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Groups Ask for Extension on Comment Period for Grand Canyon "Natural Quiet" Definition

May 5th - 12:37pm | Anonymous

Comment periods are open to everyone and all parties interested in the National Parks need to take advantage of them. In reading your article on the GCNP overflight comment period I did not see a link or information to where to send our comments. Would you please provide that informaion in future columns and add it to this one? Thanks!

In the News: Loss of Cougars in Yosemite National Park, "Uranium Rush" at Grand Canyon National Park

May 5th - 11:59am | Random Walker

We all strive for safety, prosperity, comfort, long life, and dullness. The deer strives with his supple legs, the cowman with trap and poison, the statesman with pen, the most of us with machines, votes, and dollars, but it all comes to the same thing: peace in our time.

May 5th - 09:45am | Anonymous

Kurt, thanks for bringing this critical issue to light. As a strong supporter of Aldo Leopold's conservation concepts on land ethics, I severely chastise the Bush & Cheney administration for their rape and pillage polices towards more exploitation of energy resources at the borders of our national parks.

Interior Secretary Opens Door for New Gun Regulations in National Parks

May 5th - 11:05am | Scott Woodruff

Rick, what I find most amazing is all across this country when this issue of government (that would be the Interior Department also) violating the people's Second Amendment Rights, it appears that the public is overwhelmingly in support of them to NOT do it.

Report Shows Visiting National Parks Could be Hazardous to Your Health

May 5th - 08:09am | Chasmanian Devil

Regarding Beamis' idea to move parks from the US government to non-profit control is laughable. There would be less money available for maintenance if that happened. Interior is moving forward in all agencies to improve safety and facility maintenance.

May 5th - 08:02am | Chasmanian Devil

As an Interior employee for some decades (I am not speaking as an official however) I have seen firsthand this issue and the root cause as always is lack of money and direction from administrators, Congress and the White House! It appears politicians love spending money on the new (Steamtown) but fail to maintain the old (Wawona tunnel).

May 4th - 22:43pm | Linda

My personal opinion is to De-Centralize... more would be done and our national treasures would be in better hands. I believe that you are on the right track and hang in there... There is more support than is realized. Thank you for bringing the report to life!

May 4th - 16:03pm | dtroutma

I remember times over three decades ago when the fans in the Wawona tunnel would go pffffttt, CO would build up, and the sensors would fail.

May 4th - 13:10pm | Kurt Repanshek

Frank and Beamis, First of all, welcome back. Now, in light of Frank's contention that the two of you were asked to stop commenting at the Traveler, let me set the record straight by pulling from the email I sent you both last December:

May 4th - 12:36pm | FrankC

J Longstreet, Both Beamis and I were asked to stop posting on the site. For me the asking was a bit stronger; my user account was deleted for me. As I write these words, I have a feeling they may just be deleted, even though there is no profanity or personal attacks contained therein.

May 4th - 11:30am | J Longstreet

Beamis, I thought you'd decided not to participate in Traveler any more... it's sad that no matter what the problem in the national parks, you always find a way to blame the "top-heavy" "befuddled" managers of the NPS. I'm not suggesting managers are blameless, but did you note that a significant finding of the report was that:

May 4th - 10:02am | Anonymous

I'm going to be spending the next 4 years travelling the US's National Park system as well as several State Parks (not to be named for obvious reasons). We will be documenting ALL issues that we find in ALL parks and will make them publically, and hopefully nationally, known.

May 3rd - 13:38pm | Fred Miller

This is truly sad. I hope someone is going to come up with a sincere, effective plan to address these issues. I don't think another overpaid bureaucrat is the answer.

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

May 5th - 01:41am | India Holidays

Very nice picture

Segways in the National Parks: Do We Really Need Them?

May 4th - 22:03pm | Lone Hiker

This method of conveyance adds nothing to the NPS. As is currently stands, the vast majority of visitors come only to "see" the parks, and if that is to be ones specific intent, the Segways might have a limited market.

May 4th - 05:48am | Bob Janiskee

I'm open to argument on the issue of persons with physical disabilities being allowed to use Segways in the national parks. That's why I used the word "perhaps" in my comment. Anon has made a strong case for it. I realize that dealing with ms is very difficult, and I do wish him the very best.

May 4th - 01:33am | Anonymous

Well this "lardass" also happens to be diagnosed with ms.... So does my "lardass" status discount my disabled status????? Rude and tactless people like yourself make going out in public with obvious disabilities that much harder... You look and see a "lardass" and not a person who has been fighting ms and fatigue that continues to add to weight problems...

