BLM seeks public comment on proposed gather plan
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MEEKER, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is now seeking public comments concerning proposed gathers of excess wild horses in areas managed by the BLM White River Field Office.
The BLM conducts gathers to sustain healthy public lands and healthy populations of wild horses. Maintaining healthy herd populations is a key aspect in the BLM’s mission to manage public lands for a variety of natural resources and uses.
The field office is proposing to gather excess wild horses in the West Douglas Herd Area and the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area. The Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area currently has 377 wild horses, and its appropriate management level is between 135 and 235 wild horses. The West Douglas Herd Area currently has 365 wild horses but is not intended to be managed for wild horse populations. The BLM is considering gathering up to 167 wild horses in these areas.
The BLM is seeking public input on any additional alternatives or issues that should be considered when evaluating the proposed gather operations in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
The documents outlining identified issues and gather operations will be available at the White River Field Office at 220 E Market Street and online at: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo.html. Public comments will be most helpful to the BLM if received by Feb. 14, 2015. Written comments can be mailed to the White River Field Office, 220 E. Market Street, Meeker, CO 81641 or submitted via email to mkindall@blm.gov. The BLM will provide another opportunity for public review and comment on relevant preliminary NEPA documents in the spring. General questions can be directed to Melissa Kindall at 970-878-3842.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
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.