National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting

Boise, Idaho

July 30, 2007

Board Members Present: Robin Lohnes, Renee Taylor, Larry Johnson, Gary
Zakotnik,

Dr. Vernon Dooley, Dr. Boyd Spratling, Richard Sewing, and Dr. Wayne
Burkhardt. Board Members Absent: Melissa Scott. Washington Office Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) Staff: Acting Assistant Director, Renewable
Resources and Planning; Bud Cribley; Don Glenn, Division Chief; Sally
Spencer; Lili Thomas, Jenny Lesieutre, and Alan Shepherd. USDA, APHIS:
Dr. Albert Kane. BLM Nevada: Mike Holbert, Deputy State Director and
Susie Stokke, Wild Horse and Burro State Lead. BLM Idaho: Peter Ditton,
Associate State Director and

Tom Miles, Rangeland Management Specialist and Wild Horse and Burro
State Lead.

Robin Lohnes opened the meeting at 8:25 a.m., July 30, 2007. She
introduced the Advisory Board Members to the public.

Peter Ditton, Associate State Director, welcomed everyone to Idaho and
gave an overview of the fire situation.

Bud Cribley, Acting Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning
gave an update on BLM leadership. While Jim Hughes has been the Acting
Director, Bud explained that

Jim Caswell had gone through his confirmation hearings and at the moment
Senator Salazar, CO has a hold on the nomination. The BLM has no further
information other than what has been made public. A selection for the
Assistant Director position has been made, but not announced.

The BLM is working with a new Congress and at this time the 2008
Department of the Interior Appropriations Bill has made it through
Committees but has not gone to the floor for a vote. Bud explained that
both the House and Senate mark would restore the \$4.7 million and that
the House mark added a little more money. We are in the process of
working on the FY2009 budget and are receiving strong support from the
Director's Office.

Other priorities for the BLM are energy and the impacts of development,
recreation use in regards to community growth, and protecting the lands.
He discussed that the Healthy Lands Initiative will carry forward in
future budget requests. The Wild Horse and Burro Program will continue
to be a high priority within the Bureau and achieving and maintaining
Appropriate Management Levels (AML) is still the main goal.

Tom Miles, Idaho Wild Horse and Burro State Lead, stated that Idaho has
six herd management areas (HMA) covering approximately 370,000 acres
with an AML between 400-600 wild horses. He discussed that the Saylor
Creek AML is established at 50, but they are going through a Resource
Management Plan (RMP) to determine if the number should be adjusted. The
Hard Trigger/Black Mt. HMA gathers started on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
and is scheduled to end today. The goal is to gather 295 animals, remove
254, and as of last night 260 animals have been gathered. The only HMA
threatened by fire currently is the Saylor Creek HMA. Already the fire
has burned 650,000 acres up to the Saylor Creek HMA, but at this time
the fire has not gotten to the area of the horses. They are watching it
closely. In 2005 there was a fire in the Saylor Creek HMA. The horses
were held until the area was rehabbed and fenced off and the horses were
released in the north end and have stayed north of the protection fence.
There are four HMAs within the Boise community growth area. The biggest
concern in regards to community growth is growing recreation,
specifically motorized vehicles. They are setting staging areas in order
to direct the motorized vehicles away from the HMAs. Drought is also an
issue of concern however the horses are being monitored and are in good
shape, as witnessed by the Advisory Board on yesterday's gather and tour
of the Boise Horse Facility. The Challis HMA gather was postponed until
next year so that the Hard Trigger/Black Mt. HMA gather could be
completed this year.

**[February Minutes]{.underline}**

The Board approved the February 2007 minutes.

**[FY07 Unit Accomplishments]{.underline}**

Jenny Lesieutre presented the FY07 revised targets and explained there
was minimal revision due to changes in gather schedules and feed days.
She also provided the FY07 accomplishments to date. The FY07 spending is
being closely watched due to drought and increase in hay prices and the
BLM is on target for spending. The Board asked if all AMLs had been
established.

Lili Thomas reported that there are three HMAs where AML has not been
established: two in Nevada and one in Arizona.

