BLM Arizona manages 8 wild horse and burro herd management areas on approximately 2.3 million acres. The combined appropriate management level for all HMAs in the state is 1,676.
Since 1971, the BLM has removed approximately 11,000 animals from public rangelands in Arizona.
CLAIM: Animals removed from public rangelands are offered to the public for adoption; un-adopted animals are cared for on open pastures for the rest of their lives.
ARIZONA STATE OFFICES AND DISTRICTS
- ARIZONA STRIP DISTRICT OFFICE
- COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT OFFICE
- GILA DISTRICT OFFICE
- PHOENIX DISTRICT OFFICE
USFS Contact Information
Judy Palmer – Forest Supervisor
Ericka Luna – Deputy Forest Supervisor
Supervisor’s Office
P.O. Box 640
30 S. Chiricahua Dr.
Springerville, AZ 85938 928-333-6280
Fax:928-333-5966
Districts
Alpine Ranger District
PO Box 469
42634 Hwy. 180/191
Alpine, AZ 85920
928-339-5000
Black Mesa Ranger District
PO Box 968
2748 E. AZ 260
Overgaard, AZ 85933
928-535-7300
Clifton Ranger District
397240 AZ 75
Duncan, AZ 85534
928-687-8600
Lakeside Ranger District
2022 W. White Mtn. Blvd.
Lakeside, AZ 85929
928-368-2100
Springerville Ranger District
PO Box 760
30 S. Chiricahua Dr.
Springerville, AZ 85938
928-333-6200
ARIZONA HA, HMA, WHT, JMA, Complex – INFO & REMOVALS
The majority of info, statistics, and records listed here come directly from BLM and the government. They are a self-regulating industry with absolutely NO oversight or accountability. There is no independent accounting of this program at all. Due to this one-sided version it is believed the numbers listed here of wild horse and burro estimates, and removals are suspect and inaccurate. We will attempt to prove this with reviewing their claims with attached evidence and links to outside sources that have witnessed discrepancies and inaccuracies over the last 50 years since the passing of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971
Appropriate Management Level (AML) of horses and burros per Herd Management Area (HMA)
Animal Management Unit (EST AMU) = Current individual population estimates on entire HMA,
HINT: How to read EST AMU: ( ? = yes, needs actual animal #’s / 0 = none / blank = unknown)
# ? horses # 0 burros # cattle # sheep
- 341,000 acres
- AML: 128-160
- EST AMU # 0 horses # 550 burros # cattle # sheep
- LAKE HAVASU FIELD OFFICE
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
, Sheep & Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests – see Heber Wild Horse Territory
- 244,000 acres
- AML: 111-139
- EST 2020: # 0 horses # ? burros # cattle # sheep
- LAKE HAVASU FIELD OFFICE
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
, Sheep & Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
Notes: Prior to recent removal: The area parallels the Big Sandy river and Burro Creek. The current wild burro population is estimated at approximately 2,000 wild burros based on a 2012 population guesstimate. The Big Sandy HMA is adjacent to the Alamo HMA with no barriers separating the HMA’s and burros can travel back and forth between the two HMAs freely. This ability to cross over between HMAs allows for the HMA population to fluctuate and getting a true count.
2020 Outside Big Sandy HMA Nuisance Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 375 gathered / 0 returned / 3 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Aug 20, 2020 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: UHALDE LIVESTOCK LLC Contract price: $48,120.80 140L0620F0172 -1
Plan Gathered: 350
Animals Shipped: 372
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: 3 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing:
Notes:
1 burro not accounted for
Plan:
Gather details:
GATHER REPORT
1 Jack was euthanized due to age and poor condition.
1 Orphaned burro. 2-3 weeks old. Male. Poor health, weak state. Was going to be adopted out locally, however, did not make it (not euthanized. natural death)
- 48 burros transported (47 burros transported to Florence, Arizona. One burro transported to Kingman for direct adoption.)
- 58 burros transported to Florence, Arizona (35 males, 21 females, 2 foals)
- 56 burros transported to Florence, Arizona (41 males, 15 females and colts)
- 60 burros transported to Florence, Arizona
- 61 total transported to Florence, Arizona (28 males, 23 females, 10 foals)
- 89 total transported to Florence, Arizona (33 males, 42 females, 14 foals)
2019 Big Sandy Herd HMA Nuisance Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 37 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: July 17, 2019 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $105,072.50 140L0619F0107 -2
Plan Gathered: 50
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes:
from notes gathered this contract includes 2019 Blk Mtn- 37 Burro removed /Big Sandy Hma Burro Gather –110 Burro removed = $714 PER BURRO , #’s appear to be mixed up
Plan:
remove 50 nuisance burros from private land within the Big Sandy HMA between the months of June 2019 and August 2019. No burros will be treated with fertility control.
Gather Details:
Gather Report
BIG SANDY REMOVAL LIST
BIG SANDY CONTRACTS LOCATED
2020 AZ LAKE HAVASU MOHAVE /UH 140L0620F0172 -1 / (07/17/2020-09/30/2020) / OPEN / $48,120.80 / Arizona Big Sandy Hma Bait Trap Gather/3 / 375 Burros- possibly horses too, not sure removed
2019 AZ KINGMAN MOHAVE /CT 140L0619F0107 -2 / (05/29/2019-08/31/2019) / CLOSED / $105,072.50 / 2019 Blk Mtn- 37 Burro removed /Big Sandy Hma Burro Gather –110 Burro removed = $714 PER BURRO /3 /
#black-mountain
- AZ0003 – Burro / Kingman Field Office – Lake Havasu FO/ Mohave County
- Black Mountain is the largest HMA in Arizona, with about 1.1 million acres of Mojave Desert shrub and Grand Canyon desert shrub.
(according to Western Watersheds 2020 arcGIS data it is only 543,307 (BLM) – Total acres 773,136 for burros). A good portions of the land is part of ACEC? (area of critical environmental concern: maps pg 5) - AML: 382-478
- 2020 EST AMU: # 0 horses # 2,205 burros # ? cattle # 0 sheep
(‘5’ The assumption is that these animals (births minus deaths) are added to the herd over the course of the year. pg 8 bottom) - 2014 EST AMU: # 1,517 to 1,827 burros (Griffin 2015)
NOTED in 1996: Livestock grazing has occurred in the Black Mountain ecosystem for more than a 100 years. As early as the 1870’s, there were more livestock on the western ranges than the range could support (BLM, 1988c). This marked a period of overuse from which western rangelands are slowly recovering.
