You are here

Home

All Recent Comments

Placing An Economic Value on National Parks

Dec 6th - 07:46am | repanshek

Jim, I'm not asking folks to criticize NPCA. The organization plays a vital role in protecting the national park system and advancing its goals.

Dec 6th - 06:52am | Jim Macdonald

Kurt, I'm sorry for neglecting to respond to your response on my previous blog post. It wasn't for lack of interest. I'd like to respond here to what you are writing, which is very interesting. I don't think many will be brave enough to criticize the focus of the tact that NPCA uses in defense of the parks.

Dec 5th - 17:25pm | Scott Silver

Kurt, great post and great quotes. Let me add another Leopold quote -- one of my favorites: "One basic weakness in a conservation system based wholly on economic motives is that most members of the land community have no economic value. ... When one of these non-economic categories is threatened, and if we happen to love it, we invent subterfuges to give it economic importance."

Retirees Coalition Asks Congress To Oppose Snowmobiles

Dec 5th - 09:49am | Alan Gregory

This is incredible. Study after study after study find that snowmobiles are just plain bad for Yellowstone, its wildlife, its low-impact visitors and the Park Service employees who keep the place running. Yet, here again we have another effort by two block-headed legislators to enshrine the snowmobiling culture. When will real people stand up and just do the right thing?!

Silence in the Parks

Dec 4th - 17:29pm | Snowbird

Toss in the whisper of the wind blowing through Kings Canyon... you have poetry to my ears.

Bracing For the America The Beautiful Pass

Dec 2nd - 19:24pm | Alan

I have never had qualms about paying a fee to get onto a national wildlife refuge or national park. Or even to use a Forest Service parking area in New Hampshire for the few minutes it took us to view a nearby waterfall.

Dec 1st - 18:05pm | Mike Lommler

Everyone gets benefits from public lands in some way or another, whether it be by direct use or from environmental services. Aside from that, public land conservation is such a small part of the budget--why should the overburdened taxpayer pay for an expensive war from which he is deriving no benefit? The government does things, some people derive benefit, some don't--but we all pay.

Dec 1st - 14:06pm | kath

Charge motorcycles more? Good. I hope it keeps those noisy vehicles out of the parks. They are as much a noise nuisance as snowmobiles. In general, I support the principle that those who use the parks should pay more than the average (and already soaked) taxpayer. Is the money going to stay in the NPS or just go to the general fund?

Crime in the Parks

Dec 1st - 03:42am | Dave

People who have gone through the extensive screening required to obtain a concealed-carry permit shouldn't have to hang up their right to self-defense when they enter a NP. The shrinking law enforcement presence in NPs is all the more reason to not to strip responsible, law-abiding people of their capacity to defend themselves.

Nov 25th - 20:23pm | parkaholic

Currently LEO's have a pretty good situation in that if they run across someone armed in a Park it's a good bet they are involved in some sort of illegal behavior. I wonder how the animals feel about arming the general public? Most tourons are terrified of most fauna....would they be justified in shooting wildlife for their percieved protection?

Nov 24th - 15:18pm | Shane

One only need to see who wrote the editorial...the New York Slimes! Hey Slimes, here's a little FACT for ya: It's not the law-abiding citizens who have a concealed-carry permit (that required an extensive background check and/or firearms courses) who are committing crimes in the parks, it's the CRIMINALS WHO WILL ALWAYS HAVE GUNS VIA THEFT AND/OR FORGED DOCUMENTS!!

Nov 23rd - 10:56am | Opinionmill

Kurt Thanks for the post and the time you put into the research, but I respectfully disagree with your conclusion. The management of backcountry crime should include funding/support for law enforcement activities until the frequency and/or severity decreases. But at the same time it should never remove or suppress self defense capabilities.

Nov 22nd - 18:34pm | Snowbird

Alan, your comments are well taken and I agree with your disdain for former Sen. Allen, and his kiss-butt tactics with the NRA.

Nov 22nd - 16:49pm | Alan

Additionally, the NPCA is correct. The solution to combatting crime in national parks isn't to go about arming every visitor with a pistol but to properly fund the National Park Service.

Nov 22nd - 16:45pm | Alan

In my mind, this isn't about park visitors' safety. It's about George Allen, the now-defeated incumbent senator from the great state of Virginia, kissing the rear-end of the gun-rights lobby. Folks visiting a park like Yellowstone have a greater risk of getting harmed doing something stupid around megafauna than they do of getting mugged or robbed at gunpoint.

Nov 22nd - 09:15am | Snowbird

Relax Kath! I'm a professional "park nut" and enjoy every minute of it.Besides, poking fun and jest may open dialoque for honest communication, and debate. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 22nd - 07:41am | kath

If the NP law enforcement rangers don't want it, then I'd concur with their opinion. They are the closest to the issue. (I still don't like calling anyone a 'nut'. I wouldn't like being called an 'enviro-nut' or 'park nut'. It just doesn't contribute to a two-way dialogue.)

