BLM Seeks Public Input on Red Desert Wild Horse Management
LANDER, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a preliminary environmental assessment that analyzes the proposed gather and removal of approximately 1,800 excess wild horses in the Red Desert Complex, as well as proposed updates to herd management plans for the complex.
The BLM Lander and Rawlins field offices are preparing updates to herd management area plans for the Antelope Hills, Crooks Mountain, Green Mountain, Lost Creek, and Stewart Creek herd management areas, referred to collectively as the Red Desert Complex. Existing herd evaluations for these areas are more than 30 years old and require revision.
Current wild horse populations exceed the appropriate management level of 480-724 established for the complex. By the fall of 2026, there are projected to be approximately 2,300 wild horses in the area. Chronic herd overpopulation damages habitats and can lead to starvation and thirst for the animals.
The BLM is committed to maintaining healthy wild horses on healthy, productive public rangelands. Public input is valuable early in the process and will enable the BLM to develop a well-informed environmental assessment. Comments may be submitted by July 13, 2026, through the “Participate Now” option at the BLM National NEPA Register.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact BLM Wyoming State Office Public Affairs at [email protected].
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.