Heber Wild Horses Saved
The following post comes from the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros.
Future AZ Generations Will Enjoy Historic Wild Herd
Lantry, SD -A settlement of appeals was agreed upon between the Forest Service of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (ASNF) and the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros (ISPMB) and the TerraWind Ranch Eco-Action Group (TREAC) assuring the future protection of these unique wild horses.
Represented by attorneys Anthony Merrill and Tiffany Andersen of Polsinelli Law Firm in Phoenix, the groups met with the Forest Service in Albuquerque on May 6th to hammer out the resolution of the appeals filed against the Forest Service on December 23, 2015 pertaining to the Land Management Plan for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
The resolution harmonizes the plan with the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. It removes certain inflammatory language pertaining to the horses and finally it requires the FS to show how the plan will impact the wild horses.
ISPMB’s president, Karen Sussman, said, “This was a well deserved achievement that required the persistence of our wonderful attorneys and the cooperation of the Forest Service with Cal Joyner, Regional Forester, at its helm.” Sussman further added, “This was the right thing to do – it is the law.”
Jill Irvin, Executive Director of TerraWind Ranch Eco-Action Group stated, “These wild horses have a long and rich history and are an integral part of Arizona culture. Their presence in the ASNF adds aesthetic value and contributes tourism dollars to our economy, and they deserve to be recognized and valued as wild life species.”
In 2005, ISPMB and their attorney, Anthony Merrill, successfully obtained an injunction in United States Federal Court for the District of Arizona stopping the Forest Service from “rounding up, removing, or awarding a bid for capture and removal of horses from the ASNF.” The Forest Service was to complete a Territory Management Plan for the Heber Wild Horses.
Attorney Merrill said, “I am pleased that the Forest Service will work with the affected and interested groups and our clients to develop the much needed Wild Horse Territory Plan.”
We hope you will support our efforts as ISPMB continues to WIN for our wild horses.
HWH
August 14, 2016 @ 12:48 am
This statement by the ISPMB is very misleading. Please note, the Heber Wild Horses have NOT been saved. The Forest Service has not yet even finished the Heber Wild Horse Territory plan. We have no idea what their plan for the horses will be until that plan has been announced.
From a recent posting of the Arizona Highways Online Blog
Q&A: MANAGING THE HEBER WILD HORSE HERD
JUNE 27, 2016 AT 5:57 AM
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests spoke via email with Arizona Highways regarding a proposed management plan for the horses and how the public can provide input.
Q: Can you provide an update for the proposed Heber horse herd management plan for 2016?
A: The ASNF is currently looking at developing a path forward that incorporates a collaborative process concept for developing a proposed action for the Heber Wild Horse Territory Management Plan. We’re anticipating rolling this out later this summer with the expectation of having a proposed action developed by the end of 2017. Public scoping of the proposed action is expected to occur in 2018 followed by the environmental analysis and development of a management plan for the Heber Wild Horse Territory, which is anticipated to be completed by 2020-2021.
Q: If the horse numbers will be reduced, are you considering an adoption plan, and if so, how will this be made known to the public? Will sanctuaries be involved?
A: It would be premature to answer these questions at this time as no proposed action for the Territory Plan has been developed. The public will be informed and have various opportunities to provide input throughout the planning process.