July National Park News

07/01/2011


Glacier National Park News:
Transit buses start rolling at Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park officials say that the Going-to-the-Sun Road Transit System will start up for the season on Friday, July 1st.
http://www.kpax.com/news/transit-buses-start-rolling-at-glacier-national-park/
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon National Park under fire restrictions
Grand Canyon National Park has implemented the first stages of fire restrictions.
http://ktar.com/category/local-news-arti...e-restrictions/
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Misc. National Park News:
Best camp sites around the world
Whether you're a novice camper or a wilderness expert, you'll probably agree that there is something peaceful and majestic about sleeping under the stars. Camping has always been a universally loved past time and warm summer months offer the perfect excuse to grab your tent, start a fire and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/06/27/best-camp-sites-around-the-world

Plan for parks
A 10-year study about national parks released earlier this week by a nonprofit conservation group points out what many people already suspected: Our outdoor playgrounds need some help.
http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20110630/OPINION/106300307/Plan+for+parks
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Tourists keep rescuers busy at Rocky Mountain National Park
A flurry of search-and-rescue operations at Rocky Mountain Park over the past week confirms that hikers and campers must be fully prepared to deal with just about any condition offered at the park, say park officials.
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnewsold/ci_18384191
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Sequoia National Park News:
Pot plants near park destroyed
Authorities say they have destroyed nearly 36,000 marijuana plants found growing on U.S. Bureau of Land Management land near Sequoia National Park.
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20110701/NEWS01/107010329/Pot-plants-near-park-destroyed
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Snowpack hinders pronghorn migration north
The pronghorn’s annual migration was delayed this year more than ever before, and it’s speculated the above-average snowpack is the reason.
http://www.pinedaleroundup.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=2097

The Yellowstone Effect: How a Weak Dollar is Boosting Domestic Travel
This week, I’ve been treated to a visceral experience of the upside of a downside. Driving with my family through the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, I have sat behind endless lines of RVs and assorted SUVs depositing masses of people who are swarming the parks, descending on Old Faithful concession stands, and snapping endless digital photos to be sent over Androids, iPhones and even Blackberries.
http://moneyland.time.com/2011/07/01/the.../#ixzz1QsbDEoBi

Grizzly trapping, processing to start July 6 in Bridger-Teton National Forest
Wyoming wildlife officials are going to be baiting traps in the Bridger Teton National Forest as part of ongoing monitoring of the grizzly bear population.
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/s...ear-Monitoring/

Grand Teton grizzly family causing bear jams
A grizzly bear clan famous for its frequent roadside appearances in Grand Teton National Park is keeping park rangers especially busy this summer tending to tourist critter jams.
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1639870
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Acadia National Park News:
Finding a green lining in slow property sales
Developer Shepard Harris has spent summers in Maine since childhood, so he knows the state’s vast stretches of unblemished space are precious. But his decision to keep this island’s largest remaining piece of undeveloped land from being dotted with homes came down to something more pragmatic: a tax break.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-07-03/bu...land-protection
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Everglades National Park News:
Groups Urge National Park Service To Block Transmission Lines Along Everglades National Park
A proposal to string a ribbon of high-voltage power lines along the edge of Everglades National Park is being met with strong opposition from a number of groups that want the Interior Department and Park Service to reject the request and acquire the land the lines would traverse.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...tional-park8395
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Youth art exhibit at Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Youth are hosting an evening program and exhibit presented by 15 young artists.
http://www.azdailysun.com/lifestyles/ann...l#ixzz1R9AtIoxF

Grand Canyon's future hinges on critical issues
One year from now, the view from Mather Point will differ little from when government officials gathered at the South Rim one windy day last month to discuss the Grand Canyon's future.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic...l#ixzz1R9BK6jLe
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Misc. National Park News:
A grand view of slot canyon gone in a flash
The Desert Southwest of the U.S. is one of the most beautifully wild places on the planet to photograph.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110703/XPLORE/107030306
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Rhino poaching decreases to record low in Nepali national park
The fiscal year 2010/11 saw the lowest number of cases of rhino poaching inside Chitwan National Park (CNP) in central Nepal in the last decade, local media reported on Monday.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702604&publicationSubCategoryId=200
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone river suffers oil spill
Exxon Mobil pipeline rupture leaks hundreds of barrels of oil into Montana tourist attraction, prompting evacuations
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/03/yellowstone-river-suffers-oil-spill