Livestock Conflicts: yes
Grazing allotments: 12-16 / records as of 2020
EPHEMERAL= lasting for a very short time
2020 – (12)
BIG RANCH UNIT B AZ00081, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0 / EPHEMERAL
BIG RANCH UNIT A AZ00007, Cattle / Total AUMs 2,966 – Total Livestock 321
FORT MACEWEN UNIT A AZ00034, Cattle / Total AUMs 1,186 – Total Livestock 130
PORTLAND SPRINGS AZ00061, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0 / EPHEMERAL
THUMB BUTTE AZ00068, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0 /EPHEMERAL
GEDIONDIA AZ00036, Cattle / Total AUMs 552 – Total Livestock 50
MUD SPRINGS AZ00998, Cattle / Total AUMs 887 – Total Livestock 77
BLACK MT UNIT A AZ00010, Cattle / Total AUMs 1,247 – Total Livestock 105
QUAIL SPRINGS AZ00062, Cattle / Total AUMs 2,484– Total Livestock 230 (also a part of Cerbat Mountain HMA)
CERBAT AZ00020, Cattle / Total AUMs 1,016 – Total Livestock 91 (also a part of Cerbat Mountain HMA)
MINERAL PARK AZ00055, Cattle / Total AUMs 680 – Total Livestock 70 (also a part of Cerbat Mountain HMA)
CURTAIN AZ00027, Cattle / Total AUMs 194 – Total Livestock 18 /EPHEMERAL
2019 – (16)
Livestock grazing has occurred in the Black Mountains for more than 100 years (BLM 1996). There are sixteen grazing allotments administered by the BLM KFO, which occur entirely or partly within the HMA (See Table 7 and Appendix C, Figure 15). Of these sixteen allotments, six are designated for ephemeral use only where livestock grazing is permitted on a seasonal basis only in years of abundant annual forage production; AUMs are not assigned for ephemeral use. Palatable forage in the Black Mountain HMA is degraded and rangeland health is not meeting BLM land health standards in the Fort MacEwen Allotment and the Big Ranch Allotment Unit B (see Appendix K, Evaluation of Standards for Rangeland Health White Hills). 2019 FinalEA
Big Ranch A Perennial/Ephemeral Use 5397 54092; 31.2%
Big Ranch B Ephemeral Use n/a 210572; 47.6%
Fort MacEwen A Perennial/Ephemeral Use 1186 61378; 99.9%
Fort MacEwen B Ephemeral Use Only n/a 45083; 100%
Quail Springs Perennial/Ephemeral Use 2527 15285; 34.4%
Cerbat Perennial/Ephemeral Use 1016 7719; 29.9%
Mud Springs Perennial/Ephemeral Use 889 25691; 100%
Gediondia Perennial/Ephemeral Use 552 20743; 100%
Black Mountain Perennial/Ephemeral Use 1247 80631; 100%
Mineral Park Perennial/Ephemeral Use 680 2294; 12.9%
Happy Jack Wash Perennial/Ephemeral Use 876 11345; 28.1%
Portland Springs Ephemeral Use Only n/a 41071; 91.7%
Thumb Butte Ephemeral Use Only n/a 28075; 78.0%
Boriana B Ephemeral Use Only n/a 11822; 100%
Curtain Ephemeral Use Only n/a 3250; 100%
Cook Perennial/Ephemeral Use 269 4583;100%
PLAN: The EA analyzes the use of fertility controls, sex ratio adjustments, and periodic removal of wild burros over a 10-year period to maintain the target population within the HMA. Various factors make it impossible to remove all of the estimated 1,727 excess burros at one time. As a result, multiple gathers (combination bait and helicopter) would need to occur potentially over several years before AML is reached. Should attainment of AML take several years, the number of excess burros would likely exceed 1,727, due to the addition of new foal crops each year.
Gather operations could involve non-HMA areas immediately adjacent to the Black Mountain HMA boundary, such as near the Bullhead City limits and Lake Mead NRA (zero burro area)
Project start date 03/02/2020
https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/124356/570
- AZ- Black Mountain FINAL EA – DOI-BLM-AZ-C010-2019-0030-EA
- Decision Record
- Finding of No Significant Impacts
- Revised Appendix J – Tortoise Handling and Mitigation
- Appendix L – Response to Comments
- maps
This document is tiered to the Proposed Kingman Resource Area Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (BLM 1993), Approved Kingman Resource Area Resource Management Plan (Kingman RMP) and Record of Decision (BLM 1995), the Black Mountain Ecosystem Management Plan (BMEMP) (BLM 1996) (this document has been removed from the entire web and gov. What’s in it that they don’t want seen?), the LHFO Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (LHFO RMP) (BLM 2007), and the ZonaStat H PZP Fertility Management Pilot Project for Wild Female Burros, DOI-BLM-AZ-C0I0-2016-0004
The answer to the question WHY NOW? can be found in the Final EA above.
2022 BLACK MOUNTAIN
Helicopter gather may begin on May 1 2022 Gather Schedule
Animals: 0 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: May 1, 2022- Gather Method: HELI
Contractor:
Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 1,220 Animals Gathered:
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence Max capacity: Public Access:
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing:
Plan: Gather 1,220 remove 1,120 fertility 100
Notes:
Daily Gather Reports
2022 BLACK MOUNTAIN HMA NUISANCE WILD BURRO GATHER
Animals: 106 Wild Burros (58 Jacks, 38 Jennies, and 10 Foals) gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: 2/12/2022 – 3/25/2022 Gather Method: BAIT
Contractor: BLM staff
Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 80 Animals Gathered & shipped: 106
Facility: FLORENCE PRISON Max capacity: 1000 Public Access: NO / APPT with application
Dead Animals: 0
Public viewing: NO
Plan: 80 wild burros from private lands adjacent to the Black Mountain Herd Management
Notes:
Gather Reports:
Gather Status – Cummulative
As of 3/25/2022
This gather began 2/12/2022. This gather was completed on: 3/25/2022
Animals Gathered: 106
106 Wild Burros (58 Jacks, 38 Jennies, and 10 Foals)
Animals Shipped:
106 Wild Burros (58 Jacks, 38 Jennies, and 10 Foals)
Facility Destination: Florence
Animals Released:
0 Wild Burros (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 0
-Sudden / Acute: 0
-Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Daily Gather Reports – Saturday, February 12
Daily Gather Reports – Sunday, February 13
Daily Gather Report – Wednesday, February 16
Daily Gather Report – Wednesday, February 23
Daily Gather Report – Tuesday, March 1
Daily Gather Report – Wednesday, March 2
Daily Gather Report – Wednesday, March 9
Daily Gather Report – Monday, March 14
Daily Gather Report – Thursday, March 17
2021 Black Mountain HMA Burro Gather
Animals: 481 B gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: July 23, 2021 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: In house Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 500 Animals Shipped: 480
Facility: FLORENCE PRISON Max capacity: 1000 Public Access: NO / APPT with application
Public viewing: NO
Plan: Remove overpopulation and outside of HMA
Notes: No deaths mentioned- one burro unaccounted for
Gather Details:
2021 BLACK MOUNTAIN HERD MANAGEMENT AREA GATHER
Purpose of Gather
The purpose of the gather is to address an overpopulation of wild burros within the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) to achieve a thriving natural ecological balance, alleviate deterioration of the rangeland, to respond to requests to remove wild burros located outside of the herd management area in areas not designated for their long-term use and to address public safety and private property concerns.
Details of Gather
The BLM plans to begin gathering approximately 500 burros from within the Black Mountain HMA beginning in March 2021 by utilizing water and bait traps throughout the HMA area. The gather will be conducted by BLM staff. For the purpose of this part of the gather no burros will be treated with fertility control. All gather operations will be overseen by the BLM Colorado River District and Kingman Field Office.
Public Observation
There will be no public viewing opportunities for this gather due to the nature of the gather.
Adoption Information
Animals gathered from the Black Mountain HMA will be available for adoption at the Florence Wild Horse and Burro Training and Off-Range Corral in Florence, AZ through the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program.
How to Adopt
Visit the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Program to learn how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro.
Background
The Black Mountain HMA is in northwestern Arizona, 15 miles west of Kingman. The area parallels the eastern shoreline of the Colorado River for 80 miles, the Hoover Dam south along I-40. The current Appropriate Management Level (AML) for the Black Mountain HMA is 478 burros. GATHER DETAILS
Contractor: In House
Gather method: Bait trap
Planned gathered (#): 500 burros
Planned removed (#): 500 burros
Planned mares or jennies treated (#): 0
Current as of: September 08, 2021
Gather Report:
March 19: Shipped 45 burros to Florence.
June 11: Shipped 55 burros to Florence.
June 18: Shipped 53 burros to Florence.
July 2: Shipped 56 burros to Florence.
