BLM Began Wild Horse Gather in Sand Wash Basin

The agency launched helicopter operations to remove 300 horses from Colorado public lands to manage overpopulation.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Large Animals

Screen-print poster illustration of a wild mustang in a vast, arid basin with sandstone bluffs, representing rangeland management. — The Bureau of Land Management began a gather operation in Colorado's Sand Wash Basin this week to remove wild horses and manage rangeland health. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bureau of Land Management has initiated a gather operation in the Sand Wash Basin to address an estimated population of 505 wild horses. The agency plans to remove most of the animals, as the area is deemed capable of sustaining only 163 to 362 horses.

Why it matters

The program is designed to prevent horse populations from exceeding the designated land capacity, ensuring the long-term ecological balance of the region. Excess animals are gathered to mitigate overgrazing and protect rangeland health across Colorado.

Officials plan to gather 300 horses from the Sand Wash Basin, returning only 55 to the range and treating 22 with fertility control. As of September 20, 2026, 11 horses including five stallions, three mares, and three foals have been captured.

The players

Bureau of Land Management

This federal agency is responsible for managing public lands and natural resources, including wild horse and burro populations across the American West.

The details

The Bureau of Land Management is utilizing helicopter drive-traps to capture the animals, which are then transported to the Wheatland Off-Range Corral Facility in Wyoming. Following the gather, animals suitable for placement will be made available for adoption as part of the agency's broader herd management strategy.

Operations officially began on September 19, 2026.
Reconnaissance activities were conducted on September 20, 2026.
Public observation days are scheduled for September 19-24, 2026.
The operation is expected to continue for approximately 11 days.

Roadmap

This operation aligns with the Bureau of Land Management's ongoing efforts to regulate herd sizes consistent with the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The move reflects a broader industry and government shift toward active population control to maintain rangeland health.

Residents and visitors near the Sand Wash Basin should be aware of temporary area restrictions during the 11-day gather period. Those interested in animal welfare can track the progress of the gather and eventual adoption availability through official federal updates.

The takeaway

Effective range management requires balancing animal populations with the available food and water resources of public lands. Proper oversight helps protect the rangeland ecosystem while ensuring the humane care and placement of relocated animals.