Teton Raptor Center allows visitors to observe birds of prey up close
There was one spot Joe Ciaccio and Alastar Connor didn't want to miss on their family vacation to Jackson this year: the Teton Raptor Center.
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/...l#ixzz1R9CD7S9a
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite falls flowing as freely as tourism
Yosemite this year has the best spray park this side of the Rockies. Get anywhere near the Bridalveil or Lower Yosemite Falls and you can get as wet as you want.
http://www.bakersfield.com/entertainment...eely-as-tourism
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Everglades National Park News:
Everglades National Park seeks volunteers to remove old tires
Everglades National Park is seeking volunteers this weekend to help clean up a pile of old tires dumped at the park’s northeastern Chekika area.
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-07...s-national-park
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon National Park Celebrates Completion of Improvements at Mather Point
For many people arriving at Grand Canyon National Park, Mather Point provides the first chance to actually see the famous canyon. In recent years, however, some visitors probably felt they'd spent more time looking for a parking space than at the view.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...ather-point8397
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Misc. National Park News:
You can get a species named after you
If you've ever thought it might be cool to have a scientific discovery named after you, Discover Life in America has a deal for you.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2011-07-04-selling-species-naming-rights_n.htm
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Yellowstone to Yukon: Conservationist Advocates for Key Wildlife Corridor
The bear went over the mountain — as many kids learn from the popular song — to see what he could see. But the wolf went over the mountain and just kept on going, covering 40,000 square miles in two years.
http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/yel...rridor/C41/L41/

Montana issues emergency order for spill, holds Exxon responsible
Montana's governor declared a state of emergency Tuesday related to a ruptured pipeline that caused tens of thousands of gallons of oil to gush into the Yellowstone River -- a break the pipeline's owner still doesn't know the cause of, a spokesman said.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/05/montana.oil.spill/
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier Park is more than just Going-to-the-Sun Road
Last winter’s extraordinary, lingering snowfall has yielded some scenic side effects in Glacier National Park this summer, including spectacular waterfalls, stunning beargrass and other wildflowers and more wildlife at lower elevations.
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_44bed3c2-a845-11e0-816d-001cc4c03286.html
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Misc. National Park News:
Springtime visits to national parks plunge; Acadia official blames wet weather
Go ahead, blame harsh weather or high gas prices for a marked reduction in visits to Yosemite and other national parks so far this year. The summer droves, though, are returning.
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/06/ne...her/?ref=latest

Hudson River National Park proposal reintroduced
Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have reintroduced legislation proposing a national park designation for the Hudson River Valley from Fort Edward in Washington County to southern Westchester County.
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Hu...p#ixzz1RRdx2di4
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Northern Cascades National Park News:
Photo confirms grizzly in Washington's N. Cascades
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says a hiker's photo confirms a sighting of a grizzly bear in Washington state's North Cascades for the first time in perhaps half a century.
http://news.yahoo.com/photo-confirms-grizzly-washingtons-n-cascades-202349102.html
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Saguaro National Park News:
Saguaro National Park reopens; Coronado may reopen tomorrow
As of today, Saguaro National Park and all of the trails have been reopened and the temporary fire restrictions have been lifted.
http://tucsonvelo.com/news/saguaro-national-park-reopens-coronado-may-reopen-tomorrow/8369
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Grizzly bear kills Yellowstone hiker
A female grizzly bear attacked and killed a man who encountered the bruin and her cubs while he was hiking with his wife on Wednesday in Yellowstone National Park, park officials said.
http://news.yahoo.com/grizzly-bear-kills-yellowstone-hiker-223309866.html

Will Obama Administration, Wyoming Governor, Find Common Ground on Dealing With Wolves?
Earlier this spring, I met with Jon and Deb Robinett, managers of Steve Gordon’s historic ranch, the Diamond G, up the Dunoir Valley near the northeast corner of Grand Teton National Park.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...ling-wolves8415

Exxon claimed failed pipeline was buried deep below Yellowstone River
Exxon Mobil Co. had reassured federal regulators and officials from a Montana town since December that an oil pipeline beneath the Yellowstone River was safe, buried deep enough to avoid any accidental ruptures.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110707/NEWS01/107070303/Exxon-claimed-failed-pipeline-buried-deep-below-Yellowstone-River?odyssey=nav|head

Yellowstone park rangers: No search for bear that killed hiker, 1st fatal mauling since 1986
Yellowstone National Park authorities will not try to capture a female grizzly that killed a backcountry hiker because it was trying to defend her cubs when she was surprised by the man, a spokesman said Thursday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/e...Vn1H_story.html
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite Cracks Down On Campsite Scalpers
As people hit the road for summer vacation, there's a problem at one major destination: Yosemite National Park. Scalpers started snatching up cheap campsite reservations online and selling them for as much as six times their face value. Now, the National Park Service is cracking down.
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/07/137496875/yosemite-cracks-down-on-campsite-scalpers
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road to open July 13, 2nd latest ever
Glacier National Park officials announced Thursday that all 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to the public Wednesday, July 13, marking the second-latest opening date in the scenic drive's 78-year history, and the latest it's ever opened due to weather.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-reg...l#ixzz1RXTXq9od
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Appropriations bill throws future of Grand Canyon mining ban into doubt
A House subcommittee Thursday voted to nullify the Interior Department’s recently extended ban on new mining claims on more than 1 million acres of federal land around the Grand Canyon.
http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2011/07/ap...ban-into-doubt/
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Great Smokies visits down in first 5 months
Visits to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are off 9 percent from January through May, when compared with the first five months of 2010.
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/32281--great-smokies-visits-down-in-first-5-months
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
3 elephants electrocuted in north Indian sanctuary
Three elephants were electrocuted at a wildlife sanctuary in northern India, apparently after they uprooted a utility pole and were caught in its wires, a forest official said Friday.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/arti...a9e468e88b086d6
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Grizzly roams free after fatal Yellowstone mauling
The female grizzly bear that attacked and killed a hiker when apparently startled with two cubs will be allowed to continue roaming free in Yellowstone National Park after officials determined the animal had acted to protect its young.
http://news.yahoo.com/grizzly-roams-free-fatal-yellowstone-mauling-042134679.html

