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Op-Ed Columns

Op-Ed | There’s No Place Like Home

I can never go home again. The land that I grew up on, an estate not far from NYC that my parents cared for, but that belonged to someone else, is now in the hands of a new owner and a new family entrusted with its care. That land, to some degree, told me who I am. The trees, the ground beneath my feet and the wildlife provided the details to a family story that grew and changed over time, as family stories do. It held the particulars of my parent’s journey from a small, southern town to New York in the 1950’s, as a poor black couple with big dreams for themselves and their children. Without access to that story, it would be easy to feel unmoored, rootless, and insecure about my place, my past and my future. Who am I? Where did I come from? What does the future hold?

On Jobs And The Environment: An Inaugural Memo To Donald Trump — And Us

Greetings, Mr. Trump, and congratulations. On Friday you take the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States. If perhaps you have been following the National Parks Traveler, you know that many people have already made up their minds. You will be a disaster for the national parks. As a businessman you will demand that the parks “make money,” and if they don’t help give them away.

Op-Ed | A Black Letter Day For America's National Parks

December 20, 2016, was a Black Letter Day for America’s national parks. The National Park Service issued a new regulation – Director’s Order 100 – which invents a new Precautionary Principle designed to even further stifle creativity and innovation by the agency charged with promoting 413 special places that belong to Americans and tell our stories.

Heaven or Hell? Election Results Could Severely Affect Our National Parks

While the 413 places and approximately 85 million acres protected in our National Park System belong to the American people, a significant number are so important to the entire human family that they sit atop the world’s greatest conservation lists: World Heritage Site, (22) Biosphere Reserve, (23) and Ramsar International Convention of Wetlands, (2). They are among the rarest of the rare on Planet Earth, of the same stature as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Galapagos Islands among others. So what happens to our national parks and public lands affects not just America but the world.

Op-Ed |Hispanic Heritage Month And The National Parks

With Hispanic Heritage Month now behind us and as the National Park Service Centennial year comes to a close, the time for action is now. From the earliest Spanish explorers to contemporary leaders in civics, the arts and industry, our heritage is an essential part of the American story. Yet, only a few sites in the National Park System currently preserve and interpret such history and culture. Fortunately, there has been some progress in recognizing and protecting these important sites.

Op-Ed | Disconnect Between A Diverse America And Our National Park System

Last month, the National Park Service (NPS) celebrated its 100th birthday. In the days leading up to the celebration, NPS director Jonathan Jarvis said that his agency’s goal for the centennial was “to create the next generation of visitors, supporters, and advocates for our national parks and our public lands.”

Op-Ed | When It Comes To Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct, College Sports Have More Conscience Than NPS Officials

Both Grand Canyon National Park and Baylor University have recently faced scandals involving fundamental failures by management in their responses to sexual assault and/or sexual harassment allegations. The contrast between Baylor University’s handling of their situation and the National Park Service’s response to Grand Canyon’s sexual harassment problems could not be more different, nor be more telling.
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The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

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

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.