I am getting some responses from “our day in Court” that say “I’m sorry.”
I don’t feel that way, truly. Because so much ground was gained. I did not get the “miracle,” but my path has been cleared of some very major obstacles.
Cowan, myself and RT (photo by Elyse Gardner)
This has been a roller coaster month with the Year beginning back at Calico, then off to the Ninth Circuit and Flanigan. Flanigan had within it’s weather delays and the Washoe fire. An emotional roller coaster of a month.
I am also a bit “under the weather.” My efforts involve dealing with resource I have just about exhausted. My vehicle is now like the “Millenium Falcon,” it’s a bucket of bolts that needs a layover. Finances are tight. Paperwork has turned into mountain ranges. I have sold everything I have that was of any value to supplement the effort.
And if you look closely at the picture… see my right cheek? You can still see the bruising from almost two years ago after Elyse and I were rear ended by that drunk driver. I went into the Owyhee with concussion syndrome to meet that roadblock and have been on a non-stop marathon ever since… and my face still hurts.
Changing this program is like digging a path through Everest with a spoon. I tried to use some dynamite and was told to keep using my spoon… but that my spoon is valid.
This IS what happened in Court.
We have an attorney that had agreed to do this case for a reduced flat fee. The case was the original Complaint that lead to the TRO on pilot conduct. However in Court for that hearing we learned a lot from the Judge. So we took what we learned and amended that Complaint, Supplemented the motion and the Judge allowed the Injunctive Relief portion to move forward.
That action (regardless of what anyone else says) was recognized as a driving force to get BLM to do the review in a manner “different” from past action and was recognized by McKibben as “his fire” under BLM.
Now keep in mind that McKibben refused to allow that motion to be Supplemented after that. That means both BLM and myself could NOT give McKibben any new information until the day of the hearing.
At a hearing you NEVER know what BLM will do. (Remember at Owyhee they pulled that water emergency doc out of the air that was prepped the day of Court and NOTHING we wanted to address could be?) So we had to prep several documents without knowing if they would even be allowed in the Court.
Almost at the last moment the hearing was bumped from 4 o’clock to 2. Yes, we had an attorney but the second leg of this action was done as a piece of the first and we only had him for a short time… and just lost two hours.
What the amended complaint attempted to do was create a challenge to “conduct” and not simply associate with a single roundup. Even though existing precedent made the likelihood very slim of success… with all I see we had to try. That portion of the suit failed. That action is for Congress to take. So when I tell you writing to Congress is important, I mean it.
However we did not play the “game.”
BLM wanted this to be a conversation about how “good” they are and how “hard” they are trying.
Would you want me to “play?”
So when asked to recognize BLM’s improvement we said “No.”
Would you expect me to answer any other way?
The judge was given several documents in response to BLM handing him the review (that BLM claims is still online but you all know that link was changed and the actual review is gone). I gave McKibben the analysis of the report and I gave him observation statements and noted in the report that on the very same day as the report was made public Ginger and TCF documented burros excessively hotshot. I told him about the multiple runs that even had a horse tie up as the chopper ran the group multiple times at the trap and the baby in that group is now lame in holding. I told him about that horse that got stuck in the trailer and was then hotshot to get him to rise. Elyse Gardner made a great contrast report from Pryors 09 to Calico just weeks ago. Mike Lorden (a very level headed observer and a man very familiar flight protocol) wrote about his observations.
McKibben may not have read everything in that moment, but he will.
BLM then tried to pass off (by omission of language) a talking point list as a “policy.” I handed him emails from Leslie Peeples, Deborah Hurley and others (that they had with DC BLM) that show clearly that there is no intention of a clear protocol.
McKibben may not have gone through that list (that Petersen, BLM’s Attorney objected to authenticity) but he will remember that conversation when we are back in Court.
I will publish that statement in it’s entirety later in pdf so you all can download it.
So in essence even though we do not have a policy McKibben has seen this supposed “list” they are going to follow. I can tell you the things on the list are NOT being done.
McKibben wanted me to say that improvement was made. I can’t because it hasn’t.He needs to also be “educated” that this “talk” cycle leads nowhere… we have been in it for a long time. We will show McKibben…. because he opened the door for me to go back.
My standing is recognized. The validity of this documentation was recognized. The concern and importance of the issue was recognized. The fact that this is not moot was recognized.
Do you realize what a “win” that is?
If I bring it like I did at Triple B… in the “hard road”… he will stop the roundup.
This is not cause for “I’m sorry,” this is “huddle” time. We need to get that ball down field because we can score that touchdown. The end zone has been defined…
Write Congress… FAX and call.
I will get back in this broken truck and do my best.
Roundups end March 1 and we have major access issues… but they start again in July… and we wont stop until there is a care standard and protocol for violation… but the path has just been cleared of some really big boulders.
I am editing Flanigan video and working on a story that explains the region, etc. 13 taken today.
BLM will usually say that the observation area is “good.” I was not high enough to see the trap mouth. I was not close enough to even make out distinctive markings, let alone assess anything right after capture. If at least one of those things does not occur “access” stinks.
300 mm zoom AND enlargement on computer
Made it through the hearing on the Ninth and prepping for the Humane case hearing next week. A standard of care that is written… with parameters for chain of command and protocol for violation. Why that concept even had to hit the litigation phase is extremely frustrating.
I will get to all of that stuff in a post tomorrow… it’s cold, raining, windy… maybe operations will be cancelled?
But for now I just want to share these photos of two young boys playing at PVC…. the one stopped to check me out but his buddy wanted to keep the game going… I need to wash my mind and these pics make me smile. (PS. they both need adoption).
Finishing Ninth Circuit stuff and starting to compile things for the Humane case hearing at the end of the month.
Trying to edit the video from the Fifth into something that can be loaded onto Youtube… the edit is half an hour long and I can’t decide how to break it up to load…
Found out many of the older videos loaded don’t play and am re-loading…
As I watch the clock on the screen of the computer make it’s countdown to the end of 2011 I am indulging in the “year in review” mental gymnastics we all find ourselves victim of on this night. We face all the memories and the “would, coulda, shoulda” that leads to the common practice of “New Years Resolution’s.”
My data bank had a snafu and I had to rebuild the photo and video library. In the last three months more than 30,000 images and 10,000 video clips were added. Last night I began to put the “Year in Review” into a video short. Maria Daines has once again sent me a clip to use.
Setting the year into a “less than 7 minute” piece was a rough edit. There were so many faces, stories and memories I had to leave out. But I think you will get an idea of what I was able to capture on media last year.
In January both of the legal battles I have made go to hearings. Reading the cases is like an odd biography of my life these last two years… it has been a very “educational” experience on so many levels. I never knew your hair could break off from the condensation of an exhale freezing in sub-zero temperatures… or that I could change a tire in a snowstorm on a desert two-track alone. Add to that what you learn about how the government works and how it fails. How deep prejudice can run…
The work has created changes. We have “observation” (or at least the pretense) daily. We now have talk about humane care standards that unfortunately is still just talk… but both of those issues are still active in the court system. Both of these issues have been the focus of almost every action I have taken… it is an odd realization. But both have so far to go…
A “Resolution?” Smarter, stronger, faster… focus…
A “wish?” May the 2012 “year in review” video show change for the better… and and end to the prejudice on public land against our wild ones.
The clock has changed… Happy New Year to all of you and your families. Two and four legged… furred and feathered… and scaled.
“War Horse,” the much anticipated screen adaptation by Steven Spielberg opened in theatres across the country on Christmas Day.
