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Bush Administration: Slash and Burn on The Way Out of Office?

Nov 29th - 10:37am | Anonymous

Pappt:Try to read between the lines in what Kurt has written here. It's easy for you to attack me without commenting on some of the truthful facts that Kurt presents here...with his blog. Believe it or not, I do volunteer for many environmental causes and have done much volunteer work for the U.S. Forestry Service...yes, planting trees.

Nov 29th - 08:04am | Pappyt

Annonymous needs to chill and understand that technology now permits an oil rig next or miles from a park...with minimal impact. Annonymous uses electricity, drives a car, watches TV, goes to the grocery store, etc. but it is someone else's fault for the environment's problems. Since he doesn't want to take responsibility himself/herself he blames Bush.

Nov 28th - 20:31pm | Anonymous

Kurt, thanks for giving reference through your comment "check this site" which provides us with the prestigious Pro Pubica (journalism in the public interests). A good source for up-to-date information regarding many of are pertinent and grave issues facing this country today.

Nov 28th - 16:07pm | Anonymous

Yap, with heavy fire in the belly until the little man leaves office. Not medicine Roger...just get rid of the cancerous tumor that has been ruining this country for the past eight years. I'm sure a lot of us will feel whole better as well. The sooner the better! Where's your passion or compassion for the environment...around a oil rig next to the National Parks!?

Nov 28th - 15:23pm | Roger

Oh for crissakes...Looks like Anonymous above has a VERY BAD case of BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome). He needs to take some meds for that....

Nov 28th - 14:51pm | Anonymous

Folks, just 57 odd day's left until this crazy lunatic leaves office. You can sure bet he will make Obama's administration cringe and crawl to clean up his environmental mess: From the polluted waters of America, to the mined and stripped field's of the Appalachian Mountains, and to the beautiful Canyonlands of Utah.

Updated: Dueling Judges Push Yellowstone National Park Snowmobile Limit Back to 720 Per Day

Nov 28th - 16:48pm | Anonymous

I am a frequent visitor to Yellowstone and would endorse nothing that truly threatened that ecosystem. However, this NON issue displays how far the fanatical left will go to pursue agendas that have no basis in scientific fact and challenge the outer limits of common sense.

From Job Creation to Everglades Czar, Green Groups Have Lengthy National Parks Wishlist

Nov 28th - 14:11pm | Sandi

Unfortunately, it looks like Obama's budget will provide less than Bush's for the NPS. There may even be some layoffs for permanent positions throughout the DOI.

Nov 28th - 02:16am | Roger

Good point, Craig. And veterans would certainly be more productive, mature and wear sharper uniforms than most of the young, unmotivated, undisciplined college kids I have seen working in our parks!! I am really tired of seeing the unkept, sloppy appearance (some uniforms look like they were pulled out of the hamper) of many rangers in visitor centers and on interpretive walks.

Nov 26th - 09:28am | craig

I think your idea of a National Park Service Corps will run afoul of the same issues that has stopped the growth of AmeriCorps and similar "WPA-like" programs since the 1970s.

Curious About What To Consider When Shopping for a New Camera?

Nov 28th - 11:42am | Ann Torrence

I've spent the last three years making photos for my project and I've had a chance to talk photography with a lot of park visitors. Here's what I recommend when people ask me which camera to buy:

Nov 27th - 15:56pm | ArizonaTraveler

Thanks Brett, this is a great primer. When I bought my last point-and-shoot digital camera, I learned the hard way about the 'white balance' feature, particularly when photographing the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and just about any type of red rock scenery.

National Park Service Chastized For Poor Cultural Resource Oversight

Nov 27th - 13:31pm | Anonymous

In many parks, cultural resources such as backcountry shelters and the old lodges are under attack from "wilderness nazis" who think they don't belong (but hypocritically, privies are OK since they don't want TP blooms everywhere).

Nov 25th - 19:38pm | JimB

Certainly an issue that needs attention. My experience on the subject is limited to working at two parks that were heavy on cultural resources and 6 others that more heavily emphasized natural resources. To some extent, how well cultural resources fare as compared to other needs depends on the park management team and how they set priorities.

Nov 25th - 16:31pm | Anonymous

Kurt, thanks for the input. I'm now checking out the Park Services: Vanishing Treasures. Much appreciated!

Nov 25th - 15:48pm | Kurt Repanshek

I can't accurately answer that question off the top of my head, but I'd hazard a guess that there are more archaeological resources on BLM lands simply because there is so much more BLM land than park land.

Nov 25th - 15:16pm | Anonymous

Kurt, just one quick question: What jurisdiction does most of are ancient historical petroglyphics lie in the U.S...with the BLM or the National Parks? Although I'm not totally familiar in the apparatus in how protect these remarkable icons of are earliest settlers, but do know that vandalism and gross neglect has taken a terrible toll on these magnificent petroglyphics.

