Open Letter to BLM, Egan NV Field Office re: Proposed Pancake HMA Roundup

----- Original Message -----

From: Arla M. Ruggles

To: PancakeComplex@blm.gov

Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2011 6:19 AM

Subject: Pancake Complex Gather

BLM Ely District Office

HC 33 Box 33500

Ely, NV 89301

Attn: Gary W. Medlyn, Egan Field Manager

Dear Mr. Medlyn, et al;


 

I am a native and third-generation resident of rural White Pine County, Nevada. I am descended from ranchers, miners, and the original "mustangers". My family includes hunters and outdoorsmen - all of whom consider our freedom to enjoy access to public lands as bordering on the sacred. As a nature photographer, my life and livelihood are vested in the land of my forefathers. Wild horses are an integral part of my pioneer heritage.

I have followed various bands of wild horses continuously over the past decade. Initially, I believed all that I had been told about wild horse and burro management. I accepted the "fact" that it was necessary to gather mustangs periodically for their own welfare, as well as for the health of the range. I did - and still do - appreciate the concerns of stockmen endeavoring to make an honest living on the land. (Not to be confused with those making their fortune from government-sponsored subsidies.)

 

 

Over the course of long-term observation, I began to notice that at least some of what I had believed about mustangs was not accurate. After several years, I came to know that there was a great deal of misinformation about wild horses, and their natural habitat in the high desert terrain of central eastern Nevada.

Reluctantly, I decided to observe a BLM "gather". My first experience was at Conger, Utah. This was an "in-house" all-BLM operation. What I witnessed was a well-organized, orderly operation. I went home believing that the helicopter-driven roundup process was marginally humane. 

During the winter of 2010-11, I had the opportunity to observe at Nevada's Antelope Complex, and this past summer, in Triple B HMA's.  These gathers completely and permanently altered my perception of standard helicopter round-ups. 

Again and again, I watched as Sun J pilot, Josh Helyer, flaunted his obvious contempt for the horses he was charged with shepherding into captivity. I observed (and photographed) this pilot over-driving and over-running horses and foals. I saw young foals driven many miles over extremely rugged terrain. I saw very old, non-reproducing horses driven to the breaking point. I saw family bands deliberately scattered. I witnessed close encounters in violation of BLM guidelines, and the laws of the State of Nevada. (These photos are available for your review, upon request.)  I know of at least two domestic horses that died as a direct result of Mr. Helyer's radical style, in Steptoe Valley.

No other animal - wild or domestic - is herded by helicopter.  The standard horse racetrack is one-quarter mile, and only horses over the age of two years are permitted to participate in these races. There are reasons for that, based upon well-founded knowledge of equine anatomy.

 

Furthermore, I have been utterly dismayed by the blatant misrepresentation of true conditions of the range.  For example, visiting advocates at the Butte Valley operation in August, were told that BLM had been hauling water into the area for four months.  2011 has been one of the wettest years on record. I am continually out on this range, and have documented the abundance of water throughout the year, and in years past. If someone is being paid to deliver water here, there is flagrant misappropriation of funds. Nowhere in this region have I seen ANY need for supplemental water, as perennial water sources have remained at optimum levels throughout the summer. Neither is there any shortage of forage; and there has not been, since the drought ended, years ago.

 

 

I have been shocked and appalled to learn that this district plans to geld and release 200 stallions in the Pancakes HMA.  An identical proposal was scrapped in Wyoming this past summer because it was proven to be without any merit, whatsoever.  Gelding is the most preposterous excuse for "population control" ever devised. Whomever came up with this scheme clearly has no knowledge of wild horse social structure, or natural selection. Gelding will have NO EFFECT on population growth. 

 

 

Releasing 200 non-reproducing males will create tremendous confusion in herd counts.  Implementation of this sadistic and pointless EXPERIMENT would reflect negatively on the state of Nevada. There is no plan in place to accurately monitor the "success" of this EXPERIMENT.

