Learn more about “USFS (United States Forest Service)”

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for managing national forests and grasslands. In the context of wild horse conservation, the USFS plays a crucial role in the management of wild horse populations on federal lands. This includes setting Appropriate Management Levels (AMLs) for herds, which can often lead to controversial decisions regarding roundups and removals. The USFS has faced criticism for prioritizing livestock grazing over wild horse welfare, leading to legal challenges from organizations like the American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC). Advocates argue for humane management practices, such as fertility control, to ensure the survival of wild horse herds while balancing ecological and public interests.