Forest Keepers
The National Park System is an essential laboratory—and also a battleground—in the management of invasive pests.
- By Kim O'Connell - June 16th, 2022 4:35pm
Invasives
Invasive Mammals and the National Parks
From hogs to cats to mountain goats, managing non-native mammals, which the public might find cute and endearing, is an ongoing challenge.
- By Kim O'Connell - August 1st, 2024 1:24am
Traveler's Audio Postcards From The Parks: Hog Wild
Feral hogs are just one of several species of invasive mammals that are posing immense challenges for national park managers. Unlike invasive insects or reptiles, invasive mammals are often larger and more “charismatic” animals, difficult for parks to eradicate from a logistical, financial, and emotional perspective. Contributing writer Kim O'Connell goes in search of wild hogs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Traveler Special Report: Measuring Successes Against Invasive Species
While invasive plant, animal, and fish species are attacking the National Park System, there are some success stories to note in the battle.
- By Kurt Repanshek - August 1st, 2024 1:24am
Audio Postcard From The Parks | Battling Russian Olive At Glen Canyon NRA
Across the National Park System, some 2 million acres have been invaded by non-native vegetation. At Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah, crews physically cut down Russian olive trees and use Roundup to prevent regrowth of this invader.
National Parks Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek backpacked in with the crew from Grand Staircase Escalante Partners to learn more about this project and watch them at work.
Traveler Special Report: Vegetative Invaders In The National Parks
They were ornamentals, showy vegetation once viewed as being beautiful and helpful landscape additions, but today many have turned into invaders that are adversely impacting national park landscapes.
- By Kurt Repanshek - August 1st, 2024 1:24am
Charitable Dollars Help In Fight Against Invasives In National Park System
National park philanthropy doesn't stop when it comes to trail and campground maintenance, science and research, or bringing inner-city youth to a park. Each year nearly$1.5 million from the National Park Foundation goes towards battling invasive species across the system.
- By Kurt Repanshek - November 19th, 2021 4:47pm
Traveler Special Report: The Cost Of Invasive Species In The National Park System
Across the National Park System, more than $100 million a year is spent in a bid to control invasive plant and animal species, though the actual cost in lost recreational opportunities is difficult to measure.
- By NPT Staff - August 1st, 2024 1:24am
Traveler Special Report: Voracious Invaders Ply National Park Waters
Aquatic ecologist Danny Boiano loves fish, grew up fishing, studied fish in Yosemite National Park for his master’s degree. So is it odd that today Boiano’s National Park Service job centers around eradicating entire fish populations?
- By Rita Beamish - August 1st, 2024 1:24am
National Parks Traveler Special Report: National Park System Invaders
Rising 30 feet and more above the blue waters of Lake Powell, the gray, crusty band of mussel shells reflects an invasion that has swept through the ecosystem practically unimpeded.
- By Kurt Repanshek - August 1st, 2024 1:24am
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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