Nov 21st - 16:52pm | Snowbird

Oh come Kath! Stop being so politically correct and righteous. I believe in saying like it is and especially when the other side wishes not to have a honest debate and dialogue. Have you ever tried to get a point across to a "gun nut" from the NRA? I have and it usually doesn't work! Anyway, I respect your opinion.

Nov 21st - 16:18pm | repanshek

Kath, Since Sen. Allen's legislation was just recently introduced (Nov. 16, I'm told), and was not reported out of committee, the NPS's FOP chapter has not taken a stand on it.

Interesting Take On Park Visitation Trend

Nov 30th - 18:46pm | Erik

Kurt, Long time reader, first time commentor. The question of declining visitor use is an interesting one and much more complex than most media outlets let on. In the academic literature, there is some evidence to suggest that at the "Crown Jewel" parks, fees have slowed the rate of growth but have not caused a decline in visitation.

Nov 30th - 15:12pm | Steve Sergeant

Just to throw-in additional data points, I interviewed the Ranger for the Mount Whitney District of the Inyo N.F. a couple of months ago. She had these comments on backcountry visitation in her district... STEVE: [00:54] Let's talk about some numbers here. What kind of visitation do you get in the Lone Pine/Whitney Corridor?

The Swamp

Nov 30th - 07:34am | Snowbird

The rich biomass of the Everglades National Park can be further deeply enjoyed by reading: The Swamp by Michael Grunwald's book, and also a book written by Richard Rhodes on the story and life of John James Audubon (read chapter 24). A nice historical touch up after...The Swamp. Excellent reading material Kurt!

Death Valley Showdown

Nov 28th - 17:27pm | Dr. Mike Moore

There is no doubt that there was and is a road through Surprise Canyon. One only needs to look at the town of Panamint City to realize this is true, as there are no other roads that lead into or out of that mineing ghost town.

New York Times On Guns in the Parks

Nov 28th - 13:35pm | Fred Miller

Here is an article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune. It does a much better job of addressing this NYT editorial than I ever could.

In Search of Common Ground

Nov 27th - 11:14am | Snowbird

Kurt, your article "In Search of Common Ground" provokes much needed thought for a more common sense approach in dealing with some are hot button issues in the National Parks. Polarization on these issues will only separate us even more, and cloud the primary purpose which the National Parks should stand for.

Welcome Gun Owners!

Nov 27th - 09:10am | Rick Povich

The folks who seem to think national parks are some sacred ground where the Second Amendment alone should be restricted need to rethink. Let's get something straight: concealed carry permit holders simply do not commit crimes. You won't be raped, robbed or assaulted by a concealed carry person.

Nov 26th - 11:18am | parkaholic

I am having trouble understanding why anyone needs to cary a firearm in the Parks. Most of you agree that you're pretty unlikely to be robbed at gun/knife point. And the idea that we need to protect ourselves from the snakes and mountain lions disturbs me. How many people are injured or killed by these ruthless animals?

Nov 25th - 09:56am | Shelby

Hmm, I suppose my position on this makes me one of those "new Democrats" that have a chance of winning in the South...but not quite. I've done extensive hiking in Arizona and the Blue Ridge Mtns, and I frequently bring my revolver -- not because I'm worried about criminals, though.

Yellowstone Officials Prefer Snowmobiles

Nov 26th - 11:11am | parkaholic

Just a couple of ideas to inspire critical thought and maybe some interesting discussion. First, what percentage of greenhouse gasses are human produced? Second what produces the most noise and pollution, cars in the summer or snowmobiles in the winter? My understanding is they are only allowed to operate in the same areas.

Nov 25th - 18:11pm | Fred Miller

The primary concern here should be the "Preservation of our NPS". This entails trying to ensure good air quality, reducing noise which disturbs the wildlife, and maintaining the fragile trail system. Riding a snowmobile is a lot of fun, I'm sure, but we must do it responsibly.

Nov 23rd - 08:19am | Snowbird

Dear Raul, your comments don't speak well for your so called credentials. Raul, read E.O. Wilson's book: The Creation! He gives better arugments then Michael Chrichton's article...it's so weak noodle! You have a PhD, my lord...I'm impressed!

Nov 22nd - 22:59pm | Raul

Stop the Global WHINING!! Sheesh!! Perhaps y'all should read "State of Fear" by Michael Chrichton...this article sums it up: http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=16260 Read some of the "Reviews and Reactions" highlighted in green.

Nov 22nd - 19:33pm | Snowbird

Well Jim, you did express your dark age mentality about global warming (something that the Bush administration tried to ignore and stifle, regarding the Hansen report on global warming for NASA). Yes, catchy words do have impact when it arouses attention to man's degradation of the environment...certainally caught yours!

