BLM Seeks Innovative Ideas for Wild Horse Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is actively seeking new ideas to manage its wild horse and burro populations. Despite previous efforts, critics argue that the agency has not effectively implemented suggested management methods. This article explores the BLM's current initiatives and the ongoing debate surrounding wild horse management.

Background on Wild Horse Management

The Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 mandates the BLM to manage wild horses and burros west of the Mississippi River. Currently, the agency oversees more than 40,000 wild horses and burros across 10 Western states, with an additional 50,000 in care facilities.

National Academy of Sciences Review

In 2010, the BLM commissioned the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review its wild horse and burro program. The $1.5 million study, released in 2013, highlighted unsustainable population growth and criticized the BLM's lack of scientific methods in population estimation and management action modeling. The report also noted the ineffective use of contraception tools like PZP vaccines.

BLM's Request for Innovative Solutions

BLM spokesman Tom Gorey announced a request for information (RFI) in October 2013, seeking innovative techniques for population growth suppression. The agency received 14 responses by the December 1 deadline and plans to allocate $1.5 million for related studies.

“The development and use of more effective methods to reduce population growth rates will lessen the need to remove animals from the range,” Gorey emphasized.

Criticism and Alternative Proposals

Critics remain skeptical of the BLM's approach. Anne Novak, executive director of Protect the Mustangs, advocates for a moratorium on roundups, suggesting a science-based policy instead. Wildlife specialist Jay F. Kirkpatrick, PhD, has proposed using PZP vaccines during roundups to control populations, though his suggestions have not been implemented.

Legal and Advocacy Perspectives

Attorney Bruce Wegman, representing wild horse advocates, stresses the importance of considering the welfare community's input in BLM's decisions. He believes the agency should prioritize the horses' best interests.

For more information, visit the original article on The Horse.