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Updated: Big Bend National Park Proposing To Cut Mountain Bike Trail, PEER, NPS Retirees Raise Objections

Mar 31st - 13:36pm | Ron Saunders

OK Guys Hopefully those that we are poking at are laughing, as they should be. But, in the event they are not, we don't want Kurt to feel we are Inappropriately using his forum for activity that may be cause for concern. We should be good stewards. Oops !  Dang that stuff is contagious. 

Mar 31st - 11:44am | imtnbke

I think Zebulon's comment was highly appropriate in the context of the stewardship considerations that resource management must conceptualize. Now we must engage key players to progressively take appropriate action steps in furtherance of appropriate objectives for a stakeholder-based transparent sustainability process. :-)

Mar 30th - 22:18pm | Zebulon

Kurt, I appreciate that you facilitate a civil discourse on the issue.  Personnally, I really don't see anything thorny about the bicycling issue, but that's my bias. :)

Mar 30th - 14:06pm | Matt Stubbs

Heck electricity is not even secifically authorized. Are you allowed to carry cell phones? PDA's? GPS? Bikes when the NPS was specifically authorized looked like this... http://www.firstflightbikes.com/1900_Hoefler.htm

Mar 30th - 13:50pm | imtnbke

Matt, I totally agree. "For future generations" is enviro codespeak for endless and increasingly pointless restrictions. Thanks for alerting me to that. Excellent point about RVs, air-conditioning, etc. Why are those things allowed given that they weren't specifically authorized?

Mar 30th - 13:09pm | Matt Stubbs

imtnbke, Kind of like using the words "For future generations"...(Are we not that?) They are banned beacuse they did not mention Mountain biking in the original legislation creating parks means they are not allowed. Kind of like RV's, Outboard motors, airconditioning, ETC... that causes affects past that of a hiker.

Mar 30th - 11:52am | imtnbke

Thanks, Ron! If you don't use "appropriate" and "inappropriate," that is a sign that you write well. Good writers are able to use precise positive and negative adjectives (like "beneficial," "worthwhile," "suitable," and "warranted," or, in the opposite sense, "damaging," "illegal," "bad-mannered," "unfair," "absurd," and "unjustified") to say what they mean and then defend it.

Mar 30th - 11:09am | Ron Saunders

imtnbke

U.S. Senator, Colorado Governor Lobby National Park Service To Allow Bike Race Through Colorado National Monument

Mar 31st - 13:03pm | WWW

Film shoots don't allow closure to the public for generally more than 15 minutes at a time.  There could certainly be exceptions to that but then that park is probably not doing a good job at permitting.  Helicopters are seldom used and again, if approved, only for very short periods of time.  Unfortunately the NPS does not control the airspace above the parks and so unless a helicopter is basi

Mar 31st - 11:40am | Anonymous

If the NPS is not going to allow a bike race because 1) it requires helicopters, 2) it requires closure and 3) some one will make money, then the NPS should ban all film production in the national parks because they have been doing all these things since 1910.  A bike race is really no different than a film shoot except its over much faster.

Summer Special: Choosing A National Park River To Float

Mar 31st - 12:46pm | Kurt Repanshek

Ahhh, Ranger Bill, we didn't forget to mention it. Come back tomorrow to read the post on paddling opportunities in the park system. Today's story was simply aimed at providing folks with some of the things they need to consider when contemplating a national park paddle.

Mar 31st - 11:42am | Ranger Bill

How can you forget to mention the Current River in Ozark National Scenic Riverways? Ozark NSR is the very first national park specifically to protect a rivr system. Without it there would be no other national rivers.

Trickle of Documents Highlights National Park Service's Mistakes In Hubbell Trading Post Investigation

Mar 31st - 10:41am | Kurt Repanshek

For what it's worth, a copy of the book is en route to the Traveler for review. If you want your own copy, it can be had now for $35 from the University of New Mexico Press.

Mar 31st - 10:38am | Transparent :)

I'm guessing there might be something learned beyond the PR wars and not just an assault.  There is soooo much untruthful agenda driven stuff all around us.   No doubt it will always be so but we could look at what we hear and read more critically and try and see the end game.  Could be fun :).  So where is the book available, Lawrence?

