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List of Top 10 Endangered Rivers Includes Two That Flow Through The National Park System

Jun 6th - 19:33pm | Anonymous

The upper delaware has been a constant fight between New York and several conservation/fishing groups. The New York DEC has limited drilling (only through special permit) for any area surrounding the NYC water supply. Below the dam, they have not imposed any special rules.

Jun 6th - 14:30pm | Anonymous

I have worked in Pike and Wayne County for almost 30 years on land-use protection, reforestation, etc - Lobbying by environmental groups are the only reason that the Delaware in that area would ever be classified as the most endangered rivers that "flows" through state parks.

What Not to Do with an Old Cannonball

Jun 6th - 13:52pm | Jim Burnett

We're not experts on artifacts, so it's hard for us to say if they'd be worth anything. Based on the above story, the official advice would be to not take it anyplace, but leave it where you found it, and have someone with experience in such things come and look at it.

Jun 6th - 10:30am | Anonymous

yes i found a old cannonball in my back yard when digging up, more out there i'm sure, would they be worth something, and where do i bring it. thanks.

Interpreting National Park Settings Is a Skill, Not Something You Wing

Jun 6th - 13:30pm | Lee Dalton

It's really refreshing to see NPS interpretation no longer trying to shy away from some of the more controversial or less inspirational aspects of our nation's history. As we present more realistic retelling of our story, we will help prevent repeats of past mistakes.

Jun 6th - 04:17am | EQUIPNTRIP

Danny, thank you or providing such rich insight into the role of a park interpreter. I was not aware of the professional approach taken to build an interpretation. The parallels with marketing Disneyworld (I am yet to read your article) and discussion about sterotypes was also most interesting. I wonder if a similar approach is taken here in Australia.

Updated: Effort In Maine To Restrict Guns From National Park Units Falls Short of Goal

Jun 6th - 10:00am | Citizen John

Senators Dennis Damon and Stan Gerzovsky need to find another jurisdiction to promote their anti-constitutional, socialist legislation. Have they ever read the Maine Constitution. Voters, remember this pair at election time.

Trails I've Hiked: Arches National Park's Primitive Trail, Via Landscape and Double O Arches

Jun 6th - 06:41am | Connie Hopkins

In 2006, we hiked as far as Double O and then turned back. That hike was one of the highlights of our SW Canyons trip! I agree about the amount of wter to take, much more than you think you'll need. It was on this particlar hike that I saw someone carrying a travel-sized spray bottle and a small battery operated fan for keeping cool.

Jun 5th - 09:09am | Kurt Repanshek

Kerch, water hazard was still there. I set up to get a photo of Prof. Bob falling in, but somehow he managed to negotiate it without dipping so much as a toe into it!

Jun 5th - 08:55am | kerch

The best thing about this hike for me was the rock scrambling. There were parts of the primitive loop that were rugged enough to require hand holds and attention to foot placement. When I visited, there was a water obstacle that required a quick little climb up and over an adjacent shoulder of sandstone. Great fun!

Jun 4th - 16:50pm | RangerLady

Being only 2 hours from Arches, I can't wait to go try this trail. I love trying to find hikes that I can easily do that will also give the solitude factor. Thanks Kurt for letting us know about it!

Jun 4th - 16:18pm | tomp

I've hiked this loop both mid-morning and late afternoon. pkrngr is right about solitude: even though it was roasting hot in the afternoon, the out & back trail was crowded. We were alone on the primitive loop, and stopped at a couple of shaded spots to sit silently and appreciate the desert environment & sounds.

Jun 4th - 15:57pm | y_p_w

RIP Wall Arch.

Jun 4th - 14:32pm | vballkel

I've been to Arches a few times but have only had about a half day to hike when I have been there. I haven't done this trail. I will have to keep it in mind the next time I go.

Jun 4th - 13:25pm | pkrnger

I agree. I did this same hike with my wife in Oct. 2006. The best parts of this hike was when we experienced virtual solitude and sense of adventure while hiking the primitive trail back from Double 'O' Arch. When we completed our hike and returned to the car, I recall entertaining thoughts about the need for some kind of trail-head carrying capacity.

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

Jun 6th - 00:47am | Rick B.

Actually, I HAVE seen a pissed off black bear, from about 3' away. He was coming into one end of the pup tent I was sleeping in. I didn't have a pistol and didn't have bear spray. What I had was brand new batteries in a high power flashlight and when I startled him with the bright light in his eyes he turned and ran.

