Forward by R.T. Fitch ~ president/co-founder Wild Horse Freedom Federation
Press Release – BLM.gov
“Well it appears that the BLM and Department of Interior just did not get enough horse slaughter, hunting and cattle proponents nominated to their horse hating advisory board so they are going out for a second round hoping for more horse eaters and sterilizers to come forward. Last year, when they turned their back on Ginger Kathrens’ nomination, by a congressman no less, for the advocate position I lost all faith in anyone being able to make a difference on this board of wild horse and burro haters. Several current members publicly and in print promote horse slaughter while others want to sterilize mares IN THE FIELD.
The only ray of sunshine in this entire mess is that the BLM makes up their own rules as they go so they don’t even listen to the advice that their own special interest mouthpieces give…their program of managed extinction simply rolls on with a vengeance.
Sadly, there may come a day when they won’t need the bunch of phonies anymore because there just simply won’t be any more wild horses and burros left to torture and maim. Our public lands will be “multi-purposed” into oblivion and the sound of thundering hooves will be nothing more than a very distant and fond memory. If we do not stop them and stop them soon, that picture will surely be painted.” ~ R.T.
Release Date: 11/18/14
Contacts: Tom Gorey, 202-912-7420
The Bureau of Land Management today announced a second call for public nominations over a 30-day period to fill three positions on its national Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. To be considered for appointment, nominations must be submitted via email or fax by December 18, 2014, or postmarked by the same date. The BLM announced its second formal request for nominations in today’s Federal Register (November 18) at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-11-18/pdf/2014-27273.pdf.Those who have already submitted a nomination in response to the first call for nominations (published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2014 (79 FR 51601)), do not need to resubmit. All nominations from the first and second calls will be considered together during the review process.
Nominations are for a term of three years and are needed to represent the following categories of interest: wild horse and burro advocacy, veterinary medicine (equine science), and public interest (with special knowledge of protection of wild horses and burros, management of wildlife, animal husbandry, or natural resource management).
The Board advises the BLM, an agency of the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, on the protection and management of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands administered by those agencies. The Board generally meets twice a year and the BLM Director may call additional meetings when necessary. Members serve without salary, but are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses according to government travel regulations.
Individuals shall qualify to serve on the Board because of their education, training, or experience that enables them to give informed and objective advice regarding the interest they represent. They should demonstrate experience or knowledge of the area of their expertise and a commitment to collaborate in seeking solutions to resource management issues.
For those interested, please submit a nomination letter and full resume. The following information must be provided: the position(s) for which the nominee wants to be considered; the nominee’s first, middle, and last name; business and home addresses and phone numbers: e-mail address; present occupation/title and employer; education (colleges, degrees, major field of study); career highlights; qualifications: relevant education, training, and experience; experience or knowledge of wild horse and burro management; experience or knowledge of horses or burros (equine health, training, and management); and experience in working with disparate groups to achieve collaborative solutions. Applicants must also indicate any BLM permits, leases, or licenses held by the nominee or his/her employer; indicate whether the nominee is a federally registered lobbyist; and explain why the nominee wants to serve on the Board. Also, at least one letter of reference from special interests or organizations the nominee may represent must be provided.
Nominations may be submitted by e-mail, fax, or regular mail. E-mail the nomination to stbohl@blm.gov. To send by the U.S. Postal Service, mail to the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street, N.W., Room 2134 LM, Attn: Sarah Bohl WO-260, Washington, D.C. 20240. To send by FedEx or UPS, please send to the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 20 M Street, S.E., Room 2134 LM, Attn: Sarah Bohl, Washington, D.C., 20003. Or fax to Ms. Bohl at 202-912-7182. For questions, please call Ms. Bohl at 202-912-7263.
Categories: Horse News, Horse Slaughter, Wild Burros, Wild Horses/Mustangs
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
What you said, R.T., is sad but so true.
Craig Downer and other advocates have all been refused. The Board is nothing but a farce except for one man. Can’t remember his name, Tim ? maybe.
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RT was also nominated and ignored last year. And “Tim” was all for sending the “100 burros” to Guatemala that Elaine Nash has worked so hard to save so I think he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and I say, “Beware!” (BTW-Elaine, and those who helped her, saved 189 BLM burros which were all the ones who had lost eligibility because they were offered three times for adoption and left unadopted.) They would have been starved, beaten, and likely many slaughtered if sent to Guatemala. Tim went so far as to say he had been in Guatemala and they would be safe there. HA! is what I say to Tim.
I have adopted burros and I am nearly always the only burro adopter at the BLM event. Elaine through her efforts has brought their needs and knowledge about them to the forefront. May she be blessed always.
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Heres the info needed for your nominations
1. The position(s) for which the
individual wishes to be considered;
2. The individual’s first, middle, and
last name;
3. Business address and phone
number;
4. Home address and phone number;
5. Email address;
6. Present occupation/title and
employer;
7. Education (colleges, degrees, major
field of study);
8. Career Highlights: Significant
related experience, civic and
professional activities, elected offices
(include prior advisory committee
experience or career achievements
related to the interest to be represented).
