| Page 1249 | National Parks Traveler

Why is that we will you will find nevertheless numerous opposed to the idea, and that explains why for 10 years they are trying to put this wind farm up and have hit road blocks the whole way. Alternative power is a movement getting stronger by the day. We all have been trying to create a healthier safer environment for future generations and us.

Apr 30th - 20:02pm | Anonymous

Well put

Apr 30th - 13:49pm | Kath

Ultimately the greenest option is to just turn off the lights. (and the computer).

Apr 30th - 13:11pm | JimB

Kath notes part of the dilemma about new energy technology, and the probable legal challenges to the Cape Wind project.

Apr 30th - 07:43am | Kurt Repanshek

No, the Supreme Court did not consider this because Mr. Buono was offended. However, if he was not offended by the cross, he wouldn't have sued and cited the Establishment Clause.

Apr 29th - 22:32pm | Landscape Photo...

Let me try again. You write: "a former National Park Service assistant superintendent at the preserve, filed a lawsuit, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, to have the cross removed because it offended him."

Apr 29th - 12:57pm | Kath

The Cape Wind farm is not a done deal. The Wampanoag are going to sue just as tribes in the Mojave are going to sue if giant solar farms are put up blighting the glyphs in the desert and areas they use for tribal spiritual reasons. Wind farms are not 'green'. They chew up migratory birds. Solar farms are not 'green' if the impact is to destroy desert wildlife and wild areas.

Glacier National Park Taking Comments On Bear Management Plan Revisions

Apr 30th - 21:34pm | KayGeeJay

Sounds like a needless asault on the First Ammendment. If the area is closed, it is unlawful for the public to be there. If they are worried about their employees taking pictures - tell them to stop. They're employees! If they're ashamed of what they are doing.........

Apr 30th - 17:06pm | Kurt Repanshek

Here's an update from Glacier: Jack Potter, the park's resource chief, says the rules pertaining to photography only apply to a specific area that has been closed to the public for bear management purposes. If you're in an open area of the park, frontcountry or backcountry, there's no prohibition on taking photos of bears, rangers, or bears and rangers, he said.

Apr 29th - 17:36pm | tomp

Kurt & Tony-- I suggest that you make formal comments during the comment process. That's what the public comment process is for.

Apr 29th - 14:22pm | Tony Bynum

After some discussion about this issue with the NPS, they understand my concerns and will make the appropriate modification to the language so that it more clearly describes their intent. . . The way it was written more than suggested something they did not intend . . . We'll wait now to see the final draft, but I have their word that it will be fixed.

Fans of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Being Asked to Contribute Ideas to Lakeshore's Future

Apr 30th - 20:00pm | Matthew Kerwin

Yes, a clothing-optional beach is a great idea. Charge a little extra, if you want, though that wouldn't be necessary to make money. As the only official, public nude beach in the Midwest (not counting the one in Toronto), it would draw huge numbers. Haulover Beach in Florida (Miami) is a public beach run by the Dade County Parks.

Apr 29th - 20:24pm | Anonymous

In follow up to my previous post advocating an official clothing optional section - I think with the increased use it is sure to cause there will be a corresponding increase in business development (i.e. restaurants, resorts, art galleries, etc.) the previous poster was hoping would occur. Creative incentives would be great too, but not if there are no customers.

Apr 29th - 15:34pm | Anonymous

I am glad to see someone read my post, and cared enough to ask the question. In my opinion, officially permitted nude sunbathing would be a huge benefit to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore because nudists/naturists, in my experience, are very respectful of nature, the outdoors, and most importantly, other people.

Updated: Drilling Rig Disaster Could Send Oil Spill Into Gulf Islands National Seashore

Apr 30th - 19:25pm | anita

I totally agree with you...Thanks for letting us all know that we are all responsible...:)

Apr 30th - 08:36am | martin stevens

This just points to the need for a clean alternative to oil. Ethanol is the answer. No beaches were ever closed due to an ethanol spill.

Apr 29th - 16:50pm | Jeremy

I have something to say on this subject. For the one whom suggested the rigs be safer, they are. Exactly what you describe is what we have on these rigs. That's right, I work in the GoM and am proud of it. I am actually educated too for that one who things we need more education.

