July 20, 2023

Comments Submitted to Forest Service in Support of Wild Horse Gather 

CAFB has submitted comments to the Modoc National Forest in support of the 2023 planned wild horse gather in Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory. The recent aerial census in and around the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory estimated the current population at 1,339 adult wild horses, showing that wild horse populations still exceed the appropriate management level of 206-402 adult wild horses. This population exceeds what the landscape can support. CAFB also voiced support for the continued use of helicopters and other motorized vehicles during planned gather operations as wild horse gathers using helicopters have proven to be humane and effective tools for dealing with the larger numbers of animals that need to be removed over wide areas or through rough terrain.

USFWS Finalizes Rule on Experimental Populations

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has issued a final rule revising regulations concerning experimental populations of endangered species and threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. The Service removed language restricting the introduction of experimental populations to only the species' “historical range” which will allow for the introduction of populations into habitat outside of their historical range for conservation purposes. To provide conservation of certain species, the Service concluded that it may be increasingly appropriate to establish experimental populations outside of their historical range if the species' habitat has undergone, is undergoing, or is anticipated to undergo irreversible decline and is no longer capable of supporting the species due to threats such as climate change or invasive species. The final rule also added language directing the Secretary of the Interior to also consider adverse effects that may result to the ecosystem from the experimental population being established. CAFB previously provided comments in August 2022 to the Service expressing concerns about the proposed rule. The final rule is effective August 2, 2023.

Extension for Farm Bill Deadline

Appearing More Likely

Earlier this week, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) was quoted as saying that the Farm Bill is “probably going to need an extension” when asked about the approaching September 30^th deadline. The programs reauthorized in the 2018 version are set to expire by that date, meaning legislators only a little over two months to complete the large and complex legislation. As the House Agriculture Committee chairman, Thompson’s remarks are the clearest example that Congress is behind schedule on the bill. Delays with CBO scoring and the Senate’s appropriations process are thought to be some of the driving factors behind the most recent challenges. It remains to be seen what an extension could look like, but it is believed to be that a short-term stopgap could push the Farm Bill through to the end of this year.