National parks are not alone in grappling with crowds. Many gateway communities surrounding our national parks are notable for their own amazing offerings -- natural beauty with tranquil spots for solitude and reflection…and nice venues for dining, listening to live music and pursuing year-round outdoor recreational and leisure activities. But when the management of visitation in these areas is unchecked, and the very resources that make these places highly desirable destinations are strained, can anything really be done?
The community of Jackson, Wyoming, hopes so. Recognizing that residents, business owners and visitors all share in the responsibility of preserving the area’s unique character and allure, stakeholders throughout Teton County have put together a comprehensive sustainable destination management plan. The goal is to protect the beauty of the area, preserve a healthy environment and, at the same time, enhance visitor experience, business growth and quality of life for residents.
This week the Traveler’s Lynn Riddick talks with Crista Valentino of the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board to find out what’s in the plan and how it will help.
By Jess Repanshek - May 7th, 2023
:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode Intro with Kurt Repanshek
1:10 Vista Verde - Tim Heintz - The Sounds of Peaks, Plateaus and Canyons
1:52 Potrero Group
2:18 Yosemite Conservancy
2:41 Friends of Acadia
3:09 Jackson Hole Sustainable Destination Management Plan
20:15 Almost Home - Randy Petersen - The Sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains
20:26 Traveler Promo
20:39 Washington’s National Park Fund
21:11 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
21:34 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
22:08 Jackson Hole Sustainable Destination Management Plan Continues
34:46 Sieur de Monts - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
35:00 Interior Federal Credit Union
35:20 Great Smoky Mountains Association
35:41 The Everglades Foundation
35:54 Jackson Hole Sustainable Destination Management Plan Continues
45:36 No’Easter - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
45:59 Episode Closing
46:22 Orange Tree Productions
46:55 Splitbeard Productions
47:05 National Parks Traveler footer
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 309 | Yellowstone Wolves at 30
There are sounds that wake you up out of a deep sleep, only to be dismissed as you fall back to sleep. And then there are sounds that rivet you, make you sit bolt upright.
That was the type of sound that woke us while we were deep in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. Sunrise hadn’t yet come, yet we were wide awake, listening to one of the most mesmerizing sounds you can encounter in the wilds: The melodious rising and falling howl of a wolf.
January 12th, 2025
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 308 | Threatened and Endangered Parks
We’re five days into 2025, and already there’s a lot of news concerning national parks and the National Park Service. Traveler Editor-in-Chief Kurt Repanshek is joined today by Contributing Editor Kim O’Connell to discuss the Traveler’s 4th Annual Threatened and Endangered Park Series and other recent park-related news.
January 5th, 2025
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 307 | A Walk in the Park
Many of us like to take a walk in our favorite national park, whether it’s a short stroll down one of the boardwalks at Yellowstone National Park, the hike to the top of Old Rag at Shenandoah National Park, or up the Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park, we like to get out and experience parks up close.
December 29th, 2024
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 306 | Introducing St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
There are across the country more than 430 units of the National Park System. And no doubt, most of us are only familiar with the so-called name brand parks. Places like Shenandoah, Acadia, Everglades, Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon… But just because you’re not already familiar with a park unit doesn’t mean you should write it off your to-do list.
December 22nd, 2024
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 305 | The Elephant Seals of Point Reyes
Elephant seals are not your small, cuddly marine mammals. They are behemoths. Males, known as bulls, can reach 5,000 pounds, while females, known as cows, routinely clock in at around 1,000 pounds or so.
December 15th, 2024
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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
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.
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