Attach additional pages, if necessary;
9. Qualifications: Education, training,
and experience that qualify you to serve
on the Board;
10. Experience or knowledge of wild
horse and burro management;
11. Experience or knowledge of horses
or burros (Equine health, training, and
management);
12. Experience in working with
disparate groups to achieve
This is a lot of info we will need , if i post my nominations here can i get this info ??????? on each nomination????????/ that is needed ………….. WE NEED TO GET OUR PEOPLE ON THIS BOARD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The People on this boaed I am sure that they have no idea ON ANY OF THESE QUALIFICATIONS?????
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Yes, can Craig Downer and Ginger Kathrens and others of like mind be renominated for these positions? There needs to be actual horse advocates on this board and not just the talking heads of the cattle and oil industries.
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Craig Downers name came to mind immediately, when reading this article. He would be very well qualified for the position. His knowledge and expertise on wild horses, burros and environment would be extremely beneficial, but only if they are willing to listen and take on the issue with an objective and responsible approach.
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I read your posts with great interest since I live in Osage where all the Wild Horses are imprisoned. It makes me sick to see them behind fences. About a year and a half ago you were posting about meetings with the BLM (equally hated here since they are trying to take over the mismangement that the BIA is doing in the Osage, to our detriment). In your posting you were speaking about “Open Meetings” conducted where there were “plants” put with the people who were discussing issues so that the government could steer the decisions to a pre-determined conclusion. What is that called? We know that in the recent CFR Rulemaking sessions this was employed and we need the term for our written response. FREE THE WILD HORSES!
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are you looking for the term “invasive species” that the eco-people were saying horses were destroying the eco-system
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Nona, it’s called the “Delphi Technique”.
http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/1998/nov98/focus.html
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Excerpt from the Delphi Technique article: “In group settings, the Delphi Technique is an unethical method of achieving consensus on controversial topics. It requires well-trained professionals, known as “facilitators” or “change agents,” who deliberately escalate tension among group members, pitting one faction against another to make a preordained viewpoint appear “sensible,” while making opposing views appear ridiculous.”
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I don’t think Board Meetings are as bad as that excerpt states, but there are certainly ways to manipulate meetings, including which question/comment cards submitted by the audience are chosen, and in what order they’re posed.
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My opinion…….Advocates cannot give up trying. Anyone qualified and willing should be filling out applications for these three positions…The BLM should be inundated with worthy candidates, then challenged mightily if yet another anti horse person is appointed….Tim Harvey is shut down and interrupted when he tries to speak up on issues, but he is there to speak…..He asked the stupid shade study lady “Do you supply shade for your horses?”…. He spoke out for the Guatemala burros “They will be worked hard” and “The program will only work if the animals are monitored closely.” ……He said he had watched cows pull plants up by the roots, and “Maybe 145,000 cattle are having more of an impact on the land than are 800 horses.”….He is there as the only voice for the horses….Imagine if he had someone else on the board to speak up with him….. Please don’t give up trying, those who qualify….Bring a discrimination suit against the appointment process if someone less qualified is ultimately appointed….. The wild horses and burros need someone on the board.
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I agree Cheryl, we, wild horse warriors/advocates, must keep trying to get on the board. All rejections and denials, shall be duly published and possibly we will have enough evidence to show discrimination/unfair/fraudulent practices and file a law suit stating such… That’s where I’d be going with this. It is OUR federal government, after all, and we, the people, will have a voice for our beloved mustangs, by utilizing any and all means to force the BLM’s corruption to be exposed in this matter and others.
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Since prior nominations are still active, perhaps those 4 congressman that nominated Ginger could make some phone calls and assert a little pressure?
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Feb 12, 2014
“No we can’t share who applied, only the final selectees. The selections start with recommendations from a BLM-FS team and moves up from there. The White House and DOI/DOA have the final say. The BLM-FS team memebers change based on the needs of the team. Selection process is still moving forward, but has not completed the process yet. Thanks.”
The above email was from:
Debbie Collins
BLM National Wild Horse & Burro Program
Marketing and National Information Center
405-790-1056
dacollin@blm.gov
IMO, I find it interesting but not surprising that:
1) they won’t release who applied
2) they select the members from recommendations from the BLM-FS with no mention of any recommendations from the public although the BLM is an agency that works for the public
3) they choose members based on the “needs” of the team
…SO MUCH FOR CREDIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
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GG, this was my question, who decides who gets on the board, the other board members? I asked Craig Downer to apply for the advocacy role and he said he would try yet again but didn’t sound hopeful. Why would an experienced, educated, passionate and tireless advocate not be considered a prime candidate for the spot designated for an ADVOCATE? Call me confused.
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I suggest that you ask BLM – Debbie Collins and/or other persons of your choice.
I think the above email explains, it pretty well. The foxes in the hen house only let other foxes into the hen house that will help their cause to eliminate the “hens” without the farmer (American citizens) waking up to hear and see the commotion and destruction of the chicken flock.
PS Nothing against the wild animal fox.
