Elko County Board of Commissioners 540 Court Street, Suite 10! + Elko. Nevada 89801 775-738-5398 Phone + 775-753-8535 Fax Delmo Andree yyw ielkoc yoy Wille Brough Travis Gerber Jon Karr Rex Steninger Eiko County Manager Amanda Osborne Executive Assistant Michele Py ‘Anna Hight Resolution No. 2023-22 A RESOLUTION DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN REGARDS TO WILD HORSES IN ELKO COUNTY WITH A CALL TO ACTION WHEREAS, the wild horse herds in Elko County are currently many times greater than the number deemed to be the Appropriate Management Level (AML) by federal law. Current estimates place the Spruce-Pequop Herd Management Area (HMA) at 3,854% of AML, the Goshute HMA over 2,000% of AML and the Maverick-Medicine HMA at nearly 700% of AML; and WHEREAS, current estimates state the horse populations will double every five years without any measures to cull the herds; and WHEREAS, some Bureau of Land Management grazing allotments have gone unused by livestock because of over-grazing by wild horses. Some allotments have not been used by the rancher-owners for nearly 40 years; and WHEREAS, horse herds have destroyed fences and crops of county ranches; and WHEREAS, those unavailable allotments and destroyed crops contribute to the recent critical decline in the county’s agriculture sales. The Nevada Department of Agriculture reports that the market value of agriculture products sold in the county declined 25% between 2012 and 2017 (the most recent survey available); and WHEREAS, many springs throughout the county have been severely damaged by wild horses dying of thirst and desperate for water. Those springs are critical for the many species of wildlife that grace Elko County; and WHEREAS, horses not only consume the forage needed for wildlife and livestock, but have been shown to chase away native wildlife, even elk, from water sources; and WHEREAS, statistics show that as horse numbers increase, wildlife numbers decrease; and WHEREAS, studies show that over the last 30 years Nevada's intermediate-to-good scrub and. grasslands have decreased by half while areas classitied as being in poor condition have increased four-fold. It will take years to reverse that damage of the environment; and Ebko County is am qual Oppertunity Provider and EmpResolution No. 2023-22 Page 2 WHEREAS, an estimated 50,000 wild horses are currently maintained by the federal government in holding facilities that cost taxpayers $50 million a year, which consumes most of the $67 million budgeted annually for the management of wild horses; and WHEREAS, many wild horses have died horrible deaths brought about by starvation and thirst throughout the extended drought and recent record-setting winter; and WHEREAS, the winter of 2022-2023 not only killed an untold number of horses but also countless numbers of elk, deer, antelope and other wildlife species that compete with the horses for feed and water; and WHEREAS, the form of government guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution demands that the member states of the Republic and the federal government be equal in sovereign power to each other. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Elko County declares a state of emergency over the excess wild horse herds being allowed to degrade our landscape, damage our water sources, decimate our wildlife and inflict devastating financial hardships on county ranchers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Elko County calls on the State of Nevada, as an equal sovereign to the federal government, and our congressional representatives to protect the people and wildlife in Elko County by demanding that herd numbers declared appropriate through the Wild Horse and Burro Act be enforced PROPOSED by Commissioner Brough. SECONDED by Commissioner Gerber. PASSED and ADOPTED this 3rd day of May, 2023. VOTE: AYES - 5 NAYS - 0 ABSENT- 0 REX fA CHAIR BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ELKO COUNTY NEVADA ATTEST: Keistine KRISTINE JAKEMAN, ELKO COUNTY CLERKEureka County, Nevada June 20, 2023 RESOLUTION OF THE EUREKA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN REGARDS TO WILD HORSES IN AND AFFECTING EUREKA COUNTY WITH A CALL TO ACTION WHEREAS, the wild horse herds in Eureka County are currently many times greater than the number deemed to be the Appropriate Management Level (AML) by federal law; and WHEREAS, based on the Bureau of Land Management's own numbers, the Herd Management Areas (HMA) within or affecting Eureka County, on average, are at least 330% of their high end established AML and at least 606% of their low end established AML. Many allotments within HMAs are over 500% of AML and a couple are nearing 1000% of AML; WHEREAS, current estimates state the horse populations will double every five years without any measures to cull the herds; and WHEREAS, the multiple use concept of public lands requires adequate and balanced management of all the lands uses, including grazing for livestock and forage for wildlife; and ‘WHEREAS, although horses compete with other wildlife and livestock for forage, livestock are actively managed and wildlife numbers are kept at sustainable levels; and WHEREAS, wild horse populations are expanding outside of HMAs; and WHEREAS, horse herds have destroyed fences, property, and crops of county ranches; and ‘WHEREAS, overpopulation and subsequent over-utilization of resources