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Looking At The National Park Service's Goal To Eliminate Plastic Bottles

Dec 3rd - 19:09pm | ecbuck

Why - if you aren't buying the bottles you don't need to worry aboue the waste, recycling costs or electricity usage.

Dec 3rd - 16:54pm | justinh

"a ban on disposable bottles reduce waste and recycling costs, but it also would lead to sizeable savings in electricity usage"   Seems to be a pretty reasonable goal.

Dec 3rd - 15:46pm | ecbuck

Sorry Mike, I don't see the convenience of a plastic bottle as "waste".   Nor do I see why you want to confiscate money from others (via taxes) when someone is voluntarily willing to give it.

Dec 3rd - 12:57pm | Mike Painter

The hierarchy with respect to waste is:    Reduce.    Reuse.    Recycle. Note that "recycle" is last. Thus efforts should first be directed at the first option. A ban on bottled water, while making sure that refillable bottles are available with filling stations, is thus the preferred alternative.

Dec 3rd - 12:21pm | Rick B.

It is pretty cynical and apathetic to recognize that a 100% change is impossible, so why try to make a partial change. We'll never get China to halt their industrial pollutants, so we shouldn't try to improve our own? Every plastic bottle less available for Timthy Tentpeg to discard on a trail is one less that I then have to pick up and carry out.

Dec 3rd - 09:45am | Kurt Repanshek

While I agree we'll never rid plastic from civilization, I think reducing our reliance on it would be a good deed with many benefits for all. The key, of course, is to not create a new problem by solving an existing one. That's where innovation comes in.

Dec 3rd - 09:43am | Anonymous

"BTW-wouldn't it be great...."

Dec 3rd - 09:22am | ecbuck

"Wouldn't it be great to find a way to reduce plastic waste?" Sure - but we don't have to get rid of plastic in the process.  Its called recycling. BTW - wouldn't it be great to have a multi-million dollar funding source for the NPS?

Dec 3rd - 08:53am | Keeper

Ah, a world without PC!!!!!   I know what I want for Christmas, lol.  Makes me smile just thinking about it!

Dec 3rd - 08:51am | Kurt Repanshek

Why meaningless, ec? Wouldn't it be great to find a way to reduce plastic waste? According to NPS calculations, the savings in plastic, energy, and dollars would be substantial.

Dec 3rd - 08:41am | ecbuck

Hmm - should we ban bottles for symbolic yet meaningless (in the real scope of things) purposes or should we allow the bottles which the public wants and in the process get millions of corporate dollars that can sustain the parks and park activities?

Dec 2nd - 20:02pm | Camelback

NPS Director Jarvis clearly misrepresented this issue by stating the bottle ban was shelved due to perceived safety concerns.  In fact, it is clear from the documents supplied by PEER, that safety concerns were never part of the discussion, the decision involved the potential reaction of a large corporate donor.  

Dec 2nd - 15:03pm | ed-123

It’s not enough money to influence anybody Statements like this can only harm the NPS

National Park Service Proposes To Change Name Of Ross Lake NRA to North Cascades National Recreation Area

Dec 3rd - 12:25pm | CElbert

Wouldn't it be simpler to just roll Ross Lake NRA into North Cascades NP and just manage that portion of the national park for appropriate recreational use?  Same with Lake Chelan NRA.  That's essentially the way the entire complex is managed now, so do the multiple designations really matter?  In my opinion, the two recreation area designations along with the national park is more confusing th

Dec 3rd - 11:01am | MarK P.

The Thunder Creek wilderness designation is finalizing an action authorized by legislation in the 1988 Washington Parks Wilderness Act. There was a pending non-conforming use (a proposed dam) that has since bit the dust, hence now the area can be designated wilderness without problems. Here is the description from the NPS planning newsletter:

Dec 2nd - 12:23pm | Kurt Repanshek

That seems to be the same process at work at Point Reyes National Seashore and Drakes Estero.

Dec 2nd - 12:19pm | Anonymous

Just did some research and learned something new. Chapter 5 (Affected Environment) says this about "potential wilderness":

Dec 2nd - 11:00am | Anonymous

How does an NPS plan "convert" potential wilderness to designated wilderness? I thought only Congress could do that.