 

 

I deeply object to the rationalization that horse trails are detrimental to the "wilderness experience". Gentlemen!  Mustangs are an integral part of the wilderness experience. Visitors to our state are, in my opinion, as interested in seeing wild horses, as any other wildlife. It seems to me that Nevada has the last remaining truly wild horse population, as herds in other states have become socialized, and accustomed to public contact. Our wild ones can be an economic boon to tourism, given half a chance.

Existing Wild Horse and Burro Programs are in desperate need of reform! 

 

 

I support the development of volunteer programs that enlist the input of public observers in documentation of herds and range conditions. Put my name at the top of that list! When real hands-on management of herds at the local level is implemented, large-scale removal will not be necessary. The technology exists to monitor and control wild horse populations without massive roundups.

 

 

We need to: 

• Stop stockpiling non-adoptable horses in exorbitantly expensive long-term holding facilities at the burden of taxpayers.
• End cruel and inhumane helicopter roundups. There are better methods available.
• Implement programs that utilize public observation and regional knowledge of wild horses, and the range they inhabit.
• Foster public awareness in support of healthy herds based on TRUE and accurate information.

(2011.JUL.20) Day One - Triple B Gather

(2011.JUL.20)

In our role as advocates for better treatment of our wild herds, it often seems like only the mistakes and abuses are talked about. The worst aspects of wild horse management operations do need to be brought to light, AND we should be just as quick to recognize improvements as they occur. 

Today, it must be said that Sun J and BLM did an excellent job in all aspects of their gather operations, and every part of the process was carried out with professionalism and skill.

Sun J pilot, Josh Hellyer, showed marked improvement from his earlier
performances at the Antelope Complex gather, early this past winter.

Throughout the day, Josh held back from the running herds, and at one point, even fell back and allowed them to rest and regroup before continuing into the jute enclosure.

None of the horses entering the trap appeared unduly stressed, and no lather appeared.



We noticed that most of the overhead railings were padded. Our BLM rep explained that the padding had been suggested as a way to reduce neck and head injuries, this small improvement has been incorporated into the standard setup. (One example of how speaking quietly gets better results than screaming epithets.) 

Padded overhead rails are known to reduce injuries significantly.



 A few of the railings were missing pads, and this was also pointed out to the rep.

Situated in a gravel pit, the gravel mounds provided an excellent point of vantage for wranglers.

Today's trap set-up was unique, inthat the trap and sorting corrals were directly connected to short term holding pens. This eliminates one in a series of loading and unloading, as the horses will be taken directly to their destination in Gunnison, UT.  This not only reduces stress on the horses, it is economically advantageous.

The pens were well supplied with fresh water and hay. A water truck from BLM Fire filled troughs, and then encircled the pens with a swath of cooling spray to quell the dust. We noticed that the animals seemed undisturbed by the large truck driving around the pens, while workers on foot were frightening to them. Given that this is a mining area, the horses are used to heavy vehicles rolling through their habitat.



The sorting process was carried out quickly and efficiently, and each group of animals settled down quickly after sorting.

The four-wave gather brought in eight stallions, eight dry mares, two mares with foals, and two heavily pregnant mares, for a total of twenty-two. At the end of the day's gather operations, we were invited to approach the holding pens.  All animals were in very good condition, and no series injuries were observed.

It is gratifying to note that cooperative efforts between advocates and BLM have brought about some improvements in the roundup process. We can be grateful for the horses' sakes. Such progress in dialogue bodes well for continuing efforts to achieve a healthy equine environment, and an end to mass removals of horses from their native ranges.

This is no time to relax our efforts toward achieving transparency  in all phases of wild horse management.

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(2011.MAY.22) - Siegel Creek Band

Siegel Creek, far up in the High Schells Wilderness, is inaccessible throughout most of the year.  Today, we were able to cross numerous water-gorged wash-outs, with the use of a high suspension 4-wheel drive vehicle.  The way is steep, and the road is deeply washed in several places.

(Not recommended to the inexperienced rough terrain driver.)

