The World's Largest Park

A proposal for a vast nature park in America's Great Plains could help revive economies in 10 states.

1 minute read

November 3, 2003, 6:00 AM PST

By David Gest


Farmers and ranchers in the Great Plains have suffered from increasing poverty in recent years, struggling to survive in "ghost towns." One possible solution could be the huge "Buffalo Commons," "the world's largest nature park, [potentially] drawing tourists from all over the world to see parts of 10 states alive again with buffalo, elk, grizzlies and wolves." The idea was "proposed in 1987 by Frank and Deborah Popper, two New Jersey social scientists. This would be the biggest step to redefine America since the Alaska purchase." But do inhabitants of the Great Plains want the help?

Thanks to David Gest

Friday, October 31, 2003 in International Herald Tribune

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