**[FY08 Budget]{.underline}**

Jenny Lesieutre reiterated that a 2008 Appropriation Bill has not been
voted on yet. The Board discussed that BLM is not at AML in every State
because there are 17 HMAs that are over AML. The Board also asked about
the Wyoming court order to gather, noting that there wasn't a gather
target. It was explained that after further review of feed days and with
the increased animal numbers in Wyoming over previous year's census, the
BLM would be unable to perform any gathers Bureau wide based on the FY08
President's budget. Bud stated the need to re-emphasize the importance
of correct numbers. In FY08, the BLM's focus will be on feeding and
adopting wild horses and burros.

**[Reducing Holding Costs]{.underline}**

Don Glenn gave a history of the Wild Horse and Burro Program, including
an overview of holding costs and projections for out years. He discussed
past legislation that allowed the BLM to manage the program more
efficiently. Don explained the Bureau has an avenue through the Advisory
Board and the "Report to Congress" as authorized in the Act to propose
legislation that will improve the management of wild horses and burros.

Don asked the Board for any recommendations that could help the holding
situation. Possibilities could include Instant Ownership Title where
prohibition on sale for slaughter would be accomplished on the Title
Transfer Document similar to the Sale animals and Long Term Holding on
Public Land. Both of which may require a change in legislation. The
Board discussed giving incentives to Permittees to take at least one
horse each. The Board developed a work group of Renee Taylor, Gary
Zakotnik, and Dr. Boyd Spratling to review options and gather
information relating to Permittees and Long Term Holding on Public
Lands. The Board asked the BLM to check to see if there was a
solicitor's opinion regarding putting wild horses back on public lands.
The work group will give a report at the next meeting. The Board
recommends that language be inserted into the "Report to Congress" that
infers that "Congress must fund the Program properly or allow for
alternatives."

**[Board Member Nominations]{.underline}**

Don Glenn reported that Dr. Vernon Dooley, Wild Horse and Burro
Research; Renee Taylor, Livestock Management; and Dr. Wayne Burkhardt,
Natural Resources Management had been reappointed to the Board. Their
terms will expire June 14, 2010. Other positions and their expiration
dates are as follows:

Due to expire on July 8, 2008 are the positions of Wild Horse and Burro
Advocacy, Veterinarian Medicine, and Public Interest. Positions due to
expire on November 6, 2009 are Humane Advocacy, Livestock Management,
and Wildlife Management. The Charter expires June 2008.

**[Pending Litigation]{.underline}**

Don Glenn reported that there is no new litigation. There are two cases
still pending in U.S. District Court. One is in regards to gathers in
West Douglas and Piceance/East Douglas, Colorado. The other is regarding
removal and fertility control of animals in the Pryor Mountain HMA,
Montana. The plaintiff for both appeals is the Front Range Equine Rescue
and the Cloud Foundation.

**[USDA, U.S. Forest Service]{.underline}**

There was no one present from the Forest Service; however a written
summary was provided after the meeting and is as follows:

**WH&B Specialist position in Reno/Sparks:** The Forest Service is in
the midst of our Transformation effort. There's been a discussion about
filling the position as is, part of an inter-regional position, or
having the position as a Washington Office person. It will remain an
inter-regional job while the agency considers all options available in
the Transformation arena. The key issue at present is being able to put
aside enough money to pay for the transfer of station. We hope to have
the position filled in the new fiscal year; however, it will take some
time for recruitment, and final hiring of the person. We still don't
know the time frame for filling this job.

**Money Transferred to the BLM for FY '07 gathers:** The \$1.75 million
has been transferred to the BLM for their use in carrying out the
gather, adoption and long term care of horses and burros gathered on
National Forest System lands. Gathers have been proceeding per our work
needs as coordinated through the gather schedule with the BLM.

