The National Parks Traveler needs to secure a solid financial foundation to ensure its future/NPS file

Many of the readers and listeners who have contributed to the effort to ensure the National Parks Traveler's future have sent comments along with their donations. Below are some of them.

Thank you for all the efforts you have put in to keep the complex issues with parks front and center. As I have listened to the podcast and read the news articles, it is increasingly clear that our parks are facing terrible threats. Visits to the parks have been a part of my life over the past 66 years (including our marriage on the banks of the Merced River at the base of El Capitan). My feelings of concern have grown in the past few years. As you say, we are in interesting times. I hope you are able to keep on the lights, but if not, you have been a gift to the Parks. Losing the Traveler will be one of the dominos that seem to be falling all around us.-- Ken P.

Your work is vital that it continues. Every dollar counts for me and this means I have to give something else up to support you. But, you are worth it! -- David S. 

If you are one of the 2 million readers, contribute now, before it's too late. Do not rely on others to do it for you. Step up and support this amazing source of information about the Parks we love. Don't wait until tomorrow; that will be too late!- Vicent M.

I read all of the NPT articles via Apple News and I've listened to all of your podcasts. I've enjoyed reading and listening for years. I hope that you are able to continue your vital journalism, but if not, I hope you can feel good about what you've accomplished and enjoy your retirement! -- Helen G.

I am not good with monthly donations but do try to regularly donate all year long because this is a GREAT publication! -- Eileen K.

Hope you are able to keep up the great work now and into the foreseeable future! -- Kyle J.

Love your content and honest reporting. This is my 3rd donation this year, hope you can keep the lights on. -- Dean M.

We appreciate your work and continue to wish you the best of luck. Thanks for your persistence. -- Dorothy and Gary D.

I was moved to contribute by the story of Humpback Whale "Hog-Tied" By Fishing Gear Freed Near Glacier Bay National Park. I posted the following comment on the webpage: "Wow" indeed -- a grateful and compassionate "Wow!" This is a story with an all-too-rare happy ending. Without the quick, wonderful, and nothing short of miraculous response of the Park staff and the existence of NOAA Alaska Large Whale Entanglement Response network, this would probably have ended up as yet another account of a dead, entangled whale (or porpoise or dolphin). I know that people must earn their livings by fishing, but I also know that the creatures in the seas, the small or ordinary ones no less than the magnificent and awesome ones, have a RIGHT to their lives that increasingly depends on our recognition and support. And I know with equal certainty and fervor that if we do not or cannot or WILL NOT find more and more widespread ways to protect those rights and the creatures who bear them as well as the entitlements of those whose lives are dependent on fishing, then we will have violated one of our most sacred trusts duties. Perhaps widespread distribution of these truly amazing videos and the increase in the number of trained rescue groups would be a start. It has moved me to make a contribution to the work of the National Parks Traveler.--Gordon S.

I love the podcast -- been listening for three years now -- and I want it to keep coming. Thank you for doing what you do. -- Amy L., fellow national parks traveler

Thank you! You make a difference. -- Brenda B.

Kurt and staff, thank you for attempting to keep the Traveler going. This is a monthly amount to start. But, I hope add to this monthly pledge over time. -- Phil B.

I'm sorry I can't donate more, but the work you're doing is important and I hope you meet your goals so that you're able to continue. I will keep my fingers crossed that I can look forward to more passionate and inspiring coverage from the National Parks Traveler. Wishing you the best - Jamie H.

Although I haven't been able to contribute a lot through the years, Kurt, I'm happy to do so because the National Parks mean so much to me. I'm getting older, 75 soon, I still have the ability to do some hiking and enjoy the many restorative features of our park system. Keep up the good work, Kurt. -- Tim S.

Appreciate the great information that you don't get anywhere else. Hope this helps keep the lights on and the stories coming. -- Anita S.