Week 1 has ended at the ongoing Twin Peaks roundup in Washoe County NV and Lassen County CA. Week one condensed in video above. You can find week 1 of Twin Peaks HERE.
Even though the operation is scheduled to run through October 31, once again BLM has raced the operation and captured two thirds of the targeted goal! To date 621 have been captured of the goal of 940.
In the rush a trailer door was not secured and wild horses spilled out of a moving trailer, a baby was kicked in the face nearly loosing his lip, horses have fallen being driven over rough terrain and a mare broke her neck on the trap panel during sorting. Four horses have died. But death is not the only measure of abuse.
Please learn more about “why” we do not have enforceable welfare rules and make a call to your reps. A really simple fix could be proposed in the budget debate and we would have the first enforceable set of welfare rules since the Act to protect wild horses and burros passed unanimously into law 53 years ago. (Click HERE)
WHE team members have been working on outreach and we may be making progress toward gaining this sorely needed amendment to the budget.
Motorized Vehicle Use Hearing (USFS)
On October 10th, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. PST, the Modoc and Inyo National Forests (USFS) will conduct a virtual public hearing regarding the use of helicopters and other mechanized equipment during wild horse gather operations.
An annual public hearing is required to comply with Section 404 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA).
Many of you are familiar with the hearings BLM runs annually. Both BLM and USFS are required t run these hearings, mandatory. Neither BLM not USFS has ever responded to public comments or created any revision in their operating procedures.
If you comment:
Demand that written responses to public comments be posted online.
Insist that USFS create a program similar to BLMs Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program (CAWP). But Forest Service can lead the way and create concise rules, put them out for public comment and formalize as policy. Forest Service can lead where BLM has failed. (Usually it is BLM leading and Forest Service just copying BLM and changing the title of policy to make it their own.)
You can view sample comments submitted by WHE HERE
When USFS uses motorized vehicles the exact same issues you commented on for BLM apply, except there is no set standard like BLM’s CAWP.
The hearing will be held using Zoom.
Unlike BLM you do not have to register in advance, simply join.
From USFS:
The virtual meeting will provide updates on planning for the gathers and use of helicopters and other mechanized equipment during gather operations. During the meeting, public comments will be accepted regarding the use of mechanized equipment to gather horses.
Join at https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1612948049?pwd=1pDFtAvmyN3vQob3et1gMzR78iCV5n.1
Meeting ID: 161 294 8049 and passcode DDW#2024
To participate by phone, find your local number: https://usfs.zoomgov.com/u/acsyqW1aTk
Comments will be accepted during the meeting using the “raise hand” icon or writing in to sm.fs.modoc_info@usda.gov or sm.fs.InyoWH_B@usda.gov
There is an open Scoping period for Bullfrog Burros out of the Tonopah, NV, Field Office.
BLM is crafting both a Herd Management Area Plan and Gather Plan at the same time. This is the first time in a long time we have seen BLM come close to doing a management plan before a gather plan.
An HMAP is supposed to transparently disclose how AML (numbers on range) and other management metrics like forage allocation and what would actually trigger a roundup beyond numbers.
So in your comments you can note that BLM should finalize the HMAP and settle any appeals prior to crafting any removal plan.
One of the limiting factors at Bullfrog is water. Back in 2012 BLM was going to create water improvements deeper in the HMA to distribute populations away from roads and never did it. So , if you are commenting, please include water improvements for distribution on your list.
Remember, this is a Scoping period to identify issues before a draft plan is done. Basically you can talk about anything you want from genetics to limits on industry and recreation.
You can access the documents and “participate now” button on the ePlanning page HERE.
Our team is working hard on our litigation this week and we will have news for you soon.
We have won 2 major victories that are blazing a trail others are now following to protect more herds. We are working on expanding that trail and will update you soon.
We do need your support to keep our teams in field and in the courts. Help keep WHE on the frontline breaking ground and creating avenues for real reform.
Without you, none of our work is possible.
Thank you for keeping WHE running for the wild.
Categories: Wild Horse Education
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