Bible Springs Complex Wild Horse Roundup Set to Begin

Cedar City, Utah— As part of its mission to managepublic landsfor multiple uses, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be removing excess wild horses from areas within and outside the Bible Springs Complex in Iron and Beaver counties beginning August 15.

“TheBLMis committed to maintaining a healthy wild horse population and healthy rangelands in the Bible Springs Complex Herd Management Area,” saidBLMCedar City Acting Field Manager Paul Briggs. “By managing herd growth, we are ensuring enough food and water is available for the wild horses, while at the same time protecting public rangeland resources and reducing conflicts with private landowners.”

The Bible Springs Complex encompasses the Four Mile, Tilly Creek, and Bible SpringsHerd Management Areas(HMA). The current wild horse population estimate in the Bible Springs Complex is approximately 619 animals, and theBLMplans to gather and remove 100 wild horses from State, private, andBLM-managed lands. Animals removed from the range will be available for adoption throughBLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program. Those that are not adopted will be cared for in long-term pastures.

The public is welcome to observe daily operations throughBLMescorted tours – provided the safety of the animals, staff, and observers are not jeopardized – and operations are not disrupted. Observers must provide their own transportation, water, and food. No public restrooms will be available. TheBLMrecommends weather-appropriate footwear and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles are also strongly recommended. Those interested in participating should meet at the Maverik Adventure’s First Stop, 220 North Airport Rd in Cedar City, Utah, where tours will depart at 5 a.m. MST. Details will be announced daily on theBLMgather hotline, (801) 539-4050.

Visitors and observers to the gather area should be aware that low flying helicopters will be used as part of the operation. Flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) near the Wah Wah and Indian Peak Mountain ranges will be prohibited during the gather. Brief road closures may also be needed to allow movement of horses during gather operations.

Gather updates and information will be posted at:http://bit.ly/BSCgather. Anyone interested can get updates on Twitter by following @BLMUtah or searching #BSCGather. To learn more about thewild horse and burro programor to obtain an adoption application, visit theBLMNational Wild Horse and Burro website at:http://on.doi.gov/2h11lDS.

Details on the Environmental Assessment for this gather can be found at:http://bit.ly/BSC_EA.

For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist Lisa Reid at (435) 743-3128 orlreid@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question for Reid. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.

TheBLMmanages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System ofPublic Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. TheBLMalso administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. TheBLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, theBLMgenerated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.

Originally posted byBLMUtah