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Oprah Went Camping in Yosemite National Park, But Will She Remain A Fan of the National Parks?

Nov 2nd - 17:38pm | tomp

Different folks enjoy our parks in different ways.

Nov 2nd - 14:14pm | destroyerman

she apparently dosent really feel the effects that most of our parks have on most people who love the outdoors. thats what happens when you live in a concrete jungle. of the two parks,i think that yellowstone is hard to beat...,and seems to be a lot cleaner than yosimite..but both are the work of god...and inspriing to most who visit.

Nov 2nd - 11:59am | y_p_w

I just wanted to note that it's the "Grizzly Giant".

Exporting "Rangering": Working To Help Nicaraguans Safeguard Rare Hawksbill Turtles

Nov 2nd - 17:27pm | Kelsey Anderson

I am writing a term paper for my ecological aspects of park management class on turtle poaching in nicaraguan national parks. I was actually at La Flor national park in december and got to experience turtles laying eggs, and saw the poaching right down the beach. I am looking for information focused on the ecological effects of poaching turtle eggs in nicaragua.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Crushed By Vehicle At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Nov 2nd - 14:37pm | Sydney

Look I am one of the biggest sea turtle fanatics you will ever meet, but i don't agree with banning the driving on the beaches of Ocracoke my family has been traveling to Ocracoke for more than fourty years and we always come to fish.

Report Counters GOP Arguments That Environmental Regs, Agencies Hampering Border Security

Nov 2nd - 13:11pm | tomp

If you're interested in additional / alternate information, the GAO report commissioned by Bishop and others is available at: www.gao.gov/new.items/d1138.pdf

Nov 2nd - 12:47pm | Kurt Repanshek

DEF,

Nov 2nd - 12:33pm | DEF

I know I know I know - I sound cynical. Woe is me. Its just that I am a lover and believer of National Parks but I am forever being lumped as someone who automatically hates them because I am a member of the GOP. Its frustrating. I do not believe for one minute that all Republicans want to do away with all the National Parks and mine and cut where they please.

Nov 1st - 22:59pm | ron mackie

Kurt, thank you for posting this interesting report. I am inclinned to beleive the report is accurate. As a former NPS Ranger for 37 years, I found that, in most cases, working with the other federal agencies was something we all looked forward to and resulted in excellent cooperation and an effective outcome.

Nov 1st - 18:29pm | Kurt Repanshek

Boy DEF, you're cynical enough to be a reporter! Truth is, this report just started circulating late last week. At least, that's when we first saw it. Bottom line: The House Republicans have been complaining about environmental laws and border security for months. This report seems to contradict some of their charges.

Nov 1st - 18:27pm | tomp

DEF--

Nov 1st - 18:04pm | DEF

Hmm....report dated 3 September 2010 not mentioned here until day before election day. Kind of supports my own take on this site: don't contribute as maybe you get enough from Soros to keep it afloat.

Nov 1st - 17:27pm | S Nicol

"If wilderness designation gets in the way of a secure southern border, I want the designation changed. If it means you lose a couple of acres of wilderness, I don't think God will blame us at the judgment bar for doing that." -- Rep. Rob Bishop.

Nov 1st - 09:11am | Lee Dalton

"In some of his re-election campaign materials Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, perhaps the most outspoken Republican on the committee when it comes to public lands issues, argues that border security should "not be hampered by absurd environmental regulations."

Gary Everhardt: The “Right Man at the Right Time” on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Nov 2nd - 11:07am | Leslie Bailey M...

Randy, I really enjoyed your article about Gary Everhardt. It was wonderful to read about the life of the man who had such a hand in changing the history of our Blue Ridge Parkway landscape forever. Thank you for bringing his memories to print for us all to appreciate his rich history and love for the earth and nature across our marvelous country.

Oct 31st - 12:53pm | Fred Fagergren

One of the great gentleman of the Service. He always pursued the best for the Service and found the best in others. He helped us each feel pride in what we were doing as Park Rangers. Thanks Gary!

