Wild Horses and Burros

STATUS: The rangeland resource is being damaged in parts of the state by wild
horses and burros. Large numbers of these animals compete all too successfully
for food and water with domestic livestock and wildlife.

POLICY: We support the concept of wild, free-roaming horses and burros in
reasonable populations as part of our western heritage. Numbers, however,
should be strictly and economically controlled at levels that uill not adversely
affect habitat or grazing conditions for other wildlife or permitted livestock.
In certain areas of unique or limited environment, as in the Grand Canyon, we
support elimination of burro herds. Sound conservation must be the criterion
in decision making regarding any specific herd.

IMPLEMENTATION: If needed, we will assist any rangeland user in presenting
his problems to the land administering agencies in relation to this issue. Through
our environmental education program, we will provide information not only on
the effect these animals have on rangelands and wildlife populations, but on the
important and vital part they have played in our history.