BLM to begin Canyonlands Herd Management Area wild burro gather
Event Description
RICHFIELD, Utah — The BLM Richfield Field Office will begin gather operations to remove wild burros from within and outside of the Canyonlands Herd Management Area in Wayne County, starting Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. The gather is expected to last approximately five days.
The gather will help balance the number of burros to what the rangeland can sustainably support, known as the appropriate management level. The AML within the Canyonlands HMA is 60 to 100 animals; the current population is estimated at 208 wild burros.
The BLM will gather approximately 100 wild burros from BLM, National Park Service and State of Utah-administered lands using the helicopter drive-trapping method focusing on burros located outside of the Canyonlands HMA. Burros removed from the range will be transported to the Axtell Wild Burro Contract Off-Range Corral/Pasture in Axtell, Utah.
Opportunities are available for the public to observe daily gather operations through BLM-escorted tours, so long as conditions remain safe for both the burros and participants and gather operations are not disrupted. Observers must provide their own transportation, water, and food. No public restrooms will be available. The BLM recommends weather-appropriate footwear and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and four-wheel drive or other high-clearance vehicles are also strongly recommended. Details on the BLM-escorted tours will be updated each evening during the gather and announced daily on the BLM gather hotline at 801-539-4050.
Individuals who wish to view the gather should meet at the Goblin Valley turnoff at milepost 135 on U-24 where tours will depart at 5:30 a.m. MST.
Public lands will remain open unless closures are deemed necessary to protect public safety. Outdoor recreationists and visitors to the gather area should be aware that there will be low-flying helicopters. During the gather, no recreational use of drones is allowed in the Canyonlands HMA and surrounding lands within and near Horseshoe Canyon, Hans Flat Ranger Station and Robbers Roost, or areas where wild burros may be found. Brief road closures may also be needed to allow movement of burros during gather operations.
Gather updates and information will be posted on the BLM Utah Gathers and Removals website. The BLM “X” account will post updates using the hashtag #CanyonlandsGather.
To learn more about how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website or call 866-468-7826. For additional information regarding the gather, please contact Lisa Reid at 435-743-3128.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.