BLM Signs Decision for Wild Horse Gather on the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.– The Bureau of Land Management this week signed a decision to remove up to 60 wild horses from the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range to sustain a healthy viable wild horse population and reduce grazing pressure on forage plants.
The BLM plans to use bait and water trapping to gather wild horses beginning in late August, with an option of using a helicopter if the bait/water trapping does not achieve removal goals.
“We are seeing an increase in the wild horse population above the appropriate management level,” said Katie Stevens, BLM Grand Junction Field Manager. “The population levels have reached a point where a gather is necessary to ensure the horses and wildlife have enough forage to survive.”
The appropriate management level is 90 to 150 horses for the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. Current estimates place the herd population at approximately 190 wild horses.
The BLM will identify removal candidates with assistance from the Friends of the Mustangs, a local wild horse advocacy group. Wild horses five years old or younger will be the primary group identified for removal.
Horses removed from the range will be transported to Canon City, Colo. to await adoption. Anyone interested in adopting a wild horse or burro can learn more at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/
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.