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Record Summer of Turtle Nesting at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Spawns....Debate

Sep 28th - 17:55pm | Crotalus

Mr Johnston, (your statements in italics, my responses in bold) Regarding Piping Mad, if you view it again, I don't think turtles are addressed here. We are focussed on the Piping Plover. So how did we get to Piping Mad in this thread? You brought up “manipulation of information” of which Piping Mad is, IMO, a most egregious example.

Sep 28th - 16:06pm | longcaster

I cannot let this go by without comment;

Sep 28th - 15:39pm | dapster

Perhaps I mispoke, which is not unheard of coming from this guy. Yes, the NPS is in a tough situation, and generally shoot down the middle to the best of their abilities. Perhaps I should have left them out of the same group as the SELC, but my point was more towards the amount of press out of these groups all combined compared to that of the pro-access folks.

Sep 28th - 13:25pm | Jeff Johnston

Kurt, I do agree with your comment regarding NPS, they are between a rock and hard spot. That's unfortunate.

Sep 28th - 13:23pm | Jeff Johnston

Thanks for your comments Kurt. Regarding my "payment," that's not publicized because frankly I didn't think it was anyone's business, but, you are right, clarity on that is probably important. We have taken on this issue because we feel it's an important one...much larger issues at stake than ORV access at Hatteras.

Sep 28th - 13:18pm | Kurt Repanshek

Spin exists everywhere, unfortunately. As to the overwhelming majority of press coverage, I haven't tracked it so can't say. In my dealings with the NPS, I didn't get the sense they were trying to spin things or offer one side over another. They're between a rock and a hard spot.

Sep 28th - 13:08pm | dapster

"Well of course it's pertinent, Dap. PR firms are paid to spin a story. Certainly, it's good to know that Mr. Johnston is offering his services pro bono, as that wasn't previously clear and so it was hard to say what his motivation was in posting comments."

Sep 28th - 12:09pm | Kurt Repanshek

Well of course it's pertinent, Dap. PR firms are paid to spin a story. Certainly, it's good to know that Mr. Johnston is offering his services pro bono, as that wasn't previously clear and so it was hard to say what his motivation was in posting comments.

Sep 28th - 11:46am | dapster

Kurt, I, as an individual who resides in Virgina, (and as a member of the pro-access groups like CHAC, OBPA, and NCBBA), also have a "vested interest" in continued ORV access in CHNSRA, just as Mr. Johnston does.

Sep 28th - 09:42am | Rob Schonk

Crot, Your comments have been refuted in detail on the Outer Banks Connection Message Board, so rather than address them, I'll just post a link and let the folks decide for themselves: http://www.obxconnection.com/outer-banks-message-board/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Sep 27th - 21:45pm | Crotalus

Mr Johnston, Since you're here and the topic has diverged to "manipulation of information," I was wondering if you could clarify a few issues I have with "piping mad". Why wasn't there a disclaimer on the photo with beagle in the foothold trap stating it was being used for emotional value only and it had no connection to Cape Hatteras National Seashore?

Sep 27th - 19:29pm | Jeff Johnston

For transparency's sake, yes I do. And yes, I have a serious personal interest -- the injuries people are suffering. For the record, I have always been a conservationist. Still am. And, for the record, my interests here are not financial, my work in this issue will continue to be pro bono.

Sep 27th - 17:06pm | Kurt Repanshek

Perhaps you can point to the manipulation, Mr. Johnston.

Sep 27th - 16:19pm | Jeff Johnston

The constant manipulation of information and data in the name of environmentalism to justify agendas that are clearly damaging the futures and economies of the people affected is one of America's sad tragedies. I sense a backlash though. The sympathies of the people are wearing very, very thin.

Sep 26th - 22:35pm | dapster

Thanks for another objective article on this subject. "While there was a big change in nests at Cape Hatteras this past summer, Dr. Godfrey said that, overall, loggerhead nesting in the Southeastern states of North and South Carolina, and Georgia was good but not record-setting." Dr, Godfrey may want to rethink his statement.

Updated: Possible Increase In Climbing Fees at Denali, Mount Rainier National Parks Condemned by Climbers

Sep 28th - 15:30pm | Lee Dalton

An excellent comment, Toothdoctor.

Commentary: How Do You Prefer National Parks, Utilitarian, or Utopian?

Sep 28th - 15:12pm | Lee Dalton

Wow, Kurt, you sure touched one off here. This is a continuation of the age-old controversy that has always affected park management -- and will continue to do so until there are either no more parks or no more people.

