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America's Great Outdoor Initiative Visits Asheville, North Carolina

Jul 16th - 09:56am | Anonymous

similarly, as we learn in life, we cant make anyone feel, think, believe, do anything they don't want to on their own....live & let live people but,,,respect

Jul 16th - 09:44am | Kurt Repanshek

Kristy, Some parks do a great job already of introducing neophytes to the great outdoors. Shenandoah and Mount Rainier are two that come immediately to mind with their family camping programs. And organizations such as the North Cascades Institute and the Yellowstone Association also offer programs to make folks feel more comfortable in the outdoors and learn how to navigate them.

Jul 16th - 09:30am | Kristy

What a wonderful idea! However, with a push for more "urbanites" to come enjoy the outdoors is scary. I have visited several areas that people without a true love of the land and it's natural beauty have done nothing but trash it, disrespect it and destroy it.

Jul 16th - 08:20am | Bob Janiskee

Kudos for the great article, Danny, and thanks for caring and sharing.

Jul 16th - 08:17am | Smoky Mtn Hiker

Danny - great write-up. BTW, Smokey the Bear has just recently been updated. The Ad Council has a full blown marketing effort using various formats to get the new PSAs out to the public, in particular, to younger people. Here's a link to an extended PSA that was recently launched:

"Let's Leave the Balcony Door Ajar"

Jul 16th - 09:26am | Bob Janiskee

I've enjoyed the feedback on this little yarn. A few comments are in order. @ Jim: Bears on the balcony is a bit of a stretch, but I do wonder what happened to the bear trio that was hanging around the Lodge when we were there.

Jul 13th - 17:20pm | the Bat

Another hilarious story from Bob! We just got back from Big Meadows and it is just the place to unwind. I have to say you were pretty lucky though - in season the courting barred owls love to perch on those porches at night and make a real racket. We stayed at the campground not far from the lodge last week and was told to be on the lookout for a young bear looking to scarf easy munchies.

Body of Missouri Woman Recovered from Virginia Creek in Glacier National Park

Jul 15th - 22:04pm | y_p_w

I found a photo:

Jul 15th - 21:34pm | Anonymous

My husband is haunted by memories of slipping and falling down on this same bridge almost exactly 2 years ago. The bridge would be much safer if there were rails on each side and if the bridge were made material that is not so slick because it is always wet.

Update: SPOT To The Rescue: Hiker With Broken Leg Summons Help With SPOT

Jul 15th - 18:51pm | Anonymous

You can rent spot units from www.trackme360.com or Lowergear.com Hortuna

Jul 15th - 13:21pm | Kurt Repanshek

Connie and Ray, I initially was hesitant when I heard about Spot, worrying a bit that folks who aren't experienced in backcountry travel would gain a false sense of security. But it is a dandy device and accidents do happen, even to the most-experienced.

Jul 15th - 13:15pm | Connie Hopkins

Hmm..do you think it will activate if I get eaten by a grizzly? Just kidding! I think I will have to put that on my wish list! I already got my "Go Girl!! Connie Hopkins

Jul 15th - 12:59pm | Ray

Although it's not exactly cheap, it's not too bad. Under $150 for the 2nd generation unit and $100 for a year subscription seems pretty reasonable if you're going to be someplace where you might need lifesaving assistance.

Jul 15th - 12:43pm | Kurt Repanshek

Mike, I could lend you mine....;-) I believe it has been discussed in some circles, but don't know if any rental programs have started. Let me check around. While it is a somewhat pricey investment, from my experience and seeing instances where it's properly used, it's money well spent.

Jul 15th - 11:38am | MikeD

Kurt, Are there any places where you can rent, as opposed to buy, one of these devices? To me it just seems so expensive, but something that might be worthwhile if I could rent one for a week long trip, etc...

Work Continuing On Restoration of Bodie Island Lighthouse At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Jul 15th - 15:11pm | Anonymous

I asked that question to several National Park Service employees at the Bodie Island restoration project site this past Monday (0712/10). They confirmed that the final objective of the restoration calls for the tower to be open for visitors to climb but estimate another 18 months to two years are needed before that goal is reached.

