Public Comment Sought on Pryor Wild Horse Population Control Programs

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Billings Field Office is inviting public comments on an environmental assessment analyzing the continued use offertility controlon the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. This initiative aims to manage the wild horse population humanely and effectively.

TheBLMis accepting public comments and requests any relevant information, data, or analysis for 30 days starting January 20, 2015. The environmental assessment can be reviewed on the field office's website atwww.blm.gov/mt.

Fertility controlhas been utilized since 2001 to manage the wild horse population. The current program, initiated in 2011, is set to expire this year. A new proposal is being developed based on the results of existing and previous treatments.

The environmental assessment considers two alternatives. The proposed action is based on results from the 2011-2015fertility controlusing a vaccine, comprising a specific treatment prescription and allowing for other management steps depending on changes in the wild horse herd. The no-action alternative would continue the existingfertility controltreatment.

Comments can be emailed to blm_mt_wildhorse@blm.gov by February 18, 2015. Written comments may be mailed or hand-delivered to James M. Sparks, Billings Field Office, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, MT 59101.

TheBLMwill issue a final decision at a later date. The agency cautions that including personal information in your comment means it may be made publicly available. While you can request to withhold your personal information, the agency cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.

For questions or to request a hard copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA), please contact Jared Bybee at the Billings Field Office at (406) 896-5223.

Originally posted by MTN News.