Notice2026-05670
Information Collection; Management of Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 24, 2026
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentForest Service
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service (Agency) is requesting public comment on the new information collection request (ICR), 0596-NEW, Management of Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 56 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13993-13996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05670]
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 56 / Tuesday, March 24, 2026 /
Notices
[[Page 13993]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Management of Wild Free-Roaming Horses
and Burros
AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Forest Service (Agency) is requesting public comment on the new
information collection request (ICR), 0596-NEW, Management of Wild
Free-Roaming Horses and Burros.
DATES: Comments on the new ICR must be received in writing by May 26,
2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments are encouraged to be submitted by email, if
possible. You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
[ssquf] Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#47140a690114691529200a202a331008073234232669202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bd8c6a5cdd8a5d9e5ecc6ece6ffdcc4cbfef8efeaa5ece4fd">[email protected]</span></a>.
[ssquf] Mail: USDA Forest Service, Director, Natural Resources,
Attention: Gilbert Jackson, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Mailstop Code:
1103, Washington, DC 20250-1103.
[ssquf] Hand Delivery/Courier: Forest Service, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250.
Comments submitted in response to this notice may be made available
to the public through relevant websites and upon request. For this
reason, please do not include in your comments information of a
confidential nature, such as sensitive personal information or
proprietary information. If you send an email comment, your email
address will be automatically captured and included as part of the
comment that is placed in the public docket and made available for
public viewing. Please note that comments containing any routine notice
about the confidentiality of the communication will be treated as
public comments that may be made available to the public,
notwithstanding the inclusion of the routine notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teresa Drotar, Rangeland Management
Staff, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deaabbacbbadbff0b5f0baacb1aabfac9eabadbabff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="710514031402105f1a5f15031e05100331040215105f161e07">[email protected]</span></a> or 970-217-7081. Individuals who are
deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may call 711 to
reach the Telecommunications Relay Service, then provide the phone
number of the person named as a point of contact for further
information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: Management of Wild Free-Roaming Horses and
Burros.
OMB Control Number: 0596-NEW.
Type of Review: A new information collection.
Abstract: This ICR is necessary to manage wild free-roaming horses
and burros as required by 36 CFR 222.60-.76, a final rule published in
the Federal Register on January 24, 2003. This regulation requires the
Forest Service to determine if overpopulation of wild horses and burros
exists and to take immediate action to remove excess animals from that
territory. Excess animals are to be placed into private custody. Such
action shall be taken to restore a thriving natural ecological balance
to the range and protect the range from deterioration associated with
overpopulation. The Wild Horses and Burros Protection Act of 1971, as
amended by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the
Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978, establishes wild free-
roaming horses and burros as a part of the natural system where they
occur on National Forest System lands. The acts require management,
protection, and control of these horses and burros. Four laws important
in the protection and control of wild free-roaming horses and burros
are the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960, the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Planning Act of 1974, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Research Act of 1978 .
The primary method of data collection is through five newly
developed forms intended to support the adoption or purchase of wild
horses and burros from the Forest Service. These forms will gather
essential information from the public to ensure compliance with
applicable laws, track animal selection and placement, assess purchaser
qualifications, and document the transfer of ownership. The five forms
are:
FS-2200-0032, Request To Purchase Wild Horses With Limitations
The purpose of this form is to collect information from members of
the public who are interested in purchasing wild horses and/or wild
burros from the Forest Service. The information is used to determine
purchaser eligibility, assess the purchaser's ability to provide humane
care and adequate facilities, evaluate animal preferences and placement
needs, confirm transportation readiness, and document the purchaser's
certification and agreement to program requirements.
Information Collected From the Public
<bullet> How the applicant heard about the program
<bullet> Date of application
<bullet> Applicant's full name
<bullet> Street address
<bullet> City, state, and ZIP Code
<bullet> Primary phone number
<bullet> Alternate phone number
<bullet> Email address
<bullet> Whether the applicant has ever been convicted of abuse or
inhumane treatment of animals
<bullet> Whether the applicant has previously adopted or purchased a
wild horse or wild burro from the Forest Service or Bureau of Land
Management
Animal and Care Information
<bullet> Number of animals the applicant is interested in purchasing
<bullet> Preferred number of males and females
<bullet> Total number of animals requested
<bullet> Preferred height of the animal(s)
<bullet> Preferred color of the animal(s)
<bullet> Number of acres available for the animals
<bullet> Type of facility available, such as corral or pasture
<bullet> Description of the facility, including fencing if pasture is
used
<bullet> Whether the applicant has experience with wild horses, wild
burros, or livestock
<bullet> Description of relevant animal-handling experience
<bullet> Types of feed available, such as hay or grass
<bullet> Amount of feed available
<bullet> Description of feed resources
<bullet> Source of water, such as a tank, a lake, a stream, or a pond
[[Page 13994]]
<bullet> Description of the water source
<bullet> Whether the applicant has a regular veterinarian available to
provide care
Transportation Information
<bullet> Date the applicant will be ready to pick up the animal(s)
<bullet> Type of transportation the applicant will provide, such as
stock or horse trailer or other transport
<bullet> Description of the transportation arrangement
Certification and Agreement
<bullet> Applicant's acknowledgment that purchased wild horses and/or
burros cannot be returned to public lands without Forest Service
authorization
<bullet> Applicant's certification that humane care will be provided
<bullet> Applicant's certification that animals will not be sold or
transferred to any person or organization intending to resell, trade,
give away, or process the animals into commercial products
<bullet> Purchaser's signature
<bullet> Signature date
Types of Respondents: Households and Individuals.
Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 0.5 hours.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 500.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 250 hours.
FS-2200-0033, Bill of Sale With Limitations for Wild Horses and Burros
The purpose of this form is to document the completed sale of wild
horses and/or burros by the Forest Service, identify the purchaser,
provide proof of ownership, and obtain the purchaser's signed
acknowledgment and certification that they understand and agree to the
sale limitations and animal care requirements. The form also records
the identifying information for the animals sold.
The following items are not collected from the public, but instead
are to be completed by the Forest Service as part of the official sales
record:
<bullet> Last name
<bullet> First name
<bullet> Middle initial
<bullet> Street address
<bullet> City
<bullet> State
<bullet> ZIP Code
<bullet> Home phone number
<bullet> Alternate phone number
<bullet> Email address
<bullet> Purchaser signature
<bullet> Date signed by purchaser
<bullet> Purchaser's acknowledgment and certification that:
[cir] The purchaser has read and understands the terms of sale
[cir] The purchaser agrees to provide humane care
[cir] The purchaser agrees not to maliciously or negligently injure
the animals
[cir] The purchaser agrees not to process the animals or their
remains into commercial products
[cir] The purchaser agrees not to knowingly sell or transfer the
animals to any person or organization intending to process them, or to
resell, trade, or give them away for processing into commercial
products
[cir] The purchaser understands that the animals cannot be returned
to public land unless authorized by the Forest Service
[cir] The purchaser understands the animals are wild and may not
become accustomed to human contact
[cir] The purchaser understands the financial responsibility for
care and the need for adequate facilities
[cir] The purchaser understands that the sale is final upon pick-up
<bullet> Date of sale
<bullet> Office or facility name
<bullet> Address of Forest Service office or facility
<bullet> Quantity sold
<bullet> Authorized officer signature and date
<bullet> Certification of payment and date
<bullet> Animal identification details, including sequence number,
microchip identification number, signalment key, National Forest,
territory, and remarks
Types of Respondents: Households and Individuals.
Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 0 hours.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 0.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 0.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 0 hours.
FS-2200-0034, Wild Horse and/or Burro Selection
The purpose of this form is to allow a member of the public to
identify and request specific wild horse(s) and/or burro(s) for
adoption or purchase, provide pickup and transportation information,
and communicate handling requests needed for the release of the
animal(s). The information is used by the Forest Service to coordinate
selection, verify availability, prepare the animal(s) for pickup, and
complete adoption or purchase processing.
Information Collected From the Public
<bullet> How the individual heard about the program
<bullet> Date of form submission
<bullet> Last name
<bullet> First name
<bullet> Middle initial
<bullet> Name(s) of person(s) transporting the animal(s)
<bullet> Trailer description
<bullet> Loading requests
<bullet> Requested pick-up date
<bullet> Whether the individual requests the animal to be haltered
<bullet> Whether the individual requests the Forest Service to remove
the animal's neck tag
<bullet> Whether the individual requests a health certificate
<bullet> Selected animal number(s)
<bullet> Selected neck tag number(s)
<bullet> Selected animal gender
<bullet> Selected animal color
<bullet> Selected animal markings
<bullet> Selected animal age
<bullet> Whether each selected animal is for adoption or purchase
Section C on the form is labeled ``Forest Service Only'' to capture
internal agency processing information rather than information
collected from the public. This includes availability confirmation,
adoption completion, purchase completion, comments, verification of
sorting and loading, and approving official information and signature.
Types of Respondents: Households and Individuals.
Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 0.2 hours.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 400.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 80 hours.
FS-2200-0035, Agreement for Maintenance and Care of Wild Horses and
Burros
The purpose of this form is to document a maintenance and care
agreement between the Forest Service and a private cooperator for wild
horses and burros declared excess and made available for private
maintenance. The form is used to identify the cooperator, link the
cooperator to the animals covered by the agreement, document acceptance
of the terms and conditions for humane care and custody, and establish
ongoing reporting and compliance responsibilities.
