There are trees, big trees, and really big trees that are recognized as national champions by American Forests. And one of those champion trees, a chesnut oak, can be found in a small Civil War setting in Washington, D.C., preserved by the National Park Service.

Five national parks in Utah, plus one national recreation area and two national monuments, will reopen, temporarily, under a deal the state reached with Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.

"By the numbers" stories are usually intriguing and interesting, though the following numbers on the impacts of the shutdown of the National Park System are sobering and disconcerting.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said Thursday she would consider reaching a working agreement with states to open national parks within their borders if they have the financial resources to pay for the National Park Service staff in the parks.