New Management Plan Helps Protect Wild Horses from Starvation and Thirst in Central Utah

EMERY, Utah – To protect the long-term health of wild horses and the rangelands they depend on, the Bureau of Land Management has approved a new management plan for the Muddy Creek Herd Management Area in Utah's San Rafael Swell region. The region’s wild horse population has grown to more than twice the level the range can sustainably support. 

The Muddy Creek Herd Management Area encompasses more than 270,000 acres of public lands that provide habitat for wild horses while supporting a variety of wildlife species and other public land uses. As of March 1, 2026, the BLM estimated 255 wild horses within the herd management area, more than double the sustainable herd size of 75 to 125 horses. The area has experienced recurring drought conditions and periodic emergency gathers prompted by dwindling forage and water resources that placed wild horses at risk of starvation and thirst. Without active management, wild horse populations will continue to grow rapidly, placing additional pressure on rangeland resources and increasing risks to the health of both the herd and its habitat. 

The new Muddy Creek Herd Management Area Plan provides a framework for maintaining a thriving natural ecological balance by managing wild horse populations in accordance with available food and water. The plan identifies management actions that may be implemented in the future to prevent overpopulation, starvation and thirst, including gathers to remove excess horses for placement into private care, and population growth suppression treatments to slow herd growth. 

Maintaining a healthy balance on the range is also important for protecting unique and sensitive plant communities within the herd management area, including the San Rafael cactus, Wright fishhook cactus, Last Chance Townsendia, and Ute ladies'-tresses. Monitoring and adaptive management measures will help ensure these resources are protected for future generations. 

More information, including the herd management area plan, environmental assessment, decision record, and supporting materials, is available on the BLM National NEPA Register. 

The Wild Free‑Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 charges the BLM with managing wild horses and burros on public lands. Federal law prohibits the commercial slaughter of these animals, and the BLM does not sell or send wild horses or burros to slaughter. The agency enforces adoption and sale requirements, strengthened the bill of sale language, and works closely with law enforcement whenever credible information suggests a violation may have occurred. 

This commitment to humane care is central to the BLM’s mission and guides every action we take to ensure wild horses and burros remain responsibly managed for generations to come. Learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program and how qualified adopters can bring home an American living legend.