July 23: Shipped 97 burros to Florence
August 18: Shipped 62 burros to Florence. – updated on 10/16/21
September 7: Shipped 112 burros to Florence- updated on 10/16/21
Animals Gathered
March 9
15 burros (14 males, 1 female)
March 10
7 burros (males)
March 11
7 burros (males)
March 12-15
0 burros
March 16
7 burros (males)
March 17
2 burros (males)
March 18
7 burros (males)
March 19-May 18
0 burros
May 19
10 burros (3 males, 5 females and 2 foals)
May 20-23
0 burros
May 24
2 burros (males)
May 25
8 burros (2 males and 6 females)
May 26
0 burros
May 27
8 burros (4 males, 2 females and 2 foals)
May 28-June 4
0 burros
June 5
35 burros (23 males, 7 females, and 5 foals)
June 6-7
0 burros
June 8
5 burros (2 males, 2 females, and 1 foal)
June 9
4 burros (2 females and 2 foals)
June 10-12
0 burros
June 13
11 burros (1 male, 9 females,1 foal)
June 14
18 burros (3 males, 8 females, and 7 foals)
June 15
6 burros (males)
June 16
0 burros
June 17
13 burros (5 males, 4 females, and 4 foals)
June 18
2 burros (males)
June 19
5 burros (3 females and 2 foals)
June 20
4 burros (3 females and 1 foal)
June 21
14 burros (2 males, 9 females, 3 foals)
June 22
5 burros (1 male, 2 females, 2 foals)
June 23-25
0 burros
June 26
17 burros (8 males and 6 females, 3 foals)
June 27
5 burros (males)
June 28-July 3
0 burros
July 4
29 burros (2 males, 19 females, 8 foals)
July 5-7
0 burros
July 8
20 burros (18 males, 1 female, 1 foal)
July 9-11
0 burros
July 12
3 burros (males)
July 13
4 burros (males)
July 14
0 burros
July 15
16 burros (11 males, 3 females, 2 foals)
July 16-17
0 burros
July 18
17 burros (8 males, 7 females, 2 foals)
July 19-23
0 burros
July 27
6 burros (5 females and 1 foal)
July 28-August 3
0 burros
August 4
7 burros (2 males and 5 females)
August 5
11 burros (5 males, 5 females, 1 foal)
August 6-8
0 burros
August 9
22 burros (14 males, 6 females, 2 foals)
August 10
9 burros (3 males, 3 females, 3 foals)
August 11
8 burros (2 males, 5 females, and 1 foal)
August 12-22
0 burros
August 23
7 burros (3 males, 2 females, and 2 foals)
August 24
0 burros
August 25
7 burros (3 males, 2 females, and 2 foals)
August 26
0 burros
August 27
17 burros (10 males, 6 females, and 1 foal)
August 28
15 burros (12 males, 2 females, and 1 foal)
August 29
31 burros (9 males, 18 females, and 4 foals)
August 30
4 burros (3 males and 1 female)
August 31-September 1
0 burros
September 2
10 burros (4 males, 4 females, and 2 foals)
September 3-4
0 burros
September 5
5 burros (males)
September 6
16 burros (7 males, 6 females, and 3 foals)
Animals Removed Cumulative Total (#): 481
Total Deaths Cumulative (#): 0
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#): 0
List animal’s age, color, gender and cause(s) of death:
Facility Destination: Florence facility
- March 19: Shipped 45 burros to Florence.
- June 11: Shipped 55 burros to Florence.
- June 18: Shipped 53 burros to Florence.
- July 2: Shipped 56 burros to Florence.
- July 23: Shipped 97 burros to Florence.|
- August 18: Shipped 62 burros to Florence.
- September 7: Shipped 112 burros to Florence.
Total Released Cumulative (#): 0
2020 Black Mountain HMA Burro Gather
Animals: 503 gathered / 0 returned / 3 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Sep 23-Nov 21, 2020 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: BLM staff Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 500
Animals Shipped: 473
Facility: FLORENCE PRISON Max capacity: 1000 Public Access: NO
Dead Animals: 3 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Plan: remove overpopulation and outside of HMA.
Notes: Total Deaths Cumulative : 3 – Acute (1): 1 Chronic/Pre-existing (2)
27 burros unaccounted for
Gather Details:
The BLM plans to begin gathering approximately 500 burros from within the Black Mountain HMA beginning in September 2020 by utilizing water and bait traps throughout the HMA area. The gather will be conducted by BLM staff. For the purpose of this part of the gather no burros will be treated with fertility control
Gather Report:
Notes: Total Deaths Cumulative : 3 – Acute (1): 1 Chronic/Pre-existing (2)
- September 28: 1 male burro was found deceased in the holding corrals—Approximately 11 year old, grey, unknown reason of death.
- October 23: 1 four-year-old grey female was euthanized. Jenny had a significant injury to neck area consistent with a fracture, unsure if the injury was gather related. Jenny had a foal, which was adopted out locally.
- November 11: 6-year-old grey female ran into panels
- October 8: shipped 56 females and foals to Florence
- October 9: shipped 56 males to Florence
- October 20: shipped 56 burros (45 males, 9 females, 2 foals) to Florence
- October 21: shipped 85 burros (10 males, 54 females, 21 foals) to Florence
- October 30: shipped 56 burros (38 males, 13 females, 5 foals) to Florence
- November 5: shipped 52 burros (40 females, 12 foals) to Florence
- November 6: shipped 50 burros (48 males, 2 females) to Florence
- November 20: shipped 62 burros (19 males, 28 females, 15 foals)
2019 Bullhead City Burro Gather
Animals: 49 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: on or about Nov 21, 2019 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: ? In house Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 50
Animals Shipped: ?
Facility: FLORENCE PRISON Max capacity: 1000 Public Access: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes:
Page details didn’t match amounts / no gather report / below is all the page said
Plan:
Remove nuisance wild burros from locations close to U.S. 95, in the town of Bullhead City, Ariz. The gather is needed to alleviate public safety risks and address nuisance concerns consistent with the provisions of Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
Gather Report
Page details didn’t match amounts / no gather report / below is all the page said
11/13 5 burros (1 female 4 males)
11/14 no burros
11/15 no burros
2019 Black Mountain HMA Nuisance Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 110 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 1 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Jun 7-16 2019 through Aug Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $105,072.50 / 140L0619F0107 -2
Plan Gathered: 350
Animals Shipped:
Facility: FLORENCE PRISON Max capacity: 1000 Public Access: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes:
Gather report and numbers don’t add up
Plan:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is conducting an emergency gather of wild burros, between June through August 2019, to respond to increasing public safety concerns .
Purpose of Gather:
The purpose of this gather is to remove nuisance burros that are damaging private property, fences, waterlines, troughs, eating supplemental feed for livestock, and creating a public safety hazard for motorists along roadways. The Bureau of Land Management has received complaints from private landowners and the National Park Service (NPS) Lake Mead National Recreation Area, pertaining to numerous wild burros that are creating nuisance situations on private and NPS lands.
Details of Gather:
The BLM plans to remove 350 nuisance burros from private and NPS lands within the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) between the months of June and August 2019 by drawing the burros into a fenced area. A contractor and BLM staff will set temporary corrals on private and NPS lands, and will remove them once the operation is complete. For the purpose of this gather no burros will be treated with fertility control. All gather operations will be overseen by the BLM Kingman Field Office.
Public Observation:
The BLM’s priority is to conduct safe, efficient, and successful wild burro gather operations while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals. The BLM will use the best available science and handling practices for wild burros while meeting the overall gather goals and objectives in accordance with its Comprehensive Animal Welfare Policy. Because animals are reluctant to approach the trap site when there is too much activity, only essential gather operation personnel will be allowed at the trap site during gather operations.
Adoption Information:
Animals gathered from the Black Mountain HMA will be available for adoption at the Florence Wild Horse and Burro Training and Off-Range Corral in Florence, AZ through the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program.
How to Adopt:
Visit the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Program to learn how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro.
Background:
The Black Mountain HMA is in northwestern Arizona, 15 miles west of Kingman. The area parallels the eastern shoreline of the Colorado River for 80 miles, from the Hoover Dam south along I-40. The current Appropriate Management Level for the Black Mountain HMA is 478 burros.
Gather Reports:
Sunday, June 16
Summary: Gather operations begin.
Animals gathered: 54 (includes 3 from BLM-operated trap)
Animals shipped:
Animals released: 1 (part of ongoing burro PZP study)
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
Friday, June 14
Summary: Gather operations begin.
Animals gathered: 16
Animals shipped:
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
Thursday, June 13
Summary: Gather operations begin.
Animals gathered: 19
Animals shipped:
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
Wednesday, June 12
Summary: Gather operations begin.
Animals gathered: 5
Animals shipped:
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
Tuesday, June 11
Summary: Gather operations begin.
Animals gathered: 7
Animals shipped:
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
Saturday, June 8
Summary: Gather operations continue.
