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Climber Scales Delicate Arch

Jul 18th - 16:38pm | Anonymous

A park superintendent might not be expected to know all of the rules off the top of her head. They would be expected, in my opinion, to find out before commenting. They would also be expected to know the process for rulemaking without begging off on the Office of the Solicitor. Very strange.

Jul 17th - 11:13am | Bogator

For those of you who are interested, here is a story from Outside Online which it says is the full story on this climb: http://outside.away.com/outside/features/200606/dean-potter-delicate-arc.... The story is pretty clear that there were several people involved in this stunt.

Jul 16th - 10:55am | SD Climber

Dean has always been flashy and seeks after firsts. Heck of a climber, but an ambassador for climbers - he is no Fritz Wiesner. Some things are better left unclimbed.

Historians Don't Want Casino Next To Gettysburg National Military Park

Jul 18th - 14:10pm | Lee Dalton

Amen, SFP

Jul 17th - 22:26pm | SFP Living on t...

I take issue with the comment that the No Casino signs are only in front of the Mc Mansions - thats bull. I live in Gettysburg and I can tell you that opposition locally is much stronger than supporters would have you believe. They figure if you keep saying it long enough people will believe it. Its a national issue, not a local one. Over 85 businesses have signed a petition against it.

Pine Beetle Outbreak Leads to Fewer Campground Sites in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jul 18th - 12:32pm | LJ

You wrote, "Winter 2007-08 was one of the snowiest..." What does this have to do with temperature? Very cold temperatures for a few weeks are what kill pine beetle. When it gets that cold, it snows less. Having a snowy winter is a lame argument against climate change. I hear it all of the time and I don't think people think before they repeat it.

National Park Road Trip 2010: End of the Oregon Trail

Jul 18th - 06:45am | George Foster

Very nice series. I enjoyed it immensely. I have visited that area of the country,but have never seen the detail of the history. It was quite the feat to travel all that distance (mostly walking). It amazes me that 90% made it through to the end.

Angler Dies After Falling Into Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park

Jul 17th - 23:17pm | 07 Ford Flex from VA

Very sad indeed. We were passed by several emergency vehicles on our way to see mud volcano at that particular time. A helpful ranger at that location informed us that a fisherman had had a problem. Our thoughts an prayers go out to the angler's family.

Jul 17th - 15:00pm | Anonymous

Totally! They are dropping like flies.

Jul 17th - 08:38am | Anonymous

What is going on in Yellowstone ? It seems like there have been several deaths up there lately !!!!! Is it people being careless or what ? I feel for all these families, this is such a beautiful and wonderful park.

Maine North Woods National Park: Has The Time Arrived?

Jul 17th - 18:59pm | Anonymous

Baxter State Park isn't designated wilderness. Also they are looking at amount of areas in the Northeast run by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. Yes there is White and Green Mountain National Forests but the U.S. Forest Service is under the department of agriculture, which has a different objective than the department of interior.

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

Jul 17th - 17:13pm | Anonymous

Certain areas of Denali should be closed to hikers. Very soon another bear will be killed because hikers are hiking through very thick brush in the middle of their habitat where they are known to be living and where they are seen every day. There is a lot of area in Denali where you can see what is around you from a great distance.

Battle Against Mountain Pine Beetles Launched at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Jul 16th - 23:20pm | Anonymous

They are a natural predator for the trees, but in the past were not able to do so much damage because the temperatures in the winter would get cold enough to kill them. There is a very possible link between the pine beetle becoming more rampant and global warming, as warmer winters allow more of the beetles to survive. This is not a natural process or a way to help the forests.

Man Somehow Survives Being Swept Over Waterfall In Yosemite National Park

Jul 16th - 15:21pm | Parkhiker

Except that a Darwin Award would imply that this involves the survival of the fittest. This sounds more like the survival of the dumbest.

Jul 16th - 13:33pm | R Stefancik

Honorable mention for a Darwin Award is in order.

Jul 16th - 12:52pm | Sandpiper59

'Nuff said is right. Recreational drug induced brain lapse... Hopefully the ten walked away more humble than when they entered the park. Thank God no rangers were hurt in the rescue.

Jul 16th - 10:22am | Rap

"and one citation was issued for possession of a controlled substance"...'nuff said...

