| National Parks Traveler

What is the issue with whaling? If - and I take that for granted - it is OK to hunt for deer and elk, why is it taboo to hunt whales? Neither subsistence nor commercial whaling, where it is done (disguised as scientific in Japan), is about killing endangered species, but there are many whale species out there that can sustain some amount of hunting.

Jul 30th - 07:43am | Anonymous

'The Inupiat culture depends on subsistence whaling – here subsistence means that the rural community traditionally hunted whales and can continue this practice under controlled conditions. The community is allowed to catch 21 whales in the spring and another 21 in the fall. '

Hoh Rain Forest Visitors In Olympic National Park Cautioned Against Elk

Jul 31st - 01:40am | Rick B.

We saw quite a few last time we were in the Hoh. Quite visible from the road, but definitely not habituated to our presence.

Jul 30th - 20:10pm | Ken

I just got back from five days in Olympic including trampling through the Hoh. However; to my family's dismay we didn't see one Elk. We did see elk near Mt. St. Helens.

Reader Participation Day: Visit Wyoming's National Parks, or Those in Washington State?

Jul 31st - 01:26am | Sylvia

I'm prejudiced as I spent 19 yrs living and working in Yellowstone. Now I live in Washington. It's parks are nice, but there is simply no place at all like HOME (YNP.) People used to ask an old Yellowstone ranger when he planned to ask for a transfer. He always said he'd always been there only 35 yrs and had'nt seen everything yet!

Jul 30th - 14:02pm | Sharlene

I have to say that I love Yellowstone and the Tetons. And I have been to Mt Rainier but my big trip for next year will probably be a tour of WA's parks and Vancouver. So I can better answer this one next year. These questions are too hard. Its like asking me for a favorite child. I love them all!!!!

Jul 29th - 21:11pm | Meg

You're asking me to choose between "my" two national parks. I live an hour and a half from Paradise (literally [g]), and I go to Mt. Rainier multiple times a year. But I've also been to Yellowstone nine times in the last eleven years, and I set a novel (and am in the process of setting a second one) there. I am not going to play Solomon. Sorry.

Three Canyoneers Survive Flash Flood in Zion National Park

Jul 31st - 01:04am | Aunt Jenny

David, I was horrrified to hear of your ordeal, but am so glad you're ok! We did not tell Nonnie. My prayers are with your friends to make speedy and complete recoveries. I'm so proud of you for your fitness, your training, and cool head in an emergencies. Love ya, too!

Jul 29th - 01:15am | John F.

Dave- I am glad you are ok, after your ordeal. Do you have any idea of when I will get my shoes back? Your bro.

Jul 28th - 21:25pm | Greg

Dave, the three of you are blessed in a way most of us will never understand! Good to hear that you are doing well and I heard from Jason today that he was sent home! I don't know Joe but it sounds like he got the worst of it? How is he doing?

Young Woman Dies After Being Submerged in Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park

Jul 30th - 22:09pm | Anonymous

This was an employee of the park, as am I. I'm saddened to hear of this loss. There isn't a "fix" for this; we can't say people need to learn how to swim or that it needs to be banned in this area--the tragedy has already occurred and life is gone. All we can do is warn others to prevent future occurrences.

Jul 29th - 21:41pm | yellowstone98

Well, cliff jumping is certainly prohibited. Lot of good it does.

Jul 29th - 18:17pm | Anonymous

It was about 5 minutes....She passed right behind my husband and I. She was very polite and said excuse me....everyone had their eyes fixed on the boys that were jumping off the high rocks...that is why not a single person (my husband, myself and our two friends) out of about twenty people did not notice her under the water and the water is very deep in the middle cove.

Jul 29th - 16:48pm | lelandg

This is tragic accident and my condolances to her family. Drownings happen daily. Do we close all the lakes and rivers? Traffic accidents happen. Do we stop all driving? I have been to the area several times and it is an excellent place to swim and recreate while in the park for both visitors and park employees. No reason to suggest closing!

Jul 29th - 08:34am | V.C. Wald aka G...

Regarding the apparent 5-minute lack of attention, it seems unlikely anyone timed it on a watch, so I wouldn't necessarily put too much stock in that figure, though it may have seemed like forever. Also, it may not have been obvious that she was unable to swim or that she was at risk of drowning.

Jul 29th - 02:41am | Anonymous

Anyone know why it took five minutes for someone to go in after her?

