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All Recent Comments

Update | Railroad Sued Over Grizzly Bear Deaths On The Doorstep Of Glacier National Park

Dec 15th - 10:10am | A. Johnson

Why can't we sue wind turbine developers, owners, and operators for the THOUSANDS of deaths of endangered and threatened species of birds?   I note that Wild Earth Gaurdiians have made no such effort to protect birds from wind turbines.  According to WildEarth's IRS Form 990 (2022), they spent $530K to raise $4.3 million = 13%--a bit high for enviromentally-focused 501c3's. 

The Wolves Of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

Dec 14th - 18:08pm | d-2

This is a welcome and excellent piece, fully up to the best aspirations of National Park Traveler. It provides great context to the politics that surrounds this issue, gracefully minimized in this piece that focuses on place and ecological resources, and, especially, wolves and predators in the environment.

USFWS Seeking Comments On Recovery Plan For Canada Lynx

Dec 14th - 17:13pm | Peg R

And yet, trapping of cats- Bobcat & Lynx-  & trophy hunting of Mountain Lions with high-tech gadetry & hounding dogs- is still legal. We must protect our apex predators if we wish to have  a balanced ecosystem. 

Transparency | National Parks Traveler By The Numbers

Dec 14th - 10:20am | A. Johnson

I appreciate Kurt's response.  Obviously I do not see all the comments that are deleted, but I l know which of mine were.  

Dec 14th - 01:34am | Mike B.

For what it's worth, I see no evidence of bias in the Traveler content.  As far as the comments, there are views expressed across the political spectrum, some of which I agree with and others with which I definitely disagree.  To me, this demonstrates fairness.  Finally, with regard to climate change, I believe that the science is clear:  it is real, it poses danger to the resources we all clai

Dec 13th - 12:03pm | Loui

I don't think balance in the comments is the issue.  It's the left leaning bias in the substantive content of many of the articles themselves that undoubtedly alienates many.  Some articles are written by Kurt, most by contributors.  

Dec 13th - 10:48am | Kurt Repanshek

Comment moderation is one of the trickiest aspects of running a website, especially when there is only one or sometimes two people trying to tackle it. That is why many organizations have done away with any and all comments. They create too many headaches.

Dec 13th - 10:11am | A. Johnson

First of all, I apologize for referring to Kurt as "KP".  If inattentiveness were rewarded, I'd be rich.  

Dec 12th - 17:14pm | Cary Carlson

  Would you explain what you mean by More Balance?   NP Traveler is certainly promoting park preservation.  It's not necesarily pro National Park Service or pro Federal beaurocracy..  it sure showcases park problems/threats, and offers readers wonderful education. I like its balance, or lack thereof.

Dec 12th - 15:32pm | A. Johnson

KP:  I do wish you the best of luck. As stated before though, I sincerely believe that you're alienating many potential donors by not offering more balance.  It's certainly your prerogative to do as you please, but I argue that it has a substantial downside.   Best of luck.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Testing Electric Trail Maintenance Equipment

Dec 14th - 09:50am | Snochasr

If it makes sense from an economic or efficiency standpoint, do it by all means.  But PLEASE do not claim that you are doing it for "THEE CLIMATE."  That is just stupid in spades.  First of all, recharging these electrics is probably done by fossil fuel plants, and second, If the US stopped burning fossil fuels entirely, Global temperatures would be reduced, 100 years from now, by roughly 1/100

Lottery Dates For Angels Landing Permits At Zion National Park Announced

Dec 13th - 09:54am | A. Johnson

Let's look at some rough numbers:   80% successful permits (400,000) issued means that 500,000 folks applied.  So, about 100,000 folks were unsucessful, each spending $6--that's $600,000 of revenue for Zion (and yes, rec.gov) that they collected for doing NOTHING, having no impact on the park, with no additional duty on  the park.  

Dec 13th - 09:44am | A. Johnson

How does the NPS/rec.gov justify keeping the reservation fee for unsuccessful applicants?  Isn't there a perverse incentive to hype this lottery, knowing that more applicants for the same number of permits will mean more revenue from more unsuccessful applicants?   This is a sick and cynical marketing plan by NPS/Zion.  SHAME on them.

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 252 | Support Keeping the Lights On

Dec 12th - 12:27pm | Kurt Repanshek

Brian, if you have any connections with those companies you mentioned, please let me know. We've tried them all and they've ignored the Traveler.

Dec 12th - 12:25pm | Brian Gleason

While I agree that some form of subscription plan may be a useful form of fundraising, The amount suggested seems quite high when I can get a subscription to the Wall Street Journal on sale for as low as $50 per year. It might be more helpfulto approach commercial advertisers who can pay higher advertising fees.

