| Page 80 | National Parks Traveler

Severe understaffing, underfunding, and undertraining, have been endemic to our national park rangers, at least since 1965 when I attended the Albright Training Center at Grand Canyon. I resigned in 1971 rather than be sent to FLETC, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, and be required to display my pistol.

Oct 20th - 20:47pm | y_p_w

CJDillon:

Oct 20th - 18:16pm | CJDillon

Clarifying law enforcement authority in the NPS concerned Congress in passing the 1976 law. Fears existed that the park ranger image would be negatively affected with this authority. In its report on the General Authorities Act, House Bill (H.R. 11887), the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs stated:

Oct 20th - 12:25pm | y_p_w

Edward Clark:

Oct 20th - 11:54am | Loui

While the author solely concentrates on the numbers of LEOs needed in the NPS, I believe a discussion of the type of LEO needed is also critical. The U.S. Park Police is a modern urban police force while the Green and Grey serve a natural resources law enforcement function. They actually take different classes at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Oct 20th - 10:37am | Edward Clark

Once again Paul Berkowitz has written a thoughtful and well documented article concerning law enforcement in the NPS. It is perhaps ironic and symptomatic that the badge portrayed in the article is not the one that law enforcement Rangers wear but that of the non-law enforcement Rangers and other staff including resource management and maintenance personnel.

Price To Explore Fiery Furnace At Arches, Backcountry In Canyonlands Increasing

Oct 28th - 13:03pm | y_p_w

A. Johnson: Since these hikes are SELF GUIDED, what is the cost, or the increased cost since 1999, to the NPS/AHP? It's going to a bunch of different services. It's right in the release. https://www.nps.gov/cany/learn/news/news10272021.htm

Oct 28th - 11:43am | A. Johnson

"Self-guided Fiery Furnace ticket fees have not increased since 1999," Since these hikes are SELF GUIDED, what is the cost, or the increased cost since 1999, to the NPS/AHP? Fee-creep is alive and well.

Meet Olympic National Park’s Marmots And The Citizen Scientists Who Study Them

Oct 28th - 11:56am | Eric Burr

As the sub-district ranger at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park from 1957 to 1959, I recall a Dave Barash reseaching Marmots there during that period. Some adults were up to 30 pounds as I recall - helping Dave weigh them. I've emailed my old boss Jack Hughes, the District Ranger then, to see if he rcalls anything about that research.

Oct 25th - 18:56pm | L Barber

We have been to Olympic Park and enjoyed it immensley! Nice photos; especially the mom and babies!

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Please, No Pool Toys

Oct 28th - 10:40am | Loui

Policy discussions are best held absent emotion. It is always sad to hear of a visitor being seriously injured or perishing while enjoying the Parks.

Oct 27th - 14:20pm | Lisa J.

My 19 year old son drowned 4th of July weekend trying to get a pool float that had gone back out into the water. The current pulled him under so fast he only cried for help once, and was never seen alive again. They found him 65 feet under and only 25 yards from the shore at Placer Cove, and he was an EXCELLENT swimmer and in great shape.

Tallest Native Hardwood Tree In North America Is Located In A National Park

Oct 28th - 10:21am | y_p_w

I know this is an older comment, but here goes'

Oct 27th - 23:01pm | Paul Briggs

Except the chestnut was wiped out by an introduced fungus and not by logging.

The Cold Vanish: Seeking The Missing In North America’s Wildlands

Oct 26th - 21:58pm | John Schwarzmann

There are many holes, but they aren't worm holes. Karst formations have plenty of small sinkholes. Step into one and you can disappear forever. There are many thousands of prospecting holes over most of our national forests and ither public lands. Most of those were either never capped or done poorly.

Thousands Of "Hazard Trees" In Sequoia National Park Pose Risks

Oct 26th - 17:24pm | Tom

One of the most common causes of firefighter fatalities is cutting down trees considered as hazardous to suppression operations.

Oct 26th - 14:25pm | Doug Boyce

We hvae plans to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon next May. Here's hoping the parks will be open. Many thanks to the NPS and firefighters for there herioic efforts.

Connecting The Dots: Fort Union Trading Post And "The Revenant"

Oct 25th - 20:26pm | Hoing

I love it

Photography In The National Parks: Capturing The Colors And Character Of Fall

Oct 25th - 19:37pm | Rick B.

Even sitting here at home, reading your instructions along with the pertinent photograph is fairly immersive. Well done.

Oct 25th - 02:49am | Gary

Beautifully written and documented article. Thank you from San Jose, Calif.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Regroups After Loss Of Visitor Center To Fire

Oct 25th - 19:27pm | martin moffitt

Building should have been repaired now we have nothing

PEER: Perfect Time For National Parks To Hew To Carrying Capacities

Oct 25th - 08:14am | Rnager1

My park Record Visitation FY2020 New record visitation FY2021-fortunately 2021, while a new record, was more spread out than 2020 with much of the visitation in the shoulder season and not quite as high a summer peak-tough on staffing, but better for the resource.

Oct 24th - 21:24pm | George H.

"I don't think you will be getting the huge numbers you are expecting". Looks like Bill was a bit off with his prediction, LOL.

Oct 24th - 04:06am | s.rebh

Nice article.thanks

Grand Teton Grizzly Put Down After Becoming A Threat To Humans

Oct 25th - 00:44am | Rick B.

After the psycho foofoorah, was she cited? Arrested?

Oct 23rd - 07:50am | steve reed

The four year old dry sow put down was not 399. She is the ultimate matron, with an amzing four cubs living thru their second year. She is world famous as a Grand Teton roadside experience memorialized by photographer Tom Mangelsen. The dimented behavior of the lady is reprehensible.

