The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a temporary closure of public lands within and around the Swasey Herd Management Area to conduct a wild horse drive trap gather. The operations are tentatively scheduled for Nov. 1 through Nov. 25, 2026.
The proposed gather will take place in the Swasey Herd Management Area, located approximately 35 miles west of Delta in Millard and Juab Counties. To ensure the safety of the public, BLM staff, and contractors, the agency is proposing a two-mile radius closure surrounding active trapping locations and holding facilities during the operations.
Under the proposal, all forms of public access and entry would be prohibited within the designated closure area while gather operations are conducted. However, essential personnel and public observers who are properly escorted by BLM staff in accordance with agency observation policies would be permitted in the closure area.
The BLM noted that drive trap gathers involve the use of low-flying helicopters, which could cause harm to unaware members of the public. Additionally, gathered wild horses are often unaccustomed to human proximity and can be easily spooked, potentially causing harm to themselves, BLM staff, contractors, or nearby members of the public.
Because drive trap gathers concentrate animals in specific trap locations, the agency stated that a temporary closure would help facilitate safe, efficient, and successful operations while ensuring humane care for the animals. The BLM intends to notify the public of these temporary closures through signage and other methods in accordance with federal regulations.
The proposed action is categorically excluded from further documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as a minor change in visitor use intended to ensure visitor safety or resource protection. The project is in conformance with the House Range Resource Area Management Plan, which was approved in October 1987.
Management objectives for the area include maintaining horse numbers at levels commensurate with available forage. The BLM stated that wild horses will continue to be managed in accordance with the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 and subsequent legislation.
The project is being managed by the Fillmore Field Office. For more information, the BLM has provided contact details for Richard Probert at rprobert@blm.gov or (435) 743-3118.