Apr 29th - 14:22pm | Bob Janiskee

Lars, I'm not unfamiliar with the central thrust of your argument. I taught a course on sustainable earth concepts and practices for many years, and when I could find the time for it, I wrote instructors manuals and student guides for environmental texts.

Apr 29th - 13:59pm | Lars

Bob, What's the source of the energy to convert those raw materials to bioplastics? Maybe oil?

Apr 29th - 12:32pm | Bob Janiskee

It's not quite that simple, Anon. Many thousands of tons of plastic are not made from petroleum at all, but rather from renewable biomass such as corn starch or vegetable oils. These materials are called bioplastics, and you are going to see more and more of them in the future.

Apr 29th - 11:38am | Anonymous

What part of plastic is made from oil don't you understand? If you use plastic,you use oil.

What Do You Think About Sightseeing Tours Circling Mount Rainier National Park?

Apr 30th - 17:11pm | Chris Lunn

In my mid 70's I still hike a bit on short trails and always love he quiet and separation from the city road life. Years ago I hiked continually above Mazana in the Twisp area. The Military flew jets very low to the ground for training. Talk about a jolt and ruining your experience.

Bicycle Rentals Available at South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Apr 30th - 16:52pm | Tom Stoa

In addition to using a bike to tool around the South Rim Village area, I heartily endorse riding from the Village to Hermit's Rest, on the Hermit Road / West Rim Drive. The road was widened and re-paved in 2008, and is in great shape for cycling. It is 7 miles each way, from the gate at the west end of the village. It will be one of the most scenic bike rides of your life.

Apr 30th - 16:03pm | Anonymous

That sounds great except going into Az sounds terrifying to me after that last law they enacted.

Reader Participation Day: Has Arizona's Approach To Controlling Illegal Immigrants Led You To Cancel a Grand Canyon Trip?

Apr 30th - 15:54pm | y_p_w

Kath: Everyone I know who has gotten a new job recently has had to produce evidence of citizenship or legal residency. It is not draconian or fascist to do so. As for 'morality', it is immoral to hire illegals, to harbor illegals or to fail to enforce the law especially while American citizens are at 10% unemployment.

Apr 30th - 15:32pm | AnonymousD

I think this is a very poorly written law that will create more problems than it solves. Not only will it lead to racial profiling and harassment of US citizens with the wrong "look," it will overburden the various municipal police forces, many of which vehemently oppose the law. They now have added duties and yet there is no funding for extra manpower.

Apr 30th - 15:02pm | Random Walker

it is immoral to hire illegals, to harbor illegals or fail to enforce the law Nope, it is only against the law..

Apr 30th - 14:48pm | Kurt Repanshek

I believe the biggest concern isn't that one is asked to produce evidence of being in the U.S. legally, but rather that the state is ordering police to check for that evidence without probable cause but merely a "reasonable suspicion" that the individual might be in the country illegally. Can anyone define "reasonable suspicion"?

Apr 30th - 13:56pm | Kath

Everyone I know who has gotten a new job recently has had to produce evidence of citizenship or legal residency. It is not draconian or fascist to do so. As for 'morality', it is immoral to hire illegals, to harbor illegals or to fail to enforce the law especially while American citizens are at 10% unemployment.

Apr 30th - 10:51am | y_p_w

Kath:

Apr 29th - 21:55pm | Kath

It is not racist to want the laws on immigration to be followed and obeyed by everyone no matter which country they come from, whether it's Mexico or Ireland. Nor is following the law fascist. There is absolutely nothing in Arizona's new law that is not in the federal law that has been in effect for years, much of it written during the Clinton administration.

Apr 29th - 20:44pm | Rick B.

NPSFan...

Apr 29th - 16:16pm | Kurt Repanshek

I'm certainly sorry you feel you can't continue to contribute, NPSfan, for we've long taken the stance here at the Traveler that only through civil discourse, discourse that offers a wide range of views, can folks come to perhaps understand an opposing point of view.

