Established: 1977 Size: 40 acres
Description
The Lucayan National Park was established in March 1982. It is located between Freeport and Freetown at Gold Rock Creek and consists of 40 acres of land. The Park contains one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world; a unique systems of elevated walkways through a mangrove swamp, a magnificent unspoiled beach and wealth of flora and fauna. This Park exhibits all of the Bahamian vegetative zones.
History
In July 1981, a commercial diving organization became interested in leasing the land around the entrance to Ben’s Cave so that they might have exclusive use of the cave for their private purposes. it was at this point that the Executive Director of the Trust at that time, Mr. Rod Attrill, wrote to the Grand Bahama Port Authority to request that they consider placing this area under auspices of the BNT. Mr. Attrill argued that the cave system represented and important part of the both the natural and historic heritage of the Bahamas. “Not only is this area a beautiful example of natural erosion and cave formation, several Lucayan graves were found in the vicinity”.
Following an Executive Committee meeting, Mr. Basil Kelly, Executive Committee Chairman, wrote to the president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, expressing the Trust concern for the welfare of this area. There was expressed concern for the removal of stalactites and stalagmites and the shooting of bats for no reason. New forms of life were also being continually discovered in the cave. During the latter part of 1981, many scientists who were doing research in The Bahamas also expressed concern for the Lucayan Caverns. They felt that inexperienced divers were entering the caves and that the presence of divers in the caves was resulting in the death of much of the algae, thereby upsetting the delicate ecosystem.
In March 1982, the Bahamas National Trust signed a 99-year lease with the Grand Bahama Development Company, giving it in portion of land situated west of Mole Hope and east of Mangrove Point on the southern coast of Grand Bahama as well as the caves located beneath this property. Shortly following the signing of this lease in March 1983, it was decided that the Lucayan National Park would be closed to all, except scientist and qualified divers who received permission from the BNT. This was done to allow the area to recover from the impact of man. The Lucayan National Park was reopened to the public in 1985.
Importance to Biodiversity
Remepedia: an exploring biologist scuba diving in Ben’s cave in the late 1970’s collected an unusual centipede-like organism and further study revealed that the tiny opaque animal was not only a new species (Speleonectes lucayensis) but also a previously unknown class of crustacean which was given the name Rempedia (“oar foot”). Specially adapted to a dark, underwater environment, the blind Remipedes had existed in Grand Bahama caves for millions of years.
Mangrove trail: The Park encompasses a portion of Gold Rock Creek which connects with the ocean several miles to the east. The tidal creek supports a productive mangrove ecosystem and from the boardwalk one may observe saltwater fishes, wading birds and waterfowl among the stilt like roots. Epiphytic bromeliads and orchids begin blooming along this trail in late spring to early summer while bonsai like ming trees delight visitors year round
Archaeological findings
Lucayan remains: In 1986 archaeologists discovered four skeletons of the indigenous Lucayans on the floor of one cave as well as artifacts in other areas of the Park – evidence of pre-Columbian settlement on Grand Bahama. The Lucayan National Park is named after these original inhabitants of The Bahamas.
Cave system
Two sinkholes open into large limestone caverns, Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave, which are part of one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world with over 6 miles of tunnels charted. Stairs lead from the sinkhole lip to viewing platforms just above water level. The cool dark recesses of the cavern provide shelter and nursery sites for migratory bats in the summer. Certified cave divers may explore the geological formations of Ben’s Cave
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