Recent Stories
People, cars causes problems for Yosemite
YOSEMITE VALLEY, Calif. — When automobiles were first allowed to enter in 1913, Yosemite National Park quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Today, almost a century later, the automobile has become one of the leading causes of adverse conditions in the park. “Increase inRead More…
Underused parks create awareness, access
In the summer, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is at once warm and filled with swarms of mosquitoes in its valleys and cold and filled with snow in its utmost elevations. If such diversity is contained within one park, imagine the variety present in a park system that spans theRead More…
Parks try to control commercial efforts
The battle of Gettysburg occurred more than 100 years ago, but the ancient battleground that marked the turning point of the Civil war can still be visited and experienced today. However, the natural and historic integrity of Gettysburg National Military Park is threatened by the demands of an increasingly developingRead More…
African Burial Ground recalls slavery era
NEW YORK, N.Y. — I have lived in New York my whole life, just blocks from Times Square, the heart of the city where fast-paced New Yorkers obliviously type away on their cell phones, seemingly unaware of their surroundings, and overlooking Central Park, the only park most people equate withRead More…
Yellowstone works to protect wildlife
In what is one of the most recognizable national parks in the United States, the population of a few species of wildlife is being closely monitored. Yellowstone National Park is widely known for having a rich variety of wildlife. However, several prominent species face threats to their respective populations, specificallyRead More…
Visitors keep parks’ search teams busy
A group of hikers embarks upon a voyage into a vast wilderness in what is supposed to be a fun few days of camping, stargazing and relaxation amongst nature. Suddenly, the seemingly harmless journey turns disastrous. The global positioning system (GPS) unit that the hikers were depending on to navigateRead More…
Parks seek ways to manage crowds, cars
Tired of hearing about the economy and its negative effect on just about everything? The economy might be hurting, but the national parks are booming by comparison if you look at attendance. The national park system is on its way to breaking the attendance record for a calendar year. ThereRead More…
Natural change often perilous, but healthy
Although some people may consider the destructive combustion of burning material that ignites to give off light, heat and flame a natural disaster, Yellowstone National Park officials do not see it that way. In most cases, they consider wildfires to be part of a healthy process of natural regeneration. IncidentsRead More…
Rangers offer diverse backgrounds
Rangers are the most famously known employees of the National Park Service. They are portrayed as people who protect, guide and personalize the parks in which they work. They have even been commercialized in popular media productions, such as Ranger Smith who works at Jellystone Park in the early 1960sRead More…
Safety is primary concern for managers
The American national parks provide outstanding places for many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, boating and rock climbing. Each national park hosts a different environment of wild animals and natural landscapes that contribute to the quality of every visitor’s experience. At left, a Yellowstone crash (Photo by Jim Peaco, NationalRead More…
Recession both good, bad for parks
For national parks, entrance fees are the main way to garner revenue. For Shenandoah National Park, entrance fees used to give 80 percent back to the park to support park programs, however in the current recession, fluctuating funds mean the park can no longer hire permanent employees. Superintendent Martha BogleRead More…
Fishing rules vary by location, local laws
Fishing in the U.S. national parks can be a collectively enjoyable and relaxing activity as long as one plays by the rules. And there are many rules. If one is to compare pictures of fish catch from 30 to 50 years ago to fish caught today, one difference is veryRead More…