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How We View National Parks Today Matters For Tomorrow

Jun 11th - 08:38am | Rangertoo

???????????? Bob - Have you been to a National Recreation Area? I defy you to find any difference in protection of the resource at Santa Monica Mountains versus Mount Rainier or Deleware Water Gap versus Everglades. This idea that NRAs are some sort of lesser protected areas is nonsense. It is Yosemite that has a golf course, not Glen Canyon. Sequoia had a ski lift until recently.

Jun 8th - 08:27am | Lone Hiker

Just remember Bob....... It's only those of us who freely admit that, in the grand scheme of things, we truly are neophytes in the intellect department, and are self-consciousless enough to admit that we don't know everything, that ever have a true chance to increase our knowledge base. After all, once you're omnipotent, what't left?

Jun 7th - 21:42pm | Sabattis

Aha! Yes, the Internet is both virtue and vice - connections and discussions with like-minded people around the world, and all of our msitakes broadcast around the world as well.....

Bird Nests and Closures Spurring Civil Disobedience at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Jun 11th - 07:53am | dapster

Please note that most of the "Civil Disobedience" is being committed by pedestrians, and not ORV's, at a ratio of~ 26:2. Unpopular regualtions are many times met with way more disobedience that has occured on Hatteras Island.

Jun 10th - 13:28pm | Anonymous

But you forget parks are for people to enjoy. The closures restrict anyone from using that portion of the park that historically has been open to park visitors to enjoy.

Jun 10th - 08:32am | Hatrasfevr

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Resource Management Weekly Field Summary; May 29 – June 4, 2008 (Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Districts)

Jun 10th - 00:27am | Anonymous

Good: the more closures the better. Too many people, not enough critters,...and not enough quiet space. Thank you GT

Geotourism Map Shows You Around the Crown of the Continent

Jun 10th - 21:44pm | Fred Miller

Very cool !! Check this out.

Ribbon-Cutting Planned for $70,000 "Bio Toilet" at Mount Rainier National Park

Jun 10th - 21:30pm | griz

I realize that the toilet was donated, still I'm surprised nobody's raised a "big stink" (pun intended) about spending $70k on a toilet.

GPS Unit Leads Couple Into Trouble Near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Jun 10th - 21:26pm | Lone Hiker

Unfortunately Fred I believe every bit of your experience, as I've encountered much the same, especially over the past 5 or so years.

Jun 10th - 17:52pm | Fred Miller

I wonder the same thing Lone Hiker. You wouldn't believe the number of people I've met on the trail, miles from the trailhead, who are wearing sneakers and carrying a cellphone in one hand and bottle of water in the other and nothing else. No pack, no compass, no chart, nothing. Amazing.

Jun 10th - 10:39am | Lone Hiker

There's nothing quite like a happy ending. But this is exactly the type of incident that is going to propagate as technology savvy rookies venture into the real world guided by electronics instead of preparing with advance research.

Jun 9th - 21:40pm | Sabattis

I'm glad this story has a happy ending. Its also worth advising people to not just ask once about backcountry roads, but to get "second opinions" from multiple sources, and even then, still travel fully prepared and constantly observe your surroundings and exercise sound judgement as you observe the conditions around you.

Jun 9th - 16:58pm | Laptop GPS World

Unfortunately, we will likely read more similar stories in the future. People are increasingly using GPS navigation technology. The technology is quite reliable, so it is easy for users to let their guard down.

Jun 9th - 16:35pm | MRC

Beyond civilization you have to think for your own. No navigation tools can do that for you. But with a GPS unit at least you know exactly where you are dying.

Jun 9th - 14:41pm | Bill R.

I have one of the earliest Motorola handhelds with the mounting unit for the roof of the Jeep Wrangler ($1,200 if that tells you how old it is) and even with topo maps find that GPS is good for getting into trouble or documenting where to send the coroner for people with no common sense. Have rescued two such individuals and one had shot his own foot off while hunting.

Jun 9th - 13:48pm | Fred Miller

I'm also glad that this story has a happy ending. But it is beyond my wildest imagination that people will venture FAR off the beaten path with NO preparation. Hopefully their near-disaster will be a valuable lesson to others!

