Wild horses in North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park will be allowed to stay, according to Republican U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, who has secured a commitment from the National Park Service to maintain the beloved animals in the park. The decision comes after fears from advocates that officials would remove the horses from the rugged landscape. The current population of roughly 200 horses will remain in the park, with the exact number to be determined at a later date.
The Park Service will abandon its proposed removal of the horses, following an environmental review process initiated in 2022, and will instead continue to operate under an existing 1978 environmental assessment that calls for a reduction in their numbers. Hoeven stated that there will be a thoughtful and inclusive discussion on how many horses to keep in the park. The decision to terminate the review process was made after considering public comments received during the assessment.
Park visitors often encounter the wild horses while driving or hiking in the colorful badlands of the park, where a young Theodore Roosevelt once hunted and engaged in cattle ranching in the 1880s. Hoeven emphasized the importance of preserving the heritage of wild horses in America, as the animals are not easily found in the wild. The decision will allow for a healthy herd of wild horses to be maintained in the park to support genetic diversity and preserve natural resources.
Despite proposals to remove the horses due to potential risks to resources, the vast majority of public comments received during the review were in support of keeping the horses in the park. The North Dakota Legislature and Governor Doug Burgum also expressed support for maintaining the horses. Suggestions to work with local tribal nations on managing the horses were made, with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe showing interest in being involved.
Following the passage of an appropriations bill with a provision recommending the Park Service maintain the horses, Sen. Hoeven announced that funding to remove the horses might be denied. Advocates such as Chris Kman of Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates are exploring options for federal protection for the horses to ensure their long-term conservation. The horses in the park are descendants of those from Native American tribes and ranches, as well as domestic stallions introduced in the late 20th century.
Overall, the decision to allow wild horses to remain in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a significant victory for advocates and supporters who have worked to preserve these iconic animals in their natural habitat. With a commitment from the National Park Service to maintain the horses and ongoing discussions about herd management, the future looks promising for the continued presence of wild horses in the park. Through collaboration with tribal nations and potential legislative actions, efforts are being made to ensure the protection and conservation of these historic animals for generations to come.
