BLM Launches Pilot Projects to Manage Wild Horse Herd Growth

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to launch several pilot projects aimed at developing new techniques to manage the growth of wild horse herds in the Western United States. These initiatives are part ofBLM's ongoing efforts to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance on public lands, as mandated byCongress.

BLM's New Initiatives

In collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey,BLMplans to enhance its methods for counting horses on the range and review policies for determining sustainable horse populations on Western rangelands. These projects aim to find cost-effective solutions for managing wild horses, which can double in population every four years due to a lack of natural predators.

Developing Population Control Techniques

BLMPrincipal Deputy Director Neil Kornze announced that the agency will seek applications for pilot projects to develop more effective population growth suppression tools. These efforts will be peer-reviewed by qualified scientists to ensure their efficacy and sustainability.

Dean Bolstad, a senior adviser forBLM's wild horse program, stated that the request for applications will be based on responses from a previous request for information. This initiative sought innovative techniques for wild horse population control, including longer-lasting contraception and permanent sterilization methods.

Challenges and Budget Considerations

BLMhas removed over 100,000 wild horses in the past decade, with many sent to government-funded holding facilities. This strategy is widely regarded as unsustainable. Last year,BLMspent 60% of its wild horse budget on feeding and caring for horses in captivity. The agency is nearing its total holding capacity and is seeking additional funding fromCongressto support these new initiatives.

Advocacy and Future Plans

Many horse advocacy groups support the increased use of contraceptives like porcine zona pellucida, which has been effective in some herds.BLMplans to refine its population survey methods and explore new partnerships and adoption program reforms to reduce the number of animals in off-range holding facilities.

BLMestimates there are currently 40,605 wild horses and burros roaming 10 Western states, exceeding the sustainable capacity by about 14,000 animals. The agency is committed to using the best available science and stakeholder input to guide these efforts.

Originally Posted By E & E Publishing