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Will This Be Remembered As Our Preamble To Losing The Wolverine?

Feb 3rd - 13:44pm | justinh

One can always use any article as a pretext to gripe about what the government is spending its money on. The point is, the wolverine is in trouble, and is it worth mobilizing support to prevent its disappearance. I would say, "Of course, it is."

Feb 3rd - 12:23pm | anonymous

You know, Ryan, if there was a connection made to the article/comment and the economic and security crisis the country is undeniably going through it just might be helpful for the Wolverine. Take a look at what people care/don't care about when the cupboard's bare. This road we're on will slam the affluence that supports so many environmental and wildlife efforts.

Feb 3rd - 11:26am | Ryan

"Oh, I'm sorry, this article is supposed to be about Wolverine's and their plight." yep, so stick to it

Feb 3rd - 10:46am | Concerned Taxpayer

This article was informative, taking the author for his word and facts, wolverines seem in dire straights but the last two paragraphs place this article in the junk pile. Another political POC author...Bush's fault and we spend too much money on defense.

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

Feb 3rd - 13:05pm | Jane S

Nice photograph. Sounds like an awesome contest, good luck.

Feb 2nd - 13:53pm | Kurt Repanshek

Sorry, anonymous, I'm afraid the age groups are rigid.

Feb 2nd - 13:18pm | Pookha

Pity that adults can't enter--the only national park I've been to is Hot Springs, AR because I live in the state. Lack of money and time has precluded a visit to the out-of-town parks I'd like to see again: Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Zion, and Grand Canyon. *sigh* Best wishes to the winners--they'll have a blast.

Feb 2nd - 11:08am | Anonymous

Can 6 year olds enter in the 8-11 category?

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

Feb 3rd - 12:37pm | Gordon Smith

Fine words of wisdom Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. Theodore Roosevelt The government is us; we are the government, you and I. Theodore Roosevelt Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.

Feb 3rd - 09:50am | Gordon Smith

The NPS statement above is fruitless, First off since my on and off years of guiding off both rims since the 70s I have never seen a NPS Trail crew larger than about eight people, NEVER, and thats about the same amount of workers Ive seen cutting tamarisk that grows back, what a waist of tax payer money,,, now thats a joke,,, and then the NERD comment of education in trail work :),, ya cant com

Feb 3rd - 09:20am | Rich Granberg

I'll try and bring you up to speed,Anonymous. There is some truth to some of what you say and I agree improvement in certain areas would be helpful. That's why I'm staying in the conversation.

Feb 3rd - 01:04am | Anonymous

The notion that mule traffic dosen't damage the trails is mindless, the photo I saw showed a properly built and spaced series of check steps that had been washed over in a recent rain event.

Feb 2nd - 22:21pm | Keeper

Rock On, Dorothy! I look forward to seeing you on the trail. I do love it when I see people pushing their comfort zones to do exceptional things. Just plane nice to be around! K

Feb 2nd - 19:47pm | Chief Bushyhead

Nothing is as simple as you would think with the federal government. My people can attest to this. The Great Father has nothing but contempt for anyone in his way. "Grand Canyon National Park" is a sacred place to the peoples of the Southwest. The Great Father stole it. He lied to the people. He came back after the Great War and lied to the people again and made their land radioactive.

Feb 2nd - 17:37pm | Marjorie

According to a survey published in 2006 by the Park Service, the average age of day mule riders was 48 years in summer, 49 in winter. The average overnight mule rider was 47 years old in summer and 56 years old in fall. The average age of the overnight Phantom Ranch hiker was 47 in summer and 54 in winter. Almost half and half as to men vs. women.

Feb 2nd - 17:27pm | Gordon Smith

Impact on the Canyon, Mule Versus Hiker: Section's of Trail without properly placed water bar's will wash out and that is an issue the NPS has not done correctly and that's proof in past photos, and dont tell me 1000 hikers a day dont do more damage than 60 or so head of mules.Everything that go's in with a mule comes back out on a mule, except the natural thing that I must say is certified wee

Feb 2nd - 15:57pm | Gordon Smith

Most folks over 50 yrs of age cant hike to the river and back out even in good health, But as a rule they all can make it in and out by mule, thats just a fact, I remember one rider I had that was 92 years old and could barely walk but he rode great, I had him behind me all the way to Phantom but on our way out the next day I had him ride drag bringing up the rear and helped in keeping everyone