by wild horses continues to (1) degrade rangelands and water sources that BLM and permittees have invested substantial time and money in improving; (2) diminish habitat and forage for sage grouse and other upland birds, mule deer and wildlife and livestock; and (3) impair watersheds that provide water, clean air, and natural amenities to our citizens. The result is severe detrimental impacts to rangelandEureka County, Nevada June 20, 2023 health, our citizens’ health and welfare, and our long-term socioeconomic stability; and WHEREAS, many springs throughout the county have been severely damaged by wild horses dying of thirst, and desperate for water. Those springs are critical for livestock and the many species of wildlife that grace Eureka County and are fully appropriated by others that are being deprived of use of their water rights; and WHEREAS, an estimated 50,000 wild horses are currently maintained by the federal government in holding facilities that cost taxpayers $50 million a year, which consumes most of the $67 million budgeted annually for the management of wild horses; and ‘WHEREAS, Eureka County has relentlessly exhorted and begged BLM to manage the wild horses within and surrounding Eureka County at AML and in a “thriving natural ecological balance.” NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Eureka County declares a state of emergency over the excess wild horse herds being allowed to degrade our landscape, damage our water sources, decimate our wildlife and inflict devastating financial hardships on county ranchers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Eureka County calls on the State of Nevada, as an equal sovereign to the federal government, and our Congressional representatives to protect the people, economy, and wildlife in Eureka County by demanding that wild horse herd numbers declared appropriate through the Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act, as amended, be enforced through all measures identified in the Act.Eureka County, Nevada June 20, 2023 Passed, Approved and Adopted this 20" day of June, 2023. EUREKA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By: 6, woh Weleg Rich WicKay, Chairman By: Michael Sharkozy, oe MoectesL talet— Marty Plaskett, Member Attest:A RESOLUTION OF THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR WILDHORSE AND BURRO POPULATIONS OF PUBLIC LANDS IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY No. _Olp-2D-33.b0 WHEREAS, Appropriate Management Levels (AMLs) for wild horses and burros were established by a group of professional stakeholders in the field of wildlife biology, range specialists and horse reproduction specialists; and WHEREAS, those AMLs were established to provide a well-balanced habitat for sage brush obligates, endangered species and provide a niche for horses as well as Animal Unit Measurements (AUM's) for livestock grazing, as well as native plants and trees, and to prevent soil erosion, prevent destructive or unnatural fires, and also to provide some feed for domestic animals such as horses and cows; and WHEREAS, those AMLs were established to preserve a balanced environment for nature lovers, hunters, ranchers, cowboys, mining enthusiasts, rock collectors, hikers, bird watchers, tourists, and other people who enjoy utilizing the public lands; and WHEREAS, much wise thought and consequential adjustments went into making sure the AMLs were appropriate to maintain a balance of wildlife, domesticated animals, and all of the many interests involved in preserving the multiple use concept on the public lands; and WHEREAS, despite all that planning and their duties under the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA) and many other applicable laws, Federal agencies have failed to keep wild horse and burro populations within reasonable proximity to the AML targets; and WHEREAS, wild horse and burro populations have now gotten so far out of control as to bbe causing starvation for the horses and burros themselves (including readily visible ribs on many horses) as well as similar starvation for other wildlife populations such as deer, antelope, bighom sheep, ete.; and WHEREAS, wild horses and burros are causing unprecedented destruction to riparian areas, grasslands, and other environmentally sensitive areas; and WHEREAS, these problems are not only affecting Humboldt County, but all of Nevada and many other States as well: andWHEREAS, our State officials as well as ourselves and our constituents are all concemed about the destruction this uncontrolled growth of wild horses and burros is causing throughout Nevada and in many of our neighboring Westem States; and WHEREAS, these out-of-control populations of wild horses and burros have now grown to the point that in some they exceed five times the acceptable AMLs set by the Federal Departments which have been attempting to regulate those populations as well as the public lands. themselves; and WHEREAS, soil and other erosion caused by starving horses and wildlife has already resulted in declines in wildlife populations and destruction of important wildlife habitat; and WHEREAS, the inevitable long-term damage to the ecology of the region and to its economic well-being posed by the failure to control wild horse and burro populations and to keep them within range of the established AMLs is already having deleterious effects throughout our