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Going to Denali Next Summer? It's Not Too Soon to Make Some Essential Reservations

Dec 30th - 02:08am | MRC

A happy new year to all the team and the readers. Thanks Pete, that is what I hoped to hear. That it is possible to experience the park without planning several months ahead. Probably one will not be able to do exactly what one prefers on a weekend in August but from all I know the park is so spectacular that pretty much everywhere you can experience something special.

Dec 27th - 20:27pm | Pete

So many years ago I was there I cannot give you a certain answer, but I do believe that there is room for someone who has the spontaneity you desire.

Dec 26th - 19:47pm | DM

The park service and concessionaire will lead you to believe that the only options are those listed on the park website. For anyone considering a tour you might look at the establishments in Kantishna at the end of the park road. One to multi-day options are available and overall these are a more personal, more relaxed, more informative way to experience Denali than the concessionaire tours.

Dec 26th - 11:00am | JimB

MRC - A good question, and one which may be a bit hard to answer, given uncertainty about how much the economy may impact travel to distant locations such as Denali next year. Perhaps some of our readers are Denali veterans, and will offer some suggestions. If I'm able to get some opinions from the park on your question, I'll post them here.

Dec 26th - 07:12am | MRC

Happy holidays to the team and all the readers of the Traveler!

Mount Rainier National Park Offers a Snowplay Area and Guided Snowshoe Walks

Dec 29th - 22:45pm | tahoma

Thanks for the clarification, Bob, and apologies for misinterpreting your original post. You're certainly not a talking musteline! I thought you might be interested in the following snippets from: http://www.skimountaineer.com/CascadeSki/CascadeSnow.html The brackets are mine for clarity.

Dec 28th - 09:31am | Bob Janiskee

You're right about Mount Baker's record snowfall, Tahoma, and that sure is a LOT of snowfall! But this is what I said in the article (italics added):

Dec 28th - 07:04am | tahoma

An old joke maintains that there are only two seasons at Paradise, winter and the Fourth of July. However, it's no longer 'the world's snowiest place'. Mt.

Glen Canyon Marina Fire Damage Estimate: $3-$5 Million

Dec 29th - 13:29pm | Greg KVF853 Bul...

I know the lay of the land very well. No dobt NPS Rangers are the best first responders in the world. I might suggest the story did not give enough credit to the conssesonaire staff who were no dobt part of the first responce efforts if not "the" first. One can safely asume a great deal of assistance came from Bullfrog Habor Maintenance as well, not that I have any regard for ARAMARK.

National Park Service Agrees, Conditionally, to Keep Yellowstone's Sylvan Pass Open For Snowmobiling

Dec 29th - 10:12am | jsmacdonald

By the way, following up on Cheney's involvement, Cheney admits himself that he was involved. See this interview from this weekend: http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2008/12/28/news/wyoming/bbaf7b...

Sky-High Ginseng Prices Boost Illegal Harvest in Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dec 28th - 17:15pm | Anonymous

for sure you can find older root where others do not look it does not have to be a large hill or wooded area the ginseng only has to be there

Power Outages Lead to Closures in Sequoia National Park

Dec 28th - 13:27pm | Chad

I work at the Lodge and Im in Three Rivers CA for a few days. It is not safe to travel in the Park at this time, however the town of Three Rivers is a nice option with many lodging choices. It is really beautiful here this time of year but if you're looking for snow, maybe try Yosemite or somewhere in the Tahoe area.

With Winter Hitting Much of the Country Hard, There Are Many Ski Opportunities in the National Parks

Dec 27th - 22:50pm | ClaireWalter

I dont have a real recollection of unbearable train noise. It might depend whether you are on the "track side" or the other side, in the lodge, the cabooses or the new cabins. Perhaps the deep snow in the Izaak Walton Inn area muffles the sound somewhat, while in Belton, which I remember as being more of a valley, the train sounds are confined and seem louder. Just conjecture, but why not?

Dec 27th - 09:08am | Kurt Repanshek

Good addition, Claire. But can you tell me how noisy it is with the train tracks so close? I've thought a stay in the Belton Inn in West Glacier would be nice, but I've heard the trains running all hours of the day and night can take some getting used to.

Dec 27th - 09:01am | ClaireWalter

Arguably the most unique national park ski/snowshoe opportunities, are Glacier National Park's winter trails accessed directly from the Izaak Walton Inn. Set in a snow-rich valley between the park and the Great Bear Wilderness, the inn grooms and tracksets more thean 30 km of x-c trails and also has a permit to lead ski/snowshoe tours into the park.

Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park

Dec 27th - 13:17pm | John Hunter

I have posted several photos from my hike of Cascade Pass. It is a great hike.