**[Facility and Pipeline Report]{.underline}**

Lili Thomas provided an update on short-and long-term holding
facilities. On July 23, 2007, there were 8,032 horses and 692 burros in
short-term holding facilities that have a total capacity of 13,135
animals. Long-term holding facilities contain 19,882 animals which is
over capacity of 19,700 animals. There are two new long-term holding
facilities with the capacity of 1,000 animals each and will start
receiving horses in the next couple of months. The new solicitations for
one or more long-term holding contracts close September 5, 2007.
Proposals will be reviewed during October and November. There are three
long-term holding contracts up for renewal in January 2008. The BLM
expects all bids to come in higher.

Lili reviewed the pipeline report.

**[2007 Gather Schedule]{.underline}**

Lili Thomas provided the Board with an updated gather schedule that
includes Forest Service animals. The gather schedule is expected to
change due to fire situations and drought even though there are
approximately 45 days left in the fiscal year.

**[Research Update]{.underline}**

Don Glenn introduced Alan Shepherd as the new Research Coordinator,
making note that Alan will be presenting the Research Updates in the
future.

Dr. Al Kane, USDA, APHIS gave an update on ongoing wild horse and burro
research projects. The Aerial Population Estimation Techniques have been
completed in Adobetown/Salt Wells HMA, Wyoming. The final draft of the
report will be released to the BLM later this summer. This report will
be made available to the Board. Fertility Control Field Trials on an
individual animal level includes foaling dates, herd composition, and
pregnancy rates. In the Population level trials, USGS-BRD personnel are
conducting a preliminary review of the data being collected on five
herds selected for annual monitoring. Dr. Kane reported that the Humane
Society of the United States received a major 5-year grant from a
private foundation to further the development and use of contraceptive
management of wild horses. The Board requested that BRD be contacted to
determine if providing an update from a panel of experts on information
since the last BRD forum would fit into BRD's strategic plan.

**[Nevada Update]{.underline}**

Mike Holbert, Nevada Deputy State Director, gave an overview on an
emergency situation on a HMA within the U.S. Air Force Nevada Test and
Training Range. To date 71 animals have perished on the Nellis HMA. A
water pond on a dry lake bed is suspected to be the source of the
problem. Necropsies were performed and water samples have been collected
from the suspected site along with samples from the Cactus Springs
natural water source located approximately five miles away. The samples
have been sent to California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab in
Tulare, CA for analysis and toxicology testing is being done by
University of California, Davis. The Board will receive updates on
results of the Nellis investigation.

Susie Stokke, Nevada Wild Horse and Burro State Lead, provided an update
on the Nevada Wild Horse and Burro Program. In February 2007 there were
12,995 animals on the range. The established AML is 13,485. Drought and
fire emergencies continue to be an issue in Nevada. There was a large
discrepancy of projected gather numbers versus the post census number on
the Jackson Mountains HMA. The AML is 130 to 217 animals and the most
recent count showed 1,017 animals. The last census was done four years
ago. Due to this discrepancy, Nevada census policy has changed. All
censuses must be done 18 months prior to each gather and whenever
feasible, it is encouraged to do a post census after the gather. Susie
gave an overview of planned Nevada gathers. There are a few HMA's in the
Caliente area being considered to be zeroed out due to lack of natural
water.

Susie reported that the National Wild Horse Association (NWHA) has
signed an Assistance Agreement with the BLM. The NWHA worked with the
BLM on the recent adoption held in Las Vegas: the success rate was
100% - 39 animals presented and adopted.

Looking ahead to FY08, Susie presented the Board with six proposed
adoptions, and should funds be restored, seven planned gathers for a
total of 2,592 animals.

Susie gave a brief overview of projects with the Mustang Heritage
Foundation, which include the Extreme Mustang Makeover, Trainer
Incentives, Adoption Incentives, and Virtual Adoption.

Bud Cribley announced the inductees to the Wild Horse and Burro Hall of
Fame which include Nevada Joe as the mustang, Ezyl as the burro, and
Robin Lohnes as the person.

