For Release: November 3, 2006
Contact: Tom Pogacnik (916) 978-4637 Stephen Razo (951) 697-5217
CA CDD-07-05

BLM Plans Public Meeting On Wild Horse and Burro Gather Plans

Use of helicopters and motor vehicles for gathering wild horses and burros from public lands will be discussed during a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public meeting.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 6, at the BLM Needles Field Office, 1303 South Highway 95, Needles, CA. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm.

BLM Wild Horse and Burro specialists will explain the BLM's gather plans for the lands managed by BLM in the California desert. The specialists will also explain how helicopters and vehicles are used throughout the process.

BLM manages wild horses and burros on public lands and periodically gathers animals to keep populations in balance with range resources and other rangeland users. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 provides the agency authority to use helicopters and motor vehicles in herd management and also directs that public hearings be held when such activity is to take place.

Written and verbal comments will be accepted. Written comments can be mailed or faxed to the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 South Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA, 760-384-5400, (fax) 760-384-5499. The public hearing will provide the opportunity for verbal comments.

For more information on the hearing or wild horse and burro management, contact the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office at 760-384-5400.