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Support Growing To Rename Clingmans Dome At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Jan 11th - 09:36am | chris...

erasing history.  Again.  As far as I am concerned this is an abomination of the NPS procedures.  The tribal members can make a public comment about such proposals just like any other American citizen.  The idea that they get to come up with new names for historical landmarks in America is a joke.  This is yet another insider decision by Chuck Sams and Deb Haaland.  They have made a mockery of

House Committee To Explore National Park System Maintenance Backlog, Park Service Not Invited

Jan 10th - 13:56pm | Phil Selleck

One of the factors I would explore is that when a program is funded at a higher level, and more projects are expected, it is also expected to be done with the people and resources at hand. Once you reach capacity, and there is still money to be spent, you might need more people.

An Arborist’s Challenge: Saving John Muir's Giant Sequoia

Jan 7th - 22:19pm | y_p_w

I've been there many times and seen that tree each and every time.

Protecting 5,000-Year-Old Indigenous Fish Weirs In Ontario

Jan 7th - 15:03pm | Debbie Drumm

An important rich history that should be shared with everyone.  Hopefully more people will read this and realize what we have in our own area.

Rangers Kill Black Bear That Might Have Killed Man Poaching Ginseng In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Jan 7th - 12:21pm | Jeremy

Well a human illegally went into the bears territory, however the bear killed the human therefore the bear should die! just because someone walks into my yard does not give me the right to kill them does it?

Traveler's View | Should International National Park Visitors Be Charged More?

Jan 6th - 21:53pm | y_p_w

I don't like the idea.  Parks Canada doesn't have any additional fees for foreign nationals.  Their annual passes are sold at the same price and their website specifically notes shipping to the United States, China, Taiwan, etc.

Jan 6th - 09:37am | Gary Bremen

Very interesting article. As a retired Ranger, I want everyone to be able to experience the parks, and hate that money is a barrier to many. But when we were in India, and went to the Taj Mahal, we paid significantly more that the Indians paid. I think about that trip often, but until today, I'm not sure I ever thought about that additional charge again.

Jan 5th - 17:55pm | Mather Forever

Yes. They should be charged more. 

Jan 5th - 15:37pm | Stuiterbal

Having moved to the US five years ago and having visted numerous national parks since then, I've always felt that the typical $35 entrance fee seemed extremely cheap for the value of the experience that it provides. Too cheap.

Jan 5th - 12:04pm | chris...

Welcome to your private public parks.  Payment will be via app on your smart phone.    This is obvious to anyone willing to open their eyes

Jan 5th - 11:31am | Paul S.

 

PEER: NPS Remains Plagued By Low Morale, Rising Attrition

Jan 6th - 12:30pm | Former Employee

In 2023 this article is surprising...but sadly not that surprising. After 20 years of experiencing exactly what this article refers to in addition to physical threats, management retaliation, nepotism and cronyism, and an indifferent regional and Washington directorate...I left and never looked back.

Happy Birthday to the National Park Service Arrowhead Emblem

Jan 4th - 17:03pm | Dale W Disque

Came across your site while searching for arrowhead gifts. My father turns 87 in a few weeks and his father, Earl August Disque, had a role in the creation of the original design.  He worked for the Department of the Interior.  After his passing, we discovered all of his sketching and tools used during the process.

Prepare For Your National Park Adventures With These Books

Jan 4th - 11:06am | Will De Man

If you're visiting Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, Congaree, Mammoth Cave, or other Southeastern Parks, "A Short History of the National Parks: The Southeast" is a great addition to this list. 

Private Equity Firm Takes Majority Interest In Ortega National Parks

Jan 4th - 08:10am | Stephen H Kibbey

Never Mind, Nolan Capital changed the nme of Ortega National Parks to ExploreUS. Not sure if the Ortega's are even involed anymore. They have a map of the States where they have concessios contracts, however, when you click on a particular State, nothing appears. Checled the NPA Authorized Concessioner web-site again this morning, still no listing for Mammoth Cave, not sure why.

Jan 3rd - 20:22pm | Stephen H Kibbey

Is Ortega National Parks still a concessionaire with NPS. I can find nothing about them on thw Web. Interestingly Mammoth Cave is no longer listed on the NPS Concessionaire Web-Site, I suspect this is an oversight but you never know.