As someone deeply involved in the issues facing both our wild and domestic equines, I actually went to a movie theatre for the first time in ages to view the film. Not only was this film about my favorite subject, horses, but it was done by one of my favorite directors of all time, Steven Spielberg.
Speilberg first “rocked my world” with “Empire of the Sun,” (not ET). Released in 1987 this autobiographical tale tells the story of James Graham, a boy “of privilege” that has his life shattered after the invasion of Shanghai in 1941. Spielberg wove his tale so that the audience became “Jim.” You experienced everything through the masterful performance of Christian Bale and through the vision of a great director. “Jim, try not to think so much!” is a line delivered at just the right moment, in just the right way, that it has haunted me for over twenty years.
The subject of war, and it’s cost to the human spirit, was again tackled by this master film maker in “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan.” Both of these films, although executed with very different directorial choices, speak directly to the transformation of the human soul through the horror of human action and the ability of the human spirit to transcend. We all remember Shindler agonizing that he could have saved “Just one more.”
So Christmas Day of 2011 I took my “war weary” self to the theatre to watch “War Horse.”
Now you may not like the analogy of “war weary.” But that is how I feel. Most of you know my work for the wild ones but are unfamiliar with a past that includes a decade of work in the “horse slaughter” issue. Our “front” is taking a massive onslaught this year as our rear scrambles to deal with the issues at the front and behind our own lines. Our beloved equines, both wild and domestic, are under siege.
I plunked down the ticket price, that has gone up significantly since the last time I treated myself to a film, anticipating another “masterpiece.”
Waiting in line to find a seat I watched the movie goers leave the theatre after watching the film. There were mixed reviews. One man said “It was good” as he made the “so-so” motion with his hand. Another said “If you don’t have a tissue, don’t go in.”
A woman in line next to me confided that she had not been to a movie in a long time, but this one was about a horse. “Me, too,” I smiled.
We eagerly took our seats.
After 23 minutes of previews that flickered and had to be reset, the film began.
I began to realize that I was not going to see the Spielberg I had anticipated. I was watching a Director held by constraint.
The first third of the film is too long. It had a “made for TV feel.” Spielberg then focuses his camera lens on a plow during a scene that is to demonstrate the heart of “Joey,” our equine “star,” and “Albert” our human “spirit” focus of the film. That is when I remembered this film was created for Disney.
Don’t get me wrong here. I cried. I cried eight times during the film. The opening scene had me in tears as “Joey” the newborn demonstrates his legs by running side by side with his mom. I have seen so many youngsters that can’t keep up to their mothers during the helicopter chases on public land and moms so tired they are fighting to just keep the pace. I have seen so many babes taken from that protective space and stuck in pens during the most horrific experience of their bands existence… it didn’t take much for me to need a tissue.
Archive photo of WWI (photographer not credited at source)
As we enter into the war, a third of the way through the film, we begin to comprehend the first World War.
In a battle (the first the British engage in the story and the first time you actually are told you are in Britain and not in Scotland, Wales or Ireland) you are taken to what I assume is the battle at Mons. The only true cavalry charge of WWI takes place at Mons. WWI is the transitional point in human warfare into the “mechanization” era. Spielberg does demonstrate very effectively how the cavalry charge does not meet the machine gun successfully, regardless of the belief of British officers of the day.
After that point we learn that horses are utilized for transportation of wounded and the machines we now rely on to win wars. But we see these things in small vignettes.
Each time I feel that Spielberg will take me to that “real” place of experience, that had been relayed to me by my grandfather, we get close to the destination but never truly arrive. It kept making me wonder how Spielberg would have portrayed the story without restraint of a PG-13 rating. Not a thought you want as you wait to be transported from your seat into a film.
Casualty counts are not kept on horses and mules. Yet the estimate is more than 8 million horses and mules died in the conflict on all sides. 8 million died. It is estimated that 2 and one half million were treated for wounds and 2 million of those returned to the war.
A quarter of a million horses were purchased or taken from farmers at the beginning of the war for the British army.
As the conflict raged on more countries joined the efforts and horses were needed.
Yes, the “Yankees” entered in the war. The “Yankees” were not only American Soldiers, but America’s horses. America’s horses carried our soldiers but also those of other Nations. During the conflict two-thirds of the horses used by Britain were supplied by the US.
During World War I ranchers went into business selling horses to the military. All of Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and much of the area we now call the “Tri-State Complex” had horses “harvested” and sent into battle in Europe and Africa. It is estimated that a million wild horses went into conflict, none of them returned to American soil.
American horses from the open plains of the west were described by Captain Sydney Galtrey of the British Cavalry ”in a rough and ready shape – they were shoeless, long-haired, tousled-maned and had ragged hips. But they were tough; generations of their kind had become completely at home with roaming out in the open and in all kinds of weather.”
“You put your mask on him first,” said Grandpa “He can carry you out, you can’t carry him.”
Many soldiers were moved deeply and carried stories of the mounts that carried them to safety or that they saw die horrific deaths.
Gas mask for man and horse demonstrated by an American Soldier National Archives and Records Administration cir 1917-18
I sat in the theatre with this knowledge. We would briefly touch the reality of a “War Horse” in the film and then it would vanish.
Then the scene came… (used in the trailers) a scene where “Joey” looses a companion and is faced with the “machine.” The war blazes around him as he flees an early tank. He seemingly can’t escape and vaults over the “beast.” His flight takes him through an horrific battlefield where earlier we had witnessed the casualties to man. He crashes through barbed wire. He begins to collect it as he runs through the destructive path laid by man. (I was crying and teeth clenched as I have seen what barbed wire can do and we lost some of our wild ones this year during roundups to the cruelty of the invention).
He becomes immobilized.
As dawn rises and snow begins to fall we watch as the combatants come together for a brief moment to recognize the spirit of an “amazing horse.” The scene is pure Spielberg. As the tears stream down my face I watch as “enemies” cooperate to free “Joey.” I care about “Joey” and the two men involved. I am finally “in” the film.
Only for a brief moment at the end of the piece do we even peripherally become aware of the possible fate of many of the horses. A “butcher” is present at auction. If you are not informed, you are never told the truth. You are never told how many the “butcher” actually takes.
This film will be on the shelf next to “The Black Stallion” and “My friend Flicka.” It is a “love story” story of a horse and a boy/man.
Does this film have the power of “Black Beauty” to raise the consciousness of a nation? A novel that was responsible for creating a climate to pass the first humane care laws in our country… I don’t know.
Click on the illustration above by Kerry Kelly of the Houston Chronicle to go to RT Fitch and Vicki Tobin's version of a "Wild Horse" Night Before Christmas.
Click the illustration above to go to a version of “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” adapted for the wild ones by RT Fitch and Vicki Tobin.
Still rebuilding the image/video data base. Over 30,000 images in the last 3 months along with 10,000 video clips and 75 documents. I keep getting side-tracked by several things. Going to try to get myself a “day off.”
All of the documents have been filed on both cases now. I knew that things would get crazy for me this last quarter of 2011 but I had no idea just how bad, January promises to be even busier. Often I can’t write back to y’all as fast as I’d like to or return calls. Please be patient… I am only one human being… I am really not a machine.
There will be a “Year in Review” coming of the documentation at roundups for 2011. It is always an odd experience when you begin to edit. You become immersed in the experience as you relive each clip… but it is repetitive and you see things that you did not see or that you pushed away from emotionally in order to “get the job done.” But when you edit… let’s just say it’s been one hell of a year.
