Velma "Wild Horse Annie" Johnson of Reno, was the leader in gaining support for new laws protecting wild horses passed by Congress. The first law enacted in 1959, prohibited the use of aircraft in capturing wild horses and burros. The second law, passed in 1971, gave wild horses and burros special protective status on all public lands. As a result, many "Mustangers" ( those who roundup wild horses and sell them to slaughter for personal profit ) descended on Storey County --- one of the few places left they could still ply their trade. 

In 1979, Highland residents witnessed in their very back yards, a helicopter roundup of wild horses. "Mustangers" left evidence of the wholesale slaughter of foals and older adult horses in outlying areas. Outraged, a group of Highland residents obtained approval to act as agents for the Virginia City Highlands, the Highland Ranches, and the surrounding 40 acre parcels, a total of 37,400 acres. This was the beginning of what is now the Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association ( VRWPA ).

In the years since, we have tried to be a watchdog and proponent for all wildlife and lands under our jurisdiction. "Leg-hold" traps are no longer permitted in our area, old watersheds are being preserved while new ones developed, and unique ponds set aside for public use. However, the interests of the wild horses have taken most of our time and effort. 

Since 1995, the VRWPA has saved from development the BLM pond on Globe Rd. (used by wild horses, migrating birds and ferrie shrimp), acquired donations of land to be preserved for wildlife habitat, repaired an eroding portion of Lousetown Creek, posted signs to educate the public, developed and implemented an estray "wild" horse adoption & injured horses program for Storey County, and fought to keep legislation favorable for our Comstock Wild Horses. The " Felony" bill was passed in the 1999 legislative session. 

Today the VRWPA continues to monitor the horses, the range, and the laws to insure the survivability of a viable, ecologically balanced herd.

Note: For more detailed information click here for our Timeline of Key Events page.