| National Parks Traveler

Krumenaker isn't wrong, but he only talks about one side. EVERY employee on either side of a complaint deserves a fair, objective inquiry with a rational response from the agency. I believe the problem is that many NPS leaders choose who they want to believe in order to accomplish what they want, and retaliate against whomever they decide is a problem.

Apr 15th - 09:31am | ecbuck

Loui - its a mind-virus of progressive people" everywhere. The woke have so diluted the meanings of racism, harassment, mysogyny. ...... that they really have no meaning anymore. When the boy cries wolf too often, people don't come to help when there is real danger.

Apr 15th - 08:21am | Loui

The complaint processes have indeed been weaponized. After a park ranger buddy of mine verbally questioned the appropriateness of a park employee working directly underneath his husband, that employee accused my buddy of bullying and workplace violence for shooting a rubber band at him.

Apr 14th - 17:41pm | Ben from Virginia

When you are dealing with people you will have some bad actors in the mix. It should come as no surprise that there are people doing bad things. However, most NPS employees do a good job, and from my experience they are the best in the U.S. Government. I think one problem is the fact that permanent jobs are few, and getting fewer every year, causing panic among current employees.

Apr 14th - 16:07pm | A. Johnson

Wow. Kurt, that's quite an expose'. I applaud you and NPT for bringing the issue into the light. Good work.

Apr 14th - 10:17am | chris...

"The barrier to claiming harassment is really low. [Equal Employment Opportunity claims] aren't much higher," said Bob Krumenaker, who recently retired after 40 years with the Park Service, most recently as Big Bend National Park's superintendent.

UPDATE | Yellowstone National Park Tourism Generates Billions Of Pounds Of CO2 Emissions

Apr 15th - 09:13am | Dune Bum

Are you referring to the climate scientists at the state universities that peformed the study? How does that have anything to do with a "geological position" at Yellowstone?

Apr 10th - 09:11am | ecbuck

What utter nonsense.

Apr 10th - 09:06am | chris...

Been to fishermans bridge in the lake district?, Have you used the museum there or the store? Did you see or smell the septic plant that operates the faciliies there? Probaly not....

Apr 10th - 08:26am | chris...

How much could we save on emissions if this geological position was removed from our operational budget? What a waste of money pursuing a clearly political viewpoint And with ever increasing efficiency in vehicles- and a limited entry system in place- how on earth will emissions go up? What a waste of money putting politics first and our parks last. Again

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 270 | Cultural Resource Challenge

Apr 14th - 13:33pm | chris...

The problem with pushing a "narrative" of our history in the parks is that it is and has become increasingly political in nature. Our parks should not become another politicaly divisive issue Its very sime- the NPS exists to protect and preserve our public lands Thats it. No politics, no narrative, no stories.

Update To BLM Oil And Gas Leasing Rules Expected To Help National Parks

Apr 12th - 17:39pm | chris...

The Biden regime has drained our strategic oil reserve to keep gasoline prices artificially low political reasons. They have not refilled it and it sits half empty as a result of oil prices being too high. Now they want to cut domestic production- leaving us vulnerable without a reserve- while raising the cost of fuel for Americans to heat their homes or visit their public lands.

How Aruba's National Park Is Saving A Locally Extinct Parrot

Apr 12th - 12:55pm | Susan Campbell

So happy you got there to bring this important story to light, great job !

Apr 11th - 15:52pm | Frank colavita

We have been visiting Aruba for over 23 years ..good luck with the program d2KSi

Apr 11th - 05:39am | Olivia Hill

This is a wonderful story! I wish you the best of success with the Loras!

Reader Participation Day: Rating The Top Concessionaires

Apr 12th - 10:17am | A. Johnson

The reason Bear Paw Camp is closed is because the NPS has not tested or fixed (or both) the water supply at BP Camp. The concessionaire is NOT responsible for such infrastructure, or to repair the camp--that's on the NPS.

Apr 11th - 12:34pm | Whitt

I've had good and not so good experiences at many of these parks. The operations are only as good as the staff they're able to hire. Staff housing is very minimal and undesirable. Wages for unskilled labor are dreadfully low. Especially in the remote parks that has to be serious limiting. I wouldn't want to try to run a business inside the park.

