| Page 1422 | National Parks Traveler

One important piece of data--most of the closures apply to all users, pedestrian and ORV alike. And those that did not close areas to pedestrian outright often effectively closed the areas because pedestrians had to wade in areas known for sharp drop offs and undertows to get to the open ares. Quite simply, ORV access is by NO means the only issue.

Feb 26th - 14:30pm | dapster

Great article, Kurt! Thanks for keeping this very important issue alive on the pages of NPT! You have predicted that things may become "Testy" post 3/15/09, and I would say you will be proven correct in time, especially as visitors return to the area as spring fast approaches!

Paving the Way to Denali National Park & Preserve

Feb 26th - 17:35pm | Barky

I am so thankful they made parks like Denali so accessible. Yes, I am torn between preservation of parks and easy access by visitors (leading to environmental degradation), but on the whole, I'd rather people were able to see the beauty of a place than not.

Feb 26th - 10:22am | outwest713

Agree with Jim B. that shuttle bus is critical to protecting Denali. I used it when out there in 2005 so things may have improved since then, but my one complaint is that it's too bad they use the noisy, smelly "school bus" instead of something quieter, cleaner, and with MUCH better viewing windows like the shuttle in Zion.

Feb 26th - 07:11am | JimB

Bob - great information and background on the park - and the highway.

Believe it or Not, Yosemite National Park Once had a Zoo

Feb 26th - 12:01pm | Bob Janiskee

You've got a good memory, Anon. That zoo on Dot Island in Yellowstone Lake was shut down 102 years ago after operating for about 10 or 11 years.

Feb 26th - 11:48am | Anonymous

Yellowstone also had a zoo at one time. The boat concessionaire E.C. Waters set up a zoo on Dot Island in Yellowstone Lake.

Critics: Changing Gun Laws in National Parks Would Open a "Pandora's Box" of Problems

Feb 26th - 10:17am | Anonymous

Well said Ray, I am in 100% agreement!

Feb 25th - 21:16pm | Ray Bane

A national forest and a national park are two entirely different critters. I suggest that you read the NPS Organic Act. National parks are generally held to a higher standard of conservation and maintenance of the unimpared character of its units. Each park has its own special enabling legislation that sets forth exceptions to the guidelines of the NPS Organic Act.

Feb 25th - 18:43pm | Anonymous

If one has a concealed weapons permit one is allowed to carry a concealed weapon in the jurisdiction in which it is issued including its national forests. Would someone explain to me why a national park is any different? For that matter why is it any different for a non-concealed weapon? A park is a park is a park!

Tredegar Ironworks: A Civil War Icon Preserved at Richmond National Battlefield Park

Feb 26th - 10:17am | Bob Janiskee

I'll surely visit Richmond before too long, but not to "set a spell." My wife insists that I need to do at least 10,000 steps a day if I'm to have any hope of getting rid of this paunch.

Feb 26th - 09:47am | dapster

I suppose it must have changed a good bit since 1964? To say the least! It's changed dramatically since the 1990's, so for you it would almost be like you'd never even been here before. The extensive renovations to the riverfront area alone would be worth the trip. Sounds like you're overdue, so why not come on down and set a spell?...

Feb 24th - 13:41pm | Anedra

This coming March is a great time to visit Richmond.

A National Park Service Regional Director Shares His Priority List for 2009

Feb 26th - 09:32am | Chief Ranger

Mr. Schundler you've hit the nail on the head. A bigger question is how the National Park Service is going to keep the leaders they have for tomorrow. This is a very serious situation and one that needs immediate attention. Sadly, in the past two weeks the declining economy is the only answer I've heard for strategic advancement in this area.

Feb 25th - 10:11am | Bruce Schundler

It was interesting reading Mike Snyder’s comments; and it was even more interesting having one of our regional directors participating in the National Parks Traveler! (I was impressed!) As an “outsider looking in”, I would like to suggest another priority to Mike.......

