You are here

Home

All Recent Comments

Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Defends "Addition" Lands ORV Use

Jan 4th - 01:51am | Matt Schwartz

“I like to tell people it’s not just different uses, it’s a different mandate from Congress, and it’s not up to us to change the mandate from Congress to manage this place differently than national parks," Superintendent Ramos said during a telephone call. Page 10 of the Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan for the Big Cypress National Preserve responds as follows:

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

Jan 4th - 00:25am | BCsurfer

I haven't been in griz territory for quite some time, though surprisingly I was actually charged (false) by a black bear in Wyoming this past summer! My experience: The day after highschool graduation, at the tender age of 17, I jumped on a plane and flew from my coastal homeland of southern California to the Great White North - Whitehorse, Yuon, then on to norther British Columbia.

Jan 2nd - 07:06am | catfiah

For those ignorant, uninformed, careless outdoor types----stay home. You will be safe.

Keys Ranch Tours at Joshua Tree National Park are a Hit – Reservations Needed in 2011

Jan 3rd - 22:02pm | Sharlene

I recently took a private tour of Keys Ranch and loved it. I think it should be on everyone's must do list at Joshua Tree as long as they aren't traveling with kids under 7 or so.

Finding Winter Bliss in a National Park Lodge

Jan 3rd - 21:05pm | y_p_w

For some, backcountry or car camping in the snow is bliss. I don't necessarily feel the same, but I thought I'd put it out there. I've seen people at Camp 4 in the dead of winter in Yosemite. If they get tired of that, they can head to Yosemite Lodge or the fireplace at the Ahwahnee.

Jan 3rd - 16:27pm | Anonymous

Yep, that's me! (homeschool traveler) I only have a few wildlife pics up but plan to put more up soon. Nice to "meet" you! And I agree - Yellowstone in winter really is magical!

Jan 3rd - 13:21pm | Connie Hopkins

I KNEW you would have a wonderful time! I don't know how anyone COULDN'T have a great time in such a magical place! Are you Homeschool Traveler on the Flicker site? I was wanting to see your pictures. Connie

Jan 2nd - 15:16pm | Anonymous

Just got home from our first winter trip to Yellowstone (I appreciate the info above and your help in our planning). Ok, Connie, now I see why it is your favorite place! It was amazing! We had plenty of snow (and got 15 inches more the first night there!) and although the temps were near zero and below, it was an incredible trip.

Political Lineup For House Natural Resources Committee Sure to Produce Fireworks Over Public Lands

Jan 3rd - 18:44pm | J. Q. Public

Good argument, Ryan. I agree for the most part but if you would solve the problem of lack of energy self sufficiency and what that means on the world stage, it would be helpful. I'll skip the extremes of these arguments as they are hurtful in the long run. There is a need for REAL problem solving.

Jan 3rd - 16:40pm | Ryan

I am plenty serious and designating something as wilderness does not "lock things up." This "locking up" argument is tired and ill informed. Does wilderness designation not allow resource extraction (i.e. a boom/bust economy for areas surrounding these protected lands), yes. Does wilderness designation not allow people to do whatever they please (i.e. motorized recreation), yes.

Jan 3rd - 15:47pm | J. Q. Public

So, Ryan, which action is reasonable. Which action is something that gives people jobs while protecting the environment and which just locks things up. At some point, people without jobs(at some point) don't give a rip about the environment.

Jan 3rd - 14:24pm | Ryan

funny...Hastings talking about back door deals...Salazar was simply overturning a Bush era back room deal.

Group Claims Big Cypress National Preserve Going Too Far With ORV Access, Panther Impacts

Jan 3rd - 15:05pm | plet39

If you're too lazy to walk, don't hunt!

Jan 3rd - 15:02pm | plet39

ORVs have no place in ANY national park. They are massively destructive vehicles that mostly appeal to people who have no concern for their impact on the environment. Setting rules about where they can and cannot be driven does no good -- I've yet to meet an ORV afficianado who followed anyone else's rules.

Dec 30th - 21:57pm | Anonymous

If you'd like to see no hunting and ORV use at Big Cypress, then change the legislation that created the place. Congress required hunting to be allowed at Big Cypress and provided for ORV access as a means to get deep into the area. Denying hunting and orv access would be illegal. If you want the place to be managed differently, then get Congress to change the enabling Act.

Parking Just Got More Expensive at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Jan 3rd - 11:45am | Bob

I think that parking garage raises my blood pressure more than any other thing in the national park system. Given my guess as to the average length of stay, the hourly rate is comparable to expensive urban centers, for no good reason. There is a very low-capacity alternative (though I'm not telling where), so it's essentially a license for the concessioner to print money.

We'd Like to Welcome the Glacier National Park Fund to Our List of Sponsors

Jan 3rd - 10:07am | Tony Bynum

Great Partnership!