Ranger Confidential, Living, Working, and Dying In the National Parks

Jul 16th - 12:16pm | Cliff

I just read this book on the heels of "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. Bill is far better at making NPS upper management look like corrupt, self serving, crooked, politics-driven jerks who waste the precious little funds that the NPS gets from us citizens than Lankford did. But no wonder, Bill makes nearly everone he encounters in a book look like an idiot.

Reader Participation Day: How Many of the 392 National Park System Units Have You Visited?

Jul 16th - 11:45am | NatureAli

Just counted been to 24 National Parks and 88 total NP units. Pretty cool, just visited Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton and Yellowstone last week. What a wonderful legacy the park system is for current and future generations.

America's Great Outdoor Initiative Visits Asheville, North Carolina

Jul 16th - 10:24am | Kristy

The danger of greater park populations is definately not due to the Parks Dept. lack of vigilance on introducing the value of the areas granduer on newbies. And, perhaps, in areas with such grand beauty as the ones you mentioned that also have smaller local populations the mind-set is totally different.

Jul 16th - 09:56am | Anonymous

similarly, as we learn in life, we cant make anyone feel, think, believe, do anything they don't want to on their own....live & let live people but,,,respect

Jul 16th - 09:44am | Kurt Repanshek

Kristy, Some parks do a great job already of introducing neophytes to the great outdoors. Shenandoah and Mount Rainier are two that come immediately to mind with their family camping programs. And organizations such as the North Cascades Institute and the Yellowstone Association also offer programs to make folks feel more comfortable in the outdoors and learn how to navigate them.

Jul 16th - 09:30am | Kristy

What a wonderful idea! However, with a push for more "urbanites" to come enjoy the outdoors is scary. I have visited several areas that people without a true love of the land and it's natural beauty have done nothing but trash it, disrespect it and destroy it.

Jul 16th - 08:20am | Bob Janiskee

Kudos for the great article, Danny, and thanks for caring and sharing.

Jul 16th - 08:17am | Smoky Mtn Hiker

Danny - great write-up. BTW, Smokey the Bear has just recently been updated. The Ad Council has a full blown marketing effort using various formats to get the new PSAs out to the public, in particular, to younger people. Here's a link to an extended PSA that was recently launched:

"Let's Leave the Balcony Door Ajar"

Jul 16th - 09:26am | Bob Janiskee

I've enjoyed the feedback on this little yarn. A few comments are in order. @ Jim: Bears on the balcony is a bit of a stretch, but I do wonder what happened to the bear trio that was hanging around the Lodge when we were there.

Body of Missouri Woman Recovered from Virginia Creek in Glacier National Park

Jul 15th - 22:04pm | y_p_w

I found a photo:

Jul 15th - 21:34pm | Anonymous

My husband is haunted by memories of slipping and falling down on this same bridge almost exactly 2 years ago. The bridge would be much safer if there were rails on each side and if the bridge were made material that is not so slick because it is always wet.

Update: SPOT To The Rescue: Hiker With Broken Leg Summons Help With SPOT

Jul 15th - 18:51pm | Anonymous

You can rent spot units from www.trackme360.com or Lowergear.com Hortuna

Jul 15th - 13:21pm | Kurt Repanshek

Connie and Ray, I initially was hesitant when I heard about Spot, worrying a bit that folks who aren't experienced in backcountry travel would gain a false sense of security. But it is a dandy device and accidents do happen, even to the most-experienced.

Jul 15th - 13:15pm | Connie Hopkins

Hmm..do you think it will activate if I get eaten by a grizzly? Just kidding! I think I will have to put that on my wish list! I already got my "Go Girl!! Connie Hopkins

Jul 15th - 12:59pm | Ray

Although it's not exactly cheap, it's not too bad. Under $150 for the 2nd generation unit and $100 for a year subscription seems pretty reasonable if you're going to be someplace where you might need lifesaving assistance.

Jul 15th - 12:43pm | Kurt Repanshek

Mike, I could lend you mine....;-) I believe it has been discussed in some circles, but don't know if any rental programs have started. Let me check around. While it is a somewhat pricey investment, from my experience and seeing instances where it's properly used, it's money well spent.

Jul 15th - 11:38am | MikeD

Kurt, Are there any places where you can rent, as opposed to buy, one of these devices? To me it just seems so expensive, but something that might be worthwhile if I could rent one for a week long trip, etc...