Bull Elk Poached in Glacier National Park

Nov 27th - 13:26pm | Roger

Why give it to the food bank? This kid is 16! Did he know where the boundary was? Wouldn't a warning suffice? I bet if the kid was a "native" they would have let him go...because he would be hunting as part of his "culture" dontcha know.

Where Are the Best Sunrises in the National Park System?

Nov 27th - 11:27am | Tony Hadley

Cadillac Mountain sunrise was spectacular when I was there the week-end of Oct 25th 2008. The skies could not have been more passionate. I guess I was lucky. http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8146763

BLM, NPS Modify Oil and Gas Lease Auction near National Parks in Utah

Nov 26th - 18:24pm | Rick Smith

You can assume that if Lynn Scarlett was involved, the issue was not "resolved" in the parks' favor. She is notoriously pro-industry. And Jim is right about the BLM professionals as opposed to their political leadership. Most of them are as disillusioned as are their counterparts in the NPS and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Rick Smith

Nov 26th - 09:45am | JimB

A November 17th report by the Idaho Statesman and some other media sources say Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne sent Deputy Interior Secretary Lynn Scarlett to Utah to work out an agreement between NPS and BLM and officials, and she said the problem "was resolved."

National Park Quiz 30: Gathering

Nov 26th - 18:23pm | Bob Janiskee

Sorry, there's nothing in my parks course about gathering edibles in the parks. I might suggest that you get yourself a copy of Ewell Gibbons Stalking the Wild Asparagus -- if it's still in print, that is. BTW, Rick, I've seen the draft of that Survival quiz you've put together for Traveler readers, and its a dandy. Stay tuned, folks.

Nov 26th - 17:26pm | Rick Smith

Good quiz, Bob, although I ended up with only a passable score. I may have to enroll in your distance education class after all. Do you have a section on harvesting in the parks? Rick Rick Smith

Woman Dies in Fall From Angel's Landing

Nov 26th - 16:00pm | Mike

Me and my wife just got back from Zion a few days ago and did Angels Landing for the 2nd time (we go every year). And it never ceases to amaze me how many people do Angels Landing in just plain casual tennis shoes, one small bottle of water, no food. I think most accidents that happen of people falling off, sorry to say, is their own fault.

A Florida Keys National Park? Good Conservation or Florida Bail-out?

Nov 25th - 21:45pm | James Mattson

I am the James Mattson you refer to above, and I disagree with the notion that the state and local governments are trying to turn the Florida Keys into a National Park. Having lived in the Keys for the past 25 years, and practiced land use law the entire time, it is my opinion that we are experiencing the common problem of "homevoters" trying to prevent new arrivals in the community.

National Park Service Prepares to Host Millions of Visitors for the Presidential Inauguration and Parade

Nov 25th - 19:13pm | Tracy

I don't think too many folks in this forum are going to be real happy soon...Obama has announced deep cuts in federal spending. His budgets for the Park Service look like they are going to be SMALLER than Bush's.

Nov 23rd - 09:53am | Anonymous

Russ: I'll take a knowledgeable ivy leaguer any day running this country, then a bottom rung college graduate from the Naval Academy or a five college drop out like McCain & Palin. Both smooth talkers and no show! Sounds like you live in some kind of mental state called paranoia that fears change.

Nov 23rd - 01:54am | Russ

Mr. father of a (wow...an ivy leaguer!): I'll keep my guns, money and freedom...you can keep the "change!" P.S.: Have fun trying to find a clean toilet at "the one"s inauguration...lol.

How Far Should National Park Rangers Go To Safeguard Your Life?

Nov 25th - 14:43pm | TSB

Strict disagreements with the views of those that think funding for lifeguards should not be in budgets for national lakeshores and national seashores, in fact all parks with aquatic recreation should be adequately staffed. I know of places where there were traditionally lifeguards in the summer months and are replaced with interpretation displays of water safety.

Bush Administration Poised to Sell Oil and Gas Leases Around Dinosaur National Monument, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Nov 25th - 09:54am | Anonymous

The American public must stand firm against Bush's rape, greed and pillage policies before leaving the White House. And it's NOW! We Americans must do everything within are power to stop this madness of exploiting and squandering our natural resources for a few precious drops of oil.

Nov 25th - 03:01am | david

To the person named Rachael, zero impact you say? Rub a lamp. Would you stake the next 10 years of your total income on that statement? I live in the area. Zero impact my arse.

National Park Service Director Bomar Scheduled to Meet With Mountain Bike Community

Nov 25th - 08:45am | Brian

WOW! I thought it was bad enough that some hikers don't want bikers on "their" trails. I didn't even realize that there was such a hard-core, intolerant segment of the hiking community that won't even tolerate bikes in "their" PARKS!

