Hello and Happy Thursday to everyone!
We have some information to share about the 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
We heard from Congressman Armstrong’s office. They reached back out to their NPS liaison. This was their response to me today:
Good morning Chris –
We were able to visit with our liaisons at the NPS / TRNP on the concerns you have shared with us. TRNP is holding firm on the Compendium regarding entry / exit at official access points. The focus is on public safety for visitors as well as the bison, horses, and longhorn steer. The Park will be looking at the aging infrastructure and best options for replacing fencing. As it relates to questions, concerns, requests for changes, etc. – those are best directed to the TRNP directly or may also be shared with the NPS Region 5 Regional Director (Bert Frost @ 402-661-1736).
The Compendium is authorized within the Code of Federal Regulations. Our understanding is that the Compendium from Superintendent Richman went through reviews with solicitors and the NPS’ Division of Regulations. As each National Park is unique, the Compendium exists to allow Superintendents the opportunity to address park specific issues that can vary from park to park.
We also followed up on your question about keys the Bismarck Riding Club has to the Park. Superintendent Richman shared that they have heard this concern and do take it seriously. They are working to clean up this issue by changing out locks and only providing keys to the appropriate NPS / TRNP staff.
Best –
Mary
Mary Christy
State Director
Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL)
We also asked the TRNP Chief Ranger for clarification on the repercussions if the “Entrance and Exit” policy is violated and the answer is as stated in the compendium up to a $5,000 fine for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or up to 6 months in jail.
You have a chance to speak up and let the Medora City Council know how you feel about this and other actions being taken by Theodore Roosevelt National Park management, including the use of GonaCon on the horses.
You can read more and find out how you can help be a voice for these horses in our blog from earlier this week: https://chwha.org/2024/06/04/we-heard-you/
Change is only going to come if we continue to come together and raise our voices for these horses.
Thank you for your support and have a great night!
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