Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
State and Reno officials outline fencing, public-safety work for Virginia Range horses; advocates urge broader solutions
Summary
The Nevada Department of Agriculture described fencing and fertility-control efforts to reduce vehicle collisions and land damage from feral horses on the Virginia Range; local residents and wildlife groups urged additional measures including relocation, adoption and ecosystem protections.
State and local officials briefed the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 26 about ongoing efforts to reduce public-safety risks and ecological damage from feral and stray horses on the Virginia Range, describing recent fencing projects, cooperative agreements and limited funding sources.
"They are managed under NRS 569, which we have the sole authority, in the state of Nevada, the Department of Ag does, to manage feral and astray livestock," Nevada Department of Agriculture Director Guy Ciochichia said, explaining the state's statutory role in managing the animals.
Why it matters: Large, unmanaged horse herds on the Virginia Range are associated with traffic collisions, damage to habitat, and disputes over water access. County and state officials say fencing and other safety measures can reduce collisions on roads that border or cross the range. Speakers at the meeting also argued for additional federal, state and nonprofit action on population control, water provision and humane relocation.
What officials…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
