Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk, who was able to end years of litigation over a winter-use plan for the park, has been honored by the National Parks Conservation Association for his achievements during a nearly four-decade career with the National Park Service.

Do national park-related issues affect your decisions at the ballot box?

Many areas in the National Park System are famous for autumn color, and visitors flock to places like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Acadia National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the seasonal palette of natural beauty. There are, however, some other parks where fall color can be either a surprise—or a favorite destination for savvy travelers.

A public opinion poll of key Western states has produced somewhat contradictory results when it comes to federal lands in those states. While strong numbers voiced positive views of agencies such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, strong numbers held their state governments in higher esteem than the federal government. Overall, though, a slight majority opposes proposals to turn those federal lands over to the states.