Montana pulls out of oil spill joint command
Montana's governor withdrew his state on Thursday from participation in a joint command team directing the cleanup of oil spilled from a burst Exxon Mobil pipeline, saying citizens "can't get straight answers" from the company.
http://news.yahoo.com/montana-pulls-oil-spill-joint-command-015051433.html

Montana Landowners Push for Cleanup of Exxon Oil Pipeline Leak
Montana landowners who say their property along the Yellowstone River has been soiled by oil that leaked from an Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) pipeline are banding together to push the company to do more to restore the land.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-08...eline-leak.html

Link between Arizona and Yellowstone bear attacks?
Some people are linking a Yellowstone bear attack to one right here in Arizona.
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_sou...ne-bear-attacks

Deal "in principle" reached on wolves
n agreement to end federal protection of wolves in Wyoming could come as early as this fall, state and federal officials announced Thursday.
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2011/07/08/news/01top_07-08-11.txt
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Canyonlands National Park News;
Environmentalists seek to protect Canyonlands area
A coalition of environmental groups is pushing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to restrict off-road vehicle use on more than 1,000 miles of trails surrounding Canyonlands National Park.
http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/E...p#ixzz1RoKfxhy5
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Kings Canyon National Park News:
News briefs: Prescribed fire to be set in Kings Canyon
Fire crews at Kings Canyon National Park will start the Redwood Mountain prescribed fire today, the National Park Service said.
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/07/09/2459237/news-briefs-prescribed-fire-to.html#ixzz1RoLXTlFK
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Olympic National Park News:
Olympic National Park's Mountain Goat Plan Warns Of Dangers of Urinating On Hiking Trails
With hopes of preventing another fatal encounter between a hiker and a mountain goat, Olympic National Park officials will urge hikers not to urinate on trails, as the salty deposits in effect become "long linear salt licks."
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...king-trails8431

Clearcut on private land in Olympic National Park prompts investigation; had verbal permission, property owner says
A Lake Crescent clearcut of 30 to 100 trees along about 100 feet of privately owned shoreline has prompted a park investigation and drawn the attention of Superintendent Karen Gustin.
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/articl...al-park-prompts
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Rhino poaching is on record pace in South Africa, conservation group says
South Africa, which has the world's largest population of rhinos, lost at least 193 to poaching in the first six months of the year, said WWF International, the conservation group.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2015552606_deadrhinos10.html

Three elephants electrocuted in UP's Dudhwa national park
Three wild elephants were on Friday electrocuted after they came in contact with a dangling live high voltage cable in the thick confines of Uttar Pradesh's [ Images ] famous Dudhwa National Wildlife Park.
http://www.rediff.com/news/report/-elephants-electrocuted-in-dudhwa-national-park/20110709.htm
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Exxon Has Two Months To Clean Yellowstone Spill
Exxon Mobil Corp. has been given two months to clean up oil from a ruptured pipeline along the Yellowstone River as it faces mounting questions about its handling of the accident in one of America's most pristine wilderness areas, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpps/news/exx...2#ixzz1RoKXQvwY

Grand Teton program immerses students in outdoors to prepare for careers
Erin Andersen, 19, grew up camping and spending time outdoors. Her mom works for the National Park Service in Denver. Andersen is a sophomore in college majoring in environmental science and likes to mountain bike and backpack.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-an...l#ixzz1RoKoRRQQ

West Linn man rescues woman from bear in Yellowstone Park
A West Linn man visiting Yellowstone National Park with his family helped rescue a hiker who was being threatened by a bear.
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/West-Linn-man-makes-Yellowstone-grizzly-rescue-125281738.html

Montana wolf hunt, season two
Imagine a Montana with an open hunting season for wolves: no quotas, no hunting tags.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/new...1cc4c03286.html

Vacationers Undeterred After Grizzly Kills a Hiker
Word spread quickly through Yellowstone National Park about a fatal grizzly bear mauling — the park’s first in 25 years — but few of the people visiting here at the height of tourist season seemed inclined to abandon their vacations.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/us/10grizzly.html
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Glacier National Park News:
Weather cooperating for Sun Road opening
Glacier National Park is still on track to open Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass sometime on Wednesday.
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_6b450e64-ac2b-11e0-8a97-001cc4c002e0.html

