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Designations Just One Example of Disparities Within the National Park System. Web Sites Are Another

Mar 22nd - 13:36pm | MRC

More data: The NPS has no public access statistics for their website, but Wikipedia does. In February 2009, the article on Yellowstone was accessed 35873 times, The one on Gauley River 298 times. Money is tight, there is high demand for experts time. How should the NPS spend their budget for web development and content creation? On Gauley River NRA?

Mar 22nd - 13:29pm | MRC

I too think this comparison is a bit silly. Yellowstone had 27 times as many visitors as Gauley River in 2007. Don't you think it might be appropriate to invest more time and money into its website? And not only actual visitors count: How many students in all grades and disciplines write papers on Yellowstone and how many on Gauley River?

Mar 22nd - 12:35pm | rscottjones

This is a pretty weak argument, Kurt. I'd love for the smaller parks to have better websites, but there's no way that a smaller unknown unit like Gauley River would ever have a website like Yellowstone's. And, boy, I'd be pissed if they did because I bet the web traffic is probably 50-1 for Yellowstone and let's be honest, they don't have that much to post up there.

NRA Appeals Ruling Blocking Concealed Carry in National Parks

Mar 22nd - 13:03pm | Tom J.

Well Kurt, I’ve carried a concealed weapon for over forty years and there has been no environmental impact, however, there has been an impact on crime! I’m pretty sure who’s trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

Mar 21st - 20:27pm | Kurt Repanshek

Well, Tom J., I would like to think "law-abiding" people have respect for all laws, not just the ones that suit them. In the case at hand, the Interior Department in the judge's opinion more than likely broke the law by failing to consider the possible environmental impacts of the rule change.

Mar 21st - 18:26pm | storminator

well, first of all, i don't think you'll use a comb when a brown bear comes into camp! you do not need a gun in the park. i have hiked back country three times in Yellowstone. no gun required. my next trip in will be to Shoshone Lake, so i will buy a can of pepper spray.

Mar 21st - 15:57pm | Tom J.

I’m afraid that there are too many ignorant people out there in the parks that are unaware that a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm, is not only protecting themselves and their families but everyone around them! This Judge that listened to the ignorant misinformed people who don’t have any respect for the “Law-abiding” person who will not be there in case of emergencies.

Mar 21st - 14:40pm | Anonymous

NRA members in good standing carry firearms to give ourselves a means of protection against those who do not believe in our constitutional, God given rights to life liberty and justice for all.

Mar 21st - 05:51am | volpe

I carry a comb in my back pocket just out of habit, never us it, as I have little hair left. When you stand next to me in line at the 7-11 you don't know I have a comb and if you stand next to me at the railing overlooking some scenic view in a national park you don't know I have a comb. The point being, what you don't see can't upset you weather in a store or in a park.

Mar 20th - 23:33pm | Roger

The judge's ruling won't hold water. The 2nd Amendment is absolute...if the USSC hears this case, we will never have to worry about this issue again. Editor's note: This comment was edited to remove a gratuitous comment.

Brady Campaign Sues Interior Department over Concealed Carry in National Parks

Mar 22nd - 12:58pm | Anonymous

I think a more realistic way of saying it is:

Forget the Camp, Send Your Kid to Yellowstone National Park This Summer

Mar 22nd - 12:35pm | RA - Tours4Fun

This is an amazing way to teach youth about nature conservation. And at the same time, helping the citizens of the place maintain Yellowstone National Park. Oh and nice summer job, too!

Federal Judge Issues Scathing Opinion in Blocking "Concealed Carry" In National Parks, Wildlife Refuges

Mar 22nd - 11:32am | Anonymous

If you only knew how she tried to stop this rulemaking, but was over ruled by the White House!

Mar 21st - 14:12pm | Rick Smith

Once again, we hear from a law-abiding concealed weapons permit holder. Rick Smith

Mar 21st - 06:30am | RAH

It is disingenuous to think this court case had nothing to do with gun rights or 2nd amendment issues. The Brady folk or the NRA would not be involved if not guns in parks were the true issue.

Mar 20th - 23:29pm | Upset

The NRA got involved in this issue because they saw through the smoke and treated it as another attempt to usurp an individual's right to bear arms. Isn't that why Brady got involved...to restrict/eliminate one's rights under the constitution, they certainly don't care about Condors or the effect of lead sinkers on fish.

