Surprisingly quick work had Yosemite National Park officials saying the El Portal Road into the park would reopen Saturday night after being closed for two days by a rockslide.

Charging that Delaware North Companies seeks to bolster its bottom line by securing trademarks to iconic U.S.-owned properties, and then "wildly inflates" their value, the U.S. Justice Department has asked a federal claims court to toss out DNC Parks & Resort's multi-million-dollar lawsuit against the government.

How are we to act in a national park? That might seem to carry an obvious answer, but it's not always so obvious these days. As different generations, different racial groups, and different cultures enter the National Park System, not all seem out to enjoy the natural beauty on display in the landscape parks simply by walking about and gazing at the setting, hiking or backpacking, paddling or climbing, or watching wildlife.

The national parks of the United States are often compared to, and indeed inspire, works of art. In fact, the USGS has been regularly contributing new and updated works of art for the national parks—maps.