Human-produced dust, mostly from grazing and farming, settles on mountain snowpacks in the Upper Colorado River basin and significantly reduces runoff. Eliminating this "dirty snow" phenomenon, which impacts national parks as well as the regional economy, would require a huge reduction in soil-disturbing activities.
Railroad buffs are about the most dedicated bunch you can find, flocking to model train shows and to rail yard sidings to glimpse historic engines and rolling stock. Now, thanks to National Park Service efforts, they have a new destination: The East Troy Electric Railroad in Wisconsin where five historic South Shore Railroad Cars have been put back in action.
What are the best adventures in the National Park System in the Lower 48? For sure, three weeks floating the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park has to be one, and climbing the Grand Teton in its namesake park is another. But then what?
A proposal working its way through Congress would allow for a small hydro-generation station to be placed in Denali National Park and Preserve to provide electricity for a lodge.
Earlier this month we mentioned how the Trust for Public Lands had secured more than 400 acres for Mount Rainier National Park. Now we can pass on that the Mojave Desert Land Trust has obtained more than 950 acres for Joshua Tree National Park.
Here's hoping for clear skies Saturday night in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park, where rangers will be leading stargazing programs.
How do you prefer your national parks? Should they be utilitarian destinations, landscapes that serve all comers, whether they're in search of dazzling vistas or motorized recreation, or Utopian, ideals that should be appreciated for what is found within their borders?
A long effort by supporters of a Coltsville National Historical Park in Connecticut hit a roadblock when a bill authorizing the project failed to garner the necessary votes in the House. The congressman for the district promises to try again. What do you think about the idea?