Western Watersheds Project, Inc.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue of free-roaming equids on public lands, Western Watersheds Project members and supporters can certainly agree that the Bureau of Land Management applies an “Anything But Cows” strategy to assessing the causes of rangeland health damage.

Whether it’s drought, historic use, or wild horses, the agency always wants to blame something other than the livestock industry for failing ecological conditions.

The Kiger and Riddle wild horses of Oregon, known for their ancient Spanish bloodlines and historical significance, are now being scapegoated and removed to make way for cattle on public lands.

The Bureau is on the verge of implementing roundups and herd reductions, putting these herds at risk of inbreeding and extirpation. But here’s the stark reality: the Bureau has determined that the appropriate management level for these wild horses is a mere 84, equating to one horse per more than 650-acres, the agency simultaneously authorizes over 1,200 privately owned cows to graze (and graze heavily) on the same allotments.

Livestock grazing is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked at the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Indeed, under federal regulations, the Bureau of Land Management can close wild horse Herd Management Areas to all or a specific category of livestock, temporarily or permanently. Wild horses, however, have protections under federal law. If the agency was serious about dealing with land health problems where they arise, it would start scaling back the cattle.

We are exploring our legal options to assist a local wild horse organization in fighting back to stop a roundup from happening, but we need your help. This is one of a possible three rounds of $25,000 funding needed.

The first $25,000 is needed for our initial legal strategy. We hope to prevail after round one, but it could drag on. We have about a week to reach our goal of $25,000, and thanks to our committed supporters, we’ve already raised $12,000. Will you chip in today to help us reach our goal and protect these iconic symbols of American freedom?