Oct 21st - 09:28am | y_p_w

Kathleen Little: Any consequences for the human who provided the award?

Oct 21st - 01:01am | Kathleen Little

Any consequences for the human who provided the award?

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Moving Campground Reservations Online

Oct 24th - 11:27am | Ruben Teran

I'm one of those persons that doesn't like to make reservations online but it is what it is. I think you would better serve those others like me and leave some campsite on the first come first served basis but that's only a seniors opinion, mine, but thanks for the information.

Yellowstone National Park Eclipses 4 Million Visitors For First Time

Oct 23rd - 17:16pm | y_p_w

Michael Kellett:

Oct 23rd - 12:53pm | Michael Kellett

Michael, until now, I have read your comments with an open mind, but now I am beginning to think you are stubborn. For starters, it was your suggestion that new parks would relieve pressure on Yellowstone. Now you are challenging someone else to prove that they won't. Since it was your idea, isn't it your obligation to prove that they will. Hi Richard,

Oct 20th - 14:02pm | y_p_w

Richard Knight:

Oct 20th - 12:28pm | Richard Knight

I was really thinking about the geysers when I referred to the thermal features. I think YNP has about 85% of them, with the balance in NZ and Iceland. I suppose I see buses in YNP's future, but it will take at least two days to see YNP, if tourists must rely on buses. And, busing may not be suitable for some of the iconic parks.

Photography In The National Parks: Seeing The Forest For The Trees

Oct 23rd - 16:51pm | Carolanne Reynolds

Gorgeous photographs, thank you [edited correcting spelling improves too]

Sharing Yosemite's Chinese History

Oct 22nd - 20:27pm | Manuel A. Navia...

My family and I were thrilled to stay at the Wawona Hotel during our first visit to Yosemite last month. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Chinese immigrants who carved out the various roads in the Park, we (and so many others) were able to enjoy the stunning beauty of this place. Thanks also to Ranger Chan and her dedicated colleagues in the NPS!

Oct 20th - 14:30pm | GERRY OSCANNLAIN

What an amazing effort to recognize the Chinese accomplishments and a great article. The hard work of the Chinese made it possible for me to experience this incredible place. There is no place in America lovlier than Wawona and the Mariposa Grove. Thank you for helping me to understand the full history of this magical place.

Grand Teton Surpasses Visitation Record With Months To Go

Oct 21st - 21:14pm | y_p_w

Dixie Henrie: Stop putting it on Facebook every day your way to good at advertising

Oct 21st - 19:30pm | Dixie Henrie

Stop putting it on Facebook every day your way to good at advertising

Rainbow Bridge National Monument Access Limited

Oct 21st - 16:00pm | Bill Stock

Been there and took pictures when water at a high level. Bass Jumping in front of R.B. and birds singing. A magical place & Arch still in place.

Hit-And-Run Driver Leads To Black Bear Death At Glacier National Park

Oct 21st - 15:46pm | Bill Gargan

We passed this poor bear while traveling on "The going to the sun road" for the first time. The posted speed limit was 25 MPH, so who ever hit this beer was traveling well above the speed limit. We were hoping the bears injuries were not as severe when we passed by him.

Dozens Of Conservation Groups Oppose eBikes On Non-Motorized Trails

Oct 21st - 13:03pm | dirtyrig

I'm curious about other parts of the world where they do allow ebikes on trails, how do they do it everywhere else without problems? In many European countries you can ride a bike or ebike on any trails including hiking trails and they have no issues. In Canada and the UK you can ride a ebike on all MTB trails and they dont have issues as well.

Park History: Kings Canyon National Park

Oct 21st - 12:14pm | Edwin

thx for help

Sams Stresses Need To Boost Staff Morale At National Park Service During Confirmation Hearing

Oct 20th - 22:10pm | Ross S.

I cannot say enough good things about Chuck Sams, someone I've known since childhood. He has always been one of the first to volunteer to lead and serve, often both simultaneously. He has always been an excellent leader and a consultative problem-solver.

Oct 20th - 16:55pm | Enclave

I appreciate / applaud that Mr. Sams sees employee morale as a significant issue. I disagree with Sen King that it is important to maintain the current executive leadership. The current leadership is why morale is so poor.

Oct 20th - 16:35pm | Alfred Runte

I liked what I saw during the hearing. Mr. Sams did come off as overconfident or arrogant, in fact, he sounded a bit nervous to me. That's reassuring when you stop to think that career bureaucrats always know what to say. No doubt, the hearing overall was a love-in--and undoubtedly Mr. Sams rehearsed. And undoubtedly he will be confirmed.

Oct 20th - 12:56pm | howard Miller

Top Park Service management continue to add bureaucracy and needless ovesight "sand" to a Park's gearbox or opeations. From buying pencils to buying land. The computer is being used as an oversight "hammer" not as a shovel. The process has become more important than preservation and conservation of land and even visitor use. The Park Service is no longer the "green organization" but has ta

Young Woman Suffers Substantial Burns Trying To Save Dog From Yellowstone Hot Spring

Oct 20th - 21:29pm | Rick B.

Only takes a second... https://www.yahoo.com/news/4-old-superhero-boy-survives-173414761.html

Finding Fall Colors At Bandelier National Monument

Oct 20th - 21:15pm | Chris Judson

Actually, elk are deer - members of the deer family, but larger than the mule deer that also live in Bandelier and the surrounding Jemez Mountains.

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