Emotions are high right now with the slaughter issue in high gear. We all know our wild ones are also set in the target zone. But for tonight remember there is no chopper in the morning and no slaughter plant that will receive horses on US soil. Listen to that silence and pull it close… it is going to be very hard to remember what that feels like as we get ready to tackle some of the biggest battles we have ever faced to protect America’s beloved equines….
But for tonight listen… heal what you can… and get ready for 2012.
AND remember WARHORSE opens tomorrow. This will bring our horses into a spotlight of public conversation that we have not had for a long time… talk to everyone you can… it is a chance to take the conversation out of history and bring it into today. Let folks know the horses taken this winter from NW NV are descendants of some of the horses that fought in WWI… imagine that as you see the trailer. From the desert to the battle in Europe… like no other animal in the history of our Nation.
The first phase of the Calico Complex (Tri-state Complex) is complete.
Today saw the small band that often crosses the Highway (34) outside of Gerlach removed.
Stud released 12-17 Calico Complex
21 studs and 11 mares were returned to the Warm Springs/Black Rock West HMA’s.
To date apox 1050 animals have been removed in the planned operation. The BLM website states “The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office will gather approximately 1,300 wild horses and 140 wild burros, of which as many as 350 wild horses would be released back to the range following the gather. “
At the High Rock Complex roundup (prior to Calico and part of the supposed Tri-State Complex) all animals were returned to the range with a hip brand marking their home ranges. During the Calico portion of the operation in this proposed Complex with the stated purpose of “cohesive and coordinated” management no studs were marked prior to release.
Still not able to load the all of the video online from the first half of Calico. Days have been spent at the roundup or crafting the doc’s for the Access case and the HUmane handling case, as well as research for other actions. So I apologize but expect to have an inclusive video recap of the entire roundup shortly.
Mom and Baby Calico, Palomino Valley Center 12-13
Yesterday was spent researching cases and checking on animals at PVC. There will some incredible horses coming up for adoption from Calico and High Rock. Remember many of these animals are direct descendants of the horses that filled the ranks of the US cavalry all the way through WWI. As you make plans to see “War Horse,” remember our American Icons that fought for freedom and need your help to fight for the respect and care they deserve.
Calico Roundup 12/14, sweat soaked
Two groups were taken today. The first group came in soaked in sweat. They began to steam after they hit the trap. This group was immediately loaded on a trailer. The trailer sat for over 3 hours at the trap. It was not a “full load” and the hope was to fill the trailer before taking them to temporary. The trailer left the range with only this group onboard.
The second known group to be chased never made the trap or clear view of the observation area. You could see the helicopter rise and then dip behind a mountain, dust rise back and forth in a canyon. After over an hour of known pursuit the pilot refueled and did not resume moving that group. The reason is not known.
Observation had to quickly move to the opposite side of the valley. Horses were coming from the other side. This is the first time I have observed the trap mouth at the operation. Pilot appears to have over shot the group and had to turn around to get back behind the horses prior to pushing them to the trap. Video soon.
Last group on 12/14
Mares at holding have received PZP for return to the area. Several studs have also been selected. Please note that the studs at Calico ARE NOT receiving the hip brand mark for HMA as horses in High Rock received. This is an incredible opportunity to gain real data on animal movement after a large scale removal. The opportunity to gain actual data, and not theorhetical arguments, has been missed. The request was made at High Rock and granted. The request was made of Gene Seidlitz of the Winnemucca District of BLM NV and denied.
BLM Issues Report on Inhumane Wild Horse Roundup Allegations
Report Admits Wrongdoing Related to Inhumane Treatment
HOUSTON, (WHFF) – Today the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the long awaited report on its internal investigation into allegations of inhumane treatment in connection with the Triple B wild horse roundup that occurred in Nevada during July and August of this year.
The documentation, and subsequent lawsuit filed by Laura Leigh of Wild Horse Education (WHE) and Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF), resulted in a court order directing BLM pilots to temporarily stop their aggressive and harmful attacks on wild horses. The court’s order was in response to videotaped evidence of BLM helicopters actually hitting horses to frighten and force them towards capture. The legal action, filed by attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno, documented multiple additional acts of abuse and aggression by BLM towards the wild horses, including deprivation of food and water, use of electric cattle prods to shock the horses, and cruel handling at various stages of the capture.
The BLM report admits that it saw “specific instances of inappropriate, aggressive handling” and that wrongdoing had occurred, and provides recommendations for future roundups. The report acknowledged the dangerously close helicopters, excessive pursuit of individual and small groups of horses, the use of rags as whips around horses’ heads, and “kicking, slamming of gates, pinning in gates, twisting of tails during horse loading processes.” But despite all these admitted acts, BLM refused to agree with “animal welfare experts” that the horses were treated inhumanely.
“I find the report encouraging,” states Leigh, “however it is of interest that no document filed by the BLM in the course of litigation admits any wrongdoing occurred. And the recommendations in the document are not in effect on the ground. At the recent Calico roundup I have witnessed several instances of inhumane treatment that are in conflict with the recommendations. There is no excuse for not having a standard in place before any further helicopters fly.”
Judge McKibben’s pending ruling will address the request for a postponement of the roundups until a policy is in place that outlines handling and a system of consequence for violations.
“The idea of sane and sensible management starts with honest conversation,” states R.T. Fitch, author and president of WHFF. “We have attempted to discuss these policies of treatment of the horses before, during and after their capture with BLM, but the possibility of productive dialogue was ignored by the BLM until litigation became a necessity. A federal agency that insists on operating in such a manner is breaching its obligation to the public.”
Join us in remembering that the fight to gain accountable protection for our “living symbol of the pioneer spirt” wages on.
The thought is a simple one, light a candle.
Form a candlelight group, or simply light one and place in your window, as a symbol that we will not give up until each life that is to be protected under law is given the consideration due to humanely care for them as outlined by law. That they receive their fair share of resource when the dwell free on public land and are treated with the respect they deserve when removed and enter into the realm of domestication and sanctuary.
In remberance of the spirit of the law, and the continued will to see it implemented, we will light candles across the Nation and Internationally. This is NOT run by a single organization nor is intended as a fundraiser, media event, promotion tool for any organization… but to show as human beings that we are still committed to protect each life, and that we honor each life lost.
Velma Johnston's grave marker, Reno (Carrol Abel)
Following Press Release came out last week:
INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE TO WILD HORSE ANNIE
Animal Advocates Unite to Recognize Wild Horse Annie on the 40th Anniversary of the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros act.
December 15 , 2011 – “Keep Their Light Shining”, an international candlelight vigil, will pay tribute to Velma Bronn Johnston , aka “Wild Horse Annie”, for the many years she spent in bringing legal protections to America’s wild equines. Wild Horse Annie is credited with the unanimous congressional vote that passed The Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act signed into law by Richard Nixon on December 15,1971.
Animal welfare advocates will gather in cities across the US, Canada, Sweden and England to mark the 40th anniversary of Johnston’s law that brought the wholesale slaughter of America’s wild horses and burros to a halt.
“ While intent of the original act has been greatly diluted over the years, we feel it important to acknowledge this date. “ explains Carrol Abel , event co-organizer. “ Remembering the work of Wild Horse Annie inspires us all to continue her efforts. “
A note, handwritten by Wild Horse Annie,on a 1970 Christmas card is frighteningly relevant today:
“The battle for the wild ones gets rougher all the time.
Political now – but we’ll not quit.”
