“What good are national parks?” This is a question often raised by the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party when faced by non-utilitarian public land use.

A water trail that flows above abandoned frontier towns, waters that Lewis and Clark traveled, and a popular water trail that follows an international border were added to the National Water Trails System this week.

The sailing ship Friendship of Salem is a popular attraction at Salem Maritime National Historic Site, but visitors to the park in coming months shouldn't be concerned if it appears the vessel has been "demasted." Removal of sections of the masts and rigging began last week as part of a two-year project to inspect key parts of the ship, and make any repairs that are needed.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have defended their decision to put down a young bull elk who took to butting a photographer sitting on the road in the Cataloochee Valley.