The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) is preparing an environmental assessment to analyze a proposed wild horse ecosanctuary on approximately 13,000 acres of private land near Drummond, Mont.

Rural Sustainability Organization Inc. of Drummond has applied to provide long-term, humane care for up to 325 wild horses gathered primarily from horse management areas or long-term holding facilities on private lands.

If the proposal is approved, the BLM would sponsor the ecosanctuary at a funding level comparable to what it pays for the care of wild horses on long-term pastures in the Midwest. The ecosanctuary would be publicly accessible and provide ecotourism and educational opportunities to help defray costs for operating the sanctuary.

The BLM is soliciting comments or issues on the ecosanctuary proposal that would be analyzed or considered in the environmental assessment. Please submit comments on the proposal by mail to John Thompson at the Missoula Field Office, 3255 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804; or by email to blm_mt_missoula_fo@blm.gov. Comments would be most helpful if received by April 18