Plight of the Parks

National Park Service Open to Cutting Single-Track Bike Trails in the Parks

National Park Service officials say they are not averse to cutting single-track mountain bike trails in the park system, as long as "potential impacts" don't arise.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 15th, 2008 7:22pm

5 comments

Commentary: Who Runs the National Park System?

Who runs the National Park System? Is it the National Park Service, or communities that fuel their economies off the parks? That's a good question to consider in the wake of the moxie and clout that tiny Cody, Wyoming, summoned to turn the heat up on its golden goose, Yellowstone National Park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 12th, 2008 7:24pm

10 comments

Yellowstone's Latest Snowmobile Decision for Cody: Politically Motivated or Simply Neighborly?

Were Yellowstone National Park officials simply being neighborly when they reversed themselves recently on whether to keep Sylvan Pass open for snowmobile traffic during the winter months? Or were their feet being scorched by the political fires that too often seem to influence management decisions?

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 12th, 2008 6:49pm

2 comments

How Can We Build Advocates for the National Parks?

What draws people to national parks in general, and to national park issues specifically? Why is it that gun issues and deaths inevitably draw attention to the national parks, but stories of insufficient budgets and deteriorating infrastructure and harsh impacts on the "parkscape" draw comparatively scant notice?

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 7th, 2008 4:47pm

11 comments

How We View National Parks Today Matters For Tomorrow

We all love America's national park system, but we often have different expectations about local federal parks than about places farther away. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in arguments about Point Reyes National Seashore.

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 10th, 2015 4:50pm

16 comments

Yellowstone Officials Now Recommending that Sylvan Pass Remain Open For Snowmobiling

In a nearly complete reversal of their initial decision, Yellowstone National Park officials are now recommending that Sylvan Pass and the park's east entrance be kept open for winter use.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 3rd, 2008 7:14pm

5 comments

National Park Service Director Bomar Scheduled to Meet With Mountain Bike Community

When the International Mountain Bicycling Association holds its 2008 World Summit in Utah later this month, it will have a very special guest. National Park Service Director Mary Bomar apparently has agreed to deliver a keynote address to the industry arm.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 1st, 2008 11:49am

13 comments

Congressman Accuses Sec. Kempthorne of Pandering to NRA on Gun Issue

Congressman Raul Grijalva, who heads the House subcommittee on national parks, is accusing Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne of pandering to the National Rifle Association.

Grijalva_Kempthorne_Letter_05_22_08.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 29th, 2008 4:46pm

54 comments

Development of Valley Forge National Historical Park Inholding Gets Green Light from Planners

Despite opposition from the National Park Service and park advocacy groups, a development proposed for land bounded on three sides by Valley Forge National Historic Park has been given the green light by community planners.

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 29th, 2011 1:22pm

6 comments

Is the National Park Service Obligated to Better Promote Proposed Change in Gun Regulations?

Does the National Park Service have an obligation -- before the public comment period closes -- to better inform the general public about proposed changes to the existing gun regulations? While those who closely follow national park issues and gun issues more than likely are aware of the proposal to allow park visitors to arm themselves, does the general park-going public?

Ranger_Groups_letter_to_Park_Service.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 23rd, 2008 12:39pm

30 comments

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.