Feb 2nd - 11:55am | Gordon Smith

Jim, Being how your a Ranger your mind set does not surprise me in the least, You forgot to mention the thousands of seniors that are to old to hike to Phamtom but are still in good enough shape to ride a mule that will never get a chance to see the river at the bottom now, and all the youg folks from all over the world that want to be able to do what there parents did, its not your decision no

Feb 2nd - 10:25am | anonymous

After the huge windfall of $200 million of Stimulus to IMR with massive new construction of buildings, reorganizing fragile real estate with construction of NEW above the Rim trails while mostly ignoring long needed corridor trail repairs the "no money" argument is pretty weak.

Feb 2nd - 10:11am | Jess Goodwin

I can understand the point you're trying to make Jim but in due respect that's pretty weak, I have guided in the canyon through the winter and it doesn't do that much damage. I say again...those trail were originally built for and by the mules and through the years without them any maintanance on them would be pretty tough because of the equipment needed to be packed in to work on them!

Feb 2nd - 09:33am | Marjorie

I once wrote a satirical piece for a hiking newsletter suggesting that they cover the Grand Canyon with plexiglass to prevent damage by visitors, and to allow visitors with a fear of heights to enjoy the view safely. Then they put in a glass sidewalk on the West Rim. Oh,the irony!

Feb 2nd - 08:59am | Keeper

What does not get referenced usually in the NPS arguments is the,often life changing, experiences to the young and old alike that Ride the mules. It's just assumed that they all can have the same experience by walking. Putting your confidence into something other than your own two feet is transformational if not biblical in it's concept.

Feb 2nd - 08:33am | Matt Stubbs

Eliminate the trails all together and enjoy the view from the rim as god intended...

Feb 2nd - 08:30am | Keeper

Hey Jim, those clumps of snow and ICE that are broken up in the winter are because the mules wear shoes with Tungsten Carbide tipped shoes for traction. Very similar to the instep crampons, Katoolahs or Yak Tracs that hikers use in the winter. I've recently hiked the BA where the trail was extremely dangerous clear down to Three Mile Resthouse.

Feb 2nd - 07:54am | anonymous

I was told by NPS that the cost of the 250 hiker search, rescue evacuations comes from a different pot than the trails budget. The question was not asked about the estimated 500,000 hiking sticks poking holes in the trail every three feet.

Feb 2nd - 07:47am | Gordon Smith

“I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people and I require the same from them.” - John Wayne

Reader Participation Day: Does Hunting Season Move You Out of National Forests and Into National Parks?

Feb 3rd - 10:17am | y_p_w

Dennis: If you hear shots in a National park, it my be government paid sharpshooters. They are paid to thin out the herds because hunting is not allowed and the animal population exceeds the capability of the area food sources. They are even authorized to hunt at night using spot lights.

Feb 3rd - 09:51am | Dennis

If you hear shots in a National park, it my be government paid sharpshooters. They are paid to thin out the herds because hunting is not allowed and the animal population exceeds the capability of the area food sources. They are even authorized to hunt at night using spot lights.

Grand Teton National Park Officials Contemplating Needs of Historic Buildings

Feb 3rd - 09:30am | Gal Yellowstone

Does anyone know what's going on with White Grass Ranch? It's been a few years since I was up there (along the road to Phelps Lake/Death Canyon trail head) but last time we drove by there was heavy equipment - front-loaders, etc. Has it been restored, torn down (gosh, I hope not, it was beautiful!!) or none of the above?

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

Feb 3rd - 09:12am | Ryan

"And by the way do you have any idea how the bison were killed by the native americans prior to them obtaining guns.....like driving them over a cliff so that they broke their legs and were then finished off at the bottom of the cliff with clubs and arrows?"

Feb 3rd - 00:18am | Anonymous

To bad you people have never been to Yellowstone nor seen how many bison there are.....like way too many for the amount of forage needed to support them. Killing them is a way to manage the herd and the meat usually goes to feed hungry people in our country.

