Congress passes legislation supporting TRNP horses

Congress has passed a provision directing the National Park Service (NPS) to maintain the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The park is undergoing an environmental review.  A public comment period regarding the horses has already closed.

The provision by U.S. Senator John Hoeven  directs NPS to maintain horses commensurate with the historic herds during the period when President Theodore Roosevelt was a rancher in the area.

Around 200 wild horses roam free in the western North Dakota park.  Many state officials call the animals a major tourist attraction.  The North Dakota Legislature passed a resolution in support of preserving the horses in 2023.

Hoeven says the language is timely.  “We expect the park service to announce their decision next month.”

A final environmental assessment is expected to be released this spring.