UPHOLDING WILD HORSE PROTECTION ON PUBLIC LANDS

The monitoring of upland and riparian vegetation and water availability within Wild Horse & Burro (WHB) Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in eastern Oregon is a critical process in ensuring the protection of flora and fauna in these areas. As the Bureau of Land Management wild horse population continues to grow by approximately 20% annually, natural resources can be highly strained. Prevention of damage to the ecosystem can be avoided by regular observations and effective management alterations to maintain the HMAs within Appropriate Management Levels (AMLs). This study was conducted by utilizing a variety of methods including, but not limited to, Pace 180, utilization, supervision, Line-point intercept, and photographic monitoring. The data collected will be applied in range management and to the continued protection of natural resources within the HMAs. The principal purpose for this executed research is to support multi-use management of public land, which prioritizes the wellbeing of the environment as a whole.

Keywords: range management, observational research, natural resources, wildlife protection.