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Interpreting National Park Settings Is a Skill, Not Something You Wing

Jun 7th - 12:22pm | Anonymous

Great customer service that is sensitive (personalized) doesn't have to be Disneylandish at all. If anything, the NPS has a great legacy of customer service. I would recommend using the NPS as your brand of service. You already have all the best elements of that in place! Well done.

Jun 7th - 11:41am | pkrnger

I agree with Chief Ranger above: Every NPS employee has a duty to effectively interpret the park. The park visitor cannot distinguish between a professional interpreter, a law-enforcement ranger, or a uniformed staff member involved primarily with park administrative activities.

Jun 7th - 09:17am | Chief Ranger

Relevancy, Workforce, Stewardship...let's apply everything we said above reference greeting visitors to our employees. Safe, healthy, happy employees are the key to Disneyworld's success. There's enough of them, they get training, they know what their role and function is, they're supervised.

Jun 6th - 13:30pm | Lee Dalton

It's really refreshing to see NPS interpretation no longer trying to shy away from some of the more controversial or less inspirational aspects of our nation's history. As we present more realistic retelling of our story, we will help prevent repeats of past mistakes.

Jun 6th - 04:17am | EQUIPNTRIP

Danny, thank you or providing such rich insight into the role of a park interpreter. I was not aware of the professional approach taken to build an interpretation. The parallels with marketing Disneyworld (I am yet to read your article) and discussion about sterotypes was also most interesting. I wonder if a similar approach is taken here in Australia.

"There's Something I Forgot to Tell You"

Jun 7th - 12:13pm | Rap

Too funny, Bob!! Glad y'all made it home alive and with the friendship intact. rap

Jun 7th - 11:22am | Glenn Scofield ...

I'm always my OWN worst enemy. Last summer I, Glenn, took my doppelganger (Glennn) to Crater Lake. Glennn didn't check the weather report ahead of time (as I told him numerously to do) and we arrived in the park with a raging forest fire just outside the boundary. Smoke so dense you can't see the next campsite.

Jun 7th - 08:20am | Gaelyn

It's not easy to remember Everything when you go camping.

Jun 7th - 06:18am | Bob Janiskee

I sure did have a great time, Carl. All kidding aside, Kurt is a wonderful host, a great guide, and a good sport.

Jun 7th - 06:11am | Carl Robinson

Sounds like you had a great time!

Traveler's Checklist: Yosemite National Park

Jun 7th - 12:07pm | Glenn Scofield ...

Don't forget Hetch Hetchy! Even though it was dam(n)ed by a reservoir in 1913, the valley is still a spectacular mini-Yosemite without the crowds and buildings. Take a day stroll to Wapama Falls or the view from the top of the Lake Eleanor Trail or take an overnight to Lake Vernon, Tiltill Valley or to Rancheria Falls (Bearville USA, but beautiful scenery!).

Jun 7th - 07:06am | AnonymousD

Ditto the suggestion of Nevada Falls. It's a great view indeed. Keep in mind that Glacier Point and Tioga Road can be closed due to snow into June.

Wolverine Photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jun 7th - 12:03pm | David Patterson

I saw this animal on a hillside, just south of the mouth of the Colorado on Lake Granby. This was on Sunday 6/6/10, about 10AM. I was ghosting along in almost no wind in my 17 foot sailboat so was making no noise. He/she/it was very aware of me, and moved up the hillside rapidly, in a gait like no other animal I know. I speculated it was a wolverine, though wasn't sure of the color.

Is There A Thaw Coming On the Three-Year-Old Freeze on National Park Fees?

Jun 7th - 11:56am | Jon

Bat, If you would check into the Recreation Fee legislation that authorizes the National Park Service to collect fees, I think you would find that Congress was and is concerned about the perception of unfair competition to private businesses from National Parks.

On The Road Through The National Park System

Jun 7th - 11:37am | Patty Hankins

Have a great trip. Looking forward to reading about your adventures :-) Patty

Jun 7th - 10:59am | Benjamin Lord

What a great adventure you have coming. Truth be told, the Blue Ridge Parkway ranks pretty high for finding the best attributes in the great outdoors. Crabtree Falls north of Asheville, offers a fabulous campground, perfect after driving the high-altitude Black-Mountain section of the PKWY.