Apr 10th - 22:39pm | Bfb

Visited Mesa Verde in October 2022 and lodging was a disgrace. Clogged and/or frozen pipes, carts overflowing with dirty laundry (including one overturned in the parking lot and one outside my room, where both stayed for three days), and an understaffed (one server), frigid dining room. Complained to Aramark, but received zero response or compensation.

Apr 10th - 20:01pm | Sequoia

Delaware North has trademarked a number of names in Sequoia NP, similar to their actions in Yosemite NP. Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp 11 miles into the backcountry on the High Sierra Trail (established 1934) has fallen apart on their watch, with no action on their part to get it going again, a tragedy.

Apr 10th - 14:11pm | Ben from Virginia

I love the concession operations in the parks. They help make a trip enjoyable. I especially liked the Jenny Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park. The food was spectacular. The lodges in Glacier National Park are very special as well. However, the concession stands on the National Mall need a refresh of the menu in my opinion.

Apr 10th - 10:00am | A. Johnson

Great topic, Kurt. I'm not a lodging kind of parks visitor, so I have no opinion on the services provided, other than an occasional visit to a dining room.

Apr 10th - 09:03am | andreww

Anything run by Xanterra is a no from me. A horrible company to deal with... This comment has been edited to remove gratuitous language.--Ed.

Acadia National Park Getting $950,000 To Protect Against Climate Change

Apr 12th - 07:23am | Anonymous

Why do we have the Bureau of Indian affairs if we are to "co manage" federal lands with tribes? Shouldnt this money go to the BIA? It makes no sense- we are aiding them as they are in need of help and yet we are now reliant on their wisdom? Which is it?

Apr 12th - 06:43am | Chris…

A mockery of actual scienc.. and a waste if taxpayer money pursuing politics. Again. who approved these tribal partnerships?

Traveler Special Report: Closing The National Park System's Maintenance Backlog

Apr 10th - 11:56am | Sequoia

Had to go really bad, went from stage 1 @ the entrance station of Sequoia NP last week to stage 3 in a hurry, it was touch and go if i'd make it the Ash Mountain visitors center, and luck was on my side as I practically ran to the bathroom, which had 1 toilet and a large Glad bag over the 1 urnial.

The Land Of Standing Up Rocks

Apr 10th - 09:44am | Doug

My wife and I made what we thought would be detour to this place in 2021 during the height of the covid epidemic. Our detour turned into a multi day stay. The author captures a bit of what this place is, in a short article, but its so much more. First off, it's much more specacular than the author's description and pictures capture.

Apr 10th - 08:18am | Lee Dalton

Thank you. I had done some searches, but without the name of Ms. Gonzalez, I came up with zero. I'll try again with her name.

Apr 9th - 09:04am | A. Johnson

Lee, If you do a search on the victim, Karen Gonzales, you can learn that she attended the trial and sentencing. I'd name the perpetrator but he doesn't deserve it. Maybe NPT could do a story on Ms. Gonzales, who suffered a great deal for no reason?

Apr 9th - 08:46am | Lee Dalton

Yes, that's it. Is there any information on the victim? Did she recover? Was she able to return to work at the park? She had been VERY seriously injured in the attack and all these years since I heard of what happened, I've wondered about her.

Apr 8th - 10:03am | A. Johnson

Lee, could this be the incident to which you refer? https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/chir_assault_conviction.htm

Apr 8th - 10:00am | A. Johnson

1960s-esque wall exhibits again proclaiming, "This was the homeland of THE CHIRICAHUA APACHE." Such a divisive and inaccurate exhibit has no place in the publicly owned visitor's center.

Apr 7th - 09:51am | Lee Dalton

Chiricahaua is a place I enjoyed too many years ago and have always wanted to return to visit again. Thanks for a great story about the place.

NPS Draws Criticism For Allowing Oil Recovery Within Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Apr 9th - 23:14pm | H Miller

What is the value of the outstanding oil and mineral rights? The Park Service should condemn the outstanding oil and gas rights, paying the owners just compensation as determined by the courts. It may take authority from Congress. There is no clean way to extract oil and gas without leaving an environmental mess.

