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On July 10-11, 2009, The Bureau of Land Management Eastern States (BLM-ES) is bringing 60 wild horses from the American west to Pennsylvania for adoption at Red Man Ranch & Arena at 359 Strawberry Road in New Freedom, PA. By adopting these animals you will get your own piece of American history and help save thousands of other wild horses who are suffering due to overcrowding on public lands.The month of July has been memorable in American history. In 1776, America won her independence from Great Britain and 1863 marked the Union victory of the battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. Now, on July 10-11, 2009, another American is fighting for survival in Pennsylvania — the wild mustangs of the American west.“The American mustang is undergoing its own struggle for existence in modern America,” said BLM-ES Director Juan Palma. “You can help this American Legend’ by providing them with good homes,” he said.Due to lack of predators and frequent births, herd sizes can double about every four years. To allow the horses to live sustainably on the land, the BLM must remove thousands of animals each year and place them in holding facilities. However, due to increasing expenses, the BLM cannot continue to manage such large numbers of animals. That is when the public is called upon to help.“Gentled wild horses in the eastern United States are used for dressage, trail riding, western events, and other disciplines,” said Palma. “They are noted for their endurance, sure-footedness and intelligence.”The adoption on Saturday will be on a first come first served basis. Adoption hours are Saturday, July 11, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The animals can be previewed on Friday, July 10, from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A minimal adoption fee of $125 for animals less than three years of age and $25 for animals three and older is required for adoption. In addition, you can take home a buddy animal for only $25 when you adopt any animal at the full fee of $125.Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals that are 20’ x 20’ (or larger), at least 6 feet high for an adult horse and at least 5 feet high for horses younger than 18 months, and a shelter directly attached to the corral. Adopters must provide a stock-type, step up trailer (ramps and side-by-side two-horse type trailers are not allowed).For more information, call 1-866-4MUSTANGS (1-866-468-7826) or visit the BLM web site at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.Directions for the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption: from I-83, take the MD-439 exit- exit 36- toward Maryland Line/Bel Air. Turn right onto Old York Rd/MD-439. Turn slight right onto MD-45 N/York Rd (Crossing into Pa). Md-45 N/York Rd becomes Susquehanna Trl S. Turn left onto Strawberry Rd. End at 359 Strawberry Rd.-END-Background:All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and blood-tested. Since the Adopt-A-Wild Horse & Burro Program began in 1973, the BLM has adopted approximately 220,000 horses and burros to good homes.The BLM manages more land - 256 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.Editor’s Notes:If you would like to be put in contact with a previous adopter in your area, please call (703) 440-1714 or email Emily_Watson@blm.gov to let us know what your coverage area includes and we will do our best to find a previous adopter who is willing to release his/her name and contact information through BLM-ES.High quality still photos, and B-roll footage in BetaCam or DVCam formats are available by contacting (703) 440-1714 or email Emily_Watson@blm.gov.