With Democrats gaining the majority in the House of Representatives, expect to see more inquiries into how the Interior Department is run, perhaps a slowdown or halt in the development of new management plans for Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments, greater oversight into reorganization of Interior, and more light of day for parks-related legislation offered by House Democrats.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is being pressed by a congressman to explain the thinking and associated costs behind sending National Park Service rangers to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Amistad National Recreation Area to help with border control.

Bad weather, lack of a presidential inauguration, and safety concerns along the Southwestern border with Mexico apparently were the major drivers behind a slight dip in 2010 visitation to the National Park System from 2009 levels.

While flood waters have receded a bit at Lake Amistad National Recreation Area in Texas, a surge is expected in the coming days, which is bad news for those hoping to camp at the NRA. Some folks, though, see the flooding as a sight to see.