region; and WHEREAS, these devastating impacts will have decades long effects that cannot be quickly cured; and WHEREAS, the new Governor, our own State Legislators, and many other Nevada Counties have likewise expressed their concer over the burgeoning populations of horses and burros which are causing widespread destruction to habitats and economies throughout the State; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a state of emergency currently exists in Humboldt County due to the failure of the various Federal agencies to control wild horse and burro populations to something approaching official AMLs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Humboldt county urges appropriate action by all of our State, Federal and local public officials to quickly reduce the populations of wild horses and burros currently grazing on often denuded pastures, grasslands, meadows, and other areas by ensuring that a supplemental appropriation be pursued to fund all efforts to control horse populations of public lands for the good of all public land uses; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be widely circulated so as to inspire others to take appropriate action to get these destructive populations of wild horses and burros under control quickly so as to limit the damage they are continuing to cause around the clock and to prevent truly devastating and irreversible damage to our wildlife and economic environments. OF say of June, 2023 PASSED AND ADOPTED thisTHOSE VOTING AYE: THOSE VOTING NAY: THOSE ABSENT: Commissioner: Jon Yeu Commissioner: Commissioner: , Commissioner: ‘Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Ros pow Commissioner: - Vice-Chairman Jesse Hill Humboldt County Board of Commissioners Clerk of the Board of Commissioners of Humboldt County, Nevada LEGALITY rihallMcedarahel fr Kevin Pasquale Humboldt County District AtomeyWILLIAM E. SCHAEFFER LANDER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY '50 State Route 305 PO Box 187 Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820 (775)-635-5195 Facsimile (775) 635-8209 May 4, 2023 Senator Ira Hanson 401 S. Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701 RE: Declaration of Emergency for Wildhorse and Burro Management in Lander County Senator Hanson, On April 13, 2023, the Lander County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency for Wildhorse and Burro Management in Lander County. Then on April 27, 2023, the same Board passed Resolution 2023-03 for the already approved State of Emergency for Wildhorse and Burro Management in Lander County (a copy of which is attached). If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (775) 635-5195. Thank you. Sincerely, Se / oe. Bae fs yatieen WILLIAM E. SCHAEFFER Lander County Distriet Attorney WES/if enclosuresA RESOLUTION OF THE LANDER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR WILDHORSE AND BURRO- MANAGEMENT No. 2023-03 WHEREAS, Appropriate Management Levels (AMLs) for wild horses and burros were established decades ago based on science guided by experience of government employees in the field, ranchers, cowboys, hunters, other outdoorsmen, and even a few environmentalists; and WHEREAS, those AMLs were established to provide a well balanced environment for the benefit of the wild horses and burros themselves as well as of native wildlife such as antelope, deer, an occasional moose, elk, wolves, coyotes, jack rabbits, owls, hawks, eagles, and other birds, many kinds of fish, the native plants and trees, as well as to prevent soil erosion, prevent destructive or ‘unnatural fires, and also to provide some feed for domestic animals such as horses and cows; and WHEREAS, those AMLs were established to preserve a balanced environment for nature lovers, hunters, ranchers, cowboys, mining enthusiasts, rock collectors, hikers, bird watchers, tourists, and other people who enjoy utilizing the public lands; and WHEREAS, much wise thought and consequential adjustments went into making sure the AMLs were appropriate to maintain a balance of wildlife, domesticated animals, and all of the many interests involved in preserving the multiple use concept on the public lands; and WHEREAS, despite all that planning and their dutics under the Federal Land Policy ‘Management Act (FLPMA) and many other applicable laws, Federal agencies have failed to keep wild horse and burro populations within reasonable proximity to the AML targets; and WHEREAS, wild horse and burro populations have now gotten so far out of control as to be causing starvation for the horses and burros themselves (including readily visible ribs on many horses) as well as similar starvation for other wildlife populations such as deer, antelope, bighom sheep, ete.; and WHEREAS, wild horses and burrosare causing unprecedented destruction to riparian areas, zgrasslands, and other environmentally sensitive areas; and WHEREAS, these problems are not only affecting Lander County, but all of Nevada and many other Western States as well; and WHEREAS, our State officials as well as ourselves and our constituents are all concerned about the destruction this uncontrolled growth of wild horses and burros is causing throughout Nevada and in many of our neighboring Westem States; and Page | of 3WHEREAS, these out-of-control populations of wild horses and burros have now grown to the point that in some cases they exceed five times