Another Yellowstone National Park Wolf Reaches Colorado

Feb 26th - 07:33am | Smoky Mtn Hiker

When I was in Leadville last summer, there was an un-confirmed report of a wolf sighting in the Mt. Elbert - Mt. Massive area, which leads me to believe there might be more wolves in Colorado than people think. Jeff

Bryce Canyon National Park: This Small Corner of Utah Packs a Colorful Punch

Feb 26th - 06:47am | Sabattis

Many National Parks have some sort of statistic about how some large XX percent of visitors stick to paved roads, walkways, and boardwalks. At first, as an avid hiker, I was fairly aghast at those numbers. However, I've since more or less made my peace with them. Consider, for example, some of the factors that would apply to Bryce Canyon:

Feb 25th - 11:55am | Ray Bane

Bryce is one of my favorite parks. I have cycled through the park twice and hope to do it again. The park road system offers a superb route along the rim of Bryce Canyon with vistas of amazing rock formations. For those thinking of cycling the park road, be sure to carry plenty of water. The high desert air quickly sucks the moisture out of you.

Feb 25th - 10:02am | Eric

I have been to Bryce numerous times, and hiked pretty much every trail there. I have been to parks such as Glacier, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Teton ect.. While these parks are no doubt beautiful, there is, in my mind something very special about Bryce.

New Visitor Center Coming to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Feb 26th - 06:33am | Jeff and Kate Oliver

We are glad to hear that the existing structures will not be destroyed. The local NRP station in Knoxville reported that the building would be torn down. My Great Uncle worked for the CCC before enlisting in the US Army during WWII. Those structures built by the CCC must remain as a legacy to those hard working men who built them!!

Feb 24th - 19:04pm | Anonymous

As long as it does not bother the animals, I think it will be great. All the enviromental building plans are a good thing. I live in Ohio and come every year.

Grand Teton National Park: Subterfuge Led to This Masterpiece

Feb 26th - 05:33am | Lou

My wife and I got married in 1999 and began our honeymoom in Jackson Hole, spending time in Grand Teton and then further north in Yellowstone. I cant put into words the beauty we bestowed. It was mid August and the temperatures were 30 at night and 70 during the day. After 10 glorious day our perspective about what is majestic and beautiful was forever changed.

You'll Find Tuff Blocks, Fibrolite Axes and Squirrels with Tufted Ears at Bandelier National Monument

Feb 25th - 22:08pm | JimB

Thanks for the comments - and the trail recommendation!

Feb 25th - 16:51pm | Barky

Bandelier was beautiful this past fall. I loved how evident the man + volcano link is at the park: if it weren't for the tuff from volcanoes of ages past, man couldn't have lived in the canyon. Pretty cool when you think about it. I recommend the Frijoles Falls trail down to the Rio Grand. :-) ===========================================

Feb 25th - 12:24pm | Anonymous

We found this park on our first trip to New Mexico. We really enjoyed the scenery and the ruins. I wasn't sure that I could make the climb but I went through the first part of the trail while my husband went a litte farther. It is a unique place for you to visit and really easy to get to.

National Park Quiz 43: Names

Feb 25th - 17:12pm | Bob Janiskee

We try to include something for everybody, including people who enjoy a cheap shot now and then. ;-)

Feb 25th - 16:55pm | Barky

9 out of 12. That Little Bighorn bit was a cheap shot. :-P ;-) ========================================================== My travels through the National Park System: americaincontext.com

Mountain Pine Beetles Chewing into Grand Teton National Park Forests

Feb 25th - 14:16pm | Kurt Repanshek

I'm afraid there's another beetle that's deadly to Engleman Spruce -- the aptly named Engleman Spruce Beetle.

Feb 25th - 13:56pm | Rocky Mountain ...

Are Engleman spruce affected by Mountain Pine Beetle? In Winter Park, Colorado, lodgepole Pines are greatly affected, but I haven't noticed any Engleman spruce affected even though they are surrounded by dead lodgepole. Is there a possibility that the Mountain Pine Beetle will attack Engleman spruce in the future?

Spammers Are Targeting National Parks Traveler

Feb 25th - 13:48pm | Chris

I am convinced that most readers of this blog will never even consider the idea that the National Parks Traveler might actually be a spam outlet. Thanks again for putting so much effort into this blog - and no need to apologize for the bad behaviour of other people...

Feb 24th - 11:42am | Scott G.

We are having the same problems on our forum...the spam bots have gotten very sophisticated. We had to stop using the character recognition and switched to the question and answer - which so far has worked well.

