For Release: Dec 11, 2003
Contact: Tom Pogacnik (916) 978-4637 Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220
CDD-04-14

BLM plans public meetings on wild horse and burro gathering practices

Use of helicopters and motor vehicles for gathering wild horses and burros from public lands will be discussed during Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public meetings in January, 2004.

Meetings are Friday, January 2, at the Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 South Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA and Wednesday, January 21, at the BLM Needles Field Office, 101 West Spikes Road, Needles, CA. Both sessions will begin at 7:00 pm.

BLM wild horse and burro specialists will explain the BLM's gather plans for the lands managed by BLM in the California desert. The specialists will also explain how helicopters and vehicles are used throughout the process.

BLM manages wild horses and burros on public lands and periodically gathers animals to keep populations in balance with range resources and other rangeland users. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 provides the agency authority to use helicopters and motor vehicles in herd management and also directs that public hearings be held when such activity is to take place.

Written and verbal comments will be accepted. Written comments can be mailed or faxed to the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 South Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA, 760-384-5400, (fax) 760-384-5499. Public hearings will provide opportunity for verbal comments.
For more information on the meetings or wild horse and burro management, contact BLM Public Affairs Officer Doran Sanchez at (909) 697-5220.

-BLM-
California Desert District Office
22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
(909) 697-5200