Short Wave Wild Horses Could Keep Wildfire At Bay
4 snips
Aug 2, 2022 
Stephanie O'Neill, a dedicated reporter and guest editor, dives into the surprising connection between wild horses and wildfire prevention. She highlights the Bureau of Land Management's controversial roundups and introduces William Simpson’s innovative idea of letting wild horses roam public lands as natural firebreaks. O'Neill shares firsthand accounts of how these horses manage vegetation, ultimately safeguarding communities from devastating fires. The conversation explores both the ecological benefits and the community-driven strategies behind the Wild Horse Fire Brigade initiative.
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Klamathon Fire
- William Simpson's property in Siskiyou County was threatened by the Klamathon Fire in 2018.
- The fire burned for over two weeks, but Simpson's property was spared, which he attributes to a wild horse fire brigade.
Natural Fire Prevention
- Wild horses trim flammable grass, break off low-lying tree limbs, and replant native flora.
- This natural behavior helps prevent large-scale wildfires.
Declining Deer Population
- Deer populations in the West have decreased by 80% since the 1960s.
- This loss of grazing creates more fuel for wildfires.