Jun 9th - 12:17pm | Marylander

Oh my goodness. While I am glad that this story had a happy ending, it really brings to light the need to not become totally dependent on technology.

Bryce Canyon's Navajo Loop Trail, Closed by a Rock Slide in 2006, Is Reopened

Jun 10th - 14:10pm | melanie

I was one of the persons that was standing at the point of impactof the slide. It was horrifying- I remember a few pebbles hitting the ground and then the hairs on the back of my neckwent up and i scremed at my boyfriend- RUN- it was a earthquake, the worst thunder noice one has ever heard and dust as in 9-11.

Search on For Overdue Hikers In Grand Canyon National Park

Jun 10th - 12:12pm | Lone Hiker

My opinion is that the Bass combo is far easier, from a trail-finding perspective, navigating from South-North. Losing the exit trail, the lower South Bass heading up to the rim, isn't all that difficult to do when approaching from the river.

Jun 10th - 10:29am | Kurt Repanshek

Joe,

Jun 10th - 10:21am | Joe

just womdering if anyone has heard what went on during the ranger "de-briefing" of this fortunate couple. Just what led to their need for rescue? Where did they lose the trail? Were there hydration issues? I understand these were "experienced" GC hikers... What can we learn from their errs?

Park Service Now Interested in Adding Christmas Mountains to Big Bend National Park

Jun 10th - 00:39am | Anonymous

We have enough hunting. It needs to go to Big "B".

Winter Exiting Yellowstone National Park "Kicking and Screaming"

Jun 9th - 23:28pm | jsmacdonald

Actually, the winter is a little worse than normal. Snowpack on the upper Yellowstone is 155 percent of normal; temperatures are cooler than normal. So, it's a mild exaggeration on their part, but it is reminiscent of at least my first summer in Yellowstone in 1993 - we even have a chance of snow in Bozeman coming up before a warm up on the weekend.

Fallen Climber Rescued on Mount McKinley in Denali National Park

Jun 9th - 18:43pm | Sourdough

Wow. I hope Mr. Ratte's health improves and he has a full recovery. I was just reading about an expedition which was stranded at the 17,200ft camp for four days. In order to reach safety they had to pass through Peters Glacier amid heavy cloud cover that made finding their way extremely difficult. Thankfully they too made it back to 14,200ft camp. Be safe.

Creature Feature: Texas Banded Gecko

Jun 9th - 16:29pm | Fred Miller

This is a nifty-looking gecko. We have a bunch of them here in Hawaii (including IN my house), but none as patterned as this one.

A Sad Sign of the Times: NPS Promotes Body Armor Options To Rangers

Jun 9th - 16:00pm | Anonymous

If anyone is still looking at this sight google the names Joe Kolodski, Kris Eggle, Steve Jarrell all are Rangers who were shot to death in National Parks in the last 10 years. Of course you may think well that is only three Rangers in 10 years, but couple that with the statistics on how many Rangers that have been assaulted and an agency that sees law enforcement as a necessary evil.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Settlement Spawns Vandalism

Jun 9th - 15:56pm | Me

Better yet, they should bury them up to their necks on the beach and hope the birds nest in their hair.

Wolf Killed Illegally Near Grand Teton National Park, $3,000 Reward Offered

Jun 9th - 14:18pm | Rick Smith

Anon-- I love how tough you are. Rick Smith

Jun 8th - 22:20pm | Anonymous

what about animals that are not beautiful ? why are people so attached to the Wolf ? It is just as much a vicious predator as any other in the wilderness. Is it because it looks so much like a beloved pet dog ? Be it a wolf, a bear, wolverine or what have you. If I perceive it to be a threat to my life, its goin down.

Waterfall Along Dunloup Creek

Jun 9th - 13:06pm | pjtyler1928

I only have two small words for comment. "SIMPLY BREATHTAKING" Sincerely, Paula Jean Tyler

National Park Service Considering Commercial Developments for Alcatraz

Jun 9th - 12:00pm | Reed

I can't believe that the folks who offered comments are familiar with the Management Guidelines for the NPS and the legislation that created Golden Gate NRA of which Alcatraz is a part.

Jun 9th - 10:52am | Kath

I went to Alcatraz a couple of years ago. They could use a place to get a bite of lunch. As I recall, if you got hungry there were no places to eat. While some visitor's services like food and restrooms to make the visit pleasant and comfortable are necessary, overnight lodging though seems unnecessary.

