BLM NEWS RELEASE
CARSON CITY — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sierra Front Field Office has issued the Decision Record for the Flanigan, Dogskin Mountain, and Granite Peak Wild Horse Gather Final Environmental Assessment (EA) to gather excess wild horses in the Flanigan, Dogskin Mountain and Granite Peak herd management areas (HMAs) about 20 miles northeast of Reno in Washoe County, Nevada. The horse gather would take place in January or February 2012, and take between seven to 10 days to complete.
The Final EA analyzed the potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects to the human environment associated with the gather, treatment and removal of excess wild horses. Recent inventories estimated the populations of wild horses to be as follows: Flanigan HMA 324; Dogskin Mountain 22; and Granite Peak 38 wild horses. Approximately 283 excess animals would be permanently removed from the range. The BLM would also treat all mares to be returned to the Flanigan HMA with Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP-22). Approximately 26 to 32 mares would be treated with PZP-22.
The BLM will use helicopters to gather the excess wild horses. This method has proven to be the safest and most practical means for gathering excess horses. The gathered animals will be transported to the Palomino Valley Center near Reno, Nev., where they will be prepared for the BLM adoption program. Un-adopted horses 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. The BLM does not sell or send any wild horses to slaughter.
Printed copies of the Final EA and Decision Record are available at the Carson City District Office. The document and supporting maps may also be viewed on-line at:
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field/blm_information/nepa/nepa_archives.html
If you have questions on this matter, please contact Alan Bittner, Supervisory Natural Resources Specialist at: (775) 885-6000.
