You are here

Home

All Recent Comments

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

Feb 4th - 10:56am | Ron Saunders

Who?

Feb 3rd - 16:31pm | justinh

"There seems to be two user types in every contraversial situation that develops in our National Parks. There are the ones that want no noise, no tracks, no change to anything, no movement that will be noticed by another, not even wildlife, and some would even prefer no people at all." Who? This seems to be a strawman.

Feb 3rd - 16:15pm | Ron Saunders

Well you did it again Kurt. One point in common keeps popping up.

Feb 3rd - 14:03pm | justinh

Hey anonymous, I also own the land. And I'm perfectly happy that there are restrictions on its use--as there are with any piece of land anywhere.

Feb 3rd - 13:45pm | Anonymous

just let the snowmobile operators enjoy the land that they own to ride on... oh you mean they don't own any of their own land for their "recreation".... thought so

Will This Be Remembered As Our Preamble To Losing The Wolverine?

Feb 4th - 10:46am | Rick B.

These articles always mention the "continental US", or the "lower 48", yet in the Anchorage Daily News they post photos of folks who have hunted wolverines: www.adn.com/2008/07/11/462262/hunting-gallery.html#id=1600174&view=large...

Feb 3rd - 21:11pm | Spirit Coyote

This is a great article. The author is absolutely correct to question our national priorities on a fundamental level. Why are we concentrating so much of our resources on killing people when we should be focused on preserving and re-establishing the ecosystems that all life depends on (including our own).

Feb 3rd - 17:55pm | Lee Dalton

There is an excellent wolverine article in this month's issue of the NPCA magazine.

Feb 3rd - 15:45pm | Anonymous

Look it is very simple...people are causing the demise of the wolverine.....not Pres Bush or the war in Afghanistan. The author wants readers to believe he is concerned about wolverines when in fact his sole purpose was to make a political statement. This guy is nothing more than a political activist hack posing as an environmentalist.

Feb 3rd - 15:44pm | justinh

Anonymous, I think I'm suggesting something different. The alternative to imaginary either/or budget debates isn't "just throwing money at something."

Feb 3rd - 14:49pm | Ryan

Anon, I can appreciate people's plight, but that is not the subject of the article, that's it. It really is that simple.

Feb 3rd - 14:09pm | anonymous

I agree in part, justinh, but throwing money at something has proven not always the most helpful. Mere griping about government usually comes from government employees, from what I've seen. Most efficient and productive elements in wildlife work are the "boots" on the ground who are overruled by politicos on up the "chain.

Feb 3rd - 13:44pm | justinh

One can always use any article as a pretext to gripe about what the government is spending its money on. The point is, the wolverine is in trouble, and is it worth mobilizing support to prevent its disappearance. I would say, "Of course, it is."

Feb 3rd - 12:23pm | anonymous

You know, Ryan, if there was a connection made to the article/comment and the economic and security crisis the country is undeniably going through it just might be helpful for the Wolverine. Take a look at what people care/don't care about when the cupboard's bare. This road we're on will slam the affluence that supports so many environmental and wildlife efforts.

Feb 3rd - 11:26am | Ryan

"Oh, I'm sorry, this article is supposed to be about Wolverine's and their plight." yep, so stick to it

Updated: Budgeting At Grand Canyon National Park Is Not Always As Simple As You Might Think

Feb 4th - 09:39am | Offended

Gordon Smith I have been to many sites that have native american drawings and without a doubt Shamans Gallery is unique and most remarkable. Unfortunately most sites with native american drawings are also littered with graffitti and the associated impacts of uneducated visitors that damage what is sacred through their stupidity or ignorance.

Feb 4th - 09:33am | Rich Granberg

The volunteer offer was two years ago before this EA came out and to set things straight, I KNOW the politics involved here and they don't do any of the foot soldiers justice whether they are trail crew, wranglers, packers or hikers. There's a quality missing sometimes in leadership. The best ones seem to have a bigger view and bring things together.

Feb 4th - 06:51am | No one in particular

What I always envisioned and worked toward while working at the Canyon was engaging every person on the trail in an effort to make the experience the best it could be. Just the effort to edify individuals paid great rewards. The woman that had come to the Canyon after a bad breakup and was thinking of doing the worst (turned out well).

