Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Wild Horses and BLM Management Issues: What to Do with 30,000 Symbols of the American West
Date of this Version
Spring 2010
Document Type
Article
Citation
Human–Wildlife Interactions (Spring 2010) 4(1): article 3
doi: 10.26077/vttt-0t10
Abstract
For now, the free-roaming populations of 30,000 wild horses and burros continue to blossom. Lines have been drawn in the desert sand, so to speak. On one side we have the enviro-horse folks with a high-profile personality who are championing the cause of rescuing horses that should be euthanized (in compliance with PL92-195). These well- meaning folks and their predecessors were the same ones who back in 1970 approved many of the provisions that went into PL92-195. Now they want to back out of their original commitment. On the other hand, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is just doing the job it is legislated to do, cannot change the rules; it cannot bend the laws without Congressional approval. Madeleine Pickens is pressuring top officials to let her have her way. She made a reasonable offer then came to the table with an almost completely out-of-line proposal that would hurt more people than it would help. Sure, it might help the horses (which has been her real stated purpose), but it would impact the ranching community, agricultural leases, taxpayers, and the recreating public. As of today, there is no cost-benefit study of Mrs. Pickens’ proposal. Let us consider all the players in this issue and suggest workable solutions with negotiations on both side, accept what cannot be changed, and work toward a common goal.