Dec 11th - 13:01pm | Steven Mullen

As I was listening to this podcast, it struck me that working with or merging with the NPCA might be the way to go. We could have National Parks Traveler powered by NPCA, or you could be their new news division. I wouldn't think the former is within their mission, but having a news division certainly could be.

"Global Mass Coral Bleaching And Mortality Event" Expected To Hit Caribbean Parks Hard

Dec 12th - 12:12pm | Frederic larue

Knowing that sunscreen chemicals can affect marine life: Green Algae: Can impair growth and photosynthesis.

Shenandoah National Park Backcountry Reservations Moving To Recreation.Gov

Dec 12th - 09:03am | chris...

Of course they are.  The govt backed corporate coup of our national lands continues.  

Glacier National Park Adds Early Access Lotteries For 2024 Wilderness Permits

Dec 9th - 11:32am | A. Johnson

I'm well aware of rec.gov's involvement and stake.   The fact remains:  if GNP did not agree to create or permit this lottery, there would be no rec.gov involvement.  

Dec 8th - 15:27pm | Kurt Repanshek

Actually, rec.gov takes the lion's share, about $6 of the $10. But in the big picture, these lotteries do seem to be simply another way for rec.gov to make money. Why shouldn't everyone interested in a backcountry permit be in the same lottery pool? 

Dec 8th - 13:43pm | A. Johnson

There will be a $10 non-refundable fee to enter each lottery regardless of success.   AMAZING!  GNP will collect $10 for simply doing their jobs, and likely not meeting the needs of backpackers.  Talk about a sure money maker for the Park, with no downside!  

Essential Parks Coverage You Can Count On

Dec 9th - 08:55am | Will

The AARP Magazine that arrived yesterday cites Kurt and NPT in its first few pages. I hope this draws more readers and more contributors.

Groups Continue To Raise Issue Of Livestock Trespass At Valles Caldera National Preserve

Dec 8th - 13:38pm | A. Johnson

 It is deeply disappointing that the Forest Service and National Park Service have been unable to work together    Dissappointing only to those who expect the NPS or the FS to do their jobs with a modicum of effectiveness.  The other 99.9999% of us are rarely surprised or disappointed by the lack of effort made by the FS or the NPS. Welcome to YOUR government!

Dec 8th - 09:27am | Carol Velasco

Money talks. Beuraracy gets us stuck. Why haven't the cattle owners been fined yet? If they were and with a hefty fine, owners would think a little longer if they want to stay in business & how can they remain.  

Dec 7th - 16:54pm | Maggie Frazier

I have to wonder - since this seems to be an ongoing problem and "These reports included photos, brand and ear tag information, and location information" - why not penalyze, sanction & fine the livestock producers who are responsible?  In reading many other articles in other Western states - the problem is the same - trespass livestock - and just like here in a National Preserve, there seem

Dec 7th - 16:34pm | Bruce M

  I've spent a lot of time on the Valles Caldera for as long as it has been public.

Dec 6th - 22:31pm | Mike B.

Round up the trespassing cattle and have a big, big barbecue.

PEER: NPS Remains Plagued By Low Morale, Rising Attrition

Dec 5th - 13:12pm | SmokeyBear

Every few years the nps comes up with a new catchphrase and "feel good" name for some program that's going to improve morale, harassment, etc. They come up with all of these bullet statements to go along with the program name. And they force employees to attend a training session. It's all a waste of time and money because nothing ever changes!

Only One Signature Will Be Allowed On America The Beautiful National Parks Passes

Dec 5th - 11:35am | Bill

Lee, on our most recent trip when we did show the pass, I also had to provide an ID to go with it.  Pretty sure they won't take The Jones Family as an acceptable signature.  I too am a bit disapointed as occassionally one of other of us could make a separate trip and want to use the pass.

Dec 4th - 06:27am | Lee Dalton

Try signing it with "The Jones Family" and see if that works. 

Dec 4th - 06:13am | john928gt

So if the family member who signed isn't on the trip, then its not valid for the spouse/partner? That's really disappointing.

A Return To Homestead National Monument Of America

Dec 3rd - 11:26am | Rebecca Latson

Thanks for the heads up! It's been changed. Nice to know people are reading older Traveler articles! :)

Dec 3rd - 10:04am | WT Hegy

I noticed near the start of your article you have the date of the Homestead Act as 1962.  I think you mean 1862. You might wish to correct that. 

Fee Change Coming To Grand Teton National Park Backpacking Permits

Dec 2nd - 09:10am | SmokiesBackpacker

"The backcountry permit system is vital to providing an outstanding visitor experience"  I realize this is an NPS press release but seriously? No fee has ever enhanced anyone's visitor experience. The NPS has lost its soul in their quest for more fees.

Dec 1st - 16:04pm | chris...

