Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act

# Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would require the U.S. Department of the Interior to maintain a wild horse herd of at least 150 horses in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The department would need to create a management plan that keeps the horses healthy and genetically diverse while protecting the park's natural resources.

The bill restricts when horses can be removed from the park—only for genetic diversity reasons, emergencies, or public safety concerns. The department would also have to monitor and publish yearly reports on the herd's population, health, and genetic makeup. **Who it affects:** This legislation primarily affects park visitors, the National Park Service, wildlife managers, and horse conservation advocates. It directly protects the wild horse population currently living in the park. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the Senate by Republican Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota and is currently pending in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.