National Park Stories We'd Like To See In 2011

Jan 3rd - 07:15am | Matt Stubbs

"Yellowstone National Park Solves Winter-Use Conundrum; Snowmobilers And Conservationists Happy" Ten years later millions of Batteries are found illegally dumped poisoning the entire eco system. "Months Of Behind-the-Scenes Meetings Lead to Satisfactory Resolution of Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Use

Jan 3rd - 06:35am | Danny Bernstein

Another headline I'd like to see in 2011 Congress finally pays the full $52 million to Swain County, closing out the North Shore Road issue in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park forever.

Jan 2nd - 19:14pm | David Whisnant

Will we ever be so fortunate? Will political discourse ever turn in such a way as to even permit an intelligent, progressive discussion of such long-delayed but urgently necessary moves?

Jan 2nd - 11:55am | Laurel Rematore

Wouldn't it be nice...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agrees Wolverines Need ESA Protection, But They'll Have to Wait

Jan 2nd - 23:00pm | toothdoctor

WOLVERINES!!!!...Red Dawn...Sorry, but couldn't resist.

Lost to Hurricanes, the Flamingo Lodge at Everglades National Park Will be Hard to Replace

Jan 2nd - 21:53pm | Birdie_on_the_fence

My husband and I worked at Flamingo for a little less than a year after we married. Throughout the years I have off an on been struck with little bits of homesickness and memories. I am happy to run across this article; up til now I had not been able to find out any info about the possibility of lodging replacement.

Researchers To Embark on Three-Year Study of Bison Grazing Habits in Yellowstone National Park

Jan 2nd - 10:00am | Spence Benoit

The park service has apparently chosen not to listen to Dr. Frank in the past, the Northern Yellowstone elk herd has shrunk from about 19,000 head in 2000, to about 4,000 in this Winter of 2011. The Park service seems to agree with these numbers, with most of the decrease of elk to wolf predation.

Former Glacier, Waterton Lakes Superintendents Call For Better Protection of Both Parks

Jan 1st - 17:42pm | Rick

The comments of these former Park Superintendants were bitterly amusing to me as a transplanted Canadian who has not only hunted, fished, and backpacked in this area for the last 45 years, but also worked as a National Park employee.

Reader Participation Day: Has Arizona's Approach To Controlling Illegal Immigrants Led You To Cancel a Grand Canyon Trip?

Jan 1st - 14:26pm | Anonymous

I'd like to continue to visit Arizona as often as possible for the rest of my life. If they need to protect their borders, I hope they use their laws wisely and don't misuse them. I carry a driver's license or other I.D. wherever I am and don't consider it an imposition.

End of a Curious Era at Mount Rainier National Park

Jan 1st - 14:19pm | y_p_w

The old visitor center had an amenity that will be sorely missed. It had two pay showers that served campground visitors.

Dec 31st - 16:03pm | Uncle Brill

I visited Paradise and its new Visitor Center yesterday on a beautiful snowy day. The VC is small, has few indoor tables for picnics , and looks just like the interior of the REI store in Seattle. It's pretty, but I miss the huge flying saucer.

Ask A Ranger. Violence Is Nothing New To The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Jan 1st - 12:17pm | David Codrea

Revisiting this thread after a long absence--I just ran across it again while researching something else. Mr. Fifer, unless there is a legal "special relationship," no LEO ANYWHERE has an obligation to protect individuals, with attendant liability should they fail. Suggest you read "Dial 911 and Die" by Richard W. Stevens.

Looking Back On 2010 Across the National Park System

Jan 1st - 11:45am | Danny Bernstein

I am delighted that you chose the end of the North Shore Road saga in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of the top stories of the year. However it is not truly over until Swain County gets all of its $52 million. Right now, it only has about $13 million and each additional dollar needs to be part of a Congressional appropriation.

Much Thanks To All Our Writers and Contributors in 2010

Jan 1st - 10:17am | Bob Janiskee

Rick, I was the one who put the list of contributors together (well, at least the first draft), so I'm to blame for the oversight. Know that your contribution is greatly appreciated, and please accept my sincere apologies. Bob

Jan 1st - 10:10am | Kurt Repanshek

Our most sincere apologies, Rick! Between growing long in tooth and general ineptness we managed to overlook you. That's why we often go with great trepidation into these "thank yous." We certainly hope our oversight won't stop you from contributing in the coming year from your new coordinates!

Jan 1st - 09:46am | Rick B.

Hey, list, wait for me! I turned a wonderful trip to Pago Pago into a NPT article, with the courteous editing help from Kurt.

Dec 31st - 08:46am | Anonymous

Thanks to all of you!! The Traveler has become such an important part of my daily reading. I've learned so much this year and appreciate all of your efforts in providing such a great site for all of us. Thank you and keep up the GREAT work!

Is It Quixotic To Work Towards Restoration of the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park?