Mar 30th - 21:35pm | Hank Blair

The book is out boys and girls. I know it is banned and prohibited reading for Park Service employees. But the Billy Malone book is out!!!! The truth is out and it shall set you free!!!! Read it and weep all the way from ocean to ocean to ocean, Denver to Washington. Hide yee weak hearted infidels!

National Park Mystery Photo 34 Revealed: Did You See Who's In Lockup In The National Park System?

Mar 31st - 10:28am | Something

Interesting points you bring up Lawrence.  There is something in me that has me thinking that the owner of the mentioned concessionaire has the character and the will to initiate a positive change in his corporation that is so enmeshed with some of the greatest treasures both geologic and individually personally rewarding environments in the world.  Just something in me that gives me hope.

Mar 31st - 10:17am | Lee Dalton

There has to be much more to this story.  A "Toyota party for Scion owners. . . ?" We need Paul Harvey to tell us the rest of the story.

Mar 31st - 06:59am | Lawrence J. Caldwell

Hmmm.  Well it certainly brings up an interesting twist in my mind.  Last week I was talking to some folks from Hilton Corp.

Summer Special: Breathtaking, Bighorns, and Blossoms: Hiking Yellowstone’s Mount Washburn

Mar 31st - 10:21am | Lee Dalton

The most amazing thing about my Hike up Washburn last summer was that I found only one piece of litter -- and NO cigarette butts. Isn't it a shame when something like is more remarkable than the fantastic wildflowers and scenery?

Mar 31st - 08:47am | David Crowl

Mount Washburn holds a special place in my heart also. I also remember seeing marmots and pika besides the seeing the largest horns I have ever seen on a bighorn.The wild flowers are amazing. If you have the luxury of two vehicles or meet some one doing the hike who can get you back to your vehicle, it can be nice to go up one way and come down the other side.

Reader Participation Day: What's On Your National Park Bucket List?

Mar 31st - 08:38am | Brad

North Cascades NP here in America, and Gros Morne NP in Canada.

Mar 30th - 22:35pm | Sabattis

At the top of my bucket list as a whitewater rafting trip through "The Gates" at Aniakchak National Monument...   That just seems like such an unbelievable experience!

Mar 30th - 21:20pm | Anonymous

Arches, Canyonlands, Denali, Hawaii Volcanoes (was there in 1974, before the eruptions began, so would like to see it again).

Mar 30th - 16:29pm | Rafi K.

Over the years, I've been to 47 out of 50 U.S. States, much of it tent camping in the U.S. National Parks (by the way, the Canadian National and Provincial Parks are not too 'shaby' either, having been to many of them from B.C. to Newfoundland).

Mar 30th - 12:19pm | imtnbke

Isle Royale National Park.

Mar 30th - 11:22am | Lawrence J. Caldwell

In my backyard, in my lifetime, I would like to be the first visitor to the Pinelands National Park (currently Preserve).

Mar 30th - 10:14am | Nick Christensen

Toroweap at Grand Canyon. I've made it as far as Mount Trumbull before road conditions forced me back, but I'd love to spend a day at the far remote corner of the canyon.

Mar 30th - 10:10am | justinh

To visit a Maine Woods National Park.

Mar 30th - 10:02am | YLA

We have taken our kids to over 15 National Parks in the last 8 months, and my vote for best so far is Glacier NP. Yosemite is on our Bucket List.  Check out our adventures: http://yearlongadventure.wordpress.com/

Mar 30th - 09:23am | David Crowl

I would love to do one of the tours at Mesa Verde. And I have Yosemite, Acadia, The National Mall, and anything in Alaska on my bucket list.

Mar 30th - 09:07am | Laura @ First C...

Honestly, ALL of the national parks are on my bucket list! Yosemite has already been checked off, but I'm headed back there again this summer. Unfortunately, I'll have to take a break from Yosemite if I hope to get to all of the other parks.

Summer Special: Ten National Parks With Lodging For Under $100 Per Night, Tent Not Required

Mar 30th - 22:24pm | Nils Brubaker

2 years ago I stayed in a Pioneer cabin at Lake Lodge, and a Frontier cabin at Canyon (Yellowstone). Very satisfied with the affordable price and decent accommodations.

