BLM to gather 90% of wild horses from Nevada complex

Nevada wild horses (spreading the news of a round up?) photo by Carrol Abel        

• Prevention of deterioration of animal health
• Reduction of overgrazing by wild horses
• Achieving  assigned appropriate management level
• Achieving a thriving natural ecological balance

The assessment also refers to conforming with  land use plans regarding geothermal energy and progress toward Sierra Front - Northwest Basin standards for rangeland health.

 Though two of the five heard management areas within the Calico complex will be left with fewer than 100 horses, the assessment states there is enough migration of the 500+ horses within the entire complex to maintain genetic diversity.  The 542,100 acre Calico complex is also home to three grazing allotments with 2,500 cattle permitted , eleven threatened endangered or sensitive species, five wilderness areas, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope.

According to the document, scoping and identification of issues involved was conducted by , "Resource Advisory Councils, Nevada Department of Wildlife, U.S. fish & Wildlife Service, livestock operators and others." 

 Public comment is being accepted through Nov. 12 at the Winnemucca District Office