You are here

Home

All Recent Comments

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

Dec 20th - 14:26pm | Anonymous

A cut and paste reporting job. You could do better Mr. Rapenshak. There's already a lot of alarmist finger pointing going on ... Just google " border issues" and dig in. I'd like to know: Are there improvements? # of Arrests, acts of violence, improved safety? On US soil? If DHS and other agencies shared ALL the intelligence what would that mean on the ground?

American Indians in the Civil War? Petersburg National Battlefield is Part of the Story

Dec 20th - 14:05pm | Jim Burnett

Dave - Thanks for the good comment.

Dec 20th - 10:27am | dave chuber

Good story and it shows the American Indians did fight on both sides for many reasons. They were caught "Between two Fires" but the authors statement that the American Indians "fear that if the Confederacy won, American Indians would join African Americans in slavery" is wrong in many cases!

Dec 19th - 20:09pm | Phil Baker

Indians were used on the Southern side at Pea Ridge, albeit not very effectively due, in part, to incompetent CSA leadership.

Dec 18th - 22:53pm | Len Eagleburger

Many tribes fought each other in the Trans-Mississippi area.....

Dec 18th - 18:13pm | Bob Janiskee

Though published more than 50 years ago, Harold Keith's award winning novel "Rifles for Watie" still makes great reading. Highly recommended.

Dec 18th - 18:05pm | Anonymous

There was a Cherokee named Stand Watie who was a general in the Confederate Army. He was the last Confederate General to surrender. He and many Cherokees participated in the Battle of Pea Ridge in northwestern Arkansas.

Dec 18th - 16:30pm | Laura Amundson

My great-great-great-uncle, Baptise St. Martin, was a Chippewa who enlisted in the 30th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. As a young child he probably was one of the Chippewa who had to march to Sandy Lake, Minnesota as part of the forced removal from northwestern Wisconsin (and then marched home again).

Dec 18th - 12:11pm | Bob Janiskee

Larry, I agree with Jim. He made it clear that Indians fought for both sides during the Civil War.

Dec 18th - 11:32am | Jim Burnett

Larry - You're certainly correct that Native Americans fought for both the North and South, and I touched on that briefly early in the story by noting, "Estimates of the number of American Indians who fought for either the Union or the Confederacy vary widely."

Dec 18th - 11:18am | Larry

You seem to have omitted that many Native Americans fought for the South.

Lead-Tainted Carcasses and Gut Piles Pose Hazards for Endangered Condors

Dec 20th - 12:19pm | Bob Janiskee

Some people don't have a lick of sense, Ann. Regardless of whether condors are at risk, people should know better than to throw coins and trash into the canyon.

Dec 20th - 12:03pm | Ann

A ranger giving a talk about the condors in the Grand Canyon stressed that these birds make a habit of ingesting shiny objects. The coins tossed over the Rim by tourists pose a very real health hazard for the condor population, as do bottle caps and tabs from aluminum cans.

Mules In Grand Canyon National Park: Should They Stay?

Dec 20th - 11:55am | Ann

The dried mule droppings do not bother me, but the puddles of mule urine do emit disconcerting odors (and I do not hike the canyon in waterproof/urine-proof boots). Nevertheless, I will find it upsetting if the the authorities decide that the mules must wear diapers. A mule driver at Phantom Ranch told me that the "powers that be" are talking about requiring diapers on mules.

Dec 17th - 11:26am | Anonymous

Actually, not all of the above is correct. The majority of trails in the Grand Canyon have their origins as game trails and Native American prehistoric and historic routes into the Canyon.

Pruning the Parks: Holy Cross National Monument (1933-1950)

Dec 20th - 11:16am | Anonymous

Given the current direction of our great nation, it is not only a good idea to stoke up the NPS campfire, but to recognize that the pruning process has to take place soon. The NPS basket of diverse units weakens the founding concept of "national parks" and their unique role in American conservation.

Dec 17th - 21:13pm | Dottie

OK, this is what I have come up with: Mt Vernon is not a National Park Service site. George Washington's birthplace is a National Park Service site at Colonial Beach, VA. Two entirely different entities and I must confess I never realized that. But I still cling to the notion that just because a president was born down the street doesn't mean the house should be a shrine forever more.

Dec 17th - 14:41pm | WWW

I completely agree with these comments thus far. I would add the Vanderbilt Mansion to that list as it only became an NPS site because FDR didn't want the land adjacent to his home to fall to developers so it was sold to the NPS for $1.00 and a huge tax write off for the relative who inhereted it.

