April National Park News

Acadia National Park News:
Maine's Acadia National Park closes trails to protect falcons
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, Maine (AP) — Officials at Acadia National Park have closed hiking trails on and around the Precipice Cliff to protect peregrine falcons that have been showing pre-nesting behavior.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-04-01-acadia-peregrine-falcons_N.htm

Everglades National Park News:
Everglades National Park—farewell to Flamingo Lodge
Flamingo Lodge is gone. It had been closed since the hurricanes of 2005 swept through Florida and Everglades National Park. But, now it's gone, literally, scooped up and carted away.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4661-National-...-Flamingo-Lodge

Glacier National Park News:
Glacier Park superintendent to discuss current issues at City Club
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2009/03/31/bnews/br50.txt
Grand Teton National Park News:
Game officers to alter some hunting seasons
Wildlife managers will announce some changes to moose, bison and elk hunting seasons in the Jackson Hole area at a meeting tonight in Jackson.
http://www.jhguide.com/article.php?art_id=4419

Misc. National Park News:
National Park Service openings
DELAWARE WATER GAP — The National Park Service will hire people for full-time and temporary jobs at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
http://www.scrantontimes.com/articles/20...2413075_bus.txt

Picture Perfect!: National Park Foundation Announces 2008 Winners of the Share the Experience Photo Contest
The National Park Foundation proudly congratulates the 2008 winners of the Share the Experience Photo Contest, the official photo contest of America's national parks and federal lands, sponsored by NPF in partnership with Olympus and the federal land management agencies.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/picture...ence-775021294/

Outside the US/Canadian Parks System News:
What does it mean to be a national park?
National Park status may prove a mixed blessing for the South Downs.
The Government claims it will protect the area for centuries to come but many residents are concerned that the strict new rules on planning and influx of tourists will ruin the very countryside it has been set up to protect.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5083532/What-does-it-mean-to-be-a-national-park.html

Special honey discovered at Kakum National Park (Note, beware of short, annoying audio commercial)
Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, Minister of Tourism, has announced the discovery of a special medicinal honey at Kakum National Park and said this would add another activity for tourists who visited the park.
http://news.myjoyonline.com/travel/200903/28175.asp

2 rare elephants shot dead in Indonesian jungles
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Two Sumatran elephants were found dead with gunshots to the head in a protected forest in western Indonesia, a conservationist said Tuesday.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRlAJx1GtkRHYx3QqSFVaKyoKbTgD978VCQG1


Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Law of the land
President Obama signs bill protecting Rocky Mountain National Park
ESTES PARK, Colo. — Estes Park Mayor Bill Pinkham and Grand Lake Mayor Judy Burke were at the White House Monday as President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law. More than 250,000 acres of Rocky Mountain National Park is included in this act that designates two million acres of public land as wilderness areas in nine states.
http://www.eptrail.com/news/2009/apr/01/signs-bill/

Yellowstone National Park News:
INL looking for ways to control brucellosis
The livestock disease brucellosis, which causes animals to abort their offspring, has cost ranchers millions and may affect a huge population of wildlife.
http://www.kidk.com/news/local/42083727.html

Yosemite National Park News:
Rockfall closes Yosemite trail near Half Dome
Officials say no one was injured in a giant rockfall near Yosemite National Park's iconic Half Dome, but it did close a trail.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/31/state/n133315D19.DTL&tsp=1

Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Bryce Canyon: Hoodoo You Love
A three-hour tour. A three...hour...tour.
Here in the expansive courtyard of a St. George hotel, I’m sipping pretty good coffee and slowly waking up. I sip the black rocket fuel and watch starched-shirt businessmen and pants-suited businesswomen chatter into cell phones, huddle around laptops, and buzz with the early morning energy of a seminar.
http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/bryce_canyon_hoodoo_you_love/C564/L564/

Denali National Park News:
Worms on Ice- Natural Alaska
There is a creature in Alaska that outnumbers people, yet few people have seen it. It lives where we can’t, it’s as small as a fingernail clipping, it appears only in shadows and at night, and it dissolves at room temperature.
http://www.alaskamagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1651&Itemid=321

Everglades National Park News:
'We're being lied to,' anglers say about Everglades park proposals
Florida Keys fishing guides and anglers told Everglades National Park staff on Monday that channel markers intended to protect Florida Bay shallows could make matters worse.
http://www.keysnet.com/news/story/87445.html

Glacier National Park News:
Glacier NP begins clearing the road
Snowplow crews are starting the lengthy process of clearing the 50 mile stretch of the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park and we hitched a ride on Wednesday morning.
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10114867&nav=menu227_7

Grand Canyon National Park News:
Slow Economy Creates Market for Free Grand Canyon Tours to Havasu Falls
The travel industry has been one of the hardest hit by the economy, and they're offering unheard of deals and discounts in order to entice leery travelers, including one Grand Canyon Tour Company that is giving away free trips. Hydros Adventures has announced that it is giving away all-inclusive hiking and camping trips to world-renowned Havasu Falls, a series of beautiful turquoise waterfalls hidden deep within the Grand Canyon on the ancestral home of Havasupai Indian Tribe.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/04/prweb2283604.htm

Tusayan-Grand Canyon Pilot Shuttle Bus Program
The National Park Service (NPS) will offer a pilot shuttle bus program between Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring town of Tusayan again this year. The service will be available from May 16 through September 13 and will run at 15 minute intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
http://readitnews.com/get-out-there-ariz...tle-bus-program

Great Falls National Park News (It kind of feels nice to say that):
In New Jersey, History Speaks to the Present
History is told in many strange ways, and often it isn’t told at all.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/nyregion/02towns.html?ref=nyregion

Great Falls, great hopes for Paterson as site becomes a national park (this has a nice video attached to it)
The designation of the Great Falls of Paterson as a national park this week was long overdue.
http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2009/04/great_falls_great_hopes_for_pa.html

Lassen Volcanic National Park News:
Three men cited for riding snowmobiles in national park
Three Northern California men have been cited into federal court for riding snowmobiles in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/1748720.html

Misc. National Park News:
National parks seek to reduce carbon footprint of workers, visitors
Thousands of cars, pickup trucks and minivans carry visitors to national parks in Western Washington. They leave behind tons of plastic water bottles, granola bar wrappers and banana peels.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/tacoma/24hour/consumer/outdoors/story/695582.html

Activist is indicted in BLM auction
A federal grand jury has indicted an environmental activist on criminal charges for disrupting a controversial land auction.
http://deseretnews.com/article/705294546...nd-auction.html

Mount Rainier National Park News:
Mountain switching from snow to spring
Even though there are more than 165 inches of snow on the ground at Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park staff members are preparing for the transition to spring operations.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/696328.html

Olympic National Park News (Editor's note...this was published yesterday, obviously....)
Returning Mountain Gorillas to Washington
Let's give a warm welcome to the majestic, chest-thumping giants.
http://daily.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2009/04/01/returning-mountain-gorillas-to-washington

Rocky Mountain National Park News:
A winter visit to Rocky Mountain National Park
A couple of weeks ago, my family went to Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland. The parade was entertaining, but with the heavy snowfall and bitter cold we decided not to stay for as long as we had planned. Instead, we got in the car and headed up the scenic byway toward Estes Park. The weather quickly cleared as we headed north, and by the time we got to the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the sky was bright blue and the views were gorgeous.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6813-Denver-Fa...n-National-Park

Yellowstone National Park News:
Nat’l Geo completes new Geotourism map guide
The wonders of Yellowstone National Park and neighboring Grand Teton are only the starting point of National Geographic’s newest Geotourism MapGuide. The map moves well beyond the parks’ borders to highlight the region’s unsung treasures, celebrating the world-class natural and cultural heritage of the entire area.
http://www.littlechicagoreview.com/pages...&open=&

Advance bookings decline in Yellowstone area
CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Fewer tourists compared to last year have booked advance reservations to visit the greater Yellowstone region this summer, but industry leaders hope low gas prices will lure people to drive to national parks and other attractions in Montana and Wyoming.
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/apr/02/bc-wy-yellowstone-tourism/?features

Michelin Teams With Yellowstone Park Foundation for Environmental Stewardship Program
Michelin has been named the "Official Tire of the Yellowstone Park Foundation" as part of a new environmental stewardship initiative to provide Michelin energy-saving tires to the Yellowstone National Park vehicle fleet.
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleas...9203&EDATE=

A relatively quiet news day...having said that, of the pieces we do have, some are very interesting.

-JM

Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon drinking water turbidity - it really is OK to drink
Roaring Springs on the north side of the Colorado River is the natural source of water for both the North and South Rim developments. It is located along the North Kaibab Trail about five miles south of the trailhead. If you have been visiting us during the spring and early summer months you may have noticed that the water here can be a little cloudy. No worries, it is still good to drink. Here is a NPS press release about just this topic.
http://www.examiner.com/x-5374-Phoenix-G...ill-OK-to-drink

Great Smoky Mountain National Park News
Ranger shifts gears to 'park' - (Note: I almost published this in misc. as the story transcends GSMNP)
Minnigh going from worker to volunteer
George Minnigh's scrapbook of memories is a real page-turner.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/03/ranger-shifts-gears-to-park/

Joshua Tree National Park News:
What if Joshua Tree National Park had No Joshua Trees?
On the heels of a state climate report that said California will have "less water and more frequent and intense wildfires, heat waves and bad-air days throughout this century," a congressional field hearing next week near Joshua Tree National Park will take on similar issues.
http://laist.com/2009/04/02/what_if_joshua_tree_national_park_h.php

Lake Clark National Park News:
Alaskans, get ready: Mount Redoubt can become nasty
Twenty-nine years ago, on a beautiful spring Sunday after church, I watched the darkest clouds I had ever seen sweep toward my hometown in eastern Washington state. We didn't know it at the time -- communication systems were still primitive by modern standards -- but Mount St. Helens had erupted catastrophically a couple hours earlier, sending a plume of volcanic ash high into the atmosphere.
http://www.kansas.com/news2use/story/759008.html

Mount Redoubt time line (Editor's note - shows eruptions/seismic activity, etc...very interesting).
http://www.homernews.com/stories/040109/news_time.shtml

Misc. National Park News:
President Obama shows his conservationist side
As national headlines took notice of President Obama’s political muscle with GM’s Rick Wagner very few noticed his signing of a wilderness protection plan. On Monday 2 million acres across 9 combined states received government sanction.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2006-Cleveland...rvationist-side

Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
Welcoming the new South Downs National Park
Labour Parliamentary Spokesman for Bexhill and Battle
http://www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/the-labour-view/Welcoming-the-new-South-Downs.5133976.jp

Simlipal National Park closed for tourists sine dine
BARIPADA, April 2: The Simlipal National Park has been closed for tourists for indefinite period after the repeated attacked by Maoists, informed field director and conservator Mr R Nagraj Reddy here today.
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=9&theme=&usrsess=1&id=249234

Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Nature Through the Lens
RMNP Lyceum Series presents photography program Saturday
ESTES PARK, Colo. — Walt Hester will present “Nature Through the Lens” on Saturday, April 4, for the 2009 Lyceum Series, “Celebrate our Natural World: Artists Who Are Inspired by the Environment.” The program will take place at 7 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium in Rocky Mountain National Park.
http://www.eptrail.com/news/2009/apr/03/nature-through-lens/

Rouge Valley National Park (Proposed Canadian Park) News:
A 16,000-hectare national park should be created on Toronto's eastern boundary, stretching from Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine, according to a coalition of politicians and environmentalists.
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/612964

Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone visits drop; summer bookings down
Yellowstone National Park visitation declined more than 13 percent this winter, thanks in part to the poor economy, uncertainty over snowmobile regulations and poor snowfall early in the season, officials said.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=4437

Lots of good pieces today. Probably my favorite was on the bears (under Glacier, but could have been part of 'misc' just as easily as they also talk about Yellowstone). I also found the wolf story about the Northern Michigan wolves very interesting.