Jun 7th - 10:40am | Danny Bernstein

Sounds like a great trip. But am I reading this right? You're starting at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway without exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The start of your adventure, the Parkway, is within walking distance from Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Smokies. Stop in and say hello.

Jun 7th - 08:48am | Brad

Sounds like a great trip. Have fun, be safe, and please post pics along the way!

National Parks of Pacific Islands Offers One Great Website

Jun 7th - 01:44am | Rick B.

I'm traveling to the Pacific islands next week. This is a great site.

List of Top 10 Endangered Rivers Includes Two That Flow Through The National Park System

Jun 6th - 21:42pm | Anonymous

and people wonder why mars is like it is.

Jun 6th - 19:33pm | Anonymous

The upper delaware has been a constant fight between New York and several conservation/fishing groups. The New York DEC has limited drilling (only through special permit) for any area surrounding the NYC water supply. Below the dam, they have not imposed any special rules.

Jun 6th - 14:30pm | Anonymous

I have worked in Pike and Wayne County for almost 30 years on land-use protection, reforestation, etc - Lobbying by environmental groups are the only reason that the Delaware in that area would ever be classified as the most endangered rivers that "flows" through state parks.

What Not to Do with an Old Cannonball

Jun 6th - 13:52pm | Jim Burnett

We're not experts on artifacts, so it's hard for us to say if they'd be worth anything. Based on the above story, the official advice would be to not take it anyplace, but leave it where you found it, and have someone with experience in such things come and look at it.

Jun 6th - 10:30am | Anonymous

yes i found a old cannonball in my back yard when digging up, more out there i'm sure, would they be worth something, and where do i bring it. thanks.

Updated: Effort In Maine To Restrict Guns From National Park Units Falls Short of Goal

Jun 6th - 10:00am | Citizen John

Senators Dennis Damon and Stan Gerzovsky need to find another jurisdiction to promote their anti-constitutional, socialist legislation. Have they ever read the Maine Constitution. Voters, remember this pair at election time.

Trails I've Hiked: Arches National Park's Primitive Trail, Via Landscape and Double O Arches

Jun 6th - 06:41am | Connie Hopkins

In 2006, we hiked as far as Double O and then turned back. That hike was one of the highlights of our SW Canyons trip! I agree about the amount of wter to take, much more than you think you'll need. It was on this particlar hike that I saw someone carrying a travel-sized spray bottle and a small battery operated fan for keeping cool.

Jun 5th - 09:09am | Kurt Repanshek

Kerch, water hazard was still there. I set up to get a photo of Prof. Bob falling in, but somehow he managed to negotiate it without dipping so much as a toe into it!

Jun 5th - 08:55am | kerch

The best thing about this hike for me was the rock scrambling. There were parts of the primitive loop that were rugged enough to require hand holds and attention to foot placement. When I visited, there was a water obstacle that required a quick little climb up and over an adjacent shoulder of sandstone. Great fun!

Jun 4th - 16:50pm | RangerLady

Being only 2 hours from Arches, I can't wait to go try this trail. I love trying to find hikes that I can easily do that will also give the solitude factor. Thanks Kurt for letting us know about it!

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

Jun 6th - 00:47am | Rick B.

Actually, I HAVE seen a pissed off black bear, from about 3' away. He was coming into one end of the pup tent I was sleeping in. I didn't have a pistol and didn't have bear spray. What I had was brand new batteries in a high power flashlight and when I startled him with the bright light in his eyes he turned and ran.

Jun 5th - 12:42pm | Anonymous

LoL it is very ovious that most of you have never seen pissed off black let alone grizzley. you people are full of it try your bear spray on a 200 lb crack head, and he will still kick your but but a Grizzley get a life. You don't even know a bear from a donkey. go drink some more coctails,.

Comments Being Taken on Proposal To Stop Importation, Transportation of Burmese Pythons

Jun 5th - 22:58pm | Anonymous

Don't be so silly about the "outlaw" of anaconda's and poisonous snakes. Not everyone is so selfish as to purchase these animals then realise they can't look after them, most of them are captive bred and it is not the snake's fault if they have to adapt to human stupidity.