Feb 3rd - 23:23pm | Return of Shaggy

How is this possible? Napkin math here: Just say you did almost all the ditch digging. Never mind all the other items that require maintenance and repair.

Feb 3rd - 21:36pm | Gordon Smith

Casey, I cant stand by and watch this insanity with out puttin in my 2 cents, Be good to talk with ya again one of these day's, Hope your doing well pard,...

Feb 3rd - 20:56pm | Gordon Smith

Quote from a YAHOO,It doesnt effect private use at all - you got a mule, get a permit go ride it in the Grand Canyon - celebrate being American....

Feb 3rd - 20:48pm | Casey Murph

Like, really? Like, wow, shaggy! Thanks for illustrating to my point trailsman!

Feb 3rd - 20:32pm | Gordon Smith

What really tipped my hat in this hole thing was the fact that Martin had the Mules inspected for abuse from a very non qualified person with no appropriate back ground on the most cared for animals in the world and bringing down one of the best hands that Ive ever had the pleasure to work with ( Casey Murph ) a man I truly respect, from what Ive read I believe Martin to be about the most dirty

Feb 3rd - 20:08pm | Trailsman

I know several people that work on the NPS Trail Crew, these are some of the hardest working people I have ever known and they are passionate about their work. Billy Allen gets too much bad press for a guy who works like everyday and has to deal with short budgets, the government and the upper tiers of park management all the time he preaches to the trail crew about a greater cause.

Feb 3rd - 19:56pm | Casey Murph

Here are some facts. During the years I was in charge of inner canyon mule operations for Xanterra, my 4 person trail maintenance crew did almost all the work keeping the south rim corridor trails open. NPS crews were rarely seen, and when they were, they spent precious time engaged in things like yoga while my crew had been working trail for hours.

Feb 3rd - 19:26pm | Rich Granberg

Yes, ypw, my figure was indeed incorrect. You think it changes the dynamics of the discussion? I guess it does a bit but getting to what I see as the loss here is not concessionaire profits nor the cost to NPS but the LOSS TO THE PUBLIC because of the priority of sending trail dollars away from established public use to PUNISH a concessionaire (that does not care)!

Feb 3rd - 18:34pm | y_p_w

Keeper - your math is way off. That should read 6%.

Feb 3rd - 18:18pm | YAHOO-GD-IT !!

It seems that the pro-livestock crowd commenting here just wants carte - blanche access to the trails and no responsibility to the impacts of their activity. These commentors also seem to attack or attempt to discredit the comments from hiker groups or anyone that dosent share their opinions. Seem like a bully tactic to me.

Feb 3rd - 18:04pm | Gordon Smith

This is the Peoples Park,http://www.gordonspanel.com/ Quote.Remember that the NPS is required to preserve and protect these places, in perpetuity, for the enjoyment of future generations, not just your generation or demographic.

Feb 3rd - 18:00pm | Keeper

No gasket problem here, Cheese. Sounds like you might be a local so would offer up something. Just a visit together over a micro or several. I'm not usually violent unless rudeness to my charges or the Canyon is involved :).

Feb 3rd - 17:10pm | Cheese with Whine

Quote- Keeper: To the complainer remark by anonymous: I 'm working hard at not truly reacting to your remark, LOL. Why the intimidation? The post was about volunteering your time and not complaining. Usually people get defensive when they get backed into a corner, could it be that the post offends you because its true?

Feb 3rd - 16:12pm | Keeper

To the complainer remark by anonymous: I 'm working hard at not truly reacting to your remark, LOL, it is so rediculous and out of place, really. It's my experience that NPS politicos (not backcountry rangers) do not really want our help except when they demand it.

Feb 3rd - 15:49pm | Gordon Smith

Contact Information for Congressman Rob Bishop Office Addresses and Phone Numbers: Washington office: 123 Cannon Building Washington, DC 20515 ph: 202-225-0453 fax: 202-225-5857 Ogden office (main Utah office): 1017 Federal Building 324 25th St Ogden, UT 84401 ph: 801-625-0107 fax: 801-625-0124

Feb 3rd - 15:42pm | Local

Just a couple of days ago I saw what must have been 40-mules running down the road at the South Rim Village. They had escaped from the Xanterra mule barn and we all went out to watch the excitement. Ironically the most visible response to help capture and return these mules to the corral was the NPS rangers, they had vehicles blocking off the road as the mules where herded up.

