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Updated: Budgeting At Grand Canyon National Park Is Not Always As Simple As You Might Think

Feb 6th - 11:35am | Rich Goepfrich

I would like to correct your statement regarding crew size; each of our trail crews is supported by a 11 person conservation corp. That puts 18-20 people working on the trails in any given location. I have worked to better Grand Canyon Trails for going on 19 years now with what is provided to our program to facilitate this.

Feb 6th - 11:15am | Rich Goepfrich

Keeper - If you are still interested in volunteering, or would like a site visit of the work we are doing on the SKT, please contact me at 928.638.7862. I would be more than happy to help. I currently over see inner canyon trail operations, and have been working on Grand Canyon Trails for going on 19 years. I am intimately familiar with the trails.

Feb 6th - 09:51am | Laurie

to Randy Thompson, i have never been employed by Xanterra or NPS ... i am a mule rider. i don't own mules, or breed them, i don't make money off mules or anything to do with the mule ride. i have always loved to ride horses, never been able $$ to own my own.

Feb 6th - 09:45am | Keeper

Just to add a fact or two here to add some balance to the verbal bar fight (better use of time). By the way, I respect the trail crews that do the heavy lifting and are at the whim of politicos.

Feb 6th - 09:15am | Keeper

What the big question here is whether NPS can correct this "injustice on so many levels" and be viewed as an organization that deserves these responsibilities are someone initiates a Congressional investigation and hauls in to sub-committees Superintendent Steve Martin and IMR Director Wessels (again) with the likes of Senators John Barrasso, Doc Hastings or Rep.

Feb 6th - 07:00am | matt stubbs

The reason why the walkers are the elitist (not all) but many of them want all other forms of access eliminated to prevent them from having to interact with the people who either choose to or have to ride into the NPS park system. To the elitist walkers no other access is acceptable.

Feb 6th - 06:28am | Keeper

Re" YPW,

Feb 6th - 01:14am | Keeper

RE: Ghostbuster fellow,

Feb 5th - 21:26pm | Spirit Coyote

I was gonna say "cowboy up," and WALK. Then I thought...well..."cowboy up" is a pretty funny expression. Now I wish I had beat you to it. Anyway. I was just wondering why in discussions of this issue people that pay to ride livestock get to call someone who walks (which doesn't cost anything) an elitist. I'm a cheapskate for a reason. I don't have a ton of money.

Feb 5th - 16:16pm | Randy Thompson'...

Just a show of hands - how many of the commentors here have been terminated from Xanterra or the NPS and just want an ax to grind with anything Grand Canyon?

Feb 5th - 15:13pm | Gordon Smith

YOTE, By the way, If you prefer to stay with the crouds it will not be a wilderness trip, But Grand Canyon my friend can be a wilderness trip, all depends on where you go, I could show you trails that have NEVER had mule crap, and in these areas you will not see any one not just for months but never, not even NPS, thats how large Grand Canyon is, so have another shot and think about it, Regards

Feb 5th - 15:05pm | Gordon Smith

Hey there Spirit Yote, What ya howling about,, You failed to make a point, Ive guided rides in Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon both Rims, Zion, Bryce, Rocky Mtn National Park, and the fact is there are not the amount of hikers on the same trails as live stock in yellow stone over by Mammoth hot springs and there for the crap isnt noticed as much by hikers, But Mule rides in all these OTHER p

Feb 5th - 14:53pm | anonymous

There are just some that define elitist extremely well and I mean extremely well! So full of yourself, sir...Superintendent material, I'm guessing,LOL.

Feb 5th - 14:48pm | Gordon Smith

Here is just more proof of the park service threats, Ya cant do this in France :) and to these comments:Re: gordon's panel

Feb 5th - 13:59pm | Spirit Coyote

I knew I would find this little gem in the comments somewhere. It comes up every time there's a debate about mules or public land travel management. People that choose the less expensive option (walking, aka hiking) are the elitists. Able bodied people that PAY to be carried down the canyon aren't elitists, they're just good Americans.

Feb 5th - 13:20pm | Hank Blair

In regards to someone else paying the Park Service legal bills maybe they would be more accountable if they had to pay their own legal fees. Quit living off your daddy and Mommie and live in the real world. Be responsible and be more accountable for your actions. Bad Park Service employees cost good people their jobs and damage the assets that the Park Service is to protect.

Feb 5th - 13:03pm | Randy Thompsons...

Yeah - Casey Murph 's word is solid - only thing more solid is his skills as a livery manager (why did you lose your job?). No proof necessary - no math please....too confusing, just his firm handshake, his steely gaze, and all these problems are solved.

