100 Anniversary
th
The Yankton area will be sharing
in a special celebration in 2016, as
this year marks the 100th anniversary
of the creation of the National Park
Service (NPS). NPS was created on
Aug. 25, 1916, by Congress through
the National Park Service Organic Act.
According to the law, which was signed
by President Woodrow Wilson, the NPS
was set up to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic
objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of
the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them
unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Yankton has two connections to the NPS, with both Missouri
National Recreation River (MNRR) and Lewis and Clark National
Historic Trail being established in 1978 as historic landmarks in
need of preservation. The designation for MNRR was originally
applied only to the 59-mile stretch from Gavins Point Dam just
west of Yankton downstream to Ponca State Park in Nebraska. In
1991, another section was added, running from Fort Randall Dam
at Pickstown to Niobrara, Nebraska, Running Water, SD. These
sections are parkland because they represent the last sections of
the river between Montana and St. Louis that are undammed or
un-channeled. Whereas the Lewis and Clark Trail encompasses the
entire trial Lewis and Clark and their expedition followed which
crosses 11 different states.
Both parks are full of history but also sources of pride for Yankton
citizens. Missouri River has a colorful history with not only the Lewis
and Clark expedition but also the adventures of Grant Marsh, a
steamboat pilot. While the Lewis and Clark Trail retraces the steps
the great expedition across the uncharted areas to the ocean.
After joining NPS, both have been enriched to be a great source
of tourism and in recent years, have added activities to boost the
profile of these places. One key to this was the relocation of the NPS
headquarters for the Missouri River to Yankton several years ago.
In recent years, rangers have started conducting numerous
activities and events on the river but also featuring the trail. Free
events are a major feature of the parks throughout the busy
summer season.
Recreational activities along the river are camping, boating/
kayaking, hiking/biking, bird watching and star-gazing. You can also
attend Free Ranger Programs that feature different activities for all
age levels. There are also activities featured along the trail, outside
of the normal hiking or bird watching. There are “expeditions” to
go on to not only learn the history of the trail but to also enjoy the
beautiful scenery.
Another great feature added to the NPS toolbox is the Mobile
Ranger Station, which is a “visitor center on wheels.” Established in
2014, the mobile station offers exhibits and interactive programs
to give visitors a greater appreciation of the park, the river, the trail,
and regional history. It not only sets up shop at various locations
along the trail/park/river, but also goes to various communities
throughout the region. It is available frequently throughout the
summer months in the Yankton area. A schedule of locations and
6vHERVOICEvMAY/JUNE 2016
From left to right: Rick Clark, Superintendent, Missouri National Recreational
River (MNRR); Lisa Yager, Biologist, MNRR; Tina Hartz, Acting Administrative
Officer, MNRR; Brian Korman, Lead Biological Science Technician, MNRR;
Dugan Smith, Park Ranger Interpretation, MNRR
events can be found at www.nps.gov/mnrr/planyourvisit/mobileranger-station.htm.
For those interested in history, or nature, the MNRR and Lewis
and Clark Trail are excellent examples in preserving historic
landmarks but also in learning in a fun atmosphere. The beautiful
scenery offered by both, although altered through time, must look
similar to what those on the Lewis and Clark expedition witnessed
when they passed through the region.