BLM seeks public comment on proposed wild burro management plan in western Arizona
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KINGMAN, Ariz. — The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period for an environmental assessment that analyzes a 10-year plan to remove excess wild burros and implement herd fertility controls in and near the Alamo, Big Sandy and Havasu herd management areas south of Kingman, collectively known as the Three Rivers Complex. The comment period will close Oct. 11, 2023.
“We are committed to maintaining a healthy population of wild burros in the Three Rivers Complex, as well as being a good neighbor to the communities we serve,” said Kingman Field Manager Amanda Dodson. “The proposed plan will help us ensure healthy herds, protect native wildlife habitat, promote healthy rangelands, and reduce safety impacts to local roadways. Burros removed from the Three Rivers Complex will be humanely placed in good homes.”
The proposed plan is designed to help the BLM achieve the established appropriate management level and reduce herd population growth over time. Currently, the wild burro population in the Three Rivers Complex is estimated to have grown to approximately 2,300 animals. This population is nearly four times the appropriate management level, creating impacts to wildlife habitat, local communities, roadways and the herds themselves.
Wild burros have very few natural predators, resulting in a rapid increase in population. If not managed appropriately, herds can double in size every four to five years. To maintain wild burros in good physical condition and protect the health of public lands and native wildlife habitat, the BLM actively manages herd population growth.
The draft environmental assessment analyzes the use of fertility controls, sex ratio adjustments and periodic removal of wild burros over a 10-year period to maintain the appropriate population within the herd management areas. All action alternatives analyzed in the environmental assessment ensure humane treatment of the animals. Any wild burros removed from the range would be made available for adoption or sale to good homes through the BLM’s adoption and sales programs.
The draft environmental assessment and other available documents are available for review and public comment at the BLM National NEPA Register and at the Kingman Field Office, 2755 Mission Blvd., Kingman, AZ 86401, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M–F.
For additional information, please contact Angelica Rose at adrose@blm.gov or (928) 505-1200.
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.