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GG, I understand political posturing (ad nauseum) but since this is only an advisory committee with no real ability to form or enforce policy, it would seem their intention to appoint an advocate to their mix would seem relatively harmless and might even make their work appear more credible to skeptics. Appointing a “celebrity” as you described would only seem to be a good, not bad, idea, for all concerned.
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I don’t think I suggested appointing a “celebrity” – did I?
I do agree that a balanced board would make them more credible but history has shown us that the deck is stacked.
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GG, oops, I read that in these comments elsewhere… my apologies. My point is to question why they need to even stack the deck if it’s an advisory role anyway, and could gain more credibility if they had a wider spread of points of view on the board, which would seem to be set up to be divided from the start.
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There is only one solution for our Wild Mustangs if in fact we want them free as describe in the ROAM ACT 1971 and that is to work towards the goal of dismantleing the entire BLM> Replace it with people who will work towards this GOAL>>>>>>>>>>> HISTORY KEEPS REPEATING ITSELF NOTHING CHANGES<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< with the Current Agency of ill will only for OUR MUSTANGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Icy…look up the meeting minutes for any advisory board meeting after 2007; you can virtually see the board crumbling when it comes to beneficial management for wild equines, and other interests gaining momentum.
The last ‘powerhouse’ wild equine advocate on the board (as Executive Director of the Board) was a woman named Robin Lohnes; she headed an organization called the American Horse Protection Association (AHPA).
Over her tenure, she was ignored or bullied by most of the Board members.
About 15 years ago, her organization was taking the BLM to court on issues of wild equine management and kicking butt. But it gradually fell, becoming nothing more than a P.O. box and a source for ‘educational handouts’ on wild equines.
One thing may not have caused the other, but after her term was up, the Board became a shell of itself, with other interests highly represented, and their ‘advice’ reinforced BLM’s position on…everything. Livestock, land use, wildlife – all took stances on the necessity of restricting wild equines wherever possible.
Tim Harvey is a gift, a quiet fella who seemed to come from out of nowhere and I think both the Board and the Bureau were surprised at his knowledge and actual devotion to parity for wild equines.
I’m not saying our (celebrity) leaders shouldn’t apply for the positions; they absolutely should. The Board needs someone vocal to keep it honest and make it uncomfortable. But I am saying those leaders are a known quantity who won’t be bullied into silence, which appears to be what the BLM is looking for. They don’t want an RT Fitch or a Ginger Kathrens. They want another Robin Lohnes.
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I’m with GG; this board isn’t so much the WH&B Advisory Board as it is the Commission on Wild Horse and Burro Eradication.
At the meeting here in Sacramento in April, the panel was virtually jumping for joy at the prospect of purchasing a bag of glass marbles to use as IUD’s for mares and jennies, and the entire meeting agenda had been devoted to the prospect of the permanence of field spaying and chemical neutering. The enthusiasm was …. nauseating. And BLM is listening intently.
As far as nominations go, the BLM will never approve a ‘celebrity’ wild equine advocate; Ginger, Craig, RT and a plethora of others put their names in the hat, and they won’t fly. If an advocate is nominated with any hope of being chosen, it would most likely have to come from the rank and file – folks who know their stuff but garner no publicity. BLM can’t tolerate THAT kind of Public positivity on it’s board.
I can think of about five or six seemingly quiet individuals who are deadly when it comes to knowledge, ability to speak and who absolutely defy intimidation; there are two categories available where a wild equine advocate would be appropriate.
Just as the Program’s budget has to be flipped to undo the mess it’s become, so the Board has to evolve into something other than the council that promotes sterility and absence on the range, and sale without limitation for captives.
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Now is not the time for us to feel like they have won. I think anyone interested should go to a Legislator who supports our interest. This may hold more weight. We all put our names in no matter what part of the country we come from. It seems to me they just like to see their own Cronies in there that support slaughter and inhumane treatment. I would like to see them deny a Legislators reference. Craig and Catherine should seek the help from the Legislators. I don’t know if the new crowd will be hurtful or helpful. I was in Colorado this past week and spoke to some horse people about the Wild horses. They also were concerned for their safety. Again, let’s seek the help of our Legislators to help us get them on the committee. For the horses sake we can never let them feel like they have won. I know I have gone to my Legislators so many times, I know they would give me recommendation.
Please email I would like to get our Advocates on the board. Just email me at bearhorse6@yahoo.com. Please do not give up. We haven’t lost the war yet.
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Reblogged this on cindymendoza47 and commented:
i hope they start changing up how things are going right now
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Just simple craziness! Not human, healthy or Moral !!! BLM needs to be gutted!
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Everyone concerned should put their name in or get a group together and nominate and show support for several people. Why should we as American horse people be left out? If you want to be nominated.and considered call your Congressional Legislators and ask for a letter.of support. They claim no one is interested. Now is the time!! There are thousands of people on this website who would support other Horse Warriors in a jack second. I certainly would consider it if I lived out that way. Now is the time folks. We cannot complain if we.do nothing? Anyone interested before the Killers take the spots? Its politics whether we like it or not!! If our choices aren’t then we complain to our Congressional members that we as Americans are passed over. Let’s show them how much we care. Who wants to be nominated?
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