BLM seeks comment on proposed Canyonlands Wild Burro Gather Plan
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RICHFIELD, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management Richfield Field Office seeks input during a 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment to help protect rangeland conditions and the health of the Canyonlands Herd Management Area wild burro herd. The assessment will analyze a proposed gather plan to remove excess wild burros within and around the Canyonlands Herd Management Area and to manage the population growth through fertility control.
“The number of burros removed is based on the latest population inventory from within and around the HMA and would help achieve and maintain an appropriate population size,” said Acting BLM Richfield Field Manager Sue Fivecoat. “BLM would also gain information on herd characteristics, collect genetic samples for monitoring, determine herd health and provide for public safety.”
The current population of wild burros in the Canyonlands Herd Management Area is estimated at 151 animals, including foals born in 2022, while the appropriate management level is set at 60 to 100 burros. The BLM estimates that more than 50 wild burros need to be removed from the HMA and adjacent lands outside the HMA to ensure a healthy landscape.
Interested members of the public, local governments, Tribal Nations, organizations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide written comments during this comment period to help refine the proposed gather plan, identify alternatives, and to clarify issues. All comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2022, to be considered. Written comments will be accepted through the ePlanning website at EplanningUi (blm.gov). Please refer to Project Number: DOI-BLM-UT-C020-2022-0017-EA.
Before including an address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
BLM Utah manages 19 wild horse and burro herd management areas on nearly 2.5 million acres. To learn more, visit https://on.doi.gov/3CUSY86. For additional information, please contact the Richfield Field Office at 435-865-3000.
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.