Colorado Wild Horse Protection Month is being celebrated in March, with Governor Jared Polis recognizing the state’s efforts to manage wild horse populations. However, the state’s lack of funding may hinder these efforts. The Joint Budget Committee is looking to find $1.2 billion to cover a budget shortfall, potentially impacting programs such as the Colorado Youth Advisory Council and the Wild Horse program.
House Majority Leader Rep. Monica Duran is working to transfer the Wild Horse program from a nonprofit entity to the Department of Agriculture to ensure continued funding. The program aims to find a permanent preserve for wild horses in Colorado. The Bureau of Land Management manages four sites in the state where wild horse herds can be found.
Recent roundups by the BLM have led to controversy, with advocates criticizing the use of helicopters and fatalities among horses. The BLM has also faced challenges in managing the growing population of wild horses in Colorado. Legislation, such as HB 1283, aims to extend the Wild Horse program for another five years and transfer oversight to the Department of Agriculture.
Despite the challenges, efforts to protect Colorado’s wild horses continue, with partnerships between the state and federal agencies being recognized. The goal is to find sustainable solutions for managing wild horse populations while ensuring their welfare and preservation in the state.
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