Feb 3rd - 15:30pm | Anonymous

I just hiked out of the South Kaibab Trail and saw what must have been 20-people working on the Red and Whites, there is a sign next to their work camp at Tip-Off that identifies it as a NPS work crew. There where people in uniforms ponding on rocks and rolling wheelbarrows around, looked like hard work to me. I would say that something is getting done with these entrance fee dollars.

Feb 3rd - 15:19pm | Gordon Smith

But where's the BEEF ? I dont see a MULE issue, I see a misappropriation of tax payer money ,. Where did it all go to help the Mules keep there job ?

Feb 3rd - 14:59pm | Anonymous

Many of the frustrations expressed here could be reduced by volunteering your spare time as an alternative to criticizing the NPS and portraying it as some evil beast. I bet you could help pick up hiker trash, or educate park visitors about the mule issues.

Feb 3rd - 14:33pm | Gordon Smith

Oh, Pardon me, that number was $750,000,000 to the whole NPS system, my apology's, Regards G

Feb 3rd - 14:23pm | Gordon Smith

As long as I can remember there's alway's been a slight friction between Wranglers and NPS Rangers ? Now lets try to put together a puzzle, Martin Ex Ranger turn Super man, Fights with Wrangler, Wrangler in the right over safety of Riders, Martin cuts off Wranglers head, ,,$200,000,000 in Stimulus funds, Bike path to no where, no money for trail work, Martin takes retirement, money gone ?

Feb 3rd - 12:37pm | Gordon Smith

Fine words of wisdom Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. Theodore Roosevelt The government is us; we are the government, you and I. Theodore Roosevelt Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.

BuRec Issues Draft Environmental Assessment Looking At High-Flow Releases From Glen Canyon Dam

Feb 4th - 09:23am | Bob Janiskee

Several comments recently submitted for vetting will not appear on these pages. While most Traveler readers treat each other with respect in their comments, some people unfortunately seem to feel that the rules of civility don't apply to them.

Feb 4th - 09:07am | James Todd

They have run the flush several times and has not proven anything exept there were less chubs after the flush than before. All it does is build sand bars for the few river runners as compared the lakes users.

Roundup of Nearly 300 Yellowstone National Park Bison, With Some Destined For Slaughter, Draws Condemnation

Feb 4th - 09:17am | Spirit Coyote

All good points. However, while I think an estimate of Yellowstone's carrying capacity is relevant and useful, it doesn't change the fact (IMO) that the herd needs to be allowed to grow AND expand its range onto the surrounding National Forest land.

Feb 3rd - 23:37pm | Sam

With an environmental background and some experience on a 15,000 acre bison ranch in Montana, I stress that we do get involved in this issue, but with wisdom. This is not what most people are wanting to hear, but I believe every American MUST find it in their hearts to promote/support the existence of forward thinking individual ranchers of all types.

Feb 3rd - 21:24pm | Spirit Coyote

Here's a little information to help make a more informed Informed Montanan.

Feb 3rd - 21:17pm | Spirit Coyote

You can write to Colin Campbell, the superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. His e-mail is [email protected]. He's being swamped, or so he claims. Keep the pressure on. Tell him this (if you don't mind):

Feb 3rd - 14:31pm | C.C.

I agree with Ryan, your response has zero relevance to the topic. I HAVE been to Yellowstone and enjoyed the MANY magnificent bison. Although I don't live in Montana, I am quite aware of the true situation. I have been following the documented abuse of this herd for several years. What we are asking is that the bison be managed as wildlife and have a safe migration corridor.

Grand Canyon National Park Officials Release Stock Use Plan, Including Mule Ride Quotas

Feb 3rd - 18:31pm | y_p_w

Keeper: NPS Data: ‎"Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for its trails. The park has more than 630 miles of trails, including 415 miles of inner canyon backcountry trails and 42 miles of inner canyon corridor trails."

Feb 3rd - 16:40pm | Keeper

NPS Data: ‎"Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for its trails. The park has more than 630 miles of trails, including 415 miles of inner canyon backcountry trails and 42 miles of inner canyon corridor trails."

Enter Traveler's "Take Your Family to the National Parks" Essay Contest!

Feb 3rd - 13:05pm | Jane S

Nice photograph. Sounds like an awesome contest, good luck.

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.