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Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

National Parks Traveler Episode 147 | A Pleistocene Burial Ground

Exploring Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

It’s hard to imagine that camels, lions, and mammoths once roamed the landscape around Las Vegas, Nevada.  But such was the case during the latter part of the Pleistocene era, which spanned a period of time between 11,000 years and 2.5 million years ago.  The area -- known as the Upper Las Vegas Wash –- is rich with the fossils of these and many more creatures as well as ancient plants and pollens.  

Gems Across The National Park System To Add To Your Travels

Whether you're a veteran of years of national park travels, or a newbie setting out with an empty national parks passport, there always seems to be new destinations to explore. With this year's crowds of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Acadia and Grand Teton in mind, here's a handful of park system units sure to please without the jostling.

Fence Proposed To Keep ORVs, Target Shooters Out Of Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Nearly two years after Congress created Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument near Las Vegas, portions of the unit are being damaged by off-road enthusiasts and individuals who haul TVs, furniture, and other junk into the monument for target practice. At least one death has been linked to target shooting. In an effort to prevent such incidents, the National Park Service is proposing to build a fence with hopes of protecting the park.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Adds A Missing Link To The National Park System

A window into the last Ice Age in the present-day desert outside of Las Vegas brings a missing link into the National Park System along with a small, but enticing, possibility that fossilized human remains are buried next to those of ancient bison, camels, and even lions.

Unknowns In Terms Of Funding And Personnel Await New Units Of National Park System

With a handful of new units of the National Park System to be ushered in once President Obama signs a half-trillion-dollar defense authorization bill, National Park Service officials are not exactly sure where they'll get the money or personnel to bring the new parks to life, but they're optimistic they'll find a way.

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