Animals gathered: 1
Animals shipped:
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
Friday, June 7
Summary: Gather operations begin.
Animals gathered: 8
Animals shipped:
Total Deaths Today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0
2017 ZonaStat-H PZP fertility Management Pilot Project
ZonaStat H PZP Fertility Management Pilot Project for Wild Female Burros, DOI-BLM-AZ-C0I0-2016-0004
Animals: 472 gathered / 0 returned / ? 1 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Aug 8- October 03, 2017 / March 9, 2017 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 160
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Kingman Facility Max capacity: Public Access:
Dead Animals: ?1 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes: Death: 6 month old male colt, sustained possible injury to spine. project vet recommended euthanasia.
Burros will not be removed from the HMA (gather records show otherwise, see notes below).
Plan
[Black Mountain HMA “PZP Pilot Project” Wild Burro Gather]
Purpose of the gather
(160 Females for project. Some males will need to be gathered for genetic sampling. Samples will be taken at the trap site and males will be immediately released)
The BLM Washington Office and BLM Arizona are engaged in a cooperative pilot project with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to test the feasibility of applying a porcine zona pellucida (PZP) contraceptive vaccine to female wild burros in the vicinity of the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA). The planned activities of this project are identified in the final environmental assessment, “ZonaStat H PZP Fertility Management Pil
Details of the Gather
The gather will begin August 8 and will be a bait and water trap gather. Gathering/marking of animals will be conducted by BLM personnel and the application of fertility control will be completed by HSUS.
Public observation
Because of the nature of the bait and water trap gathers, there will be no public observation.
Adoption information
Burros will not be removed from the HMA. Male and non-study female burros will be released from the trap sites. Study eligible females will be marked/treated and released back into the HMA near the original gather location.
Background
In 2015, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) proposed a four-year fertility management pilot project for 165 female wild burros in the Black Mountain HMA. The purpose of the project is to provide scientific information regarding the use of ZonaStat- H PZP for population management in wild burros.
The Kingman Field Office responded to the request of the HSUS to study the logistical feasibility and the effectiveness of using ZonaStat-H PZP, with booster doses delivered via darting, as a fertility management tool for wild free-roaming burros in the Black Mountain HMA. This project is to test a fertility control method that could be used to help BLM comply with both the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971(PL 92- 195), as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976), as amended.
On March 9, 2017, the Fertility Management Pilot Project for Wild Female Burros Environmental Assessment, DOI-BLM-AZ-C010-2016-0004 was completed. The Decision record and FONSI have been signed and posted on E-planning and the decision has completed the 30 day appeal period.
GATHER REPORT
Gather report is extensive and not noted here. Click Link
CUMULATIVE TOTALS
[Current as of: October 03, 2017]
Gather Method: Water/Bait Trap
Planned Gathered (#): 160 Females for project. Some males will need to be gathered for genetic sampling. Samples will be taken at the trap site and males will be immediately released.
Planned Removed (#): 0 burros will be removed from the HMA
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 27 females
Total Deaths Cumulative (#): 0
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#): 0
List animal’s age, color, gender and cause(s) of death: n/a
Facility Destination: n/a
Total Released Cumulative (#):
ZONA PROJECT NOTES
The BLM Washington Office and BLM Arizona are engaged in a cooperative pilot project with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to test the feasibility of applying a ‘pesticide’ porcine zona pellucida (PZP) contraceptive vaccine to female wild burros in the vicinity of the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA). The planned activities of this project are identified in the final environmental assessment, “ZonaStat H PZP Fertility Management Pilot Project for Wild Female Burros, DOI-BLM-AZ-C0I0-2016-0004“. BLM assistance agreement L16AC00008 establishes that BLM staff and HSUS staff/assistants will work together during this project.
Notes: (Gather report- 2017 ZONASTAT- is 61 pages, and needs extra time to break down the #’s.) In 2015, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) proposed a four-year fertility management pilot project for 165 female wild burros in the Black Mountain HMA. The purpose of the project is to provide scientific information regarding the use of ZonaStat- H PZP for population management in wild burros.
The Kingman Field Office responded to the request of the HSUS to study the logistical feasibility and the effectiveness of using ZonaStat-H PZP, with booster doses delivered via darting, as a fertility management tool for wild free-roaming burros in the Black Mountain HMA. This project is to test a fertility control method that could be used to help BLM comply with both the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971(PL 92- 195), as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976), as amended.
On March 9, 2017, the Fertility Management Pilot Project for Wild Female Burros Environmental Assessment, DOI-BLM-AZ-C010-2016-0004 was completed.
2017 Black Mountain HMA Nuisance Burro Gather (Private Land)
Original est herd size 1725
Animals: ? gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Nov 8, 2017 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $66,806.50 / INL17PD01256 -1
Plan Gathered: 125
Animals Shipped:
Facility: FLORENCE PRISON Max capacity: 1000 Public Access: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Plan: Removal of 125 nuisance wild burros from private land.
Notes:
No gather report listed. What happened to these animals and how many did they remove?
BLACK MOUNTAIN REMOVAL LIST
- 2022 Black Mountain HMA Nuisance Wild Burro Gather
- 2021 Black Mountain HMA Burro Gather
- 2020 Black Mountain HMA Burro Gather
- 2019 Bullhead City Burro Gather
- 2019 Black Mountain HMA Nuisance Burro Gather
- 2017 ZonaStat-H PZP fertility Management Pilot Project
- 2017 Black Mountain HMA Nuisance Burro Gather (Private Land)
BLACK MTN CONTRACTS LOCATED
2020 AZ LAKE HAVASU MOHAVE /UH 140L0620F0172 -1 / (07/17/2020-09/30/2020) / OPEN / $48,120.80 / Arizona Big Sandy Hma Bait Trap Gather/3 / 375 Burros- possibly horses too, not sure removed
2019 AZ KINGMAN MOHAVE /CT 140L0619F0107 -2 / (05/29/2019-08/31/2019) / CLOSED / $105,072.50 / 2019 Blk Mtn- 37 Burro removed /Big Sandy Hma Burro Gather –110 Burro removed = $714 PER BURRO /3 /
2017 AZ KINGMAN MOHAVE /CT INL17PD01256 -1 / (09/22/2017-12/23/2017) / OPEN / $66,806.50 / Burro Bait Trapping on Private Land within the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA), Arizona /4 / plan 125 Burro but no gather report
IN THE NEWS:
August 4, 2020 BLM plan to remove 1000 burros from Black Mountain HMA
- 83,000 acres
- AML:72-90
- EST AMU: # ? horses # 0 burros # cattle # sheep
- KINGMAN FIELD OFFICE
Claim: populations stable due to mountain lions
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
- 179,000 acres
- AML: 165 burros and 150 horses
- EST AMU: # 120 horses # ? burros # cattle # sheep
- YUMA FIELD OFFICE
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
2021 Outside Cibola-Trigo HMA Nuisance Gather—Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 231 gathered / 0 returned / 1 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: July 13, 2021 Gather Method: Bait/water
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $130,800.00 140L0620F0334 OPEN
Plan Gathered: 200
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: 1 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing:
Plan: remove 200 nuisance burros that are damaging wildlife refuge and private property and creating a public safety hazard for motorists along roadways
Notes:
Gather Summary
Notes: Death: 1 – Undetermined age, male, light grey. Pre-existing leg issues. Predominant front right leg. Extreme bowing towards left front leg. Other legs showed same issues. Could put light weight, however, leg would bend unnaturally. HBS 2.
July 8: Shipped 66 burros to Florence.
July 9: Shipped 66 burros to Florence.
July 13: Shipped 61 burros to Florence.
July 15: Shipped 36 burros to Florence.
Gather Details:
Gather Report:
2020 Outside Cibola-Trigo HMA Nuisance Gather—Imperial and Cibola National Wildlife Refuges
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 305 gathered / 5 returned / 1 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: September 11-30, 2020 Gather Method: Bait/water
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $130,800.00 140L0620F0334 OPEN
Plan Gathered: 300
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: 1 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes: Death: September 23: 1 female ran in to the panels at the trap site and fractured neck.