Grand Canyon National Park Bobcat Died From Rat Poison

Jan 3rd - 16:31pm | CJDillon

Many residents of Grand Canyon NP seem to feel they are excluded from park regulations and management does nothing about it.

Deer Culling Operations Scheduled For Fort Dupont, Fort Washington, And Greenbelt Parks

Jan 3rd - 08:18am | James T. Jackson

Not in favor of the practice and would rather another solution be found. 

Black Studies Could Lead To New Historic Landmarks, Transparency About Segregation

Jan 2nd - 18:14pm | Claire

I wish I knew who the man in the photo was.  Was he the car's owner?  Was he a father or a member of the the YMCA?  I wonder how the rest of their lives turned out.  I wonder if any of them are still alive?  I wonder what they were playing, since they all seem to be holding balls.  Just such an intriguing picture, especially for that time period.

UPDATE | Lawsuit Alleges Recreation.Gov Is Cluttered With "Junk Fees," Seeks Refunds

Jan 2nd - 15:18pm | Debb D

I tried to obtain a back country permit in Yosemite that included Half Dome in the permit.  I tried 14 times, for $140 to no avail.  If that $140 went to the park itself for operations it would still sting, as it's a lot to pay for absolutely nothing, however, it would be going to a good cause (park upkeep, maintenance, etc.)  Instead is lined Booz Allen's pockets even further.  When you lose t

Grizzly Bear Shot and Killed By Hikers In Denali National Park and Preserve

Jan 1st - 00:09am | Dan from Alaska

I see a ton of comments on waiting for the facts etc. Born and raised Alaska bush guy here: my take is this-the Alaskan backcountry is like no other backcountry and it's all trying to kill you.

Motorists Cited For Driving Off-Road At Death Valley National Park

Dec 31st - 21:03pm | Scott Jorgenson

Don't think they are getting off with just a minor ticket.

Dec 31st - 13:56pm | Rich Rose

100 % agree. A lame citation is only going to increase copycat behaviour. 

Dec 31st - 08:36am | James Gordon

Should be a mandatory jail time and a huge fine.This is damaging a national treasure and these entitled idiots don't care but would start caring if they were put in jail .No mercy for these fools!

Dec 31st - 01:26am | Sherry Smith

People have considerations for nature. They want to drive in areas that say no motorized vehicle, road closed just to tear it up and have self enjoyment. They are self centered .... They should have to spend 500 hours fixing trails to improve areas. That's after a 15,000 dollar fine and 6 months jail.

Dec 30th - 13:11pm | ES

Why do you think someone who knowingly and intentionally camped outside of the permitted area (and if he's a YouTuber, he probably told everyone about it, encouraging bad behavior) deserves any sympathy?

Dec 30th - 11:56am | John A.

The activity involving the YouTube backpacker you mention are misdemeanors which could not possibly result in "5 years jail time" or a criminal record. Your account lacks crediability.

Dec 30th - 02:05am | Mike B.

All vehicles involved should be impounded permanently and sold to off-set the expenses of restoration.

Dec 29th - 17:38pm | Donna C

All you did was "cite" them?  I know of an experienced YouTube backpacker and an outdoor TV host who set up camp 200 yards from his permit site during a wild snowstorm while legally filming, and you took him to court , threatened 5 years jail time and wouldn't let him leave the country (required for his job)!

Thank You, Traveler Readers And Listeners

Dec 29th - 19:55pm | Hope Haberer

Kudos to the NP Traveler and thanks for all your wonderful stories.  So appreciate your stories and they really do enrich the lives of all of us who love the National Parks. You really make us appreciate them more than you know.

Dec 29th - 10:13am | Kurt Repanshek

We've made a conscious decision not to clutter the site with pop-up ads. If companies believe in the national parks and our work, there are other opportunities they can reach our audience and support the Traveler without annoying pop-ups.

Dec 29th - 10:10am | Lee Dalton

You're probably right, stev. But sometimes, the people who provide money to get their ads published, seek some kind of editorial control.  Is that liable to be a problem?  However, there are also some outfits that may be reputable enough to keep their paws off.  