Shenandoah National Park Ranger Roy Sullivan Set the World Record for Being Hit by Lightning

Nov 25th - 03:11am | Monique van Buren

But this is searching on the internet!! Greetings from the Netherlands, Monique

Nov 23rd - 10:32am | Bob Janiskee

You'll have to referee your own contest. Providing and facilitating the exchange of information and ideas pertaining to America's national parks is a core purpose of this webzine. We'll continue to do that as we see fit, and you may rest assured that we have no plans to begin interrogating Traveler readers as to their motives for visiting our site.

Nov 23rd - 08:13am | Anonymous

slim, Jan...

Nov 23rd - 07:49am | Admin

Dear Bob, In Holland we are playing an online search game on internet (it's the quiz that Jan mentioned). At the end there are nice prizes to win. One of the game rules is to find the answers only by searching on internet. It's even forbidden to phone or to mail persons/organisations for the answers.

Nov 23rd - 07:41am | Admin

Dear Bob, In Holland we are playing an online search game on internet (it's the quiz that Jan mentioned). At the end there are nice prizes to win. One of the game rules is to find the answers only by searching on internet. It's even forbidden to phone or to mail persons/organisations for the answers.

Nov 23rd - 06:34am | Anonymous

Shame Jan uses you to cheat on a competition. We are all trying very hard to find the information the honest way. You are very friendly for answerring him. Irma, Nederland

Nov 22nd - 17:55pm | Bob Janiskee

Gordon Wissinger ([email protected]) is the Chief Ranger at Shenandoah National Park. Try asking him for help. Chances are that he or someone he knows can at least get you started in the right direction to get the information you need.

Nov 22nd - 16:30pm | Jan Pieters

Thank you very much for your quick response. Unfortunately I get all the time an error when I try so send an emailvia the link you mentioned. The reason for the error is not stated. Regards, Jan

Creature Feature: Texas Banded Gecko

Nov 25th - 01:39am | Nita

I have seen a few tiny lizards and do not know if they are Gecko's or Not. They are about 1 inch long approximately. Look like a salmon color with light brown wide bands. They have a wide head and suction like cups on their feet. They like my kitchen for some reason. Can anyone tell me what kind of species they are?

Why You Should Not Store Food in Your Car at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nov 24th - 20:26pm | Anonymous

I think that one they shouldn't have been standing around watching a bear maul a car, Two they shouldn't decide to videotape it as Vince said, and Three who would stand around and look at a bear when it can attack and kill a bunch of people before someone could stop it! What has the world come to?! CJ

Study Touts Economic Benefits of Mount St. Helens "National Park"

Nov 24th - 16:53pm | East Liverpool

I agree, the fact the government of this area wants to throw that label on there simply because of monetary gain, kind of looses its touch and not only that but it devalues the worth of true national parks. I'm not saying that the region shouldn't be considered one, because it certainly is a great place to visit, but their motivation for it seems off kilter to me.

Nov 23rd - 23:04pm | Michael Robinso...

Kurt: I appreciate that your comments focus on the report's economic arguments, but the report itself is tiled Mandates, Economic Impacts, and Local Concerns: Who Should Manage Mount St. Helens, and the report addresses all three issues not just economics. Indeed, the Report's states as its first premise:

Nov 22nd - 17:38pm | pkrnger

There is no doubt in my mind that the historical, geological, and ecological significance of Mt. St. Helens makes it worthy of full national park status.

Survey Shows Americans Love Bison But Largely Are Clueless About their Plight

Nov 24th - 08:55am | jsmacdonald

Betty,

Nov 24th - 06:25am | Betty H

What a sad situation this is. Only a handful of these animals survived the dreadfull, mass killing of millions of the wild bison. And today, we are mistreating them again !

Glacier National Park Coffee Shop Honored For Its Mission 66 Style

Nov 24th - 06:27am | Pete

Of course the building is very different from anything else in the compound, which includes the lodge (with a beautiful stone fireplace large enough to walk into (fires of uncertain light), a "motel", housing for staff, a gas station and general store, and a few other odd buildings.

Mission

Nov 23rd - 14:39pm | albertson

My wife and I are senior citizens and have visited many parks around the country over the years, are favorite vacations. Some years ago we took my ill mother-in-law in to live with us not wanting to put her in a "home" and it has altered our lives. Caring for her meant not being able to vacation, or spend anytime away from home.

Got Quiet? Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has Plenty

Nov 22nd - 18:23pm | treehugger99

And, climbing the dunes was a hoot! What fun on a June day; I felt like Lawrence of Arabia. High up on the dune field, I heard the sound - the wind hits the resonant frequency of the dune and there is a low, perceivable rumble. It's like walking on top of a subwoofer.

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