by Jeff Gearino of the Billings Gazette
GREEN RIVER — In 2008, federal officials said they would have to consider euthanizing wild horses because of rising numbers and the high cost of caring for the animals in long-term holding facilities.
But in early 2009, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reversed course and said the agency would instead pursue shipping horses to holding corrals and pastures in the Midwest and East.
In June, federal officials began work on a national strategy aimed at reducing wild horse roundups on public lands in the West, in part through the creation of wild horse preserves in other states.
The new, long-term strategy aims to take the Bureau of Land Management’s wild horse and burro program in a new direction, Salazar said.
The agency is currently seeking public comment on a draft strategy document that will eventually implement Salazar’s wild horse and burro initiative. The BLM is accepting comments through Aug. 3.
On Thursday, Wyoming’s congressional delegation said they urged Salazar in a letter dated July 22 to extend the comment period by 60 days to Oct. 3.
U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Rep. Cynthia Lummis said the extension would allow Wyoming’s stakeholders “more opportunity” to comment on the draft strategy document.
“The summer months are some of the busiest for key stakeholders in Wyoming, including those active in ranching, tourism, business, natural resource management and local government,” the delegation wrote. “This will ensure that the [Interior] department is able to collect the type of diverse stakeholder comment that is necessary to encourage an open, positive dialogue with the public on this matter.”
The delegation’s letter also asked Salazar to host public workshops in rural areas most affected by wild horses, specifically in southwest Wyoming where most of the state’s wild horse population resides.
The Wyoming lawmakers noted the agency scheduled only one public workshop on the draft document in Denver on June 14.
“More workshops would allow those with limited resources and time to travel … more opportunity to give input,” the delegation wrote.
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution partnered with the BLM to produce the detailed assessment/plan for public outreach efforts for the new wild horse and burro program initiative.
The BLM used the Institute’s report to develop the draft strategy document that is out for public review. Both documents are on the BLM’s website at http://www.blm.gov.
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Categories: Horse News, Wild Horses/Mustangs
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
Excuse me, but does anyone else have a problem with the choice of the word “stakeholder”? If I read this correctly, wild equine advocates aren’t stakeholders and they, the legislators seem to have left out the term “taxpaying public”.
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Uh-huh…figured it wouldn’t take you long to pick up on that, Denise. From post to comment it was about 90 minutes, not too bad.
Good catch.
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The only stake I’m thinking is about is the one that I’d like to put directly through….
oh sorry, I forgot this was a public forum. PUBLIC seems to have taken on a new
meaning though. PUBLIC really means “whatever is convenient for the BPLM”
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just who are they representing here, more special interests?
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The Legislative Branch has ALWAYS been about special interest…it’s only become more grotesque in the recent decades. Every once in awhile they would do something noble or altruistic and throw the masses or environment a bone.
Unfortunately the Executive Branch is jumping on the perpetual special interest bandwagon more and more. Let’s not even discuss the “judicial” hacks….remember the SC saying corporations are to be considered “individuals” gem of late?
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In regards to the three reps of our state of Wyoming, I once sent a form request to them about the wild horse issues facing this state and the country. I received an answer back from both Mr. Enzi and Mr Barrasso. Mr. Enzi came right out and stated that the horses needed to be reduced as they are over running the range lands and I know he is on the ranching side of the fence. And Mr. Barrasso tried to stradle the fence with his comments about them being a wild animal but that they should be managed to workable numbers. Mrs. Lummis didn’t respond, but I have seen statements in the news that she made that were negative towards the horse populations running wild in this state plus some of the other wildlife issues. So my concern about them all wanting to extend the comment period makes me wonder if that is so they can get the anti wild horse advocates more time to fight for the removale of these animals. (Mr. Barrasso has an ad on the TV about the number 2 thing that is destorying this states wildlands and that is a noxious weed that should be taken care of so the land can be returned to its rightful owner, THE WILDLIFE. He doesn’t say what the number 1 item is, but my guess would be Man, but that’s just me.)
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I have seen many people comment that the BLM tool people are to use is broken, have you tried to use it? It is not easy to use at all.
Why the heck can’t BLM put up a PUBLIC messageboard and lets make it EASY for people to comment.
I want to comment on the pictures and proof that cattle are grazing on lands they are NOT permitted to graze!!
I want to report the BLM is removing and killing horses from land where federal law says all 1971 wild horses will remain on their land they were on in 1971.
BLM is breaking the laws of America by removing wild horses from this land!
BLM are allowing the contracters to crush pristine wildnerness with their round-up trucks and trailers!!!