Glacier National Park News:
Comment period extended for gravel pit expansion near Glacier
KALISPELL - A controversial gravel pit expansion, proposed near Glacier National Park’s western entrance, will remain open to public comment through the month.
http://www.nwpphotoforum.com/ubbthreads/...mp;page=0#21899

Truth and lies about bear attacks in the U.S.
It doesn’t take bear spray and jingle bells – avoiding bear attacks is easier than most think
We stuff ‘em, cuddle with them, associate them with Theodore Roosevelt and Valentine’s, and say “awww” when we see them at the zoo. The first thing out of most people’s mouths when I tell them that I camp and do multi-day rafting trips in the wilderness for my summer job is, “what about bears?” Most people are concerned about bear attacks when it comes to the outdoors, but is this fear justified?
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/28319

Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Park to close caves in wake of bat disease
CATALOOCHEE – A disease that has killed almost half a million bats in the Northeast prompted managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Friday to close caves and old mines to the public.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904040331

Isle Royale National Park
Inbreeding taking toll on Michigan wolves
The two dozen or so gray wolves that wander an island chain in northwestern Lake Superior are suffering from backbone malformations caused by genetic inbreeding, posing yet another challenge to their prospects for long-term survival, according to wildlife biologists.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j4DCbnOoq9gfjQsTCD2CZ0SYS3QgD97BIHL80

Misc. National Park NEws:
National Park Service aims to reduce greenhouse gases
Working with the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service has launched the Climate Friendly Parks program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Western region office wants park operations to be carbon neutral by 2016.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008983043_natparks04.html

Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Govt Urged To Cancel Railway Project In National Park
BENGKULU, (Indonesia) April 4 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian Environmental Forum, Walhi, called on the government to cancel its plan to construct a coal railway line that would pass through the Bukit Barisan National Park (TNBBS) in Sumatra, Indonesia's Antara news agency reported.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=401728

Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Park service proposing to replace Grand Lake entrance station
Public comment sought for proposal on Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side
ESTES PARK, Colo. — Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) staff are proposing to replace the Grand Lake entrance station to correct safety deficiencies and improve visitor service. The present entrance station is located on Trail Ridge Road, 1.3 miles north of the town of Grand Lake, Colorado. It was built in 1960.
http://www.eptrail.com/news/2009/apr/03/park-service-proposing-replace-grand-lake-entrance/

Want to try Winter hiking? How about snowshoeing?
When there's too much snow on the ground to go hiking, it's time to try snowshoeing.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2520-Denver-Hi...out-snowshoeing

Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone winter visits down 13+ percent
Park and gateway communities well positioned to weather soft economy this summer
http://www.islandparknews.net/atf.php?sid=6215&current_edition=2009-04-03

Yellowstone visits drop; summer bookings down
Yellowstone National Park visitation declined more than 13 percent this winter, thanks in part to the poor economy, uncertainty over snowmobile regulations and poor snowfall early in the season, officials said.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=4437

Enviro group says it will sue over wolf decision
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Another environmental group says it will sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its new plan for managing gray wolves in the Northern Rockies.
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10125616

Road work expected to cause delays in Yellowstone
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING - Visitors to Yellowstone National Park can expect up to 30-minute delays while repairs are made to the Grand Loop Road this spring and summer.
http://www.kulr8.com/news/wyoming/42407802.html

Zion National Park News:
Planned fires for Zion National Park
The Park Service will light 300 acres of Zion National Park on fire next week.
http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/s...u_siHlSVqw.cspx

Zion Park: Glad We Have a Sunroof
Panguitch is a little town that was installed in the desert so that the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803 would have a civilized place to bivouac and replenish their supplies as they passed through Southern Utah.
http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/zion_park_glad_we_have_a_sunroof/C564/L564/

Death Valley National Park News:
Wildflowers bloom in Death Valley and Sierra
Spring show turns desert and mountains into forests of flowers.
Bumping along on a dirt road, aptly named "Movie Road", our family van passed the fantastic forms of the Alabama Hills outside Lone Pine, California.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/red-valley-see-2351903-desert-park

Steve Kossack's Death Valley Workshop - April 18-22 - Just a friendly reminder that Steve's workshop is coming up. He is giving 25% off to all NWP members. I know it is getting late, but it looks like it is going to be absolutely beautiful.
http://stevekossack.com/workshops/Death_Valley_09.htm

Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Where To Look For Spring Wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 1,600 species of flowering plants. During each month of the year, some forb, tree or vine is blooming in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the spring, wildflowers explode during the brief window just prior to trees leafing out and shading the forest floor (from about mid-April through mid-May).
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/200...s-national-park

Dennis Coskren and the Rarest of the Rare Earths
The 2 millimeter field of view microphotograph at left is of coskrenite. It was discovered by and is named after the mineralogist pictured above it, Dennis Coskren.
http://mineralbliss.blogspot.com/2009/03/dennis-coskren-and-rarest-of-rare.html

Guadalupe Mountains National Park News: (Note, I stumbled upon this at Nature Photographers. A great site...and a park I had never heard of).
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (GMNP)in far west Texas is a landscape photographers dream. That might seem debatable to those who drive the interstate across the Permian Basin but if you can make it to the Guadalupes, you will find mountains, desert, sand dunes, salt flats, grasslands, canyons, alpine forest, and believe it or not, maples. This truly spectacular place is a hidden gem of a National Park for the camper, hiker, and photographer. Conditions are often challenging but if you can persevere, you will find this to be an amazing place with limitless photographic possibilities.
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0409/dh0409-1.html

Joshua Tree National Park News:
Effects of warming get Inland observers
The effects of climate change on public lands, from the decline of Joshua Tree National Park's signature trees to melting ice in Glacier National Park, are drawing congressional representatives to the desert this week.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_climate05.4015ccb.html

Lake Clark National Park News:
Alaska's Mount Redoubt has another large eruption
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The Mount Redoubt volcano had another large eruption Saturday after being relatively quiet for nearly a week.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hcWJaxwgurm_TV9AVcObQBWbS25QD97C14S01

Mammoth Cave National Park News:
Ky. cavers asked to help protect bat
Federal officials are asking people in Kentucky and other states, including North Carolina, to stay out of caves where bats hibernate to try to stop the spread of a disease that's killing thousands of the flying mammals.
http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/state/ky-cavers-asked-to-help-protect-bat-529492.html

Misc. National Parks News:
Federal act to protect Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior, other public lands creates buzz
http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2009/04/federal_act_to_protect_picture.html

The last word: The true nature of mourning (Note - Not really at all about the parks, but it uses the Parks as a back drop to discuss loss. It is an interesting article and well worth the read).
When her mother died, Slate.com’s Meghan O’Rourke heard from plenty of friends who tried to say the right thing. But only by wandering outdoors alone did she find the solace she needed.
http://www.theweek.com/article/index/95085/The_last_word_The_true_nature_of_mourning

Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
Here kitty
A thrilling hunt for big cats in the tranquil jungles of Zambia.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/here-kitty/353978/

Yellowstone National Park News:
Flowers at Yellowstone National Park Topic of Garden Club Talk
For the past three years Loucinda Simonson has spent her summers working at and investigating the property at the national park.
http://www.fosterfollynews.com/news/2009April1ChipleyGardenClub.php

Yosemite National Park News:
Stanford student sets out to retrace John Muir's walk to Yosemite
With warmer weather approaching, thousands of Californians will gas up their cars and make the trip to Yosemite National Park.
http://www.mercurynews.com/livechats/ci_12074370

Yosemite Park besieged by concerned guests
A mass e-mail warning of reservation problems at Yosemite National Park left the U.S. park besieged with telephone calls, an official says.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/02/Y...48121238691766/

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is along the New Mexico and Texas border. South of the NM and TX border is Guadalupe Mountains National Park and north of the border it is called Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It is one of my favorite National Parks. There is an old Butterfield Stage Coach Station located there and the trip up McKittrick Canyon is worth the travel to the park. On the west side of the park is an Alkalai Salt Flat, just white for miles. This park is a gift from the oil companies that used it for a company getaway in years past.

Thanks, David, for the informative post. One of the cool things about doing this material every day is finding out all of the amazing things I just have no clue about, LOL. Anyway, mostly a quiet news day - though there a large amount of stuff outside the US/Canadian borders which was published.

James

Congaree National Park News:
Savoring progress: Congaree swamp activists reunite
‘We didn’t have anything but the people’s voice’
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/739905.html

Cuyahoga Valley National Park News:
Rail crossings in park to close
Railroad crossings in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park will close for several days this month so workers can improve the road crossings and install signal devices.
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1239006751110030.xml&coll=2


Denali National Park News:
Denali Park, Alaska: Showcasing Green Technology
For a few years, there have been fewer worries about using oil and natural gas to power electrical appliances and other types of technological advancements. But when oil prices started surging, worries about the depletion of energy resources have become evident. Apart from their unsustainable state, the adverse affects of using them have also raised several concerns. Acid rain, smog and other forms of pollution are disadvantages of using these energy sources. Fortunately, there are already renewable types of energy sources that, with the help of technology, can be harvested and used to power our homes. Compared to using oil and natural gas, using renewable energy has no adverse effects on the environment.
http://thoughtsearch.com/Art/56877/191/Denali-Park-Alaska-Showcasing-Green-Technology.html

Grand Canyon National Park News:
Does the Mule Train have a Dining Car?
This is a question based on a misunderstanding of what a mule train is. Grand Canyon National Park is served by a famous railroad, the Grand Canyon Railway, which brings Park visitors to and from Williams and Grand Canyon Village through the scenic Kaibab National Forest. Trains that normally bring visitors to Grand Canyon provide a few choices of travel including Coach, First Class, Dome Class, and similar to a dining car, Parlor Class.
http://www.examiner.com/x-5370-Grand-Can...ve-a-Dining-Car

Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Documentary on the Smokies set for fall release
East Tennessee Public Television is preparing a documentary on the history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that will coincide with the airing this fall of a nationwide series about the national park system.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/06/documentary-on-the-smokies-set-for-fall-release/

Lake Clark National Park:
A pain in the ash: Volcano irritates Alaskans
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Mount Redoubt is getting under the skin of Alaska, and it's not just the irritation caused by volcanic ash.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h4mQRIGaytXnn3h5E1vuGUYcqxbgD97CEHUG0

Eruption of Alaska's Mount Redoubt halts activity at oil facility again
Cook Inlet Pipeline Co., owned by Chevron and Pacific Energy, has halted some Alaska activities following an eruption at Mount Redoubt on Sunday.
http://www.smartbrief.com/news/api/story...8C-C78ADF01ADAB


Mammoth Cave National Park News:
People urged to stay out of caves to fight deadly bat disease (Previously reported)
Fungus causes early end of hibernation
Federal officials are asking people in Kentucky and other states, including North Carolina, to stay out of caves where bats hibernate to try to stop the spread of a disease that's killing thousands them.
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/apr/06/people-urged-to-stay-out-of-caves-to-fight-deadly-/

Misc. National Park News:
A national park in T.O.?
A proposal to designate the Rouge Valley on Toronto's eastern edge as a national park needs more study and consideration before it is adopted.
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/614127

Calif. Condor Found Shot with Illegal Ammo
A California condor has been found shot with lead buckshots by biologists in Monterey County, the second of the critically endangered
indigenous species to be found in March with wounds from lead ammunition and suffering compromised digestive systems from lead poisoning.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Calif-Condor-Found-Shot-with-Illegal-Ammo.html


Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
Schoolboy found in Tas wilderness
A Melbourne schoolboy is recovering from hypothermia after spending the night alone in Tasmania's central highlands.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/06/2535972.htm

Chile Volcano Forces National Park Evacuation (Video)
Chile's Llaima volcano continues to spew lava, smoke and ash today after erupting yesterday.
http://www.keyc.com/node/20059

Downside of national park status
Yes, Labour has transformed the south coast by declaring the South Downs a national park (A place in the country, 2 April), but probably not for the better for those living and working there. Judging by the record of other national parks, new industrial and commercial development will be all but impossible, the development of existing industries and agriculture will be severely limited, and employment opportunities will diminish except in the tourist and allied service industries.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/apr/06/south-downs-national-park

Drunks 'out of control' at Litchfield National Park
Tourism Top End says drunken behaviour at Litchfield National Park could affect tourism numbers and lead to fatal car crashes.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/06/2535634.htm

Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone trails (See middle of page)
Yellowstone National Park has reopened two trails popular with skiers and snowshoers.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2008980045_trbriefs05.html

Another Possible Hurdle to Idaho's Wolf Hunt
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is the latest environmental group which says it will sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its new plan for managing gray wolves in the Northern Rockies.
http://www.670kboi.com/Article.asp?id=1254960&spid=18042

Acadia National Park News:
Rare Bird Alert
Topping the report this week are ROSS'S GOOSE, EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, KING EIDER, BOREAL OWL, and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE.
http://maineoutdoorjournal.mainetoday.com/blogentry.html?id=12573

Acadia closes carriage roads during spring thaw
In an annual rite of spring, Acadia National Park has closed its historic system of carriage roads until they thaw enough from the winter cold so they won't be damaged when they're used.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090406-NEWS-90406022

One of our top hikes was in Acadia National Park, Maine
One of our friends said that everyone should see the Atlantic Ocean from the coast of Maine. I have to agree with him. My slideshow is a tour but below is a review on one must do hike.
http://www.examiner.com/x-1869-New-England-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m4d5-Acadia

Denali National Park News:
Our view: Bullet line
Denali Park isn't the obstacle skeptics claim it is
The so-called "bullet" line from the Brooks Range foothills to Southcentral may or may not be the best way to replace our region's dwindling supply of affordable natural gas. But skeptics of the project have been using a dubious claim to discredit this potentially appealing option, which would follow the Parks Highway south from Fairbanks.
http://www.adn.com/opinion/view/story/750682.html

Everglades National Park News:
Panther tracking program still online
FORT MYERS: You may have read that budget cuts ended the Florida panther tracking program in some local newspapers. But we found out it isn't true. The program is still up and running.
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=27945&z=3

Grand Canyon National Park News:
Construction will add more parking at Grand Canyon
Tourists at the Grand Canyon's South Rim should more readily spot the visitor center and find parking safer and more abundant with construction projects getting under way this month.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/04/06/20090406canyonparking0407.html

Voluntourism in the Everglades with Mandarin Oriental Miami
Though some guests may never want to leave the infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking Biscayne Bay, Mandarin Oriental Miami offers some excellent opportunities to venture farther afield in South Florida. Case in point: The hotel’s voluntourism program in the Florida Everglades, which allows guests to discover an important National Park (and World Heritage site), and do something good for the community while on vacay.
http://traveler.fivestaralliance.com/ind...oriental-miami/

