Have you sent your comment into Theodore Roosevelt National Park yet?
THIS FRIDAY April 15th is the last day to submit comments! Please note! IF you are sending in supporting documentation, the ONLY way you are able to do that is through regular mail as there is NO upload button on the planning website! AND – we are in the midst of an HISTORIC APRIL BLIZZARD! We sent the following email to the park – please feel free to do the same! Mail will DEFINITELY be delayed!
Superintendent Richman,
We are writing to request that Theodore Roosevelt National Park provide a modest extension for the ongoing comment period from (April 15, 2022 to April 22, 2022) to accommodate public comments delayed by the historic blizzard we are experiencing here in western North Dakota.
As you are aware, the ongoing blizzard has forced the closure of the Park itself, as well as major interstates and roadways throughout the state. Post-blizzard snow removal to reopen roads here in North Dakota is likely to continue through the weekend. As you are also aware, the Park’s March 2022 newsletter/scoping notice states that comments will not “be considered” without “justification or supporting data.” The Park’s online comment-submission portal, however, does not allow the public to attach those documents that contain the “supporting data” required by the Park. Further, the Park has stated that it will not accept comments and supporting documentation via email. As such, the only method of submitting comments to the Park with supporting documentation is through the US Postal Service. Yet, the current winter storm, which is not expected to end until sometime late Thursday (April 14, 2022), has halted travel throughout the state. That would include any truck deliveries, including, specifically, mail trucks carrying public comments and documentation.
Thus, to accommodate unforeseen delays, and to ensure the Park receives and is able to benefit from meaningful public comments during this phase of the planning process, we request that the Park extend the ongoing comment period by one week (i.e., to April 22, 2022)
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The email above can be sent to the following:
Superintendent Angie Richman – Angie_Richman@nps.gov
Blake McCann – Blake_McCann@nps.gov
Maureen McGee-Ballinger – Maureen_McGee-Ballinger@nps.gov
Regional Director, Herbert Frost – Bert_Frost@nps.gov
EMPSi contact -Katie Patterson – katie.patterson@empsi.com
PLEASE NOTE FROM THE PARK’S PLANNING WEBSITE:
“The National Park Service is developing a Livestock Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess options for managing horse and longhorn cattle herds in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The plan is currently in the pre-National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) phase. In this phase, the National Park Service is soliciting input from the public on ideas for consideration in the Livestock Management Plan and identifying areas of concern. Input is being solicited through April 15, 2022.
Following the close of this pre-NEPA comment period, the National Park Service will update alternatives based on public input.“
PLEASE DO NOT “VOTE” FOR DRAFT COMMENTS YOU DO NOT AGREE TO!!! 30-70 horses is NOT enough for a viable herd!!! SCIENCE says 150-200 is needed! There are approximately 190 horses in the park now – simply put if you do not want to see that number reduced to 30-70, then TELL THE PARK THAT!!!
WE NEED THE PARK TO UPDATE THE ALTERNATIVES THEY ARE CONSIDERING FOR THE WILD HORSES OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK!!!!
We have several posts on the website that share sample comment letters from both American Wild Horse Campaign AND The Cloud Foundation. Please feel free to personalize those for your comment! YOU CAN COMMENT MORE THAN ONCE!!
You can send in your comments here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=119270
We will be sharing our comment letter later today so be sure to check back!
Thank you for your support!
Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates is committed to advocating for a wild horse management plan and protection for these unique wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home! We are fighting for a management plan that is guided by science especially when it comes to decisions regarding the removal of horses and the administration of birth control. Many other wild horse management plans have proven to be successful with their science-based plans. We are asking for the same for this amazing group of wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home.
Listen to these groups who know these horse the best!!!!!!!!!!
Please, please leave the horses in TRNP alone. They are one of the few remaining symbols of our heritage. Without a viable breeding herd, our heritage will be lost as we have lost so many of our symbols in the past.