Wild mustangs removed from the Calico Mountain Complex range in Nevada would avoid placement in long-range holding facilities in the Midwest if the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), wild horse advocates and a Nevada rancher can agree on an alternative plan.

About 1,800 mustangs were gathered from the Calico Complex in controversial gathers in December 2009 and February 2010. The gathers were the subject of a series of lawsuits brought against the BLM by animal welfare advocates. One suit filed in December 2009 sought a federal court order to halt a scheduled Calico Complex gather. The roundup took place on schedule in February after Judge Paul Friedman of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., declined to stop it.

In March, another court action claimed the gathers violated the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 because they endangered the lives of the animals. The act protects mustangs and burros from harassment, capture or death, and places the animals' management under (BLM) jurisdiction.

Last month, Friedman dismissed that case on grounds that plaintiffs did not have the legal standing to bring the suit. He also ruled the case moot because the Calico gather ended earlier this year