Feb 5th - 12:44pm | Jamie marty

Interesting that Shaggy would say that former mule operations manager Murph doesnt understand business, when in fact Murph ran the largest backcountry outfitting business in the world at a consistent profit. Perhaps it is Shaggy who should take some business tips from mr. Murph. Shaggy, if you are so business savvy, why do you remain anonymous?

Feb 5th - 12:40pm | Shaggy

Gordon - I dont understand what point your trying to make in your last post. Is this a "I work harder than them" statement?

Feb 5th - 11:58am | Gordon Smith

Come On Shaggy, Where ya at ?

Feb 5th - 11:32am | Shaggy

Ok Gordon - lets get rizzel. First off a lot is 2 words - one L.

Feb 5th - 11:02am | Gordon Smith

But Shaggy, I have done allot of trail work on both rim's in the past, one winter on the South Rim me and 5 other Wranglers that decided to stay on for the winter went in and done trail work for months and many days used as many as 10 head of mules to haul dirt, water bar's, and tools and worked our a---- off, wile also running into NPS trail crews with less equipment and personel, between ther

Feb 5th - 11:00am | Get it Right

The point of that picture was to show erosion damage. There wouldn't be 4 million visitors coming to the Canyon without erosion damage on a GRAND scale, LOL. Doesn't matter who put or didn't put water bars in. The arguments that divert attention from the real truth of what's happening here is just that, a diversion.

Feb 5th - 10:39am | Shaggy

Ahh yes - the old leave the waterbar out trick. Its diabolical, these NPS and their waterbar conspiracies. If only these improperly trained, and overy lazy, moronic people could do something right, the Grand canyon would never show effects from erosion again...... Gordon, you have missed your calling, you should work on a trail crew.

Feb 5th - 10:32am | Canyon Adventurer

Gordon, I'm well aware of the frustration and outrage with this issue. The twisted statistics, some lies, yes lies, the imaging and use of environmental buzz words when those most responsible stand quiet during the orchestrated loss to the great majority of those that OWN the Canyon, is indeed frustrating.

Feb 5th - 10:29am | Shaggy

So - you managed to repair all the trails in the Grand Canyon with a 4-person crew using your reputation....and thats all it took? Thats one heck of a bag of qualifications, I can understand why it would be so cheap.

Feb 5th - 10:17am | Gordon Smith

Safety on the Mule rides has all way's been top priority with management from the mule barn as well as every wrangler- Guide there are Rules for hiking the canyon in areas of mule rides and those rules are clearly posted at trail heads and CLEARLY every one must abide by these Canyon law's for the safety of the mule and rider, as a mule guide the safety of each rider is above everything and is

Feb 5th - 10:05am | Gordon Smith

Safety on the Mule rides has all way's been top priority with management from the mule barn as well as every wrangler- Guide there are Rules for hiking the canyon in areas of mule rides and those rules are clearly posted at trail heads and CLEARLY every one must abide by these Canyon law's for the safety of the mule and rider, as a mule guide the safety of each rider is above everything and is

Feb 5th - 09:17am | Gordon Smith

Shaggy, I'm sure you have seen the picture of that stretch of trail posted on this morning talk show that rain water has scoured the trail out, was it done this way just to try and blame mules when it had no mule traffic on it at all ? or was it done this way so that NPS trail crews could see little water fall's with out going to the river ?

Feb 4th - 22:32pm | Casey Murph

Shaggy, my name is Casey Murph. My reputation speaks for itself. That, my anomymous friend, is all the proof you need as to whether my facts are straight or not.

Feb 4th - 12:56pm | Gordon Smith

Now if you wish the name and phone number of my Lawyers and the Name of the Judge that hiked in with me the last time I was there taking pics, I can email that info to you if you wish, THE NPS, are Servants to the Public not there Boss, thats why in my view its not correct for them to regulate the amount of people who can ride a mule nor say if your not a PHD you cant go to this site, Regards G

Feb 4th - 12:43pm | Gordon Smith

My Buddies ? Sorry I dont have BUDDIES that would do such a thing, Accusations, Threats, dont go well with me, I dont have to guess who you voted for, for President, ya bought into that one to ha, Kind Regards G

Feb 4th - 12:26pm | Gordon Smith

And for your info, I have been there with a Judge and his daughter that were with me taking pictures the last time I was there about two years ago, Regards Gordon

Feb 4th - 12:17pm | Gordon Smith

To Offended, The site is NOT closed to visitation, you can even sign your name in a ammo box, put there by NPS, there are no closed signs, and I have not broken any laws, and if you go online you will see about five other sites even giving GPS location info, I dont do that, the way to protect the site is by monertering the site which is not done but I would like to see that, my web site is abou

Rangers Catch Snowmobilers Riding Illegally in Yellowstone National Park's Backcountry

Feb 6th - 08:32am | southern s 1

Matt, Where did I say I want to stop all beach driving in CHNS or snowmobiling in Yellowstone? Saying things we didn't say or imply is a constant problem we environmentalist have.

