EA vs EIS

If you are like me, does it seem like new words are being added to your vocabulary almost daily?

Here is a GREAT article that discusses the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) processes: https://hanaresources.com/nepa-environmental-assessments/.  Our government is SUPPOSED to have checks and balances and NEPA is one BIG one that will govern the actions of Theodore Roosevelt National Park as they move forward through this management planning process!

Right now, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has listed three different analyses for plans they will be considering for the future of the wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND home.  Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates DOES NOT support ANY of the analyses the park has offered and will be sharing alternative analyses that the park should consider in their comment letter.  THAT is what this comment period is for – LETTING THE PARK KNOW WHAT OTHER OPTIONS THEY SHOULD CONSIDER!

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is SUPPOSED to take into consideration reasonable options that are presented to them and begin their research into the impacts of the different options.  The park has decided that they will use an Environmental Assessment INSTEAD of an Environmental Impact Statement to do this.  Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates DISAGREES with this option.

From the website listed above – An Environmental Assessment (EA) is:

“For projects that will significantly impact the environment or available resources, the environmental assessment will identify issues to be addressed, provide a framework for public comment, and prepare formal documentation regarding the matter.

The environmental assessment must include:

• Purpose (Needs Statement)
• List of Alternatives (Including No Action if applicable)
• Description of the Affected Environment
• Explanation of the Potential Consequences
• Coordination of Reporting Activities”

From the website – an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is:

“For major projects that will significantly impact the environment, an environmental impact statement must be prepared to inform decision-makers and the public of the project, its consequences, and potential alternatives.

Preparing an EIS begins by organizing the available data to define the project’s scope. Then, armed with the facts, the agency coordinates with other agencies and interested parties to prepare formal recommendations. The project is advertised through news releases, and a full draft of the EIS is presented to the public for comment. A public meeting is held to discuss the EIS, and the documents are finalized pending the public comments. The final draft is also published to the public and filed as documentation.

An EIS statement includes:

• Purpose (Needs Statement)
• List of Alternatives
• Description of the Affected Environment
• Explanation of Environmental Impact
• Identification of All Parties Consulted”

We think you will agree that making a plan to REMOVE ALL OF THE WILD HORSES from Theodore Roosevelt National Park WILL SIGNIFICANTLY impact the environment of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Therefore – an Environmental Impact Statement NOT and Environmental Assessment SHOULD be what the park uses for the next phase of their management planning process. This is one of many things we are discussing with our legal team as we move forward in this process.

We are hoping that as you see how intricate this process is, you will help support our advocacy work by donating to Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates through any of the methods listed on our website.  You can hit the donate now button on any of our Facebook posts and can always send a good old-fashioned check in the mail if you like!

These wild horses need your help now more than ever!  It is going to take everything that each one of us has to keep these horses wild and free in Theodore Roosevelt National Park! 

Thank you for your support and for helping us save this historic wild horse herd!

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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.