The BLM periodically gathers and removes wild horses and burros from public lands to maintain populations in balance with other range users including wildlife and permitted livestock, and to ensure that rangeland forage and water sources are not over-used.
Wild horses and burros are protected on BLM and Forest Service lands under the 1971 Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which requires population management and control. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 gives the BLM authority to use aircraft and motor vehicles in this work, and requires public meetings prior to such use. For more information, contact BLM Public Affairs Officer, Jeff Fontana at 530.252.5332.