Jul 29th - 00:24am | Anonymous

It was in the fire hole swimming area. We were there....it is very sad. Some of the members of her party said she could not swim. Not sure how true that is but that is what the one person said...very tragic.

Interpretation Of Civil War's Impact Deepens at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Jul 30th - 21:08pm | John Hennessy

I just came across this (July 30), so any value in following up has probably vanished into the ether... But, let me say that two things drove the development of this exhibit. First, and most importantly, we received the headboard and related Patterson items from Bill Phillis.

Investigation Under Way Into Death of Man At Glacier National Park

Jul 30th - 19:42pm | Anonymous

Back-road rage?

A Piece Of History

Jul 30th - 16:52pm | Ranger

Actually, these are the new signs that just got sent out to every park to put on the outsides of buildings to remind people that while they can now carry in the parks, it is still illegal to bring them into buildings such as visitor centers, ranger stations, museums, etc.

Glacier National Park Officials Urge Visitors to Be "Bear Aware"

Jul 30th - 15:26pm | CP

Tomp--the incident you relate occurred in Glacier BAY National Park (Alaska), not Glacier NP in Montana. Nonetheless, studies have shown that bear spray is more effective than weapons to deter a threatening bear. The spray disperses into a broader area, whereas firing a weapon requires someone to aim accurately when they are probably pumped up with adrenaline.

Jul 30th - 09:40am | tomp

Not surprisingly, park biologists know the guidance and carry bear spray, not guns, unless they're specifically going after problem bears. [I'd bet the bear spray was hanging on the outside of his backpack, not "in" it.] From InsideNPS today: Park Biologist Wards Off Charging Bear With Spray By Gus Martinez, Bay District Ranger July 30, 2010

No Charges Forthcoming In Shooting of Grizzly In Denali National Park and Preserve

Jul 30th - 13:37pm | MikeD

Contrast with this report from Glacier Bay in today's NPS Morning Report (07/30/2010): "The bear continued its charge and got within about 15 feet when Murdoch sprayed him. The bear veered away, continued running into the woods, and did not return ..."

Jul 29th - 13:39pm | Anonymous

45 acp against grizzly? Not so good a choice but better than nothing I guess.

Jul 29th - 03:47am | Russell

Though it is a shame that the bear had to be killed, it certainly sounds like it was done for the right reasons. Good on the hikers for being able to defend themselves, and good on our legislators for being able to see past the hype and paranoia of carrying firearms in national parks.

Jul 29th - 02:45am | Anonymous

Ok Gary look at your state laws wherever you are and tell me the law chapter and section that allows you to use a firearm to kill another person in self defense.

Jul 28th - 23:05pm | Gary

Hmmm.....there is no law which allows the use of a firearm to defend your life... Are these park people people nuts! Should the hiker have allowed the bear to kill his companion? So you are allowed to carry a firearm but it's against the law to use it to protect your life! Amazing & stupid.

John Wessels Appointed Director of National Park Service's Intermountain Region

Jul 30th - 09:53am | pkrnger

A highly qualified career NPS'er with strong roots in resource protection and preservation is perhaps the last person park concessioners and gateway community businesses would want to see take over at the helm of the Intermountain Region. From the given qualifications of Mr.

Jul 30th - 05:13am | Anonymous

This was no merit system vetting process, it was an industry appointed decision. Obvious TALKING POINTS, seen here by industry sent commenters to convince the public: -“Give him a chance - we're forced to” -“Shouldn't Mr. Wessels be given an opportunity to prove himself” -“ we have to wish John Wessels the best in his efforts to rebuild Intermountain Region.”

Jul 29th - 17:02pm | Anonymous

Are there no qualified career people who could do this job? This is a puzzling choice and not a good signal to career people.

Jul 29th - 16:02pm | Anonymous

While all we are left with is the "give him a chance" mentality, it is clear that Wessels has a bad track record.

Jul 29th - 15:08pm | PBrueck

I share Rick & Kurt's comments about giving John Wessels a chance to perform and represent the values of the NPS. Anyone who worked closely with Mike Snyder knows how difficult that could be and the bodies that were left behind attest to his management style.

Jul 29th - 11:59am | Rick Smith

As does Kurt, I believe that the new RD should be given the opportunity to make his own decisions. Only then will we be able to judge the quality of those decisions. I have friends who have very good instincts in the Intermountain Region who believe that John's appointment will be beneficial for the region.

