Tag archive for ‘National Park Service’
Human and environmental factors threaten National Parks
Recent studies of our National Parks have exposed a wide range of threats that can (and most likely will) have a serious impact on the conditions of the land. Climate change, increased visitors (and the foot traffic that comes along with them), air pollution from vehicles, and litter are all threatening to destroy the beauty that many are trying to preserve for generations to come.
Montana firm wins deal to remove two dams on the Elwha River
After decades of discussion about removing two of the dams on the Elwha River on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, the National Park Service has finally signed a contract to do just that. The firm that won the contract, and signed the deal this week is Barnard Construction out of Bozeman, Montana.
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 [...]
Half Dome cables to be installed June 15
This year will mark the first year that permits are required for Half Dome climbs on weekends and holidays. Historically, those have been the busiest times on the route and climbing permits will keep the routes safe during peak times. Although there is only a $1 administrative fee (to cover the online permit registration process), [...]
Fee-free days at the National Parks
The National Park Service is continuing their fee-free parks days again this summer, as they were such a hit last year. The first weekend on the calendar is just a few days away–June 5th and 6th. Over 100 parks in the system will be participating.* Other fee-free dates on the calendar for this year are: [...]
Free entry to National Parks during National Park Week
National Park Week starts on Saturday! And to celebrate, visitors between April 17-25 this year will gain free admission into any of the 392 parks and monuments in the National Parks System.
Pinnacles National Monument receives federal stimulus funding
Yesterday the National Park Service announced new plans for the federal stimulus money that Pinnacles National Monument is slated to receive. Approved in 2009, funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would be put towards building two new trails. However, the funds have been reassigned to other needs within the park. The new plans [...]
Still time for suggestions on winter-usage at Yellowstone NP
America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, has been making the headlines in recent years because of controversial winter-usage plans. The fight over the limits and regulation of snowmobiles and snowcoaches between conservationists and snowmobilers has been widely reported. Currently the park has set limits that allow up to 318 snowmobiles and 78 multi-passenger snowcoaches [...]
Reservations for Yosemite Half Dome climbs now available
After a years of overcrowding and potentially dangerous situations on the Half Dome cables in Yosemite National Park, a new system has been put in place. To reduce the amount of people on the cables at one time, you’ll need to reserve your climb in advance. On Monday, March 1 the online registration system went [...]
BC to ban mineral exploration near Glacier National Park
Last month we wrote about the recommendation to ban mining near Glacier National Park in British Columbia. The latest development of the issue was announced Monday–British Columbia will be banning mining and drilling near the park. Most of Glacier National Park lies in Montana, where mineral exploration and energy development are off limits. However, the [...]
Entries (RSS)