Hello and Happy Thursday!

I know many of you are wondering so I will start with the roundup that was SUPPOSED to start TODAY (10/10/2024).

The helicopters did NOT go up over the SOUTH Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park TODAY.  The park mentioned on their Facebook page last night that they wrapped up the bison roundup in the NORTH Unit and will be moving equipment to the SOUTH Unit for the wild horse roundup to begin “early next week”.

Also, TODAY – there was a wildfire IN the NORTH Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  It does seem as if that fire has now been contained! 

North Dakota has been battling wildfires for about a week now as dry conditions coupled with HIGH winds last week created a combination conducive to wildfires.  This has also kept our state leaders focused on the things that our first responders need to battle the fires as well as resources for people impacted because of these fires.  Please keep praying for North Dakota!

While physical fires have been burning across the state, we have been in email contact with Governor Burgum’s office and both phone and email contact with some of our North Dakota State Legislators, talking directly to them about the symbolic fire brewing at Theodore Roosevelt National Park with regards to the wild horse roundup. 

The very first phone call I received this morning was from Jace Beehler, Governor Burgum’s Chief of Staff.  He let me know that the Governor’s office is remaining engaged.  Governor Burgum’s office, and Senator Hoeven’s office are communicating with both Superintendent Nancy Finley and NPS Regional Director Bert Frost. 

Jace said that Governor Burgum is standing by what he said in January of 2023: There is no reason why in a park of 49,000 acres that 200 wild horses CANNOT remain on that land.  Jace said that Governor Burgum reiterated what he said in his 2023 speech regarding the wild horses of TRNP:  He knows that there are wild horse issues in other states.  North Dakota does not have to be one of them.  You can watch Governor Burgum’s 2023 speech on the wild horses here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ZnDoEAm6u5tdDVxn/

Governor Burgum’s office also gave the following quote to KX News today:

“Theodore Roosevelt National Park has been home to wild horses since long before the national park was created in 1947.  Governor Burgum believes that the wild horses that roam the park should remain as an enduring symbol of the untamed spirit of the badlands.” 

Senator Hoeven’s office emailed me last night and let us know that they are continuing to raise concerns with the NPS about the use of GonaCon on our wild horses.  Senator Hoven spoke with KX News reporter, Joel Porter, today and had this to say:

“We are doing some follow-up work on the GonaCon to find out what they are doing.  But also, we want to impress upon them the need for transparency and to be getting input from the public.”

Senator Hoeven wants the park to: “Get input and work with the public and the horse advocates to have a good cooperative process to get to the best possible outcome in terms of the herd, their genetics and people being able to see them when they are out in the park.”

He also said he understands the affinity people have for the horses and how important the horses are to the people.

I share this information with you because yesterday there was progress in the talks between Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Senator Hoeven and Governor Burgum.  For those of you who missed it, Theodore Roosevelt National Park said they would NOT remove ANY wild horses from the park during the helicopter roundup.  While we are grateful for the progress, we let both offices know that it was the use of GonaCon on EVERY mare that was the most concerning thing happening in this roundup.  Those talks seem to be far from over.  When I spoke with Joel Porter around 2:15 this afternoon, he had just hung up with Senator Hoeven.  He said his understanding from the conversation was that the talks between Hoeven and Burgum’s offices with Superintendent Finley and Director Frost were ongoing.

Both Senator Hoeven and Governor Burgum’s office promised to keep us posted on any updates. 

Again, the park stated in their Facebook post last night that the horse roundup would begin “early next week”.  Jace Beehler confirmed that was the information he was being given.  We do not have a definite date for the roundup to start yet. 

They heard us!

First…

THANK YOU to every single one of you who called, emailed and signed our petition.  THANK YOU for showing up for these horses.  THANK YOU for being their voice!

THANK YOU for NOT simply “tolerating” the news that the park released.  THANK YOU for stepping or staying in The Arena with us.  THANK YOU for Daring Greatly!

My Call to Action for you tonight:

NOTHING.

I am asking that you STOP calling and emailing our state and federal legislators.  Our voice was heard.  That Call to Action was successful! 

Now we wait. 

Our North Dakota State and Federal legislators KNOW how we feel.  Every single one of you did a GREAT job making sure of that.  Let’s let them continue to have their conversations. 

I have closed the email action item.  The petition is still open, in case you have not signed it: https://secure.everyaction.com/4dmUjJg8pk2-feWZLe8-pg2

Take pride in knowing you showed up when these horses needed you most.  I am proud of US!  I hope you are too!

We will update you as soon as we hear any news. 

I really cannot thank you guys enough.  2 weeks ago, this seemed extremely hopeless.  I am so honored to be a part of this group where we are LITERALLY showing the world that what Margaret Mead said is so true:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can  change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Enjoy your night!

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