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Distilling The Facts About Securing The Southwestern Border With Mexico Can Be Tricky

Apr 24th - 07:07am | Leland22

Border security should be the Number One concern in this area. The ASA, WA, and NEPA should always be a concern but a minor issue that is overriden by National and Border security.  I abhore the fact that 55% of Organ Tree National Monument is closed due to safety concerns. If any part the the US is not available to its citizens, then we have a real

Voices From a Drowned Treasure: The Music Temple Register

Apr 23rd - 20:22pm | Monkeywench

Another great book that touches on the dam era is Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey. By the time I discovered this book as a teenager, Glen Canyon was already lost. It opened my eyes to the fact that our natural wonders mean nothing to the powers that be.

Apr 23rd - 11:12am | Mike Painter

Brower and Dominy went on their rafting trip together, the subject of McPhee's chapter in Archdruid, through the Grand Canyon, not Glen, after the dam was built.

Apr 22nd - 17:09pm | Kurt Repanshek

Yet another great book on this topic is Russell Martin's A Story That Stands Like a Dam: Glen Canyon and the Struggle for the Soul of the West.

Apr 22nd - 17:00pm | tomp2

My understanding is that the more direct trade was allowing the dam at Glenn Canyon in order to prevent a dam in Dinosaur National Monument, I believe at Echo Park.  The story is that David Brower (Sierra Club) regretted making that political trade before seeing Glenn Canyon.  If I recall correctly, John McPhee's Encounters with the Archdruid inclu

Apr 22nd - 16:27pm | RoadRanger

I hope I live to see the day when the travesty that is Glen Canyon Dam is destroyed and the Colorado River can begin its recovery of this spectacular landscape.

Apr 21st - 14:15pm | Lee Dalton

What's really sad is the fact that after selling Glen Canyon as a way to eliminate the need for any coal fired plants in the area, it was only a few years before two ginormous fume-spewers were built not far from there. But at least attempts a few years later to plunk a dam in the inner gorge of Grand Canyon was successfully beaten back.

Apr 21st - 09:38am | Anonymous

What a crime to flood such a place--- all for the advancement of "progress" and to light up Las Vegas-- pretty sad

Apr 21st - 09:16am | Lee Dalton

An excellent book, The Place No One Knew, by Eliot Porter is available at Amazon and other places.  Published by the Sierra Club. Great photos of Glen Canyon before the water came.

Protecting the Sounds of Nature - Denali Aircraft Overflights Council is Making Progress

Apr 23rd - 19:35pm | jack kindt

The worse noise anyone could ever here in the BC, an airplane.. working in denali and hiking every weekend i started going to units north of the road instead because of all the noise pollution surrounding the alaska range. You would always know when it was 9 in the morning because if its a bit sunny a parade of air traffic would begin.

Efforts to Regulate Off-Leash Dogs at Golden Gate National Recreation Area Spark Debate

Apr 23rd - 12:09pm | y_p_w

Anonymous:

Apr 23rd - 02:40am | Anonymous

From a dog-lover point of view, I understand the frustration dog owners feel. However, I am from Europe and I am rather used to see dog dudu/cacca all over the place...I thought San Francisco would have been different.

Fort Sumter and Bull Run Stamps Will Lead Off Civil War 150th Anniversary Commemorative Series

Apr 23rd - 11:02am | Keith

It is clear from the Declaration that South Carolina seceded because the Federal government and many Northern states were overreaching their bounds and were not following the US constitution.  Yes, the primary identified concern was slavery; however, it called into question just how far the Federal government was willing to go on *any* issue (a question that remains to this day).  The fact is t

Kicking Off National Park Week By Getting Dirty At Joshua Tree National Park

Apr 23rd - 10:45am | Clark

We've had a few posts on our family travel blog www.FamilyTrek.org this week about National Parks week.  One of our followers shared your post with us on getting dirty in Joshua Tree and we included the link in a post wrapping up the week.  We're just a few hours from Joshua Tree!  We're going to have to take your story as a guide!

Showdown at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Apr 23rd - 10:36am | Legit

Rangers, Ranger.  A Chief Ranger who fell on his sword for the resource, and was persecuted for it.  There's hope for the NPS ranger afterall. 

Apr 22nd - 10:57am | Rick B.

So, after all of this, what has ultimately happened to the NPS career of Ranger Danno? Has his record been expunged of this retribution? Has he regained responsibilities for more than picnic reservations? He sounds like the sort of fellow we would want to reward.