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

Jun 5th - 21:03pm | Anonymous

Kurt:

Jun 5th - 16:42pm | James

Here in Florida, when we have a nuisance black bear, the State Wildlife officials of Florida Fish & Game are supposed to come out, check out the problem, and relocate the problem bear before it or any humans get hurt. However, the reality is that they won't come out until someone is actually injured.

Traveler's Gear Box: Would You Add The SteriPEN Journey To It?

Jun 5th - 12:46pm | Hobblefoot

I have tried the UV pens. They work, but are problematic. The design is such that it often takes longer to use than filtering. You have to vigorously shake the pen in your water bottle to kill the bugs, but because the thing is so wide, it's impractical to do. Had they made it long & skinny, it would be perfect.

Jun 4th - 23:52pm | Anonymous

I find this intriguing and have been considering this method of filtration. Would be nice to be able to drop the larger and heavier MSR filter.

Jun 4th - 18:16pm | Anonymous

I haven't tried it yet. Sounds like it could be a winner if it does what the manufacturer claims it does.

Vandalism Leads to Closure of Ramp at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Jun 5th - 09:38am | Wheat

SS1,

Jun 5th - 06:36am | SS1

Seems perfectly clear to me, " certain portions" for recreational uses. "reserved" (set aside) comes after the comma and is connected to the phrase, "primitive wilderness".

Jun 4th - 19:36pm | Wheat

Southern Shores 1 says: "This is a national park that was specifically set up to protect and preserve resources and then provide recreational opportunities." Are you kidding?

No Sign of Missing Oklahoman in Yellowstone National Park

Jun 5th - 08:00am | Sandpiper59

God be with this young man and God be with the rescue workers. He served our country and he deserves the best our country can give him when he is in need.

Creature Feature: The Common Raven is an Uncommonly Intelligent Bird

Jun 5th - 06:17am | Clara

Thank you for helping spread the word on Crows and Ravens. More on these birds can be found at http://www.avesnoir.com

Jun 4th - 20:30pm | Meg

There are always plenty of ravens around the Upper Geyser Basin at Yellowstone, and as they strut between the boardwalks and Old Faithful or Grand, someone will inevitably ask them, "Nevermore?" I love them.

The World's Top Ten National Parks

Jun 4th - 21:14pm | A.Clarque

Blue River Nature Park is located on the main island of New Caledonia. This French archipelago lies in the South Pacific, 1,500 kilometres away from Sydney. With a length of 450 kilometres, “Grande Terre” (mainland) is surrounds by the world’s largest lagoon and the stunning barrier reef, the second-largest coral reef after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

As Oil Comes Ashore at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Republican Calls for Renewed Drilling Along Outer Continental Shelf

Jun 4th - 20:01pm | Ray Bane

The first priority insofar as the NPS is concerned should be to mount a comprehensive effort to document spill impacts to park lands and resources. The temptation will be to place booms and other barriers intended to minimize the oil reaching the shore and invading sensitive habitats and to prepare to rescue oiled birds and other wildlife.

Jun 4th - 19:11pm | d-2

Unfortunately, the behavior of this Congressman reflects once again: we are addicted.

Jun 4th - 17:38pm | DD-393

What will prove to be the costliest oil spill in history is followed by calls to drill more. Am I the only one to see a problem with this? "Drill baby drill" should be left as a cry of passion rather than the call for risky exploration that is proving to be a mortal threat to our environment.

Jun 4th - 17:32pm | Arthur

Perhaps they should lift the ban on nuclear power plants and put those folks to work. Nuclear plants will have to be decriminalized at some point. They are safer and cleaner than any other source of energy(aside from largely inefficient solar).

Battle Against Mountain Pine Beetles Launched at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Jun 4th - 17:25pm | Matt Johnson

A comment about the article and a comment about the comments. First, I think the status of Rushmore as one of the top destinations in the country makes it important to preserve a certain sense of the mystique of the area.

Jun 4th - 16:48pm | RangerLady

I've often wondered about the MRC. The beetles, while annoying at times, are part of the natural system. Plants need control methods as well. As predators keep herds healthy be eating the weak, so do the beetles keep the forest healthy. Now I'm no expert by any means, but it doesn't make sense to this average person.

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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.