the acceptable AMLs set by the Federal Departments which have been attempting to regulate those populations as well as the public lands themselves; and WHEREAS, soil and other erosion caused by starving horses and wildlife has already resulted in declines in wildlife populations and destruction of important wildlife habitat; and WHEREAS, the inevitable long term damage to the ecology of the region and to its ‘economic well being posed by the failure to control wild horse and burro populations and to keep them within range of the established AMLs is already having deleterious effects throughout our region; and WHEREAS, these devastating impacts will have decades long effects that cannot be quickly cured; and WHEREAS, thenew Governor, ourown State Legislators, and many otherNevada Counties have likewise expressed their concern over the burgeoning populations of horses and burros which are causing widespread destruction to habitats and economies throughout the Sta NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a state of emergency currently exists in Lander County due to the failure of the various Federal agencies to control wild horse and burro populations to something approaching official AMLs; and BEIT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lander County urges appropriate action by all of our State, Federal and local public officials to quickly reduce the populations of wild horses and burros currently trying to graze on often denuded pastures, grasslands, meadows, and other areas; and BEIT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be widely circulated so as to inspire others to take appropriate action to get these destructive populations of wild horses and burros under control quickly so as to limit the damage they are continuing to cause around the clock and to prevent truly devastating and irreversible damage to our wildlife and economic environments. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 27th of april 2023. THOSE VOTING AYE: — Commissioner:_patsy Waits Commissioner: Kathy V. Ancho. Commissioner: Bryan Sparks Commissioner: Wallace "JR" Thomas Commissioner; Mike Chopp Page 2 of 3THOSE VOTINGNAY: — Commissioner: jay None Commissioner: ‘THOSE ABSENT: Commissioner: ane, Commissioner: fs iair/Vice Chair foard 0 sioners Bryan Sparks APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY, EAN hay tyAfferk: and WILLIAM E. SCHAEFT) found Lander County District Attorney MOLLY GONZALEZ, Clerk of the Be ‘Commissioners of Lander County, Nevada Page 3 of 3RESOLUTION NO. 2023-_0>_ A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIMING A STATE OF EMERGENCY RESULTING IN THE CONTINUAL AND CHRONIC MISMANAGEMENT OF WILD HORSES AND BURROS . WHEREAS, The Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, as amended, declared horses and burros on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service to be protected and managed as a component of the natural system of the public lands; and WHEREAS, Management of the horses and burros is to be carried out in a manner that achieves and maintains a thriving natural ecological balance on public lands and appropriate management levels (AML), of horses and burros are set to maintain that balance between available forage, habitat, and water availability; and WHEREAS, Horse populations in Lincoln County, have for many years, drastically exceeded the AML, within (2) dedicated Herd Management Areas, (HMAs); and WHEREAS, Lincoln County contains vast areas of public land outside of dedicated HMAs where horse populations exceed those within the dedicated HMAs; and tation at WHEREAS, Nevada is the driest state in the United States, with average statewide preci just over 10 inches annually, resulting in limited forage production capability; and WHEREAS, Resources, such as the availability of water, habitat and forage are severely limited throughout much of Nevada, and the limitations of these resources are further exacerbated by drought and other factors; and WHEREAS, Horses in the wild are much larger than native wild ungulates in Nevada. Horses on average weigh over 800 pounds and consume approximately 20 pounds of forage per day, along with consuming approximately 8 gallons of water per day. Additionally, the manner in which horses forage or graze differs with other ungulates in the fact that they have both upper and lower incisors, which allow for complete severing of forage at ground level, leaving little crown of the plant and oftentimes uprooting the plant; and WHEREAS, Horses are behaviorally dominant at water sources and oftentimes force other wildlife and livestock away from that precious resource; and WHEREAS, Horses in Nevada have no natural predators and populations can double every (5) years absent physical removal, culling or other viable management actions to reduce populations; and WHEREAS, Compared to other wild ungulates in Nevada, the forage consumption rate of (1) horse per-day is equal to (9) pronghorn antelope, or (7) mule deer, or (8) bighorn sheep, or (2) elk; andWHEREAS, Other regulated uses on federally managed lands, such as livestock grazing, have been severely impacted by the overpopulation of horses; resulting in reduced livestock production, and limited forage productivity and viability; and WHEREAS, Unlike regulated livestock grazing, which provides for seasonal periods of rangeland rest and rotational use of specific