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What Priorities Should The Next National Park Service Director Address?

Jan 16th - 17:05pm | Ray Bane

Jim has an excellent point. Private inholdings in national parks are potential time bombs that can impact the resources, visitors and integrity of an affected park unit. The current economic crisis will likely make the owners of such inholdings more willing to sell either outright or to accept payment for limits on the uses of such lands.

Jan 16th - 14:42pm | Jim Pepper

1. Buy Land. 2. Buy Land. 3. Buy Land.

Jan 15th - 12:01pm | MRC

Dear RAH, please go back and read a few of the former posts on the topic. Snowmobiles have been consistently debunked as noisy and a source for air pollution by the scientific NPS staff. They disturb the wildlife and diminish the quality of experience for all other visitors. And snowmobiles don't just leave tracks in the snow.

Park Rangers, Active and Retired, Lament Change in Gun Rules for National Parks

Jan 16th - 16:54pm | Taggart

Assuming that you're referring to the rule bringing national parks in line with state concealed carry laws:

Jan 16th - 16:34pm | Rick Smith

Taggert-- Are you satisfied with the stupid new rule that Department of the Interior cubicle-dwelling burearcrats thought was a good idea? Rick Smith

Jan 16th - 12:33pm | Taggart

Some people see stupid rules and break them. Some people see stupid rules, and stupidly follow them. The first group is the group responsible for the Declaration of Independence and the spread of democracy.

Jan 15th - 21:39pm | Rick Smith

Yep, you get to decide which are stupid rules and then break them. How does that compute? Rick Smith

Jan 15th - 16:36pm | RAH

Laws that make generally law abiding people criminals because of breaking a stupid rule are bad laws. Laws should not make the law abiding criminals. All people can become criminal by definition with bad laws.

Jan 15th - 15:22pm | Taggart

Rick - Concealed weapons permit holders are, by definition, law-abiding citizens. You can't get a CCW if you have a criminal record. Note that I didn't specify permit holders in my comments. I just said that firearms were being carried by anyone with half a brain. If you wish to exclude yourself from that group, feel free.

Jan 15th - 14:22pm | Rick Smith

Taggert-- So much for the old, tired refrain that all concealed weapons permit holders with half a brain are law abiding if they were all carrying illegally. Rick Smith

Jan 15th - 12:37pm | Taggart

The new rules won't result in any real change in the national parks. Anyone with half a brain who goes in the back country has already been carrying, illegally, while the old ban was in effect. The vast majority of national park visitors who see the park by car and wouldn't dream of treading where flush toilets and hot dog stands aren't immediately available, wouldn't and won't be carrying.

Upon Further Review: Preferential Treatment for Local Residents at National Parks?

Jan 16th - 16:12pm | tahoma

Jim wrote: "...it's only human nature for some people who live near a park and use it on a regular basis to develop a sense of 'ownership' of the area." Rangertoo replied concerning some NPS staffers: "Someday, someone ...is going to call attention to this kind of double standard...".

Jan 16th - 12:48pm | Rangertoo

What about preferential treatment for employees? I have been in many parks where the employees break rules for which they give the public tickets. Drive through the housing area at a place like Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, for example.

Jan 16th - 06:05am | Lynn Berk

If stupid was a crime, we've had even more of the parks and wilderness to ourselves...If you have never read "Deaths in Yellowstone," try and pick it up (I understand it's a big seller at the park itself. I always thought the true title should be "Stupid Deaths in Yellowstone." P.S.

Climate Change: Fact or Fiction?

Jan 16th - 16:03pm | Richard Smith

I cannot fathom why someone would be interested in parks and have no clue about climate change. Smartin271 mentions that the photos have differences, yes they do, how nice to notice. But seeing the differences and saying it is climate change is deemed to be reactionary. What do you people think all that carbon is doing?

Jan 16th - 15:21pm | JimB

Re: the above comment:

Jan 16th - 11:05am | Gerald

Climate change? What direction? Could begin to cool next hour, tomorrow, next year...as it has for millenia. We have very little to do with it. Many factors involved here. Our global climate is extremely complex.

