Three Affiliated Tribes open new national park in North Dakota Badlands

The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has established the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park, 2,100 acres of rugged Badlands. Tribal Chairman Mark Fox told the Associated Press that the park aims to preserve culturally significant lands and support the economy through tourism in addition to providing recreational opportunities, such as canoeing, kayaking and viewing wildlife. Park Superintendent Ethan White Calfe said officials are planning to restore native prairie and soil. The park, which held a soft opening in September, currently allows only foot traffic by free online permits, with 10 miles of trails expected by the end of summer, according to Parks and Reserve Program Director Mary Fredericks.