Ethical compasses can be tricky things. What some might view as unethical, others might view as within the boundaries of ethical mores. Which perhaps might explain the tack David Bernhardt, the acting Interior secretary, took in a recent all-employee email.

The first time I visited Point Reyes National Seashore, the elephant seals became an instant highlight.

Arguably the biggest story in the National Park System last year centered on the eruptions surrounding Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on the Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Now, however, U.S. Geological Survey scientists say it appears Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō is spent.

Rocky Mountain National Park employees are happy to be back at work and are in the process of resuming all normal visitor services and operations. Park volunteers are also happy to be back, as they were unable to volunteer during the shutdown. Earlier this week our priority was processing payroll so our employees could begin receiving pay. Our initial challenges will be to reassess hiring priorities and park projects for this year's operations to limit impacts as much as possible, and work on getting contracts for projects back on board.