Thank you for the opportunity to observe the Spring Creek Wild Horse Removal on October 15 thru 17, and the initial phases of the Adoption process at Breen, Colorado on October 27, 1995. The overall planning
and implementation of both the gather operation and initial processing
were excellent.
I was particularly impressed with the performance of Cattoor Livestock Roundup Company, their facilities, their operational philosophy, and the care with which the horses were handled. Of particular note were:
trap location and construction, the ability and consideration displayed
by the helicopter pilot, the employment of ‘Judas’ horses, and the skill and concern demonstrated by Cattoor personnel when roping of horses was required.
I would also like to complement Bureau of Land Management personnel involved with the operation for their efforts and consideration for the animals and their future.
Mr Wayne Werkmeister of the San Juan Resource Area developed and orchestrated a complex operation which proved successful well beyond the simple removal of horses deemed excess on the range. The coordination and use of local media before, during, and after the gather was a very positive step, as were his efforts to minimize conflict with area hunters, and the provision of health test data on each horse to adopters. I believe that Mr. Werkmeister’s genuine concern for the welfare of these animals during all phases of the operation has been a major factor in garnering local support for the Bureau’s Wild Horse and Burro management efforts.
I would also like to extend my compliments to Mr. John Hawkes of the Montrose District Office for the assistance which he provided throughout the operation. His long association and experience with the Wild Horses in this Herd area were as evident as his personal feelings for the welfare of the animals that were removed and those remaining on range.
The planning, preparation, and conduct of this entire operation can be viewed as a credit to all of the involved BLM and Contractor personnel charged with carrying out policies which are often difficult and shortsighted. I would suggest that in the future, such individuals be given a much larger voice in overall policy development for the Wild Horse and Burro Program.
While observing the operations conducted at Spring Creek, the facilities for temporary holding at Dry Creek Basin, and the preparations for adoption at Breen, I noted several conditions which I believe should be addressed in future management plans and removal operations, which I have listed below. …
My thanks go to the Contractor for a JOB WELL DONE! Ron Hall
cc. Tim Murray, D.M.
BLM, Miles City District
C.O. LaVonna Hughes, Denver BLM, Denver Federal Service
Burton Williams, A.M.
BLM, Billings Resource Area