Jun 8th - 04:55am | Anonymous

It's a fine line between a national park being a "park" and a commercial attraction. A strict limit on commercialization would seem to be needed, allowing revenue for the park and at the same time the park is remaining true to it's purpose.

Jun 7th - 21:49pm | Sabattis

I hope that Park advocates take a balanced look at this proposal. I think that a "night on Alcatraz" experience has a lot of potential to add value to the Park. Additionally, since this is an island in the middle of the Bay, additional visitor services would certainly have the opportunity to enhance the visitor experience, and to make it more enjoyable and comfortable.

National Park Quiz 5: Biggest This or That

Jun 9th - 09:09am | Bob Janiskee

Bob (Krumenaker), have you read Nevada Barr's two books set at ISRO? If so, are you interested in writing or collaborating on a review of Winter Study for Traveler? I'd really love to get an insider's view.

How Can We Build Advocates for the National Parks?

Jun 9th - 03:34am | jsmacdonald

Most people don't advocate for anything at all.

Jun 8th - 21:49pm | Fred Miller

Thanks for your comments Owen. I agree that Kurt does an outstanding job of demonstrating his love and concern for the Parks. The NPT is a daily read for me so that I can find out what's REALLY going on in the world. I join with you in saying, "Keep up the good work Kurt, and please don't get discouraged".

Jun 8th - 19:21pm | pkrnger

Kurt,

Jun 8th - 18:09pm | Fred Miller

Ouch!! You hit me hard with this one Kurt. I read the NPT daily but I rarely comment except for gun issues. We must ALL be enthusiastic about preserving our Parks. I'm not sure our government has the Parks' best interests at heart; just their own.

Jun 8th - 16:49pm | Sabattis

I can offer a few points of speculation on this: [list=1]

Conservation Groups Will Head to Court Over Yellowstone Snowmobile Decision

Jun 8th - 20:22pm | Kurt Repanshek

What I believe to be *the* central problem with this issue is it's become a political football and so, as the scientists themselves admit, science is not the guiding light on this matter.

Jun 8th - 17:06pm | Bob Janiskee

Alas; "unimpaired for future generations" is a mighty limp criterion. It's not much of a stretch to say that lots of sustainable yield activities (including hunting, fishing, trapping, selective logging, and many kinds of gathering, just to name a few) would leave a park unimpaired for future generations.

Jun 8th - 16:30pm | Sabattis

I'd be curious to know how this lawsuit is proceeding. I think the environmental groups would have a fairly hard time with this case for two reasons: - it will be hard to establish that snowmobile use in Yellowstone is leaving Yellowstone impaired for future generations

Jun 7th - 22:14pm | Anonymous

It would seem that the conservationists are not going to be happy untill all human activity outside of the city limits is eliminated and you even have to wonder about there. The parks were established to be used. Yes we have to take care of over use and/or abuse but it was not intended to be reserved for any particular group including the granola crunchers.

Glen Canyon NRA Starting Random Boat Inspections to Prevent Mussel Infestation

Jun 8th - 18:51pm | jack allen

they should check all boats,this has been a problem for years in the great lakes and other n/east areas,common lets wake up out west...all it takes is one boat..stop it now...

National Park Service Director Bomar Scheduled to Meet With Mountain Bike Community

Jun 8th - 16:20pm | Sabattis

You are correct that the Gila River Indian Community prohibits almost all access to Hohokam Pima National Monument, as they consider themselves to be descendents of the Snaketown inhabitants and because they consider Snaketown to be a sacred place.

Jun 8th - 16:03pm | Bob Janiskee

Sport hunting is not a reliable indicator of protection. In the National Park System, sport hunting is permitted in national preserves (categorically, I think) and in some other parks.

Jun 8th - 15:41pm | MRC

Well, not all National Wildlife Refuges enjoy that high standard of protection, but some do. Pelican Island, the very first NWR, established in 1903, is off limits to visitors, as well as a number others.

NPS Retirees Oppose Carrying Guns in National Parks

Jun 8th - 10:50am | John Meagher

I am offended and insulted, and angered, by your reference to us/ME as "some fool",

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