Text of Director's Corner Video on Wild Horse and Burro Program Strategy

Hi...I'm Bob Abbey, Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Last October, Secretary Salazar and I announced a new Wild Horse and Burro Initiative--one that would benefit the animals, the land, and the American taxpayer. We developed this in response to many challenges facing the Wild Horse and Burro Program.

We manage these great animals in concert with many other resources on the public lands. Today, about 38,400 wild horses and burros roam our public lands. This exceeds by nearly 12,000 the number that can exist in balance with other public rangeland resources and uses. We have a public adoption program. However, in today's tough economy, the number of wild horses placed into private care has declined sharply.

We want and need your help and ideas for this program. Please go to www.blm.gov where we have posted a Wild Horse and Burro Strategy Development document. I'm asking you to provide use with your feedback and best ideas for turning the wild horse and burro program around.

We need your input by August 3. We will use your input to draft a report to Congress. We know that people are passionate about these animals and the program. We are committed to doing the best for our nation's wild horses and burros, and our public lands.

Make your voice heard, as we work to manage healthy herds on healthy public rangelands both now and in the generations to come. Remember, go to www.blm.gov. Click on Wild Horses and Burro Strategy Development document. Thank you.