Montana's wet year a record breaker
Record-breaking weather came early and stayed late in Montana in the 2010-11 water year, resulting in flooding that caused $8.6 million in damage to public infrastructure — a figure that will rise as the state's rivers only now begin to recede, well into July.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110712/NEWS01/107120302/Montana-s-wet-year-record-breaker?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Congressman challenges ban on mining claims near Grand Canyon
An Arizona congressman wants to give the mining industry another shot at staking claims on more than 1 million acres near the Grand Canyon, using language in an appropriations bill to end the Interior Department’s temporary ban on new claims.
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/nation...position=recent
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Friends of the Smokies’ to host a high altitude hike
Friends of the Smokies hosts a high altitude hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Charlie’s Bunion on Tuesday, July 19.
http://www.mountainx.com/blogwire/2011/friends_of_the_smokies_to_host_a_high_altitude_hike
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Lassen Volcanic National Park News:
Lassen Park gets one of 19 national grants
The National Park Foundation announced that Lassen Volcanic National Park has been awarded of one of 19 America's Best Idea grants distributed nationwide.
http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_18459695
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Olympic National Park News:
Olympic National Park warns hikers: Don't wee in the woods
After a fatal attack by a mountain goat on a hiker last fall, officials at Washington's Olympic National Park are urging visitors not to urinate along some backcountry trails because the resulting salt deposits may attract the animals.
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/...-woods/176497/1
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Scientists use road-kill deer, elk to lure bears
Wildlife biologists are due to start putting out fresh road-killed deer and elk to lure Idaho grizzly bears as part of efforts under the Endangered Species Act to monitor their distribution in the area that includes Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/125417943.html

Yellowstone east, NE gates fall 25%, 18%
Cold, wet weather, lingering snowpack and road closures played roles in the drop in Yellowstone's June visitation and figures for the first half of the year.
http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/local/article_20d141c8-ac07-11e0-b169-001cc4c03286.html

Bear-safety lecture in Yellowstone interrupted by bear
Just two days after a rare fatal mauling by a mother grizzly in Yellowstone National Park, a black bear interrupted the taping of a television news segment on bear safety.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/11/us-bear-yellowstone-safety-idUSTRE76A71R20110711

Chimani Yellowstone Guide for the iPhone Free until July 17
Chimani, LLC announced today it has released its newest app - Chimani Yellowstone National Park - for the iPhone and Android platforms.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/07/12/prweb8635824.DTL#ixzz1Rukr1jst
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Denali National Park News:
Denali Road Lottery Winners for 2011 Announced
Denali National Park officials have released a list of Denali Road lottery winners who will receive passes to drive the typically tour-bus-only park road in September.
http://articles.ktuu.com/2011-07-12/fee_29766947
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Glacier National Park News:
Going-to-Sun set to open Wednesday
It's been a long time coming. But fans of Glacier National Park will finally have the chance to drive to Logan Pass, and marvel at all that snow, on Wednesday.
http://www.kpax.com/news/going-to-sun-set-to-open-wednesday/
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Rocky Mountain National Park visits surge in June
Strong month pushes year-to-date totals above 2010 levels
With Trail Ridge Road open and the spate of bad weather over, visits to Rocky Mountain National Park surged during June, pushing overall visits ahead of the pace set in 2010. Visitors flocked to the park to the tune of 517,830, or 11.6 percent greater than June 2010. The big June numbers also pushed the year-to-date total close to the one million mark for the year. Through June, 957,237 visitors had been counted. This is 2.35 percent above last year`s January through June total of 892,563 visitors.
http://www.eptrail.com/ci_18462715
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Exxon Avoids Major Fallout From Yellowstone River Spill So Far
Almost 1,000 barrels (42,000 gallons) of oil spewed into the Yellowstone River when an Exxon Mobil pipeline ruptured on July 5.
http://blogs.forbes.com/greatspeculation...r-spill-so-far/

Park rangers won't seek grizzly that killed hiker
Yellowstone National Park authorities will not try to capture a female grizzly that killed a backcountry hiker because the bruin was trying to defend its cubs when it was surprised by the man, a spokesman said Thursday.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/DG/20110707/NEWS01/110707030/Park-rangers-won-t-seek-grizzly-killed-hiker?odyssey=nav|head

Pipeline protesters hit Montana governor's office
More than 100 environmental activists from across the country descended Tuesday on the Montana Capitol to demand Gov. Brian Schweitzer rescind his support for the Keystone XL oil pipeline and ExxonMobil's megaload transportation project.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-07-13-montana-oil-protest_n.htm

Floodwaters receding near Mont. oil spill
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said receding floodwaters in the Yellowstone River increased access to oil spilled from the Silvertip pipeline.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-.../#ixzz1S0z64CW8

Denali National Park News:
Deep in sewage at Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve has a problem, and it stinks.
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/deep-sewage-denali-national-park
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road opens all the way
After weather hampered its opening, the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is now open in its entirety.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110714/NEWS01/107140303/Glacier-s-Going-Sun-Road-opens-all-way?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|s

