The BLM program currently prioritizes roundups over alternatives that reduce the need for expensive stockpiling
Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, will tour and hold a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Palomino Valley National Adoption Center to discuss the current state and future of the Bureau of Land Management‘s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program.
Under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, the BLM is responsible for managing and preserving wild horses and burros around the country. Over the past few decades, BLM has used a number of controversial management techniques to meet herd quotas required by the law. Approximately 39,000 wild horses and burros roam land managed by the BLM and another 40,000 more are held in BLM facilities like Palomino Valley – the largest holding facility managed by the federal government.
The BLM program currently prioritizes roundups over alternatives that reduce the need for expensive stockpiling. More than half of BLM’s wild horse management budget is spent to provide care for animals in long-term holding facilities.
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) recently released ‘Using Science to Improve the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program: A Way Forward,’ which found that federal efforts waste taxpayer money and need major reforms. You can read the full report at http://bit.ly/12t8bta.
“I’ve been asking for changes for years, and NAS has confirmed that we can save taxpayer money and horses’ lives at the same time by improving this program,” Grijalva said. “We have the information we need. Now it’s time to do something with it.”
Congressman Grijalva will be joined by Neda DeMayo, CEO of Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary, and Emmy-nominated actress and advocate Wendie Malick. Ahead of the Sept. 9 meeting of the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board in Washington DC, the speakers will discuss the need to implement the findings of the NAS study and the future of the Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act.
If You Go
What: Press conference to discuss wild horse and burro management policy and potential Congressional activity
When: Wednesday, Sept. 4 at approximately 2:45 p.m. (Nevada time)
Contact: Clara Ortiz at (520) 622-6788 or clara.ortiz@mail.house.gov
Where: Palomino Valley National Adoption Center (near Reno, NV)
The facility is located approximately 20 miles north of Reno/Sparks. From Interstate 80, take Exit 18 (Pyramid Way/State Road 445) – PVC is north about 20 miles. Turn east on Ironwood Road to reach the facility.
Related Articles
- Captive wild horses need relief from heat, says HSUS (horsetalk.co.nz)
- Wild Horse Advocate Says BLM Round-up Facility is Failing Horses (rtfitchauthor.com)
- BLM’s trend: manipulation of public (ppjg.me)
- Exclusive: Wild Horse and Wild Burro Good News and Bad News from Twin Peaks HMA (ppjg.me)
- “Removal treadmill” condemned by HSUS boss (horsetalk.co.nz)
Categories: Horse Health, Horse News, Horse Slaughter, Wild Burros, Wild Horses/Mustangs
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
There are not 39,000 wild horses still free on public lands–probably less that 18,000. Also over 49,000 are in holding. NAS called for an accurate census. The Burns amendment needs repealed and the SAFE Act needs to be passed now. Return the wild horses to the 22.2 million acres taken from them and stop all the removals/roundups now. 70% of the herds are not genetically viable and sustainable and the gene pool is low.
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Yip!
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Wow! Hooray! With all of the terrible things going on for wildlife and the environment, there is still reason to be hopeful.
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Thank you to Congessman Grijalva, Neda and Wendie. With all the bad news, we need sane voices. Thank you RT and Terry.
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Thank you indeed, BUT will it make a difference, I mean I don’t mean to be a pessimists, and I most certainly APPRECIATE all these wonderful folks standing up to address a very broken program, but like I said, will it matter to BLM, other’s for years have stood up and BLM just flips them off…. HOPING 🙂 it will make a difference and BLM will hear them>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ALL OF US
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Hopefully he will be able to stand up to the DOI (representing the BLM) and not be silenced by them (since he’s been so vocal in his support of the horses and against the BLM’s handling everything). A lot of us are behind him 100% because he’s had the courage to actually speak out to his peers!
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I have said it before…the ROAM Act, with a few tweeks, could in fact be the beginning of a new WH&B program. We have all asked Sally Jewell to begin the implementation of the NAS recommendations but I notice her name doesn’t appear on the guest list…hmmm. If anyone can shake up the shite it’s RJG. He gets good camera coverage where ever he is! This could be just the shot in the arm we need as well. New hope?!?! Is it possible…?
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Our 1971 Act needs shoring up and the dropping of amendments. Trying to rewrite ROAM, which Craig did a few years back, and getting it through would be a toughy. Whatever we do it has to have teeth! ROAM is full of holes. Even the 71 Act is, but it has a history and it has never been properly implemented. BLM never set it up completely. This is why we are without data and science. This is why we have so much conflict of interest.
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Now that I think about it…Why isn’t Sally Jewell going to be there? It’s her department and ultimately her responsibility! Secretary Jewell…I double dog dare you to show up at this press conference!
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I was at PVC on Friday. I spoke directly with Jeb Beck. They are waiting delivery from UPS for shade structures from HSUS. These are tarp structures that will not hold up with the winds out there. PVC will also be getting stronger shade structures that will be placed near fencing. These will be like the structures the hay is stored at. The structures will only be erected in the sick pens and mare/foal pens. Some might help break some of the elements. They will not be erected in the outer pens, which I wasn’t happy about. I specifically asked Jeb Beck if these were shade structures or shade/shelter structures. He specifically said these are SHADE only. Some advocacy groups are stating these are shelters,that is incorrect information and misleading.
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Why are these not able to be shelters for winter also? This is what I was afraid would happen; if they are going to act why not do the best structure for all year protection?
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Because the issue that kept coming up in the workshop was shade….I agree it should be that the best structure for year round, but that is not what the workshop and the Phds brought up it was shade….so I dont know I guess the BLM and Jeb Beck would be the ones who would need to answer that…I understood when I was thereat the workshop they were strictly considering shade options….I personally did not hear anyone who was for the shelter specifically bring that up….just my observations on how the meeting went….people were complaining about shade…BLM gave them shade….
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Maybe this will be the hero for three horses since everything else has been a zero..
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I hope this will get national TV coverage. If anybody can save our wild horses it will be Grijalva..Of course President Obama could issue an Executive order. Jewell is doing nothing.
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Stop this insane murderous treatment of these wild horses; This is unconscionable abuse, of terrorism and cruelty. STop this! Stop this!~
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This is a good move and Grijalva has power and he has been ignored just as our many efforts and RT’s Petition and research revelations have not moved BLM. For this man to confront BLM I do expect some one from Reno BLM/WH&B Program to be there. Jewel will protect herself from confrontations like most. She says nothing. Abbey spoke out to us and gave us reason to fight for the wild ones. Grijalva is flexing his position in government at BLM, publicly. Good man.
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We are very fortunate to have Congressman Grijalva, Neda DeMayo and Wendie Malick representing our wild horses. With their request, by presenting the need to implement the findings of the NAS study, proper action can be taken to end this costly and devasting program, once and for all. If justice is to prevail the findings and truth must be accepted by all parties…let’s hope they have the fortitude to follow through. The fact Sally Jewell is not participating is very concerning, as well as; disappointing.
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lets hope he doesnt disappoint us…I dont trust politicians as far as I can spit….but thats my opinion….
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