allotments, horses remain on the rangelands all day and every day, giving constant pressure on upland, riparian and wetland vegetative resources; and WHEREAS, Severe degradation of our native springs, riparian habitats and wetlands have been direct result of the overpopulation and mismanagement of horses; and WHEREAS, Severe degradation of our upland and rangeland resources have been a direct result of the overpopulation and mismanagement of horses; and WHEREAS, The chronic mismanagement and resulting overpopulation of horses in Nevada has created an ecological disaster; pitting horses in direct competition with our many species of native wildlife, and livestock for forage and water; and WHEREAS, The failure to properly manage horses has created a devastating imbalance with other natural resources-contrary to law directed by Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971; and WHEREAS, Federally managed lands in Lincoln County and the State of Nevada simply cannot sustain this type of abuse and mismanagement. As it stands, the lasting negative impacts of the overpopulation of horses in Lincoln County and the State of Nevada will take decades to reverse; and BE IT RESOLVED, that Lincoln County declares a state of emergency resulting from the excessive horse herd numbers which continue to devastate our rangeland resources, damage and ruin our water resources, severely impact our wildlife resources and damage our livestock industry; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lincoln County calls on the State of Nevada, as an equal sovereign to the federal government, to protect our valuable resources in Lincoln County by demanding that horse herd numbers be brought to appropriate management levels as directed by the Wild Horse and Burro Act. PASSED AND ADOPTED this _|S“aay of _//l 4 2023, by the following vote of YO _ by fhe Lincoin County Board of CommissidneiEMERGENCY DECLARATION RESOLUTION No. 23-05-05 WHEREAS, “wild horses,” descended from the domestic stock of early settlers, are a feral invasive species that contend with Nevada's native wildlife and livestock for food, water and habitat; and WHEREAS, “wild horse” populations in Pershing County greatly exceed federally mandated Appropriate Management Levels (AML). For example, in March 2023, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) counted 1157 head in the North Stillwater Herd Management Area (HMA) and 90 head in the East Range. These burgeoning numbers constitute 1000% of AML. “Wild Horse” populations in the Pershing County’s Western Complex are similarly dire; and WHEREAS, the BLM estimates an annual foal rate of twenty percent (20%). Without measures to mitigate the growth of “wild horse” herds, the population of this invasive species will double every five years WHEREAS, the excessive number of “wild horses” in Pershing County stress the delicate ecological balance of public lands and render cattle producers unable to exercise grazing rights on BLM allotments; and WHEREAS, “wild horses” in Pershing County damage agricultural infrastructure and destroy cultivated fields; and WHEREAS, unavailable overgrazing caused by “wild horses.” coupled with damage to agricultural infrastructure and crops contribute to the recent critical decline in Nevada's agriculture production. The Nevada Department of Agriculture reports that the market value of agriculture products sold in the state declined 25% between 2012 and 2017 (the most recent survey available); and WHEREAS, “wild horses.” dying of thirst and desperate for water, impair or destroy springs, seeps, and other natural water sources throughout the county; thus rendering such water resources unusable for the many species of wildlife that grace Pershing County; and WHEREAS, “wild horses” not only consume the forage needed for wildlife and livestock, but have been shown to chase away native wildlife, from water sources; and WHEREAS, statistics show that as horse numbers increase, wildlife numbers decrease; and WHEREAS, studies show that over the last 300 years Nevada's intermediate-to-good serub and grasslands have deceased by half while areas classified as being in poor condition have increased four-fold. It will take generations to reverse that damage of the environment; and WHEREAS, an estimated 50,000 wild horses are currently maintained by the federal government in holding facilities that cost taxpayers $50 million a year, which consumes most of the $67 million budgeted annual for the management of wild horses; and WHEREAS, many wild horses have died horrible deaths brought about by starvation and thirstthroughout the extended drought and recent record-setting winter; and WHEREAS, the winter of 2022-2023 not only killed an untold number of horses but also countless numbers of elk, deer, antelope and other wildlife species that compete with the horses for feed and water; and WHEREAS, the form of government guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution demands that the member states of the Republic and the federal government be equal in sovereign power to each other; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Pershing County declares a state of emergency over the excess wild horse herds being allowed to degrade our landscape, damage our water sources, decimate our wildlife and inflict devastating financial hardships on county ranchers; and, be it further RESOLVED, that Pershing