The BLM considered, but eliminated from further analysis, an alternative to emphasize the protection of resources by removing most, if not all, human uses because it would not respond to the purpose and need for the RMP revision. FLPMA requires the BLM to manage public lands and resources according to the principles of multiple use and sustained yield. Included in this requirement are human uses, such as mineral development or livestock grazing, that must be managed so as to account for other resource values, such as wilderness or wildlife resources. Alternatives considered in detail address management actions that include closure or prohibition of various resource uses over portions of the Planning Area.
At present, the BLM manages only two Herd Management Areas (HMAs) for wild horses in the Planning Area: Fifteenmile and McCullough Peaks. In the remaining Herd Areas, the BLM has removed the wild horses and does not manage these areas for wild horses. Analysis for previous decisions determined that managing wild horses in these Herd Areas resulted in management issues or conflicts that were most appropriately resolved by the removal of wild horses. These decisions and findings remain valid because the resource conditions have not changed; information about the issues and conflicts associated with individual Herd Areas are available at the BLM Cody Field Office (CYFO) and Worland Field Office (WFO), and are summarized in Chapter 3 of this document. Management issues and conflicts that resulted in the removal of horses from these areas included horse trespass due to unfenced boundaries, forage and/or water competition with domestic livestock, and private landowner requests.
HMAs are the only administrative units the CYFO and WFO currently use to manage wild horses in the Planning Area. Alternatives considered in detail do include changing the administrative boundary of the existing HMAs without an increase in the number of horses.
The BLM considered, but eliminated from further analysis, the designation of the McCullough Peaks HMA as a Wild Horse or Burro Range in the Bighorn Basin RMP. BLM Handbook H-1601-1 states that an HMA may be considered for designation as a Wild Horse or Burro Range when there is a significant public value present, such as unique characteristics in a herd or an outstanding opportunity for public viewing. The McCullough Peaks HMA does not provide outstanding opportunities for public viewing or have significant public value present. Further, the BLM can achieve needed funding, additional protections, management opportunities, and additional public awareness of this resource under the existing HMA designation. Alternatives considered in detail do address viewing opportunities and additional protections for wild horses within the existing Fifteenmile and McCullough Peaks HMAs.