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Fun Facts And Trivia From The National Park System's Visitation Data

Feb 29th - 10:52am | A. Johnson

700 miles of toilet paper musing:   My experience with the typical NPS toilet paper is that it's not even 1 ply--it's 0.001 ply.  I suspect that the NPS has done several studies on just what kind of TP to buy, how much the average user uses, etc., but geez, it's terrible and one winds up using 1/2 mile of 0.001 ply TP per sitting just to do a basic job.  

Feb 29th - 10:12am | Kurt Repanshek

Good catch, Will. We fixed the caption.

Feb 29th - 08:41am | Will

Not for publication. The picture caption says 7 miles of toilet paper; the text says 700 miles of toilet paper.

North Cascades National Park Staffing Issues Spur Petition To NPS Director Chuck Sams

Feb 27th - 20:17pm | WaltD

Perhaps you might reread the article.  The permanent rangers assigned to that sector quit so there's no one in authroity to supervise any potential seasonal rangers who mgiht be available.  And taking 18 months to get a background clearance really drives the process.  Many of our parks are understaffed.

Feb 27th - 16:44pm | Trey

I couldn't agree more. I've visited 384 units over the last ten years and each year our visits become leas enjoyable and more difficult. The park service has been shoveled billions of dollars in marquee legislation under administrations of opposite political ideologies, yet despite these opportunities there is very little to show for it.

Feb 26th - 09:53am | A. Johnson

What the NPS has done with the Stehekin Valley is shameful.  A once thriving remote community has been largely bought out by the NPS, and then neglected by the NPS.  The Golden West VC was once a private hotel.  The infrastructure, docks, roads, and facilities have gone unrepaired.  

Feb 24th - 12:59pm | Philip Fenner

The petition is still open -- you can sign it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSePGG87hXUNKfEFYK2pn6SHd47U...

Interior Secretary Told NPS Director Sams Violated "Protective Mandate" By Allowing Eagle Kill

Feb 27th - 19:59pm | WaltD

Oh yes, by all means let's revert to the spectacle of the Trump administration and Zinke's tenure as Secy of the Interior.  Forced to resign after repeatedly using his position for private gain and then committing perjury to ethics officials.  What good ol' days they were!  That said, Sam did not have the authroity to permit the killing of the eagle.

Feb 26th - 10:03am | A. Johnson

Sadly, there are scores of dead bald eagles killed by "environmentally friendly" wind turbines every year.  We know this because Biden's FWS issues permits to turbine operators to allow the killing of HUNDREDS of bald (and golden) eagles every year by those turbines!  

Feb 25th - 13:09pm | A. Johnson

That allegation was contained Friday in a letter sent to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland 

National Park Service Turns To Forest Service For Help Restoring 19th-Century Schooner

Feb 27th - 14:02pm | John Davis II

Glad to see this. To bad Wapama couldn't be saved. As a young teen, working a summer job at my father's Beach St. office, I often took lunch aboard the Thayer or Wapama. The smell of the Thayer's hold is forever etched in my mind and I still smell her if the conditions are right.

Wintry Weather Closes National Parks

Feb 26th - 07:56am | Ermige

I love winter in the Smokies, but spring will be here before you know it!

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

Feb 25th - 06:46am | Jennifer Bain

Nancy - so glad you are down there and helping out. When I was out with Karla, the paseo was closed so we didn't actually see anyone else. But thanks for letting me know about the calendar -- I ordered one. 

Feb 24th - 15:25pm | Nancy Arents

Hi Jennifer! I am down in Old San Juan until the end of March and worked with Karla on Thursday. The Paseo is opened again and I met many of the same cats that you did. They were able to complete the 2024 calendar and it is available on saveagato.com for a $20 donation. They are still working to convince the NPS to allow them to continue.

Feb 24th - 15:20pm | Nancy Arents

Great ideas Suzanne! I am down in Puerto Rico this month and am trying to help out. 

Researchers Survey Some of Mammoth Cave National Park's Many Cemeteries

Feb 24th - 15:27pm | Kenneth Robert ...

My name is Kenneth Holton and I was wondering if Mammoth Caves properties maintains the Holton Cemetary?  Also can I receive the surnames of all those buried in the Holton Cemetary.  I was there many years ago and lost my list of families.  My email is [email protected] and if you could send me the names I woiuld be very  gratefull.

