First tribal national park?

Proposal would create tribal national park

By Wayne OrtmanThousands of acres taken from the Oglala Sioux Tribe nearly 70 years ago would be returned and managed as a tribal national park under a proposal from the National Park Service.

The change involves the 208 square-mile South Unit that's part of Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota.And:Giving the tribe responsibility for the land is the preferred option from four management alternatives for the South Unit. It would be the first tribal national park in the nation and require congressional approval, said Steve Thede, deputy superintendent of Badlands National Park.

"We're setting precedence, kind of a scary place but kind of an exciting place to be too," said Thede.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Giving the Badlands Back.