Jun 5th - 12:42pm | Anonymous

LoL it is very ovious that most of you have never seen pissed off black let alone grizzley. you people are full of it try your bear spray on a 200 lb crack head, and he will still kick your but but a Grizzley get a life. You don't even know a bear from a donkey. go drink some more coctails,.

Comments Being Taken on Proposal To Stop Importation, Transportation of Burmese Pythons

Jun 5th - 22:58pm | Anonymous

Don't be so silly about the "outlaw" of anaconda's and poisonous snakes. Not everyone is so selfish as to purchase these animals then realise they can't look after them, most of them are captive bred and it is not the snake's fault if they have to adapt to human stupidity.

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

Jun 5th - 21:03pm | Anonymous

Kurt:

Jun 5th - 16:42pm | James

Here in Florida, when we have a nuisance black bear, the State Wildlife officials of Florida Fish & Game are supposed to come out, check out the problem, and relocate the problem bear before it or any humans get hurt. However, the reality is that they won't come out until someone is actually injured.

Traveler's Gear Box: Would You Add The SteriPEN Journey To It?

Jun 5th - 12:46pm | Hobblefoot

I have tried the UV pens. They work, but are problematic. The design is such that it often takes longer to use than filtering. You have to vigorously shake the pen in your water bottle to kill the bugs, but because the thing is so wide, it's impractical to do. Had they made it long & skinny, it would be perfect.

Jun 4th - 23:52pm | Anonymous

I find this intriguing and have been considering this method of filtration. Would be nice to be able to drop the larger and heavier MSR filter.

Jun 4th - 18:16pm | Anonymous

I haven't tried it yet. Sounds like it could be a winner if it does what the manufacturer claims it does.

Jun 4th - 16:40pm | Random Walker

I highly recommend using a pre-filter (a bandana works) for any turbid water. I have read something about the UV bouncing off / around particles, missing those little protozoa hiding behind them. The "Classic SteriPEN" works off AA Batteries (as do other items I carry) which last twice as long as the CR123's and weighs a mere 55 grams or so more than the "Journey SteriPEN."

Vandalism Leads to Closure of Ramp at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Jun 5th - 09:38am | Wheat

SS1,

Jun 5th - 06:36am | SS1

Seems perfectly clear to me, " certain portions" for recreational uses. "reserved" (set aside) comes after the comma and is connected to the phrase, "primitive wilderness".

Jun 4th - 19:36pm | Wheat

Southern Shores 1 says: "This is a national park that was specifically set up to protect and preserve resources and then provide recreational opportunities." Are you kidding?

Jun 4th - 11:16am | dapster

Hello, SS1! How’ve you been? Busy of late, I’ll wager…. "If you never saw lightning hit a tree and destroy it you could consider it was done or not done by anything you choose."

No Sign of Missing Oklahoman in Yellowstone National Park

Jun 5th - 08:00am | Sandpiper59

God be with this young man and God be with the rescue workers. He served our country and he deserves the best our country can give him when he is in need.

Creature Feature: The Common Raven is an Uncommonly Intelligent Bird

Jun 5th - 06:17am | Clara

Thank you for helping spread the word on Crows and Ravens. More on these birds can be found at http://www.avesnoir.com

Jun 4th - 20:30pm | Meg

There are always plenty of ravens around the Upper Geyser Basin at Yellowstone, and as they strut between the boardwalks and Old Faithful or Grand, someone will inevitably ask them, "Nevermore?" I love them.

Jun 4th - 11:42am | boatnut

Here in Southeast Alaska, ravens are plentiful, as are bald eagles. While the eagles take the limelight, it's the ravens that have captured our imagination. Their vocalizations are amazing. Your description of their "broonk" is right on -- a deep, resonating sound, much like a stick hitting a hollow log.

Jun 4th - 11:09am | RangerLady

I used to have a video of a raven in Death Valley that had learned to work the faucets at the campground. It would turn the water on then sit there and drink to his (her?) hearts content. The raven was naughty and never did turn the water off before leaving. I really wish I could find that video!

Jun 4th - 10:39am | Gaelyn

I So love to watch the Ravens soar over and around Grand Canyon. I'm amazed how many visitors know them not or think they are Condors. Had one hang around my home here and imitate my dog's whimper, I believe to get the water dish refilled. Also have seen them open every type of food hamper possible. Opportunists for sure.

