BLM Removes 804 Horses During Latest Public Land Gather

The Bureau of Land Management has concluded a wild horse gather near Ely, Nevada. This joint operation by BLM’s Elko District (Wells Field Office) and Ely District (Bristlecone Field Office), was conducted at the Triple B Complex in eastern Nevada. The BLM gathered and removed 804 excess wild horses from public lands. Approximately 2,577 wild horses remain in the complex.

The purpose of the gather, which was conducted from July 8-16, was to prevent degradation of the public lands associated with excess wild horses. It was also designed to restore a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship on public lands. It was conducted in compliance with the provisions of Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Removing excess animals will also enable significant progress toward achieving the Standards for Rangeland Health identified by the Northeastern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council.

The BLM transported wild horses removed from the range to the Palomino Valley Center Wild Horse and Burro Corrals in Sparks, Nevada, to be readied for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sale Program. Wild horses not adopted or sold will be placed in long-term pastures where they will be humanely cared for and retain their “wild” status and protection under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Additional gather information is available on the BLM website at https:// go.usa.gov/xy2R7.

For more information, contact Chris Hanefeld, BLM Ely District public affairs specialist, at (775) 289-1842 or chanefel@ blm.gov.