You are here

All Recent Comments

At Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Things are Not Always as They Seem

Jul 29th - 22:05pm | Anonymous

Are you kidding? Misuse of firearms is dangerous. The purpose of a firearm is not to kill everything in sight. The AK-47 is not inherently evil. All weapons were originally in the hands of warriors. When civilization was settled, and nomads became farmers, not everyone needed a weapon.

Why Stop At Golden Gate National Recreation Area? What Other NRAs, Monuments, Etc., Should Be Renamed?

Jul 29th - 21:10pm | Lone Hiker

I believe the idea that National Park units were "something special" was tied directly to the public's perception centered around those first units, which included Yosemite and Yellowstone, which at the time of their designation were located in areas of the country that were traversed by few save the hearty; those who explored the "wild" country on vacation, and the mystique that grew out of th

Jul 29th - 15:23pm | Rangertoo

Lepanto - Well, seeing as John Reynolds and I have both been in senior management of the NPS and have been involved in the writing of bills and negotiation of designations with Congressional staff, I would have to counter that we are right in our assertion that the names are not as studiously determined as you may imagine.

Jul 25th - 19:27pm | SaltSage236

It makes me wonder when the NPS might think a quota system will be necessary for crowd control in Zion. I'm thankful for the bus system there, though. When I first visited a decade ago, the place was gridlock all the way to the Narrows. Today, the bus is a breeze, with local stories from the bus driver to boot.

Jul 25th - 16:22pm | Larry Marquardt

Interesting article. Referring again to Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Parks elk overpopulation and adding bear troubles, it might not be so bad to sell a few leather jackets made of elkskin, bearskin rugs, elk and bear meat.

Jul 25th - 11:02am | Lepanto

Oh John Reynolds and Rangertoo: Your comment is way too dogmatic, and not supportable in many many small ways. I read John Reynold's comment after my last post, so call this a Post Script:

Jul 25th - 10:22am | Lepanto

Dear Carne Asada Torta: changing the name from Recreation Area to National Park will not change the law on environmental protection and dog walkers.

Jul 25th - 10:01am | John Reynolds

Rangertoo knows what he is talking about, and is absolutely right.

Man Bitten at Saguaro National Park by Gila Monster

Jul 29th - 14:22pm | Sharon

My Mom was one of the park volunteers. The bitten gentleman was taken to her house. She called 911 for the ambulance. The man indeed was not "all quite there", but then again he had already been bitten and was severely dehydrated. Mental illness or not, how foolish to fling any creature around your neck like that.

Rookie Firefighter from Olympic National Park Killed by Falling Tree in California

Jul 29th - 09:22am | Emily Zivot

I think your headline would be more powerful if it had one less word. Andrew Palmer was a firefighter, not a "rookie." Identifying him as a rookie highlights his inexperience and makes his loss seem understandable or even expected. Fire crews do have a dangerous job; they deserve our respect in addition to our thanks and support.

Jul 27th - 22:40pm | J

I went to Port Townsend High School with Andy, he was a really good kid. I pray for his family and for everyone close to him.

Jul 27th - 17:12pm | JimB

A tragic loss - and a reminder that the men and women who serve on fire crews day after day all across the country have a dangerous and difficult job. They all deserve our thanks and support.

Delaware Can Relax; The New National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Series Will Celebrate “National Sites” Too

Jul 28th - 16:10pm | National Park Q...

It's ironic that H.R. 6184 was introduced by Michael Castle of Delaware, the only state without a national park.

Jul 28th - 15:03pm | Bugsyshallfall

I believe that every state should have at least one National Park, and by the way anyone know of any areas in Delaware not yet a state or other type of federally park land that could become a great National Park

Jul 27th - 06:31am | Bob Janiskee

An attractive feature of these special coin series is the large seigniorage (or profit) representing the difference between the face value of the coins and the costs of their mintage.Substantial gains result from public hoarding/collecting of coins placed in circulation as well as the sale of uncirculated proof and silver coins to collectors.

Jul 26th - 23:29pm | Pixie

I am sure the Mint made a fortune on the state series. I hope revenues from the national parks series goes to the upkeep of the parks system.

Jul 26th - 13:49pm | Nick Mojave

Sounds great, but... it's too bad they're limited to just 2 per state. The law should have a provision allowing for every national park to be represented on a quarter.