Plan:
remove 150 nuisance burros from the Imperial NWR and 150 nuisance burros from the Cibola NWR including adjacent private land outside the Cibola damaging wildlife refuge and private property and creating a public safety hazard for motorists along roadways
Gather reports – summary
Notes: Death: September 23: 1 female ran in to the panels at the trap site and fractured neck.
56 burros on September 16
96 burros on September 17
28 burros on September 24
61 burros on September 29
58 burros on September 30
2020 Outside Cibola-Trigo HMA Nuisance Gather—Yuma Proving Grounds
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 37 horses, 30 burros gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: April 16-Jul 30, 2020 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: SAMPSON, SHAYNE F (april) Contract price: $26,679.00 140L0620F0042 -1 CLOSED
In house (july 30)
Plan Gathered: 40 horses, 35 burros /July 30: (In-house crew) 12 horses (3 males, 9 females)
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: 0 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Plan: remove nuisance 40 horses and 35 burros that are damaging private property and creating a public safety hazard for motorists along roadways from private and YPG land
Notes: Notable Incidents (e.g. separated foals): 1 male foal about a month old was an orphan foal when gathered. Burro was adopted out locally.
Numbers don’t add up
- Contractor is not going to continue to catch remaining animals. In-house crew (July 30) will attempt to gather remaining horses and burros later this summer. Gather reports will resume when gather operations resume.
Gather Details:
Gather Report: – summary
April 20, 2020 12 stud horses to Florence
April 22, 2020 2 stud horses, 4 mares, 1 foal, and 2 burros to Florence
May 6, 2020 21 burros shipped to Florence (15 males, 3 females, 3 foals)
May 13, 2020 5 horses (2 mares 2 studs 1 colt), 6 burros (2 females, 3 jacks 1 foal
July 30, 2020 12 horses 3 males 9 females
CIBOLA-TRIGO REMOVAL LIST
- 2021 Outside Cibola-Trigo HMA Nuisance Gather—Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
- 2020 Outside Cibola-Trigo HMA Nuisance Gather—Imperial and Cibola National Wildlife Refuges
- 2020 Outside Cibola-Trigo HMA Nuisance Gather—Yuma Proving Grounds
CIBOLA – TRIGO CONTRACT RECORDS LOCATED
2021 AZ LAKE HAVASU CITY MOHAVE / CT 140L0621F0213 -1 / (06/29/2021-09/30/2021) / OPEN / $87,170.00 / Arizona Cibola Trigo Herd Management Area (HMA), Bait Trap Gather / 2
2020-21 AZ YUMA /CT 140L0620F0334 / (09/03/2020-11/30/2021) / OPEN / $130,800.00 /Arizona Outside Cibola Trigo Herd Management Area (HMA) Bait Trap Gather /2 / 230 Burro + 305 Burro removed = $244 PER BURRO
2020 AZ YUMA /SS 140L0620F0042 -1 / (03/10/2020-07/31/2020) / CLOSED / $26,679.00 /FY 20 Arizona Outside Cibola-Trigo (HMA) Bait Trap Gather / 3 / 37 horses, 30 burros
2016 AZ PHOENIZ MARICOPA /CT INL16PD00760 -1 / (08/08/2016-11/30/2016) / OPEN / $20,974.00 / Yuma Proving Grounds Outside Cibola-Trigo Herd Management Area Bait Trap, Arizona Zone 3 Adding Funds for one additional horse captured- $974.00./ 3 / if the math is correct, they captured only 20 horse-burro
2015 AZ YUMA /CT INL15PD01081 -1 / (08/18/2015-11/08/2015) / CLOSED / $49,772.20 / Cibola-Trigo Bait Trapping /4
2012 AZ YUMA /CT INL12PD00633 -3 / (05/31/2012-06/22/2012) / CLOSED / $166,819.12 / Gather in the Cibola-Trigo HMA in Arizona /1
2010 AZ YUMA /CT INL10PD03996 -1 / (08/26/2010-10/02/2010) / CLOSED / $49,637.40 / Cibola-Trigo Wild Horse Gather /1
DEEP CREEK WHT
HARQUAHALA HA
coming soon- not sure this is still active WHT/ possibly gone
FY 2018 gather & removals schedule
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
- 450,790 acres
- AML:133-166
- EST 2020: # 0 horses # 178 burros # cattle # sheep
- LAKE HAVASU FIELD OFFICE
Claim: 178 animals, with about half living within the Arizona portion of the HMA
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
2020 Planet Ranch Nuisance Wild Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 138 gathered / 0 returned / 1 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: (05/21/2020-07/31/2020) Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $61,962.00 140L0620F0099 -1 OPEN
Plan Gathered: 120
Animals Shipped: 50
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: 1 Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Plan: 120 nuisance burros from private land within the Havasu Herd Management Area (HMA)
Notes: death: 19-year-old black mare, ran in to a panel.
Notes: INCONSISTENCIES NOTED on gather report: 138 gathered and only 50 shipped / mentions no death but below states death
Gather report
Current as of: June 1, 2020
Animals Gathered:
May 30: 30 burros
May 31: 65 burros
June 1: 26 burros
June 2: 17 burros / 50 burros shipped to Florence (46 females, 4 males)
Total Animals Gathered: 138 Gather complete.
death: 19-year-old black mare, ran in to a panel.
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 53 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Nov 8-20, 2018 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: In House/Colorado River District – Lake Havasu Field Office Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 50
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing for gather: One near Crystal Beach was in the public view, near houses. The other gather area is north of Lake Havasu and in a remote location in the desert.
Plan: emergency gather of 50 wild burros, beginning Nov. 7, to respond to increasing public safety concerns along State Route 95
Notes:
Gather Details:
Gather Report:
HAVASU REMOVAL LIST
HAVASU CONTRACTS LOCATED
2021 AZ LAKE HAVASU CITY MOHAVE /CT 140L0621F0213 -1 / (06/29/2021-09/30/2021) / OPEN / $87,170.00 / Arizona Cibola Trigo Herd Management Area (HMA), Bait Trap Gather / 2
2019-20 AZ LAKE HAVASU CITY MOHAVE /CT 140L0619F0173 -2 / (08/02/2019-09/30/2020) / OPEN / $103,992.00 / Arizona Imperial NWR Nuisance Burro Removal Bait Trap Gather-Increase in per head captured /3
2020 AZ LAKE HAVASU CITY MOHAVE /CT 140L0620F0099 -1 / (05/21/2020-07/31/2020) / OPEN / $61,962.00 / Arizona Planet Ranch Nuisance Burro Bait Trap Gather /2 / 138 Burro removed – $449 PER BURRO
2015 AZ LAKE HAVASU CITY MOHAVE /CT INL15PD01126 -1 / (08/20/2015-09/29/2015) / CLOSED / $40,095.80 / Twin Mills Bait Trap / 4
hEBER WILD HORSE TERRITORY (nov 2021-current) (#HWHT)
Heber – HWHT – BLM archived website 2017- 2021
Located in: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests – FOREST SERVICE LAND / Black Mesa Ranger District (as shown in BLM grazing image) but now says Alpine ranger district on new website and contact info below has been removed.
Alpine Ranger District
PO Box 469
42634 Hwy. 180/191
Alpine, AZ 85920
928-339-5000
Black Mesa Ranger District
PO Box 968
2748 E. AZ 260
Overgaard, AZ 85933
928-535-7300
ACRES: 19,700 acres located in Navajo and Coconino Counties, Arizona, on the Apache – Sitgreaves National Forest in the Black Canyon area. Southwest of the town of Heber, Arizona.
AML: 50-104
EST 2017: 270 – 420
Proposed action jan 2020 2020 eplanning 2018 Eplanning
Energy Conflicts: yes Timber
need info
Grazing allotments: 6 / records as of 2020 #HWHTgrazing
Jan 2021 AZ Heber Wild Horse Territory Proposed AML Determination – cattle grazing, horse #’s since 1974, water sources, and fences
The allotments inside the WHT rotate each year, and some are closed. So I will not add numbers individually. See their yearly allotments below.
