This Was the World's First Protected Cave

Wind Cave, of Wind Cave National Park fame, was the first cave anywhere in the world to be protected as a National Park. It’s a place chock-full of superlatives: world’s densest cave system, world’s largest collection of “boxwork” features, and the largest remaining mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Despite these superlatives however, there were those who didn’t believe wind Cave should be a National Park at all. Worthy of protection, yes, but as a National Park? No. Critics argued Wind Cave wasn’t of the same “quality” as other, more popular parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite. On top of this, the prairie Wind Cave protected was seen as an afterthought. Wind Cave itself was the main attraction and it was the target of most of the criticism. But it was that very prairie which would solidify, not hamper, Wind Cave’s status as a National Park: through the introduction of a bison herd. At this time, bison were on the verge of extinction and the National Park Service was incorporating a model of management that encouraged wildlife preserves in addition to scenic and recreational amenities. Wind Cave was now at the forefront of the modern National Park model, a decision which might ultimately have saved its National Park status. This video tells that story, enjoy. Here are two wonderful histories of Wind Cave as well, if you’re into that sort of thing: https://www.sdhspress.com/journal/sou... http://npshistory.com/publications/wi... National Park Diaries is now on PATREON. You can support the channel here:   / nationalparkdiaries