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National Park Visitation Debate -- Here We Go Again

Feb 15th - 13:35pm | Jen

Steve, I'd be interested in reading the whole report, too, if you can find it (or a link). "To defrauded town toilers, parks in magazine articles are like pictures of bread to the hungry. I can write only hints to incite good wanderers to come to the feast.... A day in the mountains is worth a mountain of books." -- John Muir

Feb 15th - 11:19am | Steve Sergeant

Erik wrote: wonder if they attempted taking the demographic changes the US has experienced into account in their models. By demographic changes, do you mean the decline of caucasians as majority, or something else?

Feb 14th - 22:44pm | Erik

I've read the original paper by Pergams and Zaradic. I'd have to dig it out but I remember thinking they had a causality/correlation conflation. I'd be interested in reading their whole report. I wonder if they attempted taking the demographic changes the US has experienced into account in their models.

Feb 12th - 17:59pm | repanshek

I never considered Sylvan Pass a trail, although once it surely was.

Feb 12th - 17:49pm | Frank N

Kurt, I was thinking about the howitzers used for avalanche control on Sylvan Pass when I wrote that. That's interesting about the pack animals, I didn't know that.

Feb 12th - 17:39pm | Steve Sergeant

From my own perspective, I think two data points on backcountry and wilderness use might be more telling than over-all park visitation statistics. (Note: These are not "official" numbers. They were given to me by anonymous staff of these entities without official vetting by their media relations office.)

Feb 12th - 17:20pm | repanshek

Frank, While I've never heard of rangers using explosives to keep trails open, I do know the Forest Service employs them to , essentially, disintegrate pack animals that die in the backcountry so their carcasses don't attract predators....

Feb 12th - 17:06pm | Frank N

OK. OK. Though these numbers are discouraging, because it is difficult for the general populace to care about outdoor issues if they don't spend any time in the outdoors; and it is difficult to recruit conservationists, wildlife biologists, botanists etc.

Feb 12th - 12:14pm | dwulfman

It just makes a good story -- that's all. If the fortunes of our little travel business are any indication, there are still plenty of families willing to trade a couple of weeks in front of their TVs for a wholesome National Park experience. Dan Wulfman, Founder Tracks & Trails - Western Driving Adventures

Feb 12th - 04:49am | au79scorpion

Do like the military, develop a "free" on line game that sparks interest and teaches "real" out door skills and the park system will be there for folks to try them out.(this will implant the seeds into a newer generation) and the next time this "cycle" again hits,the results may not be as severe.

Feb 11th - 19:21pm | Barky

I have a hard time envisioning reduced attendance at the parks. Seems to me that yes, a lot of teens are hooked on video games, but it also seems that a lot of young adults are also hooked on adventure, rock climbing, hang gliding, surfing, snow boarding, and other outdoor activities.

Where Do the Presidential Candidates Stand on America's National Parks?

Feb 15th - 10:14am | Anonymous

The question that I would ask each candidate is: Interpret what the philosophy and the concept of the National Parks stands for and what it personally means to you. Also, what does conservation of our natural resources personally mean to you as well as our natural heritage?

Feb 15th - 09:07am | amwdew

Yes, I agree with Mookie and would take it a step further to ask the candidate where they stand, more generally, on the matter of encouraging/fostering more private funding for the parks (as was proposed in the "matching funds" part of the Centennial Initiative).

Feb 15th - 08:20am | Mookie

One other question I would love to hear answered by the candidates is where they stand on corporate sponsorship for the parks. Most politicians, the higher they rise the more indebted they are to big business and the corporations that line their pockets.

Feb 15th - 08:13am | dkcase

I wondered throughout the debates where Congressman Ron Paul stood on this. Of course, he's not one of the finalists, but I wondered whether his strict constitutionalist consistency allows for supporting national parks.

Feb 14th - 23:28pm | Anonymous

McCain also has a very shady history actually following through on his promises to restore natural quiet in Grand Canyon National Park. It's still a mess, and it only seems to be getting worse.