Jan 16th - 08:04am | Smartin271

Could we, at the very least, use some photographic evidence that compares apples to apples? The pics used have obvious differences. Jumping the gun based on what's been provided doesn't do much to demonstrate the intelligence of the reactionaries.

Jan 15th - 23:42pm | Scott G

Those pictures are dramatic. Aside from the ice to water aspect, note the added vegetation along the mountainside.

Jan 15th - 15:41pm | Anonymous

To think that the mass amount of man made carbon carbon input does nothing to the planet is hubris.

Jan 15th - 11:42am | Dan

Remember that a glacier is a constantly changing system. Advance and retreat is inherent to their nature. A glacier that isn't moving is called an "ice field."

Jan 15th - 11:35am | Kurt Repanshek

Hubris? There are more than a few scientists who think otherwise, and who have compiled reams and reams of data to support that contention.

Jan 15th - 11:24am | RAH

Clinate change is constant on this planet. The idea that man is responsible seems to me to be hubris. I believes the sun has a lot more to do with that. Besides greater increase is usable land is generally a good thing. The last two years have had more sever winters so maybe warming needs to be rethought?

Deadly Threats You Never Heard of Lurk in Our National Parks

Jan 16th - 15:05pm | Thomas L Price

Thank you very much for the information relating to the wolf / moose study up in Isle Royale NP. I will be sure to pass this along to who is going (unfortunately, since my first response was posted I've learned there will be surgery (minor) for me this spring).

National Park Icons: Yellowstone’s Roosevelt Arch

Jan 16th - 11:34am | Anonymous

All I would say to that Jim is that you have to remember the kind of people who were coming to the park back then. These weren't blue collar folk who could see the beauty of an arid high mountain desert so to speak. These were upper class rich folk who needed glitz and comfort for their vacations.

Jan 16th - 10:17am | Dave Crowl

I personally love to imagine how the people felt coming into a place in the time before our current entrances to National Parks. I still get excited when I approach the booth to show my Parks Pass. and enter. The booth always marks most entrances for us now.

Jan 16th - 09:45am | jsmacdonald

I know that the look of places change over time, but I am having a hard time understanding how the land around the North Entrance could possibly have made a bad impression as is. It is one of the most beautiful landscape spots in the park; a wild looking country with large mountains all around (dominated by 11,000 foot Electric Peak).

Sen. Salazar Sails Through Confirmation Hearing

Jan 16th - 11:00am | Rick Smith

Did he wear his cowboy hat? Rick Smith

Jan 15th - 14:41pm | jsmacdonald

Did he say anything about the wolf de-listing? Was he asked?

National Park System Would Gain Official Wilderness Under Omnibus Lands Bill

Jan 16th - 01:30am | Ray Bane

Wilderness is the ultimate gift one generation can give to another. It is much more than just impressive scenery and wild animals. It is literally a working model of what the world was like before modern human civilization substantially altered or destroyed natural systems.

Jan 15th - 14:12pm | outdoorbill

How can such a small percentage of our population, cry so loud about not having enough quiet back-country trails to walk. God made beauty for everyone, not just a handful. And for those who are crying to protect it for your grandkids, Good Luck! The Wilderness Designation will only tighten the security to some of our most beautiful scenic places.

Yellowstone National Park: Poster Child For Goofy Gun Laws

Jan 15th - 19:04pm | Anonymous

James Watts, DOI secretary under Reagan put the regulation that guns had to be dissambled and not available . Yeah, James Watt, a well known liberal, under the authority and guidance of President Ronald Reagan, put in place new restrictions on your ability to lawfully carry firearms.

Jan 15th - 13:44pm | Anonymous

Beamis, I am a native-born, been-here-all-my-life Tennessean. I wear my camo and drive my pickup truck with pride. I come from a rural, agricultural background, and live in a community of less than 5,000 people in one of the reddest counties in the state. I shop at WalMart nearly everyday and spend most of my money there. I am a 'redneck Southerner', more or less.

