An intangible but priceless value of parks is the opportunity they provide for healing of mind, body and spirit. A recent example occurred at Dinosaur National Monument when the Wounded Warrior Project led a group of wounded veterans on a rafting trip through Lodore Canyon.

A review of how the U.S. Bureau of Land Management handled energy leases near national parks in Utah shows some areas where the system broke down and carries recommendations for, at a minimum, review of previous leasing decisions. Some tracts, the report said, should be removed from leasing.

Too many white-tailed deer at Valley Forge National Historical Park has prompted park officials to turn to sharpshooters and birth control to tamp down and maintain a manageable population. However, since park officials have not yet found an acceptable reproductive control agent, sharpshooters will be relied upon the next four years to reduce herd numbers in the park.

Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the coming months and you'll come away with a true appreciation of art in nature.