May 1st - 23:56pm | Bob

"It seems that you'd have to watch the trail constantly rather than lifting your head and eyes to view the sights around you on a bike trail. No?" No. Why don't you try it before forming an opinion? Do you constantly watch the ground when riding a bike? "What's the point of it?"

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Settlement Won't Ban ORV Use, But Will Restrict Travel

May 4th - 17:09pm | Geezer

The settlement to protect bird habitat is an excellent measure and long overdue. I went to Cape Hatteras once and never went back because the beach buggies had the run of the beaches. It wasn't safe to lie down and enjoy the wind, the waves and the sun, unless you went to the few miles that were then closed to ORVs. Thanks to the Audubon Society and their allies.

May 4th - 00:13am | FriscoFran

My parents live in the Outer Banks and have forever – at least as long as I can remember. Despite assertions to the contrary – the new rules and regulations will SIGNIFICANTLY and ADVERSELY impact fishermen (and fisherwomen).

May 2nd - 09:44am | Anonymous

I guess, it means a little bit of oil leak on the beaches but not a whole lot...with less ORV's. Regardless how you look at this issue, wildlife still gets the short end of the stick. Wish we could resolve this issue the way Aldo Leopold would...with better "land ethics"!

May 2nd - 08:56am | Anonymous

Duh! Why not click on the links? Anyone following this issue knows exactly where CNHS is. Hint. It's in North Carolina.

May 2nd - 07:00am | Anonymous

Lets see, and Cape Hatteras is where? I believe it’s in Maine but I’m not sure. Neither does the writer of this article, as he doesn’t seem to want to tell us. Very poor, vague article, not very informative. Sorry.

It's Time to Book Your Summer National Park Vacation

May 3rd - 22:13pm | st. george isla...

I also like spontaneous trips, sometimes I don't even book in advance, but I do have a pretty good idea how many parks are within an hour's driving distance.

Nevada Barr’s Next Park Novel: An Unauthorized Preview

May 3rd - 17:07pm | Julie

I am so glad to hear about her next book coming out! It has been too long since the last one...and with gas prices, that is probably the only way I can get to a national park this year!

May 2nd - 12:19pm | Rick Smith

Bob-- What I like about Anna and her ranger colleagues is that they talk like real rangers. The dialog rings true to my ear. Rick Smith

May 2nd - 11:06am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for the info, Doug. Being with husband Paul implies that Anna will be at Natchez Trace Parkway in the next novel. Bingo! :o) The park visits answer is very interesting. Ms. Barr lives with her husband in New Orleans, so scheduling a visit to a park in that vicinity should be pretty convenient for her.

May 2nd - 10:33am | Doug Cook

I heard Nevada speak at a book signing of Winter Study in Washington, DC on April 7. While she graciously signed my book, I asked her two questions: 1. Was Anna going to be with her husband, Paul, in the next novel? She said Yes as Anna was getting tired of celibacy.

May 2nd - 08:48am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for the feedback, Debbie. I agree that the Anna Pigeon books can be read in any order without undue confusion, though it's best to read them in chronological order if you can manage it. There's a classic rule of thumb that applies to reading materials that are published in series and contain dated or "perishable" content.

May 2nd - 08:13am | Debbie

I didn't have the benefit of reading her books first to last. I found her books by accident and have picked one up every time I run across it. I have skipped around, but still thoroughly enjoyed them. I think that Ms. Barr does a good of providing enough background and insight into Anna Pigeon's character in each book to allow you to enjoy them independently.

Critics: Changing Gun Laws in National Parks Would Open a "Pandora's Box" of Problems

May 3rd - 13:10pm | Anonymous

I live in Colorado and every time I cross NPS ground i do not unload my weapons because the criminals and drug addicts that frequent the road I travel and the the trails and canyons where they grow there crops do not unload theres. I love to sport hunt but i do understand that government land is off limits to any sort of hunting so any one shooting on government land is still prohibited.

May 2nd - 10:48am | mike n

If a person wants to carry in a park for protection it should be legal. If i shoot an animal illegaly I should be punished. If I shoot an animal or criminal(one in the same) then justice is served I will always have the right to defend myself and loved ones no matter what the poloticians think.

Groups Sue To Overturn Removal of Greater Yellowstone Wolves from Endangered Species List

May 3rd - 10:40am | Anonymous

Hey Anonymous, you may call Mr Saunders a skilled hunter but he had a cheap shot. Another words, unethical kill! If you peacock ranchers allow wildlife to have it's natural space to roam and breed and just maybe there can be some natural balance between predator and prey ratio.