Navajos want to run river trips at Grand Canyon
The Navajo Nation is lobbying for one of its businessmen to run coveted river trips through the Grand Canyon.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/04/06/ap6259140.html

Mount Rainier National Park News:
State's secret deal with coal plant sparks outcry
Gov. Chris Gregoire's administration and owners of the state's only coal-fired power plant have secretly agreed to new air-pollution limits for the facility, sparking objections from a federal official and environmentalists. The tentative deal governs how much toxic mercury and smog-causing nitrogen oxides can come from the Centralia plant.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008997025_coal07m.html

Land trust lands big parcel near Mount Rainier National Park
The Nisqually Land Trust has acquired 720 acres of timberland north of Ashland, in eastern Pierce County, dramatically expanding a critical wildlife buffer zone near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/updates/story/701319.html

Nisqually Land Trust buys 720 acres near Mount Rainier
The Nisqually Land Trust has purchased a swath of forestland near the main entrance to Mount Rainier National Park for about $2.5 million to protect a wildlife corridor for endangered species.
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/04/06/daily10.html

Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
School praises students in bushwalk ordeal
A Victorian school has praised the actions of four students who became lost while bushwalking in Tasmania.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/07/2537110.htm

Teeny-tiny frog discovered in Peru
'Noble's Pygmy,' less than a half-inch long, is one of smallest in the world
A tiny, "midget" frog that can fit on the tip of a finger — and previously only known by its croaking — has finally been found by researchers.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30077822/

Shenandoah National Park News:
Parkway gets $7.5M to fund repairs
Two federal earmarks totaling $7.5 million will help fund repairs and reinstate some visitor services on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904070324

Yellowstone National Park News:
Expect road work delays in Yellowstone
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) - Visitors to Yellowstone National Park this spring and summer can expect up to 30-minute delays while repairs are made to the Grand Loop Road. The road is scheduled to open for the year on April 17.
http://www.ktakradio.com/news/2009/apr/06/expect-road-work-delays-yellowstone/

Yellowstone Park will use Michelin tires
Michelin has been named the official tire of the Yellowstone Park Foundation. Michelin North America Inc. will provide energy-saving tires to the park's vehicle fleet.
http://www.moderntiredealer.com/News/Story/2009/04/Yellowstone-Park-will-use-Michelin-tires.aspx

Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Red Canyon Visitor Center Opens
The Red Canyon Visitor Center on the Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest will open on April 10th (Easter Weekend) for the 2009 season. The visitor center will initially be open Friday through Monday and expand operations to seven days a week some time before the Memorial Day Weekend.
http://www.mainstreetbusinessjournal.com/articleview.php?articlesid=4177

Cuyahoga National Park News:
National Park -- a place of beautiful darkness
One of my favorite views of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is along Rockside Road where it creates the northern boundary of the park. You can see the view I have in mind only at night.
http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/4561856

Everglades National Park News:
ASB Everglades
ASB, or Alternate Student Breaks, is a program that sends students to service opportunities all over the country (and, recently, the world) over winter break, spring break, and the end of the summer.
http://webnerhouse.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/asb-everglades/

Panther tracking program cut in park
State wildlife officials say they will cut part of a program that tracks endangered Florida panthers with GPS-equipped collars.
http://www.worldzootoday.com/2009/04/07/panther-tracking-program-cut-in-park/

FWC Continues Tracking Panthers Across Southwest Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stated Monday that the program that tracks endangered Florida panthers with GPS-equipped collars is intact, despite cutbacks in state budgets.
http://outdoornewsdaily.com/index.php/archives/6706

Glacier National Park News:
North Fork of the Flathead in Montana and Idaho’s Lower Snake River on ‘Most Endangered’ List (Note, I almost listed this in Misc. as other areas were mentioned).
American Rivers, a national river advocacy group, has listed the North Fork of the Flathead River in northwest Montana as the 5th most endangered river in the country, largely because of threats posed by a proposed open-pit coal mine just across the Canadian border.
http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/nor..._most_/C41/L41/

Grand Teton National Park News:
Using nature’s bounty as a palette
ArtistBurt Russell brings his love of the Grand Tetons to his artwork.
Tahlequah native Burt Russell took a summer job that’s lasted 44 years.
http://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/features/local_story_097115821.html

Great Falls National Park News:
Land Act signed by Obama establishes National Historical Park in New Jersey
Before leaving for the G20 conference last week, President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6521-Philadelp...k-in-New-Jersey

Isle Royale National Park News:
Inbreeding led to deformed bones in wolves
Scientists say they've found extreme inbreeding of an isolated wolf population at a U.S. island national park has resulted in genetically deformed bones.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/04/...28131239130766/

Joshua Tree National Park News:
Delegation Questioning Wildlife Die-Off at Joshua Tree Nat'l Park
Joshua Tree National Park, in all its natural beauty, is in danger. Park rangers have said to visitors that they have seen more of the iconic Joshua trees dying off than ever before, many of which litter the national park
http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=10147085&nav=menu191_2_1

Mount Revelstoke National Park (and Canada's Glacier National Park) News:
Place names reveal layers of regional history
There are hundreds of names that surround us in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. The peaks, the streams, the cabins and the trails.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/revelstoketimesreview/community/42551342.html

Misc. National Park News:
National Park Service, family group agree to buy 950 acres for Flight 93 memorial
The National Park Service and the Families of Flight 93 have reached a purchase agreement for about 950 acres needed to build the Flight 93 National Memorial.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2262806/

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Newly named scenic trail travels through NCW
When President Barack Obama signed the massive Omnibus Public Land Management Act last Tuesday, he made a dream come true for a state group that's worked for more than 30 years to get a national east-west route designated.
http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/200904...els-through-NCW

Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Denver Family Adventures Examiner
A short hike up a well-maintained trail just off Highway 119 (Canyon Blvd.) outside of Boulder, Boulder Falls is a popular destination for kids of all ages.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6813-Denver-Fa...Falls-with-kids

Mountain Biking in the Rockies
Mountain biking is one of the most exciting activities that you can do anywhere, but it’s especially exhilarating when your wheeling and flying over some of the most beautiful scenery that can be found anywhere.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4483-Rocky-Mou...-in-the-Rockies

Junior Ranger Program - Fun for the Whole Family!
It’s often hard nowadays to get kids interested in anything, but they’re IPod, video games or TV. But, nature is something that every child should embrace and enjoy. Luckily, Rocky Mountain National Park has a Junior Ranger Program.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4483-Rocky-Mou...he-Whole-Family

Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone Icons: The Roosevelt Arch
There are many icons in Yellowstone National Park, in and of itself one of the most iconic places in the United States. Old Faithful Geyser, Castle Geyser, Morning Glory Pool, Old Faithful Inn, a herd of bison, a lone elk standing proudly on a hill as the sun rises. These are all proud icons of Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.yellowstoneinsider.com/index.php?contentID=924&articleID=256

Glacier National Park News:
Glacier National Park Continues Lunchtime Seminars
Glacier National Park will continue its "brown bag" lunchtime seminars on various topics over the next several months. The free presentations are held in the West Glacier Community Building, and always begin at noon.
April 16: “A Georgian State of Mind: Common Threads in Protected Areas”
April 29: “Rainbows vs. Natives: It’s a Cutthroat Competition”
May 28: “Wild River Pioneers”
June 18: “Confessions of a Wildlife Observer”
July 2: “2010: Glacier’s Turning 100!”
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/a..._seminars/9462/

Group wants Flathead River protected
A conversation group which has labeled the North Fork of the Flathead as one of the most "endangered" rivers in the country is confident that the river will be protected, despite its remote location.
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10080652&nav=menu227_4


Grand Teton National Park News:
No obstacles for North 89 pathway
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Teton County will move forward on a future pathway that will connect the Town of Jackson and Grand Teton National Park along North Highway 89.
http://www.planetjh.com/news/A_104933.aspx

Feds ready to implement river protections
Public won’t notice many changes from Wild and Scenic law.
A new law protecting nearly 400 miles of waterways in the Snake River headwaters will mean lots of work for the Bridger-Teton National Forest but few noticeable changes for the public, according to U.S. Forest Service officials.
http://www.jacksonholenews.com/article.php?art_id=4454


Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
New Facilities Set for Sugarlands Riding Stables
New concession facilities are set to open this month at Sugarlands Riding Stables in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Thursday, April 9, 2009, at 11 AM, park officials will dedicate the new concession facilities during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
http://escapetothesmokies.wordpress.com/...riding-stables/

Spring Fly Fishing in Asheville and Western North Carolina for Wild Trout
Trout fishing season is in full swing!
http://flyfishingreport.brighterplanet.o...-for-wild-trout


Hawaii Volcanoes National Park News:
Visit Kilauea volcano and Hawaii’s growing island
The largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian islands is shaking, spitting, and stretching as it slowly expands into the ocean.
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/trav..._volcanoes.html


Misc. National Parks News:
U. prof urges lands protection against climate change
A University of Utah law professor urged Congress Tuesday to fight global warming's potential to melt the glaciers in Glacier National Park or wither the Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park by expanding the park system or giving its units more legal power to protect against threats coming from nearby lands.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705295947/Professor-fights-global-warming.html

Ecological Travel: Hikes and Hot Springs in Central Montana
In Montana, the range of exquisite natural features is reason enough to plan a visit. This week, we'll focus on quiet hiking trails around Crystal Lake in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, and reveal two undeveloped hot springs outside of Bozeman to take the chill out of the early springtime air.
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/...l-Montana-.html


Mount Rainier National Park News:
Free camping at Mount Rainier for city kids could be "use it or lose it" idea
A free parks program to take city kids and their parents camping at Mount Rainier this summer needs more applicants.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2009008142_nwwfreecamp09.html


Pacific Rim National Park News:
Weekend rescue in national park
A 60 year-old Vancouver woman was airlifted out of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve over the weekend after she fell and injured herself in a rocky shoreline area.
http://www.canada.com/Weekend+rescue+national+park/1480031/story.html


Yellowstone National Park News:
Idaho Fish and Game aims to reduce pelican numbers
State Department of Fish and Game officials want to halve the population of pelicans nesting in southern and eastern Idaho by 2013 to help boost sport fisheries and protect native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/812306.html

Hey Everyone,

I added a break between each park (in addition to another space) to help break up each park and make it easier to find news interesting for individual park interests. I hope this makes it easier to find things.

Cheers
James

Channel Islands National Park News:
New Visitor Center Opens at Channel Islands National Park on Scorpion Ranch
It takes about an hour from the nation's second largest city to drive the 101 Freeway to the Ventura Harbor. With another hour by boat and you're inside one of the less visited National Parks in the country.
http://laist.com/2009/04/09/new_scorpion_ranch_visitor_center_o.php
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Cuyahoga National Park News
Brecksville: Rail repairs will cause delays in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Those travelling around Cuyahoga Valley National Park through the end of this month can expect some delays and detours due to railroad repairs
http://blog.cleveland.com/suncourier/2009/04/brecksville_rail_repairs_will.html
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Glacier National Park News:
A funny thing happened on the way to Glacier
Last year, my husband Greg along with our two Directors of Barketing, Zoey and Mattie, took a trip to Montana to sniff out properties for purpose of review. We enjoyed Yellowstone National Park for the first time and came back home to Idaho with a new fondness for Montana. So it came as no surprise that we jumped at the chance to take another excursion to Montana, this time heading to Glacier National Park.
http://www.examiner.com/x-7554-PetFriend...-way-to-Glacier
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Misc. National Parks News:
How climate change may be threatening national parks
Thriving forest pests and melting glaciers may make parks a warning system for climate change effects.
http://features.csmonitor.com/environmen...national-parks/

ATV: Utah's trails, dunes among best in U.S. (Note, only peripherally about Bryce Canyon)
Defining what makes a good all-terrain vehicle riding area depends on the type of experience it offers.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12083706

In the Economic Downturn Destination Websites Become Even More Important (Note - not really at all about the parks, but it has some very interesting ideas that I think makes this article an interesting read).
YellowstonePark.com – designed to inspire people to choose the Yellowstone region as a vacation destination – has been voted the world’s No 1 tourism site, with 4 million page views, and 2 million unique visits annually. Among other things, visitors to the site spend about 14 minutes exploring the site’s “trip notes”. Not bad for a niche business operating out on what is still considered the Frontier …so what can other travel websites learn from them?
http://hospitality-1st.com/PressNews/EyeforTravel-040909.html
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Moccasin Bend National Park News:
Alexander, Wamp Push Moccasin Bend Park
Sen. Lamar Alexander and Congressman Zach Wamp got a briefing today as they viewed the park from the deck of the River Gorge Explorer.
http://wdef.com/news/alexander_wamp_push_moccasin_bend_park/04/2009
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Olympic National Park News:
Olympic National Park
Every summer, for the last 2 years now, we’ve been going to the scenic Olympic National Park with family and friends.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6159-Seattle-City-Insights-Examiner~y2009m4d9-Olympic-National-Park
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Colorado Officials Celebrate Rocky Mtn. National Park Wilderness
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined members of the Colorado congressional delegation and local officials Thursday to dedicate the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Area, nearly 250,000 acres within the park that will be permanently protected from human impacts under the newly enacted Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2009/2009-04-10-091.asp