Collapse of "Wall Arch" Proves Gravity Does Work at Arches National Park

Jul 15th - 13:24pm | Connie Hopkins

We did a Southwest trip in 2006 when our youngest daughter graduated from High School (it was her pick!)We hit Arches NP in June with 100 degree temps, staying in the Devil's Campground. The Devil's Garden was one of my favorite hikes of that summer trip which included Bryce, The North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde (their Centennial).

Jul 14th - 23:09pm | y_p_w

It's a bit off the the side, but pretty close to the road. I didn't take this picture.

Jul 14th - 17:49pm | Kurt Repanshek

To John and anyone else interested in Park Service jobs, whether you're interested in full-time work, seasonal, or wishing to volunteer, you can get information on how to go about that at this site: http://www.nps.gov/personnel/

Jul 14th - 17:42pm | John Reichl

Thank you for this Webpage. I love to hear all about our National Parks. I am 69 and retired. I would like to be permitted to work seasonally in the National Parks. Tell me if one of the readers can tell me how I can go about being recrueted to work part time in one of our great national parks, suck as Arches, Mesa Verde, etc.

Consider a Donation to Help The Traveler Remain On-Line With Its Daily Dose Of National Park Coverage

Jul 15th - 12:12pm | pkrnger

I encourage all readers of NPT to chip in and give Kurt Repanshek and National Parks Traveler financial support. The Traveler has become an outstanding source of highly credible information about our parks, including issues of vital concern to national park management. I enjoy the wide variety of topics covered as well as the quality of detailed commentary submitted by NPT readers.

Jul 14th - 17:46pm | Kurt Repanshek

Thanks to all who have responded favorably and kindly! It means a lot to us, and gives us reason to return to the keyboards every morning;-) As for your suggestion, HH, we're tempted, very tempted...

Jul 14th - 17:41pm | haunted hiker

National Parks Traveler is a bargain for that price!!!! ....I still think New Belgium should sponsor NPT for their Ranger IPA.

Jul 14th - 16:40pm | Jan

Check's in the mail. Love your informative site!

Jul 14th - 16:07pm | Steve

Since this is the one site I visit every day, I would be more than happy to help sponsor your efforts. Thanks for the informative and entertaining site. I love the National Parks and need some interaction with goncourt thethem on a daily basis.

Jul 14th - 13:26pm | Mike P.

The check's in the mail!

Jul 13th - 23:44pm | Anonymous

Will do! We've benefited from our NP trips so much because of info we've learned on the Traveler. Thank you!

Jul 13th - 17:27pm | the Bat

Sold! A bargain at twice the price!

Possible Wolf Spotted in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jul 15th - 09:35am | Marie Maloney

I am positive I saw a wolf while I was driving through the Rocky Mountain National Park on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. I was driving very slow, it was running toward me on the opposite side of the road, and as I slowed to a stop, it trotted right in front of my car, stopping on the shoulder of the road and turning to look at me.

Reader Participation Day: Preservation, or Enjoyment?

Jul 14th - 18:07pm | Barky

Preservation An unpreserved park is a rathole unworthy of visitation. We go because they're beautiful. If they're not, why bother. If you want to tear up the landscape, do so in the national forests. Plenty of room there.

Jul 14th - 17:09pm | y_p_w

MikeD:

Jul 14th - 14:45pm | MikeD

There is no black and white answer to this, and I won't try to provide one, but I will say I think it's the job of the NPS to undertake this balance. If someone said that they "enjoy" the parks by throwing dynamite around in them, we'd all agree that that kind of activity should be barred. What we have though is activities that are on a sort of border line.

Jul 14th - 10:03am | Gaelyn

I totally agree that preservation comes first. It's always been a fine balance for NPS to do that and also provide recreation services. Don't folks know they can visit National Forests for that? Many parks, like here at the North Rim, are already at carrying capacity. Yes, the public needs to see how marvelous these special places are. But hopefully without loving them to death.

Jul 14th - 09:52am | pkrnger

In my opinion, the principle mission of the NPS should be preservation. Opportunities for recreational enjoyment of natural and cultural resources should be provided, but only in so far as aethetics, ecology, and historic values are not compromised by overuse.

Jul 14th - 08:21am | onebigtree

The parks are preserved FOR the enjoyment of the people. While I'm generally in favor of all the preservation efforts of park rangers, sometimes I feel they get a bit neurotic about how they handle the resources we've entrusted to them. In other words, the national park service can sometimes feel that the resources belong to them and not the people who come to enjoy them.

