Deserts are fascinating places, but they also can be harsh and deadly if you're not prepared. With that in mind, a series of programs coming to Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park next month can give you the information and tools to enjoy, and survive, the desert.

Travel across the southern half of Mount Rainier National Park will become difficult, and impossible in some areas, this fall as needed roadwork leads to closure of some sections of the Stevens Canyon Road. More closures, and some delays, are scheduled for 2012 and 2013.

Work on what is described as the "most notable improvement to the Stehekin Ferry Landing in almost 40 years" in North Cascades National Park Complex begins Monday.

Though bold and lofty in its vision, with chapters devoted to youth, communities, both public and private lands, and heritage, the Obama administration's detailed report on how to reconnect the country to its outdoors landscape is threatened to be undercut by today's fiscal and political realities.