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park becomes a wilderness
Rocky Mountain National Park and other Colorado sites protected
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090409/NEWS/904099964/1062

Leave No Trace
There’s a major problem that many visitors to National Parks around the country don’t understand. When you step into a park like Rocky Mountain National Park or Yellowstone or Yosemite, you’re stepping into the homes of many plants and animals.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4483-Rocky-Mountain-National-Park-Examiner~y2009m4d8-Leave-No-Trace
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone NP advanced reservations down - your opportunity
Our first glimpse of destination locations are coming in with the reports showing a drop in advanced reservations. The attached article shows that Yellowstone bookings are down 13% from last year. For those of you who have put off seeing this national treasure because of the crowds, this may be your opportunity.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4792-Denver-RV...our-opportunity

37 griz killings spark worry
A significant spike in grizzly bear mortalities last year has prompted bear managers from around the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem to gather in Bozeman next week to find solutions to the problem.
http://www.jhguide.com/article.php?art_id=4459

Can Government Scientists Save the Planet by Nuking Yellowstone National Park to Halt Global Warming?
Of all the hare-brained ideas about climate change I've heard in the last few years, this one takes the grand prize: John Holdren, the new science advisor to President Obama, is actively considering radical geoengineering ideas in order to halt global warming.
http://www.naturalnews.com/026021.html

Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Museum puts wildlife exhibits in natural settings
A Canadian lynx snagging a duck out of the air, a coyote about to pounce on a quail and a pair of wolves about to drag down a caribou. Those are just some of the displays featured at a wildlife museum near Bryce Canyon National Park.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12111561
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Denali National Park News:
Denali Park Road opens to Savage River on Saturday
The opening of Denali Park Road, not the arrival of the first Canada geese, is a sure sign of spring in Denali National Park and Preserve, which means spring must be right around the corner.
http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/apr/10/denali-park-road-opens-savage-river-saturday/

Would You Sky Dive at Denali?
Incredible Adventures, based in Sarasota, Florida, is promoting a "six-day, five-night adventure based in Talkeetna, Alaska" centered around skydiving over Mt. McKinley - the tallest peak in North America. Too extreme? Well, you haven’t heard the price.
http://usparks.about.com/b/2009/04/10/would-you-sky-dive-at-denali.htm

Sky Diving at Denali National Park? A Florida-Based Company Thinks It's a Great Idea
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to the highest mountain in North America, a distinction that inevitably attracts mountaineers and sightseers from all over the world. Now a new twist in possible activities at Denali is under discussion: sky diving.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/200...-its-great-idea
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Navajo want in on Grand Canyon rafting tours
The largest American Indian tribe in the country would like to run rafts down the Grand Canyon in an effort to create some jobs on the reservation, whose unemployment rate hovers around 50 percent by some counts.
http://zoniereport.com/2009/04/navajo-want-in-on-grand-canyon-rafting-tours/

Self-Described "Permit Outlaw" Sentenced for Threatening Grand Canyon Park Ranger
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (LAWFUEL) – Gary Clayton Palmer, 53, most recently living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, pleaded guilty today to Threatening, Intimidating or Intentionally Interfering with a Grand Canyon Park Ranger. Palmer was also sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark E. Aspey to three years probation during which Palmer is banned from all National Parks in the U.S., including a 10-mile radius around the Grand Canyon National Park. He is also banned from the campus of Northern Arizona University.
http://lawfuel.com/show-release.asp?ID=21303
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Grand Teton National Park News:
Grand Teton visits for 2008-09 winter down
Grand Teton National Park is reporting only a slight decrease in recreation visits for the 2008-09 winter season, despite a poor early season snowpack and a struggling regional economy.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=4467
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Misc. National Park News:
A program for National Park novices
Home from his summer job as a seasonal ranger at Katmai National Park, a young man named Brad Carlquist pitched the case for more Alaska parks to then-U.S. Rep. Al Swift, a self-described "great indoorsman."
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/166212.asp

Grant awarded for park
Pahrump has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program to prepare a conceptual design for Last Chance Park, a rugged landscape that provides open space, habitat for wildlife, and areas for recreational use.
http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/2009/Apr-10-Fri-2009/news/28001107.html
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System
Launch of national park's patrol units
OPERATION Ironworks, the six-month initiative aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is being launched today (Friday).
http://www.stirlingobserver.co.uk/stirli...51226-23352593/

Police search for woman in Victoria's Alpine National Park
UPDATE: 3.20pm A HIKER missing in Victoria's rugged Alpine national park has been found safe and well
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25319619-661,00.html
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Shopping for rocks and fossils in Estes Park
It seems like every time we visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Drew finds a rock or two that he wants to take home. After we explain the age-old adage "take only pictures, leave only footprints," Drew always leaves his precious finds behind. He isn't totally out of luck, however, as nearby Estes Park offers opportunities to purchase geology souvenirs -- even on an kid's allowance-size budget.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6813-Denver-Fa...s-in-Estes-Park

Snowshoe Adventure
Rocky Mountain National Park reveals hidden winter ecology
Driving up the Big Thompson Canyon on a recent weekday morning, the only snow visible was in the mountains looming to the west. But when you reach those mountains, areas boast 4-5 feet, or more, of snow, plenty for a quiet day of snowshoeing.
http://durangoherald.com/sections/Features/Outdoors/2009/04/10/Snowshoe_Adventure/


Hiking News: Rocky Mountain National Park gets wilderness designation
Rocky Mountain National Park is a protected area because of its National Park status. But that’s not enough to stop another Trail Ridge Road from being constructed or other projects.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2520-Denver-Hi...ess-designation

Why should urban renewal be extended another 25 years? (Editorial)
The first in a series
Urban renewal, the Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority or EPURA, was created in October of 1982 after the Lawn Lake Flood wreaked havoc in downtown Estes Park. Improvement to downtown Estes Park, a place people tolerated to get through to Rocky Mountain National Park, was talked about prior to the flood; however, the flood was an impetus to actually doing something to improve downtown.
http://www.eptrail.com/news/2009/apr/10/why-should-urban-renewal-be-extended-another-25-ye/

Estes Valley Land Trust presents program on local geology
There are many lenses through which to view our incredible surroundings in the Estes Valley. This spring, the Estes Valley Land Trust invites you to try a geological perspective for at least an afternoon.
http://www.eptrail.com/news/2009/apr/10/estes-valley-land-trust-presents-program-local-geo/

The lasting impact of the New Deal's CCC
A new book looks at one spectacular legacy in the Colorado Plateau
In 1933, the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression. Just hours after taking office, freshly sworn in President Franklin Delano Roosevelt launched the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to serve two functions: relieve unemployment and implement progressive natural resource conservation.
http://crosscut.com/2009/04/10/west/18892/
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Utah Parks (Misc, non-specific):
America’s Outback: Southern Utah
IF the name Dry Fork Coyote Gulch doesn’t give fair warning that this is not your average hike, then the haunting drive to the trailhead will remove all doubt. The sandy Hole-in-the-Rock Road is one of the few routes that even attempt to enter the biblical expanse of desert in southern Utah called the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and when I made a pilgrimage there last summer, I didn’t pass a single car, let alone a sign of human habitation.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/travel/12outback.html?hpw
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Wolf lawsuits grow
The wolf lawsuits keep piling up.
A loose coalition of agriculture, conservation, sportsman, outfitter and other interests are the latest groups to announce their intent to file a lawsuit challenging the federal government's final rule for removing wolves from the endangered species list.
http://www.trib.com/articles/2009/04/09/news/wyoming/b9b3bfd0d1fb368087257593007ddf00.txt

Montana Musicians play for Wild Buffalo
On Saturday, April 11, seven musical acts will perform a benefit concert for Buffalo Field Campaign, a West Yellowstone-based front-lines wild bison advocacy group that works in defense of America's last wild bison, the Yellowstone population. The benefit is being co-sponsored by Buffalo Allies of Bozeman, a local group of concerned citizens who aims to help wild buffalo and those who work in their defense.
http://indiancountrynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6152&Itemid=118

Monitoring Yellowstone earthquake swarms
The Seismological Society of America (SSA) is an international scientific society devoted to the advancement of seismology and its applications in understanding and mitigating earthquake hazards and in imaging the structure of the earth.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-04/ssoa-mye040309.php
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Yosemite National Park News:
Queen's Inn by the River: Serenity in Southern Sierras
If life is making you crazy, pack your bags and head to the Sierra foothills' Gold Rush-era town of Oakhurst, near Yosemite National Park. Here you will discover the area's newest lodging experience — Queen's Inn by the River.
http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_12108798

Hey Everyone,

Lots of news today - both local and international. Hope everyone enjoys.

James

Alaska Misc. National Parks News (Non Specific):
Ned Rozell reminds readers of his love of Alaska wilderness
Regular readers of the Daily News-Miner are familiar with Ned Rozell’s weekly column, “Alaska Science Forum,” that presents current research in clear and compelling language...
http://newsminer.com/news/2009/apr/12/ned-rozell-reminds-readers-his-love-alaska-wildern/

Reader Travelogue: Alaskan Adventure
Northern expanses inspire exploration beyond ship, shore
We have all heard about the magnificent beauty of Alaska. Last fall, my wife, Cindy, and I took a long-awaited trip there.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/apr/12/reader-travelogue-alaskan-adventure/
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Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Bryce Canyon City set for future growth (only peripherally related to the Park)
One of Utah's newest towns now has its own streets and addresses.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12128347
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Canadian Rocky Mountains News:
Avalanche kills snowmobiler in Canadian Rockies
A 24-year-old snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in western Canada's Rocky Mountains, police said Saturday.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i_vahdXCXGOJWOs4Tc915Y6eQ3YQ
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Glacier National Park News:
Adventure runs deep for cave club
Bigfork group pitches in for Glacier monitoring
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2009/04/12/news/local_montana/news_8760577004_02.txt



Grand Canyon National Park News:
An Old-Fashioned Train Trip to the Grand Canyon
Taking the Kids
It's that rare vacation moment when everyone is happy at the same time. And all it took was an old-fashioned train in a remote Arizona town and a singing cowboy leading the kids in a spirited rendition of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm."
http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advi...html?id=2878218
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Grand Teton National Park News:
Grand Teton visits for winter down little
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) Grand Teton National Park in northwest Wyoming is reporting a slight decrease in recreation visits for the 2008-09 winter season.
http://www.kxmc.com/News/359485.asp
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Kentucky hiker, 73, dies in Smokies after fall
A 73-year-old Kentucky man hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park fell and later died Friday at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090412/NEWS/304129968/-1/FRONTPAGE

Man dies after fall in Smokies
A Kentucky man died Friday after a fall while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990411018
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Misc. National Parks News:
Permit outlaw’ banned
A National Park scofflaw who lived in Jackson Hole and described himself as a “permit outlaw” has been banned from all national parks after threatening a ranger, federal officials said.
http://www.jacksonholenews.com/article.php?art_id=4469

How to navigate the national parks with dog in tow
Seven days. Two thousand miles. Five Utah national parks. One four-legged friend.
It sounds more like something from "The Amazing Race" than a vacation. We'll visit southern Utah's five national parks, plus a national monument.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ladi-park-road-2360860-national-canyon

Park ranger enjoys developing programs
Park ranger Tracy Shives became a curator for Monocacy National Battlefield a few years before the new visitors center opened in 2007.
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=88866
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North Cascades National Park News:
Fish stocking ban looms at Wash. national park
Every summer, Sandy McKean and volunteers lug plastic jugs full of baby trout into the rugged wilderness of North Cascades National Park and plant them in alpine lakes for anglers to catch.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i5_8qclNL7Q2sC6mEPDc8o-nTANAD97HEBN80
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
12 species of bat uncovered in Nui Chua National Park
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/tech/2009/04/841654/

Body found: believed to be missing bushwalker
Police have located a body in the Royal National Park on the New South Wales south coast, believed to be that of a doctor missing for two weeks.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/13/2541329.htm

The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal - The Road Ahead…
Not many of us know that just 60 kms away from Kullu town lies a 765 sq km area known as the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). As management students we were given the task to build a sustainable model for ecotourism in the park but when we started our project on the its promotion of we were clueless about the complexities of the issue at hand.
http://himachal.us/2009/04/12/the-great-...m/places/gautam

Galapagos Volcano Erupts
National Park officials notified that the La Cumbre volcano has started spewing lava, gas and smoke on the uninhabited island Fernandina.
http://www.javno.com/en-world/galapagos-volcano-erupts_250524

Galapagos volcano erupts, could threaten wildlife
Ecuador officials say a volcano is erupting in the Galapagos Islands and could harm unique wildlife.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hheGrNES2Vt8HI02HkxazZZxVLtwD97GIF6O0

Pico Bonito National Park
Jungle Gym
Welcome to Bigfoot's winter hideaway, where unclimbed mountains, roaring whitewater, and a new luxury eco-lodge await you
http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/200112/200112_honduras_1.html

National park warden leaves British cricket team stranded in Monzo
The British cricket team on a mission to set world record by playing a cricket match at the Everest Base Camp has been left stranded after Sagarmatha National Park denied entry on Saturday.
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=3743
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Hiking News: Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Plans
There may soon be a faster way to get into Rocky Mountain National Park at the West entrance.
Hiking News: Rocky Mountain National Park entrance plans
http://www.examiner.com/x-2520-Denver-Hi...-entrance-plans

Students take learning out of classrooms and to the outdoors
The brilliance of the Rockies takes your breath away as you climb the winding roads into the Rocky Mountain National Park. You reach for your cell phone to take a picture and remember that you’ve left it at home on purpose. No distractions on this trip. That’s not what this is for. You’re seeking inspiration, and understanding. You’re learning. This is not vacation, this is class.
http://www.thegriffonnews.com/2009/04/11...o-the-outdoors/

Where are all the grizzly bears?
Most Rocky Mountain Front grizzly bears still haven't emerged from their high-elevation dens, according to flight observations conducted this week by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, breaking with a recent trend of earlier awakenings.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090411/NEWS01/904110304
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Visit Yellowstone this summer minus the crowds
According to tourism officials, advance bookings at Yellowstone National Park are down 13% this year which means that this summer would be a great time to put gas into a vehicle and head west.
http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/12/visit-yellowstone-this-summer-minus-the-crowds/

Federal study of bear denning planned
Scientists intend to study whether climate change delays hibernation by Yellowstone National Park grizzly bears.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/12/news/state/50-bears.txt

Will Wyo get federal wolf funds? (Beware Annoying Commercial)
GREEN RIVER -- A new federal program enacted into law recently aims to compensate ranchers in Wyoming and elsewhere for livestock killed by wolves, but it's not certain when it will begin.
http://www.trib.com/articles/2009/04/12/news/wyoming/3d5abd16010da4a68725759500211130.txt
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Yosemite National Park News:
U.S. parks an alternative to behold
Greatness -- even grandness -- still exists. The notion is easy to forget when teetering banks, faltering housing and disappearing jobs dominate the news.
http://dispatch.com/live/content/travel/index.html

A relatively slow news day today...having said that, there was some news in more places I had never heard of today, which is great. This includes the misc. parks news which has a host of accessible car-free islands, and the outside the US/Canadian parks section.

