sets a terrible precedent not only for wild horses but also for the responsible management of our public lands by elevating commerciallivestockinterests over the public interest and federal law.”

Additionally, some Wyoming legislators have criticized theBLMfor its statewide strategies in managing the wild horses and the ranges they occupy.

“I'm not sure placing the wild horses in a holding facility is the best that we can do for these horses,” said Senator Eli Bebout, chairman of the legislature's Select Federal Natural Resource Committee. “Certainly, spending $60 million forBLMwild horse managementcan't be the best way to use that money.”

As a result, Bebout mentioned that the committee voted on October 13 to draft a resolution highlightingwild horse managementand the animals' environmental impact on the state's rangelands.

Bebout also noted that committee members would collaborate with Wyoming Governor Matt Mead's office to educate the public aboutwild horse managementissues in the state.

Shelley Gregory,BLMWyoming spokeswoman, stated that the agency is aware of the resolution, “but (theBLM) will wait for the final version before responding or taking action, if any.”

Meanwhile, she emphasized that theBLMworks with all its stakeholders to balance the uses of public land.

“TheBLMundertakes all decisions made for public lands seriously with balance and sustainability in mind, (and) does not cater to one interest over another and considers all input before making a decision,” Gregory said.

The resolution remains pending.

Originally Posted By The Horse.com