County calls on the State of Nevada, as an equal sovereign to the federal government, to protect the people and wildlife in Pershing County by demanding that herd numbers declared appropriate through the Wild Horse and Burro Act be enforced, ‘The adoption of the foregoing Resolution was moved by _ Hudson. i seconded by _Racklew and adopted on this 47 day of _ a by the following vote of the Board of County Commissioners of Pershing County. AYES: Crim, Hudson, Rai NAYS: None‘Shane Bybee, Chairman 1786 Great Basin Bivd., Suite 3 Laurie L. Carson, Vice Chairman ly. Nevada 66301 Commissioner Richard Howe (778) 293-6608, ‘Commissioner Hank Vogler Fax (775) 289-2544 ‘Commissioner Janet Vancamp Nichole Stephey, Ex-officio ClerkoftheBoard == White Pine County [email protected] Board of County Commissioners WHITE PINE COUNTY’S EMERGENCY DECLARATION REGARDING THE OVERPOPULATION OF WILD HORSES WITHIN WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEVADA. WHEREAS, the wild horse herds in Nevada are an invasive species that are competing for forage and water with our native wildlife and livestock. The wild horses are feral descendants of domestic horses; and WHEREAS, the wild horse herds in White Pine County are currently many times greater than the number deemed to be the Appropriate Management Level (AML) by federal law. Estimates provided by the Ely District Bureau of Land Management in May 2023 (not including the 2023 foal crop) are: Pancake Herd Management Area: co Population Estimate = 1,010 0 AML = 240-493 Trible B Herd Management Area: © Population Estimate = 1,224 o AML=250-518 Antelope Herd Management Area: © Population Estimate = 1,449 o AML=150-324 Silver King Herd Management Area: © Population Estimate = 275 o AML=60~128 Eagle Herd Management Area: © Population Estimate = 921 © AML~= 100-210 Diamond Hills South o Population Estimate = 120 o AML=10-22 These numbers do not include horses that are located outside of designated Herd Management Areas; andWHEREAS, current estimates state the horse populations will double every five years without any measures to cull the herds; and WHEREAS, recent gathers conducted in White Pine County have not been able to get herd populations within AML, WHEREAS, adequate funding for gathers is not available, despite the Ely District of the Bureau of Land Management completing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance for all Herd ‘Management Areas within the County; and WHEREAS, some Bureau of Land Management grazing allotments have gone unused by livestock because of over-grazing by wild horses. Some allotments have not been used by the rancher-owners for nearly 40 years; and WHEREAS, horse herds have destroyed fences and crops of county ranches; and WHEREAS, those unavailable allotments and destroyed crops contribute to the recent critical decline in the state’s agriculture sales. The Nevada Department of Agriculture reports that the market value of agriculture products sold in the state declined 25% between 2012 and 2017 (the most recent survey available); and WHEREAS, many springs throughout the county have been severely damaged by wild horses dying of thirst and desperate for water. Those springs are critical for the many species of wildlife found in White Pine County and in some cases represent private property rights by water right holders; and WHEREAS, horses not only consume the forage needed for wildlife and livestock, but have been shown to chase away native wildlife, even elk, from water sources; and WHEREAS, statistics show that as horse numbers increase, wildlife numbers decrease; and WHEREAS, studies show that over the last 300 years Nevada's intermediate-to-good scrub and ‘grasslands have deceased by half while areas classified as being in poor condition have increased four-fold. It will take generations to reverse that damage of the environment; and WHEREAS, an estimated 50,000 wild horses are currently maintained by the federal government in holding facilities that cost taxpayers $50 million a year, which consumes most of the $67 million budgeted annual for the management of wild horses; and WHEREAS, many wild horses have died horrible deaths brought about by starvation and thirst throughout the extended drought and recent record-setting winter; and WHEREAS, the winter of 2022-2023 not only killed an untold number of horses but also countless numbers of pronghorn antelope, deer, elk and other wildlife species that compete with the horses for feed and water; and ‘WHEREAS, the form of government guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution demands that the member states of the Republic and the federal government be equal in sovereign power to each other;NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that White Pine County declares a state of emergency over the excess wild horse herds being allowed to degrade our landscape, damage our water sources, decimate our wildlife and inflict devastating financial hardships on county ranchers; AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that White Pine County calls on the State of Nevada, as an equal sovereign to the federal government, to protect the people and wildlife in White Pine County by demanding that herd numbers declared appropriate through the Wild Horse and Burro Act be enforced. Passed and declared this 24" day of May 2023. Shane Bybee, Chairman, aves: > Nays>@— apsenT-<>—