#publiclands

From the Nevada Bureau of Land Management Facebook

A new herd of wild horses is descending on the Black Rock Desert for 2022’s Burning Man festival.

The Wild Horses of the American West project is rounding up more than a dozen life-size sculptures from local and international artists to bring awareness to environmental concerns surrounding the West’s wild horses.  

“Everyone loves horses. Wild horses are beautiful,” said organizer Adrian Landon. “But the bottom line is they need to be managed.”

Landon stated, "the complexity and diversity of this project metaphorically reflects the many facets of the issue itself, and emphasizes the natural beauty, grace and majesty of horses. Stetson said, "the sculptures materialize the importance for us to find swift and proactive common ground and solutions that will keep sustainable numbers of healthy wild horses on the range and in balance with the ecosystem."

[One of the artists,] a 34-year Air Force veteran and Reno native uses art as a form of therapy. He compiled his piece from all found materials, either from the desert or dumpster diving in Reno.

“I really discovered making things helps my demons inside,” he said. “I enjoy going and finding: the hunt for the scrap metal, then the build.”

He describes his horse as hungry, pregnant and kind of skeletal. He worries that too many horses in the desert will lead to real-life versions of his sculpture.

“They’re everywhere now. It used to be a rare treat and rarity to see them. Now, you drive around every day and see them,” he said. “I love them, but it’s a lot.”

On November 17, the Bureau of Land Management held three virtual award ceremonies honoring more than 200 employees from across the Bureau who were recipients of the Department of the Interior’s Unsung Heroes Awards for their valuable behind-the-scenes contributions during the pandemic.  Despite the challenging times, these employees fought wildland fires, inspected oil and gas operations, kept recreation sites open and safe for visitors, performed field work, and provided critical administrative support, among other vital functions.

In opening remarks, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor honored the award recipients for their unfailing commitment to their jobs and their dedication to the American people during the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“The exceptional men and women we recognize today stepped up at a time of great national need,” said MacGregor.  “Many of you worked long hours to keep as many of our public facilities and lands open as possible under extremely difficult circumstances, while doing everything possible to keep visitors safe. You did all this while continuing to help your children with online learning, caring for loved ones, and volunteering in your local communities to help in myriad other ways, such as sewing masks and making deliveries to vulnerable people. In every way, these exceptional employees have lived up to Teddy Roosevelt’s maxim to “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.’”

Mike Nedd, BLM Deputy Director for Operations, emceed the events and shared his sincere appreciation for the award winners:  “You represent the best of BLM, and too often, you do not receive the recognition you deserve for your hard work and dedication,” Nedd said. “Each of you continues to go above and beyond what is needed to perform your job everyday throughout the pandemic. For that, we are extremely grateful.”

Perry Pendley, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs, also gave remarks. He noted that these unprecedented times have “not been easy for any of us, but especially for those of you on the front lines executing BLM’s mission. To carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of public land stewardship, we need people like you: who believe in our mission, who love our public lands, and who go the extra mile to provide public service.”

BLM State and Assistant Directors then acknowledged each awardee from their office and provided a few examples of what these Unsung Heroes have accomplished, despite the complexities caused by the pandemic.

A new public lands (and much more) newsletter, by me.