An air tanker pilot involved in fighting a wildfire in Yosemite National Park was killed when his plane crashed just outside the park. The fire, last reported to cover 150 acres, has led to the shut off of power to the Yosemite Valley and evacuation of Foresta residents.

Yosemite National Park's High Sierra Camps and its historic Wilderness cabins have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, which brings to 40 the number of sites in the park on the list.

When it comes to the preservation of threatened and endangered bird species, it’s safe to say that there’s no such thing as too many layers of protection. Just because the habitat of a declining bird falls within the borders of a national park doesn’t mean that bird’s best interests will always be served. In most cases it will, but it never hurts to have that extra recognition.

Public opposition has led Bryce Canyon National Park officials to drop their proposal to require all private horse groups to hire a guide to ride in the park. Instead, rangers will provide more information to private groups on safety procedures, specifically on areas requiring one-way traffic.