Legal Battle Over Caneel Bay Resort Drags On

Feb 24th - 14:38pm | ~~~~" E. Dickin...

Let's get this done

Feb 24th - 14:35pm | Motorcitysam

Your sunbiz account be closed for Road Town Group, Inc.      What I think needs to happen is the insurance policy needs to be collected by the RUE board members.

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

Feb 24th - 11:29am | Alicia Holt

We are really disappointed in this decision.  my Husband and I bought a card.  His name is on it and now I his wife can't take my friend to the Grand Canyon.  The card should be for a family to use.  the change was so unexpected we didn't even have time to think through whose name should be on it.  This is very unfair! 

The Nature Conservancy Has Secured Preservation Of 8,000 Acres In Alabama's Mobile-Tensaw Watershed

Feb 24th - 06:13am | Fred Ingate

At Last. 

Feb 16th - 10:26am | Jim Gramann

I was at an international conference in Mobile several years ago, and some of the local people I met were pushing NPS status for this area. The late E. O. Wilson supported it, too. Thanks for stepping up, Nature Conservancy!

The Battle For The Skies Over National Parks Drags On

Feb 23rd - 15:41pm | Friends for a Q...

See National Park Service regulations on operating unmanned aircraft in National Parks. (https://www.nps.gov/orgs/aviationprogram/upload/unmanned-aircraft-in-nat...)

Feb 20th - 17:36pm | Ranger

This is not 100% correct.  You cannot launch or land a drone in National Park, but you can operate one over a park from taking off and landing outside of the park.

Feb 17th - 08:57am | Sierra Mark

The NOISE raining down from choppers overhead really spoils any wilderness experience for me. Sorry Mr Schlafli.

Feb 17th - 08:33am | Jen

Regulations ban operation of a drone in a national park as well as launching or landing one. 

National Parks To Visit Now

Feb 22nd - 09:49am | A. Johnson

Well, if true, why has Organ Pipe Cactus NP closed several roads in the southern part of the park for "public safety"?  Closed to cars and pedestrians!   https://www.nps.gov/orpi/index.htm     The majority of Organ Pipe is several miles from the border and is almost never used for drug trafficking

Feb 22nd - 00:41am | Jenny

While Organ Pipe borders Mexico, that area is back country wilderness. Very few visitors go there. The majority of Organ Pipe is several miles from the border and is almost never used for drug trafficking. Almost all of that comes through Border Patrol checkpoints such as San Diego and El Paso.

Feb 21st - 10:46am | A. Johnson

I've not been to those AZ parks (Sagauro and Organ Pipe).  Ms. Bain's post was thorough introduction as well..   Are you sure the dangers near the border have not been understated?

UPDATE | Lawsuit Alleges Recreation.Gov Is Cluttered With "Junk Fees," Seeks Refunds

Feb 21st - 16:11pm | Mike B

$10 per each application to be entered in a permit lottery in Yosemite.  Even assuming that the number of applicants hasn't increased since 2016, that means BAH is getting over $225,000 in fees for applications for a John Muir Trail permit.  Meanwhile, the park is only getting $5 for each permit issued, or approximately $16,000.  Does it seem fair to anyone that Booz Allen gets approximately 15

Feb 18th - 00:57am | Natali Swan

way too much fees on adding or removing days on existing reservation. It should be at least 24 hours  given to adjust reservation without fees and do not lock reservation for ten days right after booking.

Take A Virtual Tour Of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park With This Video

Feb 21st - 10:57am | hi

i love it. its dramatic  

National Park Service Seeks To End Concessions Contract At Crater Lake National Park

Feb 21st - 10:53am | Stephen Kibbey

One has to wonder how Aramark handles its concessions in other national parks? I doubt that this is an isolated incident(s).

Feb 19th - 10:56am | A. Johnson

I have no love for Aramark. But, what indication do we have that any other concessionarie would be any better?   And how much is the fault of the NPS?  Anyone remember the water supply problems at CL?  Then the NPS dug a well in 2017, and by 2022 it was in need of repairs, resulting in shortages once again.