Nov 22nd - 16:41pm | Alan

Noise, pollution, disturbance. These and other impacts are in opposition to the park's stated objective: preservation of its wild and scenic character. This seems frightfully hard for some to understand. In any case, the taxpayers have now paid for four snowmobile use studies. The Great Falls Tribune just published a straight-on editorial about the issue.

Nov 22nd - 16:05pm | Jim

LOL...you're funny, Snowbird!

Nov 22nd - 07:45am | Snowbird

Jim, I guess your one of those who just can't live without the morass of noise and pollution in the parks. I guess it really upsets those poor snowmobile trottle jockies to know that "global warming" is for real. Yes! the parks were created to serve all, but not to bring every gas guzzling piece of junk into the parks.What's your fear Jim?

Nov 21st - 20:39pm | Jim

C'mon now...the geysers and mud pots emit more greenhouse gases, methane, SO2, CO2, (you name it...they emit it) in a few minutes than 1000 snowmobiles in a full winter! Enviros need to remember that the parks were created to serve all our people in this country...not just the elitist few who constantly cry about the sky falling over a little exhaust.... Now, speaking of hot air....

Guns in the Parks: A Bad Idea

Nov 24th - 18:36pm | Snowbird

Yes, paranoia is alive and well in the National Parks. Mixed with a little booze and a touch of domestic violence because your wife BBQ the steak wrong, or somebody accidently takes your camping spot by mistake... you just whip out your little old permit pistol...and settle business! Yes, the way the good old boy's like to settle it...the NRA way!

Nov 24th - 05:29am | David Beck, Sr

I read somewhere that our founding fathers wrote into our Constitution 'A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'

Nov 23rd - 05:17am | Michael

As much time as I spend in the woods it puts my mind at ease when I do carry. As a boy of 12 I came across a pack of wild dogs, had it not been for my trusty .22 leaver action I don't think I would be here today, for they had already killed a 500 lb steer. Now days,there are more than wild dogs in the woods, and those things are alot more dangerous.

Favorite Parks: Round Four

Nov 23rd - 17:30pm | Snowbird

Squeeze in between Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park...there's the majestic Mineral King. If you want positive personal space...this is it!

Mary's Thoughts on the Parks

Nov 23rd - 08:38am | Snowbird

Again, dear Raul, your credentials don't seem to back up your curt spiel. I don't know what paper mill university you went to, but your comments are much to be desired with some concrete facts instead of waving this Phd stuff that you so proclaim to have.

Nov 22nd - 22:42pm | Raul

..."fur, feather and fin"...now ain't that so special! You need to read a few of John Stossel's books about how y'all are just a bunch of chicken littles with no science to back it up!

Nov 22nd - 20:04pm | Snowbird

Not angry dear Raul, I just have a lot of fire in my belly in saving a few things that you probably don't care about...like fur, feather and fin...not much left! If you dare to read E.O.Wilson book on "The Creation"! then you will know what mean. Perhaps, your more interested in reading something like "How To Get Rich Quick" or Donald Trumps new book on real estate quick rich schemes.

Nov 22nd - 16:28pm | Raul

It's funny how so many tree-huggers are down on corporations, unless it is the corporation known as the Sierra Club of course.... Do you eat anything bought in a store, made by those EVIL corporations, Snowbird? I don't really care if they wanna brag or not...as long as our parks are protected and funded! "Donate and shut-up"...hmmm...no need to get nasty here...why are you so angry?

Nov 22nd - 08:08am | Snowbird

Jim, the National Parks have enough corporate logo strewn around the parks...just check out the trash bins around the parks. What's wrong having anonymous corporate donors and less fan fare in knowing who they really are...unless some CEO wants to glorify himself in front of a audience and become a braggard and say: see what my company did, and wow aren't we great! Donate and shut up!

Nov 21st - 21:14pm | Jim

THIS is what I'm talkin' about! Thank you J.M. Huber!! NJ Company Makes First Corporate Donation To Aid Save Ellis Island!

Nov 21st - 21:03pm | Jim

We definitely MUST and need to get corporations (with lots of $$$) involved in the business of preserving our parks in public-private partnerships.

Pennsylvanians Don't Want Gambling Near Gettysburg

Nov 22nd - 16:57pm | Alan

Pennsylvania is opening casinos under the stated banner of reducing citizens' property taxes. Most independent analyses show a whopping $200 tax reduction for most folks in the state. There are lots of good arguments against gambling in general (and let's call it what it is, gambling, not "gaming").

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Nov 21st - 20:31pm | Jim

The nonchalant look of the kids (not paying much attention to the bison) leads me to believe that this is a zoom shot...the bison are actually much further away than it appears....

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

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.