The BLM allows contracters to close all access to water for wild horses, run the horses days before the ‘official’ round-up dateThus stressing and causing death by thirst.
The BLM knows they block water, its on the Vets report and on the ground experts reports! The BLM LIES to federal judges and calls it a drout!!
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I will comment again at this post—the BLM public comment tool is BROKEN!!! I spent 4 hours on July 2 inputing careful remarks to the site, and the entire data input WAS DROPPED!!! Complaints to BLM brought no relief beyond, yes, we know there are problems, and so you should write out your answers AGAIN and submit them by FED EX or snail mail. The BLM is a lying , disingenuous, renagade government agency that slathers its public pronouncements in sugar-y bureaucat-ese, so they can look somehow more intelligent than they are. And the fancy PR rep they have hired, this J. Michael Harty, is as wiley with these verbal contortions as befits his employment record.
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Stakeholders. If the stakeholders have so much more power, then let them pay the BLM budget and give me back my portion of the money you took out of my paycheck for the last 42 years to pay the costs of the BLM Wild Horse and Burrow Program.
I looked at the BLM website/questionaire and didn’t see any questions like, how would you like to see the legislation changed that “protects” the wild horses and burros so it provided stronger protections and required the BLM to use roundups as THE LAST MANAGEMENT TOOL, rather than the first?
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http://naturalresourcereport.com/2010/07/conference-to-address-shrinking-cattle-herd/
Best news I have heard…Lets call it” shrink to fit” Instead of allowing cattle to dominate our public lands as they do today, receiving the best grazing and water sources, allow them an equal share with other wildlife, since we would be millions of dollars ahead by allowing the wild horses to remain on the land
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I am wondering why – no one is asking the question…how many horses were euthanised by the BLM out on the Owyhee? I think there has been sufficient evidence presented by individuals who have documented there..that those deaths were not as a result of drought conditions but were rather manmade..Why are we moving on when there are significant questions yet to be asked and answered. We should be demanding the BLM give us the number of horses that were euthanised in the field..add that to the ones that died in the pens and you have a number that tops all the horses that died at calico in 6 months..in just a matter of a few days..all of which coincided with the gather operations. Please, this is too big of a coincicence to let it slide..The only power we have is the power to ask questions…
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Does anyone find it odd-that all of these horses succumbed within 24 hours of the start of the gather..Wasn’t this a convienient way to explain away the deaths that occured during that first 24 hours? Isn’t this tactic allowing them NOT to list these horses as ‘gather” deaths..Would the outcry be enormous across america if it was told that 94 horses died within the first 24 hours..most unable to run from the fearful helicopters …any longer..but stood- in heat exhaustion dying..unable to move another step? And the handful that made it to the corrals died from drinking their fill of water? How many of those that were left stumbling around in the desert were babies? foals that had recieved milk from their dams and were not drought stricken and died from heat exxhaustion..that first load of horses to PV had 40 mares without foals and 4 with..Kind of skews the old 20% foaling rate doesn’t it?
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Are WE becoming so calloused and used to deaths of the horses, that we are ready to move on to the next story?
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yes!! reports said horses were “down” in several areas the contracter had closed in the wild horses with no water for days!!
sound to me like there must have been 300 dead horses run to death all over!!!
what did the BLM and the helicopter company do with the 300 DEAD horses that dropped from thirst and heat stroke while being chased by the helicopters?
and most of the mares that made it alive to the round-up pens had NO FOALS,, where are the missing 100 foals? were the foals also left to die?
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The BLM knows exactly what they are doing. Their long term project is to round up as many horses as they can a to clear the land for El Paso, cattlemen and all other special interest groups. The BLM doesn’t care about these horses and they don’t care whether they live or die. We keep writing letters and sending comments. This has become a colossal joke. No one is listening at the BLM and Obama put Salazar in charge so do you really think he gives a fig? These horses have and continue to endure the harshest treatment by the BLM and the Cattoors. Babies being run to death, horses being run beyond endurance only to collapse and die.
We can keep asking the lying BLM questions but we are not going to get any true answers. No, I’m not giving up, no way! I would lay down my life for these horses. They are as precious to me as they are to all of you. I do something every day to make a change but I feel horse advocates need to come together and do something drastic.
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I can say..with certainly, the only fear that BLM has at this momment..is of these blogs..many new people are reading for the first time, the stories of what these horses are going through and of the deceptions and manipulations of the BLM..Take heart, word is spreading where it never had a voice before. After I came back from my trip into the owyhee and told my story..which is the story of the horses and the outright lies I documented-10 MEN stood there asking me questions who had never heard of the wild horse roundups, or the nefarious activities of the BLM..some of those 10 will tell other people, and on it goes.
