Alaska wildlife officials, in a move certain to flare jurisdictional issues between the state and federal governments if OKed, are proposing that they be allowed to kill predators in national parks and preserves without prior approval from the National Park Service. The proposal has prompted a message from National Park Service officials that Alaska's wildlife management powers "are not absolute when we are dealing with Federal lands within the State."

There's no doubt you have a great job when the top dogs at Denali National Park and Preserve take orders from you. In this case over two dozen sled dogs answer to the "chief musher," and the park has announced its selection for the person who will fill that job.

There are lotteries for landing backcountry campsites in the national parks, lotteries for winning the privilege for floating down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park, and even lotteries for the chance to drive down the Denali Road in Denali National Park & Preserve during the fall color season.

If Denali National Park and Preserve is in your travel plans for next summer, beginning Tuesday you'll be able to make your reservation for a ride on the park's shuttle buses and for a site in one of the park's four largest campgrounds.