Wild Horse Annie – December 1970
Laura Leigh, event co-organizer, mirrors the sentiment of that handwritten note by saying, “ We will not give up until each life that is to be protected under law is given the consideration due to humanely care for them as outlined by law” says Leigh, founder of Wild Horse Education and VP of Wild Horse Freedom Federation, “That they receive their fair share of resource when they dwell free on public land and are treated with the respect they deserve when removed and enter into the realm of domestication and sanctuary.”
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Reno, Nevada – Singing legend Lacy J. Dalton will be joining the candlelight vigil around Wild Horse Annie’s grave site at Mountain view Cemetery, 435 Stoker avenue. 4:00 pm until 6:30pm. There will be 148 candles representing the horses that died in the Calico roundup of 2010
The Carson City vigil at Nevada’s Capitol will include a talk by Craig Downer.
Find a city near you, or join our “at home” brigade, by visiting:
WARNING: this post will really get under your skin if you hate anything I write that expresses my emotional responses to what I see and do. So if you are one of those looking for “just the facts ma’am,” don’t say I didn’t warn you. REMEMBER: this site is my “blog.” http://wildhorseeducation.org is the organization website. I have two places I post for a reason.
~~~
Dear Santa,
I know you are a very busy man. You have that “making your list and checking it twice” priority right now. If you can look into my heart you will know that I have tried my best to be “nice” when it is called for and “naughty” only under special circumstances when my patience came to an abrupt end. Personal “naughtiness” has not had an opportunity, so I am not sure if that counts toward being good.
Please Santa, if you have it in your bag I do need to find a way to get some “things.”
There are many nice people that want to send me gifts but I have no place to put them. Please let them know that I am truly grateful for all of their wonderful words. But I live on the road and have no space for “nice” things. But I need a good jack. I need to get the exhaust fixed, as I punctured it on the range. I need a better lens, as I am being held far away from our horses. I need gas cards and cards to get supplies for the road. I need those things to keep working. That is the most important thing to me. It would be amazing to have a better vehicle and a new computer… but I know times are hard right now and not having those things wont stop me… but I need to keep this truck (I am so grateful for) running.
For me personally I would like to be able to take my dog to the vet to get his tumors looked at… but for now we have a deal that the day he looks at me and says “no more,” I will not be selfish and let him go… but I would still like to know… maybe it’s better if I don’t?
I would like to see my family, but I know times are hard and being in physical space is not as important as remembering to say “I love you.” But maybe next year you could help me figure that one out?
Next year please help me find a place to call “home.” A place I can be with my horses and maybe adopt that young colt I have fallen in love with. I need some space to heal. I wont stop working for the wild horses but it would be nice to find that space to get strong in between. Maybe you could spur someone to answer one of those resumes next year? I need an office as this has grown bigger than I ever dreamed.
And Santa… if you can touch the hearts of those in government… please help them to remember that only one animal in the history of our nation has an Act of Congress to protect it…. and we are doing a lousy job.
Kiss Mrs. Santa and remember to tell her how lucky you are that she puts up with you.
Oh… and if you can send the horses some snow and wind… it will help to give them peace for the holiday too.
I have a stress headache tonight and three projects that needed done yesterday. Video that has been uploaded over the last week is difficult to get live. I have to get a data report complete (NAS) and the background info written for a wonderful group of people trying to make a change…. trying to keep the blinders on and let the drama slide off. Can only live one step at a time and with the tools at hand…. and if you stop to think about it… Like the old roadrunner cartoons, you just know if the coyote didn’t look down he would have made it….
Repost from WHE~~~~
Attempts have been made to upload video today. Most of them unsuccessful. The ends of video are being cut off or links not going “live.” We are working on getting the issues (most have to do with inadequate internet and overloaded equipment) resolved and the other videos loaded so you can see.
here are several disturbing reoccurring issues with this contractor. From water, feed and pilot conduct. To access to witness actions facing further restrictions. Many revolve around simple carelessness.
This horse was driven into a chute that had the side panel open. He makes a break but the neck rope is in place. The struggle is impressive and on video. The contractors that should be on the opposite side of the chute are not present and the one wrangler is left to call for help.
Video will be up by Wednesday evening. I have to prep for tomorrow. Please donate to help this documentation of the management practices of BLM and their chosen contractors to continue.
I have been told that they have changed pilots. I have been held to where I can not observe the mouth of the trap. I had a tripod today and, even though I was held where my view was severely obscured, was able to elevate the tripod… signature moves.
I also heard Ben Noyes say “Josh do you copy.”
It’s possible there are two pilots? It’s possible they gave him a reprimand? But is it possible for the BLM to answer?
Why wont BLM reveal the name of the pilot….?
Who is flying that chopper?
Let’s see if my access to view the mouth of the trap gets even worse now.
Trap was on a very bumpy road. Truck needs help. Please donate to keep this going.
I was told before I arrived at the trap there was a “great spot” for viewing. It would have been a good spot if I could have moved 15 feet. As it was I had to send a tripod up higher than they would let me keep my head… I was behind rocks and couldn’t see. I am reviewing tapes and it gets more interesting as I go….
I was also almost denied access to view processing. The situation was rectified and I did view processing.
Sharing an image for tonight… I actually have to review my video because I could not see what happened today… they really do not want us to see that trap mouth… hmmm…. why wont they say who is flying? More on that am. I have to make a few calls.
Studs to the right in release pen, the left to ship…
"Saying Goodbye"
More coming. Road was rough and truck has a new sound… Please help the work continue donate here: http://wildhorseeducation.org
There have been several folks (public and BLM) that have noticed that I have not updated the blog as I have in the past.
It has been a week of “roller-coaster” activity in several areas. I will try to give you a fast update on the avenues I have been working on.
Calico begins, first week breakdown
Of the seven days of operation (11/19-11/25) there have been six days of roundup operation. Day 2 was cancelled due to weather. Of the six days of operation I observed horses at the roundup site 3 days and in holding 4 days. (There was also a two day release of horses in the Fox Hog area of High Rock during this time, more on that later).
One group taken on Thanksgiving, 2011 before the wind kicked up.
First I would like to note that the atmosphere at the roundup so far has been relatively pleasant among those observing (including all government personnel). That said there are still access issues that include what appears to be a miscommunication among staff. Not one animal has been observed during proicessing. As animals are transported the “observers” are held on the range and are not even permitted to travel down a public road to wait on a public road (where processing could be observed, but limited) while staff sorts animals at holding. I have made a request to leave the trap site early and go to holding during my next visit. I had planned on being there today but my need for sleep had me fall out yesterday at 6 pm and not rise until 7 am this morning. (I will use the time to check on horses in short-term and get video up). Of note is that there have been 3 animals euthanized at the temporary facility: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/wild_horses_and_burros/TriState_Calico/gatreports.html
However it is “of note” that BLM’s gather report will look like this:
BLM "gather report" for Monday 11/21
Of note is the phrase repeated on just about every day “no incident.” If you follow the reports posted “incident” on the BLM page only translates into “fatality.” A change of terminology for the sake of accurate dialogue is in order. “Fatality” should be used as many “incidents” do occur.
If you look at the dictionary definition of the word it really does not apply. If they use the word “incident” things like horses being trampled or coming in exhausted should be included. So should each horse that is left behind and requires roping or any horses that show signs of injury to legs, face or appear sore. Perhaps they should change the vocabulary. It would be a shame if the public interpreted such omissions, in conjunction with the choice of words, as an attempt to mislead.
Not an "incident," even though one of the horses demonstrates a hip issue at temporary.
