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Backgrounder
Rewilding America Now is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded 15 years ago and based in NY. It operates nationwide with a highly diverse and accomplished team.
The mission of the organization is to conserve and restore the North American landscape through rewilding initiatives, with a focus on wild horses as a keystone species.​ Its rewilding initiatives deliver unique benefits such as carbon sequestration, educational programs, and rural economic growth for the benefit of all species and people.
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Rewilding America Now has four main focus areas: 1) wild horse advocacy and policy, 2) science-based environmental rewilding, 3) collaboration with native communities, and 4) educational and awareness initiatives.
Major Projects
1) Birch Creek Valley, Jocelyn, Idaho (project page)
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Our flagship project is a combination of private land and over 70k+ acres of public grazing lands effectively connecting Yellowstone National Park and the Central Idaho Wilderness Area. Rewilding this 55-mile long valley is an unprecedented opportunity to safeguard the future of our grandchildren, communities and wildlife.
We are creating first-of-a-kind scientific research and Rewilding education, and opening up wildlife migration routes to save thousands of animals threatened by climate and extinction. Letting Wild Horses restore the ecosystem will enable the migration of Bison, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Wolves, Cougars, Bears, Eagles and Wolverines.
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2) Brownotter Ranch, Bullhead, South Dakota (project page)
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We work with a veteran Lakota buffalo rancher to rehome dozens of wild horses and grow native grass under principles of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. We aim to fund school programs and provide at-risk youth the opportunity to care for wild horses and reconnect with their culture.
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3) Silbernagel Ranch, Linton, North Dakota (project page)
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We work with a third-generation homesteader who has for 20 years proven that wild horses are a key component in growing seasonal crops and conserving native grass. We deliver educational programs with college students and create new business models for fellow ranchers. ​
Press Releases
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Federal Court Supports Wild Horse Advocates Against BLM in Groundbreaking Ruling, PR Newswire, April 1, 2024
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Rewilding America Now Appoints Dr. Ross MacPhee as Scientific Advisor/Spokesperson to Preserve Wild Horses and Promote Environmental Conservation, PR Newswire, March 12, 2024
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Former Studio Chief Michael Nathanson Appointed Rewilding America Now CEO/Managing Director Demonstrating Commitment to Environmental Conservation and Wild Horses, PR Newswire, December 13, 2023
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Cana Foundation hails groundbreaking collaboration between Lakota traditional ecological knowledge and modern genomics science to trace history of indigenous relationship with horses, PR Newswire, April 3, 2023
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Up and Coming Musical Artist Finds a Voice for Wild Horses and the Environment Amidst Ominous Climate News, PR Newswire, March 24, 2023
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CANA Foundation Marks the National Day of the Horse with Rewilding News & Initiatives, PR Newswire, December 9, 2021
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Rewilding Legislation for Wild Horses in FY2020 Interior Appropriations Budget, EIN Presswire, June 19, 2019
Photos and Videos for use
Please visit our Google Drive Folder to browse and download original Rewilding America Now photos and videos.
Suggested Stories
The American Wild Horse: Crisis and Opportunity
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Wild Horses living on public rangelands are considered an invasive species. Although supposedly protected by the Wild Horse and Burro Act, over 70,000 horses suffer year after year from helicopter chases, inhumane government holding facilities, and a depending on a landscape ravaged by industry and intensive farming.
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Taxpayers are burdened to pay for wild horse roundups, slaughter, transportation, and herd management on public lands, in large part, under the erroneous belief that horses are invasive and provide little value to the land.​​
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Intensive, unsustainable land use over the centuries and worsening climate change has left large areas of the Great Basin under a 'Megadrought'.​
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Current law does not provide incentives for rewilding horses nor is there synergy with existing conservation and renewable energy incentives.
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Modern science supports the truth - that wild horses are native to North America and their presence positively contributes to grassland ecology.
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​Enter Rewilding. A groundbreaking new approach reconnecting people with Nature in a manner consistent with ecosystem resilience and societal wellbeing. Rewilding with native species is now a well-documented practice and the results are incredibly clear. Rewilding America Now has funded research in genetics proving that the horse has and will always play a central role in stimulating and regulating North American ecosystems.
Tribal Appreciation of Horses
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Wild horses have been people's most treasured animal companion since time immemorial. Their cultural importance runs deep particularly among indigenous communities.
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According to a recent study that combines both traditional ecological knowledge and archeological sciences, horses were entirely integrated within Native American communities, culture and ceremonies well before the arrival of 18th-century Europeans. Similarly, a recent book entitled Wild Horses of the Chilcotin by Wayne McCrory explores the 400-year history of the Tˆsilhqot’in people’s sacred Cayuse horses and their role as both an ecological and cultural keystone species.
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RAN’s own team of advisors comprises Lakota Tribal leaders who have educated audiences nationwide on the intrinsic value of horses for their people and the environment.
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The Indigenous view of the economy is holistic and incorporates respect for the Two-Legged, Four-Legged, Winged, and Plant Nations.
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As distinct from other animals, horses can engender a reciprocal emotional connection with humans and yield therapeutic outcomes, including for veterans.
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RAN seeks to leverage the unique relationship people and communities have with horses, and by extension horses’ essential ecological role in restoring the environment, to inspire a renewed and productive relationship with nature and open up opportunities for education, tourism and entrepreneurship in America’s grasslands.