Jan 15th - 13:42pm | RAH

James Watts, DOI secretary under Reagan put the regulation that guns had to be dissambled and not available . If Anonymous knows better please post the link so I can verify. I would agree that many parks had a patchwork of rules about firearms prior to that. My information I beleive is correct but I will be glad to check out any other claims.

Jan 15th - 13:24pm | RAH

I also know of the attitude Beamis speaks. Humans are social animals and as such social position is very important. City folk throughout time have ridiculed the country bumpkin cousin. Hunting was a cultural tradition that both city and country folk enjoyed and it lead to a lot of conservation efforts and many of the NPS. Roosevelt is a classic example.

Jan 15th - 13:24pm | Anonymous

RAH, as I stated over at another article in response to your misinformation, firearms have been disallowed in national park service units since the thirties. The change in the seventies was simply one of several revisions in the intervening years that actually weakened previous protections. This recent change in large measure overturned a lot more than just thirty years of precedent.

Jan 15th - 12:05pm | Kurt Repanshek

I still think you're brushing with an awfully big brush and can of paint. Some no doubt would describe me in some conversations as left-leaning, yet in others right of center. And I experience no shock and horror over gun ownership. In other words, I don't neatly fit your stereotype, and I don't think I'm alone in my views.

Jan 15th - 11:56am | Rick Smith

Beamis-- You have posted another over-the-top comment. Why not chill a little? Rick Smith

Commentary: What Would An Economic Stimulus Package for the National Parks Buy Us?

Jan 15th - 18:23pm | Barky

By the same token Hitler's autobahns are still standing and have provided solid service to the German motoring public for decades and decades and decades. Ain't national socialism great? Awesome non sequitur!!! ===========================================

Why On Earth Would Anybody Want to Do That?

Jan 15th - 18:15pm | Barky

People are creeps. That's why. =============================== My travels through the National Park System: americaincontext.com

Lodging Discounts Available At Furnace Creek at Death Valley National Park

Jan 15th - 15:46pm | Kurt Repanshek

Thanks for the heads-up on the link. I'll get our quality control folks after it.;-) It should work now.

Jan 15th - 15:42pm | Anonymous

The last link you posted is mispelled, which sends you somewhere else.

Jan 15th - 15:37pm | Anonymous

The link is not clear. Can't see any special promotions.

Jan 15th - 12:14pm | Kurt Repanshek

Bob, no turn-down service, but if you're at the "inn" they do leave chocolate mints on the night-table! Be sure to check out the donut-shaped soaps they employ.

Jan 15th - 12:10pm | Bob Janiskee

Beginning Monday, I will be ensconced at Furnace Creek Inn for three nights, enjoying my thirty percent discount. Being a certified Olde Pharte has its distinct advantages. Will there be a turn-down service and a mint on my pillow?

Yosemite National Park Officials Looking For Suggestions on Preserving Badger Pass Ski Lodge

Jan 15th - 15:37pm | Taggart

I fully agree. Badger Pass is a gem, and constitutes a fairly low-impact use of park land. It doesn't compare to the mega-resort that Disney envisioned for Mineral King.

Echoes of the Cold War in the Tropical Warmth of Everglades National Park

Jan 15th - 13:37pm | The Anonymous Ranger

True 'nuff MRC, and the Golden Gate site looks awesome! Thanks for telling us about it. I certainly hope to go there now, but it is a full continent away from Everglades, which is one reason to preserve the Everglades Nike base. The second is that the Everglades site addresses a specific event, the Cuban Missile Crisis, while Goga is more generic.

Jan 15th - 12:06pm | Kurt Repanshek

Yeah, sorry it took so long for FF3. Hopefully we'll have more regular site maintenance going forward.

Jan 15th - 11:55am | MRC

The NPs has already one Nike site and interprets the history of the Cold War there.

Lost to Hurricanes, the Flamingo Lodge at Everglades National Park Will be Hard to Replace

Jan 15th - 12:18pm | Ohio Bill

Flamingo is one of the most magical and wonderful places on earth. People should be able to go there and live there for a few days, regardless of age, disability or inclination to camp. The Lodge served that purpose. I agree it should be larger, but I also want it to have a minimal impact on the fragile ecology of Florida Bay.

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