There are some observations that are “of note.” First, the pilot (from limited observation) has a different “signature.” This was also noted during the last day of Barren Valley in Oregon. BLM will not disclose the name of the pilot. However at this roundup I was told it is not Josh Helyer.
This is an interesting “observation” as in Court documents BLM admits no wrong doing nor addresses any issues that have been brought forward in the case that lead to the TRO to pilot conduct at Triple B and is ongoing to conduct. IF BLM has taken steps to rectify an issue shouldn’t the public be notified? If mistakes are made and admitted to… and an issue actually being addressed… shouldn’t the BLM make the public aware even if they have to admit that a mistake was made in the first place? This agency has a long history of discounting public concern and this would help create an area of public confidence instead of perpetuating the “veil of secrecy” that instills public distrust.
Second observation “of note” is that the tarps are still present in the loading area of the trap. The excuse that it helps horses “settle” is completely discounted through observation. Horses do not “settle” in the area of loading. Horses are being loaded most often immediately after capture with no “settle” time. If “settle” time is actually afforded it is done at the area on the opposite end of the trap. The only thing the tarps do is block the actual time of “handling” of the horses during loading.
Can you see how many horses are being crushed as they are flagged INTO the fence?
There is every indication that loading is still occurring in the manner it has in the past. Flagging at the opposite end of the pens still demonstrates a lack of understanding of equine behavior. Animals are often literally flagged into the panels instead of down the alley. Fast and hard flagging can still be observed (yet not the actual contact with animals as they are hidden) as the go down the alley. If you watch the horses feet (only part of them visible) you can still see the crowding of the alleys. Horse have been observed (in the area blocked by the saddle horses) “going down” during loading immediately after capture.
Observations as to the “drive” itself: Animals are coming in at between 1.5 hour to 2.5 hour intervals. The BLM line for this is that horses are being moved in “slowly.” However observations made can discount this assertion. On more than one run animals arrived at the trap visibly exhausted and “hot.” Animals were observed stumbling. Of note is that this trap location has now been used for 7 days. It would be logical to assume that animals are being brought in from greater and greater distances. BLM will not install GPS trackers nor cameras into contracted helicopters to confirm, nor dispel, their assertions.
Exhausted horses, video taped stumbling, reach trap area
Animals transported to the short-term facility (Palomino Valley Center) are not all in public view. Of those documented there are observations of note: Of the mares PZP treated at the roundup two years ago we have evidence that there have been late season births. This is evident in the body condition of several mares. At this time of year animals begin to conserve resource (in other words they travel fewer miles, slower speeds and “foaling season” has already past). Several mares have very young foals present and the resource used to give birth and nurse a young foal are evident. Also please remember the movement occurring in the areas due to construction for pipeline and geo-thermal and the adjoining roundup location. Many of these horses have travelled a lot in the last six months.
The majority of horses arriving at the facility appear in good health. A few arrived with superficial shipping wounds.
Observation of animals at holding and during roundup operations will continue.
High Rock Release
Also in the last week there was a return of horses into the Fox Hog area of High Rock. This is the first release and others are planned. I will update as I get info. But this almost did not happen… pat yourselves on the back. If we must address as distinct events than it works both ways.
Jeff Fonatana of BLM has provided me with brand ID’s on horses released and has promised to notify me as other areas are prepped for release.
However horses were released by sex, not in mixed sex groups nor partial bands.
Fox Hog release (Fontana, BLM)
Last Reply Brief Filed in the Humane action case
Late on the 21st of November the last reply brief went to the Court in the Humane care case. This statement from my Declaration sums up my feelings
“I am astounded that the BLM reply in this case does not outline concrete action being taken to rectify this type of conduct. I am fearful of the capabilities of such an agency that will continue to skirt every attempt to address the lack of standard. It literally causes pain that my government would rather argue my right to address this issue instead of creating a policy to carry out the most basic premise in the 1971 Act.”
The last reply is in and we may get a hearing on the Injunctive Relief or a ruling from the bench. The Complaint is still active. BLM’s reply does not address the issue itself at all. It attempts to tie this case to a case brought by another organization in the same Court (it is not associated) and simply my right to address the issue.
When you have staff at the roundups going out of their way to try to “give a better show” it is an implied admission that something went wrong. When you have a different pilot, it is an implied admission. When Dean Bolstad comes out of the NAS meeting to have a smoke an assures me that there will be a policy in a year… it is an implied admission it is needed. But not one area is addressed by BLM in any of their replies.
Triple B, Do we stand for this?
MORE
I am working on several areas of research as well that may bear some very interesting fruit soon… more on that later.
Calico 2011.... history repeating itself?
Smokin' ... (Every once in a while you catch a very "interesting" image.
I started this post at 7 am and just finished… had to stop and stop… more tomorrow…
VERY fast update. Today had MANY issues. We are filing reply tonight… working as fast as I can. NEED your support. Please donate if you can.
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Day 2 had no operations due to weather.
Calico Roundup 11-20-2011
Day 3. Full Report coming soon.
Older Palomino that came in the last load on day one was euthanized. Reasoning given was that mare would not make the ride to holding well. She was not eating like the others, therefore not good for release as she would most likely not make it through the winter. It is noteworthy that she did come in the last band (that took two and one half hours and three horses were witnessed stumbling. Was loaded immediately after capture and pushed into the panel by other horses and had a hard time regaining her feet). She was observed to be thin and weak in holding on Monday.
Today we had many things happen. I will get report out as I can. I need to sleep and get out very early.
“Flagging?” If you wave a flag at the back of a horse what direction does it run?
Calico 11-20 loading
Loading 11-20
On a bright note the lead dun stud (near back) will be released…. a couple of his mares are also in the release pen.
Operations in this Complex began in the Granite range. Granite shares a border with the now “complete” (release to low AML in that area still to occur, update soon).
This trap site is but a few miles from the last trap used at High Rock.
Present at the “public briefing” were Gene Seidlitz (district manager for Winnemuca), Lisa Ross (public relations Winnemucca), Leslie Coakley (public relations, Elko district), the Wild Horse and burro specialist, several BLM rangers, five members of the public and one from the media.
Four loads were brought in on the first day of operation. The public briefing began late and did not allow observation of the first load of six. Three more loads were brought in that were observed.
Temperatures of observation began at 23 degrees. Light snow was present in the area but the day was relatively clear and cold with little wind.
Observation report is limited to the very last part of the drive with trap mouth hidden from view behind “gravel” mound. Observation of horses in the trap pen limited to the very first portion of the trap pens as view was obstructed by saddle horses tied to the pens and tarps draped over the loading area. Handling during loading could not be observed, although the vantage would have allowed some observation were tarps not present.
Note on tarps: tarps are a new addition to the traps used by Sun J. The appearance of tarps came after the filing of legal action at Triple B. The documentation released to the public and filed in the Courts included the use of hotshots during loading as well as other disturbing images of handling during loading. Since the documents were filed no loading practices have been documented.
The “excuse” given for the tarp is that it helps animals “settle.”
This statement is disputed through observation as animals are most often given no time to settle and are loaded within minutes of capture. Most “settle time,” if any, is in the larger pens at the other end of the trap. Observation of movement of staff indicates the same practices and issues are occurring, but blocked from view.
Requests to place a camera at the alley end to capture the handling have been refused.
Each group brought into the trap (observed) took considerable time to reach vicinity of the trap.
First group observed entered the trap without incident that can be reported from the limited vantage. This group was immediately added to the first six and loaded for transport to temporary holding.
