BLM Delays Plan to Return 186 Mustangs to Nevada Range

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has postponed plans to return 186 wild horses to the range in central Nevada. This decision comes as a result of an appeal filed by a rancher and rural county officials who oppose the move. TheBLMinitially intended to release 104 mares treated with afertility controlvaccine and 82 studs back into the Fish Creek Herd Management Area (HMA) near Eureka.

The horses were part of a group of 424 removed from the HMA during a recent roundup. TheBLMregularly manages what it describes as overpopulated herds onpublic landsacross the West, with non-adopted horses sent to pastures in the Midwest.

Rancher Kevin Borba and Eureka County commissioners filed the appeal, arguing against the return of any horses to the range. Borba claims that his livestock allotments have been significantly reduced while the number of wild horses exceeds the HMA's capacity, which theBLMsets between 101 and 170 horses.

Borba also questions the effectiveness of thefertility controlvaccine, suggesting that horse populations will continue to grow. Ranchers often view wild horses as competitors for limited forage in the arid West.

BLMspokesman Paul McGuire stated that the agency routinely releases mares treated withfertility controldrugs, along with varying numbers of studs, to maintain genetic viability. He emphasized the importance offertility controlin achieving long-term management goals.

TheBLMhas requested an expedited review of the appeal and hopes to decide on the 186 horses' fate soon. Horse advocates support theBLM's management plan, aligning with a 2013 National Academy of Sciences panel's recommendations for increasedfertility controlemphasis.

Advocates claimfertility controlis effective in 91% to 96% of mares, predicting a decrease in reproduction within two years. Activist Laura Leigh remarked, "We finally have a fair and sane management plan that makes sense for today. To lose ground in a standoff reminiscent of an old Western movie will be a giant step backwards."

Originally Posted By Associated Press