ANNIVERSARY OF CITIZEN INITIATIVE "Ft.Collins Mustang Meet-up"

About a year ago, 5 of us joined forces to start "Ft.Collins Mustang-Meetup" a citizen initiative for the preservation of the American Mustang. Most of us had been involved with one aspect or another of the mustang issue and felt it was time to organize, update and illuminate the current controversy.

We studied the issue, interviewed the US Geologcial Survey, participated in a letter writing campaign, organized protests and travelled for a summit to Washington. We witnessed several round-ups, joined other mustang volunteer organizsation that monitor and improve the WildHorseRange, we visited the Canon City Correctional Facility WHIP (wildhorseinmateprogram).

We participated in the MustangHeritageFoundation Extreme Mustang Makeover, launched a MustangEcoTourism project and several associated educational websites and blogs. (Winddancer Foundation).
In the spring we followed a call for help in the Blackjack Mountain (Kiamichi) SE Oklahoma, and then wittnessed the atrocities of the Nebraska 3 Strikes Ranch Mustang Killing.

With the focus on our Local Colorado Herds, the Little Bookcliffs, the Sandwash Basin, we established Standing by visiting, wittnessing and claiming these horses for our individual lives and recreation. Under the Title "HERDWATCH" the public gained  insight and access to its natural resource. Radio interviews  and artistic events increased awareness and shed light on the educational and emotional potential of a "No child left inside" curriculum.

Nonetheless the aggressive Round-ups continued and thousands and thousands of Mustangs were added to the 35 000 already in permanent feed-lots. Senseless death and injury to the animals. The demand for disclosure and transparency continues.

The voices grow louder and with todays event we reach out and hope to increase interest and awareness in our work.