I am announcing my consideration to the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. As such, I need letters of recommendation, which are considered nominations, from my constituents (friends) to be considered. Letters of nominations/recommendations should be sent to my email address mrussellnaturalist@gmail.com Applications must be submitted by February 10, 2017. I have listed below my ideals (goals) on how Wild Horses and Burros should be properly managed below.
Sundance-BLM Mustang
Santiago-BLM Mustang
Platform:
First, I bring 30 years of horse experience to the Board, which includes both domestic and wild horse experience. I currently own two mustangs, Santiago and Sundance and three domestic horses. My education background is Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Wyoming, 1981. Even back then it was highly debated on how to manage mustangs in the Red Desert area of Wyoming. My education background brings to the board expertise on habitat management for all species of wildlife.
Second, I feel two herds, the Sulphur and the Kiger, must be managed differently than all other wild horse management areas, because these two herds represent the closest resemblance to the Spanish Mustang or what the Spanish Conquistadors originally brought to North America. This has been supported by DNA testing of these herds.
Third, I do not believe in predator control. Predators are very important aspect of the ecosystem. It has proven time and time again, that a healthy predator population, a healthier ecosystem, particularly in regards to vegetation and/or habitat. The only exception to the rule, if a known individual predator is continually killing livestock.
Fourth, where endangered or threatened species are present, all livestock should be removed, to promote preservation of that individual species, whether it is fauna or flora.
Fifth, sterilization of wild horses is controversial to say the least. Particularly, on how it is done, by vaccine or by chemically spraying horses. My concern, by either method, is once the horse is released to the wild again and perishes at some point, is the body toxic? Meaning, if a Condor or for that matter any other species would feed off the carcass, would they then in turn become sterile or perish because of toxicity? Solving one problem and then creating another problem is not the solution.
Finally, I do not believe in the slaughter of wild horses and burros as the solution.
Matt
mrussellnaturalist@gmail.com
Matthew Russell Naturalist 