The Forest Service has tried to keep number of horses at Big Summit WHT between 55 and 65 according to a management plan established in 1975. Today the population is around 150.
Advocates say the herd should contain at least 150 animals for genetic viability.
The territory sits between a grazing allotment to the east and highway 26 to the west so others will want the herd maintained at its historic level.
Refer to this report dated 11/18/18 by The Bulletin of Bend, OR. The WHT covers 27,300 acres east of Prineville, OR in the Ochoco National Forest.
Western Horse Watchers Association 