Jan 1st - 09:18am | Doug Harnsberger

For those interested in participating in "Muir's March 2011", the epic six day backpacking trek across Yosemite, culminating with the Restore Hetch Hetchy Rally at the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the scheduled week for the event has been revised to July 24 to July 30, 2011.

Piping Plover Production Up At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Dec 31st - 13:29pm | Anonymous

I think what's really sad is how many Audubon members are not told the truth. Their newsletters and articles have been full of outright lies! It is not fair to the loyal members. Audubon has made good people down right mad and lost many fans in the process. I know several friends that have quit. I hope your happy Walker.....you need to resign now!

Christmas Gift Tryout Almost Ends in Tragedy for Amistad Kayaker

Dec 30th - 16:19pm | the Bat

If you can stand one more comment, I would like to say that one of the reasons I keep coming back to NPT is because I can actually join the conversation. Sure, I've been chastised on occasion, from people who know lots more than I and from people who just think they do. I find the forum just as valuable as the features.

Dec 30th - 11:35am | Dave Crowl

Bob and Kurt, and all other contributing Staff, I want you to know I appreciate all your efforts to a great web site. Additionally, I find the banter in the comments sometimes equally entertaining as the articles. Thanks for all you do.

Dec 30th - 07:37am | Bob Janiskee

We appreciate all of our readers, David, even the ones that hold our feet to the fire. I am actually grateful to Andy-from-Arkansas. Responding to his criticisms gave me a chance to provide additional relevant information and offer some insight into how we do things here at Traveler. I will probably be more conscientious in the future, and that's not a bad thing.

Dec 30th - 07:19am | David B

To the Traveler: You don't have to spend time replying to such people. They are not happy and will never be happy with any thing. There are thousands + of us out here that think The Traveler is a GREAT web site and read it every day. Keep up the great work and don't spend on people who will never be happy with anything.

Dec 29th - 14:28pm | Linda

I'm slightly disturbed with this string of conversation. The original article: though brief, it was interesting and thought provoking. I enjoyed the article and was glad the man got his Christmas present back! Moral of the story: if you're a mere mortal, don't go kayaking alone.

Senator Reid Introduces Massive Omnibus Lands Bill, Though Opposition is Plentiful

Dec 30th - 16:01pm | Zebulon

Maybe next time, they'll include cyclists in the process rather than trying to kick us out...

A Piece Of History

Dec 30th - 16:00pm | FFEMT27

I highly agree with corv78, I would much rather have a weapon and not need it, than to need it and not have it. If someone is not comfortable with carrying a weapon then they shouldn't carry one, for me I'd rather have something more than a can of seasoning protecting me from a grizzly.

Mules In Grand Canyon National Park: Should They Stay?

Dec 30th - 15:01pm | fiftynfit

I've hiked down and I've ridden down. The ride is breathtaking because you can enjoy the scenery and take photos without having to mind your step. You are also able to enjoy the view from a higher vantage point. The hike is grand as long as you can afford to take the time to view/record the sights without endangering yourself or losing your footing.

American Indians in the Civil War? Petersburg National Battlefield is Part of the Story

Dec 30th - 14:33pm | Artfd

The book "These Men Have Seen Hard Service" is previewed at the Google Books website, here http://goo.gl/nact5 There are substantial excerpts from the book at that website.

A Year's Worth of Trails to Hike in the National Parks

Dec 30th - 09:48am | Chas

Your picks for Arches and Canyonlands are right on. I'll add Upheaval Dome (Canyonlands Island Distric) and Fiery Furnace (Arches) to your list. Upheaval Dome is a mystery to geologists: salt dome or meteor crater? Fiery Furnace is actually the coolest place in Arches due to its depth inside sandstone fins that shade and protect hikers from the brutal southwest sun.

Retrace Part of the "Journey of the Dead Man" on These New Trails

Dec 29th - 19:47pm | Anonymous

Most historians attribute the name Jornada del Muerto to the Gruber incident. If Otermin did call the route the Journey of Death, it would have been Jornada de La Muerte, not Jornada del Muerto. (Death is feminine in Spanish.)

Books We've Read, And Liked, in 2010

Dec 29th - 14:42pm | d-2

Thank you for your list of good reading, Kurt. In addition to Bill Sherwonit's book, another good book that I read this year about the Gates of the Arctic was William E Brown's: "The History of the Central Brooks Range: Gaunt Beauty, Tenuous Life."

Reader Participation Day: What Do You Do With Your National Park Photos?

Dec 29th - 13:57pm | Tizzy

I second that scrapbook!!

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

Dec 29th - 13:03pm | Steve Muschanow

Just a few observations based on my law enforcement background, and my time working with the US Fish and Wildlife folks in Alaska: 1. Pertaining to OC spray, no civilian is authorized to carry LE/military-strength OC; that includes sprays used as bear deterrent. My LE-strength OC was anywhere from 5% to 10%. It has been (and likely IS still) illegal for civilian use.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

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.