Feb 2nd - 21:06pm | Ranchers Suck

The ranchers of Montana are like the NY mafia was during the 1980s. They do as they please and intimidate/eliminate anyone who interferes. The powerful "cattle-ranch" lobby controls all political races in Montana. Gentleman face reality, you run a business and like all other businesses yours too is filled with challenges/risks.

Feb 2nd - 12:11pm | Ryan

or stop eating beef

Feb 2nd - 11:59am | Kurt Repanshek

BJ, A number of options would include: Governor Brian D. Schweitzer Office of the Governor Montana State Capitol Bldg. P.O. Box 200801 Helena MT 59620-0801 (406) 444-3111, FAX (406) 444-5529 National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240

Feb 2nd - 11:51am | BJ

Is there anyone we, as Americans, should write to in order to help keep the bison from being killed?

Feb 2nd - 08:34am | Jan C.

I fail to understand why ranchers hold such sway over the bison and the wild horses. True the wild horses are not original inhabitants to the USA but they certainly have been here longer than any rancher or cattle. As for the bison, they really are a symbol of this great country in the west. I suppose it's all about politics with the ranchers and that's where their power lies.

Feb 2nd - 08:29am | Anonymous

This is truly disturbing! I saw segment and video on news & was really bothered by the "herding". To now hear that plans are to kill the bison is very troubling!! Please use common sense! This is NOT necessary!!! Bison were created to ROAM the earth! They are beautiful, magnificent creatures!

Reader Participation Day: What Do You Look For In A National Park Vacation?

Feb 3rd - 08:24am | Tarah

I am a historian so I look for history. :) I also like a park with great views. I like to be able to hike a little as well. Most of all though I am looking for a pretty historical park (mainly Civil War related) and I like a good visitors center to visit at the park.

Feb 3rd - 05:55am | Sabattis

Well, I'm trying to visit all of them, so I look for the fact that its a National Park..... ;-)

Feb 2nd - 21:36pm | BillN

The wife and I look for rugged long distance day hikes with a big payoff, alpine vistas and secluded lakes our favorites. We hit the trail at daybreak to leave the crowds behind. Most recently on a visit to Yosemite we hiked the Panorama Trail from Glacier Point and did not see another human until later in the day all the way down by the falls.

Feb 2nd - 11:35am | Dave Crowl

I like to look for parks with wildlife, vistas and scenery, and good day hikes where I might see them. I often have planned trips where we can go to multiple NPS units.

Feb 2nd - 10:35am | Danny Bernstein

If it's a main vacation - a week or more - the park has to have more maintained trails than we have time for. It has to keep me on the trail for a week, not necessarily backpacking. Day hiking is fine.

National Park Quiz 91: Hearts

Feb 2nd - 22:39pm | acompanhantes s...

Wow, i love valentine and chocolates!

Capitol Reef National Park: Winter Solitude & Silence

Feb 2nd - 20:14pm | Walter

Dashing, picturesue writimg took me right there. Thank you.

North Carolina Wildlife Officials Thinking of Reclassifying Status of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk

Feb 2nd - 11:06am | anonymous

Well Bob, those elk will learn quickly to use survival skills once they've experienced the threat, I believe. It's just the way it works. Sure the first few should be pretty dumb but then it'll be increasingly difficult. Kind of like throwing in a few wolves :) to the mix.

Feb 2nd - 10:31am | Anonymous

It is continually amazing to see people who know nothing of hunting comment. Remember Lincoln who said "it is better to be thought a fool and keep your mouth shut, rather than to speak, and remove all doubt".

Lynx, Long Sought in Yellowstone National Park, Is Caught on Film

Feb 2nd - 10:20am | bear487

That is the first pic of a real Lynx i have ever seen. :O

North Carolina Politicians Ask Interior Secretary To Allow More ORV Access At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Feb 2nd - 10:01am | Toni

Ocracoke Island is an outstanding destination. I've traveled the country and, Ocracoke is one of the best of all places !

The Traveler's First "Take Your Family to The National Parks" Essay Contest

Feb 2nd - 09:36am | Kurt Repanshek

Anonymous, if you click on the following link, there's a post that outlines the rules and an email address for submitting essays. /item/national-park-travelers-first-take-your-family-national-parks-essay-contest In short, essays should be sent to [email protected] .

Feb 2nd - 09:11am | Anonymous

So, how do we send in the essays? Do we mail them, or email them?

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