Padre Island National Seashore: Wintering Grounds For Sandhill Cranes

Feb 19th - 21:17pm | PJ

I live in the western part of KY. Every fall I can hear them but never see them. It always brings a smile to my face to hear them. I am going to go visit them in Port  Aransas TX. I don't know if the ones in TX are the ones that fly over KY. but it would be interesting to know. 

Wolves Have Not Completely Restored Yellowstone National Park's Ecosystem

Feb 19th - 18:22pm | Stuiterbal

Interesting article. Thanks for the summary

Feb 19th - 10:50am | A. Johnson

Interesting research.   Thanks for highlighting it.

Maine Officials Deny Mine Proposed Near Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument

Feb 19th - 11:47am | A. Johnson

I fully understand the need to protect the Katadin Woods NM, but this development was NOT IN the NM.  If those wishiing to further protect adjacent lands to Katadin NM, then they should buy it and get it included in the NM.

Moose Reduction Program At Gros Morne National Park Entering Second Decade

Feb 18th - 11:08am | LJ

Why not relocate some of the moose to the US? I read that in Wisconsin the numbers are dwindling. 

Blue Ridge Parkway Proposing Increase In Camping Fees

Feb 17th - 08:15am | William T Doggette

The new fees are reasonable. A discount for those with Senior Card or equivalent would be appreciated.

PEER: Point Reyes National Seashore Cattle Deals Cost Taxpayers

Feb 17th - 08:12am | Kenneth Bouley

Judy,

Feb 17th - 08:06am | Kenneth Bouley

Sarah,

Remains Of Man Who Went Missing At Mesa Verde National Park Found

Feb 16th - 23:43pm | Helena

I think a lot of people want every death in this circumstance to be a murder for their own entertainment. They don't necessarily know what happened that day and think the news and all the shows give all the info. People do odd things, the person who search that area could have taken their eyes off the ground for a second and that's where he was.

Now's Your Chance To Kayak In Death Valley National Park

Feb 16th - 17:29pm | Angie Rayborn

This looks very cool! Death Valley was a very interesting adventure on a spring break with kids! Looks like kayaking and revisiting the park after rain would be worth the trip! Thank You!

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 260 | California Mountain Lions

Feb 16th - 05:43am | Mary Hannigan

There have been so many thousands of acres of forested land that have burned in the last ten years that the lions are running out of places to live. And how many have lost their lives in the fires? Not a winning situation for the animals or people. 

National Park Service Continues To Languish In "Best Places To Work" Survey

Feb 15th - 21:46pm | RW

NPS needs a complete makeover. The agency is top heavy with superintendents that pull three figure salaries but lack leadership skills to organize and retain good employees. I saw this first hand which is now being handled by EEOC. Smaller parks are not only understaffed but managers and superintendents rely heavily on volunteers and contractors to maintain some parks.

Sierra Club Chapter Launches Petition Drive Over Padre Island Sea Turtle Program

Feb 15th - 19:12pm | Craig Nazor

Human nest robbing is not the only threat to Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Kemp's ridley populations in the Gulf of Mexico increased until 2010 and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, but have since stagnated. The three-year-late USFW Service five-year report (just released) says they have not yet recovered.

Feb 15th - 17:25pm | Robert Algeo

In fact, more than a total of $2mil went to the sea turtle program at PAIS, in 2019, 20, 21 and 22, according to the NPS review, even though only 1% of Kemp's ridley nests are found in Texas (nearly all are found in Mexico).  That's over $10,000 per nest found annually in PAIS.  According to Larry McKinney (Senior Director of the Harte Marine Reasearch Institute in Corpus Christi, Texas) Viagra

Feb 15th - 13:53pm | BCKenner

People should also be aware that the sea turtle program brings thousands of visitors to the park for the hatchling releases. The program supports interpretive programs about the turtles. Most of all Padre Island has become a key factor in recovery for multiple endangered turtle species, particularly Kemp's ridley.

Heading To Cape Cod National Seashore? Download The Sharktivity App

Feb 15th - 16:38pm | david s kreuzer

Nice app

Lewis Temple And His Impact on 19th Century Whaling

Feb 15th - 14:47pm | SDB

I understand that he sued the city of New Bedford and won a judgement of $2000. He was never given the money. I wonder if ithe town of New Bedford ever made good and paid his decendants with interest?

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.