January/February Local Happenings
Highway 50 Fencing Underway!
Fencing of large sections of Highway 50 from 341 to Chaves Rd began January 10th. The fencing is aimed at reducing vehicle-animal collisions and enhancing safety for all.
The wild horse nonprofit organizations on the Virginia Range applaud this step to reduce horse/vehicle accidents. As a reminder, per NDOT’s press release: “To continue residential and business access to the highway, fencing is not being placed in high-density residential and business areas. Roadway lighting will be placed on the highway at the end of each fenced section for enhanced visibility.”
Therefore it is vital that drivers follow the precautions outlined by NDOT:
DRIVING SAFELY IN WILDLIFE-PRONE AREAS
· Obey all speed limits, traffic signs and regulations.
· Wear seatbelts and limit distractions while driving.
· Heed animal warning signs. Be alert for the potential of wildlife, particularly where wildlife warning signs are posted.
· Actively scan all sides of the road as you drive and look for any signs of wildlife.
· Slow down or otherwise adjust driving speeds if necessary to help reduce the chance and impact of an animal collision.
· Remember that many accidents are not due to colliding with wildlife but are the result of driving into another car or truck in the opposite lane while trying to avoid colliding with the animal.
Drive safely!
Virginia Range Horses Informational Session
The City of Reno and partners will host a virtual Virginia Range Horses Informational Session from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, 2022. The meeting is meant to hear the community's comments, feedback and suggestions on how to improve the current traffic and safety issues related to Virginia Range horses in South Reno.
Ward 2 Reno City Councilmember Naomi Duerr, Washoe County Commissioner Bob Lucey, City of Reno staff, Washoe County staff, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) staff, and members of the Wild Horse Connection and American Wild Horse Campaign will team up to present information and explain how the partners are working together. The meeting will also include an informal Q&A session.
Get meeting details and register HERE
You can join the meeting to show your support and submit questions or comments (see form in the above link).
Express your support:
-for fencing Virginia Range horses off of dangerous streets for the safety of the public and the horses.
-for ongoing humane population management under AWHC’s current Fertility Control Program, under cooperative agreement with the NDA.
-for ongoing humane management under Wild Horse Connection’s cooperative agreement with the NDA.
Consider expressing your appreciation for the collaborative effort of all of these agencies and organizations to protect this culturally and historically important herd - the very herd Wild Horse Annie fought to protect resulting in the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.
Looking for forever homes
These two girls are looking for forever homes! They are smart, curious, and love attention. Being groomed is a favorite activity, they get their feet trimmed on a regular schedule, and wear halters. Currently they live as a group of four fillies under one year of age, and interact with the older horses on and off throughout the day. They love to nap in the sun after lunch almost as much as they love to burn off energy running full speed and kicking up their heels during the morning corral cleaning.
If you aren interested, you can find more information from Wild Horse Connection by clicking HERE
L: Koa is a 7-1/2 month old beautiful golden bay with a tiny snip and that big flashy star. She came in as the youngest and tiniest of the bunch, but has already passed up two of the other girls in height and is gaining on the tallest filly. She is FULL of personality, smart, brave, and ready to learn!
R: Bitsy is an 8-1/2 month old blood bay with a gorgeous velvet coat. Being groomed is her most favorite thing in the world and her sweet face melts hearts. She is not the tallest of the four, but she is solid! She will be somebody’s best and most loyal friend.