Sep 28th - 12:41pm | Jon Merryman

It's not only me-me-me but also now-now-now. It's that "who cares, I'll be dead" attitude -- the same attitude George W. Bush conveyed when he was asked about his legacy. In many ways we are a victim of our successes.

Sep 28th - 11:13am | Anonymous

I've traveled extensively these past couple years. I've gone to numerous (over 60) National Parks, Disneyland, Disney World and countless tourist attractions throughout the country. One thing prevails regardless of location and that is that people are selfish. There is such a "I am the only one that matters" attitude.

Sep 28th - 07:42am | Larry

Maybe a compromise is due. Set aside parks operating in the "red" for the snowmobiles or go carts to generate income and leave those in the "black" in their purest natural settings. Or let those who visit the parks in one particular year vote on how they should be managed or what limitations should apply.

Sep 28th - 06:29am | Barky

One of the biggest pleasures I get out of touring the National Parks is the separation it gives me from the ludicrousness of our "developed" world. I want a chance to walk alone in a quiet area with nothing but nature around me.

Sep 28th - 06:27am | MRC

I see four issues here, interconnected. One is plain business sense. It is the one most easily explained. The second one is administrative creep. Each generation of NPS management wishes to be immortal by leaving something behind. Usually bricks, mortar, concrete or asphalt. The third is the general feeling of entitlement in our society. Once it is there, I must be able to use it.

Climate Change Continues To Melt Glacier National Park's Icons

Sep 28th - 13:19pm | Anonymous

this is an awesome article. i am writing an essay on depleting glacial runoff and tis really helped. i've also heard that countries like chile and peru need the glacial runoff for their ony water source.

No Charges Forthcoming In Shooting of Grizzly In Denali National Park and Preserve

Sep 28th - 12:51pm | Anonymous

What bothers me most about the incident is the direction interpretation of law is moving! If there isn't a law permitting something then it can be interpreted as breaking the law. Granted, this outcome might not be common, but allowing it to happen, because of publicly sensitive topics, is divisive and can set presidents that endanger all of our freedoms!

Fall Into Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Kills California Woman

Sep 28th - 12:18pm | Anonymous

3 years later. Miss and love you, Charlotte.

Mojave Desert Land Trust Secures More than 950 Acres for Joshua Tree National Park

Sep 28th - 10:53am | Nancy Karl

Hi Mike -- There are two ways to add lands into the parks: Administrative and legislative Mojave Desert Land Trust will work initially to add the parcels legislatively. Either avenue can take some time (a year or more) for the boundary adjustment that brings the parcels inside the park. Hope that helps. Nancy Karl Mojave Desert Land Trust

Sep 28th - 09:33am | MikeD

Is legislation required to officially add this land to the park?

Stargazing Scheduled for Great Smoky Mountains, Mount Rainier National Parks This Weekend

Sep 28th - 09:21am | pkrnger

In the eastern USA, organized star parties are at the mercy of the weather. However, so far the weather forecast for this Saturday evening looks quite promising. If all goes well, we'll have a small forest of different telescopes out in Cades Cove.

Bill to Establish a National Historical Park at Coltsville Misfires in the House

Sep 27th - 19:55pm | Barky

I, too, live in Connecticut, just a few towns away from Hartford. I am also a big NPS fan. However, I, too, don't think this is worthy of park status. There is really nothing left except for the building, so it wouldn't be a restoration as much as a complete fabrication.

Sep 27th - 17:37pm | Parkhiker

Parkpork. Larson is simply trying to bring some money to his district. I'm a liberal Democrat and I live in Connecticut and there is NO need for this.

Sep 27th - 15:18pm | d-2

Both Coltsville and Homestead (steel industry site in Pittsburgh) have integrity problems.

Sep 27th - 13:12pm | MikeD

Hard to say. I guess I'm not sold on the idea of a unit celebrating the manufacturing of firearms, both because it seems like such a specific historical topic and I don't know that I like the idea of the government creating a park that essentially celebrates personal firearms.

Sep 27th - 11:21am | Anonymous

Coltsville would be a good addition to the park system--our industrial heritage is underrepresented. When the legislation was proposed, even the conservative National Review, IIRC, had an editorial supporting Coltsville as a historical example of good labor-management relations.

Mules In Grand Canyon National Park: Should They Stay?

Sep 27th - 19:49pm | john

If you walk, it's free. If you want to ride a mule, it costs money. The "special interest" argument is specious because it's the more exclusive rich folks that offer it.