Dec 17th - 12:08pm | Lee Dalton

Actually, Mt. Vernon is not Washington's birthplace. That IS an NPS area. (At least I think it is . . . . gonna have to double-check that.) But your comment about "bold and brash" Congresscritters seeking "Federal funding for their little piece of importance back home" is right on.

Dec 17th - 11:42am | Dottie

To Lee and Chris - you both have said what I have thought and could not begin to say as eloquently. There are so many sites that are not of national importance, or even of importance, that could easily forego the budget and have it put to excellent use in our truly National Parks - Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and on and on.

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

Dec 20th - 11:07am | Non-radical

Wondered if earmarks and the fact that we don't have the money entered into the bill's failure. It might appear that good judgement on some concerns is overwhelmed by the history of wildly excessive spending for constituency payoffs rather than bullet effective resource management tools. Reactionary theme works both ways.

Dec 19th - 23:14pm | Tom Ribe

I'm sorry you gave Doc Hastings so much ink. When the right wingers talk about the EPA and public lands in the same breath, they tip their hand that they are talking nonsense. The EPA has almost nothing to do with public lands but the right hates the EPA and brings it up as the ultimate boggy man anytime they want to froth about the federal government and their hatred of all things public.

Dec 19th - 22:48pm | Sage Cat

Mountain biking is a healthy, low-impact form of recreation. This sport brings jobs and prosperity to struggling towns. If large portions of our National Forest are suddenly closed to non-motorized bicycles, many local businesses will have to shut down. This includes bike shops, hotels, restaurants and markets. This is very controversial.

Dec 19th - 20:02pm | Keeper

Add the pending Stock Use Ea for the Grand Canyon that all but sets in motion the elimination of Mule Rides into the grand Canyon. A 103 year old cultural, historical and very transformational Ride that is considered the best ride on the planet. The EA sits on IMR Director John Wessels's desk waiting for his signature(and Supt. Steve Martin's departure, apparently).

Dec 19th - 18:21pm | Robert C. Sisson

REP supports this bill and will work hard all week to get it through. It also includes permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Rob Sisson, President Republicans for Environmental Protection www.rep.org

Dec 19th - 11:02am | destroyerman

i agree with rep hastings,i think reid thinks money grows on trees,enough of pork barrel...noo matter what its for.

Dec 18th - 15:31pm | Anonymous

For those of you who are running roughshod over the rest of us who want to use public lands for other than on foot or horseback, keep in mind the law of unintended consequences. There will come a time when large commercial interests will mount an attack on your closures and you will need all the support you can get to stop it.

Dec 18th - 13:49pm | Anonymous

Not sure about the 16 million for the Valles Caldera being and issue because it is already a federal property and it's going to be funded 3.5 million / year for 5 years regardless...

Dec 18th - 11:22am | Anonymous

If the Heritage Foundation opposes it you can be sure it's good legislation. Just my opinion.

House Republicans Continue To Blame Environmental Regulations for Border Security Woes

Dec 20th - 10:33am | Bob

Another loss for those of us in the facts-based community.

Dec 20th - 09:36am | PETCAT

Rep. Bishop doesn't let FACTS stand in his way! I'm very sorry to hear that he will be on the National Parks subcommittee. We need people who will show concern for our parks making decisions not those who want to destroy our environmental, wildlife and wilderness acts.

Miserable Weather Makes for Tough Climbing Rescue in Yosemite National Park

Dec 20th - 10:16am | Lynn F.

Like Marty Koch, I also solo hike in the park, but not all trails. I choose wisely when I do, one because I will be 62 in February and the other for safety. Some of the trails in the park are not as widely used, so I try to pick the ones that there are more people hiking.

UPDATED: Hoodoos, Winter Solstice, and Lunar Eclipse Converge At Bryce Canyon National Park

Dec 20th - 09:25am | pkrnger

The national park rangers at Bryce Canyon are doing an exceptional job promoting the value of a dark and starry night and making the park visitor aware of the wonders of the "other half" of their park.

New Director in National Park Service's Intermountain Region Looking Forward to Challenges

Dec 19th - 19:50pm | Keeper

So where does the funding PUBLIC stand in the food chain? Those indivisduals that seek transformational places that are cut out of the opportunity by more and more elitist leaning administrators who propose cell phone tours and other drive by experiences as a replacement for REAL interactive (recent term) experiences.

Groups File Appeal To Block Coal Mine Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Dec 19th - 13:28pm | Lee Dalton

Darin B -- Maybe people who live in the cities amid the sprawl and crud, are more aware than you how precious a thing you have where you are lucky enough to live. There's a lot of truth in what you say here, but on the other hand, it's vital that any time we all look to the future, we seek the BEST possible solutions for long-term success.