Bush Administration's Haste Could Doom New Gun Rules In National Parks

Feb 25th - 13:00pm | Anonymous

It's funny that almost all the individulas that are in support of guns in parks have never even been to a national park, while virtually all regular visitors to national parks are opposed to concealed carry in the parks.

Feb 25th - 05:24am | George Washington

#1 We don't need a "reason" to carry firearms in national parks. It is the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution garuntees the right of the PEOPLE to keep and Bear Arms. #2 Crime could happen any where and any time. Do you think you anti-gun commies could engage a little of that good ole common sense and put your rhetoric aside.

Feb 24th - 12:07pm | Lee

There do seem to be an overwhelming proportion (identified by very unscientific means) of comments in support of the rule change. So much so I had to do some digging to make sure that mine was still in there.

How'd They Do That?

Feb 25th - 11:22am | Random Walker

Hey Beamis, I know them winds well and yes I am a believer in theory :-)) And to be witness to, well that would be something else entirely!

Feb 24th - 15:26pm | Random Walker

DV Rangers, You have seen them move?

Feb 24th - 14:10pm | Another DV Ranger

He is right, wind/slimy playa=rocks move No mystery

Feb 24th - 12:27pm | DV Ranger

It's the wind, in combination with a wet playa.

Echoes of the Cold War in the Tropical Warmth of Everglades National Park

Feb 25th - 08:54am | Keith

Hi Kurt,

Apparent Clumsiness Claims Life Of Famed Bull Elk In Yellowstone National Park

Feb 25th - 03:33am | Anonymous

Heres some pics I took of him in my yard in Gardiner http://brockkuntz.shutterfly.com/ and some videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6lg8PBaHwo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33WV0b3yJo

What Would Wildlife Say About Concealed Carry in National Parks?

Feb 25th - 01:31am | Roger

What would the wildlife say? Nothing...they can't talk, and if they could they would say "what's that thing? if they could see it...but they can't 'cause it's CONCEALED.

Rocky Mountain National Park Ends Elk Culling for This Winter

Feb 25th - 00:31am | Jim Olson

I read your previous article on limiting the elk numbers in the Rocky Mountain National Park. I also reviewed the Park Video and was interested in their stated goal of limiting the elk foraging on the willows. As they stated in the video this would lead to an improvement in the water table and other park resource.

NPCA, PEER Voice Concerns Over Proposed Mountain Bike Rule Change In National Parks

Feb 24th - 23:22pm | Zebulon

Ray. Good points, however, let me suggest the following: - we are already proposing everything you're suggesting: doing trailwork, proposing odd/even days, etc. - if mtbers disturb wildlife, then the same should be true of any other user

Feb 24th - 18:02pm | Ray Bane

I suggest that mt. biking can enhance their argument re: mt. bike travel in national parks by recommending reasonable regulations and limits that protect the park resources and character while also being sensitive to the wishes of others to have trails free of mechanical vehicles.

Controlled Flood Proposed for the Colorado River Through Grand Canyon National Park

Feb 24th - 22:04pm | The Lorax, I sp...

Who's running these dams? NASA? First its bad, then it's good, then we destroy habitat, but discover endangered species living in the new habitat, but then we decided to 'restore' the habitat, but then we harass endangered species (did I mention exotic, endangered species?). At least if we're gonna do these things, can someone send me an invitation, I'd like to see one at least.

Why is Clear-cutting Allowed in Japan's Iconic Park, Daisetsuzan?

Feb 24th - 12:13pm | Fandey

Very sad to see such an amazing park that takes hundrends of years to establish itself as we can see it today in a threat of demolition within months or a year.

National Park Mystery Plant 1: Will This “Lime-Green Cancer” Derail Everglades Restoration?

Feb 24th - 11:01am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for the information and that amazing photo, Anon. There's clearly a lot more to this Lygodium business than meets the eye. I'll watch for updates and hope that some sort of breakthrough will soon happen on the biological control front. Meanwhile I've made a few edits to the article based on the new-to-me information you've supplied.

Feb 24th - 10:30am | Anonymous

Sorry I'm late to this party: our connection to the rest of the internet died again yesterday.

Rules! Rules! Rules!

Feb 24th - 10:48am | Anonymous

i,ve ben told that you can not use a metal detector in a national park say like lake meade national park.

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