News.bytes Extra, issue 324

Mustang patrol wins U.S. Customs and Border Protection award

Team "Noble Mustang" has been presented the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ambassador Award, for Inter-Governmental and Intra-Governmental Outreach and Advocacy. (text continues below)

Left to right: Darrel Williams, Joe H. McCraw III, Steven T. Kartchner and LeAlan L. Pinkerton astride their mustangs

The team was given the award:

For their superior group effort resulting in major improvements to Border Patrol mountain operations. This unique and innovative initiative was conceived and promoted by Border Patrol leadership to utilize Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wild horses to secure border wilderness areas considered impassable to motorized operations. Through a cooperative agreement between BLM and the Colorado Department of Corrections, the mustangs initially received extensive training at the Canon City correctional institution, as part of a unique inmate rehabilitative program. After adoption by the Spokane Sector Border Patrol, the team of field agents adapted the training process to mountain operations. Aside from the significant cost savings to the taxpayer, this team has accomplished securing border coverage with the least impact to protected wilderness, public, and tribal lands. This project has garnered national media acclaim from CBS Evening News, FOX News, and National Geographic Magazine and has captured the attention of the American public.

Earlier news story at USA Today (12/24/07)

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 324