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UPDATED: Hiker In The Narrows At Zion National Park Apparent Drowning Victim

One of the most iconic hikes in the National Park System, one that also potentially is one of the deadliest, has claimed another victim. Heavy rains that have been pounding southern Utah for days swelled the Virgin River that flows through the Narrows at Zion National Park well above flood stage and claimed the life of a 34-year-old man.

For First Time In 11 Years, All Of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Is Open To Visitors

There's an oasis at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, one where birds and wildlife are drawn for a drink and where prehistory is measured. It's one where, until just recently, the public was largely prevented from traveling due to dangers created by illegal border crossings.

Polling Shows Most Westerners Approve Of Federal Land-Management Agencies, Oppose Giving Lands Over To The States

A public opinion poll of key Western states has produced somewhat contradictory results when it comes to federal lands in those states. While strong numbers voiced positive views of agencies such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, strong numbers held their state governments in higher esteem than the federal government. Overall, though, a slight majority opposes proposals to turn those federal lands over to the states.

Traveler's View: Fear Mongering On The Public Lands

Confusion, misspoken words, and fear mongering swept the public lands landscape this past week following word that the U.S. Forest Service was planning to squash your right to snap a photo in the woods if you didn't pony up $1,500 for a picture-taking permit. The uproar stemmed from a poorly worded Federal Register notice, and was fanned by media worried about their First Amendment rights and very possibly by federal government critics.

A Return To Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

The two of us recently returned to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for the first time in many years. It was a good time to visit northern Wisconsin, in light of the oppressive early September temperatures and humidity of south Georgia. The trip turned out to be quite an adventure beginning at 2:30 a.m. on the morning of departure when we received a call from Delta that our flight had been cancelled.