Laura Bush to visit the Park
Former First Lady Laura Bush will visit Glacier National Park this week, capping off her stay with a fundraiser appearance at the Lake McDonald Lodge on Friday afternoon.
http://www.flatheadnewsgroup.com/hungryhorsenews/article_481a473a-ad5a-11e0-b96f-001cc4c03286.html
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Mount Rainier National Park News:
Rainier park’s next superintendent faces many challenges
Here are some of the key issues facing the next superintendent at Mount Rainier National Park.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/13...l#ixzz1S6RLwWxc
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News;
UPDATE 2-US probe of Exxon pipeline leak to take months
Will take weeks if not months to bring up pipeline-PHMSA
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/14/congress-exxon-pipeline-idUSN1E76D0PW20110714

Exxon officials say jobs safe, refinery running at reduced rates after Yellowstone oil spill
ExxonMobil officials said Wednesday that while the refinery is running at “reduced rates” after a crude oil pipeline ruptured in the Yellowstone River earlier this month, all of the current staff is needed.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/ar...l#ixzz1S6NzYRmo

Grand Teton, Yellowstone park visits decline
Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks showed drops in visitation for June, likely the result of wet weather early in the month and a sluggish economy.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=7506

Yellowstone bison pay price for poor decisions (Editorial)
The collective guilt of mindless cruelty on our wild Yellowstone buffalo by Yellowstone National Park, the Montana Department of Livestock and Montana Department of Fish Wildlife & Parks is beyond all human reasoning.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110714/OPINION/107140306/Yellowstone-bison-pay-price-poor-decisions?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

Banff National Park News;
Female grizzly killed on Banff highway 5
Slipping past a wildlife fence under construction in Banff National Park has cost a five-year-old female grizzly bear her life.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/15/female-grizzly-killed-on-banff-highway
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Glacier National Park News:
New public affairs specialist for Glacier Park
Glacier National Park officials have announced the hiring of a new public affairs specialist, Denise Germann, who has held a similar position with the Flathead National Forest for the last seven years.
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_3ffd4e38-ae88-11e0-a723-001cc4c002e0.html

Glacier officials warn of snow hazards in the park
The opening of Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park means visitors are flocking to its trails, lakes and rivers, but park officials want to remind everyone there are still snow hazards the park.
http://www.kaj18.com/news/glacier-officials-warn-of-snow-hazards-in-the-park/
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
As bid to overturn Salazar’s Grand Canyon uranium ban moves ahead, opponents step up
After an Arizona Republican this week successfully attached a mining rider to a spending bill that would torpedo Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s ban on new uranium mining claims within 1 million acres of the Grand Canyon, Arizona business, sportsmen and conservation groups are once again rallying behind the moratorium.
http://coloradoindependent.com/93979/as-...ponents-step-up

After 27 years, a new summit for Rainier park's leader: Running Grand Canyon National Park
When Dave Uberuaga pulls out of his Eatonville driveway Monday, for the first time in a long time he will not drive to Mount Rainier National Park as its chief.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/07/...l#ixzz1SCWc8ZXG
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Lassen Volcanic National Park News:
Lassen Volcanic National Park Road Opens This Weekend
Park Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz announced today that the main road through Lassen Volcanic National Park will open for through traffic this Saturday, July 16.
http://anewscafe.com/2011/07/14/lassen-volcanic-national-park-road-opens-this-weekend/
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Misc. National Park News:
Loss of Top Predators Has Far-Reaching Effects
Sea otters eat sea urchins and sea urchins eat kelp. When sea otters are present, the coastal kelp forests maintain a healthy balance. But when the fur trade wiped out the otters in the Aleutian Islands in the 1990s, sea urchins grew wildly, devouring kelp, and the kelp forest collapsed, along with everything that depended on it.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/07/-sea-otters-eat-sea.html

Hanford's B Reactor a national park?
It's not Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon for sure, but Hanford's B Reactor this week won the backing of U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to become part of the National Park Service.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/edcetera/2015612324_no_centralia_chronicle_yes_van.html
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
New Yellowstone North Entrance Plan Provides Intriguing Options for Entry
A proposed overhaul of the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park would add more entry kiosks and a road reconfiguration allowing folks in a hurry to bypass the Roosevelt Arch -- while decreasing traffic for those who want to enjoy it.
http://www.yellowstoneinsider.com/201107...s-for-entry.php

After Yellowstone River oil spill, domestic water well testing trickles in
When nearly 42,000 of gallons of crude oil rushed down the Yellowstone River July 1, the Environmental Protection Agency said its first concern was human health.
http://www.hcn.org/hcn/blogs/goat/after-...ing-trickles-in