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It would help our fight if we got back out and protested. It will help bring us together again and create more awareness and be a balance to the roundup depravations by the contractors and BLM. It will raise our spirits again and help us all keep at this campaign to change what our government does and perceives. When people learn about the horses they discover the depth of the rift between us and our elected and appointed government.
They are trying to shut us up. It won’t work. Let’s get out and shout some 1st amendment wild horse slogans again…. mar
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That could be what they are hoping the advocates will do–something rash. That would then discredit this cause that has gained so much momentum and international focus. The tactics that they are using, mirror that of a hostage situation. The horses are their bargaining chip. If they zero out all of the herds, where will the Wild Horse and Burro Program get another Goose to lay a Golden Egg?
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You give the BLM too much credit..they are not as clever as they would like to think.
We would still be in Vietnam today if we had not marched protested and committed acts of civil disobedience..We did NOT compramise, and we did not back down-and eventually those that critisized us..joined us..We had no internet to unite or inform us..it was word of mouth..and no local leaders..just a few national..and we were effective eventually in getting the war ended..Pressure…keep it turned up. ANY way you can. We are succumbing to a pacifist society instead of a democratic one. Afraid to take action, afraid to crawl out on a limb..get your climbing shoes on Louie!!LOL
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They may be hoping the avocates will do something rash, yes the arm guards and having the local police follow reporters sure makes it look like the BLM fears us.
Nobody here is a whacko. Remember the post office employees who go postal and crazy all of a sudden?
Be the same way for the BLM, one of their own is going to go postal, not a avocate. And most likely someone who doesn’t even own a computer and has suffered a lifetime of working for the horse killers. I think they are looking at us for trouble and not looking at each other. Is the BLM very sure every single one of their employees loves them and what they do to horses?
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Yeah well when the TV cameras pan to the old folks blocking the roadways so the trucks can’t leave with horses heading to a real prison in utah, we should all don our fuddy duddies..with suspenders on our socks, flowered dresses with anklet support hose and use our canes to wack them over the heads or purses..be a hard sell to call us terrorists..and justify the national gaurd..us with our spray cans of Malox
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But Damn..it sure gives my arthritis a lift-to know they live in fear of an attack by old folks…will give me street cred in the old folks ranch home…
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IDEA! Since this agency has trained armed guards and has shown such diligence in guarding and protecting private facilities and corporate energy projects, make it a division of Homeland Security, move it’s headquarters to the border and let them help the Border Patrol Guards, who are facing REAL THREATS from drug lords that have no respect for our laws, either. They can take that helicopter with them.
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Blackwater tactics is what comes to mind for me…and you are too kind Louie..my suggestion is send them to the frount lines in Afgan.
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maybe the officials in charge of aircraft should be contacted. The way they drive those helicopters can cause a crash or accident!!! Is it the FFA who inspects methods of flying aircraft?
and perhaps the fire department also should be contacted as the BLM drives on dry grass and can start wildfires!
The BLM in reports has allowed driving on pristine ranges! perhaps ALL those Nevada wildfires are STARTED by the contracters and BLM driving off road on tinder dry deserts??
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I tried to get the observers at Calico to do this..file coplaints with OSHA,who has teeth, and within the DOI there is a procedure to file that puts that complaint on the record of the contractor..I read the helicopter protocols to be used during gathers and had to jump thru hoops in order to get it..They were in clear violation of the use of the helicopter, including going into the trap area riding that colts back and in proximity to personel on the ground as well as danger to observers and BLM workers..There are many reasons they will never seriously allow observers..that was all caght on video tape..we will probably never get that good of an opportunity again..and it was missed…
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reply to myself, not just osha. Don’t airports have rules on how aircraft are supposed to be flown? like distance together and distance from the ground.
Here is a news story on a out of the usa air accident and things are discussed about “The area where the crash occurred was an “uncontrolled airspace”, for small planes flying between designated altitudes””
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10661470
They are so strict on things like air shows, I can’t see how those helicopter cowboys can be allowed to fly like they do. Not only do they endanger their employees, they churn up the dust on pristine wilderness!! it can’t be good at all for land to get churned up like those helicopters throw the dust!! for miles and hours.
There must be rules about their kind of flying or everyone would be flying aircraft like the idiot cartoors do.
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I’m with you Sandra 🙂
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Please everyone, show your support for him..he’s trying to hep our horses. please go to his fanpage on FaceBook and thank him. If you go to his recent posting it says his blog, there you will see comments from myself, James Kleinert and his associate.
