CARSON CITY, Nev. – As winter rapidly approaches, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to commence a wild horse gather on October 17 in northwest Nevada’s North Complex Herd Management Areas. This initiative aims to address the diminishing forage conditions and ensure the health and sustainability of the horse population.
The North Complex, encompassing the Dogskin Mountains, Flanigan, and Granite Peak areas, faces significant challenges due to limited forage and water resources—conditions exacerbated by the recent Bug Fire. The current horse population, estimated at nearly 424, significantly surpasses the land’s capacity of 101-157 horses, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The plan is to remove approximately 320 horses to alleviate pressure on the sparse resources, thereby aiding in the preservation of both the horses and local wildlife such as the sage grouse, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer. This effort supports the “Standards for Rangeland Health” as outlined by the Sierra Front–Northern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council.
Under the oversight of the BLM’s Sierra Front Field Office, the gather will adhere to the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which emphasizes humane treatment through science-based methods. After capture, the horses will be transported to the Litchfield Wild Horse and Burro Corrals for veterinary care and preparation for adoption via the BLM’s Adoption and Sales Program.
For safety and efficiency, access to public lands within a five-mile radius of the gather sites will be restricted as per 43 C.F.R. § 8364.1. Nonetheless, BLM extends an invitation for public observation, provided it does not compromise the safety and effectiveness of the operations. Interested individuals must RSVP by calling 775-885-6150 by 5 p.m. the prior day and will receive detailed instructions by 9 p.m.
Further details, including the gather plan documents, can be viewed on the BLM National NEPA Registry. Daily updates and additional information will be available on the gather website.
Rooted in legal and humane practices, the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program strictly complies with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, ensuring no animals are sent to slaughter. Interested parties can find adoption and purchase information on the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program webpage.
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