If you are planning a backcountry trip at Big Bend National Park in Texas, you might need a Plan B, depending on where you want to hike and camp. Beginning February 1st and continuing through May 31st, the National Park Service (NPS) will again temporarily close select areas in the Chisos Mountains to protect nesting falcons.

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex backcountry permit fee structure has changed from a per permit fee to a per person fee for backcountry camping permits.

Construction work is proceeding for a $3.6 million project to raise and make repairs to the Double Keepers’ Quarters (DKQ) and other structures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Ocracoke Light Station. Terra Site Constructors LLC has been contracted to complete the project.

If you want to measure a climate trend, one thing you certainly have to account for is the seasons. It would be unwise to take one measurement in July, a second measurement in December, and declare that we are descending into an ice age. The same is true for measuring ground deformation. There is seasonal movement you have to consider, including in Yellowstone National Park.