Bureau of Land Management photo

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for three seats on the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board.

Nominations are due Feb. 10. For more information, including guidelines for submitting a nomination, please click here.

The independent Advisory Board’s task to provide “advice concerning the management, protection and control of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands” overseen by the BLM and U.S. Forest Service.

Board seats are to be filled by volunteers representing various interests: wild horse and burro advocacy groups, wild horse and burro research institutions, veterinarians, natural resource organizations, humane advocacy groups, wildlife associations, and livestock organizations, plus the general public with a special knowledge of equine behavior.

In September, members of the Advisory Board attracted national headlines — and an outraged response from wild horse supporters — for voting to recommend that the BLM use euthanasia to reduce the number of so-called “unadoptable” wild horses and burros in long-term holding facilities.

Members of the board said that they made the recommendation to force Congress’ hand on the wild horse issue. Responding to public pressure, BLM officials issued a statement saying that the agency had no plans to change its policy. The agency will formally respond to the recommendation at its next meeting.

Wild horse advocate Ginger Kathrens of the Cloud Foundation cast the lone “no” vote on the euthanasia recommendation.

Members of the board whose terms expire in April are: Robert Cope (natural resources management), Sue McDonnell (wild horse and burro research) and Fred Woehl, Jr. (public interest).