Lessons from the BLM burros

The world is driven by supply and demand. And that goes for gasoline, gold and the great American burro.

Recently, the Bureau of Land Management — at times maligned for lack of imagination — pulled off a move that resulted in smiles all around. The bureau put about 45 burros up for adoption at $125 each. The idea proved so successful that the price of burros in the future just may go up — by $5 an animal.

But more important, by setting itself up as a Donkey Adoption Agency, the BLM found a way to please almost everybody involved. The bureau was able to get some wild burros off public land — burros that graze on the grass sheep and cattle covet. By making sure the burros were vaccinated and in good health and sold to caring owners, the BLM kept the animal rights contingent happy. They didn't throw a wrench in the works or sour the day. And those who drove to the foot of the Oquirrh Mountains to purchase a burro left with a unique pet and a head full of fun memories. Even the media came out a winner.

The animals ended up on public lands years ago when prospectors and other adventurers turned them loose after moving on to trucks and jeeps. But unlike the lowly mule, the burro has never lost its fun-and-fanciful image. They are often seen huddled at mangers during the Christmas season. Film buffs spot them in old Westerns, hauling shovels and grub for salty sodbusters and prospectors.

The BLM took the burros from Nevada — where they were fed on alfalfa hay and taught to feel at ease around humans. The winter sale worked because the animals were acclimated. The burros were treated by veterinarians and then "freeze branded" by the BLM.

Thanks to the timing and the conscientious approach, some kids are going to find a large surprise in their stockings this Christmas.

In the end, programs that involve the government, private citizens and activist organizations have a habit of producing more fireworks than light and warmth. But with some creativity and sensitivity, the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Center has shown that solutions can be found that don't trigger conflicts.

Now, if others in government would take a cue from the great "burro buy," ways would be found to not only bring people to the table who seldom end up there but to send them away smiling.