James


Grand Canyon National Park News:
Road to Grand Canyon's North Rim to reopen May 15
The main roadway leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is set to reopen for the summer season on May 15.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09104/959568-37.stm
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Great Falls National Park News:
Paterson's Great Falls' new national park status is just a drop in the bucket
It's the perfect time for the designation of the Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. As longtime park advocates have said, Paterson now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reverse the course of urban decline that the city has suffered over the last 50 years.
http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2009/04/patersons_great_falls_new_nati.html
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Kilauea volcano and Hawaii's growing island
The largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian islands is shaking, spitting, and stretching as it slowly expands into the ocean.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09104/959550-37.stm
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Misc. National Parks News:
Exhausted your vacation options? Take a trip to a car-free island
Get out from behind the wheel and experience a true sense of calm.
Need a break from traffic, pollution, gas prices, and all the other stresses related to the internal combustion engine? Visit one of the handful of US islands where motor vehicles are banned. These protected havens (most are national parks or seashores) are often only reached by boat and have no paved roads. But unlike exotic destinations such as Bali and Tahiti, they’re both affordable and accessible—if you’re up for a little adventure.
http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/travel/stor...car-free-island
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Mount Rushmore National Park News:
New chief ranger named at Mount Rushmore
Superintendent Gerard Baker has named Don Hart the new chief ranger at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Hart began his new position March 16 after seven years as one of the park’s supervisory rangers in the Law Enforcement, Security and Emergency Services Division.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/12/news/top/doc49e269e0a35f4504919094.txt
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North Cascades National Park News:
Ken Schram: Nothing's fishy about trout policy (Editorial)
I take no joy or embarrassment from the following: I’ve never been fishing.
http://www.keprtv.com/features/commentaries/42911102.html
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, MAGIC ON EARTH Part 2
Ninety-seven per cent of the Galapagos Islands are designated as National Park and a World Heritage Site.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4791-SF-Intern...-Islands-Part-2

Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Explore secret Africa on an alpine wildlife safari.
Talk about off the map: This chain of 14,000-foot mountains might as well be off the planet. And this 83-mile, eight-day trek hits the trifecta of adventure travel: Mind-boggling scenery, exotic wildlife, and fascinating culture.
http://www.backpacker.com/march_2009_wor...tinations/12828
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Winter usage and bears studied in Yellowstone
In news coming out of Yellowstone National Park, the bears are to be studied and a new book examines winter usage.
http://www.ktakradio.com/news/2009/apr/13/winter-usage-and-bears-studied-yellowstone/

May sentencing set in wildlife case
A Gallatin Valley man awaits sentencing in May for poaching wildlife.
http://www.kxmc.com/News/359787.asp

Glacier National Park News:
Glacier super pushes for wilderness designation
Glacier National Park's superintendent says he wants most of the park to be designated as wilderness as part of its centennial celebration in 2010.
http://www.kxmb.com/News/360292.asp

GNP Superintendent speaks in Missoula
The Glacier National Park Superintendent addressed the issue of why wilderness designation is a good idea.
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10177314&nav=menu227_8



Grand Canyon National Park News:
More parking spaces to be added at Grand Canyon
Construction is under way to make parking easier at the Grand Canyon.
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stori...g.b11cd62f.html


Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii rocked by 5.1 quake; no tsunami expected
The Big Island was jolted by 5.1-magnitude earthquake around 12:45 p.m. today, the largest in the state of Hawaii so far this year.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090414/UPDATES01/90414028



Lake Clark National Park News:
Ash from Redoubt adds a twist to mountaineering season
Mount McKinley awaits climbers
http://www.adn.com/outdoors/story/758761.html

Misc. National Park News:
Travel Read: Road Trip USA
Avalon Travel writer Jamie Jensen traversed the nation several times, testing various two-lane highways in the process, to bring road trippers the best (really, it's the BEST) road trip guidebook for the U.S. to date.
http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/14/travel-read-road-trip-usa/

$6 million to improve 93
Kootenay-Columbia MP Jim Abbott, on behalf of Environment Minister Jim Prentice, last week announced $8.5 million in funding for infrastructure in Kootenay, Yoho and Glacier national parks.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/invermerevalleyecho/news/42922907.html


Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Lava and smoke have flooded Fernandina Island, threatening unique wildlife. The eruption calls attention to an area already trying to balance conservation efforts with heavy tourism.
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/envi...Galapagos-.html



Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Grand Lake considers spraying, fertilizer restrictions near water
Grand Lake may pass a law that regulates the use of pesticides and fertilizers close to water.
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20090414/NEWS/904149977/1079&ParentProfile=1067



Utah Parks (Misc)
Visiting Four National Parks in the Western US State of Utah
Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce and Zion offer great beauty and a chance to explore the results of natural forces billions of years ago.
http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/2009-04-14-voa1.cfm



Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone announces road openings
Visitors will once again be able to drive into portions of the interior of Yellowstone National Park starting this weekend.
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10182182

Federal appeals court blocks mine expansion
A federal appeals court has temporarily halted the expansion of a phosphate mine in southeastern Idaho that opponents say would damage roadless areas near Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/IDAHONEWS/story/730642.html


Zion National Park News:
Weekend promotes going green
In January, Springdale town operations got another boost to "get off the (power) grid" with the installation of solar panels at the town's sewer lagoons.
http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20090415/NEWS01/904150322

Acadia National Park News:
Park visitor critical after fall
A 55-year-old Connecticut man remained in critical condition Thursday after he fell on the rocks near Otter Cliffs on Wednesday, opening day at the park.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/103969.html
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Big Bend National Park News:
Will the dream of a giant park on the border be revived on Obama’s visit to Mexico?
The Big Bend Park is not complete. There may now be some movement to finish the job started in the 1930s to create one of the world's significant natural protected areas. And it's only four hours east of El Paso.
http://www.newspapertree.com/opinion/368...visit-to-mexico
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Everglades National Park News:
Everglades celebrates National Park Week, Earth Day
National Park Week and Earth Day activities are planned at Everglades National Park.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/communities/south/story/1000275.html
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Glacier National Park News:
A walk in the parks
It’s too early for civilians. As dawn’s first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
http://www.democratherald.com/articles/2009/04/15/lifestyles/travel/trav01.txt
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Great Basin National Park News:
Great Basin National Park called ‘significant resource' by conservation association
Great Basin National Park is a “significant resource” in the national park system, according to a new assessment issued by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association's Center for State of the Parks. The report outlines the significance of the park and analyzes the park's overall resources and threats.
http://www.elynews.com/articles/2009/04/16/news/news04.txt
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Olympic National Park seeks to curtail pollution
If you're an industry spewing 12,310 metric tons of carbon into Earth's atmosphere via a fleet of dump trucks, helicopters, passenger cars and other fossil-fueled operations, you'd be called a major polluter.
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20090417/NEWS/304179995

New weather tower approved for Olympic Nat Park
The National Park Service has approved a new 30-foot weather tower at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park to improve forecasts for floods, winter storms and avalanches.
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_olympics_weather_tower.html
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Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
The fragile Galapagos struggles with a wave of tourism
Minutes after clambering onto the blindingly white beach that lines Española's Gardner Bay in the Galápagos Islands, Suzanne Newman settles into a transfixed crouch.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-04-16-galapagos-islands-tourism_N.htm

Feral goats infesting Kalbarri National Park have been targeted in a culling operation to protect fragile plant and animal communities in the unique Murchison Gorge system.
http://fw.farmonline.com.au/news/state/a...rk/1489345.aspx

The power of Patagonia
Trekking in Los Glaciares is anything but a walk in the park
El Chaltén, Argentina–The wind must have howled, the rock and ice deathly cold as they defied gravity and scaled the granite wall.
http://www.thestar.com/Travel/article/618212
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Mountain News: Snowmobilers died high-marking
Yet more evidence arrives that all the tools in the world might not save you if caught in an avalanche. Snowmobilers both in Idaho and British Columbia died in recent weeks, and the stories were remarkably similar.
http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/pique/index.php?cat=C_News&content=Mtn+news+1616
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone wolf found dead in northwest Colorado
A gray wolf that was tracked to western Colorado this winter after wandering about 1,000 miles from the Yellowstone region has been found dead.
http://www.examiner.com/a-1963635~Yellowstone_wolf_found_dead_in_northwest_Colorado.html

Response to grizzly deaths: bear spray, education
Public land managers and biologists say more hunter education and increased use of bear spray are needed to reverse a spike in grizzly bear deaths in the Yellowstone region.
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10191454&nav=menu554_2_2

National Geographic Launches Yellowstone National Park Geotourism MapGuide
The wonders of Yellowstone National Park and neighboring Grand Teton are only the starting point of National Geographic's newest Geotourism MapGuide.
http://www.urlwire.com/news/041509.html
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite ceremonial dance case dismissed
A federal judge has tossed the conviction of a Sonora filmmaker who was accused of trespassing and doing business inside Yosemite National Park without a permit after he shot American Indian ceremonial dances there.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12149691

Acadia National Park News:
Priest critical after fall in Maine park
An Episcopal priest from Connecticut who fell 15 feet while hiking in Acadia National Park remains in critical condition after being airlifted to a Bangor hospital.
http://www.newstimes.com/ci_12163659

Farmington Pastor Out Of Surgery After Maine Hiking Fall
The Rev. Jeffrey S. Dugan, pastor at St. James Episcopal Church, is recovering today from surgery after suffering a broken thigh bone Wednesday in a fall at Acadia National Park in Maine.
http://www.courant.com/community/news/fv/hc-farmington-fall-0418.artapr18,0,3938168.story
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Central Falls athletes, students learn life lessons on trip to Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon can make hikers out of athletes and athletes out of hikers. Just ask Don Blais.
http://www.projo.com/sports/mikeszostak/mike_szostak_0417.e4ce68f5.html
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
In the Land of Blue Smoke
75 Years On, Echoes of a National Park's Appalachian Past Can Still Be Heard
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it's easy to get lost in the past. The nation's most-visited national park has nearly 80 historic buildings scattered throughout its 800 square miles, evidence that until the 1930s children attended school there while their parents coaxed corn from the hardscrabble soil of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041701360.html
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Misc. National Park News:
Obama Administration Agrees (Note- From the Brady Campaign, a partisan group)
To Halt Rule
Allowing Guns In National Parks
In response to lawsuits filed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and conservation groups, the Obama Administration today agreed to halt a rule implemented days before President Bush left office that allowed loaded, concealed guns in national parks and wildlife refuges. The Obama administration had initially defended the rule in court, before the Brady Campaign prevailed in its motion for a preliminary injunction of the rule.
http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/release.php?release=1131

Jr. Ranger program fosters ownership, appreciation
Interpretive Ranger Josh Boles takes his Junior Ranger program seriously. But at the same time he realizes it's all about having fun and experiencing everything Montezuma National Monument has to offer.
http://campverdebugleonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=22844

What the Omnibus Public Land Management Act does for you
Almost a century ago President, Teddy Roosevelt said, "I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us."
http://www.examiner.com/x-3121-Denver-Su...ct-does-for-you

