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What Not to Do with an Old Cannonball

Aug 6th - 13:50pm | Nicholas

OK i live in Canada in a area where they were expecting the American to attack because of its strategic location as being the capital of Canada (at the time) Kingston. i live a good distance from the fort that still stands today and i found a 6 pound iron spherical shell. it has no fuse and dosent look dangerous. I think it was used for practice becaus it was found in a field.

House Republicans Say Interior Secretary's Proposed Snake Ban Bad for Business

Aug 6th - 13:49pm | Lika Temares

I have lived in Collier County, Florida for over 20 years and have heard the stories of giant snakes in our wetlands. Speaking for most South Floridians, I believe that the importation of giant snakes from exotic places should be completely illegal. People get pythons and anacondas as pets, thinking they will stay the same size as they were when they bought them, WRONG.

Lodging in the Parks: Beware the St. Mary Lodge & Resort

Aug 6th - 13:36pm | michelle

I worked at st marys this year for 1 month, July and was shocked at the attitude of management, the owners in how their lack of CARE for the guest. They want your money, and with a 30 day non refundable policy, you are giving them that right to deny you a refund. Johnny Noe loves to call his lawyer, and will rip you off from any discount you should think you deserve.

Aug 4th - 15:43pm | jim

I had same kind of experience at Cedar Grove Lodge in Kings Canyon.It was like a skid row motel,dirty, noisy, lousy CSR's I could go on.

Reader Participation Day: Should Pets Be Given More Leeway in National Parks?

Aug 6th - 11:46am | Anonymous

I am a NPS superintendent, and am also very active in a variety of dog-related avocational interests (tracking, agility, etc.). My dogs are my constant outdoor companions. A few years back, I entered into this very discussion with an associate regional director with science in their portfolio.

Aug 6th - 09:28am | ecbuck

You may be happy to leave your dog at home but your dog would much rather be with you in the park than locked up in some kennel.

Aug 5th - 23:25pm | y_p_w

Basel: National parks are wildlife sanctuaries and the policy of keeping dogs off trails is a sound one.

Aug 5th - 20:17pm | Basel

National parks are wildlife sanctuaries and the policy of keeping dogs off trails is a sound one.

Aug 5th - 20:05pm | Basel

My sentiments also.

Aug 5th - 15:40pm | Connie Hopkins

I am not a dog person so I don't understand nor can I appreciate the feelings that some people have towards their 4 legged friends. I have seen them locked up inside of campers, I would imagine that they would probably prefer to be running in there own surroundings rather than being cooped up. When I see them they're usually barking their heads off the whole time!

Aug 5th - 13:53pm | Bobbo

I'm a dog owner. And frankly, so many other dog owners annoy me. I'd rather not have to deal with them in a park. I love my dog. But she's my DOG, not my CHILD. She doesn't really care whether she's chasing a ball in a parking lot down the street, or in a unique Wonder of the World at a national park. I'm happy to leave her home.

Aug 5th - 11:54am | macon pets

National and State parks should have accommodations for pets. All they need is a little space for running around that is specific for animals. That way it gives the people with pets a place to go and leaves the people without pets that do not want to be around others pets a place also.

Aug 4th - 23:53pm | OnDaRoad

As a Full-time Rver, who both has worked in and regularly visits National Parks, leaving my dog 'at home' or in a kennel really isn't an option. Living in a National Park means your dog is restricted to walks on the campground roads. Luckily most parks have National Forest land nearby where your dog can run free.

Aug 4th - 21:30pm | Anonymous

Once in Yellowstone my then 10 year old asked me in a very calm voice why people bring dogs to the park. Her comment was overheard by a woman sitting under a tree with her dogs. She threatened to shoot my daughter for her questiion yelling that the dogs were her babies and if she had a gun she would use it!

Aug 4th - 16:45pm | Cornell

At first, I was going to say that the regulations should not be changed because there are too many irresponsible pet owners; but, then I remembered that if this rationalization were carried out to its logical conclusion, all humans would be banned because of the irresponsible behavior of some -- such as those who get too close to bison to get a better picture of it.

Aug 4th - 15:44pm | Anonymous

I just wish the rules would be enforced, whatever they may be. I have dogs and love to travel with them. Yet, often when we are going to visit a NP, we leave them at home in a kennel (and always come home to a pretty significant kennel bill). So, while I am missing my dogs and paying dearly for their care, I often find many people in NPs with their dogs and no concern whatsoever for the rule.

Aug 4th - 15:37pm | Anonymous

It is inappropriate for dogs to enter our national parks. The only non-human animals I want to see in the parks are those that live wild there. I don't know of any wild animal who welcomes a dog into his territory. The parks should be reserved for the animals who live there and the humans who appreciate there presence.