Jul 14th - 08:14am | Lee Dalton

If we don't preserve it, it won't be there for the future to enjoy. Larry is right -- balance is needed. But it still needs to be a bit heavier on the side of preservation.

Jul 14th - 04:15am | LarryT

I agree with conserving the resources but what's the use if they cannot be enjoyed by the people. Proper management is the key-- creating a balance between the two rather than have them at opposite ends.

June Brings A Record Crowd To Yellowstone National Park

Jul 14th - 17:53pm | Richard Erckman

Requesting help with a good plan on where to stay (without camping) in Yellowstone and an organized day by day plan on how best to see all the attractions. Needing good driving maps and literature if anyone has some to share or sell. Plan to spend a week or so within the park area, after flying in and getting a rental car. Have been there before but it involved camping over 40 years ago.

European Rabbits Facing Death Sentence at San Juan Island National Historical Park

Jul 14th - 17:20pm | Anonymous

I agree with RangerLady. The rabbit meat should be donated to the nearest food pantry, soup kitchen, or other similar local organization. There should be year-round open season on all damaging invasive species. Many of them are edible, so hunters can eat their outlaw species catch, or donate it.--Savona, NY

Jul 14th - 12:49pm | RangerLady

Any idea what's going to be done with the meat? I hope they find a way of donating it instead of wasting.

El Capitan Gets Nod To Showcase Yosemite National Park on Commemorative Quarter

Jul 14th - 14:31pm | Laura Lizabe

I do digital work for the US Mint and wanted to let those interested know about the Yosemite coin launch event. The Yosemite National Park Quarter event is Thursday, July 29th at Yosemite National Park at 11:00 am (PT). The general public is invited to gather at the Yosemite Valley Visitor's Center where the launch will take place.

Trolley Tours Come To Crater Lake National Park

Jul 14th - 13:49pm | Mike P.

$27.50 ??? Yikes !!!

Jul 13th - 22:47pm | Meg

They had me right up to the cost. There's no way I'd pay that much for a two-hour ride. Anywhere.

Tectonic Plates Thought Responsible for Swarm of Yellowstone National Park Earthquakes

Jul 14th - 12:19pm | john delano

The deep magma pool under Yellowstone has been researched, and the temperature of the pool was reported to be only 170 degrees farenheidt. The cooling mass is again sinking and rather then rising as stated above. The pool may decend 500 miles was also reported. "The tail" of the magma pool under all the ancient calderas is under the front range, where it should be.

Jul 14th - 11:43am | john delano

When 300,000 humans die in Haiti it is not appropriate time for you to ridicule my 34 years of reseaarch. I am sorry you feel that way. john delano 07/14/2010

Was This the Most Environmentally Insensitive Movie Ever Filmed in a National Park?

Jul 14th - 09:12am | Bob Janiskee

I'm familiar with The Long, Long Trailer, David. I've written about it, and one of my movie reviews even had a photo of the official LLT poster(see this Traveler article ). I'm going to watch LLT again as soon as it pops up in the loan queue.

Progress Continuing on New Visitor Center At Dinosaur National Monument

Jul 14th - 00:11am | Jill Jackson

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I should still plan on driving out there, hopefully this year.

Grizzly Bear Shot and Killed By Hikers In Denali National Park and Preserve

Jul 13th - 19:53pm | Anonymous

I would encourage you Kurt to follow up on this with the park Chief Ranger. Surely the investigation is finished by now.

Civil War Flag, Dress Coat, and Sash To Go On Display at Gettysburg National Military Park

Jul 13th - 17:18pm | Sandra Mandia

I am a relative of Capt. Isaac Nicoll. He was my grandfather's uncle, who also was named Isaac Nicoll. He was killed at Devils Den, Gettysburg. I have visited there. Capt. Isaac Nicoll is buried in the Nicoll Plot along with my grandparents and his parents etc. at the Washingtonville Cemetery, Washingtonville, NY. I have a picture of him in his full military uniform.

Mike Snyder, Intermountain Regional Director for the National Park Service, Opts for Retirement

Jul 13th - 17:08pm | UNK

If "Core-Ops" has been "eliminated", why is it still in practice at the "World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument"(VALOR), aka, the"USS Arizona Memorial"? A new management team with ties from the IMR, took over the park in 2007. They rule by intimidation, bullying, and fear.

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