Visitation Trends Up In Yosemite, Glacier and Yellowstone
It's only a snapshot, but I'm told that visitation in Yosemite, Glacier, and Yellowstone national parks is on the upswing this year. Exactly why, as usual, is a good question.
National Parks Traveler
Electric Map Going Away at Gettysburg National Military Park
'The Electric Map', among the most popular exhibits at the Gettysburg National Military Park, will soon be cut up and put into long term storage to make way for a new exhibit. This has some folks upset.
Rare Orchid in Yosemite Identified As New Species
Slender as a reed with dainty yellow flowers, the plant was first spied in Yosemite back in 1923. It then seemingly vanished, as its habitat wasn't rediscovered until 1993. However, it wasn't until just recently that botanists knew exactly what they had.
Bringing Color to the Public Lands Landscape
Well-familiar is the cry that our parks are in danger of losing mass appeal because visitation is flagging (this year seems to be bucking that trend, but that's fodder for another post). More serious, in my opinion, is that the diversity among park visitors seems to be lagging.
Climate Change in Alaska Opens Window to the Past
Warming temperatures are remaking the Alaskan landscape. Sea ice is shrinking, permafrost is melting, glaciers are retreating, polar bears are changing their habits. In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the warming trend is opening a window into the past, as melting glaciers are revealing artifacts from both the somewhat recent past and prehistoric cultures.
Glacier's Shuttle System Rolling Along the Sun Road
Folks heading to Glacier can now let someone else do the driving once they reach the park. The park's Going-to-the-Sun shuttle system is now up and running and can drop you at a number of campgrounds and trailheads along the Sun Road.
Park Service Pays $2 million To Settle Negligence Suit Out of Haleakala NP
Over the past five years the National Park Service has paid more than $4 million as the result of lawsuits following drownings at a popular swimming area in Haleakala National Park. After the most recent payment, of $2 million, the Park Service moved to adopt safety measures at Seven Sacred Pools.
West Yellowstone: A Gateway Town Worth Hanging Around
Of Yellowstone's five gateway towns, West Yellowstone is my favorite. It's the closest to the park, as Yellowstone's West Entrance is at the end of Yellowstone Avenue, and it has this wonderfully funky vibe flowing through it.
Private Party At Charlestown Navy Yard Doesn't Lack Alcohol
So cash-starved are some units of the national park system that they're resorting to leasing out their facilities for private parties. One of the latest bashes, at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston earlier this week, didn't lack for alcohol, involved one arrest, and generally impeded the public in places.
Sandy Hook: A Good Place to Escape Manhattan's Heat
Peel through the controversy surrounding the Sandy Hook area of Gateway National Recreation Area and you'll find a seaside setting perfect for fleeing Gotham's high summer heat and humidity.
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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
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