National Parks Traveler

The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument recently proclaimed by President Bush incorporates the USS Arizona Memorial and eight other historic sites in Hawaii, Alaska, and California closely associated with the Pacific Theater of Battle. Adding this Monument to the National Park System helps people appreciate the tremendous geographic scale and complexity of the war and its aftermath.

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By Sabattis - December 10th, 2008 3:30am

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Petrified Forest National Park is Still Being Stolen One Piece at a Time

A decade ago, visitors at Petrified Forest National Park were stealing the park’s petrified wood at the rate of 12 tons a year. Warning signage, hefty fines, legal purchase options, and other countermeasures have done some good, but losses continue to mount.

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By Bob Janiskee - December 10th, 2008 3:15am

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National Park Quiz 32: Survival

This week’s quiz is about surviving – or even better, avoiding – dangerous situations in national parks. Answers are at the end. This is serious stuff, so you’re welcome to peek all you like.

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By Rick Smith - October 30th, 2011 10:24am

National Park Service Draws Criticism for Winter-Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

National Park Service officials have finalized winter-use rules for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, and quickly drew condemnation for ignoring what's best for the parks' natural resources.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 9th, 2008 5:51pm

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NRDC Calls For Endangered Species Act Protection for Whitebark Pine Tree

While most often we hear about fish, bird, or animal species needing Endangered Species Act protection, today a group is asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend that protection to a tree, the whitebark pine.

Whitebark Pine Petition.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 9th, 2008 9:59am

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Zion National Park Looking for Help With Annual Bird Count

Like to count? Like birds? Like to count birds in Zion National Park?

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 9th, 2008 5:53am

Ranger-Led Snowshoe Hikes Begin December 26th at Grand Teton

Winter is a unique time of the year to experience Grand Teton National Park, and the park will begin its popular ranger-led snowshoe hikes on December 26th. These 2-hour excursions offer the chance to learn about winter ecology while experiencing a classic, winter transportation mode—wooden snowshoes.

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By Jim Burnett - December 9th, 2008 4:23am

Green Groups Lobbying To See Rep. Grijalva Nominated For Interior Secretary

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, who hasn't been bashful about criticizing President Bush's stewardship of public lands, should be the next Interior secretary, according to a far-reaching coalition of conservation and environmental groups.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 8th, 2008 2:35pm

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Did the Great Depression Save the Yorktown Battlefield?

I don't know of anyone who is happy about the current economic situation, but while we're waiting for a turn-around, here's a question to ponder: Can a bad economy ever be good for parks? Here's how the Great Depression helped save the Yorktown Battlefield from private development.

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By Jim Burnett - December 8th, 2008 4:24am

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More and Bigger is Better for Minidoka National Historic Site

Minidoka National Historic Site, the former Minidoka Internment National Monument, has acquired vital new acreage and a satellite site that will tell the park’s story in a richer, more complete way. Preserving and interpreting a World War II concentration camp for people of Japanese ancestry helps teach important lessons about racial prejudice, injustice, and the loss of civil liberties.