On Thin Ice
Seventy-five percent of the world's fresh water is stored in glaciers, but scientists predict climate change will cause some of the world's largest glaciers to completely melt by 2030. What effect will this have on our daily lives? With global warming falling low on a national list of American concerns, it's time to take a deeper look at what could be a global calamity in the making.
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/516/
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Hoteliers oppose invasion of Tsavo National Park by herders
Tourism industry stakeholders are opposed to invasion of the Tsavo National Park by livestock herders.
http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1144011836&cid=14&j=&m=&d=
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Rocky Mountain National Park roads closed
Rocky Mountain National Park closed the roads on the east side of the park at the Beaver Meadows Entrance and the Fall River Entrance Friday evening as snow was falling too heavily for park snowplow operators to make progress. Park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson said that between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. an additional 12 inches of snow fell at Bear Lake, making a total of 34 inches.
http://www.reporterherald.com/news_story.asp?ID=22662

Spring snow shuts down 80-mile stretch of I-70
Wet heavy snow in the mountains and several accidents on Interstate 70 have forced transportation officials to shut down an 80-mile stretch of the state's main east-west highway between Vail and Golden.
http://www.krdo.com/Global/story.asp?S=10205415
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Shenandoah National Park News:
Shenandoah National Park features Junior Ranger Day, Wildflower Weekend events
Shenandoah National Park has special activities planned for National Junior Ranger Day on April 25. The program is designed to help children and families connect with parks in ways that engage them with the theme, “Explore, Learn, Protect: Be a Junior Ranger.”
http://shenandoahvalley.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=585&Itemid=41
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Wyoming group considers brucellosis hot-zone
A Wyoming group that works to control the animal disease brucellosis has mixed opinions about a federal plan to declare the nation brucellosis free except for the greater Yellowstone area.
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/532484.html

Wyoming brucellosis group examines federal proposal
'Elimination zone' around Yellowstone area receives mixed reviews
Members of the Wyoming Brucellosis Coordination Team and others met Thursday to discuss a federal proposal to declare most of the nation outside the greater Yellowstone area "brucellosis free." The group also reviewed a plan to move bison from Yellowstone National Park to a Wyoming Indian reservation.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/17/news/wyoming/18-brucellosis.txt

Yellowstone sees bookings falling
Fewer tourists compared with last year have booked advance reservations to visit the greater Yellowstone region this summer, but industry leaders hope low gas prices will lure people to drive to national parks and other attractions in Montana and Wyoming.
http://www.djc.com/news/le/12005114.html?cgi=yes

Some Yellowstone roads to reopen Friday
Parts of Yellowstone National Park are set to reopen to car and truck traffic later this week.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090415/DC5/904150339

Better late than never. Sorry this is so late today. There will be a lot more for tomorrow's addition.

James


Acadia National Park News:
Rare Bird Alert
This week's arrivals included LAUGHING GULL, LITTLE BLUE HERON, DUNLIN, BARN SWALLOW, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, and PINE WARBLER with HERMIT THRUSH, KINGLET, PALM WARBLER and CHIPPING SPARROW numbers increasing.
http://maineoutdoorjournal.mainetoday.com/blogentry.html?id=12775
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
We have had a few nice threads about the Smokies the last few days, by Randall, a forum member. Here they are:

http://www.nwpphotoforum.com/ubbthreads/...mp;page=0#22388
http://www.nwpphotoforum.com/ubbthreads/...mp;page=0#22293
http://www.nwpphotoforum.com/ubbthreads/...mp;page=0#22253
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Misc. National Park News:
Rising temps threaten national park system
Global Warming | Rising temps threaten national park system
Joshua trees can live hundreds of years in the desert.
News:http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1533000,CST-NWS-warming19.article

National Parks Conservation Association Applauds EPA’s Finding on Greenhouse Gas Threat to Human Health
April 17 - Statement of Mark Wenzler, Director of Clean Air and Climate Programs, National Parks Conservation Association:
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/04/17-13
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Life Thrives Below Antarctic Glacier (Note: Only peripherally about the park)
If microbes can survive without sunlight and oxygen on Earth, what does it mean for the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe?
The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are one of the last places on Earth you would expect to find a new living organism. With bitter cold temperatures and only about four inches of annual snowfall, scientists consider these valleys to be one of Earth's most extreme and harsh environments.
http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2009-04/life-thrives-under-antarctic-glacier

Lots of news, as expected. Some of the headlines are ones I missed from yesterday.

James

Big Bend National Park News:
Texas author narrows list of his favorite hikes to 100
Just in time for nice spring weather, E. Dan Klepper has written a book outlining many of Texas' best hiking trails. It's called 100 Classic Hikes in Texas and is published by Mountaineers Books.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/...re.38c1481.html
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore News:
Several special programs are scheduled this week at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's coast to kick off National Park Week.
http://www.reflector.com/news/state/events-set-at-nc-seashore-for-national-park-week-554846.html
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Benjamin: Donation to Caverns 'priceless'
With white gloved hands, Carlsbad Caverns National Park Superintendent John Benjamin carefully drew items out of a box. Like a child at Christmas who has received that prized gift, he finds it difficult to hold back the excitement he feels each time he picks up a boxed item.
http://www.currentargus.com/ci_12175167
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Glacier National Park News:
Parts of Glacier Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road starting to open
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park currently is open 10 miles to Lake McDonald Lodge on the park's west side, and six miles to Rising Sun on the east side, according to Glacier Park officials.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090419/NEWS01/904190307

Work underway at Glacier National Park
Work is underway at Glacier National Park on part of the Going to the Sun Rehabilitation Project at Avalanche.
http://www.kpax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10207860
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Smokies park recruiting volunteers to help visitors view elk herd
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting for its "Elk Bugle Corps" — a volunteer group that helps visitors who want to see the park's elk herd.
http://www.whnt.com/news/sns-ap-tn--smokies-elk,0,1688932.story

Magic in the mist
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which celebrates 75th anniversary this year, will leave you inspired by its distinctively beautiful and rich natural environment.
Overlapping layers of misty blue mountains fill the landscape between dense green forests and pastel skies. A persistent haze threatens to blend valleys and ridges as it hovers over the Smoky Mountains, softening rough edges into a dreamy, impressionistic vision.
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/travel/04/19/0419smoky.html
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Misc. National Parks News:
Even one-time naysayers now back national parks
When I was a kid, with my folks working to create the North Cascades National Park, a Seattle Times editorial famously dismissed campaigners to save wild places as "mountain climbers and birdwatchers."
http://www.seattlepi.com/connelly/405297_joel20.html?source=mypi

Retired park ranger's hobby earns award
Evidence of Erny Kuncl's hobby hangs in almost every room of his home.
http://www.standard.net/live/news/170282/

Obama Administration Won’t Challenge Ruling on Guns in Parks
The Obama administration won’t challenge a court ruling that prohibits visitors at some national parks to carry loaded concealed firearms, satisfying gun control groups.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aylETgvsDpbk&refer=us

Why national parks are a great value
National parks have been called the best idea we ever had. They showcase America’s geology, history and architecture, and are a great vacation value. And according to a TripAdvisor survey, nearly three of every four Americans will visit one this year. But visitors want value for their money. Especially this year, most travelers want to feel that they are spending their money wisely.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4661-National-...e-a-great-value
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Teen 'rang mum before going missing'
David Iredale's parents were sure their high-achieving teenage son would walk out of the bush unharmed after going missing in the NSW Blue Mountains.
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-...90420-ac5k.html

Activist exposed plot imperiling African park
Who: Marc Ona Essangui, 45
Where: Libreville, Gabon
Essangui, the president and founder of the environmental group Brainforest, exposed secret agreements for a Chinese mine project that threatened Gabon's equatorial rain forests.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/18/MN59172M4B.DTL
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
3 rock slides temporarily close highways
Portions of hillsides soaked by up to 52 inches of snow from last week's snowstorm gave way, sending mud and rocks onto three highways and forcing their closures along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10210880

Snow plows working to clear roads in Rocky Mountain National Park
Park snow plow operators have been plowing the roads in Rocky Mountain National Park since early this morning.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090418/UPDATES01/90418013/1002/NEWS01

Giving species a leg up
A boreal toad's eggs look like a strand of tiny black pearls, each about size of the period at the end of this sentence, suspended in a long, clear strand of gelatin.
http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_12174455

Snowstorm weakens after closing stretch of I-70
A spring storm was weakening after dumping up to 3 feet of snow on the foothills west of Denver — stranding hundreds of people in shelters and forcing the closure of an 80-mile stretch of Interstate 70.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jx20-ctHOtI0ObWtZDLFpJ3RJ_NgD97KOM100
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Wyo. officials hopeful summer tourism stays strong
Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park tourism officials are optimistic the state's summer tourism season won't take a heavy hit from the national economic recession.
http://www.ktvq.com/Global/story.asp?S=10206788

Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Dark nights, bright future
The impact of light pollution is much more than obscuring pretty stars.
Lighting up the night sky is the bane of astronomers. But it also wastes millions of dollars a year in energy costs and is harming human and animal health.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12184464
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Death Valley National Park News:
Park Service Protests Big Solar Expansion in Nevada Desert
The National Park Service is sounding an alarm about plans for scores of big solar power plants in Southern Nevada, according to an inter-agency memo posted today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). NPS predicts harm to national parks in the region due to water scarcity, habitat disturbance, air pollution, sound pollution and light pollution lightening night skies.
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/04/20-0
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier Ntl. Park expecting good year
Glacier National Park ranks as the eleventh most visited park in the United States, and officials there say they expect to have a very good season, despite with the current economic crisis.
http://www.kpax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10216721
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Misc. National Park News:
Guns-in-Parks Rule on Hold Indefinitely
The Obama administration will accept a federal judge’s ruling that blocked implementation of a rule allowing loaded firearms to be carried in national parks. While the National Park Service (NPS) goes back to the drawing board, the 26-year-old ban on guns in parks will go back into effect.
http://www.ombwatch.org/node/9908

Junior Ranger programs captivate young park visitors
The best souvenirs are free.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/getaways/04/20/junior.rangers.travel/
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Olympic National Park News:
Olympic National Park wants to become a showplace for green
Wind-powered generators have been installed, and a shuttle bus system is being considered for the park.
http://www.djc.com/news/en/12005162.html
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Storm leaves nearly 4 feet of snow in Rocky Park
Parts of Rocky Mountain National Park have nearly 4 feet of new snow from last weekend's spring storm.
http://www.examiner.com/a-1970551~Storm_leaves_nearly_4_feet_of_snow_in_Rocky_Park.html
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone unveils wireless communication plan
Old Faithful cell tower would be moved
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/20/news/wyoming/15-yellowstone.txt

15 bison die in 3 collisions close to park (A couple of days old, but I did not see it initially).
Maureen Edgerton was "rejoicing" that she was almost home Saturday night after a long drive from Missoula to West Yellowstone when her car collided with a herd of bison on Highway 191.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/16/news/state/26-bison.txt
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Yosemite National Park News:
New cabins available at Yosemite's Evergreen Lodge
New cabins are available for visitors to Yosemite National Park at the 1920s-era Evergreen Lodge.
http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_12183774

Great Falls National Park News:
Waterfall has a 'Sopranos' tie.
In America's newest national park-to-be, a rainbow gleaming in the mists of a breathtaking waterfall vies for attention with glittering piles of discarded beer cans.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20090420_Waterfall_has_a__Sopranos__tie_.html
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Misc. National Park News:
National parks to get $750 million today
National parks get $750 million in federal economic stimulus money today to chip into a to-do list that includes repairing historic buildings, constructing trails and increasing renewable energy use from Independence Hall in Philadelphia to Yosemite in California.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-22-national-parks_N.htm

Pinnacles National Monument:
Condor nest found on San Benito County ranch — first in 70 years
The first condor nest in 70 years has been discovered on a San Benito County ranch and verified by U.S. National Park Service biologists.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12190644

National parks offer majestic getaways at recession prices
Feeling insecure about that job? Perhaps you are one of the millions already laid off. The recession has a tight grip on Americans, and when jobs are scarce, stress is plentiful. This is why now may be the best time to take your vacation. If you have job related stress, you may be doing more harm than good to yourself and to your career.
http://www.examiner.com/x-852-Road-Trips...ecession-prices

Conservationist Bob Burleson dies'
Robert Clair “Bob” Burleson Jr. made his living in courtrooms, but he made his mark in life by working to conserve Texas’ natural beauty and rare archaeological sites.
http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/04/21/57372/
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Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
Afghanistan announces first national park on Earth Day
War-wearied Afghanis received uplifting news on Earth Day this year. Their government has announced the creation of the nation’s first national park, Band-e-Amir, protecting a one-of-a-kind landscape encompassing six sky-blue lakes separated by natural dams.
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0421-hance_bandeamir.html


Poland, Slovakia, US map out national parks future (I know, the US is part of this, but we do not have an Outside and Inside section. :P)
As the world celebrates Earth Day, national park experts from Poland, Slovakia and the United States are in the Tatra resort of Zakopane to exchange experience and map out a cooperation programme.
http://www.polskieradio.pl/thenews/human...rks_future.html
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park News:
Eco-Cleanup at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
It`s been an eventful spring in North Dakota. There`s been plenty of snow and water, and now, at least temporarily, fire. These flames were intentionally set as part of the eco-cleanup of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=29409
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Public outcry keeps cell towers out of Yellowstone historic areas
Public outcry against marring the landscape of Yellowstone National Park with cell phone towers made a difference. New guidelines restrict cell towers in the backcountry, in campgrounds and along park road corridors. The new plan prohibits wireless Internet service at all historic lodges and calls for relocation of the cell tower located near the geyser basin and Old Faithful to a less visible site at a nearby water treatment plant.
http://www.ktakradio.com/news/2009/apr/21/public-outcry-keeps-cell-towers-out-yellowstone-hi/

Yellowstone plans expanded cell, Internet service
As the host of more than 24,000 visitors on busy summer days, Yellowstone National Park has adopted a wireless communications plan that seeks to balance safety and convenience with its mission of preserving the park's natural condition.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/04/21/ap6317282.html

Park wireless plan set
A final plan for wireless communications in Yellowstone provides the potential for a modest increase in developed areas while protecting backcountry and historic sites, National Park Service officials say.
http://www.jhguide.com/article.php?art_id=4497

To read what the NPS has to say about the Wireless Plan...
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=111&projectId=12023

American White Pelicans Vs. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout; Public Comments Being Taken
From 2004 to 2007 the number of American White Pelicans doubled in the Blackfoot Reservoir area. In return, the number of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout have dramatically decreased.
http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=10217956

Grizzly bears in Yellowstone not experiencing the best of times
There's a troubling trend within Yellowstone National Park: Too many grizzly bears are dying or being killed by hunters, and the animals are being forced to expand range in search of food.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts...-of-times-.html

There was lots of news today. Looks like the parks stimulus has been figured out where it is all going.