May 2nd - 23:53pm | Anonymous

Those wolves are vicious...kill 'em before they get your pets or kids. Our ancestors killed 'em all off for good reason!

May 2nd - 23:50pm | Anonymous

That there Tony Saunders in that picture is a killin' mochine! I know Tony...he is quite the skilled hunter. He's a good man!

May 2nd - 21:20pm | Justin Forte

I hope and pray that the removal of the wolves from The Endangered Species List is overturned.

May 2nd - 13:57pm | Lone Hiker

Nobody is suggesting the solution is simple, or even black and white. One side states that the lands were given to us by the governing body for this expressed purpose. The other side states that you knew better when you undertook you're money-making endeavor.

May 2nd - 12:51pm | Justin Forte

SAVE THE WOLVES, BOYCOTT BEEF!

May 2nd - 09:31am | Anonymous

Anonymous, your snide comments doesn't merit much sense. I have met a few like you, it's all about guns, bullets and booze with the slogan "a huge gut pile is a happy hunter". In Yosemite we have the decline of the mountain loin which enhances the deer population to explode...another words, the predator-prey ratio is all screwed up.

May 1st - 22:36pm | Anonymous

It is perfectly legal to kill wolves that leave the park and threaten livestock. After all, all you environuts were warned that this would happen, and now you're cryin...and you're probably eatin' a fat juicy steak while you're cryin.

Senators Pushing To Allow Concealed Weapons in National Parks

May 2nd - 20:40pm | Handyman

As a veteran in a wheelchair I always carry my concealed weapon because you just never know who wants to do you harm. This includes are national parks. I have very few options if me or my family were in danger. I wish I lived in Lone Hikers world but I dont I live in reality.

Congressman Calls for Full EIS of Proposal to Allow Concealed Carry in America's National Parks

May 2nd - 20:36pm | Anonymous

The entire 2nd amendment reads as follows: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." If you're going to quote it, quote all of it not just the parts you like.

May 2nd - 14:21pm | RangerTyler

"soceity that functions for the common good" Hmm. But the Bill of Rights was established not for the so-called "common good", but to protect individual rights from infringement by the federal government. "It one reads our Constitution carefully, without objectivity, you will discover that the intent and structure was based around a vision of socialistic government."

May 2nd - 10:26am | Lone Hiker

What people seem to very conveniently dismiss is that both the"rights" of the individual and of the group cease when they infringe in a dangerous, malicious and potentially harmful manner on the existence of society as a whole.

May 1st - 18:04pm | JoeSF

Mr. Grijalava is a proud former member of La MEChA and an open borders advocate. Given the dangers that exist along the Arizona Border including this congressman’s 7th district I feel it is safe to assert that law abiding citizens would be crazy not to be armed in the back country there. While I respect Mr.

May 1st - 16:40pm | RangerTyler

"geared toward pacification of special interests" I don't see defending civil rights and the Bill of Rights as a "special interest". Do the members of this site refer to the outcry at the NPS's proposed ban on assembly on the National Mall a "special interest"? Is the First Amendment--and its guarantees of freedom of the press and assembly--a special interest?

May 1st - 16:25pm | Fred Miller

Good point. Places like you mention are no places for guns. None needed. They all have metal detectors and security guards. The backcounrty I'm talking about does NOT. My point is that if you aren't taking EVERYONE'S gun, don't try to take MINE.

May 1st - 16:01pm | Rangertoo

Pro-gun advocates commenting on this issue seem to forget what national parks are. They are not all Yosemite. They include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Ellis Island, the home of Frederick Douglas, the Washington Monument, Lincoln's home, and similar sites. Do you really want people carrying guns into Ellis Island or Independence Hall?

Another Park Study Approved

May 2nd - 14:19pm | William H Braunlich

Dear Editor Repenshek and National Parks Traveller Bloggers:

Traveler's Top 10 Picks For Movies Involving National Parks

May 2nd - 11:07am | Tad Lyford

I suppose including TV shows opens another can of worms, but I'll go for it: "Nash Bridges", with Don Johnson and Cheech Marin had a couple of seasons filming at San Francisco Maritime NHP. I was a ranger there for those years, and it was rather odd to see the likes of Willie Nelson, Tommy Chong, and Tracy Lords wandering around on Hyde Street Pier. Charsimatic megafauna? Hmm.

The Essential RVing Guide

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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.