Ep 6. The Morning of Creation (1946-1980)

The Morning of Creation (1946-1980) is the sixth episode of season 1 of Ken Burns: The National Parks - America's Best Idea. The episode focuses on the period following World War II through the 1970s, during which time the National Parks experienced both expansion and various threats to their preservation.

The episode begins by exploring the overwhelming popularity of the National Parks in the post-war years. With the rise of automobile tourism, more and more people began visiting the parks, leading to overcrowding and strain on the natural resources. The episode also touches on the impact of the Cold War on the National Parks, including the development of missile testing facilities and other military-related activities on park land.

One of the key themes of this episode is the ongoing struggle to preserve the parks in the face of mounting pressures from both human activity and government policies. The episode highlights the important role of individuals and groups in advocating for the protection of specific parks and wild spaces. We see how the activism of individuals like Howard Zahniser, who spearheaded the movement to create the Wilderness Act of 1964, helped to ensure that certain areas of the parks were designated as wilderness, free from development or exploitation.

The episode also highlights the work of the National Park Service during this time period, including the creation of new parks and the implementation of measures to protect wildlife and ecosystems. We see how the parks began to take on a more conservation-oriented approach, with an emphasis on preserving natural habitats and restoring damaged ecosystems. At the same time, the episode also shows how many of the same threats facing the parks in earlier eras continued to persist. The episode touches on the creation of large-scale dam projects, such as the Glen Canyon Dam, which threatened to flood large areas of previously protected wilderness.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a range of voices, including historians, park rangers, and others who have devoted their lives to studying and preserving the National Parks. We also see rare archival footage and stunning images of the parks themselves, which serve to underscore the beauty of these remarkable wild spaces.

Overall, The Morning of Creation offers a unique and compelling look at the mid-century history of America's National Parks. It highlights the complexities and challenges involved in preserving some of the country's most precious natural resources, while also celebrating the work of those who have fought tirelessly to ensure that the parks remain intact for future generations.