Apr 22nd - 07:18am | Anonymous

I have known Rob for over 20 years since his time as a CR in southeast Arizona.   He is a man of utmost character and there is good reason to pay federal tax every year.

160 Acres Added To Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Apr 23rd - 10:08am | Jim O

Does anyone know if this was the land where the owner had put up a fence to keep you from completeing the Backbone Trail. I seam to remember that he wanted to develope the land, but the conservancy/county had stoped him and he was threatening all kinds of retribution. There was a mountain lion in the area that he was threating to kill if it was on his land.

Grizzly Bear Shot and Killed By Hikers In Denali National Park and Preserve

Apr 22nd - 23:56pm | Skip

This forum was awesome. I've read the extreme positions of both sides, and everywhere in between. I have been a hunter for 40 years, and will be in Alaska in month visiting Denali NP and other areas of Alaska probably including heavy bear populations. The question I have been waivering back and forth on, is should I or should I not bring my handgun.

Isle Royale National Park's Wolf Population Loses Two Packs, Moose Population Steady

Apr 22nd - 22:37pm | Jack Carter

Hello,,, What do you feel is the nunber of moose between Daisy Farm and Rock Harbor. I hope to visit the island 2 0r 3 times this year,,and bring some friends with me each time. Its truly a wonderfull place.  I;m going to try to come up with some ideas to raise money for the park. I know you;ll put it to good use.  Keep up the good work,,and take care of my moose.

Biscayne National Park Ready to Launch Maritime Heritage Trail Snorkeling Adventures

Apr 22nd - 21:29pm | MT Troy

This seems like a great addition to all of the history this park has to offer. I was recently at Biscayne National Park and this tour would have been a great addition to the experience. Another reason to go back. Snorkelers seem to like shipwrecks and to have one they can get to is great.

Apr 22nd - 12:02pm | TIDE ferrari ra...

TERRIFIC venue to save Biscayne Bay.  Please help "SAVE the MIAMI MARINE STADIUM!"

Traveler's Gear Box: Brooks-Range Mountaineering's Cirro Hoody Jacket

Apr 22nd - 15:31pm | Julie Trevelyan

I will look into that Zipper Lube stuff, thanks for the heads up! And thanks for the props on my blog. Shucks. :)

Deterioriating Weather Forces Suspension of Search For Missing Backcountry Skiers at Grand Teton National Park

Apr 22nd - 09:08am | Kurt Repanshek

And let's not forget that in the mountains forecasts can change quickly.

Apr 22nd - 09:03am | dave

because it's fun! I go all the time in winter, solo. No rescues needed.

Apr 21st - 20:32pm | destroyerman

now explain to me why these peiople would go back packing in these conditions....????

Really Getting Away From It All: The Loneliest National Parks

Apr 22nd - 07:34am | Jim Burnett

According to the park website, "Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Monument is closed for renovations during the month of April." I can't offer any first-hand observations about this site, but you'll find more information at this link: http://www.nps.gov/thko/index.htm

Apr 22nd - 00:53am | Jon Sparks

Thaddeus Kosciusz....  Have a chance to go to Philly soon.  Is this a good site to visit?  How long will it take to take in well?

The World's Top Ten National Parks

Apr 22nd - 06:24am | tom

someone mention Plitvice as park who would be quite un-noticed in USA. .... its beautiful national park in Croatia, with amazingly beautiful water, very clean and see-throw, nice mountains, beautiful vegetation and stunning waterfalls. don't be ignorant, check it on google and see if its not worth of visiting.

Manassas National Battlefield Park - Battlefield And So Much More

Apr 22nd - 05:53am | DD-393

And the 1861 battle was called "Bull's Run" by the men of the 2nd Wisconsin.

Reader Participation Day: Do Rising Gas Prices Have You Reconsidering That National Park Vacation?

Apr 21st - 21:47pm | Reality Check

Ya, maybe if gas reaches $10.00 a gallon the environment will be saved.  Let's try out the theories.  I believe that's what the goal is isn't it?  Get used to it or change the dialogue.

Apr 21st - 18:15pm | Lee Dalton

I'm very lucky because I live in Utah where the whole place (almost) is a park.   I may have to cut back on longer trips, but have plenty of wonderful places close by. And maybe, higher prices may cut back on the use of ATVs and some of the destruction caused by them around here.

Jennifer Pharr Davis Hoping To Thru-Hike Appalachian Trail In Record Time

Apr 21st - 20:07pm | Anonymous

i am going to be completing the entire appalachian trail in 45 days from may 25th to july 8th and im ready!

