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Should the NPS Be Given Mount St. Helens?

Aug 30th - 23:09pm | Anonymous

oh, and often times the agencies close things to get visitors to call politicians to get them to start funding things adequately... it's an effective "shaming" tool for getting politicians attention.

Aug 30th - 23:08pm | Anonymous

"USFS simply isn't used to deal with keeping the balance between tourism and protection in a highly visible NM. " hold on a minute...

Aug 30th - 21:04pm | rscottjones

As I mentioned last time this came up, there is enormous pressure on the Forest Service for mining, forest and (intrusive) recreational use within the boundaries of the monument. Because the Forest Service's mission is not about protection of the resource, but best use of the resource, the Forest Service is prone to give in to these commercial interests.

Aug 30th - 14:35pm | Mrc

It seems like the USFS lacks the ability to mange a protected area with significant public interest. And given the other National Monuments administered by the USFS, they don't need this ability.

Aug 30th - 13:51pm | Glenn Scofield ...

And one more thing, the USFS does not operate three visitor centers in the monument. It used to, but one visitor center (Silver Lake) is now operated by the Washington State Parks and Recreation department and it isn't located in the monument, but several miles away near Interstate 5. Two are left and one is being closed.

Aug 30th - 13:33pm | Glenn Scofield ...

As I mentioned last time this came up, there is enormous pressure on the Forest Service for mining, forest and (intrusive) recreational use within the boundaries of the monument. Because the Forest Service's mission is not about protection of the resource, but best use of the resource, the Forest Service is prone to give in to these commercial interests. Mount St.

Aug 30th - 13:32pm | Random Walker

Are three visitor centers necessary?

Interpretation on the Tallgrass Prairie

Aug 30th - 17:49pm | MJ

What's the difference between flint and limestone?" he was asked. "I really don't know," was the answer. Everyone clap for Owen. He already knew the answer.

Aug 30th - 16:42pm | Ron Mastrogiuseppe

In reflecting upon Owen's experiences during his recent visit to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, I am afraid that the NPS interpretive program might indeed be operating at the C grade level. Now had the interpreter lied, or fabricated information, I would have given them an F, not a C.

Aug 30th - 13:00pm | Glenn Scofield ...

I have to agree with Owen here. Not only has the quality of interpretation slipped, but the quantity of interpretation has seriously declined. Used to be a host of walks and evening programs and other programs to help one better understand the park and its history, geology, etc.

Aug 30th - 10:59am | Owen Hoffman

I would like to thank you for your thoughtful comments. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is indeed intriguing and worth the visit. I'd like it even more if there were bison grazing instead of cattle.

Aug 29th - 11:15am | Anonymous

geeez.... i bet that you, as a former interpreter, would know one of the best things to say when you don't know the answer is "i don't know." kudos to the ranger for his honesty rather than making something up like a lot of interpreters do. additionally, one of the jobs of an interpreter is to get people excited about something so they go on to learn more themselves.

Aug 28th - 16:40pm | Craig Zernickow

Typically in the area of Kansas where the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is located, the requirement for support of year-round Bison grazing is between 8-10 acres per animal, although the estimates vary depending upon rainfall and subsequent plant conditions.

10 Best Lodges in the National Parks

Aug 30th - 17:09pm | huanted hiker

Jeremy, Great start of a thread. Here's my new favorite:

Aug 30th - 12:33pm | Glenn Scofield ...

I have to admit, I'm a real sucker for Roosevelt Lodge at Yellowstone and for White Wolf tent cabins in Yosemite. They are to me reminiscent of the old-fashioned park experience with a touch of civilization attached. I love waking in the mornings to the cool morning air, lighting up a fire in the wood stove... cup of coffee...

Aug 30th - 11:12am | Owen Hoffman

Has anyone thought about posting the room rates for the 10 best lodges? I Googled the rates for the Ahwahnee Hotel, and here's what I found: Ahwahnee $408 Ahwahnee Cottages $408 Jr. Suites $499 Suites $893 Tressider Suite w/Library Parlor $984 Additional Adult in same room $21/night Add. rollaway bed in same room $11/night

Aug 29th - 19:22pm | Lone Hiker

I'll be the first to admit that I have yet to visit, or will EVER visit the entire scope of facilities offered within the NPS. I also concede to the fact that all encompassing words and statements never live up to their billing.

Aug 29th - 18:54pm | repanshek

Oh, I wouldn't be so quick to say "no other lodge" in the park system can foster such camaraderie.

Aug 29th - 18:41pm | Lone Hiker

So much for focusing on content. But since the author raises a new question, my personal hands-down choice is Phantom Ranch. Location, location, LOCATION!!! There are no "casual tourists" to be had in the bottom of the abyss, which enhances the level of camaraderie amongst kindred spirits, akin to a true brotherhood of a "lodge".

Aug 29th - 18:07pm | jersu

OK, new question: If you had the opportunity to spend the night in any lodge within the entire park system tonight, which one would you choose, and why?

Aug 29th - 11:32am | jr_ranger

The larger issue here is that concessionaires should be, in some people's view, returning more money back to the park from which they profit. Lodges run by XYZ company in parks are important, because there are better things for NPS to worry about than changing your sheets. However, XYZ company could (and should) be doing a better job of giving back to the park where it does business.

Aug 28th - 15:51pm | jersu

A few quick notes -

Aug 28th - 15:34pm | Lone Hiker

How did you guys manage to drift so far off on a tangent? Franks's comments competely ignore the contents of the article. But I'll put in my two-cents worth on this bellyaching anyway. See editorial above. Then PLEASE try and maintain your focus!

Aug 28th - 15:25pm | Lone Hiker

I'm not overly enthusiastic with privately run corporations charged with the lodging concessions in nationally held lands either. But do you really have any clue as to the reasoning behind these lease agreements?

