Horse advocates and community members will gather Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nevada State Capitol for the “Keep Washoe Wild” rally, organized by Wild Horses Lives Matter as part of a growing public effort opposing the Virginia Range Fencing Project.
The project, which involves the Nevada Department of Agriculture and has been approved for construction, is described by officials as a public safety measure to reduce collisions between horses and vehicles near roadways. Many residents and advocates say fencing off the Washoe Lake area would cut the Virginia Range mustangs off from historic water access and habitat. A Change.org petition opposing the fencing has gathered more than 5,600 verified signatures.
“This is not just about a fence,” said Monica Ross, founder of Wild Horses Lives Matter. “This is about the future of the Virginia Range mustangs and whether the public will stand up for them before irreversible decisions are made.”
Ross said strong turnout matters. “If only a handful of people show up, decision-makers may read that as the public not caring,” she said. “Every person, every sign, and every voice makes a difference.”
What: “Keep Washoe Wild” Rally
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Nevada State Capitol, 101 N. Carson Street, Carson City
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs. Supporters who can’t attend can sign the petition at c.org/nyrv2fcmqg.
For more information, contact Monica Ross at wildhorseslivesmatterwhlm@gmail.com.
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