Inreasing fees to cover recreation.gov which does nothing to help the parks is beyond the pale. How many crimes can the NPS commit before our public lands become... public again? I spilled blood and a lot of effort for the NPS and the publics greater good.  I did not slave so Bill Gates could profit.  this will only demoralize the NPS staff further

UPDATED | Paradise Lost At Virgin Islands National Park

Dec 1st - 19:25pm | Fleur

You seem to have overlooked CBIA's consistent refusal to negotiate a concession lease beyond 2023. 

Inside The Battle To Save The Cats That Call San Juan National Historic Site Home

Dec 1st - 04:06am | Suzanne Lane

There has to be multiple solutions.  Adoptions, fosters, tnr all three are good.  Take care of them and and find places for some.  Thin the population out.  TNR is great.  There was a cat that hung out with mine.  When Humane Society was helping me get my 2 cats moved with me the stray got humanely trapped.  They were going to do TNR but after the neuter he got so sweet they put him up for adop

Why Should Traveler's Lights Stay On?

Nov 30th - 19:17pm | BigBendGreyWolf

I was not able to donate on my phone. After clicking on donate the window that appeared was blank. I ended up using my laptop and the captcha puzzle failed to load the first time but I was successful the second time. Just passing along in case it helps others make a donation (try using laptop or desktop computer if having issues with your phone).

Traveler Special Report: The Cost Of Invasive Species In The National Park System

Nov 30th - 14:25pm | Kelly Ryerson

Regarding the comment above, glyphosate indeed is carcinogenic and I recommend reading about the differences between the IARC classification and that of the US EPA. Add in the levels of ghostwritten research and industry pressuring the EPA, and then you shoudl be highly concerned that this toxic chemical is sprayed anywhere near you, your family, or national parks. 

Wolverines To Gain Protection Under Endangered Species Act

Nov 30th - 10:33am | A. Johnson

The FWS's yo-yo debacle with protecting the wolverine only indicates that politics is involved.   When can we have federal agencies that actually DO THEIR JOBS?

National Park Service Drawing A Line On Fixed Climbing Anchors In Wilderness

Nov 30th - 07:33am | chris...

Well you wont rap off your route... Any tat or left behind anchors will be considered litter and citations will be issued.  Perhaps alpine climbers with abalakov anchors will still be able to climb without getting a permit at recreation.gov

Nov 30th - 01:42am | Mike B.

I've never had a problem finding a rock or some kind of structure to loop the rope around.  Not that it really matters; a wilderness doesn't exist merely to satisfy you or me.  If you want to climb there without any kind of artificial protection, though, knock yourself out.

Nov 29th - 12:29pm | John Godino

And how are you going to rappel off of your route? Leave cams behind at every rap station?

Nov 28th - 17:34pm | Mike B.

As a trad climber, I believe fixed anchors have no place in designated wildernesses.  There are plenty of other places to use them.

Nov 28th - 14:21pm | Dale Becker

I support the National Park Service and the Forest Service's efforts to limit the number of permanent equipment installations in our wilderness areas within federal lands.  These areas are designated and maintained as wilderness for their wildeerness qualities.  I have recently heard of some climbers actually installing thise fixtures in to cliffs in Utah that were the sites of ancient indigeno

A View From The Overlook: Nudity And The National Parks

Nov 29th - 12:46pm | Nj

Lawyer here. I was about to commend CACO's skillful definition of nudity but stopped short at "rectum". The rectum being a medical term for "the most distal portion of the large intestine, bound by the sigmoid colon proximally and converging into the anal canal distally", that would be very hard to cover with a fully opaque covering. At least without surgical assistance. 

Great Smoky Mountains Announces 2023 Fee Program Changes

Nov 29th - 09:17am | stanley

the park cant charge to enter park or it will revert back to orginal owners. but i think that charging for parking is b.s.

Photography In The National Parks: Winter Is Coming

Nov 29th - 01:37am | Rick B.

Love how you've captured various scenes of falling snow here. As always, nice work.

Coming To Terms With A Cancer Diagnosis In Grand Teton National Park

Nov 28th - 13:41pm | boomerranger

Jay Eickenhorst here -- 12 years retired from 42 years Fed service. USN/USFS/USNPS-YOSE/GOGA/MUWO & sorta SAFR. Today was my first look at NPT for a fortnight plus -- been bizzier'n a ... hmm ... no suitable tropes. First time commenting publicly.

Nov 27th - 14:40pm | David Crowl

Thank you for sharing such a personal experience that those of us who are over 60 can relate. My Father has prostate cancer in his 80's and is still living with it so I am aware that my chances of a similar story in my future could have a different outcome. Definately continue getting tested on a regular basis and chalk it up to aging.

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