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National Parks Traveler Episode 107: Rebuilding Coral Reefs At Dry Tortugas National Park

By Kurt Repanshek - February 28th, 2021
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Coral is a foundation species – one that creates the habitats that support biodiversity and provides essential shoreline protection. The waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, which lies about 60 miles to the west of Key West, Florida, are home to some 30 species of coral. One type –- Elkhorn Coral -- rises above the rest, literally and figuratively, for its importance in the region. It also happens to be the most threatened.  

A U.S. Geological Survey team looked into whether Elkhorn Coral grown in nursery conditions could be transplanted in Dry Tortugas and other areas of the Florida Keys. The Traveler’s Lynn Riddick got the details about the study from lead investigator Dr. Ilsa Kuffner, who says the findings are encouraging, as is the shift in the way people have started to think about reef conservation

:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode introduction with Kurt Repanshek
1:47 Beyond the Reef - Tim Heintz and Grant Geissman - Seascapes: A Musical Journey
2:12 Potrero Group
2:43 Friends of Acadia
3:09 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
3:45 Lynn Riddick talks to Dr. Ilsa Kuffner about coral transplant research at Dry Tortugas National Park.
20:10 Whispering Winds - Grant Geissman - Sounds of the Caribbean
20:25 National Parks Traveler
20:38 Western National Parks Association
21:01 North Cascades Institute
21:20 Washington’s National Park Fund
21:54 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
22:22 Lynn Riddick's discussion with Dr. Kuffner continues.
51:14 Flamingo - Tim Heintz - The Sounds of the Everglades
51:27 Episode Closing
52:17 Orange Tree Productions
52:50 Splitbeard Productions
53:03 National Parks Traveler footer

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The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.