Parks in the News

Speak Out on Pending National Park Service Proposals

Now the Traveler is making it even easier for you to comment on pending National Park Service proposals, be they general management plans or the proposal to allow park visitors to carry concealed weapons in the parks.

Montana Governor Asked to "Provide Leadership" In Yellowstone Bison Controversy

With hazing operations resuming to drive bison back into Yellowstone National Park, conservation groups are urging Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer to "provide leadership" to resolve the controversy.

National Park Service Sued Over Personal Watercraft at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Gulf Islands National Seashore

In an action sure to inflame some national park visitors, Friends of the Earth and The Wilderness Society have sued the National Park Service to reinstate bans against personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Public Comment Section and Traveler Forums

Have you checked in on the latest public comment periods in the National Park System? Have you looked into the Traveler Forums for lodging information?

Too Much Snow Delays Opening Of Yellowstone National Park's Norris Campground

When it snows in the Rockies, it really snows. The most snow in a decade this past winter has resulted in too much snow to open the Norris Campground in Yellowstone National Park on schedule.

Blue Ridge Parkway Revising General Management Plan, Might Close Campground

It's been roughly six decades since the Blue Ridge Parkway's general management plan was tinkered with, so it shouldn't be too great a surprise that parkway officials are working on an update. However, what parkway officials are proposing might not sit well with everyone.

Rites of Spring: Road Slump in Yellowstone National Park Closes Section of Grand Loop Road

Springtime in the Rockies is never a particularly easy time. In Yellowstone National Park, the freeze-thaw cycle at this time of year plays havoc with the roads, as evidenced by the slumping of a short section of the Grand Loop Road near Canyon.

Returning to Paradise At Mount Rainier National Park

After a two-year hiatus, you can now return to Paradise. Mount Rainier National Park's Paradise Inn, that is. Following much-needed structural repairs, the beautiful inn will open for business on Friday.

National Park Search and Rescue: Should the Rescued Help Pay the Bills?

A two-week search for a missing hiker in Yosemite National Park. A search for a missing snowshoer on Mount Rainier. Recovery of bodies from climbing accidents in Grand Teton National Park. A week-long, and unsuccessful, search for a missing 8-year-old at Crater Lake National Park. Each year, thousands of search-and-rescue missions cost the National Park Service millions of dollars. And each year the agency eats the costs.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Settlement Spawns Vandalism

A settlement intended to resolve conflicts between off-road vehicle users and breeding birds and sea turtles at Cape Hatteras National Seashore seems to be having the opposite effect. Vandals have torn down signs designating buffers around nest sites and business owners say the settlement will devastate them.

Ken Burns' National Parks Documentary: Where Does it Stand?

It's been quite a while since the Traveler mentioned the national parks documentary that Ken Burns was working on. So what's he been up to since then? Quite a lot, it turns out.

May 10: "Train Day" Across the National Park System

Train afficionados can get their fix Saturday, May 10th, by heading to a handful of national park sites around the country that will be commemorating the train in some form or fashion. Hitching its wagon to Amtrak's decision to celebrate National Train Day this Saturday, the National Park Service has plans for a number of events at park sites from coast to coast.

Is Death Valley National Park A Burial Ground For Manson Murder Victims?

It's not too often that a national park plays a role in a murder investigation, particularly not one out of the "cold file" bin. But authorities think Death Valley National Park just might be holding the remains of victims of the Manson Family.

Protest Against American Revolution Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park Planned for May 15

Don't be surprised if George Washington returns to Valley Forge next week. A grassroots group is planning a rally for May 15 to protest plans to develop a portion of 78 acres of rolling land pressed on three sides by Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Bigger Boat Tours Coming to Voyageurs National Park

Here's an update to the Voyageurs National Park boat tours story. There currently are boat tours available, but not on the scale that will be possible thanks to the $1.4 million a congressman from Minnesota has directed to the National Park Service so it can build a 49-seat boat.

