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Why I Believe In National Parks Traveler And Why You Should, Too

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Winter morning at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park / Rebecca Latson

We’ve never met in person, Kurt Repanshek and I, but that has not stopped us from collaborating for more than five years to bring you readers articles filled with photographic tips and advice for getting the best images possible during your national park visits. 

Kurt discovered my photography in 2011, via Flickr. He admired both my images and my written descriptions. He was searching for a couple of good photographers who wrote well and would be willing to regularly contribute to the Traveler’s monthly “Photography in the National Parks” column. Aside from the self-serving view that this site would be an awesome venue from which people could read my stories and admire my photos, there was that bonus of the Traveler being an "independent news site dedicated to media coverage of our national parks and the National Park Service."

I was born and lived near a national park, my family traveled to national parks during Dad’s annual vacations, and I, myself vacation within national parks. What was not to like with this setup?

Day's end at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

Because of my collaboration with Kurt and the Traveler, I’ve taken 99.9 percent of all my vacations to a national park or national seashore. I’ve enjoyed the privilege of talking to Park Service employees and other park visitors, photographing amazing landscapes and wildlife, and writing up my experiences specifically for the Traveler. Oh, I’ve hit the wall more than a few times during that five-year span. I’ve suffered writer’s block and considered throwing in the towel. I mentioned that to Kurt once in a disgruntled email, and he responded by asking me if I was announcing my retirement. My immediate reply was “no,” because I recognized within that email conversation the strong (and rather proprietary) commitment I possessed regarding my participation with the Traveler. If I retired, I knew I’d regret that decision. 

You may not realize it, but keeping the Traveler up and running in good order takes a lot of work. First, there’s the basic IT site maintenance, upkeep, and continual improvements. Adding to that basic overhead is the logistical planning and effort expended trekking to a national park/national monument/national seashore. There are the contacts to meet and interview, sites to photograph, and thoughts/opinions to assemble on laptop to produce a readable piece - usually with a close deadline looming. Then there’s the time taken to capture, and the effort expended to edit, all those images you see in each story. Those daily articles you read don’t just write themselves, you know. 

The Traveler exists thanks to a small cadre of volunteers and an even smaller handful of freelancers to write, proof, and verify the information for each article. Heck, I admit to having a couple of articles sent back to me for further homework. 

A view of Clements Mountain from the Highline Trail, Glacier National Park / Rebecca Latson

Every single day, this is done to produce news and op-eds, trip tips, and photographic advice, on which you readers ultimately can comment.

Those other news sites and magazines out there in cyberspace don’t do that much, nor as often. They “cherry pick” what they think will be a popular read and print once a month. The Traveler, on the other hand, reaches high up that same tree to bring you daily news and commentary on everything from tracking Sooty tern migration in Dry Tortugas National Park and guest editorials to articles on climate change impact, and to so many other issues that are not often covered elsewhere. Did I mention there are other “wanna be” sites out there trying to emulate the Traveler? Good luck with that, I say; the know-how, experience, contacts, and quality product generated by the Traveler will be difficult to beat.

And, how about those seasonal Essential Guides. I know you’ve read them in digital format, but have you ever held and read these helpful guides in their hard-copy magazine layout? They are physically beautiful, thoughtful, and well-put together. Each new edition of the Essential Guide improves upon the last. 

Kurt believes in keeping the Traveler independent of outside influence, hence the nonprofit designation. The aim at the Traveler is to provide editorally independent stories revolving around these special, federally reserved wildlands saved for, and open to, all the public. Sure, you can go online and call up the Traveler anytime you want, without ever having to contribute any funds. It’s like listening to public radio or watching public television – why donate when it’s there and you know others will donate to keep it going? Or will they? The reality is that money keeps the wheels turning and allows the Traveler to continue the job of writing and publishing articles and images designed to inform, educate, and, perhaps, prick at your conscience.

Mountain and desert landscape, Big Bend National Park / Rebecca Latson

The gist of my writing here is to ask you to please consider donating to keep the Traveler going. I have. I’m a part of this, and I hope that you want to be a part of this. I believe in the Traveler and what this site aims to accomplish for its readers, and I hope you believe this, too. So go ahead, click one of those donate buttons below. You'll feel better for it knowing that you're contributing to national park journalism not just for today, but for the long run.

Rebecca Latson at Big Bend National Park

Comments

Well stated, Rebecca.

 


I've been a subscriber to NPT and now I'm going to become a supporter of the non-profit. Like many people, I love and support the NPS and the parks but there are times when they need to be criticized, as well as defended. I see that in the stories here and appreciate the indendent view. Thanks for the work you are doing, Kurt, Rebecca and the rest of the N.P. Traveler staff.

Paul in Custer, SD

paulhorsted.com


This website is what I go to during a stressful day at work--when it gets crazy all I have to do is go here for relief. Thanks Kurt and all the rest who make this site happen--I'm sending my donation as soon as I finish this. Afterwards we all need to send The Sec of the Interior a comment about saving and protecting our National Monuments. Thanks


How about if I share a little GOOD NEWS for a change even if it isn't directly connected to this story?

Needles Outpost, located just outside the entrance to Needles District of Canyonlands National Park has long been coveted by land developers who were drooling over visions of dollar signs flowing from an expansive development of condos and trophy "homes."

They lost out in an auction and the land will now be protected in a land trust.  Here are details from this afternoon's Salt Lake Tribune: 

http://www.sltrib.com/news/5327739-155/utah-conservationist-buys-needles...

Here's another article.  This one from Deseret News.  It includes some good photos. 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865680712/Conservationist-buys-Needle...


Nice - the way it should be done. 


Nice . . . . IF it works that way.

Unfortunately, it takes someone with pockets deeper than the developers.   Too often, greed has even deeper pockets.   This is one more reason why we need protection for public lands. 


That *is* good news, Lee!  Thanks for sharing.


Great pictures - in particular, I could gaze at your image of Delicate Arch for a long time and just dream.


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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.

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