We have received several emails, comments and private messages that blame current Theodore Roosevelt National Park Superintendent Angie Richman for the current “Livestock Management Plan” that includes the park’s “proposed action” to eliminate ALL of the wild horses from the park’s boundaries.
The truth is that the budget for this management plan takes time to go through. Remember, this is the federal government we are dealing with. The proposal for this management plan came long before Angie Richman was Superintendent and the plans laid out in the current proposal are more than likely NOT just Angie Richman’s sentiments. We actually do not know her personally, so we cannot speak for her personal views on wild horses or this management planning process.
This also is PROBABLY NOT a product of our current “cancel culture” or a result of things that Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying.
The truth is that there is a very long history of Theodore Roosevelt National Park trying to get rid of the wild horses within their park’s boundaries since the very first wild horse round up in 1954. There were even attempts to poison the horses in 1964. Castle’s report shows the proof of the parks ongoing plans to eliminate the horses from 1954 through 1989. You can view all of this on the TRNP Wild Horse Timeline on our website: https://chwha.org/trnp-wild-horse-timeline/
Castle’s report also shows that in the 1960’s, the 1970’s and the 1980’s the park tried to eliminate ALL of the horses from the park. They were unsuccessful because PUBLIC OUTCRY and LOCAL PRESSURE was so overwhelming, they have allowed the horses to stay.
Someone said to me after the park’s virtual meeting last week, “They have already made up their minds. We have no chance to change that.”
My reply was that I have to believe that together WE can make a difference. Otherwise, why even bother fighting?
I spoke with Senator Hoeven’s office yesterday. His position has not changed according to the person I spoke with. He is still encouraging the public to comment and NOT taking a position.
I also spoke with Congressman Armstrong’s office. He HAS taken a position to side with the park. One that is EXTREMELY UNPOPULAR with people in North Dakota.
I am still waiting for Senator Cramer’s office to return my phone calls or emails.
Have you contacted their offices? They are in our “Call to Action #9”: https://chwha.org/2023/01/16/15-days-call-to-action-9/
With your help, we have brought this matter to the North Dakota State Legislators. They have answered our calls, emails and letters! TODAY, Representative Josh Boschee let me know that the draft resolution we submitted was sent in for formal drafting. The resolution is expected to pass easily as it has bipartisan support. Our state legislators are doing what they swore to do when we voted for them into their offices.
Now it is time to remind North Dakota’s federally elected officials that they were voted into office to be the voice of the people of North Dakota. They need to listen to the people who put them in office. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is under the jurisdiction of the federal government and we need support from the federal government to change the outcome for the wild horses that currently call the park home.
Instead of being upset with Angie Richman, please make sure you answer our “Call to Action #10”. https://chwha.org/2023/01/18/call-to-action-10/ Yesterday when I made calls to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s and NPS Director Charles Sams III offices, the voicemail boxes were FULL! I smiled and thought of each one of you!
Don’t forget Bert Frost. He is the NPS regional director and someone who is probably more closely tied to what is happening at TRNP than Secretary Haaland and NPS Director Sams.
MORE THAN ANYTHING! Don’t forget that the park has tried this repeatedly over the years. PUBLIC OUTCRY AND LOCAL PRESSURE always wins.
Keep the pressure on.
We are HUGE fans of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We appreciate every person who works at TRNP that helps each and every visitor have an experience similar to what Theodore Roosevelt did when he was in this same area. What we are upset about are the current management practices for the wild horses that call the park home.
Have you submitted your comment to the park yet?
The MOST IMPORTANT call to action you can answer is to make sure you share your comments no later than January 31, 2023, online through the PEPC website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/LP
Or in writing to:
Superintendent
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645
Thank you for your support and have a GREAT day!
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.