The Black Canyon Allotment has 6 pastures which is allowed 300 head cow/calf pairs
Still searching for records on these pastures:
King Phillip, Cattle / Total AUMs – Total Livestock 0
2015 – pasture rested
Sharp Hollow, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
Sterner, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
Gentry, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
Bunger, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
Holding Pasture, Cattle / Total AUMs 0 – Total Livestock 0
None of these allotments in Black Mesa ranger district – Black Canyon are even mentioned in the 2017-2028 Allotment FS Nepa Schedule
but they are noted in:
2021 Black canyon allotment – no record 60 cow/calf
2020 Black canyon allotment – no record
2019 black canyon allotment which states just 65 head in a few pastures
2018 Black canyon allotment – no record
2017 Black canyon allotment – no record
2016 Black canyon allotment which states just 80 head in a few pastures
2015 Black canyon allotment which states just 80 head in a few pastures
2014 Black canyon allotment – dead link
2013 Black canyon allotment which states just 60 head in a few pastures
2012 Black canyon allotment which states just 60 head in a few pastures
The horse territory touches six grazing allotments in Black Canyon, where ranchers have a multi-acre holding pen between two larger allotments (Heber?, and Neslon? or Gentry? or Bunger?). Gates allow ranchers to control the comings and goings of cattle.
2002 Prelude to Catastrophe – over grazing and wildfires – Center for Biological Diversity
(Black Canyon allotment pg9,14,17)17, 317 acres. An Environmental Assessment (EA)6 in 1998 reported “overstocking and overutilization of vegetation” by cows. Range was in “poor and very
poor” condition due to “[h]igh tree densities, overuse of desirable forage”. The EA
identified a need to “provide residual herbaceous material that both inhibits tree seedling
establishment and that carries periodic fire which can thin and remove increased density
of trees,” and recommends cutting from 213 head down to 60.
I was unable to locate: “U.S.D.A. Forest Service. 1998. Environmental assessment for the Black Canyon and Wildcat allotments. Chevelon/Heber Ranger Districts, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest” as cited in the report (#16).
Lawsuits
Feb 2021 Center for Biodiversity v USFS & Spur Ranch Cattle Company Case No. CV-20-00020-TUC-DCB – archive
20-020 – Center for Biological Diversity v. United States Forest Service et al
Upper Gila Stipulated Settlement Agreement (47-1) Case No. CV-20-00020-TUC-DCB – accepted Stipulated Settlement Agreement – ordered Aug 28, 2021
Upper Gila Stipulated Settlement Agreement (47-2) Case No. CV-20-00020-TUC-DCB – accepted grazing allotments (same as proposed)
Upper Gila Stipulated Settlement Agreement (47-3) Case No. CV-20-00020-TUC-DCB – accepted attachment 2 -Description of the excluded and/or closed riparian areas in the Gila National Forest grazing allotments
Upper Gila Stipulated Settlement Agreement (47-4) Case No. CV-20-00020-TUC-DCB – accepted ORDER APPROVING STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND DISMISSING CASE 8/18/21
What’s Happening with the Heber Wild Horse Territory Planning Process? – Forest Service
What’s Happening with the Heber Wild Horse Territory Planning Process?
The Forest Service has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) and draft territory management plan (TMP) for the Heber Wild Horse Territory Management Plan Project.
An official comment period was held (March 23-April 22 2021). Public comments that were received during this official comment period are being considered and addressed as appropriate. No further official public comment periods will be offered for this project.
The EA, FONSI and draft decision notice are subject to the predecisional administrative review process (objection process) pursuant to 36 CFR 218, subparts A and B. Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted substantive written comments regarding during an official comment period for this project in accordance with 36 CFR 218.25(a)(3). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted, timely, specifically written comments regarding this proposed project unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities.
A draft decision notice and finding of no significant impacts (FONSI) will be prepared and circulated. If any changes to the draft EA are warranted, a final version will be prepared and provided with the draft decision notice. We are anticipating having this ready in late Fall 2021. We will notify those that previously commented of their opportunity to object when the FONSI and draft decision notice are prepared.
Following the objection period, a final decision notice will be issued. The Final Territory Management Plan will be issued concurrently based on that final decision.
Purpose and Need for the Project
The Heber Wild Horse Territory is located in Navajo and Coconino Counties in the Black Canyon area, southwest of the town of Heber, Arizona. The purpose of this project is to develop a territory management plan for wild horse management actions within the Heber Wild Horse Territory, consistent with laws, regulations, and the Forest Plan.
The Heber Wild Horse Territory does not currently have an approved Territory Management Plan (TMP). A TMP with an appropriate management level is required by law and Forest Plan. The purpose of the project is to develop and implement a territory management plan for the Heber Wild Horse Territory.
We conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the appropriate management level for the wild horse herd. That analysis is detailed in the Proposed Appropriate Management Level Determination available in the online project plan. In this analysis, we determined an appropriate management level of 50 to 104 horses would maintain a self-sustaining population of healthy horses within the designated territory, in a thriving natural ecological balance with other uses and the productive capacity of their habitat.
Our analysis has identified that 104 horses is the upper limit of horses which results in a thriving natural ecological balance and avoids deterioration of the range. Thus, any exceedance of that number has the potential to disrupt that balance and lead to deterioration of the range. In 2017, the most recent census flight, the estimated horse population was 270 to 420. The annual growth rate for the herd is estimated to be about twenty percent. At this rate, the estimated population could be nearly ten times higher than the proposed upper limit by 2022.
Population management actions are needed to maintain a healthy horse herd while also maintaining a thriving natural ecological balance. Without management, the wild horse population would continue to grow unchecked with potential adverse impacts to the population and its surrounding habitat.
Proposed Action
Proposed actions are analyzed in the EA and have been incorporated into a Draft Territory Management Plan (TMP). The TMP also includes specifics for implementing the proposed action including standard operating procedures and an annual operating plan.
The Draft Territory Management Plan will be finalized based on which actions are authorized in the final decision notice for this project. Once authorized, the Territory Management Plan can be implemented immediately.
The proposed action proposes the following:
- Establishes the appropriate management level of 50-104 horses to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance
- Establishes Population Control Techniques
- Identifies criteria to be considered when determining whether excess wild horses are present and require removal.
- Describes methods to be used to gather and remove excess wild horses.
- Describes fertility reduction methods that may be implemented to slow herd growth rates and reduce the number of excess animals which must be removed over time.
- Establishes an adaptive management strategy which identifies potential management actions based on monitoring results
- Identifies monitoring to be used and identifies thresholds for determining when management actions may be necessary
- Identifies potential management actions that may be implemented based on monitoring results
- Identifies design criteria to be used for resource protection measures
Heber Wild Horse Territory: Frequently Asked Questions – archive dec 2021
IN THE NEWS – HEBER
mar 26 22 65 Feral cattle shot from helicopter in NM to anger advocates who make waves. This is related to the endangered mouse, ‘the claimed reason for horse removal’
mar 25 22 Horses removed for livestock, not endangered mouse – WHOA
mar 18 22 Controversy Behind Removing the Feral Horses From Arizona’s National Forest
oct 30 21 Forest Service plans to cull HEBER – Arizona wild horse herd from 400 to 100 – The horse territory touches six grazing allotments in Black Canyon, where ranchers have a multi-acre holding pen between two larger allotments.
