PHOENIX — An organization comprised of conservationists, environmentalists and birders sued the U.S. Forest Service Thursday, claiming that the organization failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act in regard to the horses that live in the Lower Salt River Recreation Area.
According to a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity, the environmental impact of the unowned horses threaten the endangered species in the area through "severe overgrazing."
There are approximately 600 horses in the area that can only support 28 to 44 horses, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit notes that horses moved into the area in the late 1970s after the Tonto National Forest ended a grazing operation that involved 12 cows "because of inadequate forage and damage to the riparian area."
The lawsuit also notes that the U.S. Forest Service has raised its own concerns about the horses to the state of Arizona, but did not prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement, as required by NEPA.
Due to the agency not fulfilling its requirements, the lawsuit claims that there is now "severe ongoing harm" to the area and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Endangered species include the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Yuma Clapper Rail. Other impacted wildlife includes mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and quail.
The Center for Biological Diversity is joined in the lawsuit by Maricopa Audubon Society, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Arizona Deer Association, Arizona Bighorn Sheep Society and Arizona Sportsmen for Conservation.
The full lawsuit can be read below. Having troubles? Click here.
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) sent a release following the announcement of the lawsuit, claiming that the Center for Biological Diversity "aims to halt humane management" of the horses.
The nonprofit states that there are incorrect statements in the lawsuit, including that there are 600 horses. According to SRWHMG, an official count in 2022 estimated that there are 270 horses — approximately half of those horses roam around the Salt River while the other half roam the northern high mountain habitat and are not dependent on the Salt River for water.
SRWHMG also notes that the lawsuit does not acknowledge that the population numbers are declining due to a fertility control program, resulting in only one or two foals per year.
"If the environmental concern was genuine, they would not attempt to halt a successful birth control system, as that would produce a larger and uncontrolled population of horses," said Simone Netherlands, president of SRWHMG, in the release. "It would be far better to stay the course of humanely managing the horses, and all organizations plus the Forest Service should work hard together to reduce and mitigate environmental damage and pollution of the lower Salt River."
SRWHMG's full response can be read below. Having troubles? Click here.