Mar 30th - 16:13pm | Jenn Grover

I used Priceline and got great deals on all my hotels for my 2 week trip to Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Zion the Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest last year. I reserved in advance to make sure I had a place to stay, though and was glad because most were sold out when I checked in.

Mar 30th - 15:18pm | Lee Dalton

I'll stick to the tent.

Congress Slashes $101 Million From National Park Service Budget. More To Come?

Mar 30th - 21:27pm | anonymous

So what is the NPS official statement on "personal property rights" and what they have meant to the cultural and economic history of the US?  Is it the function to diminish personal rights for the diminished "greater good" of the populous?  Just so we can read or hear about it through interps presentation of history or can we yet experience it?

Mar 30th - 13:17pm | Matt Stubbs

from an earlier post??????????????????????? " It would provide $360 million for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is tapped to make land acquisitions for the National Park System."

Mar 30th - 12:07pm | anonymous

Anon.  You are correct, I believe, in your comment.  There are repercussions to questionable policy.  It's a great organization that can recognize mistakes and correct them.

Mar 30th - 10:46am | Anonymous

That was allllllll Steve Martin.  That was one of the many inane projects that happened under the reign of Mr. Martin.  Please don't judge the NPS, based upon the actions of one rogue individual.  An individual who, while in power, did accomplish many good things...but mostly iron fisted and rammed a lot of bad projects into play while there.

Summer Special: What’s Old is New Again: Bandelier National Monument Sheds Light on the Ancestral Homeland of Five Modern Pueblos

Mar 30th - 20:27pm | Bob Janiskee

A tip of the hat to you, Nicky. You're a fine writer, and you've got me excited about visiting Bandalier.

These Ingenious "Meta-Bottles" Carry an Important Message from Point Reyes National Seashore

Mar 30th - 19:49pm | Anonymous

You are correct dalton, the audience will be too small. That though, is why we are doing this. We are picking up trash, making art, and trying to get the rest of the world participating in this mission. We are trying to help the world. One person can make a difference. If you think this is cool, I suggest you go onto coastodian.org and pass it on. Sethra May

Enter Traveler's "Take Your Family to the National Parks" Essay Contest!

Mar 30th - 16:42pm | Summer

I emailed my essay back in march but im unsure if you got it.

Odds and Ends -- Bears and Guns, Shuttles, Roads, Cycling, and More -- From Around the National Park System

Mar 30th - 15:24pm | Lee Dalton

I'm continually in awe of the amount of time, effort and talent you guys spend on making this website possible and useful for all the rest of us. Thanks!

Natinal Park Mystery Photo 34: This Was Taken Inside the National Park System?

Mar 30th - 12:11pm | brent

   i will say alcatraz

Mar 30th - 12:03pm | Mike B

Alcatraz of course. Performance art piece helpd back in 2007 by the Vau de Vire Society.

Mar 30th - 11:35am | M.W.

I can't remember exactly when it was (I'm sure I could Google and find out) but it was the rave (sorry - promotional invite only party) at Alcatraz a few years ago (2007?) - I believe it was sponsored by Toyota for one of the Scion car models.

Mar 30th - 10:27am | Ron R

OK, the when was back in 2007, the what was a 'party in the park' to benefit Toyota's San Francisco Bay area Scion owners. The party was held on Alcatraz Island with a pro dance group providing the entertainment as shown in the picture.

Mar 30th - 10:03am | Kurt Repanshek

A couple more right answers as to the location, but we want details, folks, details!

Mar 30th - 09:55am | Ron R

Alcatraz!

Mar 30th - 09:48am | TropicBon

Was it taken at Alcatraz Island off San Francisco?  Those bars she's hanging onto look like a prison.

Mar 30th - 09:15am | Kurt Repanshek

Well, I'm quite impressed that we've had four correct answers so far. Eric nailed it at 5:25 Mountain Time, and since JChappell, Neil, and Zack have correctly identified the location. However, only Eric has correctly identified the specific occasion surrounding this photo.

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.