BLM Land-Use Ruling

["dixie midnight" <dixiemidnight@hotmail.com>]

Riders:

I happened to find this at the AHC website.  Thought y'all would be 
interested.

Karl
Dixie Midnight
No-Sweat vent pads
http://www.dixiemidnight.nv.switchboard.com
Come see us!


BLM Final Rule on Activities in Wilderness Areas Allows Continued Use of 
Horses

Washington, DC -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) this week (Dec. 11, 
2000)  published a final rule that updates the regulations pertaining to 
congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas. The final rule permits the 
continued use of horses in these areas. While the AHC is pleased with the 
final rule, that was not always the case.

The original proposal would have had a large impact on how, or if, horses 
would be allowed into wilderness areas. In the original proposal, the BLM so 
loosely defined the term "mechanical transport," which are banned in 
wilderness areas, that this term could have been misconstrued to include 
saddles, packs and bridles.

In April 1997, the AHC voiced its concern about this provision. Maitland 
Sharp, Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning of the BLM, 
responded by stating "the BLM never intended that the proposed rule restrict 
or prohibit the use of horses in BLM-managed Wilderness Areas," and assured 
the AHC that the final rule would not restrict or prohibit the use of horses 
in this area.

True to his word, the final rule makes clear that the use of horses and 
other pack stock is a legitimate activity in the Wilderness Area. According 
to the rule, "Mechanical transports mean any vehicle, device, or contrivance 
for moving people or material in or over land, water, snow, or air that has 
moving parts. This term does not include wheelchairs, nor does it include 
horses or other pack stock."

"The horse industry is pleased that the BLM has clarified that the use of 
horses and other pack stock is a legitimate activity in Wilderness Areas. 
The whole issue of Wilderness Areas is a thorny one and any statement by a 
federal agency that recognizes and allows the continued use of horses is 
important," said Jay Hickey AHC President.

-30-


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The American Horse Council, the national legislative representative for the 
horse industry, works daily with Congress, federal agencies and the industry 
itself to create an environment that benefits horses and the people who 
depend on, care about and enjoy them. A non-profit organization, the AHC's 
activities are funded entirely through membership dues. The AHC represents 
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veterinarians, farriers, competitors, trainers, jockeys, drivers, breed 
registries, horsemen's associations, race tracks, horse shows and rodeos, 
commercial suppliers and state horse councils.


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Copyright © 2000 the American Horse Council.






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