Jul 29th - 11:55am | haunted hiker

"The National Park Service is a more dynamic animal, and administratively more sophisticated, than any one person." hmmm...Perhaps the inverse of Ben's statement is more accurate. Insert "static" and "provincial" for dynamic and sophisticated.

Jul 29th - 11:06am | Anonymous

Never has a decision been so eagerly awaited, and never has one been so bitterly disappointing. Mr. Wessels was a key part of the Intermountain Region’s business-motivated strategies - deeply involved with Core Ops, and a number of costly Business Management Planning efforts that were forced upon IMR parks and then abandoned.

Pruning the Parks: Verendrye National Monument (1917-1956)

Jul 30th - 09:42am | MikeD

Another reason to go visit ND!

Wolverine Photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jul 30th - 09:36am | Jake

We saw a wolverine yesterday in Estes Park. We were driving along riverside past Turquoise Trail (a gravel road) and out of the corner of my eye saw what I thought could be a bear cub. Then looking at it as we came to a stop I started to think it was a dog, but it's legs were too stocky and face too small.

Judge Tosses Personal Watercraft Rules at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Jul 30th - 09:18am | Lib

Dave, to say you left less of a trace than the sea kayaks is a bit of a stretch, but yes, i do agree with you otherwise.....

Trails I've Hiked: Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park

Jul 29th - 18:44pm | Anonymous

I have hiked this trail twice in my lifetime and each time we have encountered the mountain goats grazing and have been able to throw a snowball or two as we cross patches of snow. I imagine myself lying in the grass looking out at the beautiful cirque with the crystal blue lake when I need to unwind. My kind of heaven!!

National Park Road Trip 2010: The Barlow Road

Jul 29th - 15:27pm | Jae

This post is a great blend of historical "back story" and contemporary travel tips. Travelers looking for a cycling day that covers part of your route might want to check out this video on cycling the Oregon Trail / Barlow Road.

Grizzly Bear Shot and Killed By Hikers In Denali National Park and Preserve

Jul 29th - 15:19pm | Anonymous

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grizzly_Man

North Dakota is Still on My Bucket List

Jul 29th - 15:18pm | Bob Janiskee

Thanks to all you North Dakotans and other Traveler readers who have encouraged me to ignore the Drinking Gourd Omen and visit North Dakota anyway. As the title of my article proclaims, the Roughrider State is still on my bucket list. If I can't get my buddy Colorado Jim to go with me, I'll go there alone, and to hell with the omens.

Jul 29th - 11:47am | ClizBiz

Hi Bob! Loved your post. I am so happy to hear that NoDak is on your list. TDNP will not disappoint - it is my favorite NP of all. More buffalo than people. Lots of prairie dogs too. I also had a face-off with a wild horse standing above me on a ledge. I'll never forget that intense feeling of connection.

Jul 29th - 06:23am | Bob Janiskee

Dimock, SD is a L-O-N-G way from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Bogator.

Jul 28th - 22:01pm | Anonymous

I was in North Dakota last Labor Day weekend and really loved it. Flew into Bismarck and rented a car. Most of the rental car companies only allow 200 free miles per day with such a big state can get expensive. I was unable to find anyplace that was selling stamps while I was their.

America's Great Outdoor Initiative Visits Asheville, North Carolina

Jul 29th - 13:22pm | H Petzold

Education and experience is the Key to getting more people outdoors while preserving what we have. Although it has been said and repeated many times before, it bears repeating until people get it. "In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand... understand only what we are taught." Baba Dioum

Thank A National Park Ranger on July 29

Jul 29th - 10:40am | Anonymous

As a volunteer at two urban parks, I'd also like to give a shout-out to the rangers who so ably manage the special challenges of working at our historical parks and monuments in city or suburban settings.

National Park Road Trip 2010: The Nez Perce

Jul 29th - 10:21am | HellsCanyon

It was wonderful to read about your time here in Clarkston, WA/Lewiston, ID at the North entrance to Hells Canyon! We sure hope that next time you can drop in to the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau and say hello - we love to meet our visitors and find out how far everyone has traveled; plus, it lets us learn a bit about where they are from, as well.

National Park Mystery Plant 10: Heaven for the Climate, Hell for Society

Jul 28th - 22:46pm | Anonymous

i guss we dont need bear spray any more.

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