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Resources

Start With Reliable Sources

The internet contains an enormous amount of Assateague information—some excellent, some outdated, and some simply incorrect. AHS encourages people to begin with primary and official sources whenever possible.

Our Source Standard

AHS prioritizes primary and official sources whenever possible—but “official” does not always mean “current.” Before relying on a source, we look at:

  • Who published it
  • When it was published or last updated
  • Whether newer official information exists
  • What the information actually represents
  • Whether it applies specifically to Assateague or more broadly
  • Whether the source supports the claim being made

Government websites sometimes contain older pages that remain publicly accessible long after newer information has been published. For that reason, AHS does not rely on a source simply because it appears on an official website.

Our goal is to use information that is official, current, relevant, and accurately characterized. When older official information is historically relevant, we may still cite it – but we will identify it as historical rather than present it as current.

National Park Service — Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore — Laws & Policies
https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm

2026 Superintendent’s Compendium
https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm
Current park-specific closures, restrictions, permit requirements, and other rules established under the Superintendent’s authority.

Campground Regulations
https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/campground-regulations.htm
Includes current campground requirements, food-storage rules, horse-distance guidance, and prohibition against feeding, touching, or enticing wild horses.

Assateague Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.nps.gov/asis/faqs.htm
General NPS information about the island and the distinction between the Maryland and Virginia horse populations.

2026 Annual Horse Population Update
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/2026-annual-horse-population-update-for-assateague-island-national-seashore.htm
NPS conducts population censuses six (6) times per year. The March 2026 census counted 83 horses: 34 stallions and 49 mares.

Assateague’s Wild Horses
https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/nature/horses.htm

NPS Horse Resource Brief
https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/nature/resource-brief-horses.htm
Background on the Maryland horses, population monitoring, and long-term management.

National Park Service — FOIA
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/foia/index.htm
The indexed equivalent also resolves at: https://www.nps.gov/foia.htm

NPS FOIA Contacts
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/foia/foia-officers.htm

Department of the Interior — FOIA Main Page
https://www.doi.gov/FOIA

How to Make a DOI FOIA Request
https://www.doi.gov/foia/make-a-request

DOI FOIA Contacts
https://www.doi.gov/foia/contacts

DOI FOIA Public Access Link — actual request portal
https://securefoia.doi.gov/app/Home.aspx

Federal FOIA website
https://www.foia.gov/

NPS – 2021 Bayberry Drive speed changes
https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/news/assateague-island-national-seashore-announces-reduced-speed-limits-on-assateague-island.htm

NPS – 2023 Bayside Drive speed changes
https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/news/assateague-island-national-seashore-reopens-life-of-the-marsh-and-life-of-the-forest-trails-and-changes-speed-limits.htm

NPS – Draft General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement (2016) 
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=70269 (full doc)

NPS – Assateague General Management Plan project / Abbreviated Final GMP-EIS
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=26140 (abbreviated format)

Community & Advocacy Resources

As AHS develops, this section will also include selected:

  • Community proposals
  • Public-record releases
  • Research materials
  • Historical records
  • Safety studies
  • Advocacy initiatives
  • Partner resources

Whenever AHS hosts or links to material created by another person or organization, we will identify:

  • Who created it
  • When it was created
  • What it represents
  • Whether it is an official document
  • Whether AHS has independently evaluated or endorsed its recommendations

Providing access to a resource does not automatically constitute endorsement.