Legislation Could Force Bicycles Off Roads In Some National Parks

Dec 3rd - 10:19am | Barry

I don't know why I always read the thread posts: they are inevitably depressing, full of ignorant and hateful opinions based almost entirely on anecdotal evidence, and sadly reflective of the state of critical thinking and policymaking amongst our relatively privileged population. Where do I even start to respond to the people complaining above?

Billy Malone And the National Park Service Investigaton At Hubbell Trading Post

Dec 2nd - 23:08pm | George Durkee

Rick et al: Your mention of the Best Places to Work survey (and the recent Morning Report pep talk on same) reminds me of former DOI Inspector General Earl Devaney's Congressional testimony some years ago:

National Park Service Falls in "Best Places To Work" Rankings

Dec 2nd - 19:22pm | Anonymous

I guess the question now is do we want more of the same or leadership that restores pride and professionalism to the agency?  So tell me folks, who's job description includes those criteria, really?

Dec 2nd - 14:55pm | Anonymous

I like agree with a lot of the comments on here.  And I have to reiterate with what Disgusted stated above.  I have worked for the NPS for a little over 8 years now and I work with some of the most dedicated employees, who love the NPS mission and what our national parks stand for.

Dec 2nd - 11:58am | Anonymous

So, Soon, it has to get worse before it gets better?  The saying "never say never" has new meaning nowadays as I "never thought I'd see the day" that things would be the way they are, in so many areas.  Bring on the worse if that's what it takes.   Sounds like you've got perfect timing concerning your pending retirement.  Sorry you'll miss out on the adventure, lol! 

Dec 2nd - 11:13am | Soon to be reti...

Purchasing and contracting that don't work, implementing a plan to centralize nearly all HR functions that mirrors the failed approach taken by the Forest Service, refusal to accept and plan for zero-sum budgeting--all of which make it harder and harder for employees to do their mission-related jobs.  Why would anyone be surprised by this outcome?

Dec 2nd - 09:04am | Richard T

Rick Smith: I believe historically that "moderately conservative" would be a good description of demographics among NPS Employees.  I also believe there has been a definite move to the left.

Dec 1st - 20:49pm | Rick Smith

Richard T.-- In my 30+ years as an NPS employee, I found most of my colleagues to be moderately conservative, Republicans in the Teddy Roosevelt mode. I certainly did not consider them "left of center". Excuse me if I am misunderstanding what you mean by that phrase. Rick

Dec 1st - 19:23pm | Richard T

Owen, looking at the leanings of those that have been directing the NPS which is sure to bring on a conversation is that it appears that "most" everyone that should share the responsibility for the state of things good or bad (throughout the agency) are left of center.  Is that statement arguable?  Probably not particularly pleasing to hear.  Is that not a fact?

Dec 1st - 15:23pm | Richard T

Excellent questions, Owen!    I'll pay them full tribute by thinking on them a bit more before I reply.

Dec 1st - 12:59pm | Owen Hoffman

Budget cuts affect all Federal Agencies across the board.  Why is the NPS slipping in ranking with respect to the other agencies?  What is contributing to the growing morale gap between the rank and file NPS'er and upper NPS management?  Richard T., what will it take to change the internal NPS culture "for the better?"

Nov 30th - 19:05pm | Anonymous

Dear Disgusted:  you've captured it brilliantly, thank you.  Unfortunately, our leader has surrounded himself with "yes" men and will be unable to understand that the willingness to fight for our identity, mission, and purpose trump career aspirations. 

National Park Visits Help Grow Utah's Tourism Industry By Nearly 5 Percent In 2010

Dec 2nd - 12:27pm | Kurt Repanshek

Good catch, ec. Fingers don't always do what the brain tells them. I'll correct it in the story.

Dec 2nd - 11:01am | ecbuck

" were up by 6 million in 2010, an increase of 1.2 percent over 2009 levels, the state reported." Those parks had 500 million visitors?  I think you meant to say "up to 6 million".