Aug 4th - 15:25pm | Ron Mastrogiuseppe

National Parks need special places for visitors to walk their pets since they often have been traveling long distances in warm vehicles. At Crater Lake, Sequoia and Redwood NP, while serving as either a volunteer interpreter or uniformed naturalist, I have found that pets provide an opportunity to meet very interesting people since all pet owners love talking

Wolverine Sightings Growing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Aug 6th - 11:18am | OnDaRoad

I saw what looked to be a wolverine while hiking in Lory State Park outside of Fort Collins last August. I reported it to the Ranger's. Their 'mammal expert' told me that I was mistaken because wolverine's had not been seen in Colorado since the 60's .. they suggested I saw a PIne Martin. I know what Pine Martins look like and this wasn't one. Glad to see the documentation!

Aug 6th - 09:44am | Brad

Check out the claws on this guy!

Fatal Fall from Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Aug 6th - 11:07am | y_p_w

dmack:

Aug 6th - 10:18am | dmack

I just returned from Zion and I am actually glad I did not read this page before going. My daughter and I climbed to the top of the Landing - and it was a fantastic experience. But there were moments during the climb when thoughts of "why" entered my head.

By the Numbers: National Monuments

Aug 6th - 09:56am | Bob Janiskee

South Carolina's Congaree National Park is another example of a Congressionally-created national monument. Created by Congress in 1976, it started out as Congaree Swamp National Monument.

Aug 6th - 09:42am | Kurt Repanshek

MRC, good catch! Just goes to show that you shouldn't let the name get in the way of the facts!

Aug 6th - 09:04am | MRC

@Rangertoo, there are many more National Monuments that were created by congress, not by presidential proclamation. The two Alaskan National Monuments of the Forest Service come to my mind: While they were originally proclaimed by Jimmy Carter in 1978, they were reformed and redesignated by congress with ANILCA in 1980.

Aug 6th - 08:01am | Rangertoo

Not all national monuments are sites established under the Antiquities Act. For example, Homestead National Monument of America and Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument (since renamed) are Congressionally created parks.

Aug 6th - 05:05am | MRC

I'm not familiar with a National Monument in DC and could not find one on the NPS website. Can you point me to the unit you refer to? If you are thinking of Washington Monument, that one is - despite the name - designated as a National Memorial, not a National Monument. [MRC is quite correct. The reference to Washington, DC was incorrect and has been deleted. BJ]

Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway

Aug 6th - 09:15am | Randy Johnson

Thanks Diana for suggesting that people buy my Parkway guides at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's online store. I actually link to that store from my Web site so folks can buy there with one click. In both books I pointedly suggest that people help the Parkway by supporting the Foundation or the other organization Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I appreciate Mr.

NPCA Criticizes Utah Decision to Allow Strip Mine Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Aug 6th - 09:14am | Anonymously-Yours

A COAL MINE!!!?? How last century is that? The big buzz word these days is GREEN TECH. and these bozo's give the go-ahead for a COAL MINE!!!??? Who have they got lined up to work in it, MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS? THEIR CHILDREN? I can see why the feds made all that land federal a century again - GOOD MOVE. Who knows what would be going there now if they didn't...

One More Bear Put Down in Yellowstone National Park

Aug 6th - 08:31am | april

That is not true. There were bear poles in every backcountry campsite we stayed at in yellowstone. You had to look for most because they were the required 100 feet from camping areas and most were very high up.

Aug 6th - 08:28am | april

I spent 10 days in Yellowstone in July. We were backcountry for most of the time. We encountered several bears including a large male griz when we hiked out of the park into the Gallatin Forest. We stayed out of his way and left the area with no incident. Every site had a bear pole that was over 20 feet high (challenging to get the rope over in some cases) and near the food area.

Aug 6th - 06:51am | Anonymous

I just got back from the second meadow of Slough Creek. We were supposed to stay in this site, and the ranger called us the week before to move us to another site. It was originally reported as a grizzly, which the rangers seriously questioned. No Bear Canister rule is in effect. I agree, however, that the bear bag hangs at the campsite are inadequate and way too close to the tentsites.

Aug 5th - 10:17am | Bob

I was in Yellowstone's backcountry in June and there was no bear canister rule. We used the installed hang.

Aug 4th - 17:32pm | y_p_w

Karl: I could be wrong about Yellowstone. I came up from Grand Teton so I already had my cannister. The backcountry offices asked if I had one so I assumed they were required, but maybe not.

Aug 4th - 15:47pm | Karl

I could be wrong about Yellowstone. I came up from Grand Teton so I already had my cannister. The backcountry offices asked if I had one so I assumed they were required, but maybe not.