Wolves show 'sixth mass extinction' can be fought
Thirty-one gray wolves from Canada were turned loose in Yellowstone in the 1990s.
http://www.canada.com/technology/Wolves+...l#ixzz1SCWT0vP6
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Government probe of Exxon pipeline leak to take months
It will take several months to investigate the cause of the leak on ExxonMobil's Silvertip oil pipeline crossing the Yellowstone River, the U.S. pipeline safety regulator told Congress on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/15/us-congress-exxon-pipeline-idUSTRE76D3Y320110715

Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Largest population of rare gibbon found in Vietnam
Conservationists listening to a critically endangered primate's morning calls in central Vietnam's mountains heard a surprising response.
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/18/3776204/largest-population-of-rare-gibbon.html#ixzz1SU3Ku8bH
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Grand Teton National Park to Present Artwork from Harrison Crandall's Private Archive
Grand Teton National Park will host a special lecture by Dr. Ken Barrick titled, “Harrison Crandall: Historic Images from the Personal Archives of the Official Grand Teton National Park Photographer” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center auditorium. This program is free and open to the public.
http://gtnpnews.blogspot.com/2011/07/grand-teton-national-park-to-present.html

Kids explore science of fire with Junior Smokejumper program
The National Smokejumper Center's Junior Smokejumper program educates kids about the science of fire, tests their agility and encourages them to enjoy the outdoors.
http://www.westyellowstonenews.com/news/article_f9cb23a2-b0c8-11e0-a227-001cc4c002e0.html

Montana crews finish pulling oil from broken Exxon pipeline in Yellowstone River
An official with the Environmental Protection Agency says workers have successfully removed about 100 barrels of oil from a broken Exxon Mobil pipeline in the Yellowstone River in south-central Montana.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/e...cXKI_story.html

Nature on the boil
More than a few stories of Yellowstone obsession bubble to the surface as Lance Richardson ventures where the bison, bears and Geyser Gazers roam.
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/activity/gr...l#ixzz1SU2lgSc3
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Yosemite National Park News:
Spectacular 'moonbow' lights up the night sky at Yosemite National Park
IT'S a rare and stunning sight: the vibrant colours of a rainbow dazzle against a waterfall... in the middle of the night.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/n...o-1226096714726

Denali National Park News:
Denali National Park visitor center gets July snowfall
Some tourists inside Denali National Park apparently got an unexpected taste of Alaska on Monday in the form of a July snowfall.
http://newsminer.com/bookmark/14745872-Denali-National-Park-visitor-center-gets-July-snowfall
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Glacier National Park News:
Von Trapp grandchildren sing in Glacier National Park
If you've seen the classic movie The Sound of Music you may be familiar with the Von Trapp family portrayed in the film.
http://www.kpax.com/news/von-trapp-grandchildren-sing-in-glacier-national-park/
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Fewer Smokies visitors in June
June was another down month for visits to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/34675--fewer-smokies-visitors-in-june
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Misc. National Park News:
Environmentalists: Keep 'secret highway for illegals' open
Lawmaker warns 'wilderness' routes popular for drug, immigrant smugglers
A controversial bill in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at plugging the flow of illegal activity along America's borders has pitted environmentalists and national park advocates against those championing national security.
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=322513#ixzz1SatGXTD7

Seabury Blair Jr.: The truth about dogs and trails
I was surprised and encouraged last week to find that more than three people actually read my story of the rescue of Sasha, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and my follow-up column on the Internet.
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jul/18/the-truth-about-dogs-and-trails/#ixzz1SatVhaeH

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agrees Whitebark Pines Need Help From Climate Change, But Will Have To Wait
Whitebark pine trees, a "foundation species" that grows high in the upper reaches of parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Yosemite, and Kings Canyon, is in need of Endangered Species Act protection from climate change, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...l-have-wait8468
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
High Waters Finally Receding in Yellowstone National Park
It's been one of the wettest springs and summers in recent years, but now the waters are finally receding in Yellowstone National Park, where normalcy can resume -- to a certain degree.
http://www.yellowstoneinsider.com/201107...tional-park.php

Yellowstone cutthroat returned to Clarks Fork system
The flatbed truck with a green aquatics tank arrived at the trailhead at 9 a.m., carrying 900 genetically pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-an...l#ixzz1SatwGWTd

Bald eagle among dozens of animals affected by oil spill on Yellowstone River in Montana
Wildlife officials are trying to capture and clean almost 20 animals, including a bald eagle, that might have been harmed by a broken Exxon Mobil pipeline that spilled an estimated 1,000 barrels of oil into the Yellowstone River in Montana.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/e...uhNI_story.html

Iobst named deputy superintendent of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is getting a new Deputy Superintendent. Park Superintendent Dan Wenk says Steven Iobst will take over the duties beginning July 31.
http://www.kxlf.com/news/iobst-named-deputy-superintendent-of-yellowstone-national-park/
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Slow news day...



