| Page 1165 | National Parks Traveler

Dave, Regarding tourism numbers, true, it's difficult to gauge from afar, but here are some stats from the NPS: * Overall, tourism year-to-date at Cape Hatteras is at a little more than 2.1 million, vs. 2.2 million a year ago, so down just under 4 percent; * Bodie Island visitation is down 4.3 percent, to just more than 2 million;

Dec 22nd - 09:53am | Dave Vachet

Kurt,

Dec 22nd - 09:27am | Kurt Repanshek

Matt, I know at least some other parks -- Cape Cod National Seashore comes immediately to mind -- already require permits for ORVs, and it's not that big of a deal. Frankly, more of a hassle is the lack of parking at many beaches at Cape Cod. In some you park your rig in a lot away from the beach and ride a shuttle to the beach...hauling all your gear with you.

Dec 22nd - 09:18am | Ryan

Ron, well put. Until the us against them mentality goes away, there will never be consensus.

Dec 22nd - 09:13am | Matt Stubbs

Another downfall for Cape Hatteras will be the permit ruling. If they decide on daily, weekly, or even yearly permits and out cost the visitors such as other parks this will surely restrict the people who visit. It is also stated that those who want the permits will have to obtain them in person which will bog down the already understaffed NPS.

Dec 21st - 17:19pm | Ron Saunders

Sorry. Stated a while back that I wouldn't be posting any more but, here I am. This will be a little different. Spurred by something that Mr. Johnson said.

Dec 21st - 14:58pm | Kurt Repanshek

"Yahoos" was not implied in the article, Jeff.

Dec 21st - 14:51pm | Jeff Johnston

True, on the "yahoos." That was meant as implied as it's worded. As far as the ORV and surfcasting community the entire argument, as well as this post, either says directly or implies that the people unhappy with the closures are those communities.

Dec 21st - 14:17pm | Kurt Repanshek

Um, Jeff, I didn't use the term "ORV crowd." That was actually from an ORV supporter. And "boisterous yahoos" was your term, not a description in the article above.

Dec 21st - 13:45pm | Anonymous

The organizations associated with the rule-making process, as mentioned in the article, are quick to pat themselves on that back for the continuation of a self-fulfilling strategic agenda. Mr. Strickland’s rhetoric implying significant community involvement with the development of a final plan demonstrates a lack of local awareness or an intentionally deceptive overview of the process.

Dec 21st - 13:14pm | Jeff Johnston

Kurt, I'm going to send you a brush and paint for Christmas to help you continue white washing the facts and well-being of the people of Cape Hatteras in the coming turbulent year.

Dec 21st - 09:13am | Matt Stubbs

Kurt in the same area a "Record of decision" was signed also for the construction of the new bridge alongside the old one. That is until the Enviro law suit comes into play.

Becoming Odyssa, Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

Dec 22nd - 08:28am | Dave

One of my favorite place to hike. I am from PA. I mainly hiked in the northern part of the trail but would love to do the entire trail one day.

House Republicans Continue To Blame Environmental Regulations for Border Security Woes

Dec 22nd - 00:10am | Jenny

As illegal intrusion increases along the souhern border we'll see population pressures by these new immigrants, who care nothing for the land, result in many of our national parks being sold to the highest bidder. Our burgeoning deficit will really speed up the sale of our parks...to China. Then comes rapid commercialization....

Dec 21st - 11:23am | Wildlands supporter

If you haven't noticed, it's a very different world, presently. If we don't watch out those RECOVERY signs that are plastered all over our National Parks will have to be in Chinese. People without jobs get to the point where they are more focused on their endangered status.

Dec 21st - 11:04am | Anonymous

What disappoints me the most is how the GOP just ignores the reports and facts and virtually fabricates whatever evidence they need to support their agenda. It is clear that the biggest problems are with money and resources...the very things that the GOP leadership will not provide.

Dec 21st - 09:09am | plet39

This is such B.S. from people whose only concern is lining their own pockets. I'm sure that Rep. Bishop and his ilk are just itching to sell off OUR land to the highest bidder. All you need to do is look into who their supporters are to know where their loyalties lie.

Dec 20th - 18:38pm | Anonymous

well the national parks, forests and wilderness lands are the greatest asset we as americans have . the value of these assets cant be given a value . the power ellete sees these lands as free, for there plunder , they minipulate facts to get there way.the fight continues. please dont ever give up on trying to stop this rape .

Some Special "Sounds of the Season"—Hear the Songs of Humpback Whales Online

Dec 21st - 20:48pm | Anonymous

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary IS NOT the entire State of Hawaii. It is in still in the management plan stage and HAWAII DOESN'T NEED IT. Whales are not in danger here in Hawaii, we don't hunt them. Same goes for the Hawaiian Monk Seals. Do not buy this baloney.

