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Reader Participation Day: How Far In Advance Do You Plan Your National Park Escape?

Jan 26th - 11:15am | y_p_w

I've done a trip that included Yellowstone less than five months in advance. I had to wait on schedules and didn't get my first choice for cabins in park since they were no longer available. We even adjusted our schedule once, getting a cabin at Roosevelt to avoid driving to West Yellowstone late at night. That took a little travel agent experience; someone in our group used to be one.

Jan 26th - 09:07am | Ken

For parks like Glacier or Yellowstone I plan a year or more in advance to get the type of accommodations I want. I call back regularly if I didn't get what I wanted and check for cancellations. An example being a Cabin vs the Bunkhouse at Phantom ranch.

Jan 26th - 06:19am | Lawrence J. Caldwell

Like your post yesterday on the winter opportunities at Capitol Reef, we have learned to plan a year in advance. And - we maintain bi-weekly update contacts for potential upgrades once we get about three months away from departure. This is sound advice and it works. Yes it takes vigilant effort, but it pays off.

House Natural Resources Committee Plans Keen Oversight of National Park Service, Other Land-Management Agencies

Jan 26th - 10:55am | Keeper

I'm thinking that there are many including not just a few in NPS that will welcome oversight reviews in the Intermountain Region activities. A shining light on the darkness would be encouraging, really, hard to do well but would be REFRESHING.

Jan 26th - 10:08am | Laborman

Except for many members of Congress on these committees, to "foster and expand wholesome, family enjoyment of the parks" means snowmobiling, other noisy and polluting activities and guns, guns and more guns.

How Do You Move a 25-Ton Cannon? Dry Tortugas National Park Found an Ingenious Answer

Jan 26th - 09:47am | Joe in N. Calif.

Is there maybe a link to a page with photos of the gear that was used? I'm assuming that sheer legs, braces, chain hoists or block and tackle were used.

Updated: Walmart Drops Plan to Build Super Store on Historic Parcel of Wilderness Battlefield

Jan 26th - 09:16am | Arthur

This great news! The Walmart Corporation/Foundation should now step forward and protect this property in perpetuity by donating it to all Americans via the National Park Service.

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

Jan 26th - 08:55am | Keeper

With respect to all those that are intimately involved here and are transformed into better people by the Inner Canyon experience I'd like to add the following:

Jan 21st - 21:50pm | Casey Murph

Oh ive seen something nastier than that bison turd or mule poop you talk of. I worked in the canyon as a mule packer and trail maintenance for a long long time. Pick up a rock beside the trail, yep, likely there is human feces under it. This deal about the mule poop disgusting rings hollow to me, I know what nasty creatures the human packpacker can be. Casey

Jan 21st - 21:40pm | Casey Murph

Well since I last visited there has been some very lively discussion here! I did notice some small confusion that I can help clear up. With regards to why and who constructed the trails, almost all the inner canyon trail network was originally constructed as mining access trails, where pack animals, including mules and burros were used to bring out ore.

National Park Service Officials Again Debating What To Do With Historic Officers' Quarters at Fort Hancock

Jan 25th - 16:56pm | rct303

the parks commission in it's burreaucratic red tape has been dragging it's feet for years, not knowing which end is up. in the interim, the decay continues to raise the economic costs of any possible restoration. "you can't have your cake and eat it, too" is a term as old as the buildings in question and applicable to the single-mindedness of the commission.

North Carolina Man Reportedly Thought it Would Be "Cool" To Carve His Name On Rock Art Panel At Glen Canyon NRA

Jan 25th - 15:20pm | Anonymous

How old is that man? Hopefully he does not have children. Be horrible to pass on those rude, disrespectful, recessive genes.

Jan 25th - 09:49am | ARgirl

I agree - he should do community service - preferably cleaning up after other thoughtless people and then be banned for life from any National Park, Monument, etc.

Jan 24th - 00:53am | Judi

There is a point where the necessitated erection of cages and fences etc would simply detract from the natural aspect of the rock art. Why should everything precious be kept behind bars. Surely those who lack respect and social decorum aught to be the one's behind bars! Rock art depictions are historical documents.

Jan 23rd - 20:08pm | Anonymous

I have to ask, is it "posted" at the site? It should have it clearly stated as to what they expect "DO NOT.." and then followed by "...violators will be fully persecuted to the extent of the law.." and not just left up to a guide on a tour to overlook people and their actions.

Jan 23rd - 20:01pm | jOLIE

It just irks me that people are so disrespectful these days that they'll go and deface anything much less historical rock art in an obviously protected parkland. But, raise generations who don't even respect themselves and that's what you get. And, no, I'm not an older person who says "back in the good old days". I'm only 40 and I grew up among these disrespectful louts.