Dec 29th - 10:06am | Lee Dalton

This is GOOD news! But when you finally decide to retire, Kurt, there HAS to be SOMEONE out there in this big confused world who is capable of replacing you.  Maybe, if we try hard, we can find them.

Dec 29th - 09:52am | stev

is there some reason you dont have ads like every other web site ?  If it is because you are a non profit  its time to change  . Every where you go on internet there is ads . I had given $100 to help  where is ads for rei , target , walmart , all the other companies who would want out eyes to click on thier ads ?   You wont make it after after 6 months unless you get pop up ads

Dec 29th - 08:57am | Bill Chapman

It's so good to see that you and your staff will carry on!!  Thank you all for your dedication and hard work covering things for us.

A Hell Of A Place: The Devil's Role In National Park Place Names

Dec 29th - 10:42am | C Perkins

After visiting there, I think the name Devils Tower demeans the Indigenous sacred history of the spot. Bears Tower or Bears Table would be more fitting, if not as dramatic. 

Nine Injured By Lightning Strike At Old Faithful In Yellowstone National Park

Dec 28th - 11:28am | Krissy

I was one of the nine struck this day, we did not sue lol. It is however one of my "cool" stories to tell 

Actor Pierce Brosnan Cited For Walking In Yellowstone Thermal Area

Dec 28th - 09:16am | Lee Dalton

But . . . But . . . He's FAMOUS!  And wealthy.  Don't fame and wealth convey special privileges?

The Bridge Over The Virgin River, Zion National Park

Dec 28th - 05:20am | Rebecca Latson

Antoine, you should check Zion National Park's website to find out about closures and other alerts.

Dec 27th - 19:02pm | Antoine France

Hi Rebecca,  Is the brige whos been closed in May ? Is it fix or it is another one ? comin soon, thanks 

More Access Opens In Death Valley National Park

Dec 26th - 20:11pm | Abby Wines (Dea...

You are correct. There have been BLM employees also assisting with road work.  Caltrans and Inyo County have also done a lot of road work, but the roads they have worked on are not part of this group that just opened.  

Dec 23rd - 11:57am | Smokey

There are also other agencies assisting DEVA with their flood recovery. It's not just NPS employees.

Senators, Congressmen Join Bid To Restrict President's Use Of Antiquities Act

Dec 26th - 19:39pm | Rick B.

From my house I can see hillside slopes that were managed in the manner described --- denuded, a more descriptive term. Not a one of these congresscritters is a friend.

Dec 26th - 18:30pm | allen bohnert

Agree - lets us it to the full extent = positively, of course.  Plus, if using the Antiquities Act to designate National Monuments was good enough for Teddy Roosevelt, then it's good enough for me as well.

Dec 25th - 10:01am | Bill in Montana

If using the Antiquities Act to designate National Monuments was good enough for Teddy Roosevelt, then it's good enough for me.    

Dec 24th - 17:00pm | lori Atwood

The timber companies' idea of managing a forest area for " permanent timber production" is to clear cut sections, leaving the slopes essentially bald.  Small and large animals that had lived there have their world upset.

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Points To NPS Morale Issues

Dec 26th - 19:08pm | WaltD

So exactly what level of improvement is sufficient IYHO?   Years after year after year the NPS scores in some of the lowest levels of employee satisfaction across the entire federal government.  NPT has every right to pusblish the results as they are publiuc records widely read.  And where better to publish them than NPT which covers everything NPS?   

2023 In Review | Stories That Deserve Another Read

Dec 24th - 06:51am | Mather

Thank you for posting.  Good articles.   The Great American Outdoors Act has been a tremendous plus for the NP System.  Bipartisan legislation is something we could all embrace.  I don't understand why the Department of the Interior doesn't do more to tout its success.  Seems like a winner.

UPDATED | National Park Service Proposing To Demolish Deteriorating And Unneeded Structures At New River Gorge

Dec 22nd - 11:02am | Mr. Brightside

Everything seems possible - when you don't have to implement it!    Properties are acquired all the time with no idea concept of how NPS will pay to operate these things and no new money.  I applaud the park for moving this forward.  

Dec 22nd - 07:41am | Judy Deegans

NPS is about to commit sacrilege by demolishing buildings in the New River Gorge and in the town of Thurmond. Sad, indeed.

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.