Piping Plover Production Up At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Dec 21st - 19:53pm | Ron Saunders

WOW - GOOD POSTS Tell it like it is guys. I think more people are beginning to understand and I personnally thank them for that. I was beginning to think I was cracking up. That I was seeing things that other reasonably sensable people did't see. Thinking maybe it was just me. Thinking Audubon Had kicked our butts. YOUR GIVING US HOPE KEEP IT UP

Dec 21st - 15:17pm | Anonymous

I do not think most of you understand. If these environmental lawyers came up with realistic buffers, everything would have been fine. That means no more lawsuits or money in there pockets. Also, if you think for one moment that your National Park at Cape Hatteras is not killing animals on a daily basis, your either in the weeds or smoking them.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Brings Blight to the Beach at Hawaii's Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Dec 21st - 13:03pm | Doug Leen

Here in Alaska it is estimated that there is one ton of garbage per lineal mile; and we've a lot of coastline. On Namorik Atoll in the Southern Marshalls in 1986 I counted 1 piece of plastic every square meter of beach. And when I left Chu Lai Vietnam in 1966, there must have been a million cigarette filters strewn in the sand on what were pristine beaches.

Dec 20th - 19:07pm | Semi-radical

Great opportunity to just pick it all up at a concentrated local. Get on with it! I'll volunteer, daily, just get me there! I'm serious! Should be a few others that would join me!

Senator Reid Introduces Massive Omnibus Lands Bill, Though Opposition is Plentiful

Dec 21st - 10:50am | Anonymous

Posts elsewhere today (Dec 21) indicate that S. 303 (still no text available by the way, presumably due to length) is dead but that individual pieces of the bill could be passed separately. Given the short amount of time to act it's unlikely much will be done. In other words, business as usual.

GAO Study Says More Interagency Coordination Needed To Address Illegal Border Crossings in Southwest

Dec 21st - 10:45am | Mark N

As we in Texas know, this problem will not go away until the US Army is allowed to patrol our borders. CBT Border Patrol officers are out manned and outgunned. I can't imagine the dangers the NPS Rangers face on a daily basis. Remember Mexico is not our friend. During WW2 Nazi spies were allowed free run of the country. During the Cold War Communist spies did the same thing.

Dec 20th - 23:46pm | Anonymous

I thought DHS created the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) to share information and coordiate. Why are we squanderingtax payer dollars for DHS to duplicate efforts and create an "ACTT?" No wonder the government is strapped for cash.

Dec 20th - 19:13pm | Barky

"How serious are the problems? At Organ Pipe Cactus, the parking lot near the visitor center is often used by drug smugglers, according to the GAO." Wow, nasty business. I had been there about 10 years ago or so, and although there were warning signs in the area, it didn't seem that bad.

A Highway Project in Congaree National Park Sparks Legal Challenges

Dec 21st - 06:47am | Bob Janiskee

Lousy economic headwind, indeed. It certainly doesn't help that South Carolina is in financial trouble and has been budget-trimming right and left. But this dispute is not just about spending money. It's about forcing the federal government to obey its own laws.

Dec 20th - 19:08pm | Barky

This is one of those cases where I'm sure a non-traditional approach to bridge construction could solve the problem. It would require inspiration instead of cut-and-paste engineering, and there's this lousy economic headwind we've been facing. Thanks for the story, Bob.

British Columbia, Montana Officials Sign Agreement to Protect Glacier, Waterton Lakes National Parks

Dec 21st - 01:13am | alexthomson

I like that they are trying to preserve these two national parks, work on climate change effects and try to enhance renewable energy technology.

Mules In Grand Canyon National Park: Should They Stay?

Dec 20th - 18:18pm | Semi-radical

The discussion continues: http://www.facebook.com/board.php?uid=188057931399&status=512

Dec 20th - 15:41pm | Semi-radical

Just remove hikers from the Canyon would also solve the problem since the great majority of mule support and helicopter rescues are for hiker benefit. Ex Superintendent Steve Martin would like your argument better. He may even like my argument as long as he has his raft trips and personal mule rides with Ted Turner:):). Could be a ring of truth to this, LOL!

Dec 20th - 14:57pm | Non-radical

There are usually 12 mules a day delivering supplies for, mainly, hikers such as yourself John and Phantom Ranch which has 13 full time employees which also cater to mostly hikers. Add on NPS mules that also haul supplies for the Ranger Station both there and to Cottonwood. Add on NPS mules and concession mules that do trail work of some kind everyday.

Florida Officials To Install Panther Detection System With Hopes of Slowing Road Kills

Dec 20th - 16:51pm | palmetto

Ridiculous comment about ineffectiveness of wildlife underpasses/overpasses. Of course they work, despite Florida's high water tables, and it's been proven in the numerous locations around central and south Florida where underpasses have helped prevent black bear and panther deaths on highways.

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