Amidst the growing urgency to address climate change and wildfire risks, Love Wild Horses Foundation (LWH), in collaboration with Advocates for Wild Equines (AWE), are calling upon Congress to take decisive action in a 2025 appropriations request. The proposed plan aims to rewild 80,000 government-held wild horses as a strategic measure in climate and wildfire mitigation efforts.

LWH's is spearheading this bold initiative and innovative approach to leverage the natural eco-role of wild horses to restore and revitalize overgrazed grasslands, ultimately benefiting both the environment and local communities.

At the heart of this initiative is a groundbreaking equine rewilding climate and wild fire resilience, land restoration study, currently underway in North Eastern Nevada. This study aims to demonstrate the positive impact of wild horses as a keystone species in sustaining and rejuvenating grassland ecosystems, while also mitigating the devastating effects of climate change and wildfires.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent statistics highlight the pressing need for action. Over the past decade, the United States has incurred a staggering $54 billion in wildfire suppression costs, with the Department of the Interior and US Forest Service spending $23 billion alone. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that wildfires from 2013 to 2021 have ravaged over 64 million acres of land, posing a significant threat to communities, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Love Wild Horses' groundbreaking equine rewilding design offers a promising solution to mitigate these risks. By reallocating resources from horse incarceration and removal to proactive management strategies, taxpayers stand to save approximately $99,787,000 annually. This resourceful approach not only addresses the ecological impact but also fosters economic sustainability.

The proposed 2025 appropriations plan involves the restoration of 10 vulnerable grassland ecosystems across California, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, and South Dakota. With an average cost of $5.5 million per state project site, this investment will enable the reintroduction of 80,000 wild horses, to roam freely on prairie lands, effectively revitalizing habitats and promoting biodiversity.

Furthermore, this initiative will create green jobs for 10-50 local community members per study site, contributing to economic development and environmental stewardship. Additionally, undergraduate students will have the opportunity to participate in Supported Equine Rewilding, Climate Change, and Wildfire Mitigation-Land Revitalization Studies, receiving school credit and financial stipends.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the endorsement of influential figures such as Co-Founder of the band America, Dewey Bunnell, and his beautiful wife, Penny. Their advocacy emphasizes the importance of preserving America's wild beauty and heritage. At the end of April, this rock star couple will address members of Congress in D.C. in support of Love Wild Horses' 2025 appropriations request, and in support to save the wild horses with the Wild Beauty Foundation, whose gorgeous film was a 2024 academy award nominee, featuring one of America's hit songs “A Horse with No Name” composed and sung by Dewey Bunnell.

As the world grapples with the escalating threats of climate change and wildfires, Love Wild Horses' rewilding initiative represents a proactive and sustainable approach to safeguarding our ecosystems and communities. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, we can pave the way for a more resilient and harmonious coexistence with nature.

“We need to put the government imprisoned wild horses back on the land, so they can once
again heal and protect the land and we need to do this right away, because the horses help
prevent wildfires and the damaging effects of climate change.” –Oglala-Lakota Chief Lee Plenty Wolf, Native Music Award Winning Drummer & Singer, and a Love Wild Horses' Board Member   

“Hey everybody this is Naima, Love Wild Horses Warrior Youth Director. And I wanted to share a bit of Thora’s story while you consider signing the petition to bring attention to Thora and the wild horses to help save them. Thora is a beautiful young filly who lived in the Mcullough Peaks wild horse herd. She lived there with her family and friends, and this life was everything she had ever known and loved. Many people followed her life as she grew up, people traveling to see her and her herd. Then, in the 2024 round up, Thora’s new year started with her being separated by force from her family, from her home. This petition is to help bring awareness and to hopefully free her and return her to her family. Every person who signs this petition is a voice speaking up for her, and all the other wild horses who have met the same fate the same events. So thank you if you sign and after, please share so more people can see and join. Thank you for reading, thank you for signing, thank you for standing up for Thora.”

Naima, 

 

In Thora’s Honor - please join us to set her and her relations free!

Thank You

Photo: By Sandy Sisti