Immediate Release:

Wild horses on hillside of water source (one of vey few that do not have cattle present apparently causing horses to utilize the canyon with frequency)

Diamond Wild Horses being monitored during drought

Wild Horse Education released a preliminary range report on the Diamond Herd Management Area (HMA) today.  The organization has been monitoring several areas of Nevada currently under the effects of drought conditions.

The Battle Mountain District, where the Diamond HMA is located, signed a FONSI putting into effect several drought management strategies outlined in the Environmental Assessment completed earlier this year. The Agency is currently assessing site-specific locations that may require rapid action under the current conditions.

Laura Leigh, founder of Wild Horse Education, has been on the ground monitoring range conditions and wild horse health.

“We have several areas that are showing signs where actions need to be taken,” said Leigh “it’s plain and simple. Regardless of how we got here, we are here. “

The report from Wild Horse Education gives site-specific detail. Years of over grazing by domestic livestock in specific areas have exaggerated the effects of this year’s drought. Domestic livestock use has apparently created a movement of wild horse populations into areas that now create a significant impact on the resources. Among the specific man-made limitations on the range is a fence line that during grazing season literally cuts much of the HMA in half. The report can be read on Wild Horse Education’s website.

“Actions need to occur now to begin to reduce the impacts to the public resource,” said Leigh “but the action can not stop there. Tools need to be put into effect that begins to manage for the natural health of the environment. Management tools must include a full picture of viability of use for wild horses. Wild horses are restricted to these encapsulated spaces and other uses are not. The resources required to protect wild horses as a natural population must be set aside for that use”

Wild Horse Education will continue to monitor several areas within the state of Nevada and advocate for action plans on behalf of the wild horse populations.

***

Click image to go to WHE Diamond Assessment

Links of Interest:

To support the work donate at Wild Horse Education: http://wildhorseeducation.org

BLM Battle Mountain Drought FONSI: http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/nv/field_offices/battle_mountain_field/blm_information/nepa/battle_mountain_district.Par.95981.File.dat/BMD_Drought_EA_FONSI.pdf

Cattle lounging in riparian area within a day of turnout