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What A Week In The National Parks

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By Kurt Repanshek - July 26th, 2020
Don't be bearish, support National Parks Traveler with a tax deductible donation.

Don't be bearish, support National Parks Traveler with a tax-deductible donation.

Lake Clark and Katmai. Glacier, Great Smoky, and Grand Teton. Olympic, Padre Island, and Yellowstone.

For nearly 15 years, National Parks Traveler has been bringing you coverage of the National Park System, but the past week has to have been one of the busiest and most diverse weeks.

Topping the news was passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, which hopefully will benefit all national parks. But there was more:

  • Concerning news regarding a proposed gold and copper mine that might impact Katmai and Lake Clark national parks, and not in a good way;
  • The loss, possibly by arson, of a historic backcountry patrol cabin at Glacier National Park;
  • Structural issues with an overpass at Yellowstone National Park;
  • Concerns that sea turtle science at Padre Island National Seashore would be watered down over financial concerns.
  • There was the death of a climber at Glacier National Park;
  • News of the continued removal of mountain goats from Olympic National Park;
  • Word of a Black history program at Salem Maritime National Historic Site;
  • A meadow restoration project at Yosemite National Park;
  • Dirt bikers ripping up a meadow at Grand Teton National Park;
  • News of a proposal to build mountain bike trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

That was just last week.

Simply put, we know of no other media outlet that provides that type of news coverage of the National Park System. Most media look for the sensational stories -- bison butts woman, grizzly mauls camper, visitor falls into the Grand Canyon -- and move on.

Traveler does cover the mundane, such as wildfire news, campground openings or closures, and fiscal issues, but also strives to bring you in-depth coverage and explanatory pieces. Pieces that examine:

  • Why the Great American Outdoors Act is a good start, but not a lasting solution to the maintenance backlog problem in the park system;
  • Problems with diversity within the National Park Service;
  • Threats oil exploration pose to Big Cypress National Preserve;
  • The long-running dispute over the Caneel Bay Resort at Virgin Islands National Park, and;
  • The simple joys of floating the Green River into Canyonlands National Park.

Oh, and we also do weekly podcasts, so you can listen to issues and stories and features regarding the parks as you drive or fly or cruise to your next park adventure.

Make no mistake, there is more news and feature coverage to bring you on a regular basis. But we need your support. To those new to the Traveler, know that there is just one full-time staffer. It's me. Imagine what we could do with three.

These are tough times for journalism. Advertising is down, and across the country the number of editorially independent news outlets is falling, which in turn reduces the news coverage available to you. 

National Parks Traveler so far has bucked this national trend of shuttering news operations and has grown as a highly acclaimed source of independent news about the National Park System. But to keep those stories coming out every day, every week, every month, and for another 15 years at least, Traveler needs your help.

Please. Donate today.

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization that depends greatly on its readers and listerners to provide daily editorial coverage of national parks and protected areas.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
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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.