Mar 20th - 22:24pm | Rick Smith

Kurt--

Mar 20th - 20:33pm | Kurt Repanshek

You say you don't recall Brady getting involved with other "environmental" issues. Well, while you're probably right, what other national park issues has the NRA gotten involved with other than this one (or similar gun issues)?

Mar 20th - 19:47pm | Upset

I do agree that laws should be upheld and such law must be constitutional to be enforced. This was a "rule" change that was in compliance with something higher than a law...the Constitution. An individual's constitutional right's cannot be abridged or usurped by a "rule" or "policy" even if the law is constitutional.

Mar 20th - 19:06pm | Kurt Repanshek

Upset, Anyone who supports constitutional rights should also want to see the laws upheld, no? And that's what this case is about, whether the Bush administration followed the National Environmental Policy Act. The ruling had nothing to do with the 2nd Amendment.

Mar 20th - 18:55pm | Upset

It seems like this administration's judicial supporters are just like their congressional supporters since they will will trample our constitutional rights without even blinking an eye. As usual, the descenters want to know who drew their weapons, who felt threatened, who fired their guns...give us your names!!!! Sound familiar?

Mar 20th - 18:45pm | Anonymous

Just a couple of comments and observations about this whole thing. First, I am a gun owner, I don't hunt anymore and am not anti-gun or anti- hunting. I have read most of the comments about this over the months and made a few of my own, but what has struck me today is the name calling remarks by some of the Pro carry folks, ya I know, sticks and stones.

Mar 20th - 17:22pm | Pike

Persons with concealed carry permits have demonstrated to the issuing state's satisfaction that they are responsible law abiding citizens and can be trusted to safely and responsibly carry concealed firearms because they are not a threat to themselves or others.

Mar 20th - 14:49pm | Kurt Repanshek

On this thread and elsewhere on the Traveler there have been claims about drug smugglers and AK-47-toting thugs and how dangerous some areas of national parks are. At the same time, there have been more than a few CCW permit holders who have claimed that they've carried in the parks.

Mar 20th - 14:12pm | Tom

Concealed Handgun Licensees SHOULD be permitted to carry within airports and on aircraft. CHL holders are proven to be among the most law abiding people in our population. These are NOT the people you need to be concerned about!

National Park Designation is an Unholy Mess

Mar 22nd - 09:55am | Bob Janiskee

Jess, I find it hard to accept that every state, a priori, "deserves" to have at least one national park. Political subdivisions have little to do with the distribution of natural and cultural/historical resources meeting the standards set for NPS units.

Mar 21st - 11:35am | jessstryker

I find myself falling squarely on , err..., both sides of this issue. A few years back my wife and I decided to try to visit all the States in the USA, and we generally look for a National Park to visit when we go to a new state. (Next up: Congaree National Park, SC in mid-April 2009, I'm already excited about it!

Mar 20th - 16:32pm | Bob Janiskee

Thanks, MRC. I understand everything clearly now........... I think.

Mar 20th - 14:43pm | MRC

The trademark database at USPTO lists 30 live entries including "national park". Pretty much all of them cover only a special visual logo, not a claim for the words as such. And their scope is very limited, mostly to publications, and many were registered by concessionaires which looks like they had permission by the NPS.

NPS Retirees Oppose Carrying Guns in National Parks

Mar 22nd - 07:08am | Bill

Why should our 2nd Amendment rights suddenly be stripped once we step foot into a national park? I wish everyone entering the national parks was highly trained in the use of personal protection firearms and had passed FBI background checks. Then, I wish it was well known that qualified people were legally carrying guns in national parks. I am being serious.

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

Mar 21st - 22:54pm | imtnbke

Olallie, excellent comment. I'm referring to this part of your message:

Mar 21st - 20:20pm | Kurt Repanshek

Zeb, can't argue with you over the behavior of some hikers. I've seen my share of those who try to cut the switchbacks in half.

Mar 21st - 18:48pm | Zebulon

As usual, people are rationalizing their greed and desire not to share our taxpayer funded trails. Greedy hikers... The irony of it all is that people are arguing over miles and miles of trails that see nary a soul most of the time. It's not like mountain bikers cross your path every 2mns. Most people are too busy staying home on the couch watching TV.

Mar 21st - 18:45pm | storminator

i love to hike- love to ride my mtn bike, too. the thing about the PCT, is it's the PCT!! if you're an OCD avid mtn biker- you like cross off trails you've done.