Apr 29th - 15:53pm | NPSfan

Shame on all of you. This should be eye-opening for you, Kurt, these comments show the true colors of the majority of your readers. When I serve them as an NPS employee, I keep my mouth shut about their racism and entitled approach to life, because I would lose my job if I didn't.

Apr 29th - 15:35pm | Random Walker

[quote=Kath]One-third of all inmates in California prisons are illegals.

Apr 29th - 13:06pm | Kath

As a supporter of the National Parks, I want citizens to feel safe when they travel in the parks. As it is now, Organ Pipe is a no go area for me. Too dangerous. I would be hesitant to do any tent camping in many of the national parks or monuments near the border.

Apr 29th - 11:16am | Wyldfyre63

Not me. I applaud the Arizona governor for taking the first step. The illegal immigration issue has ben ignored by both parties for too long.

New Tours Add to the Archaeological Richness of Mesa Verde National Park

Apr 30th - 14:13pm | RangerLady

When I worked at MEVE I hiked a couple times to Mug House. It is one of my favorites since it hasn't bene heavily impacted by visitation the way the 5 main ones have. I also love the fact that there isn't a paved trail running through the site.

Two Men Killed While Attempting To Raft Through "The Narrows" Of Zion National Park

Apr 30th - 14:09pm | RangerLady

I just read that these guys were filming this in order to get on Man vs Wild

Grand Teton National Park Foundation Provides $2.4 Million For Auditorium at Craig Thomas Discovery Center

Apr 30th - 11:23am | Scott Williams

The recently opened Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is a wonderful addition to Grand Teton National Park. Its award-winning architecture blends beautifully into its surroundings and highlights the mountains. The new auditorium will create additional opportunities for visitors to learn more about the Park and its environs.

Apr 29th - 11:24am | Rich Deline

Wasn't aware of this VC, very impressive. Was planning a trip to the area next summer and will make sure it is on our route....very impressive concept for the theater, can't wait to see it. Thanks for the heads up.

Wintry Conditions Make Travel In Yellowstone National Park Interesting

Apr 30th - 00:28am | Meg

Oh, gawd. A friend and I have a reservation for an Old Faithful Lodge cabin the weekend they open for the season -- which is less than two weeks away. Can it please quit snowing and warm up just a bit for us? It's her first visit. Pretty please?

Apr 29th - 15:44pm | Anonymous

This spring storm highlights some of the operational problems with recent suggestions to just plow the road to Old Faithful in winter as a new winter use management scheme. Plowing advocates minimize the real-world difficulties associated with keeping roads open in severe winter conditions.

Yellowstone National Park Rangers Kill Habituated Wolf

Apr 30th - 00:22am | Simon P

Amen Sue. I love our national parks and wildlife within. I have been to Yellowstone numerous times and it drives me crazy to see a bunch of stupid people getting as close as they can to a buffalo or elk. I mean seriously these are wild animals. And have they no tact? SHEESH.

Voyageurs National Park To Have New Headquarters Complex In 2011

Apr 29th - 13:09pm | mcghiever

Do we know yet if this will be a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, or is it just a headquarters for administrative purposes?

Report: ConocoPhillips Releases Oil And Gas Leases Near Glacier National Park

Apr 29th - 11:55am | Kurt Repanshek

Ahh, correct you are. Upon further review, the dark purple/blue signifies the watershed that was in the vicinity of the leases.

Apr 29th - 11:10am | Anonymous

Actually, only the west half of the dark purple on the map is where leases were held. The right half is in Glacier NP.

Fatal Fall from Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Apr 29th - 11:32am | JHN

@Dave - The trail up to Angels Landing is 100% man made, which I would argue is "official interferance [sic]" at its highest - heck, there are chains to hold on to! Everything in Zion Canyon is "dictated to by some goverment [sic] official"!! I would bet that it's partly that feeling of false security which leads people into risky situations in the first place.

Legislation Calls For Casa Grande Ruins National Monument to Grow by 415 Acres

Apr 29th - 10:10am | Anonymous

An expansion of Casa Grande has been studied for several years now. Here's hoping Congress gets around to passing legislation this session.

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