Apr 21st - 14:27pm | Anonymous

Just to let you know, 47 days might not do the record, because high schooler Jonathan Brown is also going to be racing the clock.  He is going for the record too.  He won't have the luxury of a support team as he has no money, but he is ready.  He has dreamed of this his whole life.  He plans on starting May 25th going Northbound. 

Apr 21st - 09:35am | Canyon Adventurer

To be fair the runners I've seen in the Canyon this year have been less impatient and more respectful of others on the trail.  Sometimes when runners (and some hikers) get in their zone they are oblivious of their surroundings and create some unsafe situations or unknowing rudeness.

Apr 21st - 06:12am | Anonymous

Best of luck to Jennifer.  Congrats to her book publisher for creating a great marketing "event" for her summer release of the book. 

Apr 20th - 15:23pm | Rick B.

Yup. Unless someone is an egocentric rude person who bursts through my ambling self, shoving me aside for their rush through, no prob. Or unless the park service saw fit to bracket off a section of the trail for her or her party or camera crews or such. But no, I've seen no word that she is other than a courteous hiker. More power to her. Just don't step on my toes as you pass me.

Apr 20th - 13:20pm | Eddie

I'm all for ..hike your own hike...Whether someone chooses to spend, 6 months, 8 months or 2 years doing a thru hike of the AT or wants to run through it in 7 weeks or less is entirely up the the individual and it's no one's business to criticise. 

Search Continues For Missing Backcountry Skiers in Grand Teton National Park

Apr 21st - 19:30pm | Isaac OConnor

I grew up with walker kuhl in kalispell montana. i would like to contact someone with search and rescue to see if there is any way i can help. please have someone call me. i will leave to help soon as i hear from someone. Isaac OConnor 702-533-5280

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

Apr 21st - 17:18pm | Ryan

I have been vacationing to the Outer Banks for my entire life and have stayed in Nags Head for over 20 years. I remember when there was no fence around the lighthouse and you could go touch it! I used to try to climb the lighthouse on it's side when I was still a kid ah the memories! I went to the Lighthouse recently and saw the Lighthouse without the scafholding. It looks so depresing.

Apr 21st - 17:17pm | Anonymous

I have been vacationing to the Outer Banks for my entire life and have stayed in Nags Head for over 20 years. I remember when there was no fence around the lighthouse and you could go touch it! I used to try to climb the lighthouse on it's side when I was still a kid ahh the memories! I went to the Lighthouse recently and saw the Lighthouse without the scafholding. It looks so depresing.

Should Anything Be Done With Angel's Landing?

Apr 21st - 15:45pm | Dave H

There are things that could and should be done on Angels Landing. First, post a BIG sign where the chain starts and warn (once more) that this is an area of EXTREME exposure and many fatalities have occured on this final 1/2 mile to the top. Suggest that no climber under 18 should goto the top AND ALL climbers should be roped to a safety line.

Apr 20th - 14:00pm | dave H

My wife and I hiked Angels Landing a week ago - at least to the point where the chain starts. I couldn't believe how many people were on the chain for the last half mile to the top - literally elbow to elbow. This last half mile is really dangerous and I am surpised that they even allow un-roped climing in this section.

Park History: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Apr 21st - 15:38pm | Ruth

If they rent out or preserved folks old homes, why in Freak-in .... didn't they just leave the folks there??":? how stupid - NO WONDER THEY SHOOT CENSUS TAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

National Park Mystery Plant 19: Perhaps It's a Cold?

Apr 21st - 05:19am | Bob Janiskee

Yes, Mark1859; that's right.

Apr 20th - 19:16pm | Bob Janiskee

Nice to see that suki has figured it out too. Well done.

Apr 20th - 17:01pm | Bob Janiskee

RangerLady got it right too.

Apr 20th - 13:16pm | Bob Janiskee

Add tomp2 to the list of readers who've derived the correct answer. BTW, tomp2: (1) Yes, I meant it about the aspirins; it was a highly useful clue, and (2) You didn't need to put quite that fine a point on it, but the cultivar you named is the most common of the various hybrids.

Inn Step With Asheville, The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Premier Place to Pause

Apr 20th - 21:57pm | grey_lensman

Asheville is a lovely city. Good restaurants, Friendly people and bad parking. There is a folk art center well worth seeing. Nice place.

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

Apr 20th - 20:04pm | Bill Miller

Hello, Can anyone tell me if there were any Gettysburg gatherings in the late 1860's with the North and South? Parades? Reunions. Thank you, Bill

The Essential RVing Guide

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So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.