The U.S. Forest Service has informed officials that it intends to withdraw its July 31, 2015, decision to impound the wild horses that roam the Tonto National Forest along the Salt River. Both state and national officials worked on behalf of constituents who opposed the removal.
Arizona State Representative Kelly Townsend has worked tirelessly to reach an agreement before the expiration of the 120-day stay of the roundup that she negotiated with federal officials.
Townsend said she was appreciative of Congressman Matt Salmon efforts on behalf of the horses. Last week, Salmon sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the Forest Service to move quickly to implement reasonable, humane solutions and protect the horses where they live. The letter encouraged the agency to work with the community and questioned why the horses could not be managed under the 1960 Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act, according to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group.
“I think it is interesting that the Forest Service published a notice to round up the horses on my oldest child’s birthday, and has communicated that they will withdraw the notice on the birthday of my youngest. I consider the serendipitous timing a reminder of what a “gift” our Salt River wild horses are to the State of Arizona,” said Townsend. “In this span of time, many great steps toward keeping the herd in their natural habitat have been taken. I will be dropping legislation in the coming days that will solve the issue of jurisdiction of the herd, it will allow the State to enter into agreements with the Forest Service and a private entity to manage for the horses, and it would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to euthanize, take, or otherwise interfere with the herd without written permission by the agency with jurisdiction.”
“I am more than impressed with the efforts of all involved who desire to keep the horses where they are now. The State, the Forest Service, the Congressional delegation, and especially the public can be proud of the work that has been done thus far. We can look forward to enjoying this natural resource for years to come, and welcome those from around the world who want to come and experience the majesty of the Arizona mustangs,” Townsend continued. “Finally, I want to thank Neil Bosworth for his willingness to be a public servant as he oversees the Tonto National Forest for us here in central Arizona. His commitment to finding a solution for the horses will be one of the best gifts we as Arizonans receive this year. Merry Christmas everyone.”