National Parks Traveler

As reported in yesterday's Traveler, a vote may be taken as early as today on a bill that would greatly restrict the power of U. S. Presidents to create new National Monuments via the Antiquities Act of 1906. Does the Act as originally written still serve a useful purpose, or are changes now called for?

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By Jim Burnett - March 26th, 2014 2:50am

8 comments

Lawsuit Against Backcountry User Fee At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Can Proceed

A lawsuit challenging the backcountry user fee assessed at Great Smoky Mountains National Park can proceed, a federal judge has ruled.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 26th, 2014 2:44am

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Washington Monument To Open To Public On May 12

Having endured, and survived, an earthquake, the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to open to the public for the first time in nearly three years on May 12.

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By NPT Staff - March 26th, 2014 2:28am

Nearly Two Dozen National Parks Ban Sales Of Disposable Plastic Water Bottles

Nearly two dozen units of the National Park System have instituted bans against the sale of disposable water bottles, a move proponents say will greatly reduce trash.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 26th, 2014 2:27am

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House Of Representatives Asked To Dilute Antiquities Act

Acadia National Park. Grand Canyon National Park. Zion National Park. These parks, and dozens of other units of the National Park System, have been created through presidential decree. On Wednesday, though, the House of Representatives will be asked to approve legislation that would greatly dilute that power for future presidents.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 25th, 2014 1:43pm

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Birding In The National Parks: The Hidden Gems Of Everglades National Park

I spend quite a bit of time talking about Everglades National Park, and with good reason. I doubt there’s a birder in the country who would rank it out of the top five national parks in the country for birding. It’s that good.

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By Kirby Adams - March 25th, 2014 3:38am

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Rebranding Aimed At Building Toward National Park Service Centennial In 2016

A rebranding effort has been launched by the National Park Service to build public enthusiasm toward the agency's centennial in 2016.

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By NPT Staff - March 25th, 2014 2:33am

Essential Park Guide, Spring 2014: Small Town Perks

West Yellowstone is one of the smaller gateway towns you’ll find in the National Park System...which isn’t such a bad thing.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 25th, 2014 2:28am

Black Oystercatchers Risk Predation When They Leave Their Nests

Incubating eggs in the harsh coastal expanses of Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve in Alaska is tough business to start with, and with predators on the prowl, it becomes even more difficult to rear a brood.