Feb 14th - 23:02pm | Kath

McCain hiked with his son from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim. Just a family hike. Not a press photo op. Not only pretty good for a 71 year old, but it shows his love of the parks.

Segways in the National Parks: Do We Really Need Them?

Feb 14th - 21:48pm | Bob

My previous response was not cleared by the moderators for some reason so I will try again.

Feb 13th - 10:38am | Anonymous

Easy Bob! No offense, just trying to make a point. Bob, just take a hard look at your local supermarkets, the shopping malls and parks...most Americans are horribly over weight...and out of shape! Why? I just assume for two basic reasons: diet and lack of a good exercise regimen.

Feb 13th - 09:56am | Bob

I'm 6'5", 200 lbs, and in good health but I ride a Segway because I have bad knees ... and because it is cheap, green, and efficient way to get around. I too like to experience the national parks that my taxes pay for ... if you judgmental people don't mind too much, that is! What nerve.

Feb 13th - 09:12am | Anonymous

Actually they're toys for tikes! For god sakes fat Americans...start walking & hiking more!

Feb 13th - 07:53am | Bob

Almost all of the comments so far are clearly from people who have never been on a Segway and know nothing about them. Let's clear up some misconceptions:

Dinosaur National Monument Cutting Paleontology Staff

Feb 14th - 19:36pm | Ted

The USGS does a great job at Rainier, and the public gets to see what part of this process? Maybe a seismograph needle? The beauty of Dinosaur USED to be that people could see something in action in the field or in the lab. Since the visitor center shut down there have been few fossils to see and only a couple of days of excavation the public could actually see.

Feb 12th - 20:29pm | Dan

Mt. Rainier works with the US Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, WA. They don't need their own NPS volcanologist--USGS does a great job.

Feb 12th - 14:22pm | Bill Wade

In all likelihood, this is another example of cutting essential programs that is derived from the "core operations" process - the brainchild of Mike Snyder, the Regional Director in the Intermountain Region of the NPS, in which Dinosaur NM is located.

Feb 12th - 10:25am | Marylander

I've been to Dinosaur only once, but the trip is still vivid in my memory. I live near D.C. and get to visit the best museums that the country has to offer any time I want to, but it is no comparison to actually being in Dinosaur and seeing the massive jumble of bones in the rock.

Dinosaur National Monument Superintendent Favors Law Enforcement, Maintenance, Interpretation Over Paleontology

Feb 14th - 17:29pm | JoeSF

As long as we are hiring out, let’s put up all the maintenance jobs for contract bidding. Certainly they should go first. Actually I am sure there are private Americans who will work for less than government employees and still provide good service. After that we can cut costs further by contracting to firms that hire illegals. Then we can call them "jobs Americans won't do".

Feb 14th - 14:08pm | Matt M.

This is not an unusual arrangement. Many agencies rely on partnerships to get this type of work done. Partners are frequently better equipped to do certain jobs and this is one of them.

Feb 13th - 21:59pm | JoeSF

The last time I was to yellowstone the extensive geologic exhibit was replaced with a wild life exhibit. All well and fine for eco systems , but yellowstone park is probably the most significant geologic area in North America if not the world. Maybe some one can say if the geologic exhibit has been restored? So this has been going on at lot longer than you think.

Feb 13th - 21:48pm | David

I bet if it had oil under it, or small foreign country surrounding it the Feds would be interested. The War on Science has many battlefields - this is one them. Perhaps the new regime will actually spend a little money on America.

Feb 13th - 21:16pm | Anonymous

C'mon Kurt, too d*#m much money is spent on scientists now, puttin' jewelry (collars, tags) on animals to study 'em to death! Sheesh! The people want ranger talks and walks, concessions (good food), and clean restrooms!

Feb 13th - 21:11pm | Anonymous

I think this is a very good move on the part of the Superintendent. This work CAN be done more than adequately in partnerships with universities.

Feb 13th - 16:22pm | Anonymous

I have been to Dinosaur National Monument twice. Thie second time I took my granddaughter who is interested in anthropology and geology. It is a shame that the Superintendent is putting himself before the interests of the public. Maybe he needs to find another job.