Dec 19th - 10:24am | Darin B

Well, it's easy to sit in your polluted cities, driving your Ford Valdez SUV's, driving one person per vehicle to work, and living in your urban sprawl neighborhoods to sit back and throw stones. The reality of it is this, the Mine is 50 miles via the highway from the entrance to Bryce Canyon. The 12 miles as the crow flies is through rugged terrain that rarely sees Man's footprints.

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

Dec 19th - 13:08pm | Dianna Cohen

Mahalo and Thank you for bringing this issue to the attention of many. Currently, we find that there are actually 11 major Plastic Pollution Vortex or gyres in the Oceans of our Earth. Plastic is appearing in every single Ocean sample including those in the lower Atlantic as well as in the North Sea and Antarctic Sea.

Dec 19th - 11:29am | Barky

Bob, I guess the reason why I have some hope this can be corrected is because it can actually be seen.

Dec 19th - 11:26am | Anonymous

Troubles. You might think that we know everything. Many people think that science is coming to a complete understanding of various things. We might consider trash to be a basic, well know issue. What new is there to learn about trash.

Dec 19th - 07:24am | Bob Janiskee

I don't know about you, Barky, but I seriously doubt that Congress will ever decide to "do something" about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, or even debate the issue. If the problem of marine trash is ever resolved, it'll be because of fundamental changes in the way countries all over the world use matter and energy resources.

Dec 19th - 06:47am | Barky

What a shame, a tragedy really. Your comparison between the gyres and air pollution is quite apt, hadn't thought of that before. I am convinced that we can solve this problem, just like we nearly solved our air pollution and ozone depletion problems in the past. It's going to take a concerted effort in awareness, education, and regulation just like those other problems.

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Steve Martin Hanging Up His Hat

Dec 18th - 20:39pm | Keeper

I have to go back to what Marjorie wrote in an earlier post that no one with heart problems should go in the Canyon. My group I was with riding to Plateau Point (a ride that Supt.

Dec 17th - 19:33pm | Anonymous

It is a fact that the number of inner canyon hikers who want the corridor trails free of mules represent a tiny minority. The vast majority of citizens wanted the mules to stay and would rather them left alone. Martin was acting as representative of this tiny minority and not acting in the interest of the citizens of the united states, or in accordance with the NPS mission statement.

Sections of Pacific Crest Trail Poached by Mountain Bikers; Could Problems Arise in National Parks?

Dec 18th - 15:41pm | Jeri Lee

My problem with other users on the Pacific Crest Trail, is that for one, the federal government under the National Trails Act, created this trail for hiking and horseback riding. There are other trails that mountainbiking and other off-roading activities are legal on. Here's something to think about, you wouldn't ride a bike in a pool would you?

Rare Motion Pictures Show Civil War Veterans at the 75th Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reunion

Dec 18th - 10:27am | Jim Bond

I have and continue to enjoy my trips to Gettysburg. I hope that the Park Service will once again display the incredible collection of photographs of these reunion as they once did in the old visitors center. There is no place more moving to me than Gettysburg National Military Park. Thanks for this well done page.

Lost in Time: A Manuscript From Horace Kephart, A Driver Behind the Designation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dec 17th - 12:47pm | Lyle

I have been a fan of Horace since I checked out a copy of Camping and Woodcraft from my grade school library 60 odd years ago. A fellow classmate of mine was also a fan and we alternately checked out the book and read it until it was quite worn. A few years ago I was able to find a pristine copy at a used book store.

Reader Participation Day: How Would You Cut the National Park Service's Budget?

Dec 17th - 12:32pm | Dave Crowl

Maybe at Great Smokey N.P. you could make them buy a pass to be able to park or leave the hi-way in side the park. That way through motorist would not have to buy a permit.

Dec 17th - 11:17am | justinh

We shouldn't be asking this question, because it further legitmates the narrative that the parks' budget should be cut. Instead, the narrative should be reframed to recognize the parks as inviolable--i.e. another "third rail" issue in American politics. There are plenty of other things that can and should be cut in the federal budget.

Dec 17th - 11:01am | Bob Janiskee

Under the terms of an agreement with the state of Tennessee, which funded construction of the park's main road (Hwy 441, Newfound Gap Rd.), the federal government cannot charge admission fees for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The state of Tennessee insisted that motorists be able to drive on the state-funded Hwy 441 without charge.

Appalachian Mountain Club Pursues Sustainable Forestry In Northern Maine

Dec 17th - 11:06am | justinh

This would seem to be a puzzling giveaway. Did AMC receive anything in exchange for this?

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.