The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct a public hearing to discuss the use of motorized vehicles and aircraft in the monitoring and management of wild horses or burros on public lands in Nevada. The hearing is scheduled for June 15 at 3:00 p.m. local time at the BLM Ely District Office, 702 N. Industrial Way, in Ely, Nev.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive information and public comment on using helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to inventory wild horse or burro populations and the use of helicopters to gather and remove excess animals. The hearing will also consider the use of motorized vehicles to transport gathered wild horses or burros as well as to conduct field monitoring activities.

Before helicopters or motorized vehicles can be used, a public hearing is required in order to comply with Section 404 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. The BLM proposes to use a helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, and other motorized vehicles to estimate population numbers and obtain seasonal distribution information for wild horse and burro herds throughout Nevada. Also proposed is using a helicopter to assist in gathering excess wild horses and burros on gathers and complexes throughout the state during the coming year. The actual number of areas where gathers will be conducted or inventoried will depend on a number of factors including funding.

For more information, contact Chris Hanefeld at 775/289-1842. Anyone unable to attend the hearing can submit written comments to the BLM Ely District Office, HC 33 Box 33500, Ely, NV 89301, Attn: Schell Field Manager Mary D’Aversa. Written comments must be received by June 17, 2011, to be considered