Feb 6th - 07:13am | matt stubbs

Southern s 1 states "ORV groups are lobbying for a continuation of this type of management." Allowing the world to see the facts as he and every environmentalist see them 100% WRONG

Feb 5th - 17:28pm | y_p_w

southern s 1:

Feb 5th - 10:55am | southern s 1

Cape Hatteras a Different Situation

Grand Canyon National Park Officials Release Stock Use Plan, Including Mule Ride Quotas

Feb 6th - 01:32am | Anonymous

Here's a report on the new Preferred Alternative to the 104 year old Iconic Inner Canyon Mule Ride to Plateau Point. This is beyond sad!

This Just In : Fort Hancock STILL a Mess

Feb 5th - 23:46pm | Wendy Pertain HOlman

I lived in #2 Officiers Row back in the mid 60s while my father George was stationed there. Even as a small elementary school child, I could see how incredible these houses were. It is unbelievable what has been allowed to happen to these incredible homes and WOW, the officers club.

National Park Mystery Plant 10 Revealed: It's False Hellebore

Feb 5th - 20:58pm | Eddie

We've had something thank looks like this plant growing in a neighbors yar--in Somerset County, PA.-- for years; but don't recall seeing it bloom. I thought it is an interesting plan; and wondered what it was, but had no way to find out until now. I'll have to wait untill summer to check and I'll look for flowers, but won't touch.

Late Sen. Ted Stevens Honored With Mountain In Denali National Park and Preserve

Feb 5th - 12:53pm | emeraldgreenmetallic

I think this is a wonderful tribute to a man who was a true Alaskan in that he wanted a strong state and found great value in protecting its natural resources. The Ted Stevens legacy will take years to define because of the reach of his impact, but there's little doubt every corner of the state owes some of its success to Stevens.

Updated: Regional Director Approves Management Plan For "Addition" Lands at Big Cypress National Preserve

Feb 5th - 12:18pm | Andrew Block

I tend to agree with Ranger Bill. ATVs and ORV in no way should ever be allowed in a National Park or Reserve especially one as important and as beautiful as the Everglades and Big Cypress. It really is a shame that the federal government is once again bowing to pressure of these groups and not thinking of the welfare of the ecosystem and animals.

Feb 4th - 19:21pm | Ranger Bill

You simply don't INCREASE the access ATVs have to a national park, ever. Especially one that exists as a buffer to help oreserve one of the nation's finest crown jewels, the Everglades. The NPS needs to hold the line against this kind of use, not accomodate it!

Traveler's Top 10 Rivers to Ride in the National Park System

Feb 5th - 10:11am | Disco Stu

Here is a chronicle of a 14day solo canoe trip down the Noatak. http://intothegreatempty.blogspot.com/

Keeping Track So They're Never Forgotten: National Park Service Workers Who Died on The Job

Feb 5th - 03:44am | Bob Janiskee

One of the most heavily publicized park employee deaths in recent decades was that of 28-year-old Kris Eggle, an LE ranger who was killed by Mexican smugglers in 2002 while assisting Border Patrol agents in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The park's visitor center is named in his honor.

Roundup of Nearly 300 Yellowstone National Park Bison, With Some Destined For Slaughter, Draws Condemnation

Feb 4th - 12:39pm | Homerange

Bison like elk like and need to roam. Bison and Elk also carry bercelosis yet, there are few in Montana who want to kill the Elk who leave the National Park. People view the Elk as a game animal so there is a market and economy centered around the hunting and killing of these animals.

Feb 4th - 12:22pm | Kurt Repanshek

Dan Wenk is indeed the new superintendent and is expected to be on the ground in a number of weeks. Mr. Campbell has been "acting" superintendent.

Feb 4th - 12:18pm | C.C.

Spirit Coyote and Sam~ Solid, well thought out responses containing good information. Thank you! I did read that Yellowstone has a new Superintendent that started in October, Dan Wenk. Is this correct or is it Colin Campbell?

New River Gorge National River Proposing Hiking, Biking Trail Improvements

Feb 4th - 12:35pm | Joe Regallis

I think it is a wonderful idea to increase the number of trails in New River Gorge National Park. I haven't been to this National Park but I would like to one day. I haven't completely read the entire plan that you've developed but the parts I read about the hiking trails staying around three feet wide or people walking in single file is great!

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