Commemorate Mother's Day at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

If you're near Lincoln City, Indiana, this weekend, you might want to swing by the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial to mark Mother's Day.

Vet Removes Snare From Neck of Wolf in Denali National Park and Preserve

A volunteer effort has been able to remove a trapper's snare from around the neck of a wolf in Denali National Park and Preserve. Unfortunately, a second wolf that also was caught up in a snare has not been seen.

Public Comment: Grand Canyon Overflights Noise Reduction

As was noted the other day, a coalition of conservation groups has asked that the National Park Service extend the public comment period for the proposed revision of the "natural quiet" definition regarding aircraft over Grand Canyon National Park. Read on to find the link where you can post your comments.

Groups Ask for Extension on Comment Period for Grand Canyon "Natural Quiet" Definition

A coalition of groups has asked that the public comment period on how "natural quiet" is defined at Grand Canyon National Park be extended by 30 days beyond the current May 9 deadline.

In the News: Loss of Cougars in Yosemite National Park, "Uranium Rush" at Grand Canyon National Park

Critics of the National Park Service's mandate to conserve natural resources often say the national parks were not intended to be kept inside bell jars. And that's certainly not happening. Proof can be seen in how the loss of cougars is thought to be adversely affecting Yosemite National Park and the recent rush to find uranium near Grand Canyon National Park.

Report Shows Visiting National Parks Could be Hazardous to Your Health

Visiting national parks could be hazardous to your health. That's the conclusion that can be drawn from a snapshot of health and safety conditions across the National Park System.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Settlement Won't Ban ORV Use, But Will Restrict Travel

A settlement over off-road vehicle travel at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will not ban ORV travel, but it will restrict it at times throughout the year, according to the National Park Service.

Opening For Spring is a Struggle at Olympic National Park

Last fall's storms and this past winter's snows are slowing the opening of Olympic National Park this spring. But little by little the park's various areas are opening. That said, before you head out you might want to call the park to check on conditions.

Congressman Introduces Legislation To Double The Size of Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve, a rich crucible of biodiversity, would double in size under legislation introduced by a congressman from Texas.

Bison, Elk and Bears Might Be Cute, But These Videos and Statistics From National Parks Suggest Caution

Ever consider a sprint with an elk or bison? Well, if you're not careful, you just might wind up in that predicament in Yellowstone National Park. And you won't win.

Groups Sue To Overturn Removal of Greater Yellowstone Wolves from Endangered Species List

Has Yellowstone National Park's wolf recovery program, now more than a decade old, succeeded? The federal government thinks so, as evidenced by the removal of greater Yellowstone wolves from the Endangered Species List. But a coalition of conservation group differs, and has filed a lawsuit to overturn the delisting.

National Parks Week: Perfect Time to Assess the "State of the Parks"

Don't let the hoopla over National Parks Week and the launch of the Centennial Challenge fund-letting fool you: The state of the national park system is depressing. While recent visitation is up, staffing is down, and park budgets aren't keeping pace with inflation.

Railroad's Tweaking Delays Glacier National Park's Decision Against Bombing Avalanche Chutes

Long after the public comment period closed on Glacier National Park's draft environmental impact statement regarding a railroad's request to bomb avalanche chutes on the park's southern boundary, the railroad apparently has succeeded in tweaking that document.

Snared Wolves At Denali National Park and Preserve Cast Ugly Shadow on Trappers

Wolf trapping that went wrong has left two wolves with snares cinched around their necks roaming Denali National Park and Preserve just as tourist season is about to arrive.

2008 National Park Service Centennial Projects Run the Gamut, From Traveling Trunks to Biodiversity Inventories

From "traveling trunks" and power systems to biodiversity inventories and efforts to develop tomorrow's national park stewards, the 110 Centennial Challenge Projects and Programs that are being funded for 2008 offer a little something for most folks.