We write this letter in response to a letter to the editor written by Dan O'Connor printed in the Jan. 8-14, 2015 edition of the Lovelock Review-Miner regarding the feral (wild) horse issue. There are a number of facts that seem to get lost in the controversy over these animals.
First and foremost "mustangs" aren't an indigenous species to the United States much less the western states. They are feral animals that were introduced originally by Spanish explorers.
All grazing lands, be they irrigated pasture or high desert range land have a limited carrying capacity. These lands can support only a limited number of grazing animals for a specific period of time. If either the number of animals or the grazing period are exceeded, the land will be damaged and its capacity will be reduced.
Most grazing animals using our public lands are controlled. The Dept. of Wildlife establishes hunting seasons and tag numbers to stabilize wildlife numbers. Domestic livestock numbers and grazing periods are established by the Bureau of Land Mangement. With the passage of the Wild Horse and Burro Act in 1971, our federal land managers were required to establish management areas and population number for the horses and burros. They have failed to maintain these numbers for a variety of reasons, a major one being constant interference from hysterical horse advocates.
Multiple use should be the goal in managing our public lands. Hunting, grazing, mining, and logging are included in these uses along with numerous other recreational activities. Grazing and logging are uses of renewable natural resourses which pay fees and generate income for local communities and goverments. When any one use is in excess, it not only damages the environment but also reduces the other uses of the resource. At present, horse numbers are beyond excess and all other uses are in jeopardy.
The answer to this problem lies in reducing the horse population to the prescribed numbers in the prescribed locations. This will result in a healthy sustainable horse population and vigorous range land that can support all multiple uses.
Mike and Mikie Gottschalk
Joe and Connie Gottschalk
Kirsten Hertz[[In-content Ad]]
