There is no doubt that the park system has issues that must be tackled, from crowds and air-tour noise to cracked concrete, eroding trails, and not enough interpretive rangers to explain the wonders. But take the time to explore these places -- truly explore, not simply count coup with a selfie -- and it's hard not to come away in awe.

It's no secret, it's constantly getting a bit more expensive to stay in a lodge inside a national park. But is the experience also rising, or is it not keeping track with the cost?

Drilling is often suggested as a means of preventing Yellowstone from erupting. It seems like a reasonable idea, but the volcano doesn’t work that way. And while it might be possible to generate power by geothermal drilling, that would risk disturbing the thermal features of Yellowstone—one-of-a-kind geologic and cultural treasures, with no way back when features start to change or disappear.

Did you know the National Park Service doesn't want to perform either an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment on air tour management plans it has failed for two decades to implement? Are you concerned about a commercial spaceport sending rockets over Cumberland Island National Seashore?