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BLM plans wild‑horse gather next summer, proposes supplemental rules for recreation areas
Summary
BLM Price Field Office managers reported herd‑area flights and said they are planning a wild‑horse gather after July 2026 that could remove an estimated 180–190 animals from a ~314‑horse population. BLM also announced plans for supplemental recreation rules and said staffing limits constrain enforcement frequency.
Nick Lafazio, Field Manager for the BLM Price Field Office, updated the council on wild‑horse monitoring and recreation management. He said recent aerial flights estimate the Muddy Creek herd at about 314 animals and BLM is “planning on doing a gather after July 2026” with a hoped‑for removal of between “180 and a 190 wild horses.”
Lafazio said the office is beginning rulemaking and outreach for supplemental rules to help manage recreation (for example, addressing overstaying, campfire/pallet burning and concentrated use) and that the tool has proved valuable in other field offices. He described seasonal program staffing at roughly half strength and that that staffing level constrains activities such as river‑ranger patrols and monument staffing; he said a small number of additional hires are funded and being trained.
The Price Field Office also opened the Jurassic National Monument for the season and reported daily visitation numbers around 35–40 people during the opening weekend. Lafazio emphasized the need for clear, concise supplemental rules and public education to give managers better enforcement options than informal 'ask nicely' approaches.
Council members raised enforcement and trail management concerns; Lafazio said supplemental rules will be intentionally limited and understandable and that field staff will continue outreach and coordination with county partners.