Information Collected From the Public
<bullet> Last name
<bullet> First name
[[Page 13995]]
<bullet> Middle initial
<bullet> Street address
<bullet> City
<bullet> State
<bullet> ZIP Code
<bullet> Home phone number
<bullet> Alternate phone number
<bullet> Email address
<bullet> Cooperator's signature
<bullet> Date signed by cooperator
<bullet> Notice of address change within 30 days, if applicable
<bullet> Notice of death or serious health problems involving the
animal(s) within seven days, if applicable
<bullet> Written statement from a licensed veterinarian attesting to
the present condition and treatment of the animal, unless waived in
writing, as part of an application for title
The animal identification fields in Section C are primarily
completed by the Forest Service to identify the animals covered by the
agreement rather than being collected from the public.
These fields include:
<bullet> Sequence number
<bullet> Microchip identification number
<bullet> Signalment key
<bullet> National Forest
<bullet> Territory
<bullet> Remarks
Section E is also completed by the Forest Service, including
approval information such as the authorized officer's signature, title,
and date.
Types of Respondents: Households and Individuals.
Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 0.25 hours.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 300.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 75 hours.
FS-2200-0036, Wild Horse and Burro Title Application Inspection Form
The purpose of this form is to collect information needed to
evaluate whether a wild horse or burro is eligible for title transfer
and whether the adopter/cooperator is providing proper care and an
adequate environment. The form is used to verify the animal's identity,
document its physical condition, assess the adequacy of feed, water,
shelter, fencing, and overall care, and obtain the certifications and
signatures needed to support the title application review.
Information Collected From the Public
<bullet> Cooperator's/adopter's last name
<bullet> Cooperator's/adopter's first name
<bullet> Middle initial
<bullet> Street address
<bullet> City
<bullet> State
<bullet> ZIP Code
<bullet> Home phone number
<bullet> Alternate phone number
<bullet> Email address
Animal Identification Information Submitted With the Form
<bullet> Microchip number
<bullet> Species
<bullet> Sex
<bullet> Color
<bullet> Markings
<bullet> Brands
<bullet> Age
<bullet> Notes
Animal Physical Condition Information Submitted With the Form
<bullet> General attitude and demeanor
<bullet> Appetite
<bullet> Body condition score
<bullet> Skin and coat condition
<bullet> Mane and tail condition
<bullet> Comments on visible wounds or scars
<bullet> Movement condition for each limb
<bullet> Head, face, and throat appearance
<bullet> Left eye condition
<bullet> Right eye condition
<bullet> Mucous membrane condition
<bullet> Limb appearance
<bullet> Hoof appearance
<bullet> Body, neck, and back appearance
<bullet> Underbelly appearance
<bullet> Tail and under-tail appearance
<bullet> Sheath
Care Environment Information Submitted With the Form
<bullet> Type of shelter
<bullet> Whether shelter size is adequate or inadequate
<bullet> Fencing adequacy and description of type, condition, and
safety hazards
<bullet> Enclosure size
<bullet> Number of horses
<bullet> Number and species of other animals
<bullet> Manure accumulation
<bullet> Ammonia odor level
<bullet> Fly presence
<bullet> Water availability and quality
<bullet> Hay availability, quality, and quantity
<bullet> Other feed availability, quality, and quantity
Supporting Documentation and Certifications
<bullet> Illustration or notation of wounds, scars, brands, and other
notable items
<bullet> Photographs from the day of inspection
<bullet> Adopter's signature
<bullet> Adopter's date
<bullet> Inspecting the officer's signature, credentials, title, and
date
<bullet> Licensed veterinarian's signature, state/license number,
title, and date
Types of Respondents: Households and Individuals.
Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 0.5 hours.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 350.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 175 hours.
The collected data will help verify that individuals or entities
acquiring animals have the necessary facilities and resources to
provide humane care, as required by the program. This information is
critical to advancing the Forest Service's goal of achieving
Appropriate Management Levels on National Forest System rangelands
while ensuring the welfare of excess animals. These forms are being
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval as a new
information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The
report below includes the total of five forms.
Estimated Annual Burden per Response: Between 12 and 30 minutes to
complete, depending on complexity and required detail.
Types of Respondents: Households and Individuals.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 1,550.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 580 hours.
Comment is requested on (1) whether this collection of information
is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the
functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have
practical or scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's
estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
All comments received in response to this notice, including names
and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record.
Comments will be summarized and included in the package submitted to
the Office of
[[Page 13996]]
Management and Budget for approval of the new ICR.
Lisa Northrop,
Associate Deputy Chief, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry; National
Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2026-05670 Filed 3-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.