North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park to Maintain Wild Horse Herd Amid Advocacy
Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota will maintain its herd of wild horses, protecting the beloved animals from potential removal.
The beloved wild horses in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park have been saved from potential removal, as the National Park Service commits to keeping the roughly 200 horses amidst the rugged Badlands landscape. This decision comes following fears from advocates that the horses would be removed during an environmental review process initiated in 2022.
Commitment Secured
Republican U.S. Sen. John Hoeven announced that he has secured a commitment from the National Park Service to maintain the wild horses, ensuring a healthy and genetically diverse herd. His office stated that this commitment will preserve the park's natural resources, allowing visitors to continue enjoying the presence of the horses while exploring the park.
Historical Significance
Park visitors frequently encounter the horses while driving or hiking in the rolling, colorful Badlands, where a young Theodore Roosevelt once hunted and ranched in the 1880s. These encounters have contributed to the animals' popularity among visitors in the area.
Environmental Concerns
The environmental assessment highlighted concerns about the potential impact of the horse herd on the park's resources, including damage to wildlife management fences, overgrazing of vegetation, erosion, and competition for food and water resources. Proposed actions ranged from quickly or gradually removing the horses to taking no action at all.
Support for the Horses
Thousands of people voiced their support for keeping the horses during the Park Service review, with the vast majority in favor of retaining the animals in the park. North Dakota's Republican-controlled Legislature and Governor Doug Burgum also officially expressed support for maintaining the horses through resolutions and offers of state assistance.
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