Note: District manager Gene Seidlitz was quick to say “isn’t it better” to me in reference to the pilot conduct. This comment was made in reference to the current litigation efforts that have final reply due Monday. Allegations in that case include inappropriate conduct by the pilot. Among the most egregious actions documented was contact between the helicopter skid and an exhausted animal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObXB0Wq3nRE
Current reply documents filed with the Court from the BLM do not address the conduct or any steps taken to address conduct. The attorneys for the BLM continue to ignore that issue in favor of bringing other arguments before the Court.
Yet repetitive statements that are made to “assure” that conduct is being addressed are constantly made by personnel on the ground. Yet those statements only address those actions taken that are witnessed with no written assurance that policy or protocol affords animals any differing treatment when public is not present.
Committee Approves Amendment to Keep OSM and BLM Separate, Independent Agencies Move a Rejection of Obama Administration’s Unilateral Attempt to Merge Agencies
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 17, 2011 - Today, the House Natural Resources Committee approved an amendment by voice vote, to H.R. 3404, offered by Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06). The amendment was a rejection of the Obama Administration’s recently announced intentions to merge the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Specifically, the amendment keeps OSM and BLM separate, independent agencies in the Department of the Interior and under the purview of the Under Secretary for Energy, Lands and Minerals.In October, Interior Secretary Salazar announced intentions to merge OSM into BLM, two agencies with distinctly different missions within the Department of the Interior. Since the announcement there has been significant, bipartisan concern regarding the Secretary’s statutory authority to perform the merger and its effect on coal mining jobs and coal production.“I’m pleased the Committee approved my amendment to protect the integrity of these two separate but equally important agencies. The attempt to merge these two agencies is yet another action by the Obama Administration in its ongoing war on American coal. There are serious statutory concerns with the Interior Department’s unilateral decision to merge OSM within BLM that could ultimately affect thousands of hardworking coal miners,”said Rep. Johnson.“This amendment protects American jobs, ensures that the Obama Administration cannot skirt the laws passed by Congress, and guarantees these two agencies stay distinct entities within Interior Department while maintaining their individual, critical missions.”
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Bad internet, more updates soon.
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But if you go to that website, poke around. Look at things like this article. The projects are coming in hard and strong, changing the landscape forever….
Chairman Hastings Joins Speaker Boehner in Announcing American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 17, 2011 - House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings released the following statement after joining House Speaker John Boehner and other Republican Members at a press conference today to highlight the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act – a bill to be introduced in the coming weeks that would link new American energy production to high-priority infrastructure projects:“For the past year, a top priority of the Natural Resources Committee has been expanding access to our own U.S. energy resources. Increased energy production is one of the best ways to create new American jobs, grow the economy, lower energy costs and generate new revenue. Unfortunately, there are numerous government roadblocks and barriers that stand in the way of U.S. energy development. This energy and infrastructure jobs bill, which includes proposals that have already passed the House with bipartisan support, will remove those barriers and unlock U.S. energy resources.
“The bill will include measures to open new areas for offshore energy production that contain the most oil and natural gas resources, open just 3 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for future energy production, and set clear rules for the development of U.S. oil shale resources. These measures will not only create new energy jobs, but will generate significant federal revenue that can help pay for infrastructure improvements, thereby creating even more jobs.”
Sometimes small pieces of conversation stick with you. Sometimes for a very long time…
I was recently asked by a reporter from the New York Daily News (that has not published their story yet) what the wild horse means to me. He was looking for the “advocate” to give him the emotional response. He wanted very few statistical statements or basic “this is” what is happening out here explanations.
He asked “Is the wild horse like the bald eagle or a dog?” I laughed because I knew what he was looking for.
“He is greater,” I said “Like the bald eagle he is a symbol of freedom (although Franklin would say the turkey is a better American symbol, maybe Franklin was right?) and like the dog he can be a loyal companion. He is capable of doing just fine without us yet can be a willing participant in our world. As a matter of fact our country would not be what it is without him. We owe him so much more.”
I went on to explain why…
note:
“In 1899 the Boer War in South Africa and later the Spanish-American War created a large demand for military mounts. Many wild horses were rounded up and shipped overseas.
During World War I, ranchers such as Harry Wilson went into business with the federal government raising horses for the Army. Wilson provided Standardbred mares acquired from the Miller and Lux ranches and the government furnished Thoroughbred studs.
Over 1,700 head of Wilson horses ran from High Rock Canyon north to the Oregon border, including all of the present day Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.” (from “MUSTANG COUNTRY)
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The horses from Sheldon through High Rock and into Calico and Twin Peaks (and many other areas) are the horses that fought our wars. They stood beside my grandfather and yours as they defended freedom in World War I. Then we left them behind.
“You put a mask on him before you put on your own” said grandpa “He can carry you out, you can’t carry him.”
Today, in the name of “progress,” we are pushing what is left of these animals that truly represent a symbol of Freedom and the will to fight for it, into the pages of history.
Can’t you stand by them as they stood by us?
In every public relations piece our government puts out on the new fast track of progress in industrializing public land they claim to “protect” the interests on that land. Yet they continually fail to recognize our wild horses as the truly American Heritage species they are.
Videos of the treatment our government chooses to give these animals are all over the web. The agency tasked with humane care for forty years has no standard for that care. Even animals bound for slaughter have a standard, if not enforced.
Instead our government will argue our rights to “interest” of the most important animal in the history of our nation as it turns it’s back in the name of “progress.”
I need your help to watch over these horses. I need to track the High Rock Release and be able to stand at Calico.
I am adding this video to give you a flavor of what we owe these horses.
And this one to remind you of what we give them instead.
I have several things on my plate at the moment but want to take a minute to focus on “where you are needed.”
High Rock holding 11-8 "Satanta"
Please continue to FAX
The release at High Rock to “Low AML” will happen. The plan to wait to see what quota is at Calico has been scrapped. However… the game is ongoing. Today we have a flyover of the Complex to determine how many to release toward low AML. If you remember 1300 were in the Complex and a few more outside the HMA’s (but remember HMA’s are manipulated boundaries from the original lines). So now we will get “numbers” of horses still in the Complex and the release will be adjusted by the numbers they give. So we will still have a release (brands and descriptions have been requested as well as access to photograph the horses released so we can actually get some data on what happens AFTER a population has been disrupted). BUT that also opens the door for a “number” to then reflect horses that will be taken during Calico. The flyover map and corresponding data will be requested. (Remember these will be handwritten numbers on a map… not hard photographic “evidence.”) We will keep a close eye on that.
If you can continue to ask for a partial release of related horses (ie. partial family bands, stallions with familiar mares that will be PZP treated… again we need to know how PZP really effects the ability of band structure to resemble anything “natural” in a wild population).
High Rock is part of the now dubbed “Tri State” Complex. Long convoluted evolution here and I will explain the history in a later post. But for now you need to understand that Sheldon (done this summer) High Rock (just completed) Calico (just beginning) and the Granite HMA’s (planned for later this winter) comprise a clean sweep of the North Western quadrant of Nevada.
To begin to comprehend (and I will expand on this later) you need to recognize that we are disrupting these areas in a way we have never impacted them before. We have geo-thermal, expanding gold mines, moly mines and the well-know Ruby pipeline. Horses are always the fist to pay the price for any interest that moves in… but the neighborhood is being over-run.
Horses are moving.
In the most easy to illustrate example it goes like this….
Ruby pipeline gets approval. (we wont touch on the state legislator that made a deal to give the pipeline access through his private property for an undisclosed sum of money at this point… but it’s always good to remember these things).