**[Adoption/Mustang Heritage Foundation/Sales Update]{.underline}**

Sally Spencer discussed the current adoption program. As of July 30,
2007, 3,500 animals have been adopted in FY07. This includes 2,875
horses, 617 burros, and 8 mules. At the last meeting, the Board had
requested information on the number of animals adopted at a reduced fee
that are returned. Sally reported that the Wild Horse and Burro computer
system keeps track of freezemarks, so it is very difficult to do a cross
reference with adopters. However, in comparing the number of animals
returned that are adopted at a full fee and at a reduced fee in FY05,
FY06, and to date in FY07, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference
if people pay a full fee or a reduced fee for the animal. What does
matter is whether they can afford to feed the animal once they get the
animal home.

Sally reported that the National Marketing Team has been focusing on
increasing the amount and quality of adoption promotions. This spring
there was a meeting with the BLM Public Affairs Staffs who are
responsible for promoting the adoptions in their State. They reviewed
the basics of how to promote an adoption; the importance of getting
Adoption Schedules set early; the promotional items that are available
from the National Marketing Team; how the 866- 4MUSTANGS BLM Call Center
can help promote their adoptions; how States need to work together to
promote adoptions in each others States and save money; and ways to get
the media involved and enhance adoption events. One of the outcomes of
the meeting was the formation of an Eastern States Adoption Team. There
has been an increased promotion of adoption events and pre-media trips
are expected for all Eastern States adoptions. Instead of one person
being responsible for promoting the Eastern State adoptions, there are
now several people who have been assigned to promote the events. Also
three additional adoption events that will be coordinated by the
National Program Office have been scheduled in FY07. They are
Harrisburg, PA on September 1; Franklin-Furnace, OH on September 8; and
Albion, MI on September 15.

Sally reported on the Mustang Heritage Foundation's Projects. The
trainers participating in the Extreme Mustang Makeover picked up their
mustangs in June. On Friday, September 21, 2007 there will be a "Meet
the Trainers" Media Event at the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame,

Ft. Worth, TX. The competition will be Saturday, September 22, 2007 and
the adoption will be Sunday, September 23, 2007. Both events will be at
the Will Rogers Equestrian Center,

Ft. Worth, TX

The Foundation has hired Julie Bryant, a communications specialist in
the Ft. Worth area, to assist with the media and the BLM has been
coordinating with Julie and Patti Colbert to promote the event and the
adoption. The local BLM Public Affairs have been working to promote
trainers in their states. When possible, the BLM has included the
trainers in adoption promotions.

RFD TV's Wide World of Horses will air August through December. There
will be 6 episodes shown 3 times for a total of 18 shows. During the
episodes, the 866 4MUSTANGS will be a constant on the program to drive
calls to the BLM Call Center.

The Trainer Incentive Program is a pilot program, focused on training
and adoption of 300 Nevada Mustangs. The Foundation currently has 25
approved trainers with more applications pending. 18 trainers have
picked up 19 Incentive Mustangs and many of them already have adopters.
The remaining trainers will be picking up Mustangs by the end of the
month. We anticipate having more than 50 trainers enrolled by August.
Trainers receive a maximum of \$750 in incentive funds to train and find
adopters for the Mustangs within 90 days. Complete rules are available
on the Foundation's website.

The Nevada Adoption Incentive Pilot Program was launched this year and
focuses on creating adoption incentives through competition. Plans are
to offer restricted Nevada Mustang classes at Nevada National Wild Horse
and Burro's Event and other competitions restricted to Nevada Mustangs.
The first adoption promoting the program was held in Las Vegas and the
Adoption Incentive Program was positively received. The Foundation plans
to expand the program with educational and competitive events produced
by the Foundation. Again, complete rules are available on the
Foundation's website.

Sally presented an overview on the sales program. As of July 30, 2007,
2,523 animals have been sold. There are a couple of pending requests,
but all in all there is limited interest in the sale animals.

**[Public Comments]{.underline}**

Each speaker was asked to provide a written copy of their presentation
so that their comments can be included in the meeting's record. Public
Comments started at 3:00 pm.

**[Futuring Team Decision]{.underline}**

The Futuring Team's assignment was to recommend the most efficient Wild
Horse and Burro Program infrastructure needed to achieve gathers,
preparation, holding, and adoptions when the populations are at
appropriate management level (AML) bureau-wide.

