S.1377 - Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1377, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act, aims to ensure the maintenance of a genetically diverse herd of horses within the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The bill mandates a minimum population of 150 horses. It also requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a management plan within 120 days of enactment.
The plan must ensure cost-effective management while protecting natural resources. The bill restricts the removal of horses from the park, except under specific conditions such as maintaining genetic diversity, emergencies, or to protect public health and safety.
Finally, the Secretary is required to annually monitor, assess, and publicly report on the horse population's structure, health, and overall status.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a more structured approach to managing the wild horse population within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It will ensure a minimum population size and genetic diversity. This could also lead to increased tourism related to viewing the horses.
The required management plan will likely result in specific protocols for handling the horse population. This includes guidelines for health, population control, and interaction with the park's ecosystem. The annual reporting will provide transparency and allow for public input on the management of the horses.
Overall, the bill is intended to protect the wild horse population while balancing the needs of the park's ecosystem and public safety.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of a Wild Horse Herd: Ensures the continued existence of a genetically diverse herd of wild horses in the park.
- Ecosystem Balance: The management plan aims to balance horse management with the protection of natural resources within the park.
- Transparency: Annual monitoring and public reporting on the horse population.
- Tourism: The presence of wild horses can attract tourists, benefiting local economies.
- Historical Significance: Preserves a part of the park's history and cultural landscape.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Costs: Developing and implementing the management plan, as well as ongoing monitoring, will incur costs.
- Resource Allocation: Resources dedicated to horse management might divert funds from other park needs.
- Ecological Impact: Maintaining a specific horse population size could have unintended consequences on the park's ecosystem if not managed properly.
- Limited Flexibility: Restrictions on horse removal could hinder management options in certain situations.
- Potential Conflicts: Conflicts may arise between different stakeholders regarding the management of the horse population.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to preserve a natural resource and potentially boost tourism, contributing to the overall well-being of the region. Congress has the power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, which grants them the authority to make rules and regulations regarding property belonging to the United States.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The management plan requirement ensures a balanced approach, considering both the welfare of the horses and the preservation of the park's natural resources.
Overall, the bill seems to operate within the constitutional framework, exercising Congress's power over federal lands in a manner that promotes the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).