BLM creates a new “boundary” line called the Tri-state Complex. Legal action against USFWS has to be dropped because of a need to re-craft and lack of public support (Fall, 2009). WWP makes deal with Ruby for wildlife corridors, pisses off ranchers and state legislator that made the deal. Ruby never talks more than superficially with wild horse groups.
Construction begins after Calico and Sheldon are rounded up.
Roads are being widened and high speed MASSIVE trucks bring in construction equipment.
Mental picture time: Pristine wilderness where very few humans travel… now has dirt roads that can accommodate two way traffic of these monster vehicles. Dust is kicked up from those roads that has fallout that extends half a mile that literally covers plant life to an almost unrecognizable state. Springs located near these roads have heavy dust accumulation… horses flee the areas… North and South. (Also located in or near these areas we have a Moly mine, expanding gold mines and geo-thermal…)
Fast forward, 2011…
We now have a concentration (called “over-population”) of horses in a number of areas. Roundups are called for through new EA’s because the RMP’s call for the expansion of these other “public interest” projects.
In Sheldon horses are taken from north of the highway… AND I can tell you that the traditional herds (like Fish Creek) are non-existent to how they once were. The horses moved North to get out of the way.
In Calico we have movement as well. Horses moved into High Rock and South in Calico. In Calico we now have an “off-HMA” population that will be taken through “authority.”
Can you say “duh?”
Heading right at me, pipeline construction truck 7/11
We create the problem and “blame the horse.” We create a situation without giving an alternative but the same old “dig those heels in” management that we have always done with our horses.
But today is different from yesterday… we are driving this mandated interest into bankruptcy. We are forcing a non-viability onto these populations without addressing any alternative. We are treating the “living symbol of the pioneer spirit of the West” as if it is simply a “bottom line” corporation being run out of business because the “profit” line has bigger fish looking to “industrialize” public land. This is aiding Salazar and Obama in furthering an agenda they have labelled “green” and “good for us.”
Are you starting to feel like a battered child? It’s the same psychology.
Don't forget Hope...
Lessons from history, Calico 2009
The Calico roundup of 2009 (in my humble opinion) was the birth place of a new kind of advocacy. It became the beginning of the “show me” (and I am not going to stop until I see it) school of thought.
Calico (for me) was the beginning of my “marathon” here on public land. The access games as images hit the public. The outright screaming matches that occurred (I am not kidding) from BLM employees because I disclosed images to the public of what I had seen. I had advocated for change prior (Sheldon lawsuit and anti-slaughter issues) but Calico was my “baptism of fire” into standing with the horses… wherever they are.
The images were so poignant that I edited (and then re-edited) a piece to tell as much of the story as could be told simply through picture. I added footage from other advocates and simply listed contributors alphabetically… that piece can be viewed here as it was made available free to the public: http://calicoinretrospect.wordpress.com/laura-leigh/theatre/
At this juncture in time we are doing no better in recognizing that at the center of this program lies a beating heart… the beating heart of a living, breathing, wild horse.
BLM still denying the pilot made contact
Fast forward summer 2011 and Triple B, a small victory
Since Calico I have documented more roundups, wild horses ranges, horses in holding than any other government personal or single private citizen. This is not a “chest thump” nor brag, it is a testimony. It is an unbroken chain of gut wrenching situations that are not isolated events. Every day that I spend with our horses I witness something that begs questions. Many of those questions are so contrary to common sense it makes your head spin. The obstinate adherence to outdated process is unbelievable. Many days I feel like I have been transported in time back to the days prior to the act and am watching the “mustangers” of old.
Among the acts documented was the striking of the horse with a helicopter skid at Triple B. This roundup has many outrageous occurrences from lack of water, hot shot use, no dust control, barbed wire at trap locations (caused fatality), pilot conduct and foals, foals, foals being run in the desert heat in July (with tragic consequence). (Note: these issues have also been documented at other roundups but many pieces need to be in place prior to having the ability to filing a legal action).
I filed in Federal Court and was granted a TRO to pilot conduct. The Judge leaving the Injunctive motion open to new evidence, if it arose. Well… low and behold the conduct did not abate, only the ability to document it. But enough has been captured to raise the question: Why, in an Agency tasked with humane care for 40 years, is there no care standard when the need for one can be so clearly documented?
In this action the Agency has not replied that it is providing any remedy… only challenging my right to address the conduct programmatically. Why they haven’t just said… “Ok. We made a care standard that we will review in six months” and we can all move on… is beyond me. It goes back to that obstinate adherence and an inability to address directly any area, even the simplest of issue.
That case should have a decision by the end of the month.
The roundup schedule has Calico starting 12/1. The flyover to locate populations is happening now in conjunction with the population survey at High Rock.
we can call this section a “public service announcement” …. PLEASE take note that the same type of operation (state sweep) is occurring in WY. I am not in WY and I hope someone can get there and document the activities on the range that not only include the horses… but the impacts of the other interests on the land. It is imperative that kind of documentation be done in WY. ALSO note the Ely/Elko roundup for this winter of Pancakes. That will complete the sweep began last year of horses up and down the Eastern side of the state and set Ely/Elko in the same danger of genetic bankruptcy we will see on the Western side of the state. It is my expectation that Pancakes will also begin ahead of schedule and hope someone is watching that area. That EA was not based on range conditions but had a very strong influence of fiscal consideration to any future action in that area. It also borders areas where we may have extreme change in water table due to extractive interests very soon. ALSO of note (to those of you still following me… is that we had Paymaster (Tonapah) brought to an AML of 3!!! and the Silver King heartbreak (trying not to swear) and a huge chunk of that land was just leased for natural gas exploration… and PLEASE note the CA heliostat project in the mojave. I have been hollering about that one for some time… WATCH anything labeled “green”and think toxic not safe.
General, no longer free, Soldier meadows holding
I need YOU!
This work is not funded by any large pockets. None of the groups that have grants and funding have ever offered to carry the fiscal needs of this. BLM shakes their head at the vehicle held together by duct tape and wear and tear on my equipment and body… “don’t know how you do this,” they say. I say “People care.”
Calico is my personal “ground zero.” It was my “baptism of fire.” My General, Commander and True boy came from Calico and are still safe because of Neda DeMayo. This area of the state from Sheldon to Reno… is my “home.”
PLEASE help me to watch over them…. I try to make my actions match my words… if I see it, I get it to you as fast as I can… if I can create a lawsuit I work my fanny off with my attorney and we file… if I see an area we can make a difference through public pressure I tell you exactly who to contact… I am trying very hard to be your eyes as we stand there with them and take that information forward… But I can’t do it without you. http://wildhorseeducation.org/mission-statement/donate/
I want to head in and stay like I have done before. I have situated myself where I can watch roundup, holding and transport to facility. I have an “extra set of hands” to post reports if I can’t… last time all I had was a borrowed camera and my cell phone… this time I have all of you.
NOTE: I have been working my fanny off and things are going to intensify. Please be very patient with me if I can’t answer emails timely or return calls. Yes, there are two “organizations” represented here, but that is a framework. I am gathering info, researching, working on other issues of accountability on the ground, logging, editing, crafting documents and trying to keep the pulbic informed by writing the press releases and getting video up.
AND i do need your support. Without you this work does not exist. ~ Thank you. Laura
Litigation filed referencing First Amendment claims against the Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Interior that addresses areas of discriminatory access, and access denied, to document the governments care or lack there of wild herds will be heard on January 9 in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This case began in 2010 and addresses repetitive conduct by the Defendants toward hiding actions from public scrutiny.
