BLM to host statewide public hearing regarding the use of motorized vehicles and aircraft in the Wild Horse and Burro Program
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FILLMORE, Utah—BLM-Utah will host its annual statewide public hearing at its Fillmore Field Office to discuss the use of helicopters and motorized vehicles in the management of wild horses and burros on Utah’s public lands. Federal regulation requires an annual public hearing for comments on this issue; the hearing in Fillmore will be the only one held in Utah during the 2018 gather season.
The hearing this year will be held:
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
BLM Fillmore Field Office
95 East 500 North
Fillmore, Utah 84631
“Helicopter and motorized vehicle usage is a critical tool when managing wild horses and burros on the open range,” said Trent Staheli, West Desert District Wild Horse and Burro Specialist. “These management tools allow us to conduct aerial population surveys, monitor animal distribution, and transport captured animals in an effective and humane manner.”
Utah’s current statewide wild horse and burro population numbers currently exceed 5,500 animals, which is well above the approved appropriate management level of 2,000. Having an overabundant number of wild horses and burros above BLM management levels may cause resource damage resulting in limited forage and water availability, which reduces the number of animals that can be supported on the land.
Potential gathers being considered for the 2018 season include the Blawn Wash Herd Management Area (HMA) in Beaver County, the Muddy Creek HMA in Emery County, the Onaqui HMA located in Tooele County, and the Bible Springs HMA location in Iron County. Gather locations may change due to the available funding, impacts of wildfires, or availability of water or forage due to drought conditions.
Since the government removals began in 1975, the BLM has removed more than 14,500 wild horses and burros from Utah’s rangelands. Over 7,700 of those animals have been adopted locally. The remainder of these animals were shipped east for adoption or holding in off-range pastures. Utah’s 2018 satellite adoptions start in May and continue monthly throughout the state. Adoption locations are tentatively set for Farmington, Heber City and Delta, Utah. Daily adoptions are ongoing at the Delta Wild Horse and Burro Facility.
For additional information about the upcoming statewide public hearing, or future wild horse and burro adoptions, visit www.blm.gov or contact the Utah Wild Horse and Burro Hotline at (801) 539-4050 or the BLM Utah State Office at (801) 539-4057.
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.