Sad news was released yesterday that Portland Mountain Rescue has found the remains of a body believed to be that of Anthony Vietti, a Washington resident that went missing in December 2009 while climbing Mt. Hood during a bout of nasty weather and avalanche danger.
Monthly Archives: August 2010
Grizzly attacks in Yellowstone could be on the rise
Researchers with the USGS have warned that visitors will run a greater risk of run-ins with grizzlies this fall. A shortage of whitebark pine cones (one of the grizzly’s main supplies of protein in preparation for winter) is most likely the cause of the increased sightings in Yellowstone. There have already been two fatal maulings…
Challenges facing Grand Canyon National Park
The NPCA released a report this week outlining the challenges that face Grand Canyon National Park in the years to come. With over 5 million visitors per year, Grand Canyon NP is one of the most well-known parks in the system. However, those 5 million people have an impact on the park’s environment, outlined in the report. Many of the challenges that the park faces are shared across the entire National Park System. Read more to see the major points the NPCA outlined in their report.
Yosemite clearing trees to improve the view
Apparently trees grow over 130 years. Shocking news I know, but some of the most iconic views from pictures of Yosemite in the late 1800s are no longer possible thanks to tree growth in the intervening century. To combat this, the National Park Service plans to do a bit of logging at 181 scenic vistas…
Mount Rainier Wild Flowers at Peak
Ever plan on seeing the wildflowers at Mount Rainier? Well, now is the time to go. According to the park’s plant ecologist, Lou Whiteaker the flowers are now at their peak. Nisqually Vista has a few wonderful areas, but the Deadhorse Creek trail has the most. We were up at the park a little over…
Canada to offer free pass to National Parks and Historic Sites for expropriated people
In a highly anticipated move, the Canadian Government announced a free pass to access Canadian national parks and national historic sites for up to three generations of expropriated people. This will allow expropriated people, their children, and their grandchildren access to areas dear to them and their culture. Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse…
Climbers rescued on Mont Blanc
Last week, two British climbers were rescued from Western Europe’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc. Finn McCann and Tom Greenwood had climbed to roughly 3,500 meters when they realized that they were unable to climb and further up the mountain. Unfortunately, they were also unable to climb back down again. One of the pair had a…
Technology gets idiots in trouble in the National Parks
Many of us have seen the video of park-goers throwing a stick at a buffalo, only to be surprised when it charges the camera. Instances of idiots in the outdoors are only increasing as the use of gadgets in our parks increases. Unfortunately the idiots with the buffalo aren’t alone. Park rangers recount stories of…
UN and Ecuador team up to protect national park
This week the UN and Ecuador reached a historic agreement to set up a trust to protect the biodiverse (and oil-rich) lands that fall within the Yasuni National Park in Ecuador. Read more for details about the deal.
Temporary closure of CCC Road near Mt. Si
Local (Seattle area) fans of Mt. Si will enjoy the latest news from Washington State Department of Natural Resources: a five-mile stretch of the CCC Road near Mt. Si will be converted into a trail for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Between August 20 and the month of September, crews will be working to convert…