Corolla wild horse bill introduced in U.S. Senate

Sam Walker | July 27, 2012

Corolla wild horses. (Pat Morris)

U.S. Senator Richard Burr, R-N.C., announced Thursday the introduction of Senate Bill 3448, the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, a bill to provide for the responsible management of the wild-horse population around Corolla on the Currituck Outer Banks.

The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Currituck County, and the State of North Carolina to provide for the management of these horses to ensure that they continue to thrive in their natural habitat, according to a news release.

The bill is the companion legislation to H.R. 306, introduced by Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., which passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 6.

It would allow the allowable herd size to grow from 60 to between 110 and 130. The Senate has since taken no action on the House version.

H.R. 306 specifies the Wild Horse Fund will pay for all costs of the plan.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and is part of the horses habitat, has expressed concern over expanding the herd and its impact on the refuge.

A study on the impact on the refuge by the horses and other large animals is expected to conclude next month.

The horses are descendants of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs, which is designated as the official state horse of North Carolina.

“The Corolla wild horses are one of the many natural treasures of our state, and people travel from across North Carolina and the country to witness these wild horses in their natural habitat,” Burr said in a statement.

“I am proud to cosponsor this bill that will provide for the care and management of these wild-roaming horses and give local organizations and authorities the tools they need to manage these horses without excessive federal involvement,” Burr said.

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See what people are saying:

Katie says:

Nice! Love the story…something Positive!

on July 28, 2012 @ 9:12 am

Maggie Frazier says:

Congratulations to the lucky people of NC – having a representative who listens to the people of NC. If only more states were this fortunate & would take care of their wild horses. This is certainly different than the reaction of the DOI & BLM in regard to the mustangs and burros in the western states. They deserve the same kind of management that the Corolla horses are getting.

on July 28, 2012 @ 10:35 am

Maggie Frazier says:

After posting the above – thought a little more about it and while I believe Senator Burr has the right idea – any attempt by FWS to insinuate themselves into the management of these horses will eventually turn into the same horrible so-called management that has almost exterminated the mustangs.
Please dont let this happen. It sure wouldnt be good for these horses – especially if NC wants them to continue to be able to continue to exist as herds – as they should.

on July 28, 2012 @ 10:39 am

Barbara Leonard says:

I agree with Maggie Frazier’s second post…this is abad bill, although Senator Burr has the right idea. It’s bad because FWS managing these wild horses would mean exactly the same thing would happen as is happening to our wild horses & burros out West….Salazar and his welfare cattle buddies on a mission to destroy every single wild horse & burro. Wake up, America, get mad about what’s happening to our wild horses & burros.

on July 28, 2012 @ 12:15 pm

Solvejg Zaferes says:

Thank God, something good for some horses. But, Please, let the BLM stay far away!!!!They are the NAZIS of this country, distroying the lives of 1000′s of the Wildhorses, their exuse, “Drought”, but no Drought for the livestock??? At least, here, wegot something possitive I am thanking you for that.

on July 28, 2012 @ 12:49 pm

ekim says:

Any time the GOV gets involved IT WILL BE A DISATER! & IF FWS GET IN, IT WILL BE A CLUSTER MUCK!!! FMS WILL CLOSE EVERYTHING DOWN BECAUSE THE HORSES ARE NESTING!!!! WAKE UP

on July 29, 2012 @ 12:22 pm

Karen McCalpin says:

The bill does not give USFWS management of the wild horses. That will remain the job of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. This bill allows the herd to be managed at a genetically and physically healthy level (120 – 130 with never less than 110 and with introductions of mares from Shackleford Banks). Currently the herd is to be managed at a maximum of 60. In their current habitat, that is not a genetically supportable number. DNA testing has shown very low genetic diversity and only one maternal line. Shackleford has 4 maternal lines and has managed their wild herd at the number we are requesting in the bill for the last 14 years on half the land that is accessible to the Corolla horses. Huge thank you to Senators Burr and Hagan, to Congressman Walter Jones and all the cosponsors for taking us another step closer to protecting this rare breed.

on July 29, 2012 @ 2:43 pm

ekim says:

MS KAREN the artical stats the USFW is worried the the REFUGE wont be able to handel the growth of the herd, SO are they going to kill of some of the herd like the 100s fox & coons on NH & p island to PROTECT THE WORhTLESS PLOVER!!! You better keep an eye over your shoulder, Lets be real!!!

on July 29, 2012 @ 5:38 pm

Wild Horse Advocate says:

I thought their was already over 130 as of this Spring, that’s what I’ve seen posted on CWHF?

on July 30, 2012 @ 12:39 pm

Karen McCalpin says:

There is but the current management plan defines the herd size as a maximum of 60. We have tried to have the number changed since DNA testing in 2007 showed extremely low levels of genetic diversity and high levels of inbreeding but USFWS would not agree. We recognized that if we are to have a viable herd it will have to be legislated like Shackleford. The current herd size is 136. 129 adult horses and 7 foals.

on July 30, 2012 @ 1:46 pm

ekim says:

MS Karen why wont the USFWS BOZOS AGREE?????

on July 30, 2012 @ 8:29 pm

Karen McCalpin says:

The federal government defines wild horses as a “non-native, feral, invasive species, a nuisance and a pest animal.” They contend that the wild horses compete for resources with native wildlife and negatively impact endangered species such as the loggerhead turtles and piping plovers. It is their universal argument. That is why legislation is necessary.

on July 31, 2012 @ 8:51 am

ekim says:

MS KAREN The PIPING PLOVER ISNT NATIVE TO THESE ISLANDS,USFWS are not our freinds do not trust them! BE VERY VERY CAREFUL! I will help.

on July 31, 2012 @ 6:46 pm

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