Dec 2021 FS Horse Incidents & Investigations in murders in Black Mesa Ranger District
Apr 2021 USFS plans to decimate the Heber Wild Horses
Jul 26 05 UNAUTHORIZED LIVESTOCK TO BE REMOVED from Pleasant Valley grazing allotment
2022: Future roundup plan is March
Animals: 0 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 300 + Animals Gathered:
Facility: Max capacity: Public Access:
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing:
Plan:
Notes:
HEBER WHT CONTRACT LOCATED – removal
future roundup coming soon
- 103,000 acres
- AML:166-208
- EST AMU: # 0 horses # ? burros # cattle # sheep
- HASSAYAMPA FIELD OFFICE
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
2021 Outside Lake Pleasant HMA Nuisance Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 26 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: July 8, 2021 Gather Method: bait
Contractor: In house Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 12-15
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Plan: emergency gather of 12-15 wild burros
Notes: No gather report listed. As common with BLM, they usually take more they planned so likely this is more than 20
2017 Lake Pleasant HMA Burro Study Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: 72+68+65+61= gathered / 65+65+65+59= returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / ? collared
Date of gather: May 4-5, 2017 / Apr 14 & 16, 2017 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: In house Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 100
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Max capacity: Public Access:
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes: 12 burros not accounted for and no mention of shipping to facility, or release, NO veterinary report. See notes in gather summary
Plan:
Plan: BLM began bait trapping burros in January 2017 to support research aimed at improving Lake Pleasant herd management. Bait trapping will continue until 100 wild burros are freeze marked and 55 jennies (female burros) are radio collared. Freeze marking allows identification of study burros from a safe distance in the field while radio collars provide movement information remotely. All marked and collared burros will be returned to the areas from which they were gathered.
Details of Gather:
Details of Gather:
The BLM Phoenix District/Hassayampa Field Office began bait trapping burros in January 2017 to support research aimed at improving Lake Pleasant herd management. Bait trapping will continue until 100 wild burros are freeze marked and 55 jennies (female burros) are radio collared. Freeze marking allows identification of study burros from a safe distance in the field while radio collars provide movement information remotely. All marked and collared burros will be returned to the areas from which they were gathered.
These multi-year studies are being conducted by the United States Geological Survey and Arizona Game & Fish Department with results expected in 3 to 5 years. Information gained will improve our understanding of wild burro movement and demography (e.g. birth rate, natural mortality rate, herd health, etc.) in and around the LPHMA. The study will also test new aerial survey methods that have the potential to increase the accuracy of population estimates.
Additionally, there is a need to reduce the number of collisions between burros and vehicles in the vicinity of the LPHMA. At least 34 burro-vehicle collisions have occurred over the past two years, which represents a growing risk to public safety and animal welfare as burro populations are expected to increase resulting in range expansion and increased overlap with urban areas. Information from these studies will assist BLM and its partners in efforts to improve public safety, by reducing burro/vehicle collisions locally, while developing tools that will improve burro management across the west.
Public Observation:
Bait/water trap gathers are not conducive to capture site viewing opportunities.
Adoption Information:
The gathered burros will be returned to the range.
Gather Summary
Gather Summary
Date: May 5, 2017
Animals Gathered : 4 (3 Jennies, 1 Foal) / HBC 5
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total : 72 (21 jacks, 34 jennies, 17 foals)
Total Released Cumulative : 65
What happened to the other seven? No mention of release
Date: May 4, 2017
Animals Gathered: 3 Jennies / HBC 5
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 68 (21 jacks, 31 jennies, 16 foals)
Date: April 16, 2017
Animals Gathered : 4 (1 Jack, 3 Jennies) / HBC 5
6 burros were marked and released to the areas where they were gathered
Total Jennies Collared today: 4
Total Jennies Collared Cumulative: 19
when were these animals collared? nothing mentioned prior to april 14
Total Released Today (#): 6
Total Released Cumulative (#): 65
Date: April 14, 2017
Animals Gathered Today (#): 2 (1 Jack, 1 Jenny) / HBC 5
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 61 (20 jacks, 25 jennies, 16 foals)
Total Released Cumulative (#): 59
When were the 59 gathered? Did they start the roundup earlier than the 14th?
GATHER REPORT – BLM LONG VERSION- plenty of redundancy
Date: May 5, 2017
State: Arizona
District/Field Office: Phoenix District/ Hassayampa Field Office
Gather Name: Lake Pleasant USGS/AZGF Burro Research Gather
Contractor: n/a In House
Gather Method: Bait trap
Planned Gathered (#): 100
Planned Removed (#): 0
Animals Gathered Today (#): 4 (3 Jennies, 1 Foal)
Drive Trapped (#): 0
Roped (#): 0
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 72 (21 jacks, 34 jennies, 17 foals)
Drive Trapped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Roped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Henneke Body Condition Score of Animals Gathered Today: 5
Total Deaths Today (#): 0
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#): 0
Total Deaths Cumulative (#):
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#):
List animal’s age, color, gender and cause(s) of death: n/a
Facility Destination: Temporary satellite prep site
Total Shipped Today: 0
Total Shipped Cumulative: 0
Total Released Today (#): 0
Total Released Cumulative (#): 65
Total Mares Treated (w/PZP-22) Today (#): 0
Total Mares Treated Cumulative (#): 0
Number of Public/Media/Observer (include names): none
Security-Related Issues and BLM Response: none
Notable Incidents (e.g. hotshot use, separated foals, etc.): none
Date: May 4, 2017
State: Arizona
District/Field Office: Phoenix District/ Hassayampa Field Office
Gather Name: Lake Pleasant USGS/AZGF Burro Research Gather
Contractor: In House
Gather Method: Bait trap
Planned Gathered (#): 100
Planned Removed (#): 0
Animals Gathered Today (#): 3 Jennies
Drive Trapped (#): 0
Roped (#): 0
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 68 (21 jacks, 31 jennies, 16 foals)
Drive Trapped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Roped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Henneke Body Condition Score of Animals Gathered Today: 5
Total Deaths Today (#): 0
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#): 0
Total Deaths Cumulative (#):
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#):
List animal’s age, color, gender and cause(s) of death: n/a
Facility Destination: Temporary satellite prep site
Total Shipped Today: 0
Total Shipped Cumulative: 0
Total Released Today (#): 0
Total Released Cumulative (#): 65
Total Mares Treated (w/PZP-22) Today (#): 0
Total Mares Treated Cumulative (#): 0
Number of Public/Media/Observer (include names): none
Security-Related Issues and BLM Response: none
Notable Incidents (e.g. hotshot use, separated foals, etc.): none
Date: April 16, 2017
State: Arizona
District/Field Office: Phoenix District/ Hassayampa Field Office
Gather Name: Lake Pleasant USGS/AZGF Burro Research Gather
Contractor: n/a (In House)
Gather Method: Bait trap
Planned Gathered (#): 100
Planned Removed (#): 0
Animals Gathered Today (#): 4 (1 Jack, 3 Jennies)
Drive Trapped (#): 0
Roped (#): 0
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 65 (21 jacks, 28 jennies, 16 foals)
Drive Trapped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Roped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Henneke Body Condition Score of Animals Gathered Today: 5
Total Deaths Today (#): 0
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#): 0
Total Deaths Cumulative (#):
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#):
List animal’s age, color, gender and cause(s) of death: n/a
Facility Destination: n/a
6 burros were marked and released to the areas where they were gathered
Total Jennies Collared today: 4
Total Jennies Collared Cumulative: 19
Total Released Today (#): 6
Total Released Cumulative (#): 65
Number of Public/Media/Observer (include names): none
Security-Related Issues and BLM Response: none
Notable Incidents (e.g. hotshot use, separated foals, etc.): none
Date: April 14, 2017
State: Arizona
District/Field Office: Phoenix District/ Hassayampa Field Office
Gather Name: Lake Pleasant USGS/AZGF Burro Research Gather
Contractor: n/a In House
Gather Method: Bait trap
Planned Gathered (#): 100
Planned Removed (#): 0
Animals Gathered Today (#): 2 (1 Jack, 1 Jenny)
Drive Trapped (#): 0
Roped (#): 0
Animals Gathered Cumulative Total (#): 61 (20 jacks, 25 jennies, 16 foals)
Drive Trapped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Roped Cumulative Total (#): 0
Henneke Body Condition Score of Animals Gathered Today: 5
Total Deaths Today (#): 0
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#): 0
Total Deaths Cumulative (#):
Acute (#): 0
Chronic/Pre-existing (#):
List animal’s age, color, gender and cause(s) of death: n/a
Facility Destination: Temporary on site holding
Total Shipped Today: 0
Total Shipped Cumulative:
Total Released Today (#): 0
Total Released Cumulative (#): 59
Number of Public/Media/Observer (include names): none
Security-Related Issues and BLM Response: none
Notable Incidents (e.g. hotshot use, separated foals, etc.): none
2017 Lake Pleasant HMA Morristown Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: ? gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Progress as of October 27, 2017 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: In house Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 50
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Gather Report: none
Notes: No gather report, No record of # burros gathered
Plan:
Removal of nuisance burros posing a high level of risk to private residence and motorists. approximately 50 nuisance burros from private land beginning September 19, 2017. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received wild burro removal requests from Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Peoria Police Department (PPD), Phoenix Police Department (PHPD), Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department (MCSO), and private land owners for human health and safety along major roadways including HWY 74 and North Castle Hot Springs Road. Wild burros pose a significant hazard to passing motorists with 12 traffic incidences recorded along HWY 74 since 2013. The burros have also been utilizing forage and water allocated for livestock use on private lands west of the LPHMA contributing to the disturbance of livestock operations in the area.
