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All Recent Comments

Are Entrance Fees Behind Visitation Slump?

Sep 1st - 07:07am | Jeff M

As a tourist visisting parks as my vacation, fees do not have any influence on me visiting them. I just went through Custer State Park and Needles Highway in SD and didn't think twice about paying the fee, I don't even know how much I paid.

Aug 31st - 13:34pm | Jeff

Increased enterance fees don't have much effect on my choosing whether to go to a national park or not. I'm fairly close to some really great national parks, but I don't get to them nearly as much as I would like, that has more to do with school, work and somewhat distance.

Woman Dies in Fall From Angel's Landing

Aug 31st - 14:01pm | Mooks

Yes, someone died, so, shut the trail down. Save the people from themselves. Maybe we should be strapped into our easy chairs and have the pictures of Angel's Landing piped into our TV sets. That way, we'll only die of heart attacks.

Aug 30th - 23:37pm | Danny

The last person to fall off angels landing was my cousin. She was young and had a great life, she had a great voice and was very much loved my everyone who knew her. It is terrible that she is gone, she was an avid hiker and she still fell and lost her life? And I really do think it should be shut down?

Aug 24th - 08:18am | pc

When I was 8 years old in 1962 we went up Angel's Landing on Christmas Day. There was snow and ice at the top. When we went up the last bit my father slipped on the ice and the chain and pipe came out of the rock, leaving him dangling for a few seconds until my mother grabbed him. It left a lasting impression.

Aug 23rd - 07:32am | tom

This is too creepy: yesterday I was looking at all these Angel's Landing pix because we're going to be near Zion in mid-September. My wife says "You're NOT going up there" after seeing some video some people took. Suddenly the Narrows Trail looks much more attractive.

Vanity Fair's View of the Dysfunctional NPS

Aug 30th - 09:22am | Michael DiGregorio

JT is a very image weary political guy. What he projects to the public and what he actually knows about the "resource" as the NPS goons call it are two different things. His entire Death Valley career was a punishment for his egotistical mismanagement in Grand Canyon National Park. He got into a lot of hot water with his supervisory lack of skills...

Happy Birthday NPS?

Aug 29th - 12:01pm | Parkaholic

You gotta love the whole maintenance backlog issue. If your kids came up to you and said "I need a hundred bucks" you would want some justification. Good point that Yellowstone has the appearance of not needing those funds as they look to be in good condition. I wonder how much of that backlog is theirs. Should we just give them what they want?

Aug 27th - 10:34am | Sabattis

Of course, being in Yellowstone, Secretary Kempthorne and Director Mainella probably aren't seeing exactly how much work needs to be done in the Parks.

Aug 26th - 19:00pm | Alan Gregory

Solid editorial at NY Times.com at this hour (the 27 Aug. on-line edition) on this very topic. In any case, the current administration in Washington seems, no make that "is," hellbent on cutting back everything that's not nailed down. And the National Park System is among the targets, tragically so.

Of Committees and Campaigns

Aug 28th - 06:57am | Sabattis

I think that the outside campaign is necessary because it is clear that the status quo is *not* generating the urgency needed to motivate the Congress to increase the Parks' funding. Given the nature of the republic, I think that *only* outside pressure from the public can make a difference with the Congress.

Top Trails: Yellowstone & Grand Teton

Aug 26th - 23:45pm | Andrew Dean Nystrom

Dear Kurt, Thanks very much and congrats on taking your time to review my book.

Aug 18th - 17:53pm | Alan Gregory

I've not yet seen this book. But it's a got to be a great guide if it's anything like the state fly-fishing guides this publisher has produced.

Developers Bulldoze Portion of Harpers Ferry Historical Park

Aug 25th - 08:21am | J Tyler

Most developers have adopted a "Better to ask forgiveness than permission." attitude in almost all areas.

Aug 24th - 19:58pm | Bruce Burbank

Those who run/operate/work in park simply stood by and let it happen? No attempt to stop these "bums" was made?

Human-Powered Recreation Has Economic Clout

Aug 24th - 18:33pm | Sabattis

According to this study, non-motorized outdoor recreation accounted for 6% of GDP in an economy of $11.75 trillion. It sounds high, but may be somewhat believeable, I guess. On the other hand: -Total 2002 revenues for all mining companies in the US was only $183 billion -Total 2002 revenues for all US firms in the motion picture and sound recording industries was only $78 billion.

Aug 14th - 19:45pm | Bruce Burbank

Sure wish this info would be passed on to the USFS! I was told by the USFS 20 years ago that hikers, campers and the like were "a thorn in their side, and they wished they'd all go away!" Their attitude has only got worse, the USFS has done a "good job" of "making them all go away!"!!

Aug 13th - 19:33pm | Parkaholic

Some impressive numbers indeed but as with all statistical data I wonder how the quesstions were asked? Are the dollar figures utilizing a multiple such as each dollar spent rolls over seven times to compute economic impact? I know I kicked in more than my fair share this year. Nevertheless it does show that a large number of Americans are connected to outdoor activities.

