| Page 1430 | National Parks Traveler

Bob, Having spent 13 years on Lake Superior for the NPS (6 at Isle Royale, now almost 7 at Apostle Islands) I am glad to say that I did pretty well on your test. It's been a really cold winter this year up here. This morning, it was a *balmy* -10 as I bundled up for my walk to work; since we had two mornings last week when it was -22 I'm starting to think this is good.

The Future of the "Gateway Arch" is On the Table—Will You be Part of the Discussion?

Jan 29th - 10:48am | Lone Hiker

C'mon guys....staying on the rails isn't any fun. The majority of the more significant discoveries I've made have come from a position tangential to the mainstream of conventional wisdom. Sorry though for the unintended irritation.

Jan 28th - 17:20pm | d-2

Well, Lone Hiker good buddy, Barky has a point, it would probably be good to remember from time to time to stay on the rails

Jan 28th - 16:53pm | Barky

Lone, I hate arguments that take a simple notion and stretch it to the realms of ludicrosity. That's a logical fallacy. Clearly I was referring to sites of significant historical impact. Yes, define "significant", I know, but that's what the process for including sites into the NPS in the first place is for. Besides:

Jan 28th - 10:57am | Lone Hiker

Our nation has a multitude of buildings, battlefields and other icons that qualify as being of historic import in one sense or other, but does that designation (being of high historical value) automatically assign them to the auspices of the NPS?

Jan 27th - 19:47pm | Barky

Anonymous, the difference between those other buildings and the Arch is the Arch symbolizes a truly historic event: the launch of the Lewis & Clark expedition. The other buildings are just buildings. Yes, they're historic, but they by themselves don't really symbolize anything.

Jan 27th - 11:28am | Anonymous

Sabattis: de-authorization is not the same as destruction! The country has many world-class structures that are not managed and maintained by the federal government: the Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, and St Patrick's Cathedral to name a few. The Arch is magnificent architecture - but there is no reason to have the NPS manage it.

Jan 27th - 07:02am | Warren Z

Mr. Danforth said the St. Louis waterfront needs " a major museum or other world-class attraction designed by an internationally acclaimed architect." Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Arch fulfill that criteria?

Jan 27th - 06:38am | Sabattis

Whenever the Gateway Arch is mentioned on Traveler, I'm always disheartened when comments come out advocating its delisting. To me, the Gateway Arch is one of America's most-precious landmarks and is one of the crown jewels of the National Park System, along with the National Mall, the Statue of Liberty, and Mt. Rushmore.

Sharpshooters To Begin Reducing Elk Herds in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jan 29th - 10:04am | Jane

They should have given the meat to local food banks !!! Jane

Jan 29th - 08:23am | Kurt Repanshek

As I understand it, the meat will go to folks who participated in a lottery. None of the shooters will be allowed to keep antlers or meat.

Jan 29th - 08:07am | animal rescue worker

It seems so sad to kill the elk,but I really am not educated enough on this issue to know the right answer. I hope that the elk meat is eaten. The hunters should not be able to make money on antlers or anything else from their kill. I hope that the birth control will prove to be a solution.

On Interior Secretaries, National Park Stimulus Funds, And Oil Shale

Jan 29th - 07:53am | JimB

It's obviously too soon to know what steps Salazar will actually take, but I'm at least encouraged that he's willing to consider/discuss some items that weren't even on the table last month. Perhaps there will actually be an analysis in reaching decisions, instead of a one-size fits all approach. Three examples from a Washington Post story on Tuesday about Salazar's comments:

Jan 29th - 01:43am | Gerald

Don't count on the Obama administration helping the parks. As I wrote before the election, Obama/Biden have TWO national park units (one is a trail only) in their home states, so they probably have never or seldom visited a park. McCain and Palin on the other hand, have 36 national parks between them, and both are big "fans" of our parks.

Jan 28th - 16:02pm | Barky

All I can say about the above post is "discomfiting." ======================================== My travels through the National Park System: americaincontext.com

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

Jan 29th - 02:43am | Ray Bane

Snowmobiles impact snow fields in a number of ways. The passage of the machine compacts the snow increasing its density and reducing its insulation value. Depending on a number of variables, the compacted snow tends to conduct cold more efficiently and can create barriers for creatures that depend on snow cover to exist.

