We are responding to the recent story titled, “Group reconsiders Mesa Verde roundup” (Journal, Sept. 2) in order to clarify some inaccuracies.
The Colorado chapter of the National Mustang Association has no authority or control over the wild horses in Mesa Verde National Park, or the decision whether or not to try to collect them. That decision is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the park.
The NMA has been working with the park in order to provide the best possible solution for the horses, including help with a bait-trapping process that would avoid the necessity of traumatic roundups. The collaboration between the park and the NMA has been temporarily delayed by the Colorado Brand Inspection requirements that all gathered horses must be processed in public auctions through the sale barn. NMA hopes to continue working with the park and the brand inspection office to achieve the best result for the horses if the park decides to try to remove some of them.
David B. Temple, president, National Mustang Association, Colorado chapter, and Latifia Rodriguez, executive director
Mancos