Apr 6th - 11:03am | John Co

Private mineral rights exist with many designated wilderness areas as well.

Apr 4th - 09:47am | Public Land Owner

This is yet another example of the reality that designating public land as a national park fails to offer the highest level of protection for a parcel of land and the ecosystem it is part of. The protections extended by National park designation pale in comparison to the level of protection offered by roadless wilderness area designation in terms ecological security and biological diversity.

Apr 4th - 09:37am | A. Johnson

NPCA staff, though, was not satisfied with the finding. "Oil and gas development has absolutely no place in our national parks.

Newfound Gap Road At Gatlinburg Entrance To Great Smoky To Be Rehabilitated

Apr 8th - 18:58pm | Ugh

11 days notice? Gee thanks, NPS...

Birding in the National Parks: Looking For The Elusive Ivory-Billed Woodpecker in Congaree National Park

Apr 7th - 20:58pm | Scott Fluegel

When I was stationed at Ft. Jackson SC, I rode my bike to Congaree National Park, May 14,1995. I observed a Ivory-Billed Woodpecker on this date. I tried to report it, but nobody believed me. They stated that I observed a Pilieated Woodpecker. I have observed the Pileated Woodpecker and know the difference between the two species. I have been observing birds for most of my life.

Coalition Urges Senate Not To Open Wilderness Areas To Mountain Bikes

Apr 7th - 17:38pm | Jeff Royal

Wow. So many people here just have no idea what they are talking about. Mountain bikers neither want nor expect access to all wilderness areas - only informed decisions made on a case-by-case basis. Mountain bikes do no more damage than hikers and a lot less than horses. I get it that people fear change and grow conservative when the status quo is challenged, but come on - it is 2024 now a

Zion National Park's South Campground To Be Rehabilitated

Apr 7th - 16:17pm | Ben from Virginia

I find most NPS campgrounds to be very nice, rustic, but spacious and well appointed. My favorite campgrounds are Loft Mountain in Shenandoah, Owens Creek in Catoctin, and Riley Creek in Denali. Of course funds spent on campground upgrades is money well spent.

Apr 7th - 10:28am | chris...

EVERY campground in the parks is a overcrowded joke. Can we get some spaced out campsites please? Why do the feds have to have the peasants on top of one another? I find these campsites so poorly designed they are not even worth staying in for one night.

Aramark Leisure Wins Concessions Contracts At Denali National Park

Apr 7th - 12:45pm | elk54

How ironic indeed considering that Aramark just lost the contract for services at Crater Lake due to their poor management, etc. Is this another case of LOW BID wins when dealing with Government contracts? You have to wonder how the various National Park/Dept of Interior personnel administering/selecting these providers determine what is acceptable.

Apr 6th - 15:06pm | Anna Davis

I worked for ARAMARK in Denali last year and it was a HORRIBLE experience. ARAMARK management there was blatant with their prejudices, discrimination and manipulation. The facility is subpar at best, not Safe as a norm and so ran down it is pathetic. They are milking it for all they can and avoiding any improvements they can.

Birding And Other Adventures In Costa Rica

Apr 5th - 07:20am | Jennifer Bain

thanks for that catch - i have fixed it to Great Potoo!

Apr 3rd - 18:52pm | Edward Boyd

The Snowy Owl image is actually Great Potoo,

Legal Battle Over Caneel Bay Resort Drags On

Apr 4th - 14:22pm | Islandgirl

April 4th and still no word from the Court!

Valles Caldera National Preserve Seeking Cattle Wrangler

Apr 4th - 11:40am | Enclave

I'd think you could find a group of volunteers to help with this. One day a week is hardly worth it, cow's are smarter than that. Why not full time and include fence repair duties? This effort is window dressing only.

NPS Ordered To Create Marine Reserve Zone At Biscayne National Park

Apr 4th - 09:24am | Randolph Smith

Also known as Bouncer, I was lucky enough to travel to France 10 years ago for an international convention on Marine reserves and protected areas. It was the last bit of convincing me how valuable and needed more marine reserves are needed along the Florida coast. Every where reserves exist the fish populations and marine environment has improved.

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