National Parks Traveler

More than two centuries after General George Washington and his Continental Army somehow endured a bitterly cold and exacting winter at Valley Forge, the landscape is again in turmoil. On one side is a national historical park, one that helps preserve the memory of America's birth. On the other, an organization whose questionable motives could sully that landscape.

VAFO-ARC Briefing Statement.pdf

VAFO-ARC Implications.doc

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 23rd, 2008 7:31pm

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Whatever Became of the Decommissioned National Parks?

Once upon a time, there was a national park unit centered around fossilized plants. And there was another -- the country's second national park -- that was located on an island in Lake Huron. But no more.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 23rd, 2008 1:05pm

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Missing Cavers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Ill-Prepared

Four spelunkers who found themselves stranded in a cave in Great Smoky Mountains National Park were ill-prepared for their adventure.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 22nd, 2008 10:39am

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Missing Cavers Found At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Four cavers, said to be inexperienced, were found wet and cold but uninjured Friday in a cave in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 21st, 2008 9:51am

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Mount Vernon, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Proposed To Become World Heritage Sites

A remote cluster of islands near Hawaii and George Washington's Virginia home, Mount Vernon, have been proposed by Interior Department officials for World Heritage Site designation.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 20th, 2008 2:48pm

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Vacation Options In Yellowstone, Olympic, and Mesa Verde National Parks

There are chick flicks, and now even chick national park retreats.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 19th, 2008 8:29pm

Should Uranium Mining Be Allowed Outside Grand Canyon National Park?

Would you avoid a visit to Grand Canyon National Park if you had to drive past a uranium mine to reach the park?

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 19th, 2008 7:38pm

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Paper Calls For Park Service To Protect Wildlife From ORVs on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A North Carolina newspaper has, figuratively, tossed some gasoline on the simmering dispute over the National Park Service's failure to produce an off-road vehicle management plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. In an editorial the Raleigh News and Observer says the Park Service is deferring to ORVers to the detriment of wildlife.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 19th, 2008 2:19pm

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Evacuation Plans Prepared For Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Due to High SO2 Levels

A substantial surge in sulfur dioxide gases being vented in the Halema'uma'u Crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has prompted park officials to prepare an evacuation plan. For now, though, trade winds and rain seem to be safely dispersing the gases.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 18th, 2008 5:17pm

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

With all the debate lately over whether visitors should be allowed to carry weapons in national parks, much has been said about the need for protection against wild animals, bears in particular. Well, studies show bear spray is a much more effective deterrent than a speeding bullet.

USFWS Bear Spray vs. Bullets.pdf