"These wild equines soon may disappear from beside the ancient lake. The prospect is stirring emotional disagreement over the future of the herd, which has surged to more than three times what federal officials say the land can support. "These horses deserve a place to roam and be free, but around Mono Lake is not the place," said Bartshe Miller of the Mono Lake Committee, an environmental nonprofit."
"Earlier this year, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management approved a plan to round up and remove hundreds of wild horses roaming beyond the roughly 200,000 acres designated for them along the California and Nevada border. It would be a relief for some. Environmentalists say the horses are degrading the otherworldly landscape at Mono Lake, including bird habitat and its famed tufa - textured rock columns that would look at home on Mars."
Several dozen wild horses graze along Mono Lake’s shore, with herd numbers surging to more than three times federal carrying capacity. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management approved removal of hundreds of horses roaming beyond about 200,000 acres designated for them, with action possible as soon as fall. Environmentalists warn of degraded bird habitat and damage to fragile tufa formations. Ranchers report competition with cattle and federal officials cite highway safety hazards. Animal welfare groups oppose helicopter-driven roundups, while local tribes and nonprofits seek Indigenous management and have pursued legal challenges.
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