Jan 23rd - 20:01pm | TLM

Some people shouldn't be allowed out of the house without a keeper! Hopefully the sentence he gets will include being banned from ALL National and State Parks and Historic sites for the rest of his life!

Jan 23rd - 19:59pm | Melony

I've lived in the 4 Corners area my whole life. I was ALWAYS taught to respect other peoples life, space, and things. Archaeological or otherwise, these places are someone else's space/things and should be respected as such.

Jan 23rd - 17:00pm | y_p_w

While I'm not condoning this act, I would point out that a lot of these archeological sites were at one time graffiti of one kind or another. I remember personnel discussing at what point is a scrawl determined to be historical or unwanted.

Jan 23rd - 15:36pm | Marjorie

I asked a ranger once about confronting persons on the trail as opposed to reporting behavior to a ranger. She said, if SHE says something, they figure she has to because it is her job. If someone ELSE says something, the perpetrator might figure, "Gee, maybe I'm really not supposed to do this". Of course there are always those who tell you to take a flying leap.

Jan 23rd - 13:29pm | Connie Hopkins

Julie makes a very good point. Just this summer at Glacier NP we were doing the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail and a man had his whole family off trail and were over photographing Big Horn Sheep lying in the snow. My husband politely told him that he was off trail and that his actions would encourage others to do the the same.

Jan 23rd - 13:02pm | Julie S

My question is: Did anyone else in the fishing party see him do this and try to stop him? If they saw him, and didn't try to stop him, shouldn't they have charges pressed against them as co-conspirators?

Jan 23rd - 12:10pm | Thorfinn

If the presiding judge happens to read this, a couple hundred hours of community service in the park this July and August would make a clear point in addition to the fine! Just a thought!

Jan 23rd - 11:49am | barbara walters

A sign of the times when people think that they can do anything and get away with it. They also think they are important enough to be a part of history. What a joke! These folks couldn't begin to make the shoes of the authors of the wall paintings. I say prison time!!

Jan 23rd - 11:27am | Paul

My uncle was a Franciscan Missionary that lived with the Navajo and Zuni for 40 years. I visited many of the Native American sites, but not Glen Canyon, in my visits with him. I never once thought of carving my name in anything I saw or damaging anything at the sites.

Jan 23rd - 06:58am | Connie Hopkins

I get really angry when I read these kinds of stories! The selfishness and self-centeredness of one individual impacts all of us! When our children were growing up one of the points we made when disciplining our children was to ask them, " Does this affect others?"

Bluffs Lodge and the Best Coffee Shop in a National Park

Jan 25th - 14:44pm | y_p_w

sage: how odd...an article entitled...'the best coffee shop in a national park', and yet, barely a mention about the coffee! which way is spro hampden, please?! If you're really worried about how good the coffee is, then it's probably not a "coffee shop" worth going to. ;)

Jan 24th - 18:59pm | sage

how odd...an article entitled...'the best coffee shop in a national park', and yet, barely a mention about the coffee! which way is spro hampden, please?! sage

Interior Secretary Salazar Welcomes Teresa Chambers Back As U.S. Park Police Chief

Jan 25th - 12:44pm | GDurkee

This is way overdue. It's great to see her victory, but incredibly depressing to have witnessed several administrations defend an egregious abuse of power and process in firing her. But welcome back!

Jan 25th - 12:33pm | pkrnger

This is really uplifting news. I'm looking forward to a post next week that shows USPP Chief Teresa Chambers back in uniform, and smiling. I'm really happy for her. I'm glad that the NPS and DOI is welcoming her back and making things right. For Teresa, it's been a long hard fight under very stressful conditions.

Jan 23rd - 12:06pm | roadranger

Following policy is one thing. Lying under oath--perjury--is something else. If you have followed this case over the years. it's clear more than one appointed official obstructed justice and at least one committed perjury during the hearings. Apparently, the review board also smelled the rats and has moved to right one of the most grievous wrongs committed by DOI/WASO types in decades.

Jan 22nd - 15:47pm | Anonymous

As I expected, any thing that happened under the Bush administration would be demonized. The truth is all these officials hold their positions at while they accept the changes and work with the policies that the officials in charge establish.

Jan 22nd - 12:30pm | Anonymous

All the best to Chief Chambers, really! With that said, a suggestion that Director Sarvis correct a disservice done by one of his own (cronies:). Again, best to you Chief Chambers, aka Brass Ones. I like!

Jan 21st - 23:35pm | Anonymous

It's a deal.

Jan 21st - 22:22pm | Rick B.

Guys... I don't have an informed opinion on the mule issue, so I stay out of it. This thread, however, is about the fact that Jarvis is helping to right a wrong that was done by Bush cronies. Let's celebrate that and congratulate Chief Chambers on having a brass pair to knock together. Let her have her moment.