Three options were developed and considered by the team:

1\. State managed holding, gathers, and adoptions with nationally
managed budget.

2\. Nationally managed holding, gathers, and adoptions with reduced
facilities.

3\. State managed holding, gathers, and adoptions from reduced
facilities.

The team recommended and the Steering Committee endorsed Option 2 as the
preferred option. This option has been sent out to the State and Field
Offices for comments. The Team will review the comments and finalize the
report in August 2007. The report will be sent forward to the BLM
Director for approval and if approved, an Implementation Team will be
established. Changes recommended by the team will occur on different
timelines with some more immediate than others.

**[Boards Draft 2-Year Report]{.underline}**

The Board will put together a report to the Secretary of the Interior
and Agriculture when the Charter expires in June 2008.

**[New Business]{.underline}**

The Board discussed using helicopters at gathers. The BLM will provide
the Board a copy of the law allowing the use of helicopters and a copy
of a gather contract. The Board also discussed and reaffirmed that
individual comments will not be responded to; however, they will be
considered when recommendations are made.

The Board acknowledges that there is concern that domestic horses could
be released on public lands and the BLM needs to be prepared for this to
happen.

**[Board Recommendations]{.underline}**

The Board discussed the wording of the recommendations for significant
funding for the program. The two recommendations are attached.

**[Upcoming Meeting]{.underline}**

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2007 in Portland,
Oregon.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm.

**[Note]{.underline}**: The minutes were approved on November 5, 2007 at
the Portland, Oregon meeting with the following corrections on page 3
(4^th^ and 7^th^ line from the top, "Sub Committee" changed to "work
group") and on page 5 (2^nd^ paragraph, next to the last line, the name
"Caliante" is misspelled should be "Caliente")

National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Recommendations

Boise, Idaho - July 30, 2007

**The Advisory Board recommends the attached language be inserted into
BLM's "Report to Congress":**

The Advisory Board wishes to bring to Congress and the Administration's
attention the consequences of the failure to maintain the FY06 funding
levels for the Wild Horse and Burro Program. If funding levels are not
matching FY06, the BLM faces the following consequences:

-   Feed and care of animals already removed will be the highest
    priority so that gather schedules will be eliminated. Excess animals
    will result in degradation of public land contrary to the intent of
    the "Healthy Lands Initiative".

-   For each year gathers are suspended, it will take three additional
    years of much larger scale removals to once again reach Appropriate
    Management Levels and will cost the program up to an additional 15
    million dollars over the FY06 funding level.

-   The greater numbers ultimately requiring removal will far exceed
    adoption levels so that long term holding numbers and associated
    cost will soar.

The Advisory Board does not believe that unlimited sale or other means
of disposal of excess animals as allowed in the Wild Free-Roaming Horses
and Burros Act of 1971 are acceptable to the general public. Sufficient
funding to protect our wild horse and burro populations, maintain
healthy public lands, and meet the publics expectations of this program
are therefore mandatory.

**The Advisory Board would like the attached recommendation to be
presented to the Secretary of the Interior.**

The Advisory Board recommends sufficient funding to maintain appropriate
management levels of the free roaming wild horses and burros on public
land. If funding levels matching FY 2006 are not appropriated the
following will occur:

-   Feed and care of animals already removed will be the highest
    priority so that gather schedules will be eliminated. Excess animals
    will result in degradation of public land contrary to the intent of
    the "Healthy Lands Initiative".

-   For each year gathers are suspended, it will take three additional
    years of much larger scale removals to once again reach Appropriate
    Management Levels and will cost the program up to an additional 15
    million dollars over the FY06 funding level.

-   The greater numbers ultimately requiring removal will far exceed
    adoption levels so that long term holding numbers and associated
    cost will soar.

The Advisory Board does not believe that unlimited sale or other means
of disposal of excess animals as allowed in the Wild Free-Roaming Horses
and Burros Act of 1971 are acceptable to the general public. Sufficient
funding to protect our wild horse and burro populations, maintain
healthy public lands, and meet the publics expectations of this program
are therefore mandatory.