WASHINGTON – A bill in the Senate would keep wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The legislation, which was introduced by Republican North Dakota Senator John Hoeven and Democratic Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, would maintain a genetically diverse herd of no fewer than 150 horses in the park’s south unit.
“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,” Hoeven said. “This legislation is about holding the National Park Service to its word for the benefit of North Dakotans and visitors, now and into the future.”
The Department of Interior could only remove them because of an emergency, to protect public health and safety.. or to improve genetic diversity.
The bill would also develop a plan to provide horse management and give the public information on the population, structure and health of the horses every year.
“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,” Kaine said. “I’m glad to partner with Senator Hoeven on this bill to ensure the continuation of this majestic population.”