2017 Lake Pleasant HMA Dove Valley Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Animals: ? gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Progress as of October 27, 2017 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: In house Contract price: $ ?
Plan Gathered: 25
Animals Shipped: ?
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Notes: No gather report, No record of # burros gathered
PLAN:
2017 LAKE PLEASANT HMA DOVE VALLEY HUMAN HEALTH & SAFETY WILD BURRO GATHER
Progress as of October 27, 2017
Purpose of Gather:
Removal of nuisance burros posing a high level of risk to private residence and motorists.
Details of Gather:
BLM will be removing approximately 25 nuisance burros from private land beginning November 1st, 2017. The gather will be done with bait trapping conducted by BLM.
Public Observation:
Because of the nature of bait trap gathers, there will be no public observation.
Adoption Information:
Gathered burros will be transported to the WH&B Florence Prison Training Facility in Florence, Arizona where they will be prepared for public adoption. For information on how to adopt a wild burro, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro
Background:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received wild burro removal requests from private land owners for human health and safety. Burros are traveling on to private lands from State lands and causing damage to landscaping and utilizing forage and water allocated for private livestock use on private lands within the Dove Valley neighborhood. The burros are within an area identified by several state agencies, such as Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Peoria Police Department (PPD), Phoenix Police Department (PHPD), and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department (MCSO) that are near dense densely populated neighborhoods with major, highly trafficked roadways posing a significant hazard to residents and motorists. The burros have also been southwest of the LPHMA contributing to the disturbance of livestock operations in the area.
LAKE PLEASANT REMOVAL LIST
- 2021 Outside Lake Pleasant HMA Nuisance Burro Gather
- 2018 Ben Avery Range Emergency Gather
- 2017 Lake Pleasant HMA Burro Study Burro Gather
- 2017 Lake Pleasant HMA Morristown Burro Gather
- 2017 Lake Pleasant HMA Dove Valley Burro Gather
LAKE PLEASANT CONTRACTS
2017-22 AZ LAKE HAVASU, MOHAVE / 140L0621F0262 -1 / (09/11/2017-07/31/2022) / open / $156,216.00 / SUPP /Arizona Lake Havasu Bait Trap Gather
2018 AZ PHOENIX MARICOPA / 140L0618F0112 -1 / (08/09/2018-09/30/2018) / CLOSED, NO MOD # / $27,733.00 / Modification to add additional quantities and funding for Lake Pleasant HMA Arizona Wild Burro Bait Trap Gather / 2
Little Harquahala HA
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
LITTLE HARQUAHALA CONTRACTS
2018 AZ LAKE HAVASU, MOHAVE / 140L0618F0098 -1 / (06/07/2018-10/30/2018) / CLOSED / $54,167.80 / Bait Trap FY18 Little Harquahala Herd Management Area Wenden, AZ / sol 618F0098 / 1 / how many removed ?
2018 AZ LAKE HAVASU, MOHAVE / 140L0618F0111-1 / (06/26/2018-07/31/2018) / CLOSED / $48,120.80 / Additional Quantities (75) Bait Trap Burro Gather Little Harquahala Herd Management Area, Wenden, AZ/1
This horse herd is not in included as an HMA or HA but is the focus of a future roundup
Location: Land ownership consists of Tonto National Forest, Fort
McDowell Yavapai Nation, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Acre:
EST AMU: ? # ? horses # 0 burros # ? cattle # ? sheep
Salt River Wild Horses – Exposing the truth
Salt River Wild Horse Management Group AZDA Salt River Horse Herd
ABOUT – Salt River Herd MAP / DOCUMENTS
dec 28 17 AGREEMENT – salt river – Attorney General KR-2017-0901
- Arizona Revised Statute 3-1491 and 1492
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Forage Assessment for Lower Salt River Horse Recreation Area, Maricopia County, Arizona
- House Bill 2340
- Lower Salt River Horse Survey Report
- Horses Test Positive for Strangles
- Salt River Horses Collaborative Final Documents
The Salt River herd was eliminated early on from the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act, because the local officials listed them as “Reservation horses.” Other locals always disputed this. In recent times, the Salt River horses came to national attention wen the news came out that the horses were to be eliminated. Says a spokesperson for the Salt River Management Group: “These wild horses were brought into the limelight during the epic battle for their protection; the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group rounded up large herds of people who gave them a voice; we stampeded congress and we worked toward positive solutions with Federal and State governments. It worked; while almost gone forever, today the Salt River wild horses are protected pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 3-1491 (aka the Salt River Horse Act) We are currently under contract to manage this herd humanely under the AZ Department of Agriculture (AZDA).”
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
IN THE NEWS – Salt River
no longer a registered HMA- all animals removed
- 101,816 acres of remote and rugged Mojave Desert landscape.
- AML: 0 – set at zero for both the BLM and NPS portions of the HMA
- EST 2020: 0 # 0 horses # 0 burros # 119 cattle # 0 sheep
- ARIZONA STRIP DISTRICT OFFICE
Grazing allotments: ? / records as of 2020
Cattle grazing allotment is either BLM AZ04836? allows aum 1,235 or USFS allotment
2019 Seven Springs Ranch Wild Burro Gather
Livestock Conflicts: Energy Conflicts:
Original herd size 40
Animals: 40 gathered / 0 returned / 0 deaths / 0 fertility / 0 collared
Date of gather: Aug 5- Sep 30, 2019 Gather Method: Bait
Contractor: CATTOOR LIVESTOCK Contract price: $39,160.00 140L0619F0178 -1 CLOSED
Plan Gathered: ALL of them
Animals Shipped:
Facility: Florence facility Max capacity: 1000 Facility Public: NO
Dead Animals: ? Shipped: ? Buried: ?
Public viewing: NO
Plan: purpose of this gather is to remove 40 burros that are damaging private property and springs within the Tassi-Gold Butte HMA
Notes: No gather report, No record of # burros gathered
TASSE-GOLD BUTTE REMOVAL LIST
TASSI-GOLD BUTTE CONTRACTS
2019 UT-AZ SAINT GEORGE WASHINGTON /CT 140L0619F0178 -1 / (08/02/2019-09/30/2019) / CLOSED / $39,160.00 / Arizona Tassi-Gold Butte Herd Management Area (HMA) Bait Trap Removal /1 / ALL – 40 burro removed = $979 PER BURRO
Other Arizona
OTHER AREA CONTRACTS LOCATED
2012 AZ YUMA /CT INL12PD00662 -1 / (06/01/2012-09/16/2012) / CLOSED / $20,662.50 / Palo Verde Burro Gather / 1
This ARIZONA – HMA project will include gatherable information from a multitude of verified sources and combine it all together for a complete access point for wild horses of this state. It will show you FACTS and links to BLM, ROUNDUPS, MEDIA, ADVOCATES (on the ground), SANCTUARIES, NON PROFITS, YEARLY HISTORY, STATISTICS, RECORDS OF ABUSE, RESEARCH, POLITICS, CATTLE INDUSTRY, and any other important data for complete oversight in relation to the BLM’s activity related to the Herd Management Area’s of this nation’s wild horse herds.
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