Central ND News

Senators John Hoeven and Tim Kaine have proposed a bipartisan bill requiring the Department of the Interior to maintain wild horses at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This legislation mandates the Interior Secretary to preserve a genetically diverse herd of at least 150 horses in the park's South Unit. The department can only remove horses for improving genetic diversity, emergency situations, or to protect public health and safety.

Within 120 days of the bill becoming law, a management plan for the horses must be developed. Additionally, the department is to provide annual public updates on the horse herd's population, structure, and health.

Senator Hoeven emphasized the historical significance of the horses, stating, “The wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park are not only a central part of the visitor experience, but they are essential to maintaining the historic scene consistent with President Teddy Roosevelt’s time in the Dakota Territory.” He further emphasized the importance of ensuring a plan is in place to manage and maintain a genetically diverse herd.

Senator Kaine highlighted the tourism value of such wildlife, observing the impact wild horses have had in his own state. “The wild ponies of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands have drawn visitors to Virginia for generations, and the wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park have done the same in my colleague’s state,” he stated.

This legislative effort follows Hoeven's previous actions to secure the herd's place in the park, such as his role in passing a Senate Appropriations Committee provision, directing the National Park Service to maintain a historical scene consistent with the era when President Theodore Roosevelt was active in the area. In April 2024, the National Park Service officially reversed its proposal to remove the horses, ensuring the herd remains a part of the park's ecosystem.