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Interior Department Wants Transparency, FOIA Process Impedes That Goal

Interior Department officials launched an intriguing web portal the other day, one touted as promoting transparency in government operations. Well, one place Interior officials could create a whole lot of transparency is by adding more staff to handle Freedom of Information Act requests, which currently move at a glacial pace.

Probe Raises Questions Over National Park Service Investigation at Hubbell Trading Post

Portions of an Interior Department review of an investigation of alleged insider theft from the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site cite shoddy work and potentially criminal misconduct by a special agent within the National Park Service’s Intermountain Region.

"Pronghorn Passage" Program To Be Presented Thursday at Grand Teton National Park

Last week we told you about the efforts being undertaken to protect a critical migratory corridor in southwestern Wyoming for pronghorn antelope. If you're in the Jackson area later this week, you can sit in on a program that explores the 300-plus-mile migration of antelope in this region.

Power Line Debate at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Highlights National Issues

A classic battle between utility companies and environmental groups at Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area is the latest example of similar issues all across the country. This debate is over a proposed major "upgrade" of existing power lines that cross the park, and public meetings will be held this week. You can also comment from afar if you're interested.

Should Katmai National Park Replace Its Swikshak Patrol "Cabin"? One Picture Should Answer That Question

Every now and then a project proposed by the National Park Service stands out. That certainly seems to be the case of the proposal from Katmai National Park and Preserve to replace a plywood box long used as the backcountry patrol cabin on the coast of Shelikof Strait with a more weather-proof and comfortable facility.

Environmental, Cultural Center Proposed at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Core to the mission of the National Park Service is opening the eyes of visitors to the wonders that can be found within the National Park System. At Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, officials hope to expand their efforts in that arena through construction of an environmental and cultural center at the King Gillette Ranch.

2009 Piping Plover Nest Count at Cape Lookout National Seashore Down Slightly, But Fledglings High

When it comes to piping plovers, a threatened species, the nesting habitat at Cape Lookout National Seashore is some of the best in North Carolina. That's evidenced by the fact that in 2009 the 37 nests counted at the seashore represented 70 percent of all piping plover nests in North Carolina. While the tally reflected a slight decline from 2008's record high of 46 nests, the number of chicks that fledged was a record high.