Cuyahoga National Park News:
Beaver, wild creatures easy to spot in park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is becoming known for wildlife. Since the park was established, we've been able to report observations of varieties of wildlife that often have been missing from the area for generations.
http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/5068286
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Lightning Caused Point Fire on Grand Canyon North Rim Increases Activity
Drier weather over the weekend has led to increased fire activity and moderate growth on the Point Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park which was started by lightning July 4, 2011.
http://www.kcsg.com/view/full_story/1474...e=home_stories3

NATIONAL, LOCAL SPORTSMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS UNITE IN CALL FOR GRAND CANYON PROTECTIONS FROM URANIUM MINING (Note - not really news, but a call to action, I suppose)
Multiple local and national sportsmen’s organizations have sent a letter ( http://www.az-tu.org/Sportsmen_Salazar_GC_Uranium_Mining_071511.pdf ) to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, thanking him for upholding the temporary moratorium on new uranium mining on 1 million acres around Grand Canyon National Park, and requesting he extend the ban to 20 years when his agency’s analysis is completed this fall.
http://www.flyrodreel.com/blogs/tedwilliams/2011/july/organizations-protections
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite rangers fear hikers swept over falls
A search and rescue operation at Yosemite National Park is set to resume at first light Wednesday in an area below a popular waterfall after witnesses reported seeing at least one hiker swept over the falls.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/arti...b60912815f5c24e
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Denali National Park News:
Grizzly bear attacks seven teens in Alaska
A grizzly bear has attacked seven teenagers in Alaska, injuring four of them, Alaska State Troopers said on Sunday.
http://news.yahoo.com/grizzly-bear-attacks-seven-teens-alaska-062207870.html
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
House Of Representatives Could Act Monday on Bid to Allow Uranium Mining Around Grand Canyon National Park
How strong is the market for uranium? Is nuclear energy a key component of the nation's energy future? How many jobs would be created by allowing mining of uranium around the Grand Canyon National Park?
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...tional-park8503
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Misc. National Park News:
Environment groups see danger in climate change
Leaders of a coalition of environmental groups worry the plants, animals and natural wonders located inside national parks around the Great Lakes are feeling the impact of climate change.
http://www.pantagraph.com/entertainment/...l#ixzz1T9YmhiUr
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Mount Rainier National Park News:
Remote webcam now operational on Mount Rainier
Now you can take in the views at Camp Muir on Mount Rainier, which is now the highest webcam in Washington, and the most remote in the United States.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/re...perational.html
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
South Africa’s Rhino Slaughter Rages on
The shadow of rhino poaching keeps darkening the magnificent landscape that places South Africa among the most biodiverse countries in the world. Already the figure for the year so far stands at about 200 rhinos killed. This has conservationists fearing that the toll for the year could end up exceeding the shocking 333 killed last year.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/07/23/south-africas-rhino-slaughter-rages-on/
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Yellowstone National Park News:
Yellowstone proposes bypass, new kiosk at north entrance
Yellowstone National Park's historic North Entrance at Gardiner would be redesigned to improve traffic flow and safety under a proposal drawn up by the National Park Service.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-an...l#ixzz1T9YWPf42

Spilled crude will break down over time
Long after the Yellowstone River cleanup ends, there will likely be crude oil residue balled up on the river bottom and traces of the black bathtub ring now lining the banks, officials said last week.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/ar...l#ixzz1T9Ye4VVO

Keep snowmobile numbers reasonable in Yellowstone (Editorial)
I am writing in response to the story regarding Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso's comments on the Yellowstone National Park winter plan. In his letter to Supt. Dan Wenk, the senator stated he was in favor of more snowmobiles than the Park Service's preferred plan. He argues the old mantra of local "jobs and the economy" for the surrounding park communities. It seems to him to be only about the money.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/...l#ixzz1T9cgJG8S

Grizzlies in the Gallatin
New research documents growing number of bruins north of Yellowstone Park
Steve Gehman’s first job as a wildlife biologist landed him in the middle of some of the richest grizzly bear habitat in North America. Fresh out of graduate school at Oregon State University, Gehman took a job documenting wildlife activity near Gardiner on the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/spo...1cc4c03286.html
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Yosemite National Park News:
New plan to preserve the views in Yosemite begins with 'timber!'
Ah, the sounds of Yosemite Valley. Birds tweeting. Waterfalls crashing. Chain saws whirring?
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_18539564
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Crater Lake National Park News:
NW today: Disease resistant pines tested
Biologists say they hope they can breed a disease resistant version of the whitebark pine, a tree found at high altitudes in the West.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jul/25/nw-today-disease-resistant-pines-tested/
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Denali National Park News:
Teens relive the nightmare of an Alaska bear attack
Just heard from Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, where the two most seriously injured teens were taken by air. Sam Gottsegen remains in good condition and Josh Berg has been upgraded from serious to fair condition.
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/...attack/178597/1
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Ranger arrested in rhino poaching at SAfrican park
Officials say a game ranger at South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park has been arrested in connection with rhino poaching.
http://www.newsday.com/news/ranger-arrested-in-rhino-poaching-at-safrican-park-1.3054552
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Rangers Rescue Same Hiker Twice In One Month
Dean Smith Rescued Hiking Longs Peak, Mount Lady Washington
Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park rescued the same man on the Longs Peak Trail twice in July.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/28669186/detail.html