Aug 28th - 13:53pm | jersu

Marianne,

Aug 28th - 12:55pm | Marianne

You mention a lodge you liked by Olympic. Can you name it? I am looking for a great place to stay there. Thanks!

Aug 28th - 10:51am | jersu

Frank,

Aug 28th - 10:37am | Matt

Frank, what exactly do you mean by "gives almost nothing back to the park"? What is the fee that these lodges pay to NPS? Is it the same across the system or does it vary from park to park? I'm not familiar with how NPS manages their concession system but it sounds like you are. I'm interested in seeing how much the NPS earns off a place like the Ahwahnee. Matt

Yosemite Falls All Dried Up

Aug 30th - 13:11pm | Glenn Scofield ...

The watershed that feeds Yosemite Creek is very small compared to the massive watersheds for Bridalveil Creek (which feeds Bridalveil Fall) and the Merced River (which feeds Vernal & Nevada Falls). Yosemite Creek's watershed is based around the southern slopes of Mount Hoffman which isn't far from Yosemite Valley.

Aug 30th - 10:41am | Kath

Anon is right. Even after the record snowpack of the winter of 05/06, when the High Sierra Camps couldn't open until very late due to snow, Yosemite Falls was dry by Labor Day. And it was dry by late August the year before that. Nevada and Vernal Falls seem to run year round.

Aug 29th - 21:26pm | Anonymous

Any of you mountain climbers in need of a liquid rubberizing dip? Great for coating metal, plastic, rope ends Any ideas please pass them on to me. Sincerely, Mike Anderson

Aug 29th - 19:24pm | Anonymous

It dries up every year. Bridalveil usually doesn't though.

National Park Service to Charge for Clean Air?

Aug 29th - 18:21pm | jersu

Kelly, Great question. I contacted the Park Service for the answer. Here's what I heard back -

Aug 28th - 15:34pm | Kelly

Is there any way to find out if this survey is related to the ongoing State Implementation Plans (SIP) being written across the country this year that are supposed to improve visibility in our national parks, in order to comply with fairly recent rules on regional haze?

Aug 27th - 19:58pm | Beth Whitman

I guess we can all, uh, breathe a sigh of relief :-)

Aug 27th - 18:07pm | jlisa

Look, We already pay taxes for environmental issues.

Back in the Saddle

Aug 29th - 12:28pm | Anonymous

i have visited the west 7 times since 1981, and a visit would be incomplete without a stay at Paradise, even if it rains during the whole stay. steve anderson, ex Wa resident(three years in Renton)

Judge Tosses Surprise Canyon Lawsuit

Aug 29th - 12:06pm | Duane

Earthjustice can kiss my butt, they are just a bunch of lawyer parasites--NOT environmentalists--who make their living by trying to deny use of public lands to the taxpayers who OWN them.

Aug 29th - 08:30am | Klondyke

My Father and Uncle drove to Panamint City in the late thirties. Their mode of transportation was a a 1932 Chevrolet. No granny gear, no 4x4. They saw Panamint City before it was stripped of machinery to support the war effort. I heard this story often and went there myself in 1969.

Missing Hiker in Yosemite Found Dead

Aug 28th - 14:18pm | AG

Does anyone know exactly where she was found?

91st Anniversary for National Park Service

Aug 27th - 20:08pm | jersu

You're welcome Beth! Without trying too hard, conversation can get pretty serious around here. Occasionally, I try to keep it a little light-hearted if I can.

Aug 27th - 20:00pm | Beth Whitman

Thanks for the laugh-out-loud photo!

Aug 27th - 13:25pm | jersu

Don't know if there is an official committee, but we could start one! I've given our man a straw flat hat for the desert environment of Death Valley ... we have to keep SOME of the tradition alive, how else would we separate the NASCAR drivers from the NPS Rangers?

Aug 27th - 10:49am | jersu

I nominate Frank and Beamis to head up the NPT centennial uniform committee. I'd like to suggest the NPS consider uniforms like these from NASCAR. They are built from a fire-retardant material (addresses safety), and there is plenty of room for the logos of Proud Partner organizations. I don't think directors order #21 has any objections to branding of the uniform.

Aug 26th - 18:23pm | vink80

It is quite exasperating to see the money grabbing private enterprizes running some of our national parks. They should not be run on a hotel hilton theme . Some how the original intent has been lost to profiteering.

And, Speaking of Volcanoes ... Audio Story at Lassen Volcanic

Aug 27th - 18:04pm | Russell Virgilio

I've been a year-round park ranger (interpreter) at Lassen for 2 and 1/2 years now I have to say no matter how many times you've visited the park, it will always leave you wanting more.

The Essential Death Valley

Aug 25th - 11:03am | Random Walker

Actually there is quite a bit of adventurous and popular back country backpacking in Death Valley National Park. I have noticed that most of your guides / reports cater more to the day hiker, restaurant camping, hotel crowd. Not that I mind as it keeps the back country in Our National Parks a little more serene, I suppose :-)

Aug 25th - 05:59am | Anonymous

The dunes photo accompanying this article is absolutely superb. Anyone who has ever photographed dunes in a similar setting can appreciate how difficult it is to get every element -- composition, lighting, texture, whatever -- exactly right. I'm impressed.

Blue Angels Fly By Grand Tetons

Aug 25th - 07:21am | jsmacdonald

A fairly happy ending to this story as far as I'm concerned (though they managed one shot that they might use, but not what they wanted). See Clouds thwart Angels in Teton photo shoot

Learning About the Parks, and Getting Credit for It, Too!

Aug 24th - 13:47pm | Michelle

I couldn't agree more, your comment says it all:)

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