Bryce Canyon National Park News:
A Canyon journey
The American outback in Southern Utah makes for one of the most memorable treks of a lifetime
http://www.mydigitalfc.com/leisure-writing/canyon-journey-426
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California State Parks News (Misc)
$97 million awarded to state's national parks
Twenty-two national parks in California, including several in the Bay Area, will be awarded $97 million in federal stimulus money that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Wednesday will be used to fix trails, repair historic buildings, install solar panels and hire local workers.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/22/MN0D177AB4.DTL
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Carlsbad Cavern National Park News:
Family donates historical items to Carlsbad Cavern
Wearing white gloves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park Superintendent John Benjamin carefully drew items out of a box. Like a child at Christmas who has received that prized gift, he finds it difficult to hold back the excitement he feels each time he picks up a boxed item.
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/apr/22/bc-nm-topic-priceless-donation/?features
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Denali National Park News:
Only the strong survive on Discovery Channel show
In September 2008, a navy blue and yellow bush plane lands on Tsusena Lake, deep in the wilderness of Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve, hundreds of miles from civilization.
http://bulletin.gmnews.com/news/2009/0423/front_page/003.html

Denali Park Road to be opened for traffic Friday
BE PREPARED: Call ahead: Snow is always possible, mud a certainty.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/770199.html
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Further clarification of bear spray laws in national parks
Yesterday I posted an article about bear spray being illegal in the Great Smoky Mountains and in other national parks. This information came to light after Chris Hibbard over at Your Smokies brought attention to the law after a discussion he had with one of the Supervisory Wildlife Biologists in GSMNP.
http://hikinginthesmokys.blogspot.com/2009/04/further-clarification-of-bear-spray.html

Parkway tour provides a 'Roam with a View'
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most staggeringly beautiful scenic route in eastern North America (apologies to Cape Breton's shorter Cabot Trail, which is No. 2 in my book).
http://recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1537245

‘Decoration Day in the Mountains’ exhibit opens April 23 at WCU
“Decoration Day in the Mountains,” a major new exhibit at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center that explores the area’s “decoration day” tradition, will open with a public reception set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23.
http://www.maconnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4589&Itemid=116

Smokies seeking volunteers for elk program
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Volunteers-in-Parks program is enlisting volunteers to assist with the experimental elk reintroduction project in Cataloochee Valley.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990422065
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier Park slated to receive $17.5 million
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced an investment of nearly $750 million in America’s national parks, including $17.5 million for Glacier National Park.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090422/NEWS01/90422003/1002

$33M in stimulus funds for MT national parks
More than $33.2 million from the federal stimulus bill is headed to Montana to improve access and services in national parks, historic sites and recreation areas in the state.
http://www.kxmb.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=365008
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Misc. National Park News:
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to get $295,000 to repair park facilities
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will receive $295,000 in federal stimulus money for repairs to three national park facilities.
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090423/NEWS/904230327/-1/NEWS01
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North Cascades National Park News:
North Cascades among federal parks to get stimulus money
National parks in Washington state will get more than $62 million to fund 33 projects, including $518,000 for work at North Cascades National Park.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/881850.html
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Olympic National Park News:
ONP to build new greenhouse for Elwha project
The National Park Service has selected Northcon, Inc. of Hayden, Idaho to design and build a new Olympic National Park greenhouse facility in Robin Hill Farm County Park.
http://www.konp.com/local/4653

More on dam removal: Olympic National Park greenhouse construction to begin this summer
Construction of an Olympic National Park greenhouse -- in which plants will be grown to revegetate areas laid bare by the removal of two dams on the Elwha River -- is expected to begin in the summer.
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20090423/news/304239993
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Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
Lampung's national park being deforested at alarming rate
Efforts to wipe out illegal logging in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) have been like adding salt to the sea. Despite routine patrols by forest rangers, illegal logging has prevailed unabated, evidenced by the number of large trucks seen carrying illegal timber unimpeded along the Trans-Sumatra highway and on the ferry to Java.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/...rming-rate.html

Afghanistan opens its first national park
The Afghanistan National Environmental Protection Agency says it has established that country's first internationally recognized national park.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/af...&dist=msr_1
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Colorado Governor Ritter Praises Recovery Act Funds To Restore National Parks

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter applauded the announcement today that $20.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will go toward restoring and protecting Colorado's national parks. These projects will benefit Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Dinosaur and Great Sand Dunes national parks, among others.
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/color...-national-parks
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Saratoga National Park News:
Saratoga National Park receives $64K in stimulus
Saratoga National Park is set to receive $64,000 in federal stimulus funds to help rehabilitate the ranger station, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced this week.
http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/04/23/news/doc49f0b2c93b551690297901.txt
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Sequoia National Park News:
Sequoia Park Stimulus (The video is OK once you get past the commercial. The text and narration are identical)
Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- The $14 million dollars in federal stimulus funding is expected to help sequoia national park tremendously.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6778015
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Shenandoah National Park News:
Stimulus funds to upgrade parkway, Shenandoah park
More than $30 million in federal stimulus money will go toward upgrades on the Blue Ridge Parkway and at Shenandoah National Park, the Department of Interior announced Wednesday.
http://www.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/lo...oah_park/39157/
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Utah National Parks News (Misc)
Utah parks and monuments stimulus projects
Utah parks and monuments receiving stimulus money
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705299132,00.html
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Yellowstone National Park News:
National parks get $750M for backlogged projects
Yellowstone National Park will receive $14,735,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Grand Teton will receive $18.8 million, while the Wyoming grand total for park units will reach $32.26 million,
http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=99763

Visit Yellowstone Offseason
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S., welcoming nearly 3 million visitors per year. Most of those come during the summer months, when the weather is consistently beautiful, and the travel season is in full swing. But this article suggests that we should go now, to beat the crowds, and enjoy springtime in the Northern Rockies, where no matter what time of the year it is, Old Faithful erupts, whether anyone is watching or not.
http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/23/visit-yellowstone-offseason/

Yellowstone gets $14 million in economic stimulus
Yellowstone National Park will use most of its $14.7 million in economic stimulus money to replace an aged wastewater treatment plant and install a small hydroelectric unit.
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10229683&nav=menu554_2_2

Park’s cell phone plan raises safety questions for backcountry hikers
There are times when the government acts in the interest of its citizens, and there are times when its actions are an insulting parent-like slap on the wrist.
http://www.montanakaimin.com/index.php/o...try_hikers/3755

Big Bend National Park News:
Hard-core WC class heads for Big Bend
There is no air conditioning in Big Bend National Park, there are no motels or showers and the nearest hospital is hours away; it’s not an easy place for modern humanity to survive.
http://www.weatherforddemocrat.com/local/local_story_114171409.html
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Death Valley National Park News
National Park Service Raises Concerns About Solar Projects in Nevada Desert (Prior Reported)
The National Park Service is worried that a slew of proposed large-scale solar energy projects on public land could harm wildlife, cause severe water shortage and pollute the air.
http://greenlight.greentechmedia.com/200...da-desert-1418/
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Everglades National Park News:
Wildfires may keep Alligator Alley shut down through weekend
A growing wildfire in the Everglades has authorities warning that Alligator Alley, closed since Wednesday evening, could remain shut down until Monday.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1016830.html

UPDATE: Alligator Alley now open to traffic
As of 9 a.m., Alligator Alley is open from Naples to Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.
http://www.sunnewspapers.net/articles/llnews.aspx?articleID=12628&bnpg=0
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Glacier National Park News:
Predators are an important part of the ecosystem (Editorial)
Ever since the Massachusetts Bay Colony began paying a bounty on wolves in 1640, we have waged a war against predators. We’ve trapped them, used poison baits, or hunted them with guns.
http://www.dl-online.com/event/article/id/43694/
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Grand Teton National Park News:
FAA: 38 bird strikes in JH
Thirty-eight planes taking off or landing at Jackson Hole Airport in the last 14 years struck birds, four times causing substantial damage, the FAA reported Friday.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=4517
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
History endures in 'Land of Blue Smoke'
Glimpses of the past come easy at Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/tra...3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ

Smokies park a balancing act
On the day his family left behind land that would become part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, he drove a team of horses pulling a wagon loaded with farm implements over the mountain from Cataloochee to Iron Duff.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904260345

When NC lagged on Smokies park, a remarkable man provided a swift kick
They don’t make people like Charles Aurelius Webb anymore.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990423077

A Great Smoky Mountains salute
Event kicks off park's 75th anniversary year
CLINGMANS DOME - A brilliant April sky and majestic, layered mountains served as the backdrop as the U.S. National Park Service kicked off the celebration of its most-visited asset's 75th anniversary.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/25/a-great-smoky-mountains-salute/
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Misc. National Park News:
Top 40 Favorite Hikes of All Time
To cap off green week on the NileGuide blog, I present my top 40 favorite hikes of all time. I’ve attempted to include a good balance of trails in North America and around the world, and to feature hikes that take in mountains, canyons, culture, jungle and tundra. I hope you enjoy, and please submit your own choices for inclusion in a future post showcasing top picks from our readers. Click on each photo for a higher resolution.
http://www.tipsfromthetlist.com/article11819.html

Stimulus a rare boost for parks
Yellowstone isn’t flush with money from federal economic stimulus funds, but at least the Madison campground sewer system can be updated for the first time in some 50 years.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/apr/26/stimulus-a-rare-boost-for-parks/
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Primal dream
There is a king, a prime minister and a first lady,” my Tanzanian guide Kabeth H Kabeth says, describing the hierarchy of M-group, an extended chimpanzee family used to encounters with researchers and tourists in the Mahale Mountains National Park, on the forested shores of Lake Tanganyika.
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090425/TRAVEL/704249901/1196

Just back from: Serengeti National Park
Traveler:Norma Lind of Portland, Oregon, and daughter Erika Lind
I went because: Call it the mother-daughter version of "The Bucket List" - and to experience Africa's wildlife up close and in person versus on the Discovery Channel.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/24/TRDH165NJ2.DTL
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Grand County commissioners deny permit for gravel pit to supply asphalt
A gravel-pit owner who sought to temporarily increase operations to satisfy a federal road job in Rocky Mountain National Park was denied permission on Tuesday in a split county commissioner vote.
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20090423/NEWS/904239973/1079&ParentProfile=1067
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Shenandoah National Park News:
Stimulus Funds Coming to Shenandoah National Park
More than $17 million dollars is coming to the Shenandoah National Park.
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/43647102.html
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone completes Wi-Fi and cell phone plan
Yellowstone National Park has completed a plan addressing the future of wireless communications in the park.
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10214976&nav=menu227_4

Group wants to buy bear-proof bins
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) - An environmental group is seeking donations to buy bear-proof garbage bins for a community near Yellowstone National Park, where wildlife include grizzly bears and black bears.
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10245804&nav=menu554_2_1
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite to open 24 new cabins in May
New cabins soon will be available for visitors to Yosemite National Park at the 1920s-era Evergreen Lodge.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-consumerbriefs26-2009apr26,0,59957.story

Everglades National Park News:
Two wildfires burn in Florida
Winds fanned a massive brush fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve as a smaller wildfire burned in Miami-Dade County, Florida officials said Sunday.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/26/Two-wildfires-burn-in-Florida/UPI-38291240755061/

After brief opening, Alligator Alley closes again
Authorities opened Alligator Alley to traffic Saturday for the first time in nearly three days, but closed the highway again at dusk.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1018145.html
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Grand Canyon road to reopen
The main roadway leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is set to reopen for the summer season on May 15.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09116/965115-37.stm
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Grand Teton National Park News:
Rendezvous in the Rockies
Elk, mountain men return annually to Jackson's Hole
Connor Liljestrom, 14, hoists a hefty set of elk antlers over his head on the town square in Jackson, Wyo. (pop. 8,747), as bidding begins during the 41st annual Boy Scouts of America Elk Antler Auction, the only event of its kind in the world.
http://www.americanprofile.com/spotlights/article/33223.html
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Face to face with Dolly Parton
On stage, Dolly Parton appears to be a towering image of sparkling magic.
http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2...5a10057d975.txt

