AnimalsDoug BurgumGeneral NewsHorsesJohn HoevenNorth DakotaU.S. News Proposed Removal of Wild Horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sparks Controversy by Chloe Baker August 26, 2023 written by Chloe Baker August 26, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 57 The cherished wild horses that have long been a fixture of North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park may be subject to removal under a new proposal by the National Park Service. This potential action has elicited concerns among advocates who view these horses as an important cultural heritage. Those who traverse the picturesque routes within the park often encounter groups of these horses, symbols of the American West that captivate tourists. Advocacy groups argue for the horses’ uninterrupted presence in the Badlands, in contrast to park authorities who categorize these animals as “livestock.” The National Park Service is currently reevaluating its livestock management strategies and is drafting an environmental assessment to investigate the consequences of either maintaining the status quo or removing the horses entirely. Should the removal proceed, the plan involves capturing the horses and initially allocating them to tribal communities, followed by auctions or transfers to other organizations. An alternative strategy proposes implementing measures to inhibit future breeding, allowing the existing horses to spend their remaining years in the park. The horses have found support among governmental figures and activist organizations. Despite their popularity, one advocate suggests that this will not deter officials from taking steps to eliminate them from North Dakota’s premier tourist destination. Chris Kman, President of Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates, contends that the national park is funded by taxpayers and, consequently, the public should have a say in the management of its wildlife. Angie Richman, Park Superintendent, previously informed The Bismarck Tribune that the park has no legal obligation to keep the horses. She further noted that, irrespective of the ultimate resolution, the park would need to reduce its horse population from approximately 200 to between 35 and 60, in accordance with a 1978 environmental assessment. Kman advocates for a science-based approach to manage the horses, recommending a genetically viable population of between 150 and 200 breeding horses. The ramifications of using contraceptives on mares within the park are yet to be determined, she adds. Extraction of the horse population “could adversely affect the park’s ecological balance,” according to Kman. While bison and elk have been reintroduced into the park, the horses remain a historical constant. Historian Castle McLaughlin revealed that a few groups of wild horses were inadvertently confined within the park’s boundaries after its establishment in 1947. Initial attempts by park officials aimed at their extermination, even resorting to selling them as feed for large cats in zoos. However, park authorities reversed their stance around 1970, retaining the horses as a historical demonstration herd. McLaughlin adds that the horses are not merely livestock but cultural landmarks, potentially linked to Native American communities and even the Hunkpapa Lakota leader, Sitting Bull. Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy looms large over North Dakota. A presidential library dedicated to him is under construction near the park. Governor Doug Burgum has proposed state collaboration with the Park Service to manage the horse population. In alignment, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature and U.S. Senator John Hoeven have shown support for preservation efforts. While the outcome remains uncertain, an environmental review, expected to be completed shortly, will invite public commentary. Previous consultations garnered thousands of responses, the overwhelming majority opposing total livestock removal. Activist groups like Kman’s have been vigorous in rallying support from various quarters, including legislative bodies and tribal leaders. McLaughlin opines that the current movement towards removal is more forceful than in the past, but so is the opposition. The park’s North Unit, situated about 70 miles from Medora, also houses approximately nine longhorn cattle. Although these are not the primary focus, they too would be impacted by the proposed changes, a factor not addressed by Hoeven’s legislation. Sara Otte Coleman, North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director, emphasized that Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the few national parks featuring horses, making it unique. The horses’ influence on tourism is hard to quantify, but their appeal among various media channels is evident. According to Otte Coleman, the proposed removal would deprive park visitors of a well-loved feature they have come to expect. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses RemovalWhat is the main issue discussed in the article?Who are the main stakeholders involved in this issue?What are the proposed solutions to manage the horse population?What is the stance of the advocacy groups?What is the legal standing of the horses in the park?How have government officials responded?What is the significance of the horses according to historians?When is a final decision expected?What impact could the removal have on tourism?Are other animals also affected by the proposal?More about Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Removal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Removal What is the main issue discussed in the article? The main issue discussed in the article is the National Park Service’s controversial proposal to remove the wild horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. This has elicited concerns among advocacy groups, government officials, and the public about the horses’ cultural and historical significance, as well as ecological considerations. Who are the main stakeholders involved in this issue? The main stakeholders involved are the National Park Service, state government officials including Governor Doug Burgum and U.S. Senator John Hoeven, advocacy groups like Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates, and the general public who visit the park or have interest in its wildlife. What are the proposed solutions to manage the horse population? The National Park Service is considering either removing the horses entirely or implementing measures to inhibit future breeding while allowing the existing horses to remain in the park. The removal plan involves capturing the horses and initially allocating them to tribal communities, followed by auctions or transfers to other organizations. What is the stance of the advocacy groups? Advocacy groups like Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates are against the removal of the horses. They advocate for a science-based approach to manage the horses, including maintaining a genetically viable population of between 150 and 200 breeding horses. They also emphasize the horses’ cultural and historical significance. What is the legal standing of the horses in the park? According to Park Superintendent Angie Richman, there is no legal obligation for the park to maintain the horse population. However, a 1978 environmental assessment mandates that the horse population be reduced to between 35 and 60, irrespective of the ultimate decision on their removal. How have government officials responded? Government officials like Governor Doug Burgum and U.S. Senator John Hoeven have expressed support for preserving the horse population in the park. Legislation has even been included in the U.S. Interior Department’s appropriations bill to direct the park to keep horses. What is the significance of the horses according to historians? Historians like Castle McLaughlin suggest that the horses are not just livestock but also cultural landmarks. They may have links to Native American communities and leaders like the Hunkpapa Lakota leader, Sitting Bull, and they reflect several generations of western North Dakota ranchers. When is a final decision expected? A final decision is yet to be determined. An environmental review is expected to be completed soon, which will be followed by a period for public comment. Previous consultations have seen overwhelming opposition to total livestock removal. What impact could the removal have on tourism? While it is difficult to quantify the exact impact on tourism, the horses are popular among media channels, photographers, travel writers, and social media influencers. Removal could deprive visitors of a feature they have come to expect, potentially affecting the park’s appeal. Are other animals also affected by the proposal? Yes, the park’s North Unit also houses approximately nine longhorn cattle. Though not the primary focus, they would also be impacted by the proposed changes. More about Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Removal National Park Service Theodore Roosevelt Park Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates U.S. Senator John Hoeven’s Official Site North Dakota State Government 1978 Environmental Assessment for Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division Assateague Island National Seashore Wild Horses Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Project Bismarck Tribune: Park Superintendent on Horse Management You Might Be Interested In UK Premier Sunak Dismisses Home Secretary, Appoints Ex-PM Cameron in Surprising Turn Zelenskyy Revisits Washington Amid Increasing Republican Scrutiny Over U.S. Financial Aid to Ukraine Rev. 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She enjoys exploring new destinations and sharing her experiences with her readers, from exotic locales to hidden gems off the beaten path. previous post Free School Meals Extended to Children in Eight States, Push for Federal Policy Continues next post Director of British Museum Steps Down, Admits Negligence Over Artifact Theft Warnings You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