David Vela, once nominated to be director of the National Park Service but never confirmed by the Senate, is heading to Washington, D.C., just the same to serve as the agency's acting deputy director of operations.

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.

How many of you have ever traveled to Grand Teton National Parkm in the Cowboy State? How many of you might be considering a first time visit to this park? During her move from Texas to Washington State, contributing photographer Rebecca Latson spent 2-1/2 days photographing the beauty of Grand Teton National Park, coming away with wonderful images and a new appreciation for the word "Grand." While Rebecca's stay was all too short and she didn't get to visit every iconic scene on her Grand Teton bucket list, what she did see is enough to provide tips and techniques to help you with your own Grand Teton photography.