Is the country’s approach to public lands management balanced, or is it skewed toward resource development at the expense of the environment and recreation? A coalition of conservation groups believes it is skewed, and wants the Obama administration, and Congress, to provide that missing balance.

It’s after a soft, pattering rain, with the clouds clearing and the sun streaming through, that the essence of the Western landscape rises up. The pungent scent of sagebrush is wicked up by the moist air, mingling with the sweet aroma of pine.

Requests for modern conveniences such as electricity and cell phone service in NPS campgrounds are growing, and in many ways a vacation in a modern RV, or a park hotel, isn't vastly different from a week at home. A recent study, however, found that an old-fashioned camping trip that skips any use of artificial light—including even flashlights and personal electronic devices—can reset the participant's "body clocks" back to a normal rhythm.

The dark skies over the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park should provide a great backdrop to watch the Perseid Meteor Showers this weekend.