News Releases for October 2003
October 10, 2003
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Hoeven: National Park Service Moves In The Right Direction
U.S. Park Service Issues Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) For Park Expansion
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today said a National Park Service (NPS) report pertaining to a proposal to expand Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a step in the right direction.
“The National Park Service’s statement today supports our efforts to create a partnership between state, federal and local interests to enhance and preserve the site of President Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch in the right way,” Hoeven said. “That means protecting the view shed of the ranch, while allowing for the multiple uses of outlying land to accommodate hunting, grazing, hiking and energy, as well other recreational and commercial activities.”
The National Park Service statement emphasizes intent to cooperate with the State of North Dakota to jointly protect the natural, scientific and historic value of the Teddy Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch. The FONSI suggests that other management approaches besides those examined by the NPS study be considered, which would allow for the continuation of the traditional uses such as hunting, grazing, and oil and gas extraction on the remainder of the ranch.
“The State wants to protect the scenic and historic treasure that was once Teddy Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, but it needs to be done in a way that recognizes the agricultural and energy value of the land,” Hoeven explained. “That is why we are working very hard with the current owners and several state and federal agencies on a plan to acquire the ranch and preserve this area for everyone to experience and enjoy.”
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