Governor Mead Applauds Federal Ruling on Wild Horse Management

Governor Matt Mead has expressed his approval of a recent federal court decision that allows the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to remove over 1,200 wild horses from checkerboard lands in southwestern Wyoming. This decision comes after the State of Wyoming intervened alongside the Department of Interior (DOI), theBLM, and the Rock Springs Grazing Association.

“The decision is a victory for the State of Wyoming. TheBLMused the appropriate tool to remove wild horses from private lands and this decision supports that. However, theBLMhas demonstrated they don’t have the resources necessary to effectively manage wild horses. We will continue to insist that they develop a strategy that works for Wyoming,” said Governor Mead.

The Court upheld the state’s position thatBLMhas the authority under the Wild Horse Act to remove wild horses from all checkerboard lands upon request from a private landowner. The horses were removed from Adobe Town, Salt Wells Creek, and Great Divide Basin Herd Management areas.

“It’s not a question of whether or not there should be wild horses – there should be. But they must be appropriately managed,” Governor Mead said.

Originally Posted By County 10