Urgent: Save the Devil's Garden Wild Horses

Urgent: Save the Devil's Garden Wild Horses

Help Us Shine a Light on the Hidden Truth Behind the Devils Garden Wild Horse Roundup

We are The Wild Narrative Project—an all-women team of passionate outdoorswomen, storytellers, and conservationists dedicated to protecting the wild narratives of the West. We're reaching out to you with an urgent plea to help us expose a critical issue unfolding in the Devil's Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory in California's Modoc National Forest.

Who We Are

As dedicated journalists and filmmakers, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change. Our team is committed to uncovering the underreported truths about how private interests shape the management of our public lands and wildlife. We strive to empower the public with knowledge, fostering a just and sustainable future where biodiversity thrives over unchecked capitalism.

Our Mission

In late May 2024, we embarked on an investigative journey to Devil's Garden after the U.S. Forest Service released a draft Environmental Assessment calling for the capture and removal of hundreds of federally protected wild horses. Their stated reasons? Overpopulation and landscape degradation.

But what we witnessed told a different story.

Over four days and 1,000 miles traversed, we hiked more than 20 miles through designated "wild horse viewing areas." We encountered hundreds of cattle grazing freely in meadows, around waterholes, and within riparian zones. Yet, we saw only nine wild horses—two of them young foals staying close to their protective mothers.

These majestic creatures are supposed to be safeguarded under federal law, much like the bald eagle. They're meant to thrive in ecological balance, free from harassment and undue harm. Instead, they are elusive and fearful, hiding deep within the forest canopy to escape their true predators—not natural ones like mountain lions or wolves, but powerful corporate interests and the agencies doing their bidding.

The Urgency

On October 28th, the Forest Service commenced a massive roundup, using low-flying helicopters to chase and capture these wild horses. The operation poses significant risks to the horses, especially the vulnerable foals, as they are driven over treacherous lava rock terrain into crowded holding pens. Families will be torn apart, and the horses will face a grim future far from the lands they call home.

And if the public doesn’t act, the roundup will happen again next year, the year after that, and for a decade into the future.

Why We Need Your Help

Time is running out, and we need your support to return to Modoc National Forest. Our goal is to document the roundup, conduct on-site interviews, and produce a short documentary film that reveals the truth behind the removal of these wild horses.

Your donation will directly fund:

Travel Expenses: Covering transportation to this remote corner of northeastern California.

4x4 Vehicle Rental: Ensuring backcountry access and our safety in areas where we may not traditionally be welcome.

Post-Production Costs: Editing and finalizing our film to share with the world.

How You Can Make a Difference

By contributing to our campaign, you're not only supporting an urgent investigative project but also standing up for the protection of wild horses, wildlife, and our public lands. You're helping elevate women in conservation and journalism, amplifying voices that strive to bring underreported stories to light.

Join Us in Making an Impact

We believe that change begins with knowledge. Our film aims to educate the public about the threats facing the Devil's Garden wild horses and inspire civic action to hold governing bodies accountable. Together, we can challenge the narratives driven by private interests and advocate for the preservation of our natural heritage.

Please donate and share our campaign with your friends, family, and community. Every contribution brings us one step closer to unveiling the truth and safeguarding the future of these wild horses.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support.