BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management says putting 1,500 wild horses on a Madison County ranch would hurt resident elk populations and threaten wetlands and soil.

The findings are contained in an environmental assessment released Tuesday on a proposal to place up to 1,500 geldings in a long-term holding pasture on the Spanish Q Ranch northwest of Ennis.

The study also consideres bringing a smaller number of wild horses to the ranch. The report found a more positive impact on the Madison Valley’s environment if the population was capped at 1,000.

The BLM’s wild horse and burros spokeswoman Susie Stokke says a decision on the proposal will be made by Dec. 26.

The BLM oversees an estimated 37,000 wild horses and burros that live on federal land in 10 western states.

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Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com

Copyright 2009 The AP.