Plaintiff Leigh contends that the activities addressed in that case are ongoing to date. Leigh says “the games continue.”
“If government becomes committed to silencing those voices of opposition, or to hiding their actions to avoid opposition,” states Leigh’s attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno “we have truly entered into dangerous times.”
This case has been signed on through Amicus brief by both the Reporters Committee for a Free Press and the National Press Photographers Association. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching ramifications into the ability of the American Press to address issues that create controversial conversation in the public sphere.
In Leigh’s other ongoing action against the Agency, that has become known as the “Humane action” case, the BLM has published their reply to the Court.
The agency’s defense includes statements that challenge Leigh’s right to address the actions she witnessed (including a helicopter skid striking a horse), and the timeliness of her claim, yet fail to address any measures the Agency has taken to rectify the situations that cause such activity to occur.
“It is so absurd that an agency tasked with humane care of our wild herds by Congress has no standard of care and consequence for violation. Instead it is left up to a citizen to address the issue in a Courtroom,” said Leigh “And even after we gain a TRO (temporary restraining order) the agency still will argue my right to call them on inappropriate behavior instead of addressing it. It’s like dealing with a very naughty child.”
The Complaint filed by Leigh addresses conduct that was clearly demonstrated at the Triple B roundup earlier this year in eastern Nevada. The conduct addressed has been documented on many occasions at other operations by the agency.
“The amount of work required to obtain documentation and then format it into appropriate action to create meaningful change is incredible,” states Leigh “We are talking about two simple premises here: handle our horses with care and demonstrate accountability to the public. Why is this so difficult to accomplish within the agency tasked, and paid, to do exactly that?”
Leigh and her attorney will be filing their response to the Court before Thanksgiving.
“Leigh is working diligently in both field and research,” states equine author R.T. Fitch and President of WHFF “and the commitment of Ms. Leigh, WHFF and the American public to see this through to a positive outcome has never been stronger.”
Horses will receive the freezemark AND an HMA mark… more tomorrow. Maybe they will try to release a few partial bands? Are we really asking too much? No way. It is the very least that can be done as AML is so dangerously low AND we are not following up these drastic reductions with any behavioral data.
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Horses will be released at High Rock, not dependent on Calico numbers and prior to the end of Calico.
I have been told horses will be going to their “HMA’s” and the assumption is that the horses will be released in the areas they were taken from (not like we have seen at other operations). But I will follow-up on this.
I have not been notified if horses will receive a full brand and not just a PZP mark. I have not gotten any confirmation on making an attempt to release studs with their mares.
Working on getting more info.
Operations will continue for about two more days and “off” HMA horses are now being taken.
Please keep in mind that prior survey noted 1300 animals, we are now above that count. Horses are now moving because of the roundup operation and disruptions in the North due to construction…. more on that later.
THAN YOU.
PLEASE keep asking for those brands and that an attempt be made to return at least partial bands to home ranges.
Press Release on legal cases and video tomorrow… boots off for a few hours.
Dust...
Sat with the horses at PVC for a few minutes this afternoon… Triple B horses moving out to Fallon, long-term and adoption “events as the facility prepares to take in Calico horses.
There is a “rumor” at the moment that BLM in Cedarville may have changed plans about releasing horses at High Rock. If they do release at High Rock I promise to be there and document the individuals.
My thoughts, however, go a bit further and I could use your help.
I know BLM is reading this blog so they are going to know I have asked for your help as well as what I am asking for… as they will also get my request in writing.
AS my “gut” hurt so bad as they announced they would do no release from High Rock until after Calico (based on quota reached) I really feel that we need a greater ability to keep tabs on the wild horses. The “clean sweep” planning that has BLM wiping one side of the state last winter and now this side… has me extremely fearful of the genetic bankruptcy as well as the survival probability as these disruptions occur when horses need family the most, the winter.
If they were holding horses and releasing after Calico (but not based on quota captured at Calico) that would be in line with the manner in which the public must address these events as uniques. But to base it on the quota sees them as conjoined events. They can’t have it both ways as it suits an agenda.
But I am very worried about the population that will be left out there… extremely worried.
I am writing in reference to the current BLM roundup operation in the High Rock Complex.
As the Environmental Assessment calls for the release of animals to reach low AML at the conclusion of operation I request the following:
1. Horses be branded prior to release.
This will serve several purposes.
It will make horses from this operation visually identifiable. This will ensure that as horses are released in an area bordering the next roundup operation, that they are not recaptured in the next operation. These horses have been disrupted and after release may flee the immediate area causing them to move into the next area of operation. It will also facilitate, by visual identification, observations of movement within the complex and adjoining areas. This information is vital in comprehending the best way to manage these animals and has been lacking in the past.
2. That an effort be made to reunite family bands for release.
Many of the groups are identifiable through photographs taken during the operation. By making the attempt to keep family groups together, and branding prior to release, further information can be gained about the efficiency of, and impact to, family structure from the proposed use of chemical birth control.
Thank you for your consideration,
you have to add your contact info ….
Thanks.
It takes a bit to digest what you see and get it into context… and then make the next move… video tomorrow as several things took priority today.
high rock holding, youngsters removed from families and the range in the same day
note to blm:
Normally animals released are turned back out from temporary and not branded. In this instance I believe they should be transported to Litchfield, branded and cataloged and then returned.
We need the information and a way to track the horses.
Population at this roundup has been taken almost to nothing...
we need to track who is out there... as families... even better.
The information would be good for us and BLM toward an honest dialogue.
Woke up to hit the road and it is snowing. Forecast calls for snow all day so I will leave tomorrow… I can’t wait any longer. Much of the travel was worse last year and the dog, the truck and I made it through just fine. I know they will be flying… and I sit here and review documentation and log and file and send… and look at each face. I will leave tomorrow while it’s light and not chance the overnight drive… I know they will be flying.
But wanted to share this again… fuel for fire that will keep me warm…
The founder of Wild Horse Education, Laura Leigh, has always dreamed of creating a data base accessible to the public that consists of consecutive field data covering wild herd areas. The database she envisions consists of independent data, government data and a section for public participation. A truly “educational” experience for herd management.
The costs of achieving this goal are way out of reach. Leigh documents what she can with limited resources and has been able to bring us updates on the management of public herds.
Today Leigh edited a video and submitted it to Pepsi for their “Refresh Everything” campaign to provide funding to projects aimed at increasing awareness and bettering community.
We will know by the end of the month if we are in the “voting” for receipt of grant funds to create the data base.
As many of you follow what we upload to YouTube we thought you deserved an explanation for the latest video uploaded. Part of the application process was to create a “commercial” for your cause.
We will let you know if we make it to the stage where we need your help.
Here is the video submitted along with written explanation and details about the organization. Wish us luck!
note from Pepsi:
And a big thank you! Your idea was submitted. Now mark your calendar. All submitted ideas are entered in a random drawing, certified by an independent third party. Those that are selected in this drawing and meet the Official Application Guidelines will be posted for public voting next month. We will notify you after the submissions period ends this month if you’re idea has been randomly selected. Good luck!
The idea to enter this competition came from a poster on this blog… thank you. It’s worth a try and I hope you enjoy the video.
Laura can be reached through WildHorseEducation@gmail.com
Laura Leigh
Laura Leigh is an award winning artist, journalist, videographer. She is founder and President of Wild Horse Education.Laura has served as Subject Matter Expert for The Equine Welfare Alliance in the research department and has been affiliated with many equine welfare groups in many capacities.
All photos and video on this site are credited to Laura unless otherwise noted.
All copyright laws apply.
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