A visit to Joshua Tree National Park in California is carrying an unexpected expense for three Germans who have been charged with defacing signs and buildings with paintballs.

Laurel Rematore, who has led Smokies Life for more than eight years, is retiring and being succeeded by Jacqueline Harp, who has a long relationship with the outdoor industry.

The National Park Service has approved an Environmental Assessment for an 18.6-mile re-route within the Rusk County Forest for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin.

Officials at North Cascades National Park in Washington state have closed additional areas, trails, and camps due to increased fire activity on the Pioneer Fire and on a new fire start, the Flat Creek Fire, west of Stehekin on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.