Comments Due for Jackson Mountains Wild Horse Plan
Stop BLM’s Dangerous
Jackson Mountains Wild Horse Plan
Jackson Mountains wild horses have called these public lands home for generations. Now BLM is proposing a plan that could dramatically reduce the herd while expanding sterilization and fertility-control measures.
We’ve fought this battle before.
In 2016 and again in 2018, wild horse advocates joined together and successfully stopped the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) controversial ovariectomy via colpotomy research projects—dangerous surgeries that remove a mare’s ovaries through an invasive procedure.
We spoke out.
We sued.
And together, we forced the agency to back down.
Now BLM is moving in that direction again.
The proposed Jackson Mountains Herd Management Area Plan (HMAP) would allow permanent sterilization of up to one-third of the herd at low AML. Under the Preferred Alternative, as few as 9 breeding mares could remain to sustain the entire herd.
At the same time, the agency proposes removing 549 of the estimated 679 wild horses currently living in and around the HMA—while continuing to manage the herd at just 130–217 horses and skewing the sex ratio to 60% stallions and 40% mares.
This herd already faces genetic challenges. In 2012, BLM’s own equine geneticist raised concerns about inbreeding and long-term genetic viability. Yet instead of increasing population levels, the agency proposes to manipulate herd dynamics through sterilization, fertility control, and sex-ratio skewing—all while continuing to reduce the breeding population.
A Plan That Threatens the Future of the Herd
BLM’s proposal includes multiple forms of reproductive manipulation, including permanent sterilization, fertility control drugs, IUDs, sex-ratio skewing, and the creation of a non-breeding segment of the population.
The EA also contains confusing and internally inconsistent language regarding sterilization and the non-breeding population. That lack of clarity matters. The public should not be left guessing how many breeding animals would remain, which animals would be sterilized, or how these decisions would affect the herd’s long-term genetic future.
Wild horses are supposed to be managed at the minimal feasible level—not subjected to intensive government-directed breeding controls that decide which animals reproduce and which never will again.
Key Issues to Consider in Your Comments
You do not need to address every issue below. Choose the concerns that matter most to you and explain why.
Permanent Sterilization
Oppose ovariectomy via colpotomy and other forms of permanent sterilization.
Ask BLM to manage wild horses using less invasive, reversible methods.
Genetic Health
BLM's own geneticist raised concerns about inbreeding and genetic viability.
Ask BLM to increase population levels rather than further reducing the breeding population.
Excessive Removals
BLM proposes removing 549 of the estimated 679 horses currently living in and around the HMA.
Ask BLM to consider alternatives that keep more horses on the range.
Sex-Ratio Manipulation
The proposal would manage the herd at 60% stallions and 40% mares.
Ask BLM to preserve natural herd structure and social behaviors.
Fertility Control
The proposal includes GonaCon, IUDs, and the creation of a non-breeding segment of the population.
Ask BLM to fully evaluate the long-term impacts of these measures on herd behavior and viability.
Environmental Review
Ask BLM to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) given the unprecedented combination of sterilization, fertility control, removals, and genetic concerns proposed for this herd.
Lack of Clarity in the EA
The EA contains confusing and internally inconsistent language regarding sterilization and the creation of a non-breeding population.
Ask BLM to clearly disclose how many horses would be sterilized, how many breeding mares would remain, and how these actions would affect the herd's long-term genetic viability.
The public should not have to guess how the proposed management strategy would be implemented.
Take Action by June 15
The public comment deadline is June 15, 2026.
Please tell BLM to reject ovariectomies, permanent sterilization, dangerous sex-ratio manipulation, excessive removals, and management practices that threaten the genetic health and future of Nevada’s Jackson Mountains wild horses.
We stopped this before. We can do it again.
But only if you join us and take action today.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION:
JACKSON MOUNTAINS HMAP
&
ROUNDUP ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
To review related documents, visit BLM's ePlanning website, click here.
Written comments must be submitted or postmarked by June 15, 2026. Comments can be submitted in the following ways:
Through BLM's National NEPA Register using the “Participate Now” option;
Emailed to BLM_NV_WDO_WHB@blm.gov Attn: Jackson Mountains HMAP PEA; or
Delivered to: Attn: Jackson Mountains HMAP PEA, Black Rock Field Office, 5100 East Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV 89445
The graphic below illustrates a potential outcome of BLM's Preferred Alternative. The EA contains confusing and internally inconsistent language regarding sterilization and the creation of a non-breeding population. Based on the proposal's stated low AML, sex-ratio manipulation, and sterilization provisions, as few as 9 breeding mares could remain to sustain the Jackson Mountains herd! BLM should clearly disclose how these measures would be implemented and their impacts on the herd's long-term genetic viability.
