BLM to begin Frisco Herd Management Area wild horse gather
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CEDAR CITY, Utah —The Bureau of Land Management Cedar City Field Office will begin gather operations to remove approximately 100 excess wild horses from within and outside of the Frisco Herd Management Area, which is located west of Milford in southwestern Utah, beginning Monday, Aug. 29. The gather is expected to last approximately five days, and the public is invited to observe from a safe distance.
“The purpose of the gather is to prevent unnecessary degradation of public lands associated with excess wild horses,” said BLM Cedar City Field Manager Paul Briggs. “Gathers ensure the health of public lands, as well as the health of the wild horses in the area.”
Opportunities are available for the public to observe daily gather operations through BLM-escorted tours, if conditions remain safe for both the horses and participants and gather operations are not disrupted. Observers must provide their own transportation, water and food. No public restrooms will be available. The BLM recommends weather-appropriate footwear and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and four-wheel-drive or other high-clearance vehicles are also strongly recommended due to terrain and potential weather conditions. Details on the BLM-escorted tours will be announced daily on the BLM gather hotline at 801-539-4050.
Beginning on Monday, Aug. 29, daily convoys of individuals interested in observing the gather will depart promptly at 6 a.m. from the KB Express Convenience Store/Subway located at 238 South Main in Milford, Utah.
Population growth suppression will be implemented to help reduce the birth rate of area horses. The appropriate management level for this herd management area is from 30 to 60 animals with a current population of approximately 137 horses, including foals born this year. Horses removed from the range will be transported to the BLM-contracted Axtell off-range corrals in Axtell, Utah.
Public lands will remain open unless closures are deemed necessary to protect public safety. Outdoor recreationists and visitors near the gather area should be aware there will be low-flying helicopters due to the use of the helicopter drive-trapping method. During the gather, no recreational use of drones will be allowed in the Frisco Herd Management Area and surrounding lands within and near the Frisco Peak area. Brief road closures may also be needed to allow movement of horses during gather operations.
Gather updates and information will be posted on the BLM’s website at: Frisco Herd Management Area wild horse gather. The BLM (@BLMUtah) will also post updates on Twitter using the hashtag #FriscoGather. To learn more about how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website at www.blm.gov/whb or call 866-468-7826.
For additional information or for reasonable accommodations to participate, please contact Lisa Reid at 435-743-3128.
The BLM manages more than 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.