Improving Paradise: Mount Rainier National Park Gets a Fine New Visitor Center

Dec 27th - 13:09pm | John Hunter

I visited last year and the old visitor center really did need to be replaced. The park is amazing. Here are some photos of my visit to Mt. Rainer

Have You Ever Sneaked Into Shiloh National Military Park?

Dec 27th - 09:19am | Bob Janiskee

I'd still be careful with that "exactly at dawn" thing, MRC. Though the first shots were fired in twilight, firsthand accounts make it clear that the initial contact took place during full dark ( official records have it at 4:55 a.m.).

Dec 27th - 09:13am | JimB

Very impressive, MRC! In the spirit of fun, I can't resist noting it's a good thing Daylight Savings Time wasn't in effect at the time of the battle, or this subject could be even more interesting. Was that 5:15 a.m. Standard Time or Daylight Savings Time?

Dec 27th - 08:52am | MRC

I thought it would be fun to be there in the morning of April 6. Your description was lively and I liked it a lot. So I looked for the time of sunrise at that time and location and was thrilled that calsky offered to calculate it even for the 19th century. The coincidence that 5:15 was exactly the beginning of dawn was too good not to mention here. Thanks for the post and the reply.

Dec 27th - 08:14am | Bob Janiskee

Cripes, MRC, you are really a stickler for detail. I can see that I had better be more careful if I want to keep you off my back! First, let me say that you are not wrong. As to whether you are exactly right, well, I've still got some room for weaselspeak, so here it is.

Dec 27th - 07:28am | MRC

5:15 on April 6, 1862 was not pre-dawn in southern Tennessee, it was to the minute the beginning of dawn, defined as the sun standing 6 degrees below the horizon. This is enough light to read a newspaper. Calculation made by http://www.calsky.com/.

Interior Officials Planning To Make It Easier for Mountain Bikers to Gain Backcountry Access in Parks

Dec 27th - 07:14am | MRC

@NC rider: They can not get along, and this is not just a matter of respect. It goes deeper.

Dec 26th - 18:50pm | NC rider

This is not complicated.... Hikers, horses and bikers can get along IF, ... 1) The trails are designed properly on proper soils. 2) The overall density of visitors is meets visitor's expectations. 3) All visitors respect one another.

The AARP Seven-Tip List for Economical National Park Visiting is One Tip Short

Dec 26th - 14:47pm | Bob Janiskee

Thanks, Claire. I didn't address the seasonality issue because I assumed that seniors would be using these tips for travel throughout 2009. I think that's what the author had in mind.

Dec 26th - 14:42pm | ClaireWalter

Some of these "tips" are unhelpful in light of many parks' intense seasonality. Re. Stay in the park; in-park rooms are often cheaper: "Often" does not mean "always." Not having to drive in and out of a park DOES save gas and wear-and-tear on the vehicle. AARP didn't mention that.

Video: Wal-Mart's Super Center Plans Draw Opposition From Generals Lee and Grant

Dec 26th - 10:26am | Omar Quadivich

My good freind Delegate Mark Cole of Spotsylvania does a fine job portraying Ulysses S. Grant and protecting his district. Semper Fi Omar

The Interior Building in Washington, D.C. Gets a "Green Roof"

Dec 26th - 08:55am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks, Kirby, for pointing out that the people designing, building, and maintaining green roofs are not idiots, and should not be expected to ignore the obvious. Criticism of green roofs is typically rooted in a very shallow appreciation for human ingenuity and ability to learn from experience. Green roofs are here to stay, and thank goodness for that.

Dec 26th - 08:36am | Kirby Adams

Speaking of fads, I realize it's en vogue to ridicule any attempt to steer the status quo toward more environmentally friendly practices, but the unfortunate facts are that green roof technology is constantly improving, learning from its mistakes, and showing some real benefits.

Dec 25th - 19:47pm | Roger

LOL. You expounded upon this nonsense much better than I did, Ted! Another example of "green" idiocy! When are many enviros gonna realize there is no free lunch?

Who's Being Mentioned For Director of the National Park Service?

Dec 25th - 19:38pm | Roger

I like Michael Finley. But your rumor about the reason he retired is bunk. He's not that weak.

Dec 25th - 13:39pm | Anonymous

Are nominations being accepted? I nominate Gayle Hazelwood. Editor's note: Who is Gayle? Read this article for some insights.

Black Bear Attacks Child at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dec 25th - 18:07pm | Anonymous

They did the right thing in killing the bear if he harmed a child and showed aggression toward the Rangers. Anywhere you the put the bear, he could have easily been in contact with people again. I'm glad they didn't give the bear another chance to harm or kill someone.

Woman Dies in Fall From Angel's Landing

Dec 25th - 14:40pm | Roman

This is a ridiculous discussion. Close down dangerous trails? Yes if there are too many crazy people killing themselves by mere oversized self-overestimation. That is a phenomenon I found so often in the US. People who do not know what they do think they can do everything. I found this also in US citizens in areas like Nepal. They think they just can challenge and press the good fortune.