Dec 2nd - 10:16am | David Crowl

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, although not a NPS unit, offers stunning views during our drive from Capitol Reef to Bryce. I would recommend this drive to anyone visiting Utah. I agree with Preston's points about religion and politics but would not let that deter my visits either. I love traveling to Utahs Parks.

Dec 2nd - 08:59am | Lee Dalton

But Rob Bishop, our Congressional representative from the 1st District says national parks are not money makers.  Do you mean we shouldn't believe him?

Dec 1st - 12:09pm | Dick G.

Lets hope they have enough sense not to allow urban sprawl and keep the permanent population growth down. Florida used to be a pretty nice place until the greedy land-developers turned into gridlock and an overpopulated mess.It worries me when the director of tourism starts talking about "new luxury properties" and other new attractions??

Dec 1st - 09:40am | Preston Filbert

This is purely anecdotal, but the only reason I ever spent any time and money in Utah was to visit the national parks and other public lands. They got five nights of motels, gas, restaurants and camping equipment out of me. In return I got preached at by a religious business owner and lectured about federal land grabs from an angry local, but otherwise had a pretty good time.

Traveler's Gear Box: Jetboil's Sol Ti Cooking System

Dec 2nd - 08:56am | justinh

I can highly recommend the JetBoil Flash.  An even lighter version is all the better.  Thanks for this gear update!

Dec 2nd - 08:50am | Danny Bernstein

I love my Jetboil. I have been scaling down my backpacking cooking since I first started backpacking. I can't believe that we used to fool around with white gas when we did the A.T.

Creature Feature: The American Crocodile is Florida’s Comeback Kid

Dec 2nd - 08:17am | Ms. Greene's Class

Thank you for the great article! We learned some interesting facts about crocodiles. My students thank you. ui

Appellate Court Rules Yellowstone Area Grizzly Bears Should Remain On Endangered Species List

Dec 1st - 20:10pm | Leland22

You just gotta love this Country. On one hand, you hear Conservation groups say to let the scientist and biologist make decisions and let "science" rule and the politicians and all of us to butt out (i.e.

Rare Motion Pictures Show Civil War Veterans at the 75th Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reunion

Dec 1st - 18:01pm | Ross Garland

Wow!

Unforeseen Repairs Will Idle Bodie Island Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Indefinitely

Dec 1st - 11:58am | Anonymous

Seems strange that with all the structural problems NPS has seen fit to leave the top gallery OPEN to the weather since hurricane Irene Aug.27,2011.I guess they don't understand that "rust never sleeps" here on the Outer Banks.Just typical of how this Park operates.

National Park Mystery Photo 39 Revealed

Dec 1st - 09:29am | Dick G.

Who made the big ball and does anyone know when??

National Park Mystery Photo 39: An Uncommon Configuration

Dec 1st - 05:36am | Bob Janiskee

Not in Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Nov 30th - 22:10pm | Mellosy

Is it in Golden Gate National Rec Area    

UPDATED: Economists, Academics Urge President Obama To Protect Public Lands, Create New National Parks

Dec 1st - 00:20am | Rick B.

Agreed, Lee. I'm 62 and with bad arthritis that limits how much hiking or camping I can do. I still want my grandchildren to see the day when their grandchildren enjoy these wilderness places. I happily want my tax money to be spent on wilderness areas and other parks.

Nov 30th - 21:55pm | Lee Dalton

At age 71, I'm about at the end of my time of being able to walk into wilderness areas.  Paddle a canoe maybe.  Borrow a horse maybe.  But walk?  Probably not.

Nov 30th - 18:48pm | Anonymous

Well it looks like academia is well represented in support of this article.  How about the rest of the world?

Why The Delay In Designating Official Wilderness In National Parks?

Nov 30th - 20:24pm | Brian Daniher

"Blue" [Democrat majority] States: Fire Island, Haleakala, Hawaii Volcanoes, Lava Beds, Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Point Reyes, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley, Mojave, Joshua Tree, Olympic, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes (proposed), Carlsbad Caverns, Bandelier, Apostle Islands. 21 States.

New Winter Opportunities for Visitors to Mesa Verde National Park

Nov 30th - 18:52pm | Kurt Repanshek

There are places to stay at nearby Cortez (roughly 20 miles), and likely places in between Cortez and the park.

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