National forest management of wild horses and burros: Current position and policy

Abstract

The Forest Service has responsibility for management of wild horses and burros on National Forest lands. Authority for this responsibility is stated in The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 1971, as amended by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), and the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (PRIA). Other acts important in the management, protection and control of wild free-roaming horses and burros are the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the Resource Planning Act as amended by the National Forest Management Act. The objective of the Forest Service (FS) is to maintain wild free-roaming horse and burro populations in a thriving eco-logical balance in the areas they inhabit on National Forests (wild horse and burro territories). Wild horse and burro territories are administered by the Forest Service in cooperation with affected and interested individuals, organizations and agencies. Activities are closely coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) to reflect similar management objectives. There is a National memorandum of understanding between the FS and BLM which states agreement to coordinate efforts in carrying out the Adopt-A-Horse Program and the Research Study Program as required by PRIA. This agreement was updated in July, 1986. The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture are authorized and directed by the Act to appoint a joint advisory board to advise them on any matter relating to wild freeroaming horses and burros and their management and protection. An advisory board has been established which consists of nine members representing a cross section of interest groups. The Act also directs the Secretaries to submit a joint report to Congress every 24 months on the administration of