The BLM said off-range pastures are a more cost-effective and efficient approach to managing costs for animals in holding while providing the public with opportunities to view wild horses in a natural setting. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking proposals for new public off-range pastures that will provide a free-roaming environment for wild horses removed from Western public lands while also allowing for regular public visitation.

The BLM said this action is part of its effort to address growing wild horse and burro populations on public rangelands. As of March 1, the agency estimated the wild horse and burro population on public lands at 81,951 animals, which is more than triple the number of animals the land can support in conjunction with other legally mandated land uses. This chronic overpopulation increases the risk of damage to rangeland resources and raises the chances of starvation and thirst for animals in overpopulated herds, the agency said.

New public off-range pastures are a more cost-effective and efficient approach to managing costs for animals in holding while providing the public with opportunities to view wild horses in a natural setting. The pastures will also provide opportunities for the public to adopt animals into private care to help reduce the number of animals in holding facilities