Work Continuing On Restoration of Bodie Island Lighthouse At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Jul 15th - 15:11pm | Anonymous

I asked that question to several National Park Service employees at the Bodie Island restoration project site this past Monday (0712/10). They confirmed that the final objective of the restoration calls for the tower to be open for visitors to climb but estimate another 18 months to two years are needed before that goal is reached.

Collapse of "Wall Arch" Proves Gravity Does Work at Arches National Park

Jul 15th - 13:24pm | Connie Hopkins

We did a Southwest trip in 2006 when our youngest daughter graduated from High School (it was her pick!)We hit Arches NP in June with 100 degree temps, staying in the Devil's Campground. The Devil's Garden was one of my favorite hikes of that summer trip which included Bryce, The North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde (their Centennial).

Jul 14th - 23:09pm | y_p_w

It's a bit off the the side, but pretty close to the road. I didn't take this picture.

Jul 14th - 17:49pm | Kurt Repanshek

To John and anyone else interested in Park Service jobs, whether you're interested in full-time work, seasonal, or wishing to volunteer, you can get information on how to go about that at this site: http://www.nps.gov/personnel/

Jul 14th - 17:42pm | John Reichl

Thank you for this Webpage. I love to hear all about our National Parks. I am 69 and retired. I would like to be permitted to work seasonally in the National Parks. Tell me if one of the readers can tell me how I can go about being recrueted to work part time in one of our great national parks, suck as Arches, Mesa Verde, etc.

Consider a Donation to Help The Traveler Remain On-Line With Its Daily Dose Of National Park Coverage

Jul 15th - 12:12pm | pkrnger

I encourage all readers of NPT to chip in and give Kurt Repanshek and National Parks Traveler financial support. The Traveler has become an outstanding source of highly credible information about our parks, including issues of vital concern to national park management. I enjoy the wide variety of topics covered as well as the quality of detailed commentary submitted by NPT readers.

Jul 14th - 17:46pm | Kurt Repanshek

Thanks to all who have responded favorably and kindly! It means a lot to us, and gives us reason to return to the keyboards every morning;-) As for your suggestion, HH, we're tempted, very tempted...

Jul 14th - 17:41pm | haunted hiker

National Parks Traveler is a bargain for that price!!!! ....I still think New Belgium should sponsor NPT for their Ranger IPA.

Jul 14th - 16:40pm | Jan

Check's in the mail. Love your informative site!

Jul 14th - 16:07pm | Steve

Since this is the one site I visit every day, I would be more than happy to help sponsor your efforts. Thanks for the informative and entertaining site. I love the National Parks and need some interaction with goncourt thethem on a daily basis.

Possible Wolf Spotted in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jul 15th - 09:35am | Marie Maloney

I am positive I saw a wolf while I was driving through the Rocky Mountain National Park on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. I was driving very slow, it was running toward me on the opposite side of the road, and as I slowed to a stop, it trotted right in front of my car, stopping on the shoulder of the road and turning to look at me.

Reader Participation Day: Preservation, or Enjoyment?

Jul 14th - 18:07pm | Barky

Preservation An unpreserved park is a rathole unworthy of visitation. We go because they're beautiful. If they're not, why bother. If you want to tear up the landscape, do so in the national forests. Plenty of room there.

Jul 14th - 17:09pm | y_p_w

MikeD:

Jul 14th - 14:45pm | MikeD

There is no black and white answer to this, and I won't try to provide one, but I will say I think it's the job of the NPS to undertake this balance. If someone said that they "enjoy" the parks by throwing dynamite around in them, we'd all agree that that kind of activity should be barred. What we have though is activities that are on a sort of border line.

June Brings A Record Crowd To Yellowstone National Park

Jul 14th - 17:53pm | Richard Erckman

Requesting help with a good plan on where to stay (without camping) in Yellowstone and an organized day by day plan on how best to see all the attractions. Needing good driving maps and literature if anyone has some to share or sell. Plan to spend a week or so within the park area, after flying in and getting a rental car. Have been there before but it involved camping over 40 years ago.

European Rabbits Facing Death Sentence at San Juan Island National Historical Park

Jul 14th - 17:20pm | Anonymous

I agree with RangerLady. The rabbit meat should be donated to the nearest food pantry, soup kitchen, or other similar local organization. There should be year-round open season on all damaging invasive species. Many of them are edible, so hunters can eat their outlaw species catch, or donate it.--Savona, NY

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