Jan 28th - 23:26pm | Zebulon

I haven't followed the story. What's the impact of snowmobiles on a snow field? Are there other areas where people can ride their snowmobiles nearby?

Jan 28th - 20:08pm | Ray Bane

Jim, you have reason to be concerned. A dog musher near the village of Kotzebue, Alaska was recently killed when he was rammed from behind by a speeding snowmobile. The impact severed his leg. A snowmobile traveling at high speed and with reduced visibility can easily exceed his stopping ability and become a deadly missile.

Jan 28th - 12:54pm | Betty H

These illegal snowmobilers have no resprect for laws, nature or wildlife ! I would like to see more effort put into catching the ones who disrepect what so many of us care for. Hopefully, the justice system will throw the book at them and make them an example for all.

Jan 28th - 11:06am | jsmacdonald

It's also not hard to understand because the boundary is very clearly marked both by the Western Boundary trail, as well as a gazillion signs.

Jan 28th - 09:47am | Frank N

It was indeed indicated in the story that this is pretty common, and that catching them is relatively rare. One would hope that the magistrate in Mammoth will "throw the book" at these guys as an example to others. As a general statement, I have found that the easier it is for someone to access the back country the less respect they have for it.

Jan 27th - 17:32pm | jsmacdonald

When I was out skiing with Buffalo Field Campaign, they pointed to an area outside the park where snowmobiles were illegal and signs clearly posted. There were snowmobile tracks everywhere, which made it scary to ski in the area. The worry of snowmobiles in areas where only skiing is allowed was a particular concern from people who ski there every day.

Jan 27th - 16:58pm | Anonymous

Hmmmmm.... I wonder if they were carrying firearms....

Jan 27th - 16:44pm | Coloradan

I am so glad that the Rangers caught these people riding their snowmobiles illegally. I hope that they get the book thrown at them and are invited not to visit this beautiful park again.

Jan 27th - 15:32pm | RJS

I'm glad to hear that Yellowstone NP authorities caught these snowmobile riders in the act, and that appropriate actions are being enforced. I spent last summer working in YNP while living in Cooke City, MT. The snowmobile riders that I encountered up there were some of the most disrespectful visitors to the backcountry up there.

Senate, House Far Apart on Economic Stimulus Funding for National Parks

Jan 29th - 01:42am | Gerald

Jan 28th - 17:37pm | Kristen

Jobs will be created for more than just construction workers when construction projects are funded on federal lands.

Jan 27th - 18:04pm | Kath

I have nothing against sending more money to the national parks. But the stimulus package is supposed to be to create jobs, presumably in all types of work, not just construction workers.

Jan 27th - 17:49pm | Vince K

As usual the folks in Washington can't get anything right. Lets cut back on the parks that are used on a regular basis and are already hurting! I'm so disgusted with the dog and pony show that's going on there.

The World's Top Ten National Parks

Jan 28th - 18:20pm | Mark33

I haven't traveled outside North American extensively, but I have traveled extensively within North America. I think Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland is extraordinary for both "visual" delight and also topography. It's been called the Galapogos (hey, that's also a National Park, right?) of Geology.

Jan 27th - 16:28pm | JimB

Rick - Thanks for a great article - and some tempting suggestions for travel! I'll look forward to seeing other suggestions you receive. My international park experience is rather limited, but here's one that might interest some readers.

Park Police Arrest Men Who Brought a Loaded Submachine Gun to a Playground in National Capital Parks-East

Jan 28th - 14:17pm | Ron Brown

Mr. McDonald needs to get a clue, I was born and raised in SE part of DC, The poorest sections of any town have a choice become good citizens or follow theirs peers into drugs, stealing, robbing at gunpoint, gangs, murder, rape and whatever feels good. That has not changed because

Group Seeks To Intevene In Court Case Concerning Armed Visitors in National Parks

Jan 28th - 12:47pm | Anonymous

BobR, You self proclaimed expert that probably doesn't no the difference between automatic firearms, and semi-auto firearms that are legal. The anti-gunners said that before it was pass concealed and carry in my State Of Minnesota, that there would be shootouts like the old wild west. Guess what, they were blowing smoke out of their orifice!