The National Parks, Our American Landscape

Nov 2nd - 10:10am | Jane S

The image you chose of this book reminded me of Ansel Adams. Never too many books on the parks. But how about more photos on the website?? Just a thought...

How Might Fatal Attack By Mountain Goat Change Backcountry Dynamics in National Parks?

Nov 2nd - 08:00am | lee jones

This recent mountain goat attack should be a warning to all hikers. I recently hiked nearly 50 miles this summer in the Glacier National Forest and encountered several experiences with mountain goats. We had one curious goat that stared us down and followed us for a long distance near the top of the Sperry Glacier Trial.

Oct 30th - 09:22am | Kurt Repanshek

Sorry Kolby, I don't recall such a video. If I run across it, though, I'll try to post it.

Oct 30th - 01:33am | Kolby

Kurt, didn't you post a video of an aggressive mountain goat vs a car? I seem to recall a video created by the occupants of the vehicle as they are rolling backwards from the bold goat, possibly recorded in the Glacier National Park.

Bridge Day 2010 is in the Books at New River Gorge National River

Nov 1st - 19:35pm | Anonymous

In response to rappeller... I think because the people on top of the bridge can't see you guys, there isn't as much "press" about you. We had the wonderful opportunity to watch the days events from the bottom and it was great watching you!! I've posted some pictures of both rappellers and jumpers on the national park flickr site.

Oct 29th - 12:42pm | Rappeller

The 22 teams of rappellers is correct, but the overall number of rappels is grossly incorrect. Our team of 11 people completed 37 rappels this year, and that leaves 22 other teams with 10-15 people per team who also participated...

Creature Feature: Burmese Pythons Prowl the Everglades, and That’s Not a Good Thing

Nov 1st - 18:11pm | tomp

Not a whole lot of kudzu in the Everglades, Jon. I am a biologist (at least the paper on the wall in my mom's den says so), but the answer to the question of how many large pythons can live in the Everglades is mostly simple math.

Nov 1st - 11:58am | Jon Merryman

Do they eat kudzu?

Nov 1st - 09:41am | Andrew D.

I am not a biologist. Last night I saw a program on channel 13 about these Burmese pythons. I want somebody to explain to me, or correct me, how The Everyglades can support an evergrowing popoulation of these cretures, or of any top of the food chain animal. I was always taught that the larger a predator, the larger a terrutory it needs to live in, feed, and breed.

Rock Falls In Yosemite National Park Provide Homes For Curious Scorpion-Like Creature

Nov 1st - 11:50am | Jon Merryman

For those that can't visualize the comparison...

Nov 1st - 11:41am | Jon Merryman

Looks a little like Yosemite Sam, don'tcha think? Small... claws reminiscent of his red mustache... I'm just sayin'...

Trail Ridge Road Across Rocky Mountain National Park Closed for Winter

Nov 1st - 10:53am | Bill

I visited Trail Ridge road last July and part of was closed for a short while because of snow.

Oprah Visits Yosemite National Park

Nov 1st - 10:33am | Anonymous

What a stunning revelation, and hopefully a powerful movement in the future.

Oct 31st - 13:36pm | Anonymous

I went to Yosemite this past summer for the first time. I made my reservation one week before going, so it is not always impossible to score a campsite. BTW, I went in July.

Oct 30th - 21:34pm | y_p_w

Rick B: I guess Everypark USA is either close to or remote from SOMEbody. Sure. Yosemite is a pretty short trip from large population centers in Modesto and Fresno.

Oct 30th - 20:30pm | Rick B.

I guess Everypark USA is either close to or remote from SOMEbody.

Oct 30th - 15:45pm | y_p_w

Anonymous:

Oct 30th - 09:24am | Anonymous

Oprah could have done more good by visiting a park that is closer to home - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Yosemite is a great place, but if you want to encourage people to visit their national parks, don't pick one that is remote and hard to get to as your example.

Oct 29th - 21:02pm | ron mackie

I had the chance to see the Oprah show, it was a delight. Oprah and her very nice friend did a great service for America today, they went on a camping trip to an iconic National Park, and did it with fun and good humor. Yes, it is hard work to go camping, but you get the hang of it after awhile, provided of course that you can find a campsite in our more popular parks.