High precipitation and melting snow have produced a lush and verdant landscape, resplendent with new wildflowers. Forage is extremely plentiful, and the deciduous trees and shrubs are just beginning to show buds. Evidence of large game is abundant, though we saw only tracks and scat, as the animals have probably heard us coming slowly along the muddy trail, and taken cover.  Along our two-hour tour we encountered rain, snow, sleet, hail, and finally, a few rays of sunshine as we descended back into the canyon .



Survivors of January's Antelope Complex roundup are safe in their

high country home in the Schell Creek Mountains. 



Two known bands of wild horses in this isolated range are yet unaccounted for. That does not mean they are gone forever; most of the mountain remains inaccessible at this time, and stormy weather has likely driven most wildlife into the shelter of  mahogany thickets and aspen groves.

Archive Photo: Bachelor Stallions of Siegel Creek (2010.AUG.22)

Come! Ride along with me on a journey that is sure to impact your perception of horses in the wild!

PhotoRover@GreatBasinLife.com



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2011.MAY.04 - Long Valley, Nevada

(2011.MAY.04)

The weather is warm and clear (high 60's); roads are dry and extremely dusty in some places.
The desert floor is beginning to dry, but vegetation is plentiful in the high elevations, and stock tanks are a common sight in Long Valley. Cattle graze in small herds throughout the broad valley.



Magnificent Seven  --- Ruby Mountains in the distance.
The light area at the base of the mountain is non-operating
Philips Petroleum Yankee Mine. Several wells and tanks in the valley
were placed there by mining companies for
 the benefit of both domestic animals and wildlife.



Long Valley Canyon Road

Numbers on the map represent horses actually seen, and it must be understood that these are only a small percentage of actual numbers. When the weather warms, many horses will move up into the trees,

and it is simply not feasible to visit every canyon; let alone find every horse.

Schellbourne Pass Band Of Wild Horses

(2011.APR.30)

The day is cold and overcast, with intermittent light snow flurries.

Schellbourne Pass is a high thoroughfare crossing the Schell Creek Mountains between Steptoe Valley to the west, and Spring Valley to the east, along the old Pony Express Route.

The wide, well-compacted dirt road is steep and winding, passable throughout the year, but may require 4WD or chains in winter.

A small creek runs parallel to the road, at the bottom of a very deep canyon. It feeds a series of small pools all year round.

An abundance of wildlife may be seen here, including deer, elk, and predators.

 
Cattle typically graze along the narrow creek banks during the summer.
Some of this land is privately owned.

One small band of wild horses ranges from one end of the canyon to another,

This band consists of one stallion, three mares, and a near-yearling colt. They are newly arrived in this canyon, and currently occupy a small territory formerly inhabited by a different band.  I will continue searching for the old band, even as I am concerned they were taken in the roundup operation of January, 2011.

(2011.APR.26) Cherry Creek Tribe





(2011.APR.26)

The day is cool (high 30's - low 40's) partly sunny with occasional scattered snow flurries. Curry Road is dry dirt, well-compacted . 



















Runoff from melting snow runs in small washes from the high mountains down into the flat. Most of these washes will dry up in early summer. For now, water is abundant, as is new-growth grass and forage.

 


There are no free-ranging cattle on this area of the range, at this time. The only other large animals inhabiting this part of Steptoe Valley public lands are a herd of about a dozen antelope.

Cherry Creek Tribe consists of eight core members, including the stallion, two yearlings, one new foal and four mares, (one appears pregnant); plus three satellite bachelors. All members of this band are sorrel with white stars or blaze faces. A few have lighter-colored manes.

Young bachelors, no longer welcome in their famiy of origin, keep one another company until they find mates. These guys are bout two years old.

"BLAZE" is approximately four years old, and has been on
his own for the past few years. As he is reaching his prime, I expect
that soon he will have a harem of his own. Preferrably, his mates will
come from a different band than the one he was born into.

(2011.APR.22)



(2011.APR.22)

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