Jan 28th - 11:02am | Stutz

BobR, you may want to do more research on concealed weapons laws before making such inaccurate statements. CWs are allowed in both public buildings and stores. Depending on the state and the store there might, and I stress might, be certain restrictions but that doesn't mean can't.

Jan 28th - 07:40am | Anonymous

How does this rule infringe on the rights of those in the general public who don't carry? If a law abiding citizen (the people who are affected by this law) wish to carry a firearm to protect him or herself, then what is the problem?

Jan 27th - 19:25pm | BobR

Who's over the top on this one? Guess? Yep! You're right, the gun people. THERE IS NO REASON TO PACK A GUN, PISTOL, RIFLE OR AUTOMATIC WEAPON IN NATIONAL PARK!!!!! Just like concealed weapons are not allowed in a public building or store. Why they feel the need to "pack" in a park is beyond me. And the business of their rights being infringed on is TOTAL BUNK.

Where the Bighorns Are

Jan 28th - 11:58am | robmutch

A nice photo and a nice tie-in with the rock outcrop in the background. For me, Yellowstone is so fascinating because you can find so much wildlife and varied geology in one park.

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

Jan 27th - 21:47pm | FN from VA

As I was scanning the posts I felt like I was in one of those pro/anti gun debates I often get in with my friends. First gun ownership and use is a personal choice for most and a legal right for law abiding citizens. The fact is that legal gun owners, especially ones with concealed license, are sane and safe.

New Solar Power System Puts This Park in the Forefront of Alternative Energy Use

Jan 27th - 15:34pm | JimB

Thanks to all of you who are interested enough in this topic to comment! (We also appreciate it when the discourse remains civil :-)

Jan 27th - 14:37pm | Richard

The Dangling Rope development in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has been using a large solar system for power for a number of years. And it is publicly owned. While the solar field is not nearly as large as the new one at Death Valley, and the power needs not nearly as large, at the time it was installed it was considered quite ambitious.

Jan 27th - 11:47am | Bob Janiskee

I saw these same panels a week ago, Jan. My understanding is that they are designed to track the sun throughout the daylight period. Jim pointed this out in his article.

Jan 27th - 11:35am | Jan

I visited the solar field yesterday. All the panels face due east and are tipped to maximize summer sun. When I use a solar panel, I make sure it points due south and maximize it for winter sun. Anyone know what the thoughts were behind this set-up? I hope it wasn't an expensive mistake!!

Yellowstone Geologist Worries About What Goes "Bump" At Night

Jan 27th - 14:44pm | Richard

Thanks for the clarification and the reply. I will say though, by way of criticism, that as a journalist specializing in the coverage of National Park issues you should know that is not nearly a generic term as you apparently believe; and it is quite a sensitive subject within the NPS. I am surprised you would use the title in such a fashion. Even in Yellowstone Mr.

Jan 27th - 14:33pm | Kurt Repanshek

Hank is a geophysicist by specialty with expertise in heat flow and geothermal systems. I referred to him as "Ranger" as that's how the majority of NPS employees are generically referred to, much as you would refer to a cardiologist or an orthodontist as "Dr." than "Cardiologist Heasler."

Jan 27th - 14:27pm | Richard

I'm curious, what is Mr. Heasler's background? The article variously refers to him as a "Ranger" and a "geologist." Being referred to as a geologist confers the impression that he has at least a masters degree in the field, though that is not a universal use I suppose. Or is he "Dr." Heasler? Is he truly a ranger? Is he in the 0025 series? If he isn't, why would you refer to him as such?

Planning to Visit Apostle Islands National Lakeshore? Leave Your Gun At Home

Jan 27th - 13:47pm | Anonymous

"Hope for the best" -- you mean like park visitors have been doing for years, with very few incidents where a loaded gun was needed. The ones who need the guns are the poor rangers who are left out there to deal with the crazy visitors on a daily basis. Those are the only ones who need to be armed.

A Major Overhaul at Ford's Theatre National Historic Site Raises a Few Eyebrows

Jan 27th - 11:35am | Debbie Davidson

Bottomline is, upgrades should be done in moderation. They are supposed to make the historical sites more comfortable for people, and not to alter it's general look. I'm all for the ACs and restrooms, but not so much interest for the supposedly new "parlor" and concessions. I guess it'll destroy the historical feel of the place.

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