National Parks Traveler

During the run-up to the 2008 presidential election, Senator John McCain of Arizona was applauded by many as a friend of the national parks. However, some groups are now wondering why the senator is supporting legislation that would increase air tours over Grand Canyon National Park, an experience that offers many incredible views of the park and yet one that others criticize for the noisy intrusion on the park setting.

McCain Overflights Amendment.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 22nd, 2010 2:14am

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By the Numbers: Shenandoah National Park

Two-thirds of America’s population lives within a day’s drive of Shenandoah National Park, which is located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains just 75 miles west of Washington, DC. Made automobile-convenient by a venerable parkway that winds through its forested mountains, Shenandoah is a recreational cornucopia and a sightseer’s delight.

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By Bob Janiskee - March 21st, 2010 3:55am

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Good Winter Rains, Warming Temperatures Spurring Blooms in Joshua Tree National Park

Good winter rains and warmer spring days seem to be doing the trick in Joshua Tree National Park, where the spring bloom is moving right along. It's still too early, though, to say this year's bloom will match those colorful displays of 2005 and 2008.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 21st, 2010 2:32am

Will Yellowstone Win the National Parks Playoffs?  

 It isn’t often that an e-mail from the Government Printing Office grabs my attention, but this week’s popped up saying, “National Parks Playoff.” Hmm. Better open that.

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By Donna Childress - March 21st, 2010 2:10am

The Changing Range of Light, Portraits of the Sierra Nevada

A gorgeous new book of photography that captures the seasons of the High Sierra has arrived, but it comes with a pausing message that this beautiful landscape is changing before our eyes.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 21st, 2010 2:04am

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Special Events At Shenandoah National Park Include Easter Egg Hunt and Vintner Dinners

With its great location in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is one of those national parks that is within easy reach of day-trippers. With that in mind, the park's concessionaire has developed a number of special events for young and old.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 20th, 2010 2:32am

Biologist Cain reflects on Grand Teton National Park Wildlife Adventures

The work of Grand Teton National Park’s senior wildlife biologist has received much-deserved recognition with a regional National Park Service award for excellence. The honor also is a victory for applied, hand’s-on ecology.

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By Todd Wilkinson - March 20th, 2010 2:14am

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Recruiting for "Elk Bugle Corps"

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials once again are looking for volunteers to help them manage both people and elk in the Cataloochee Valley on the North Carolina side of the park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 20th, 2010 2:11am

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Rockslide Forces Closing of a Section of Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a section of Little River Road has been closed while work crews deal with a rockslide. Motorists with larger RVs must be aware of bridge weight limits on the detour.

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By Bob Janiskee - March 19th, 2010 8:13am

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Elk, Bison Populations in Yellowstone National Park Said To Be Stable

Late-winter surveys of elk and bison herds in Yellowstone National Park show the animals are maintaining relatively stable populations compared to recent years, according to park biologists.