Smokies national park a biodiversity hot spot
National Park home to 100,000 species
Steve Moore doesn't need to perform a DNA analysis to know that the 6-inch fish in his hand is a native Southern Appalachian brook trout.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904270315
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Lake Powell National Recreation Area:
Two dead,, two missing on Lake Powell
A Saturday boating accident on Lake Powell has left two dead and another two missing, as harsh winds reportedly sank a speedboat with six passengers onboard. Two people survived.
http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20090426/NEWS01/90426005
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Misc. National Park News:
Parks eye federal funds for wider pastures
Making a case for more conservation funds, environmentalists say a down economy is a good time to buy land.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-land27-2009apr27,0,7967905.story

Making an investment in water conservation
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar was in Helena Sunday morning to announce that Montana’s fish and wildlife will receive $3 million in Recovery Act projects.
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2009/04/27/top/top/50st_090427_salazar.txt
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Outside the US/Canadian Parks System:
Eyesore in South Downs National Park
A DUMPING ground for mobile homes in what has become part of the South Downs National Park has been described as an "eyesore".
http://www.shorehamherald.co.uk/steyning-news/Eyesore-in-South-Downs-National.5206341.jp

Cairngorms National Park to set out rules
Residents in the Cairngorms National Park should tell the authority about people or companies who are breaking the terms of their planning permission, the park’s enforcement officer has said.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1189478?UserKey=
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Woman rescued after overnight stay on mountain
A Boulder woman in her early 20s has been rescued after getting stranded overnight in a crevice on a mountain near Estes Park.
http://www.examiner.com/a-1982492~Woman_rescued_after_overnight_stay_on_mountain.html
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Everglades National Park News:
I-75's Alligator Alley reopens
Interstate 75’s Alligator Alley has reopened.
http://news-press.com/article/20090428/NEWS01/904280363
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Bears bounce back
New hunting seasons and record harvests suggest U.S. black bears are again thriving
Are black bears the new whitetail deer? They definitely have come back the way deer did in the latter half of the 20th century. Though they're far from as numerous as whitetails, their repopulation to the point where they now can be hunted in 30 states is remarkable.
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/hunting/news/story?id=4105495

NWS: Warm, dry conditions pose wildfire danger
The National Weather Service issued a statement this afternoon warning of unseasonably warm conditions that pose a wildfire danger across East Tennessee, southwest Virginia and southwest North Carolina.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/27/nws-warm-dry-conditions-pose-wildfire-danger/
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Misc. National Park News:
Gazette Opinion: Stimulus eases park project backlog
For many years, there's been talk about stepping up investment in the buildings, roads and other visitor facilities in America's national parks. With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congress and President Obama have committed significant public resources to start cleaning up a $9 billion backlog of deferred maintenance in America's parks. About half of these projects have been in the planning so long that they are considered "shovel ready."
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/28/opinion/gazette/50-gazetteopinion.txt

DOI Commits $750M to Restoration of National Parks
The National Park Service will invest $750 million in 750 projects to restore national parks across the country and create jobs, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced last week.
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/18075

Gun ban endangers Park Service police (Editorial)
After reading the short article, "Gun bust at Grand Canyon," the first thing that came to mind was, well, that didn't take long. So, for the people that think our National Parks are once again a safe, gun-free zone, let me ask this question: Do you think this career criminal was worried about marauding squirrels?
http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2009/04/27/news/opinion/letters/20090427_lette_195268.txt

Parks will put funds to good use
Removing two Elwha River dams is something that’s been talked about for a long time in the Northwest. But thanks to $54.7 million in federal economic stimulus money, it’s starting to look like it’s really going to happen.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/editorials/story/722515.html
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Elephant herds flee troubled Zimbabwe
HARARE, Zimbabwe —- Growing pressure from poaching and human encroachment in Zimbabwe has driven hundreds of elephants to migrate from the country, conservationists said Monday.
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/28/elephants0428.html
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Keeping the creek in the creek
LIVINGSTON n Park County is poised to receive a $2.28 million federal grant for flood-mitigation work along a section of Fleshman Creek, pending an environmental review of the project, state officials announced.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/04/27/news/10creek.txt
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite rockslide findings could save lives
UC Berkeley student recorded major tumble with seismic instruments.
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1358041.html

Alaska National Parks News (Non Specific)
Stimulus funds flow into Alaska's national parks
ALASKA: Denali, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords, others will see improvements.
The toilets should work better at Denali National Park and Preserve thanks to President Barack Obama's federal stimulus spending.
http://www.adn.com/outdoors/story/769422.html
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Cuyahoga National Park News:
Park system targeted for federal stimulus funds
The National Park Service has announced the Cuyahoga Valley National Park will receive $7.8 million in federal funds to pay for maintenance that had been put off in the park.
http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/4575814
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Everglades National Park News:
I-75's Alligator Alley closed, will reopen tomorrow
The wildfire that started April 21 after an early morning lightning strike –– and forced the periodic closing of Interstate 75’s Alligator Alley –– was in its final stages today.
http://www.news-press.com/article/20090428/NEWS01/904280363/1002/NEWS01

Snook season closes May 1 in Gulf, Everglades
The recreational harvest season for snook will close beginning May 1 in all of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico, Everglades National Park and Monroe County coastal and inland waters.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/apr/28/snook-season-closes-may-1-gulf-everglades/
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Endangered Grand Canyon fish making comeback
Chubs rebound » Warmer water from Lake Powell helps.
Endangered humpback chubs in the Grand Canyon have increased their numbers by half since 2001, federal biologists report.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12240003
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Grand Teton National Park News:
Park roads update
The new multi-use pathway in Grand Teton National Park will not open until late May, the park announced on Monday.
http://www.planetjh.com/news/A_104987.aspx
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Brush fire burns 2 cabins; Park firefighters battle three fires
A brush fire destroyed two cabins and forced dozens of people to evacuate Monday night in the Cobbly Nob area of Sevier County, one of three fires being battled in or near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090429/NEWS/304299974

Tennessee Wildfire Burns Two Homes
Firefighters this morning contained a wildfire that forced the evacuation of Cobbly Nob near Gatlinburg, destroyed two homes and damaged two others.
http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=63610&sectionId=46

Dolly Parton’s Annual Parade Drawing In More Celebs;
TLC’s Duggar Family Coming to Pigeon Forge May 5-9
The ever-expanding Duggar family, stars of TLC’s “18 Kids and Counting,” is coming to Pigeon Forge May 5 –9 to explore what entertainment legend Dolly Parton and more than 10 million annual visitors already know–the Smoky Mountains’ town is ideal for families of all kinds.
http://hospitality-1st.com/PressNews/PigeonForge-042809.html

Threats to Smokies park require our earnest stewardship
Yesterday we noted the astounding range of biodiversity found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090429/OPINION01/90428043/1006

Smokies' borders are butting up against creeping development
Development closes in around national park
COVE CREEK GAP – Wildlife biologist Donald Linzey has been in love with the Smokies most of his life. One of the more recent events in the affair was when he and his wife bought a house more than 65 years old bordering the national park on the edge of Gatlinburg, Tenn.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090428/SMOKIES/904280325
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Mammoth Cave National Park News:
National Park Service Announces Recovery Act Projects at Mammoth Cave National Park
The National Park Service (NPS) today announced nearly 800 projects totaling $750 million that can be completed across the country with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This major effort includes projects in the agency’s Southeast Region, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mammoth Cave National Park will receive $9.120 million under this program.
http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2009...37566720755.txt
Utah Parks News (Misc. Non Specific)
Dino-mite: Utah quarry gets explosive treatment
Sometimes the delicate tools of dinosaur diggers just don't cut it.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12247613
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Misc. National Park News:
People opting for shorter trips, finding better deals (Note - obviously not about the parks, but it is obviously connected)
With more people waiting out the recession at home, it’s become a buyer’s market for summer travel.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/26/nearby-getaways/
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Burning issue
Gauging the effects of the mountain pine beetle epidemic is a study in progress in Rocky Mountain National Park.
http://www.reporterherald.com/news_story.asp?id=22819
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Wind Cave National Park News:
Wind Cave National Park plans prescribed burn
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Officials at Wind Cave National Park say they plan to burn 617 acres west of the park's visitor center this spring if weather conditions and other factors are acceptable.
http://www.kmeg14.com/Global/story.asp?S=10269374&nav=menu609_2_4
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Wood Buffalo National Park News:
Bison population remains stable in Wood Buffalo National Park
The bison in the country's largest national park appear to be thriving after the population reached a low point about 10 years ago.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2009/04/28/bison-wood-buffalo-park.html
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Meetings set for YNP road projects
The third set in a series of public meetings is scheduled to provide residents with information on road construction that will take place in Yellowstone National Park this year.
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10265625

Hi Everyone,

There is TONS of news today - and lots of are real page turners. I hope you enjoy.

James


Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Navajo Trail offers best views of Bryce Canyon
What's the best hike in Utah with the least effort required?
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705300481/Navajo-Trail-offers-best-views-of-Bryce-Canyon.html
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Denali National Park News:
Denali just one of the parks to get stimulus money
Hundreds of national parks, including 30 projects in Alaska are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
http://ktna.org/2009/04/28/denali-just-one-of-the-parks-to-get-stimulus-money/

Basecamp in and climbing season begins
Denali’s basecamp officially opens tomorrow (Tuesday) with basecamp manager Lisa Roderick and park rangers preparing to fly to the camp on the Kahiltna Glacier.
http://ktna.org/2009/04/28/basecamp-in-and-climbing-season-begins/
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Everglades National Park News:
River of cash: Stimulus aid for Glades
State leaders and environmentalists hope that one-year surge in Everglades funding proves a sign of renewed federal commitment.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/1022786.html
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Canyon officials hope to squash radiation rumors
Grand Canyon National Park officials hope they have finally put to rest a long-standing rumor that the athletic fields where local children play were contaminated with radiation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/30/AR2009043000656.html

Havasupai Reservation to Stay Closed Until June 1
Havasupai tribe officials announced Wednesday their campground will remain closed to the public until June 1 due to the swine flu outbreak.
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/havasupai_swine_flu_concerns_04_29_2009

Ohio Man Rescued After Falling Into Grand Canyon
An Ohio man who was peering over the edge of the Grand Canyon and lost his balance was rescued after falling 60 feet.
http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-ohio-grand-canyon-fall,0,952121.story

Hiker rescued after falling 60 feet at Grand Canyon
A 47 year-old Ohio man was rescued after falling 60 feet while hiking in the Grand Canyon yesterday.
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stories/grand-canyon-local-news-042909-hiker-rescue.1fcc1b2.html
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Grand Teton National Park News:
‘Antelope Alley’ – Historic crossing holds obstacles
“Antelope Alley” on the west edge of Pinedale is a traditional crossing for migrating pronghorn – but twice a year the animals encounter a growing maze of development, disturbance, unfriendly fences and traffic along their historic route.
http://www.subletteexaminer.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=1142

Pine Beetles ATTACK!
Across the Rocky Mountain West, islands of green pine trees dot the landscape, isolated from one another by a sea of dying, and dead, rusty colored pines.
http://www.planetjh.com/news/A_104990.aspx
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Homecoming weekend unites Smoky Mountain park employees
Celebratory weekend unites past and present park workers
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/30/back-home-in-the-smokies/

Crews working to contain Laurel Falls wildfire in Smokies
Some 40 firefighters are working today to contain a wildfire at Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Little River Road.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/29/crews-working-contain-laurel-falls-wildfire-smokie/

3 wildfires keep firefighters in Smokies busy
Firefighters worked Wednesday to contain three wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
http://www.newsobserver.com/1565/story/1505974.html
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Misc. National Park News:
Visitors to Nation’s Parks Need to Represent the New America
On Earth Day last week, filmmaker Ken Burns launched a six-month national outreach campaign here at Fort Mason to welcome a more diverse visitor population to America’s national parks. Burns said he hopes his recent film, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” will help attract new communities into the country’s parks.
http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c1b3821cfaa902aa84aa76d297683912
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Body Found Inside Burned Vehicle At RMNP
FBI Begins Investigation
A body was found inside a burned vehicle in the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the FBI said Wednesday.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/19326371/detail.html

Battle of the beetle
Spraying shows some promise
Preventive spraying of selected pine trees in Rocky Mountain National Park to repel beetle attacks has proven to be extremely successful.
http://www.eptrail.com/news/2009/apr/29/battle-beetle/

More hungry bears means extra gear for campers
Overnight backcountry campers will be required to carry a bear-proof food canister starting on May 1.
http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=114681&catid=346
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Shenandoah National Park News:
Shenandoah leader loved mountains as a child
New Shenandoah superintendent a natural as someone who loved mountains from her youth
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2009/042009/04302009/463015
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Microhydro Coming Back To Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is planning to use federal stimulus funds to install a microhydro electric system.
http://www.aer-online.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.2464

Yellowstone Under Snail Siege
The invasive New Zealand mud snail threatens local fish populations in national parks
http://www.backpacker.com/snails_invade_yellowstone/blogs/daily_dirt/982
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Zion National Park News:
Dollars flow to water projects
Stimulus money flowing into Southern Utah will help water districts and national parks with infrastructure and maintenance projects as well as bring new jobs into the area.
http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20090429/NEWS01/904290356