Beach Driving Ban Brings Fort Matanzas National Monument into Compliance, But Angers Matanzas Beach Users

Sep 27th - 16:20pm | Wendy

I miss not being able to drive at Matanzas Inlet. I used to go there to unwind and get back to nature. Relax, listen to the water gently lap on the shore. It was the best place to get water for my aquarium. (50 miles away, but so worth it.) Maybe someday we can get back there...

French Climber Dies in Fall on Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park and Preserve

Sep 27th - 15:58pm | Ryan

20 degrees is not that severe for a mountaineering endeavor such as Denali, but still very dangerous. If he had been tied, in who knows, two climbers may have been dealt the same fate. He must have lost awareness his sled, then over reacted, should have let the sled go! There is no place for inattentiveness in the mountains.

Another Daring Rescue at Yosemite National Park Uses a Bean Bag/Short Haul

Sep 27th - 15:57pm | Anonymous

Great photo by Clay Usinger!

Lakefront Building At Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Earns Top Energy/Environmental Certification

Sep 27th - 14:46pm | Catherine

Just a note that LEED was developed by the United States GREEN Building Council.

Grand Teton National Park Officials Plan to Extend Jackson Hole Airport's Lease For 20 Years

Sep 27th - 14:27pm | y_p_w

The airport was established before the NPS had control over the land. I don't know if there was another place where an airport could be placed. It's actually in a pretty flat area and far from any of the major visitation areas. They placed a ski resort into a mountain in the Tetons. I'd think that's a bigger issue than an airport located several miles from the Tetons.

Sep 27th - 11:18am | Courtney

The airport expansion has really added to the Jackson Hole airport experience. As a local who works in the travel industry, I can say that it's definitely a much more efficient process with the new renovations. And of course, it's still one of the most incredible and unique airport landings in the country.

Sep 27th - 11:10am | Bob Janiskee

Want a scenic view, Anon? Check this site.

Sep 27th - 10:59am | Anonymous

What a shame that an airport with its associated noise should be placed in front of a scenic view that is a national treasure

Traveler's Checklist: Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Sep 27th - 13:39pm | Jim Davis

Planning your trip to the scenic riverways? Don't miss the chance to hike/backpack Missouri's longest trail system the "Ozark Trail". Relatively unknown and non-commercialized 225 miles of through trail with a total mileage of nearly 350. This trail system has also received National Recreational Trail status. http://ozarktrail.com/

Fall On Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Proves Deadly to Rhode Island Man

Sep 27th - 13:28pm | Ralph

Next thing you know the government is going to require handrails along the route to prevent people from injuring themselves! Sad to hear this person lost their life...but at least he was enjoying some of the most spectacular sights that nature has to offer before he died. Not very many people know how to live life to the fullest!

The Rest of the Story – Tricky Clean-up at Crater Lake National Park After Car Goes Over the Edge

Sep 27th - 11:30am | Jon Merryman

There was a car that went off the West Rim Drive at Grand Canyon (sometime before 1985) that they could not extract, so they simply painted it the color of the surrounding rocks in an attempt to help it "blend in"... has anyone else out there spotted that car during your Grand Canyon viewings...? Don't know if they've since removed the car (a few pieces at a time) or not.

Great Gray Owls in Yosemite National Park Deemed to be Distinct Subspecies

Sep 27th - 06:40am | Jon Merryman

Had to read that headline twice-- thought you said "doomed"...!

Getting Your First Close-up View of Denali National Park and Preserve

Sep 26th - 22:51pm | Gita

Great article!! We were there on August 25th 2010. All we saw was a few Dall Sheep high up on the mountains---they looked like little white dots on the mountain. Was very disappointed we did not see any other animals in Denali National park. However we did get to see the whole Mt McKinley. Fell totally in love with Alaska. Can't wait to go back again!!!!

District Court Upholds Designation of Critical Winter Habitat for Piping Plovers Along Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Sep 26th - 19:40pm | Rach

I don't know all the facts, but as a Carteret County native of Shackleford Banks, I care about this issue. Here is a link to a documentary on this that I found interesting: http://vimeo.com/14696293. I found it interesting that according to the documentary, this bird is not endangered.

Fatality Reported on Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sep 26th - 16:52pm | Anonymous

Condolences to the family of the man that fell and died yesterday while descending from the summit. We were there, at the Keyhole and actually made the phone call to 911 and the national park emergency people immediately after it happened. The mood at the keyhole was somber as people passed through and learned of the accident and death.

Best Places To Work: National Park Service Is Improved, But Still Far From the Top

Sep 26th - 16:45pm | Anonymous

So I watched the Ken Burns take on the Parks and fell in love. I have always known about the parks but now they feel like new friends I want to spend more time with and have begun looking for ways to do so.

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