04.08.25

Hoeven Secures Commitment from Interior Dep. Sec. Nominee to Help Protect Wild Horses in TRNP

WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator John Hoeven secured a commitment from Katharine MacGregor, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior, to work together on legislation to protect wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP).

“We continue our efforts to ensure that the National Park Service fulfills its commitment to protecting wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. At the same time, we are working to secure Kate MacGregor's confirmation as Interior Deputy Secretary, and I look forward to working with her to implement a long-term management plan that preserves a healthy, genetically diverse herd of horses for future generations to enjoy,” said Hoeven.

Hoeven is continuing his efforts to ensure the National Park Service (NPS) maintains a herd of free-roaming horses at TRNP on a permanent basis.

  • As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven passed a provision in annual funding legislation directing NPS to maintain “the historic scene commensurate with the historic herds during the period when President Theodore Roosevelt was a rancher in the area.”
  • Advanced this priority with NPS officials, including Midwest Regional Director Bert Frost.
    • On April 25, 2024, NPS formally terminated its proposed removal of horses at TRNP under the environmental assessment process initiated in 2022, and as a result, horses continue to be maintained at the park.

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