Air and Ground Search Under Way for Missing Backpackers in Denali National Park and Preserve
An air and ground search is under way in Denali National Park and Preserve for two backpackers missing in the Savage River drainage.
Commentary: Who Runs the National Park System?
Who runs the National Park System? Is it the National Park Service, or communities that fuel their economies off the parks? That's a good question to consider in the wake of the moxie and clout that tiny Cody, Wyoming, summoned to turn the heat up on its golden goose, Yellowstone National Park.
- By Kurt Repanshek - June 15th, 2008 5:19am
Park History: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established 74 years ago this month. Now this big, automobile-convenient park attracts more than 9 million visitors a year and entertains them with forested mountainsides, winding roads, flowering shrubs, pioneer-era relics, and other delights. Great Smoky has great scenery, interesting history, and amazing biodiversity.
- By Bob Janiskee - June 15th, 2008 4:38am
Exploring the "Other Half" of Our National Parks: Stargazing Under Protected Dark Skies
The renowned amateur astronomer and telescope maker, John Lowery Dobson, 92, once said, "National Parks are special places where dark skies and curious minds collide." Dobson and the famed Sidewalk Astronomers have spent three decades taking their home-made telescopes to the national parks to meet park visitors willing to stay out after dark to help them explore the "other half" of their parks.
Powerful Storm Spares Witness Trees at Antietam National Battlefield
The powerful storm that struck the National Capital Region on June 4 damaged many park units. Antietam National Battlefield was hit very hard, but it could have been worse. The park’s witness trees escaped unscathed.
- By Bob Janiskee - June 13th, 2008 1:15pm
Rare Leatherback Sea Turtle Nest Discovered at Padre Island National Seashore
A leatherback sea turtle nest has been discovered at Padre Island National Seashore. This is the first time since the 1930s that a leatherback has nested on the Texas Gulf Coast. What are we to make of this remarkable event?
- By Bob Janiskee - June 13th, 2008 6:00am
Yellowstone's Latest Snowmobile Decision for Cody: Politically Motivated or Simply Neighborly?
Were Yellowstone National Park officials simply being neighborly when they reversed themselves recently on whether to keep Sylvan Pass open for snowmobile traffic during the winter months? Or were their feet being scorched by the political fires that too often seem to influence management decisions?
Mount Rainier National Park Shuttle System Stretching to Ashford
So many folks flock to Mount Rainier National Park, and Paradise, specifically, in summer that the park uses an electric sign at the Nisqually Entrance to alert incoming visitors to parking problems at Paradise. Well, on weekends a new shuttle line could make that sign inconsequential for the informed traveler.
MORA-Paradise Shuttle Schedule.pdf
- By Kurt Repanshek - June 12th, 2008 1:06pm
National Park History: Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park celebrated its 64th birthday June 12. More than just a marvel of biodiversity, this remote and scenic park offers a wide range of recreational choices. To get the most from your visit you’ll need to do some homework, time your visit wisely, make some prior arrangements, and be prepared for changing conditions.
- By Bob Janiskee - June 12th, 2008 5:17am
Day Hike Turns Fatal at Mount Rainier National Park
A day hike onto the flanks of Mount Rainier has turned fatal, with blizzard conditions killing one man and leaving two others stuck on the mountain.
- By Kurt Repanshek - June 11th, 2008 9:26am
