I know that the good fight is sometimes a tough fight and all of us can become weary at times… so here are three pieces of good news, all from the American Wild Horse Campaign – which you can go to their website or FB follow here
THE FIRST STORY: SHOUTOUT TO BLOCKCHAINS, LLC for helping the mustangs!
AWHC wants to give a huge shoutout the tech company Blockchains, LLC, which is now the largest landowner at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, near Reno, Nevada and is strongly committed to protecting the estimated 1,000 Virginia Range wild horses who call that area home.
Previously, Blockchains took a strong stand against the removal of the horses from their homes on the range. But this past weekend, the company went above and beyond by immediately addressing an emergency situation threatening the lives of 70 wild horses. The horses’ water source dried up to just a trickle. Many were in poor condition as they were not leaving the site to graze, but rather were standing around waiting desperately to get even the tiniest of sips from the trickling spring.
As soon as they learned about the situation, Blockchains immediately gave us access to deliver water to the horses and arranged for use of a water tank on the property. Even better, Blockchains is funding the creation of a reliable, year-round solar water source for wild horses and other wildlife in the area.
This is a great story of teamwork and a company that stands by its word to protect wild horses! We are so grateful to Blockchains and its excellent staff for moving so quickly to address this emergency – they literally have saved the lives of these incredible horses. Thank you Blockchains, LLC — the horses are happy to welcome you to the neighborhood!
SECOND STORY: Drought and water HEROES
Hats off to these wild horse heroes who have spent the last week braving punishing temperatures to save the lives of approximately 70 Virginia Range mustangs in desperate need of water. Steve Paige of AWHC, Nancy Killian and Elena Sullivan of Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association and Therese and John Kline of Wild Horse Preservation League have been putting in 10-12 hour days to haul water to these horses, many of whom were in poor condition when discovered desperately waiting for a drink from a barely trickling spring.
By the end of the day today, a permanent solution should be in place. Thanks again to Blockchains, LLC for funding a reliable water source for the horses, to Randy Pitts of F and P Construction for donating equipment to help make it happen, and to Lance Gilman and Kris Thompson of the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center/L Lance Gilman Commercial Real Estate for laying the groundwork to make this collaboration possible.
This is the future: citizens and businesses working together to preserve the West’s iconic mustangs as symbols the American Spirit. #NewNevada #Heroesforhorses #SaveVRMustangs
THIRD STORY: Update: Fish Springs herd gets reprieve (We did it!!)
Update: The Bureau of Land Management confirmed on Friday that they will work with local wild horse advocates on a plan to manage the Fish Springs herd.
BLM Spokeswoman Lisa Ross confirmed an announcement made earlier on Friday by the Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates that a proposal to round up about 70 horses in the Fish Springs herd is on hold
“Due to community concerns and the need to investigate physical threats against BLM employees, the BLM will suspend a wild horse gather operation in the Fish Springs area near Gardnerville,,” Ross said. “The BLM appreciates the commitment of all local area residents to work cooperatively toward positive outcomes. The BLM looks forward to continuing its long-standing relationship with the Fish Springs community as we work together to find community-based management solutions that are in the best interests of both the area residents and the wild horses.”
.Advocates for the Fish Springs herd said Friday they’ve been in contact with the Department of Interior about an impending round-up.
“We talked to the Department of the Interior, and they understand this is a local issue about a specific group of horses,” said Sheila Schwadel of the Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates.
Schwadel said that the advocates have been told the planned roundup won’t happen.
“After coordination with Department of the Interior leadership and the BLM we have been notified that the previously planned roundup will not occur,” said Schwadel. “As a community we are pleased with the progress of the Administration and are optimistic for the future of our horses.”
Advocates’ social media director Mary Cioffi said the group is seeking solutions that work for the herd and the community.
“We are looking forward to working with Secretary Zinke and the BLM to find solutions that put the herd and our community first,” Cioffi said. “The administration has listened to us, understood us, and acted.”
Advocates board member Deniz Bolbol said the group is actively managing the horses.
“The BLM has recognized that our efforts go well-beyond admiring these horses,” Bolbol said. “We are actively engaged in their care and management and will continue to do so collaboratively with the BLM. This is how good neighbors work together.”
Two weeks ago, 300 residents packed into the Fish Springs Volunteer Fire Department to discuss the decision to round up the herd.
Last week, members of the Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates and the American Wild Horse Campaign delivered around 170,000 petition signatures to BLM State Director Michael Courtney.
WAHOO! GOOD NEWS FOR ALL. HAPPY MONDAY!