Cycling at Haleakala National Park Given "High Risk" Rating

Feb 14th - 12:11pm | Richard

People don't need commecial tours. Just rent a good bike and do it yourself. If you question the safety, don't go. Too many things are commecialized, it takes the individuality of the experience and creates an amusement style ride that is best left out of a National Park.

Feb 13th - 19:02pm | Claire Walter

One fatality out of how many clients who have done this commercial ride over how many years = one of the highest risks?!?!?!?! Compared with what? Surely not with, say, the climbers who die annually on Mt. Rainier, Mt. McKinley and other wild places in the National Park system. Claire @ http://travel-babel.blogspot.com

The Yellowstone Precedent

Feb 14th - 07:51am | Anonymous

Having been to Yellowstone several times - once in the winter. I can from first hand experience say that the pollution from snowmobiles is minute at worst and non-existant at best. Pollution from cars in the summer is much more severe. The animals are not even fazed by slow moving snowmobiles.

Welcome to the National Parks Traveler 2.0

Feb 13th - 19:23pm | Anonymous

This is the BEST site I've found if you are seeking not only the best Nat. Park info, how-to's, what not to miss etc., but it also gives the concerned reader/traveler an easy way to keep informed about what is happening - both positive and of great concern - in the parks! Keep up the AWESOME WORK!

U.S. Sen. Coburn Runs Poll On Whether "Concealed Carry" Should be Allowed in Parks

Feb 13th - 18:03pm | repanshek

OK folks, I think we've covered all angles of this debate. Time to move on.

Feb 13th - 17:53pm | Art

Amazing. The impulse to commit violence is not tied, in any way, to owning a gun. Period. "One statistic NO ONE can debate is that if guns had never been invented, there would have been be a lot fewer dead people down through the years."

Feb 13th - 11:09am | Anonymous

Gun deaths per 100,000 population (for the year indicated): Homicide Suicide Other (inc Accident)

Feb 13th - 08:26am | Bradley Edwards

Statistics are like a bikini...they reveal a lot, but what they don't show is usually more interesting.

Feb 13th - 00:06am | Art

Frank,

Feb 12th - 18:47pm | George Hansen

Right off the NRA Web Site: http://www.nraila.org//Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?ID=209 FABLE VI: Since firearm accidents are a large and growing problem, we need laws mandating how people store their firearms.

Feb 12th - 18:43pm | Joel

Three out of four violent crimes committed in the U.S. do not involve firearms. Since 1991, the number of privately owned firearms in the U.S. has increased between 65-70 million, and the nation's murder rate has decreased 43%. (BATFE and FBI)

Feb 12th - 18:42pm | Ben

Your statistics are from an unreliable source at best. If you want to find out how tough it is to be an African American in the USA don't ask a member of the KKK.

Feb 12th - 17:42pm | Frank N

"Your comment has been queued for moderation by site administrators and will be published after approval." Art, I think that my comments DO need to be approved before posting them! Thank you, Kurt!

Feb 12th - 15:30pm | Sam K.

Whoa there, Art...when did I frame any sort of argument? All I did was respond to your comment. I am a member of the NRA, gun owner and avid hunter. I have no problem with the 2nd Amendment, or anyone's right to own or use firearms. All I did was say that no where in the Constitution is it "enshrined" (using your words here, not mine) that firearms can be used for self-defense.

Feb 12th - 10:04am | Art

Arms like laws discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe and preserve order in the world as well as property. -- Thomas Paine, Writings of Thomas Paine

Modeling Mesa Verde National Park With Lasers

Feb 13th - 12:53pm | Landon Silla

Thank you Kurt for such a great article! One small correction though, you provided a slightly incorrect link. The link to the map of Fire Temple is: http://archive.cyark.org/Mesa-Verde-Fire-Temple-map.php If you were looking for a map to the entire Mesa Verde park, the link is:

Bryce Canyon National Park

Feb 11th - 14:34pm | Mookie

I've visited Bryce several times, but never in Winter. That photograph is absolutely stunning, and makes me want to get on the next flight to Utah before the snow melts!

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