What Do Park Concessionaires Want?

Aug 24th - 18:15pm | Sabattis

In fairness to the Park concessionaires, even this blog has noted previously that Park visitation seems to be down from what it used to be, despite this nation's ever-growing population. I don't know that anyone has a perfect explanation for this decline, but the concessionaires surely have an interest in boosting Park visitation.

Mr. Pearce's Blinders

Aug 22nd - 09:28am | Ranger Bob

This is a disturbing trend. Our elected ones seem not to want our parks conserved and those who we, the public, let do business in our national parks are of the same mind set, we are seeing the beginning of yet another assault on the sanctity of the National Park Service.

Should Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic Be Moved?

Aug 21st - 09:57am | Laurise Creed

no the lodge should not be moved. this is a historical site. the clay banks of the coast and river there should be worked on to prevent further erotion and to protect the lodge,cabins and campground.

Java Juice Delivers Fresh Brew in the Backcountry

Aug 19th - 17:58pm | a. Karno

Ok, you really GET it! We loved your review sir. I have one XL Java Juice T shirt left from the OR show- I would love to send it to you as a thanks- 100% organic cotton "squeeze the bean" slogan and new logo. If you like, the media kit on our home page has newer logo which you may want to use on your review. Also remind your peeps - save energy Don't Over Brew it-

Who'll Succeed Fran?

Aug 18th - 17:16pm | fran

comenta la no meu vibe kiss

Aug 12th - 17:37pm | Alan Gregory

Positions such as this one ought to be filled by candidates selected on a merit basis, not for they voted for last time at the polls or which candidate they last gave money to. I can't help but feel that's how Fran entered the picture in the first place.

How Much Cell Phone Coverage Does Yellowstone Need?

Aug 12th - 10:34am | parkaholic

I sit and wonder if there was such public outrage when radio communications were first introduced into the park system. Certainly there was a percieved need for safety and security. Is the general public aware that the Parks have recently spent millions of dollars to upgrade radio communications with narrow band digital systems resulting in reduced coverage?

Aug 12th - 10:34am | parkaholic

I sit and wonder if there was such public outrage when radio communications were first introduced into the park system. Certainly there was a percieved need for safety and security. Is the general public aware that the Parks have recently spent millions of dollars to upgrade radio communications with narrow band digital systems resulting in reduced coverage?

Aug 9th - 19:43pm | Mookie Doug

My wife and I did a 6-week tour of Natinonal Parks earlier this summer. I felt the need for my cell phone exactly once, when I wanted to call my father on Father's Day. However I found myself craving wi-fi access about twice a week. I was sort of surprised that none of the lodges at Yellowstone didn't have wi-fi, while Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton had it in the lobby.

Aug 9th - 16:46pm | Sabattis

I think that Wi-Fi access in buildings is a great idea, and can't imagine why anyone would have a problem with it if it is privately funded. If you don't want to check your e-mail while staying in a National Park lodge, you don't have to.

Aug 9th - 13:42pm | Alan Gregory

Preservation of the resource (which includes the "viewshed") is part and parcel of the National Park Service's mission. That should mean that foreign objects, like cell phone towers, have no place within a given park's boundaries. What's next, a new name for Yellowstone? Perhaps Verizon Geyser National Park?

Aug 9th - 08:03am | calmom

Future jury trial: Backpacker gets into trouble in the area of Yellowstone without cell phone coverage. He is eventually rescued but the delay in rescue means that he suffers more serious injuries than he would have with better communications. Backpacker sues. The case goes to a jury. Jury hears that Yellowstone rejected better cell phone coverage even though it could have been installed.

Aug 9th - 07:21am | no_bytes

I'm a well connected computer programmer with cell phone, data plan, broadband internet, laptop etc. I enjoy the outdoors and camp almost half the summer, and everytime I camp I leave my cell phone in the truck and don't touch it until I'm coming home.

Aug 9th - 00:53am | jersu

I wonder if its possible to add cell technology to the existing infrastructure of the park. I doubt anyone wants to see cell towers pop-up all over the Yellowstone landscape, but there is already a significant human footprint that should be considered. I am sure that current park communication involves use of "walkie-talkie" type radio technology which relies on radio towers and repeaters.

Aug 8th - 21:15pm | JLongstreet

In reponse to Bill Rush's comments, this isn't a matter of more or less government regulation. It's a question of how accomodating the NPS needs to be. NPS has the power to keep cell towers out of parks but only if it does proactive planning of sensitive areas and other sites in the park where placement of towers would violate park values in some ways.

Aug 8th - 20:32pm | parkaholic

For those who don't want cellular distractions use the on/off switch. Place your phone in the bottom of your pack and when an emergency arises be thankful to have such a communication tool. We don't need more government regulation telling us how to live our lives.

