February 22, 2010

The Bureau of Land Management has announced plans to muster up to 1090 wild horses in Wyoming.

The proposal is to remove the horses from two adjoining herd management areas, Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek.

The bureau said population surveys conducted in July 2009 revealed around 1950 horses in the two areas.

It says the appropriate management level for the Adobe Town area is 610-800. The level for the Salt Wells Creek area is 251-365.

Breeding-age mares selected for release back to the range may be treated with the Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP) vaccine. It is hoped that PZP, if used, will slow the growth rate of the herds in these areas and reduce gather frequency in the future.

The bureau confirmed the operation will involve the use of helicopter drive trapping.

The bureau's Rock Springs and Rawlins Offices are seeking public input on their muster plan.

Written comments are required by April 2, 2010. Comments may be mailed or hand delivered to: 280 Hwy 191 North, Rock Springs, Wyo. 82901. Comments may also be email to Rock_Springs_WYMail@blm.gov. Please include "Adobe Town & Salt Wells Creek HMAs Scoping Comments" in the subject line. The scoping notice, map and all other future documents corresponding with this action will be posted here.

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