Forest Service, BLM gather 410 wild horses in Eastern Oregon emergency post-wildfire operation
No decision has been made regarding their future
JOHN DAY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management said Wednesday they completed an emergency wild horse gather at the Murderers Creek Joint Management Area last month but have yet to decide on the future of the 410 horses involved.
Here's the agencies' full news release on the operation:
This critical operation was a direct response to the effects of the Rail Ridge Fire, which burned more than 175,000 acres of habitat on federal and state lands earlier this year.
The gather addressed an immediate risk to the herd of approximately 650 wild horses and to protect sensitive ecosystems due to severe forage shortages damaged by the fire. It also supported recovery of the burned area and rangeland health restoration.
“This emergency gather was essential to the survival of the wild horse herd and the critical habitat impacted by the Rail Ridge Fire,” said Ann Niesen, Forest Supervisor for the Malheur National Forest.
Gather Details
The operation prioritized humane bait and water trapping methods, minimizing stress and risk to the animals.
The initial goal was to remove as many as 400 horses or more from the area, based on conditions such as ground access and animal presence.
“With the coordination between BLM, Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, we gathered and protected 410 wild horses from the shortage of forage,” said BLM Acting Central Oregon Field Manger, Stephanie McKinney. "This successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency coordination."
Gathered horses have been transported to holding facilities in Hines, Ore., and Alturas, Ca., where they are receiving veterinary care and are being processed according to agency standards. They receive daily high-quality feed, constant access to water, ample space, and veterinary care as needed.
No decision has been made regarding the future of removed horses.
About the Wild Horse and Burro Program
The Wild Horse and Burro Program is committed to the humane and sustainable management of wild horse populations and their habitats. Through collaborative efforts, the program seeks to protect the welfare of wild horses and burros while preserving rangeland ecosystems for future generations.