Aug 4th - 15:37pm | Kurt Repanshek

I hadn't heard that about Yellowstone, though Grand Teton does have a canister rule for backcountry stays.

Aug 4th - 15:32pm | Anonymous

Karl: No more bear hangs, except in emergencies. Bear cannisters are required in Yellowstone backcountry (and most other bear populated US parks.) I ran into a black bear near a backcountry campsite there and the bear was completely unfazed by my presence. Walked straight towards me. I'm sure he would have happily ate my food if it was out.

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

Aug 5th - 22:16pm | Anonymous

It seems that you have a serious axe to grind. This isn't so much to do with the Second Amendment but more to do with what is going to protect you best from a bear attack. Why don't you bring bear spray to protect yourself from a bear and bring your gun to protect yourself from other people etc.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site Offers Window Into the 19th Century

Aug 5th - 21:26pm | preston

My fiance -- who readily admits she's "no nature girl" -- enjoyed our visit to this ranch in July of this year. We happened to arrive during a ranch days celebration, with wagon rides, tours and while the blacksmith was at work. The variety of sites the NPS offers us is one of its attractions.

National Park Road Trip 2010: The Corps of Discovery Returns to the Dakotas

Aug 5th - 19:01pm | HappyNorthDakotan

I am glad you enjoyed your trip to the Williston area. I live outside of Williston on Lake Sakakawea. I am a California native, but a North Dakotan by choice for 11 years. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. I hope you get a chance to come back during the Rendezvous. It is fantastic. Happy travels!

Oil Spill Doesn't Seem To Have Major Impact on Gulf Islands National Seashore's Nesting Shorebirds

Aug 5th - 17:48pm | tortoisewerx

do not beleive one can ever be overly critical when it comes to a disaster of this magnatude... just pointing out that an article of this tone sounds as if the BP responsibility and the effects are minimal, when in fact the truly critical damage has just begun to unfold... the NPS should be puuting the thumb screws to those &%$^$#!*...

Aug 5th - 14:27pm | Kurt Repanshek

You're a bit overly critical, Anonymous. As the story points out, these are just the current conditions that are being observed, not the final word on what might occur down the road.

Aug 5th - 13:02pm | Anonymous

I am an avid "collector" of National Parks, almost have made it to every park once and am now working on doubling them up. I enjoy the Traveller but today I am disappointed that Traveller would run a peice without any further insight or forsight into the long term damage of this oil spill.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Hatchlings Released Into the Atlantic Ocean

Aug 5th - 16:25pm | RangerLady

I'm curious as to what will happen when the turtles reach sexual maturity. Usually they come back to the beach they were hatched on to lay their own eggs. Does this mean in the future not as many turtles will be heading to the Gulf coast to lay their eggs?

Gloryland Brings Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson Full Circle

Aug 5th - 11:11am | Shirley Keller

What a delicious read. I had just returned from hiking and photographing Wawona and Granite Point areas. Reading "Gloryland" was as if I hadn't left Yosemite. Mr. Johnson's love the mountains, love of history, ability to capture the essence of both, made this a page turner. My Step-Pop was African American.

Cedar Breaks National Monument Great Backdrop For Perseids Meteor Showers

Aug 5th - 08:49am | MikeD

Cool. In northern Wisconsin people have been enjoying the aurora borealis due to some sunflare activity.

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

Aug 5th - 01:09am | Anonymous

I disagree with Bruscino. When in doubt, with a bear charging you, shoot first/talk later has to be the default action of any person. Waiting to try and learn what may be unknowable might result in action taken too late and those two hikers might have been killed or maimed by the grizzly bear.

Wolverine Photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park

Aug 5th - 00:25am | Milan Hanson

My son and I met a wolverine as we descended Bowen Gulch Trail in the Never Summer Wilderness just west of RMNP on Sunday, Aug 1, 2010. We didn't see a collar, but we didn't get a good head-on look because he was carrying a small animal in his mouth. When he saw us, he spun around and went quickly round a bend down the trail ahead of us. We weren't fast enough with the camera.

Easy Park Hikes- The Window View Trail at Big Bend National Park

Aug 4th - 22:23pm | Anonymous

Visited Big Bend for a week this spring for the first time. Window's View Trail was nice, but hiking out to the window itself was great. Don't know why I waited so long to visit this park. Will be back again soon--once the temperatures are lower. Another not to be missed experiences is a bird walk with Mark Flippo who knows birds better than anyone I have ever met.

Will Delaware Finally Get Its "National Park"?

Aug 4th - 16:21pm | Sheila Mensch

It has been common knowledge for years that Delaware has no national park. What amazed me when I looked at the NPS geographic search site was that it had nothing, nada- not an historic site , not a monument nothing.

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