Op-Ed Columns

Op-Ed | Preserving America’s Best Idea: National Parks In The Fight For Democracy

National parks have been an aspirational best idea of the American people. The parks may not be absolutely democratic, but their history has evolved toward a better reflection of the nation’s people.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 27th, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed | Secretary Burgum's Acting Irresponsibly

National Parks are a beautiful reflection of our country’s magnificent national and cultural heritage.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 11th, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed | Unleashing Sustainable Potential To Protect Our Resources

While it’s important to inventory the stable resources within our country’s borders, we need to take a step back and explore sustainable options before causing irreversible harm to the ones we have.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 5th, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed | National Parks Need More Than Love Right Now—They Need Lasting Investment

America’s national parks are at a crossroads. Our national parks are aging, underfunded, and increasingly at risk. Love alone won’t save them.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 21st, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed | National Park Service Veterans Lament State Of Agency, Parks

Two long-tenured National Park Service veterans say the Trump administration should be called out for the damage it is doing to the Park Service and its employees and for its disregard to the U.S. Constitution and the United States' long history as a melting pot of cultures.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 13th, 2025 3:00am

Op-Ed | In The National Park Service, No Deep State, Only Deep Concern For The Future Of America’s Best Idea

Firing federal employees without regard for the importance of their work or the consequence of their loss is not smart - or justified.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 25th, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed | Former Ranger Says Be Afraid For ALL Public Lands

As a former national park ranger, the recent mass mobilization in support of our national parks has left me scared, but not for the reasons you might think.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 21st, 2025 2:20pm

Op-Ed | Wilderness Medicine Is Essential Amid National Park Ranger Cuts

The wilderness is unpredictable, but the right knowledge and preparation can turn an emergency into a manageable situation. With fewer rangers trained as first responders on the trails, the best person to help might just be you.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 16th, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed |Revitalizing Black, Historical Narratives In National Parks Takes Courage & Strategic Collaboration

America’s history is as complex as it is beautiful—a kaleidoscope of triumphs, trials, terrors and truths. Yet, for far too long, our national storytelling has left out critical threads, particularly those woven by Black Americans, whose stories of resilience, ingenuity, and struggle are integral to the fabric of this nation.

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By Kurt Repanshek - February 3rd, 2025 2:30am

Op-Ed | Trump’s Assault On Alaskan Wildlands

One of the first Executive Orders from the Trump Whitehouse is to reverse environmental protections for federal lands in Alaska and hasten, expand, and encourage resource development.

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 28th, 2025 2:30am

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

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

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.