Funding, often a troublesome component of implementing plans for managing the National Park System, likely will slow full implementation of an ambitious visitor use management plan crafted for the popular Virginia Triple Crown segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

A coalition of local, statewide, and national conservation and environmental justice organizations has established the National Wilderness Coalition (NWC) in Washington, DC. The NWC intends to reinvigorate "a diverse and powerful wilderness movement;" it is made up of organizations who have come together to build political power and advance wilderness legislation, the group said in a release.

With Tropical Storm Francine expected to be at hurricane force when it reaches Louisiana on Wednesday, at least two units of the National Park System closed in advance of the storm.

Barrier islands part of Gulf Islands National Seashore are closed in preparation for Tropical Storm Francine