Jul 26th - 13:46pm | Marylander

Delaware has several areas that could make great national parks, and I've always been surprised that they have never really fought for it. My family and I often go to Delaware, not just for the tax free shopping, but for the bird watching!

Lightning Strike Kills Park Visitor at a Sandy Hook Beach in Gateway National Recreation Area

Jul 28th - 15:01pm | John Newton

Over hear on Long Island it was pretty bad. Twelve people got struck by lighting. It down poored like their was no tomorrow.

Mountain Bikers to Seek Access Through Listening Sessions

Jul 28th - 14:25pm | Anonymous

I think that this is a great success story. I believe that it is long overdue for the Park Service to realize that hikers and equestrians are not the only valid trail users in the parks.

Jul 28th - 10:54am | james

Thought you might like the follow-up on your "dodging bikes" comment at Big South Fork. I hate to disappoint you, but mountain biking was apparently a success: Shared-use Big South Fork trail deemed a success By Morgan Simmons (Contact) Sunday, October 7, 2007

National Park Service Agrees, Conditionally, to Keep Yellowstone's Sylvan Pass Open For Snowmobiling

Jul 27th - 23:37pm | YellowstoneJunkie

YeeeeeeeHawwwwwwww!! Gettin' my sled ready!

Jul 27th - 17:06pm | JimB

Irregardless of the actual costs to keep this route open for winter travel, it's a shame that much or all of a badly needed budget increase for the park will be diverted to this one project. Here's a key to the bottom line: A 2008 Wyoming travel guide has a full page color ad on the back cover. The "headline" for the ad reads, "Cody has a nice city park. It's called Yellowstone."

Second Black Bear Euthanized In Yellowstone National Park

Jul 27th - 14:15pm | Kurt Repanshek

But what happens to the bears if they don't have the habitat protections of a national park? There are some parts of Yellowstone that are simply off-limits to humans so as not to interfere with grizzlies. Should more limits be instituted?

Jul 27th - 13:34pm | Anonymous

Hello the bears were here first!!!

Jul 26th - 13:13pm | recent visitor

First of all, if you want to impress the public with your comment, then use some punctuation, check your grammar, capitalization and spelling!!!

Jul 26th - 06:06am | Anonymous

We just got back from Glacier and the information regarding bears is in the information handed out - but many people don't seem to read it. While we were there, a back country campsite was closed due to a bear shredding a tent. We never heard if there was food or something in the tent but it seems likely that there was something in there that shouldn't have been.

Jul 25th - 18:41pm | Anonymous

It is not only the visitors that need to be educated, but the staff. I stayed at White Wolf campground a few summers ago, and the camphost left out eggs to entice the bears to the campsite his niece was staying at. It angered me, we had bears in the camp all night, people yelling and banging pots & pans, so much for the tranquility of nature.

Jul 25th - 18:26pm | Anonymous

With the experience per say that the NAtl parks have you would think that they could of caught this bear and tame it for it wildlife habitat or put it in a local zoo?I'am pretty sure most people that visits our parks today out side of the old school people are lame.dumb,and stupid.and don't take the necessary percautions when thier out in the wilderness.there should be required trainning before

Electric Map Going Away at Gettysburg National Military Park

Jul 26th - 23:48pm | alaskaabi

I am incredibly disappointed with the Park Service decision to discontinue the electric map presenation. In my opinion, although the program was "low tech" by today's standards. it gave the viewers a feel for the North-South-East-West of the battle field for a preliminary orientation before the actual driving (or walking tour).

Interior Officials Want to Allow Concealed Carry in the National Parks

Jul 26th - 22:26pm | Gene K.

No. You spray your buddy by mistake in a panic attack and are lunch for the bear.

Is the National Park Service Obligated to Better Promote Proposed Change in Gun Regulations?

Jul 26th - 21:24pm | Anonymous

Kurt, excellent rebuttal and it helps reading between the lines better on thee issue.

Jul 26th - 19:56pm | Kurt Repanshek

Frank,

Jul 26th - 17:40pm | Mrs. White

"At the end of the day, you're more likely to die in a car accident, from cancer, from poor health and exercise habits, illegal drug use, and illicit sex than from roaming a park unarmed.

