National Parks Traveler

Center for State of the Parks Gives Lassen Volcanic National Park A "Fair" Rating

Kurt Repanshek — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:06:52 -0500

Funding deficiencies are hamstringing the staff at Lassen Volcanic National Park by preventing them from adequately protecting the park's natural and cultural resources, according to the Center for State of the Parks.

Acadia National Park Turning Back the Calendar For Historic Trail Names

Kurt Repanshek — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:54:09 -0500

What's in a name? History, frankly. And that's why crews at Acadia National Park are returning to the past in renaming many trails that crisscross the park.

Road Work Will Be Highly Visible in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2010

Kurt Repanshek — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:31:40 -0500

Orange will be highly visible in Great Smoky Mountains National Park early next year, as road work ramps up around the park thanks to an infusion of funds via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as the Federal Lands Highway Program. While that work will produce some long-needed improvements, it also means getting around the park could be difficult at times.

Backup Maintenance Could Take the Traveler Down Tonight

Kurt Repanshek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:01:22 -0500

Unexpected maintenance Saturday night could take the Traveler off-line from 8 p.m. MST through midnight.

Glacier Bay National Park Rangers Use Satellite Technology to Help Tangled Whales

Kurt Repanshek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:47:24 -0500

Rangers in Glacier Bay National Park respond not only to human visitors in trouble, but also to marine life that need help. A recent case of a humpback whale that became entangled in a polyester line demonstrates not only the quick response of park rangers, but also how satellite technology can play a role in saving whales.

Is This the Most Unique Job in the National Park Service?

JimB — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:33:01 -0500

The National Park Service employs men and women in some unusual and challenging positions, but one that's a good contender for the title of "most unique job in the system" is currently open at Denali National Park and Preserve.

National Park Service Director Jarvis Reminds Employees To Be Ethical in All They Do

Kurt Repanshek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:11:08 -0500

In a reminder that they are public servants given a broad responsibility to manage national parks in the public's best interests, National Park Service Director John Jarvis has reminded his far-flung staff to adhere to high ethical standards.

True Tales From the National Parks: Get Me Off Devils Tower!

Kurt Repanshek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:01:49 -0500

In the fall of 1941 the Tower made the headlines of the nation's leading newspapers. This was brought about through the fool-hardy stunt of a professional parachutist named George Hopkins. Without the consent or knowledge of National Park Service officials, Hopkins, who held a number of United States and world's records for spectacular jumps, on October 1 parachuted from an airplane to the top of the Tower.

Tidewater Goby Translocation: A Little Fish Gets a Big Boost

Bob Janiskee — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:26:00 -0500

The tiny fish called the tidewater goby doesn’t get the publicity that the Devils Hole pupfish gets, but like that other little fish this endangered species is getting a helping hand. Gobies from Point Reyes National Seashore were recently translocated to establish a new population at a protected site on Tomales Bay.

Traveler's Gear Box: A Tent For Every Occasion

Kurt Repanshek — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:14:00 -0500

Tents are one of the most important pieces of gear you need if you take extended treks into the national parks' backcountry. They truly can make a life-and-death difference in extreme conditions. While they also used to be one of the more expensive pieces of gear, there is a trend to make quality backpacking tents more affordable.