Aug 8th - 15:56pm | Bill Rush

I'm not sure this can be kept out. I agree that cell service should be restricted in National Parks, even though some will protest they need them for an emergency. I am afraid this battle should have been won back when the vendors brought in their stinking mules, helicopters and airplanes. There are too many people who only care about having a Disney World visit to the wilderness.

Valley Forge, Brought to You By Lipton Tea!

Aug 6th - 21:00pm | Bruce Burbank

Your statements in paragraph 6 are "right on", but take a look at USFS (National Forests) it's already happening, commercial interests in the form of concessonaires are taking over and pricing citizens out, not honoring Golden Age passes or Golden access passes at recreation sites, such as campgrounds, these passes were supposed to be "lifetime passes"!

There is One NPS Unit Flush With Funding

Aug 4th - 19:31pm | JLongstreet

Hopefully this story will get more exposure. Too often the NPS itself (or worse yet, the employee valiantly trying to turn sows ears into silk purses) gets blamed for these boondoggles, and we all suffer for it. --JLongstreet, national park superintendent

Aug 4th - 17:00pm | Sabbatis

Another interesting aspect of First Ladies NHS is that it is run by a partnership, the staff on the property are not federal government National Park Service employees. It is also one of the only National Parks I have ever visited where I was not permitted to take any pictures whatsoever. Thanks for explaining at least a little bit of the oddity behind First Ladies NHS. ~Sabattis

Private Interests to the Rescue?

Aug 4th - 19:24pm | JLongstreet

Indeed, that's the right question to ask. Trouble is that Congress should have asked it prior to it being incorporated into Gateway. Now NPS is stuck with it and presumably some of it qualifies for the National Register of Historic Places, which makes it historically significant and therefore within the NPS mandate for preservation.

Aug 4th - 16:56pm | Sabbatis

An unwelcome question, but perhaps one worth asking - does Ft. Hancock really meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Park System?

Aug 2nd - 19:40pm | JLongstreet

Kurt, No doubt your consecutive postings about the proposed private development at the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway and the GMP at Apostle Islands was deliberate. Good job. I am struck by a quote from the newspaper link in the Gateway story:

Arches NP Spared View of Drilling Rigs

Aug 4th - 16:47pm | Sabbatis

Sounds like we need a proposal to add the area behind Delicate Arch to within the boundaries of Arches National Park....

Fran's Stepping Down

Aug 4th - 16:46pm | Sabbatis

You are again too hard on Fran Mainella, in excoriating her for not asking Congress for more funding. Ms. Mainella is a Presidential appointee, and serves at the pleasure of the President. I am not aware of *any* Presidential appointee, in any federal agency, going to Congress and publicly.

Xanterra Offers Customized Yellowstone Tours

Aug 4th - 16:42pm | Sabbatis

I agree with SpecOps, bravo for Xanterra. Certainly there is nothing about this arrangement the prevents any of us from enjoy Yellowstone, from the geyser basins to the backcountry, on our own. For those people for whom the guided tour provides a benefit even greater than the price, then this is a boon for them.

Yosemite Valley Plan: Back to Square One?

Aug 4th - 16:39pm | Sabbatis

A very interesting article. One question that will be interesting to answer over the next couple years will be how the NPS chooses to limit access to Yosemite Valley. In almost any case where access to something is artificially limited, a secondary market developes. Just look at things like concert tickets or sports tickets, and the practice of paying line-waiters or scalping.

Are Hiking Trails Part of a Park's "Core Operations"?

Aug 4th - 16:35pm | Sabbatis

You mention that Glacier has 700 miles of hiking trails. Are all of these trails really cost-effective? For example, it would be interesting to know how many person-hours of enjoyment a given hiking trail provides each year vs. the number of person-houds needed to maintain that trail.

NPS Horses on Half-Rations

Aug 4th - 16:17pm | Sabbatis

Sadly, this snafu won't help Park advocates convince Congress that the NPS is a well-managed organization that is well-deserving of and much in need of additional funding.

Let's Sell the Parks!

Aug 3rd - 18:27pm | JLongstreet

I would challenge Mr. Burbank to come look at almost any national park administrative facility in the field, perhaps other than those few "park barrel" ones funded by local Congressmen through earmarks, and see if we're living as high on the hog as he thinks. He may be right about some of the central offices, regrettably.

Aug 3rd - 03:32am | Bruce Burbank

It seems to me that the NPS,USFS,COE, & BLM are in "cahoots" together. They're spending an awful lot of money on their own creature comforts ie: headquarters,offices,ranger stations, fancy vehicles, and more!

Cutting Trees in Gettysburg

Aug 2nd - 14:20pm | Alan Gregory

The last time I looked, Adams County, PA, where Gettysburg sits, had few trees to give up and still have some woodlots (forget about honest to gawd forests) around. Hey, if we follow this logic, we ought to finish what drought started and drain Lake Powell, restoring Glen Canyon to the way it looked when Major Powell and others passed that way.

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