Jul 26th - 09:21am | Anonymous

One of the best comments yet on this issue. Not your usual NRA spiel or gung-ho and gun-ho comments like Freddie pistol hugging pete.

Jul 26th - 03:04am | FrankC

"At the end of the day, you're more likely to die in a car accident, from cancer, from poor health and exercise habits, illegal drug use, and illicit sex than from roaming a park unarmed. Let's try to keep some perspective here."

Jul 25th - 14:18pm | Fred Miller

A Utah permit is not terribly difficult to get. I have one in my wallet. Only cost me $200. I had to attend an all-day class. I waited 5 months for my permit to come in the mail; background checks take time. It is NOT valid in California.

Jul 25th - 13:55pm | Kurt Repanshek

C'mon, Fred, you're using a pretty broad brush with your characterizations and accusations. More than a few folks know what's going on. By the way, did you know that Utah has the most liberal concealed carry provisions in the nation? If your wallet contains a Utah concealed-weapon permit, chances are good you live in California.

Jul 25th - 13:28pm | Fred Miller

You've made a good point here Doc. I believe that most of those who oppose this rule change are those who are mis-informed or totally UN-INFORMED about guns and gun issues. How else could you cause someone to be so afraid of their next-door neighbor who has completed a background check, received the training, and borne the expense of acquiring a CCW permit?

Hidden Hall of Records at Mount Rushmore

Jul 26th - 13:30pm | Anonymous

We've heard that behind Mt. Rushmore, is something hidden by our government, having to do with aliens or alien craft. Is there any truth to this, or has anyone else heard anything of this?

Jul 26th - 13:18pm | Anonymous

We've heard that the carvings were put there to hide something alien or otherworldly or something that our government is hiding regarding aliens or alien spacecraft. Can anyone else elaborate on this?

Any Question About Who's Calling the Shots in Yellowstone National Park?

Jul 26th - 00:32am | Robert DeMaagd

People go to yellowstone to rest and relax, to get away from the noise of the city. Snowmobiles are too noisy, too polluting, and destroy vegetation when the snow cover is not that deep. Even when the snow cover is deep, taller plants are susceptible to damage.

Jul 25th - 15:50pm | Anonymous

There is an article on yahoo news with links to the decision document: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080724/ap_tr_ge/fighting_over_yellow...

Jul 25th - 15:08pm | Larry Marquardt

Thanks for the links. I had never heard of the NP Organic Act of 1916 or the 1978 Redwood Amendment! I have known of the distinction between preservation and conservation, and that the former is supposed to apply to the Nat'l Parks.

Jul 25th - 14:31pm | jsmacdonald

This has been used as a significant source in a New West essay out today. See http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/an_8500_ticket_to_yellowstone/C530/L37/ by Joan McCarter.

Traveler's View: Concealed Weapons Have No Place In Our National Park System

Jul 25th - 21:11pm | KC

I am in the US Navy and currently hold a concealed weapons license and teach small arms safety. I have read most of the comments that have been written and it seems to me that the people who are opposed to allowing law abiding Americans who have been licensed by the government to carry are concerned for their safety.

Jul 25th - 20:53pm | Chet Szymecki

Although I disagree with your article Mr. Repanshek I most certainly enjoyed reading it. You have done a fine job researching and presenting you point.

Did Gusty Winds Cause a Fatal Climbing Accident at Grand Teton National Park?

Jul 25th - 14:41pm | Bob Janiskee

You're right, SaltSage. That cute little trick cost Potter his Patagonia sponsorship and the respect of many climbers and environmentalists, including me. He's still a damn fine climber, though. What do you suggest we do with a guy like that?

Jul 25th - 14:16pm | SaltSage236

Lest readers forget, Dean Potter is the guy who recklessly climbed Delicate Arch at Arches National Park in 2006, possibly damaging it and causing the NPS there to ban all climbing of arches named on USGS quads.

Crews Remove Garbage From Marijuana Farms in Sequoia National Park

Jul 25th - 07:33am | Anonymous

Perhaps the reason more is not done to stop the growing of pot on national park land is because the govt is taking action on other dangerous criminals, such a private livestock owners, cattle ranchers, pot belly pig owners, 4H kids, horse owners,......no I am not trying to be funny...I only wish this were a conspiracy theory.

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.