WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK - Wind Cave National Park officials will spend about $2.5 million during the next two years to replace the lighting system in Wind Cave.

Park superintendent Vidal Davila said the project will replace the aging system, which uses incandescent bulbs, with a system of compact fluorescent lights and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The new system will be more efficient, provide a safer experience in the cave for visitors and staff and emit less heat, Davila said. Heat from lights can encourage algae growth and other potential harmful impacts on the delicate cave environment, he said.

"This will improve safety for visitors and employees and allow us to turn off the lights as an interpreter moves a group through the cave tour, Davila said. "Once the group moves through, the lights will be turned off, so they will not be on all day, as they are now."

The entire wiring system also will be replaced during the next two winter seasons, when public visitation to the cave is reduced.

The visitor's center at Wind Cave is open year-round except for certain holidays, and cave tours are offered. Cave tours also are offered on a more limited schedule throughout the winter.