Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act would require the Secretary of the Interior to maintain a genetically diverse herd of horses in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with a minimum population of 150 horses. It mandatorily directs the Secretary to develop a management plan within 120 days of enactment to ensure cost-effective horse management that does not harm the Park’s natural resources. The bill also restricts horse removal from federal lands within the Park, permitting removal only as part of the plan to maintain genetic diversity, or in emergencies, or to protect public health and safety. Finally, it requires annual monitoring and public disclosure of the horses’ population, structure, and health. The changes would amend the park’s governing statute to elevate horse management as an explicit responsibility of the National Park Service, tying it to a clear population threshold, a formal plan, and ongoing transparency about the herd’s status and health.
Key Points
- 1The Secretary shall maintain a genetically diverse herd of horses in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with no fewer than 150 horses.
- 2A management plan must be developed within 120 days after enactment, focusing on cost-effective management and safeguarding the Park’s natural resources.
- 3Removal of horses from Park lands is prohibited except as part of the plan to maintain genetic diversity, or in emergencies, or to protect public health and safety.
- 4The Secretary must annually monitor and assess the horse population, structure, and health and make the findings publicly available.
- 5The bill redefines Section 5 of the 1947 Act to establish “Administration, Protection, and Development” with a specific subsection on maintenance of horses.