National parks are not alone in grappling with crowds. Many gateway communities surrounding our national parks are notable for their own amazing offerings -- natural beauty with tranquil spots for solitude and reflection…and nice venues for dining, listening to live music and pursuing year-round outdoor recreational and leisure activities. But when the management of visitation in these areas is unchecked, and the very resources that make these places highly desirable destinations are strained, can anything really be done?
The community of Jackson, Wyoming, hopes so. Recognizing that residents, business owners and visitors all share in the responsibility of preserving the area’s unique character and allure, stakeholders throughout Teton County have put together a comprehensive sustainable destination management plan. The goal is to protect the beauty of the area, preserve a healthy environment and, at the same time, enhance visitor experience, business growth and quality of life for residents.
This week the Traveler’s Lynn Riddick talks with Crista Valentino of the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board to find out what’s in the plan and how it will help.
By Jess Repanshek - May 7th, 2023
:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode Intro with Kurt Repanshek
1:10 Vista Verde - Tim Heintz - The Sounds of Peaks, Plateaus and Canyons
1:52 Potrero Group
2:18 Yosemite Conservancy
2:41 Friends of Acadia
3:09 Jackson Hole Sustainable Destination Management Plan
20:15 Almost Home - Randy Petersen - The Sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains
20:26 Traveler Promo
20:39 Washington’s National Park Fund
21:11 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
21:34 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
22:08 Jackson Hole Sustainable Destination Management Plan Continues
34:46 Sieur de Monts - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
35:00 Interior Federal Credit Union
35:20 Great Smoky Mountains Association
35:41 The Everglades Foundation
35:54 Jackson Hole Sustainable Destination Management Plan Continues
45:36 No’Easter - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
45:59 Episode Closing
46:22 Orange Tree Productions
46:55 Splitbeard Productions
47:05 National Parks Traveler footer
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 301 | Red-Cockaded Woodpecker--A Decision Too Soon?
The vulnerable red-cockaded woodpecker is known to be found in national park units throughout the southeast. Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park in Florida, Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are just a few of the parks that either are, or once were, home to the woodpecker.
November 17th, 2024
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 300 | Wildlife at Play
Humans like to play, right? We play cards, we play baseball and basketball, we go fishing or take a hike into the mountains. It’s our play time, time to recharge, refocus, relax.
November 10th, 2024
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 299 | Essential Coverage
Whether this is your first listen of our weekly podcast or number 299, welcome and thank you for listening. We hope you find these episodes interesting and present information or a side to the parks that you previously didn’t know about.
November 3rd, 2024
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 298 | 4 Women, 4 Kidneys, 444 Miles, 4 Days
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic byway that rolls 440 miles through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. A unit of the National Park Service, the trace winds its way through lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems and interesting historical sites.
Originally the trace was a foot path for Native Americans and later used by early pioneers and traders. Today it’s popular for motorists, cyclists and others seeking adventure, tranquility and a peek into America’s past.
October 27th, 2024
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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 297 | Trail of the Lost
The National Trail System in the United States spans many thousands of miles of foot trail. The crown jewels of that system, of course, are the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
While the adventurous might look at those long trails and set their sights on hiking one end from end, not all manage to complete the journey. Many become disillusioned after days spent hiking in the rain, or because they become homesick, or because of the blisters that sprout on their feet.
October 20th, 2024
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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
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