National Parks Traveler

ec--   That isn't how our Constitution works. And you should be thankful for that.No, it is not how our Constitution works.  You and I don't have a vote in Congress.  However, the National Park System is full of places that first were advocated by people like you and me and then established by the Congress.

Unfortunately, Dr. Runte is exactly correct.

if the people decide a landscape should be included in the National Park System, Congress should acknowledge that and see that the Park Service has the funds to provide for that new site.That isn't how our Constitution works.  And you should be thankful for that. 

I would like to think, Eric, that if the people decide a landscape should be included in the National Park System, Congress should acknowledge that and see that the Park Service has the funds to provide for that new site.

That's Congress's faultNo - when you ask for and take on obligations beyond your budget - its your fault.particularly when trusts shut off public access.Another strawman.  There is no reason the land trust would have to "shut off public access".  The access could be equal or even greater than it is now. 

Well, it would be a burden on the NPS, granted. That's Congress's fault.But I think it could be a rich resource for science, introducing generations to a unique ecosystem, and encouraging healthy outdoor activities. Parks have the unique ability to do all three. I'm not sure lands in trusts do...particularly when trusts shut off public access.

So perhaps you could explain why turning private property, which could in theory be sold for logging or development, into a national park, would not be good for the North Woods?

Curious to see some elaboration from EC as well. The article seemed to suggest the opposite. I am not familiar with the local politics of Maine. Looking forward to a more thorogh response.

Those nasty scientist are all products of the hitler youth!  Science is just a libral' conpsiracy!

My, there's some bait for comments :-) Are all individuals or groups with views different from yours therefore not citizens of the U.S.A? Seems to me the reality is there are "citizens" on both sides of every issue, and as was the subject of this story, there's a lot for those citizens to do and enjoy at Cape Hatteras.

beachdumb--Should we just ignore by which groups your point of view is influenced?

I am inclined to agree Jim, it is quite possible the NPS spokesperson was misquoted, I certainly hope so. 

I'd interpret the "unfortunately" in the comment by the park spokesperson as meaning it's unfortunate a major news network didn't do their homework by checking on a source, and therefore put out some very misleading information.  

It's definitely a tragedy, and these things happen way too often.  A lot of times, social media propels these people to do more and more daredevil type activities.  There was that one girl that died in Zion last year.  She was just upping her risks week after week, and a lot of it was propelled via her facebook page and the followers she garnered.  I dont think they made money from what they we

Thanks for some helpful background, Gary. It's unfortunate this bear had to be put down, but given the situation as described, that was the only reasonable course of action in an area with this much public use. Yes, it's very likely improper storage of human food and trash was a big factor.