NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: December 9, 2003
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
              CA-N-04-21

SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED AT BLM HORSE CORRALS

Work gets underway in mid December on security improvements at the Bureau of Land Management's wild horse and burro holding corrals east of Susanville.

Dayne Barron, manager of the BLM's Eagle Lake Field Office, said new security lighting will be installed in the work areas. The 34 energy-efficient lights will be shielded to concentrate illumination on the ground, and to reduce off-site lighting and night sky pollution.
Installation of new lighting is the second phase of increased security. Video surveillance cameras were installed in several areas earlier, and BLM law enforcement patrols were increased.

"We are taking these measures to help ensure protection of the animals and these taxpayer-owned facilities," Barron said.

The corrals can hold up to 1,000 wild horses and burros awaiting placement in private care through the BLM's Adopt a Horse or Burro Program. The site has been vandalized on several occasions.

-BLM-

Eagle Lake Field Office 2950 Riverside Dr. Susanville, CA 96130