Oct 29th - 20:07pm | wawonakid

Velma Melmac lives on!

Oct 29th - 19:18pm | Lee Dalton

I was able to watch a little of Oprah's show today and found it extremely disappointing. (It was the first time I've ever tuned in to one of her shows.)

Oct 29th - 16:09pm | Tarsha Scovens

It's worth an applause to Yosemite Ranger Shelton Johnson and Oprah for what they are doing. My sister and I have started a business that focuses primarily on introducing the outdoors (i.e., camping, fishing, hiking) to those that lack participation in outdoor activity, primarily targeting African Americans and Hispanics.

Century-Old Building at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Yields Some Surprises

Nov 1st - 06:57am | J.R.

You got that right!

House Republicans Say Interior Secretary's Proposed Snake Ban Bad for Business

Nov 1st - 06:50am | Jake Brownell

I keep and am working on starting a small business centered around Reticulated Pythons.To the general public they see them as a mindless eating machine.Yes they get 20+ feet long but they have to be one of the best snakes if have the joy to keep.I have 3 and not once have I or anyone that has come in contact with them has been bitten, responsibility plays a huge role in this .People must take t

The Wonder That Is The Linn Cove Viaduct On the Blue Ridge Parkway

Oct 31st - 11:09am | Peter

Why is this viaduct being praised so wholeheartedly? In my opinion, even though this bridge may be a marvel of modern construction, it is a thorn in the side of a marvel of an ancient mountain.

Oct 30th - 12:45pm | Randy Johnson

The Tanawha Trail is indeed a wonderful walk, with great viaduct views in a number of places. Let me urge you to check out the videos I shot below in the very areas mentioned in the comments. Both videos feature views of the viaduct area as well as updates on the status of the Tanawha Trail, after ice storms in 2009-2010, and boardwalk repairs in summer 2010.

Oct 30th - 06:48am | Jodi

I agree with Danny Bernstein that the Tanawha Trail offers several really great views of the viaduct. But I'll add to that -- keep going on the Tanawha Trail! It's one of my favorite hikes because it keeps changing it up.

Oct 29th - 15:58pm | Anonymous

Anything like the bridge - which allows access without significant alteration of the landscape - is always a marvel.

Oct 29th - 06:50am | Danny Bernstein

The Linn Cove Viaduct is deceptive. Drive it and it doesn't feel all that special. But if you see it from the boardwalk on the Tanawha Trail (part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), it is breathtaking. The road curves out of a sea of green and is instantly recognizable. Danny Bernstein www.hikertohiker.com

Piping Plover Production Up At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Oct 30th - 17:24pm | anonymous

Whoever wrote this comment is obviously biased and has never been to Hatteras Island. The notion that ORVs run roughshod over the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is blatant lie that the environmental extremists want you to believe. If you have the tiniest doubt about what I say, seek the truth and come here and see for yourself.

Claw and Horn In Yellowstone

Oct 30th - 12:16pm | Anonymus

You can see the pictures at this site. Very cool pictures. http://www.krtv.com/news/grizzly-versus-bison-the-rest-of-the-story/ Beth

At Ninety Six National Historic Site, Management Strives to Serve Steak on a Mac & Cheese Budget

Oct 30th - 11:43am | kevin mcintyre

we visited this last spring and enjoyed the park very much. they were having a re-inactment weekend and my children loved it. mr. tim was very gracious with his time and attention to my children, as well as the other rangers. we are going back again next year.

National Park Mystery Photo 20: What Curious Thing Is This?

Oct 30th - 00:19am | Anonymous

I guess armadillo!

Mennonite Women Backpacking and Bears Falling in Shenandoah National Park

Oct 29th - 00:06am | Jane S

Enjoyed your colorful description here, Kurt, I could almost taste the acorn. Bouncing bears and Mennonite maids, the CVB couldn't make this stuff up. Keep it comin' :)

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.