Jan 21st - 19:39pm | Anonymous

You've obviously never been! :)

"Poor Judgment and Performance" Acknowledged in National Park Service Investigation of Hubbell Trading Post Operations

Jan 25th - 12:08pm | Rich Granberg

Well, Pkrnger, one could find something similar to the Hubbell affair (with some very familiar names) again within the IMR. Particularly in the Discussions, comments you'll find the same divide that exists between Malone and NPS through the events that have taken place between NPS and the iconic Grand Canyon Mule Ride. In both cases diminishing the living, historical and cultural history.

Echo Bay Resort at Lake Mead NRA has a New Concessioner and a New Name

Jan 24th - 22:03pm | Jim Burnett

In response to the above two comments: 1. If you feel some changes need to be made at Echo Bay, you'll find the phone number, mailing address and a link to send an e-mail to the park at the following site: http://www.nps.gov/lake/contacts.htm

Jan 24th - 19:36pm | Anonymous

Was it operated by Xanterra before Forever took over?

Jan 24th - 11:27am | Anonymous

Why is there no day use area anywhere in the area? There is an area at the back-end of the campground where there is no camping allowed, but there is a picnic table. The camp host were very rude when we used this area for a very short time. Something should be done for people not camping.

BuRec Issues Draft Environmental Assessment Looking At High-Flow Releases From Glen Canyon Dam

Jan 24th - 11:51am | Dave Focardi

If you mean the Glen Canyon Dam near Page, there will be no change to the floats. The release is short, and does nothing more than change out the sand on the beach, although that close to the dam I am not sure what it does to the beaches, since there are no real sources (tributaries) to contribute additional sediments for the river bed to scour and deposit onto the beach.

Jan 24th - 09:10am | Cora Hayward

My daughter, niece and I rode the float from the Glendale Dam a few years back until it became the rapids, had an amazing time. Now that the you are choosing to do high powered release of more water into the Colorado river; what will happen to the floats? I found that to be an amazing way to enjoy the river, the canyon and the beauty of nature.

The Fire Lookouts of Mount Rainier National Park

Jan 24th - 11:15am | Sarah

Our company has provided aluminum fire wrap to protect lookouts like these and other historical structures from wildfires for several years now. We have always enjoyed knowing we help preserve these beautiful buildings for future generations. It would be nice if they were open for people to rent for overnights.

Jan 23rd - 11:46am | Scott Knowles

Nice and informative article. For my photo guide for Mt. Rainier NP, I have a similar information Web page at http://www.wsrphoto.com/mtlookouts.html along with a map Web page at http://www.wsrphoto.com/mtlookoutsmap.html. I didn't include Kelly Butte because, while the view of Mt.

Jan 23rd - 08:06am | Lee Dalton

In some places, the Forest Service has started renting towers out for hikers or families to stay in overnight or longer. It must be an incredible experience to be able to spend a day or two in places like that. Any chance NPS might try the same kind of thing. I'd jump at the chance to rent for a day or two.

Wild Horse Shot and Killed During Two-Day Deer Hunt At Assateague Island National Seashore

Jan 24th - 09:39am | Anonymous

Just a note clarifying that the word "idiot" has no limitations as to which group that person may belong. Rather, a sub-group (idiot, for that moment anyway) all to themselves of which this person has gained membership. Hope he or she can leave the club by making it right, somehow. Sorry for your loss, John.

Jan 23rd - 21:03pm | John Roberson

I am saddened to see this article. I was born in Chincoteaque in 1958 (Actually on the Naval Air Station that is Now Wallops Island Nasa Station). I have also held the "Ponies" in a special place in my heart and to hear that one was gunned down makes me upset. If the idiot hunter had just reported the incident, then he/she would probably be in a whole lot less trouble then they are now.

National Park Service Looking For Kids Interested in Becoming Junior Civil War Historians

Jan 22nd - 20:37pm | Anonymous

Not sure why Gettysburg is not participating. I will say that Gettysburg was not real accommodating to my kids when they wanted to do the Junior Ranger program. They would only give them one booklet and told them they had to share and wanted them to share the badge as well. (this was a couple years ago, hopefully they've changed a bit since then)

Glacier National Park Announces Winding Down of Concession Operations

Jan 22nd - 17:36pm | CPT Wayne

The year without a summer, during the Dalton Minimum, had a great helping hand from the eruption of Mount Tambora on April 10, 1815. It was a level 7 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) scale. The following summer, world temperatures had dropped about 0.7-1.3 degrees F. Other volcanoes had previously erupted at a VEI-level 4 force in the Caribbean, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines.

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

Jan 22nd - 12:20pm | John P. Mahoney

YOU CAN'T MAKE IT UP: What an absolute travesty. Bill Malone became bigger than Hubbell by simply being himself. Bill treats every man, woman, and child like they are part of his own family. That's what makes this man a national treasure.

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