BLM seeks comment on wild horse removal near California border

BISHOP, Calif. (KOLO) – The Bureau of Land Management and the Inyo National Forest are seeking comment on the proposed removal of wild horses from the Montgomery Pass area of ​​Mono County, California.

The public comment period opens Tuesday and will be open until June 26.

“The BLM is committed to working with the Inyo National Forest, stakeholders, and interested members of the public to reduce resource impacts and address public safety concerns associated with wild horses outside of wild horse range of Montgomery Pass,” said BLM Bishop Field Manager Sherri. Lisius.

The proposed action would remove horses from areas including the Mono Basin, CA State Route 120E and US Highway 6.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, these areas experience direct impacts to critical wetlands vital to wildlife habitat, as well as resource damage from tufa geological formations.

The proposal includes measures to remove horses from private land upon request and in cases of animal safety concerns.

“Inyo National Forest's priority is to work with the BLM on the proposed action to conduct a safe, efficient and successful horse roundup operation while ensuring humane care and treatment of all rounded up animals” , said Mono Lake District Ranger Stephanie Heller. .

The area is currently managed for a wild horse population of between 138 and 230 animals. However, an aerial survey of the area carried out in 2024 found that there were approximately 699 wild horses, most of them outside the territory, in areas not designated for their use.

The horses would be taken to USDA Forest Service off-range corrals, where they would be examined by a veterinarian and prepared for adoption and sales programs.

Comments can be submitted here by selecting the Participate Now button in the left margin. Comments may also be sent by mail to 351 Pacu Lane, Bishop, CA 93514 or by email to [email protected].

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