The news release says the AML will range from 100 to 140, compared to 50 to 140 at the WHT page, implying heavy use of fertility control pesticides.
The closer the range the lower the expected growth rate.
The project folder contains numerous documents, including the Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision.
The Decision Record would authorize a modified version of Alternative 4, presented in Chapter 2 of the EA.
The proposed HMAP and its variants are discussed in Appendix A.
The Alternative 4 HMAP (page 234 in the pdf) calls for an AML of 50 to 140.
The DR corroborates that range.
Western Horse Watchers cannot account for the range given in the news release.
Other features of the modified plan include
- Bait trap removal, no helicopters
- Use of PZP and GonaCon Equine
- Monitoring for genetic diversity
- Prohibition of IUDs
- No skewing of sex ratios
Table 5 in the EA indicates that livestock in the JMA (HMA + WHT) receive 7,770 AUMs per year, while horses receive 1,680 AUMs per year at the high end of AML.
This yields a True AML of 140 + 7,770 ÷ 12 = 787, the number of horses the land could support if it was managed principally for them as specified in the original statute.
The problem is not inadequate fertility control, as the advocates would have you believe, but too many cow/calf pairs.
RELATED: Forest Service Seeks Input on EA for Murderer’s Creek HMAP.
Western Horse Watchers Association 