National Parks Traveler

Let's see, Great Smoky Mountains? Check. Zion National Park? Check. Sequoia National Park? Check. Grand Teton National Park? Check. Yellowstone National Park? Check. Glacier National Park? Yep, it too will feature some traffic snarls due to road construction along the Going-to-the-Sun Road this spring and summer.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 8th, 2010 2:35am

Volunteer At Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Wins National Honor

A long-time volunteer at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area who devised a wildflower identification database for the NRA is being honored as the National Park Service's national "Outstanding Volunteer."

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 8th, 2010 1:00am

Yosemite National Park Boasts One Very, Very, Very Old Lodgepole Pine

Since we're taking a look today at champion trees as recognized by the American Forests, it seems appropriate that we toss a bit more national park tree trivia your way. According to the folks at Yosemite National Park, the oldest known lodgepole pine in the United States is located just a bit east of Tuolumne.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 7th, 2010 2:33am

Seaplane Service to Dry Tortugas National Park Returns Monday

After a two-year hiatus, seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park is set to return Monday, according to park officials.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 7th, 2010 2:21am

Hazing of Yellowstone National Park Bison, A Controversial Rite of Spring

In one of the more controversial rites of spring across the National Park System, Yellowstone National Park bison are being hazed on the ground and from the air out of the Montana countryside.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 7th, 2010 2:21am

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Parks Are Well-Represented in the Latest National Register of Big Trees

How would you determine if a tree qualifies as a "national champion"? The National Register of Big Trees has the answers, and the 70th anniversary edition of that list just been released in a new online format. Sites in the National Park System are well-represented, including the home of "the earth's largest living thing."

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By Jim Burnett - May 7th, 2010 1:52am

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Obama Administration Indefinitely Postpones Scoping of Off-shore Oil Lease Proposal for Coastal Virginia

Obama administration officials are indefinitely postponing public scoping on an off-shore oil and gas lease proposal for an area of coastal Virginia, a move that drew quick applause in some circles.

Cancel Atlantic EIS Lease Sale Notice.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 6th, 2010 6:07pm

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Refinery Accident Causes Brief Concerns at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

It's been a tough week for the oil and gas industry, one which has held plenty of anxious moments for several NPS areas located in the vicinity of recent accidents. The latest involved an explosion at a refinery near San Antonio Missions National Historic Park; two of the historic structures were closed temporarily and precautionary measures were taken for possible contamination of important waterways.

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By Jim Burnett - May 6th, 2010 10:17am

Mystery Fungus 1 Revealed: It’s the Death Cap

If you mistake the death cap for an edible mushroom, you’ll need emergency hospitalization. If you don’t get prompt medical treatment, it will likely cost you your liver or your life.

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By Bob Janiskee - May 6th, 2010 3:20am

Civil War Buffs, This Photo Contests For You!

Here's a photo contest for all you amateur Civil War buffs. Sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Center for Civil War Photography, and History, the deadline to get your images in for consideration is August 31.