BISMARCK — The North Dakota Legislature has approved a resolution calling on the federal government to protect the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 4006 asks Congress to enact legislation that would establish federal protections for the herd of nearly 200 horses.
It builds on legislation passed last session that urged the National Park Service to make efforts to preserve the park's horse population.
The House approved the resolution Tuesday, March 25, with an 87-4 vote after the Senate passed it in February by a voice vote, which heard zero "nays."
Once approved by Secretary of State Michael Howe, a copy of the legislation will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Interior — former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
Supporters say the herd should be preserved because it has historical value, is a symbol of state identity and draws tourists to the park. The horses need to be protected from threats to their population, like past attempts to sterilize the herd, advocates said.
"Local citizens and park tourists from around the world have become engaged and involved, yet the national park system and the management thereof continue to challenge and look for ways to eliminate the herd," Rep. Bill Tveit, R-Hazelton, said on the floor while reading the resolution Tuesday.
There was no further discussion before the chamber advanced the resolution.
To track this bill, readers can download North Dakota Legislative Daily — a free app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
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