You Can Lead a Horse to Water: Mapping Seasonal Water Resources to Predict Wild Horse Movements on Utah Rangelands

Authors

David C. Stoner, Utah State UniversityFollow
Eric Thacker, Utah State UniversityFollow
Linden Greenhalgh, Utah State University ExtensionFollow
Mark NelsonFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

12-21-2023

First Page

1

Last Page

7

Abstract

All wild horse herd management areas in Utah overlap BLM grazing allotments. Although horses and cattle have similar dietary habits, both species rely heavily on predictable water sources during dry periods. The concentration of wildlife and livestock in mesic areas during droughts can become problems for farmers and livestock producers. We aimed to map the annual distribution of temporary surface water across Utah that cattle, horses, and wildlife could use. Herein we analyzed an 18-year record of satellite imagery to create a statewide map of seasonal surface-water availability for agricultural and wildlife management purposes.

Recommended Citation

Stoner, D., Thacker, E., Greenhalgh, L., & Nelson, M. (2023). You can lead a horse to water: Mapping seasonal water resources to predict wild horse movements on Utah rangelands [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.