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Death Valley National Park

Devils Hole Pupfish Population Reaches 136 At Death Valley National Park

One of the world’s rarest fish species, the Devils Hole pupfish, has reached a population of 136 observable fish. This high spring season population count at Death Valley National Park follows years of substantially lower spring population counts, which triggered concerns over the chances of survival of this critically endangered fish.

At Death Valley, Scotty’s Castle Projects Pass Environmental Assessment

The National Park Service has completed its final environmental reviews of proposed projects to repair flood damage at Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley National Park. Meanwhile, work has already started on projects approved earlier. The popular historic site could be partially open by late 2020, and is expected to be fully open by late 2021

Episode 6: The Dark Ranger And The Other Half Of The Park System

Kevin Poe, the original "dark ranger" of the National Park Service, discusses the dark, starry skies high over the National Park System in this week's episode of National Parks Traveler's podcast series. Contributing writer Kim O'Connell shares some insights from her research into how Venezuela's national parks are faring during these times of social and political turmoil in that country, and host Kurt Repanshek concludes the show with a look at some of the park system's "devilish" places.

Consolidation In Managing The National Park Lodges

Who really does manage most national park lodgings? For the big operations in places such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Shenandoah, corporations. Not surprisingly, while many of the 500 management contracts administered by the National Park Service, such as providing firewood or operating a bicycle rental operation, are relatively straightforward, those for large commercial facilities such as lodging in Yosemite or Yellowstone are extremely complicated. David and Kay Scott bring some clarity to this issue in their latest article pertaining to lodging in the National Park System.

National Parks 101: Who Runs The Lodges And Dining Establishments?

Many travelers (readers of the Traveler excepted) mistakenly believe commercial facilities in the national parks – lodging, dining, and retail - are operated by the federal government. While national park officials have ultimate oversight on things such as pricing, these facilities are operated by private companies that bid for the right to rent rooms, operate dining facilities, sell T-shirts, and offer specified activities such as trail rides and guided tours. NPS rangers continue to staff visitor centers and offer interpretive activities, but nearly all commercial activities are handled by the private sector.

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