Mar 21st - 17:28pm | Olallie

Conflicts between bikes and hikers can be resolved, but I think it's going to take some form of zoning or other regulation. Here in the Wasatch Range, some popular trails are on an odd-even day system, which seems to work well and allows everyone a chance to experience the woods in the manner they desire. This obviously doesn't work for through-trails such as the PCT, though.

Mar 20th - 23:37pm | Anonymous

There's not enuf rangers to enforce the stupid rule...so do as I do...keep on bikin'! I've been bikin in national parks on trails for 3 years and have never been caught!

Mar 20th - 20:57pm | imtnbke

I appreciate Chris Sanderson's comment, but by its logic no mountain biker could ride any trail where horses were present. Which would pretty much close off all trails to mountain biking. As for the point that there are other trails out there to enjoy, it's true, but I look at it just the opposite: what makes the PCT so sacrosanct that no cyclist should be allowed to ride it?

Mar 20th - 20:49pm | imtnbke

I am reflecting on Kurt's latest reply. And so doing, I conclude Kurt is right that I shouldn't belittle one person's cause as less worthy of pursuit than another's just because less is at stake objectively. So I retract that aspect of my prior post.

Mar 20th - 18:58pm | Chris Sanderson

I hiked the entire length of the PCT in 2003, and I ran into a number of cyclist on the trail. I ride a bike everyday to work and back here in San Francisco, so I am not ashamed to say that MOUNTAIN BIKES DO NOT BELONG ON THE PCT! For one, it is a trail shared with equestrians, and a mountain bike tearing around a corner could do a lot to create a hazardous situation for horse and rider.

Mar 20th - 18:45pm | Kurt Repanshek

You're comparing the mountain biker's fight for access wherever your tires can roll with that of black civil rights? Please tell me you're not serious.

Mar 20th - 18:01pm | imtnbke

Kurt, I'm sorry I irritated you to this extent.

Mar 20th - 16:35pm | Kurt Repanshek

Feel better?

Mar 20th - 15:22pm | imtnbke

Kurt says "some have concerns . . . ." Talk about the ultimate voiceless passive construction, rather like "mistakes were made," or the Latin American torturer's remark "se me fué de las manos" ("the person left me from the hands") instead of saying "I killed him."

Mar 20th - 15:13pm | Anonymous

Zebulon - not sure what parts of the "Pacific northwest" you're talking about, but it's clearly not Washington state. And your comment on mud and hiking obviously shows that you don't hike in the Pacific Northwest. Otherwise you'd realize what a silly comment that was...

Yellowstone Cutthroats In Danger

Mar 21st - 20:18pm | Kurt Repanshek

Storminator, you're right, there is no limit on lakers. I suggest you check either with the ranger station where you pick up your Shoshone boat permit or the visitor center at Grant Village to see if they can recommend a section of Yellowstone Lake where you'll have the best odds of landing some lakers.

Mar 21st - 19:10pm | storminator

as i understand it, there is no limit on lake trout fishing in Yellowstone Lake. my brother and i are planning a canoe trip to Shoshone Lake next summer. we also plan to spend an entire day on Yellowstone Lake pulling lake trout out- and releasing the cut throats. and we're not really fishermen, either! we just love Yellowstone.

Early Tourism in Yellowstone National Park Caught on Camera

Mar 21st - 13:46pm | Anonymous

Yellowstone is amazing. If you hike back country, you can still get up close and personal with the geothermal features. Yellowstone National Park is one of the MUST SEE places. Go before you die. It is incredible.

Mar 21st - 09:53am | Anonymous

Wow, what a trip that takes you back in time with slow travel...and at leisurely pace. A pace of life that we all need in this hectic world where fast living is the mode and should not be the norm. Thanks for sharing Kurt.

National Park Service Ban on Lead Ammo, Fishing Gear Draws Ire of Shooting Sports Foundation

Mar 21st - 02:53am | SandSpur

WOW, Frank C, If you feel that strongly about Autos in a NP how about you give up yours? Bet you could save some money on insurance and fuel huh?

Comment Period Reopens on Whether National Park Visitors Can Arm Themselves

Mar 20th - 23:50pm | Geno

When the fact of the matter is that any object, including a human fist, can be used as a weapon with deadly force, a gun is just another option. The intent of both wild and domesticated animals, humans included, is what harms. Guns are not to be feared, the inhumane nature of some people is, how do you regulate that? Leave our guns and freedome alone.

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