U2 Boy Peter Rowen Speaks Out For America’s Wild Horses
Hello everyone,
For those of you that are not familiar with Peter Rowen, he is the younger brother of
Guggi, who is Bono’s long time friend, they grew up together in Dublin,
Ireland. Peter, now 36, is known as the child on the covers of U2’s Boy and War
albums, and was also in their earlier videos. He is now a talented,
established photographer in Dublin, Ireland and will be photographing U2 this
year on their 360 tour. I am his promoter and friend and he is now
speaking out for our wild horses. Please show your support
by following him on Twitter and FaceBook – Thank you, Karen Mayfield
His official statement –
“Wow.. I just watched the trailer of James Kleinert’s Disappointment
Valley. I never really knew anything about what’s going on with America’s
wild horses..I’m for the preservation of these animals in the wild and to
be left in their natural habitat in the west” – Peter Rowen U2 Boy
Here is his most recent article –
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11836-U2-Examiner~y2010m7d12-Peter-Rowen-From-U2-Boy-Wonder-to-Picture-Perfect
http://www.twitter.com/u2boypeterrowen
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-Ireland/Peter-Rowen-Photography/104473966253843?ref=ts
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In Defense of Animals Alert:
One Week to Send Letter To Help Create Change For Wild Horses & Burros
Obama Administration Asks For Public Comments on Reforming Wild Horse Program and Refuses To Accept Public Comments Via Email – Please Mail Your Letter Today! Every Letter Counts!
http://ida.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=14541.0&autologin=true&AddInterest=1028&printer_friendly=1
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support from another quarter:
http://howlingforjustice.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/americas-wild-horses-under-attack-take-action/#comment-4269
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None of US would do anything that would in any way discredit this movement, but see how quickly advocates were blamed for the Owyhee masacre?
Remember the backlash that hit the Viet Nam protesters? Remember how they were made to look like nothing but troublemakers? The press is controlled even more now, than then.
Don’t ever underestimate your foe. They are in too deep. There is too much at stake for them. The chain of command only takes and follows orders–from where?–who?–why?
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Louie, all that mattered-is that in the end..we won..no one in history has ever been remembered for being quiet..the jewish people went politely and quietly with great dignity to gas chambers, and were exterminated.
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I’m all for protests and rallys. The more the better. There is just something very ominous about the way they are going about this–almost like they are baiting us. Watch out for bait traps.
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Sandra, forget the flowered dresses and ankle socks. This calls for mini skirts and knee high boots. Bet you still have yours.
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No, like many others I replaced them with clothes that have symbols on them..LOL a real sell out..but I have retained that spirit..and will fight to the end..no matter the cost..and i do have a tie die dress that says …cabo san lucas
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Louie, we have used every legit opening available to us, reasonable and responsable, and still are called irresponsable and hysterical, by some of our own as well as the blm, guess many called the american patriot-a radical trouble maker too..Have you seen any change for the health and welfare of the horses by using the channels? How about all the time and effort we put into our comment for EAs and their “pr” programs that are asking for our input..I have been through several now with no feedback or consideration as to our suggestions for improvements..We would still be a british colony if we cared so much how we are perceived by others. We have rights in this country–because we stood up and demanded the unthinkable..freedom..No one will give it to you..you have to own it, demand it or take it..we are constantly striving to hold on to it..It saddens me when I see people willing stand by quietly and let it be taken-for fear of being called a ‘radical”..I embrace being a radical then!
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By all means–make lots of noise. I don’t think we should be quiet–that’s not possible for any of us anyway. But—if they can make us look like we are just “over-reactive, over-emotional, horse-hugging crazies”–that would make them look legitimate to the unknowing–the one or two on the planet that we haven’t talked to. I’ve watched how that is done.
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Right now, they aren’t looking too good. Any group of men (armed) who have to resort to threats of force to try to intimidate women–women who are trying to protect helpless animals–have already indicted themselves. Not exactly the John Wayne, cowboy image.
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The bottom line is – WE NEED TO COMMENT IN GREATER NUMBERS THAN SLAUGHTER SUE AND HER CRONIES.
Now more than ever, we need advocates submitting comments. Before the extension, I sent out five letters certified return receipt – now that we have another month, I intend to find more people willing to sign comment letters.
That women ticks me off to no end.
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To Sandra – any activist in opposition to what any government agency is doing right now is labeled “crazy” or “terrorist”.
We have to use these channels at the moment, but any sustained period of not listening at all to public opinion will eventually lead to places no one wants to go to. Just my take, they can only ignore and blame for so long.
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