The World's Top Ten National Parks

Jun 4th - 21:14pm | A.Clarque

Blue River Nature Park is located on the main island of New Caledonia. This French archipelago lies in the South Pacific, 1,500 kilometres away from Sydney. With a length of 450 kilometres, “Grande Terre” (mainland) is surrounds by the world’s largest lagoon and the stunning barrier reef, the second-largest coral reef after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

As Oil Comes Ashore at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Republican Calls for Renewed Drilling Along Outer Continental Shelf

Jun 4th - 20:01pm | Ray Bane

The first priority insofar as the NPS is concerned should be to mount a comprehensive effort to document spill impacts to park lands and resources. The temptation will be to place booms and other barriers intended to minimize the oil reaching the shore and invading sensitive habitats and to prepare to rescue oiled birds and other wildlife.

Jun 4th - 19:11pm | d-2

Unfortunately, the behavior of this Congressman reflects once again: we are addicted.

Jun 4th - 17:38pm | DD-393

What will prove to be the costliest oil spill in history is followed by calls to drill more. Am I the only one to see a problem with this? "Drill baby drill" should be left as a cry of passion rather than the call for risky exploration that is proving to be a mortal threat to our environment.

Jun 4th - 17:32pm | Arthur

Perhaps they should lift the ban on nuclear power plants and put those folks to work. Nuclear plants will have to be decriminalized at some point. They are safer and cleaner than any other source of energy(aside from largely inefficient solar).

Jun 4th - 15:58pm | tomp

Calling in recently retired NPS folks is only a part of the DOI response (both FWS & NPS areas are affected). Pretty much anybody in NPS with database, GIS, or field ecology skills is being asked to accept 2-4 week details to Mobile or elsewhere to help out.

Jun 4th - 15:52pm | MRC

Yesterday BP admitted that they have neither the equipment nor the procedures to deal with accidents at deep water drillings. They are doing everything in the catastrophic spill on the fly.

Battle Against Mountain Pine Beetles Launched at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Jun 4th - 17:25pm | Matt Johnson

A comment about the article and a comment about the comments. First, I think the status of Rushmore as one of the top destinations in the country makes it important to preserve a certain sense of the mystique of the area.

Jun 4th - 16:48pm | RangerLady

I've often wondered about the MRC. The beetles, while annoying at times, are part of the natural system. Plants need control methods as well. As predators keep herds healthy be eating the weak, so do the beetles keep the forest healthy. Now I'm no expert by any means, but it doesn't make sense to this average person.

Jun 4th - 15:46pm | MRC

Pine beetles can only infect trees that are already weakened by other factors, mostly by stress due to drought. A healthy tree will use resin to seal the wound by the beetle and kill it. And the beetles are part of the ecosystem.

National Park Mystery Plant 8 Revealed: Indian Paintbrush

Jun 4th - 15:29pm | Jim Burnett

One of the great things about this plant is its tolerance for such a wide range of habitats. Bob mentions in the article that it's found from parts of Alaska to the Andes. We've enjoyed its beauty in spots as diverse as Glacier Bay in Alaska, all along the Rockies and south to the Grand Canyon and eastward into the Texas prairie.

New Commemorative Coins Proposed as NPS Centennial Fundraiser

Jun 4th - 15:27pm | Liz

For anyone who missed the quarter release event at Yellowstone National Park, the United States Mint has a great site with plenty of info about the new coin. Check it out at: http://bit.ly/b2Oxmd

"If You Enter the River, You Will Die."

Jun 4th - 14:44pm | mcghiever

A tragically timely article, as a 13 year old girl and her 35 year old mother both drowned in the Potomac River on Memorial Day. According to one news report, the mother was just standing in water up to her ankles when she lost her balance and was swept away. The daughter went in to save her and was carried away by the current too.

Underwater Archeology Projects in Outer Banks Parks Address Intriguing Questions

Jun 4th - 14:21pm | mcghiever

Strictly speaking, Roanoke was not the first English attempt at establishing a colony in the New World. While searching for the Northwest Passage in the 1570s, Martin Frobisher discovered what was thought to be gold on a barren islet off the shore of Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. In 1578 he returned there with a fleet of 15 ships with the intent of establishing a gold-mining colony.

Nine Injured By Lightning Strike At Old Faithful In Yellowstone National Park

Jun 4th - 11:08am | RangerLady

Anon, it has been attempted before because people blame the NPS for not warning them that there could be lighting. Apparently there are some people who still don't know that thunderstorms bring lightning and you should go inside. There was a case in the 1980's at Yosemite where several young men climbed Half Dome during a severe storm despite several warnings.

Jun 4th - 10:28am | Anonymous

I don't think you can sue over a lightning strike, unless someone has figured out how to get God into court. So far though, God is not welcome in a court of law, so I doubt any suing will be going on. LOL

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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.