Dec 25th - 14:39pm | Roman

This is a ridiculous discussion. Close down dangerous trails? Yes if there are too many crazy people killing themselves by mere oversized self-overestimation. That is a phenomenon I found so often in the US. People who do not know what they do think they can do everything. I found this also in US citizens in areas like Nepal. They think they just can challenge and press the good fortune.

Comment Period Reopens on Whether National Park Visitors Can Arm Themselves

Dec 25th - 12:57pm | Rey Nunez Miami, FL.

i have been a gun owner for over 4 years now and have had my permit for close to one. i thankfully have never had to pull or discharge my firearm for any reason except in the range. thank god. i carry my gun with me everywhere i go except work, i'm not allowed to by law i'm a teacher, therefore, i cant have it on school grounds nor in my car.

When You Really Want A Park To Yourself, Consider Capitol Reef National Park

Dec 24th - 21:18pm | Bogator

My wife and I discovered this beautiful park last year in October. We had been in Moab visiting Arches and Canyonlands and we wanted to go next to Bryce Canyon. When I researched ways between the two areas, I found Utah 12, A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.

Elk Population Growing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dec 24th - 21:06pm | Zebulon

I don't know for sure, but basically mountain lions are all over the bay area. I also saw this: http://www.bahiker.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=4&topic=47 The good news is that the big cats don't see us as prey... usually. :)

Dec 24th - 14:53pm | Bob Janiskee

Zebulon: I want to emphasize that the "$3,000 per animal" I mentioned is a recollection. I am virtually certain I read that in a report, but I didn't go back and check. BTW, Almost every time I visit the the Bay Area, my hosts take me to Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County for a long hike up and down those rolling hills.

Dec 24th - 13:30pm | Zebulon

$3,000 per animal x 150 animals = $450,000!! Sounds pricey to me, especially since the NPS could probably auction off the right to hunt those deers and actually make money off of it. Then again, I'm more of a numbers guy by trade, and I remember going hunting with my dad when I was a teenager.

Dec 24th - 10:08am | JimB

Here's another successful elk reintroduction program that started adjacent to a park; it's now established a herd at the Buffalo National River:

Dec 24th - 08:59am | Bob Janiskee

Ted: Archery (and crossbow?) hunts are least objectionable in terms of noise control and hazard reduction, but animal rights activists and many others insist that using arrows or crossbow bolts to dispatch large animals is inhumane.

Dec 24th - 08:52am | Rick Smith

Ted--- Check the history of Channel Islands. There have been various campaigns to eliminate exotic species on the islands. Don't forget the burros of Grand Canyon. The granddaddy of all such programs goes on at the Galapagos. Rick Smith

Dec 24th - 08:27am | Ted Clayton

MRC,

Dec 24th - 08:04am | Bob Janiskee

Zebulon, the figure I saw quoted for contraceptive control was $3,000 per animal. That strikes me as being on the very low side, since it (conveniently) doesn't take into account the federal subsidies over the years for research and development. It also doesn't take into account a number of risk factors under the general title of "unintended consequences."

Dec 24th - 07:56am | Bob Janiskee

There is plenty of precedent for sport hunting in National Seashores (not to mention National Lakeshores). For example, Cumberland Island National Seashore annually schedules six archery and primitive weapons (black powder rifle) hunts for white-tailed deer and feral hogs, and waterfowl hunting has been a popular activity at Cape Lookout National seashore for many years.

Dec 24th - 03:44am | MRC

Hunting to control and exterminate the population of non-native species has been done a number of times in national parks and even in wilderness areas. Not too far from Point Reyes National Seashore, in Pinnacles National Monument and the Pinnacles Wilderness all feral pigs were killed after the completion of a fence around the whole monument in 2003.

What Were the Top Stories Across the National Park System in 2008?

Dec 24th - 11:38am | Bugsyshallfall

* Death of a Land Bill. When the Omnibus Land Management Act of 2008 died earlier this month, it took with it many valuable legislative tidbits that would have benefited the National Park System in many ways.

Dec 24th - 10:29am | Lepanto

Look again, Frank C. Apples and oranges. SALARY increases are partially covered by budget increases, but through the Bush years more than half of the required outlays were not completely funded. This means they are paying the highest-paid people more, but have less money to pay new employees. This is what started this: why do region offices appear bloated?

Alexander Hamilton's "Country Home" on the Move in New York City

Dec 24th - 10:14am | JimInNewYork

AN UPDATE, inspired by the photo found by RogerB34, of Hamilton Grange. I pursued the question to the National Park Service guy who is leading the restoration of Alexander Hamilton's house in Harlem, New York City. Here is a portion of this message to me on RogerB34's discovery:

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