BLM starts wild horse removal in Sand Wash Basin this week
Submitted by Carolyn Averett
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is starting a bait-trap removal operation for wild horses in Sand Wash Basin this week.
The roundup will take up to 60 horses with plans to remove 45 of them from the range and return 15 mares after they undergo fertility control procedures.
According to the BLM, there are currently an estimated 409 wild horses in Sand Wash Basin. The figure is based on an aerial survey in May.
The federal agency has said “an appropriate management level” of horses would be between 163-362, and the bait-trap operation could extend to February.
The BLM is also planning a wild horse roundup by helicopter in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range beginning Sept. 11.
Trevor Ballantyne is the city government and housing reporter. To reach him, call 970-871-4254 or email him at tballantyne@SteamboatPilot.com.
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