Ailing Colorado boy rescued by horseback from Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry
The National Park Service says an ailing 15-year-old boy has been evacuated on horseback from the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park.
http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/7...in-Park-Rescue/
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Yellowstone National Park News:
More big Yellowstone fires predicted with climate change
The size and frequency of wildfires in the northern Rocky Mountains will increase so much with global warming that it will profoundly alter the landscape of Yellowstone National Park and its environs, predicts a new study.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/07/yellowstone-fire-climate-change.html
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite National Park runs on sunlight
Yosemite National Park's lush flora have run on solar energy for millions of years. Now, the park's human inhabitants are following suit and using the sun's rays to run their facilities.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_18555966
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Misc. National Park News:
Republicans Seek Big Cuts in Environmental Rules (editorial)
With the nation’s attention diverted by the drama over the debt ceiling, Republicans in the House of Representatives are loading up an appropriations bill with 39 ways — and counting — to significantly curtail environmental regulation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/science/earth/28enviro.html

Bear spray 101: What you should know
On Canada Day we set off to backpack along the Lake Minnewanka Trail into the LM8 backcountry campground. Big groups picnicked beside the popular lake in Banff National Park — a festive scene that makes it easy to forget you’re in bear country.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Bear+spray/5169072/story.html#ixzz1TR9lih98
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Sequoia National Park News:
UPDATE: Lion Fire in Sequoia spreads to 16,000 acres; containment at 15 percent
Smoke from the 16,350-acre Lion Fire can be seen as far away as the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada and as close as the Tulare County foothills. The wildland fire is being managed as an ecological burn to reduce 90-year-old forest debris, said Denise Alonzo, spokeswoman for the Sequoia National Forest.
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article...ment-10-percent
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
High rivers in Yellowstone National Park still have some areas closed
The high water in Yellowstone National Park is receding, but there are still several impacts from the high flowing rivers.
http://www.kxlf.com/news/high-rivers-in-yellowstone-national-park-still-have-some-areas-closed/

Prepare for Severe Floods, Pipeline Operators Reminded
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's new advisory bulletin for owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines says the Yellowstone River spill that began July 1 shows the risks.http://ohsonline.com/articles/2011/07/28/prepare-for-severe-floods-pipeline-operators-reminded.aspx?admgarea=news

Griz Charges Prompt New Specific Grand Teton Rules
Grand Teton National Park is clarifying its rules against getting too close to wildlife after a grizzly charged at tourists who were watching the animal from on top of cars.
http://www.localnews8.com/news/28694205/detail.html
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite waterfall deaths: Families hire consultant to assess safety
The families of three hikers who were swept over Yosemite National Park's Vernal Fall last week have hired a consultant to assess whether safety measures were adequate.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/20...ess-safety.html
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Acadia National Park News
Loved and loathed, Roxanne Quimby remains determined (Note - I realize that this is ultimately different from Acadia, but given its proximity, I felt it was appropriate)
Roxanne Quimby has been labeled many things in the 27 years since she built a line of beeswax beauty products, sold the business for hundreds of millions of dollars and then turned her attention to Maine’s North Woods.
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/29/ou...ned/?ref=videos
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Big Bend National Park News:
EPA again delays stricter smog rules
Industry calls new limits too costly for economy
Industry and business groups are making a last-minute push to persuade the Obama administration to drop proposed limits for ozone, a lung-irritating pollutant that has fouled Houston's air for decades.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7674593.html#ixzz1TWlWpWxc

Protecting Dark Skies focus of bill
Thirty Big Bend area residents gathered at Davis Mountain State Park's Indian Lodge Monday evening to hear a presentation about House Bill 2857 (also known as the Dark Skies Ordinance) from McDonald Observatory's Bill Wren.
http://www.alpineavalanche.com/gallery/news/article_40d11ea2-b923-11e0-ba05-001cc4c002e0.html
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon: Iconic Landscape, Unprecedented Threat (Op Ed)
Few places inspire like the Grand Canyon.
Not only is it a geological wonder, it's also one of the most biologically diverse national parks in the United States -- home to more than 1,000 species of plants, 76 species of mammals, 299 bird species, 41 reptiles and amphibians and 16 species of fish.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kieran-suckling/grand-canyon-uranium-mining_b_912582.html
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Misc. National Park News:
House GOP seeks big cuts in environmental rules (Op Ed)
Republicans have regularly called rigorous environmental protection laws anti-business and anti-growth, and they appear to be taking advantage of their greater numbers in the House of Representatives to try to roll them back, mostly by defunding them.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20084533-503544.html
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Rocky Mountain National park News:
Crews Still Plowing RMNP Road
Officials Hope To Open Old Fall River Road This Weekend
It's almost August, but crews are still plowing a road in Rocky Mountain National Park trying to clear it for visitors.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/28694475/detail.html
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Sequoia National Park News:
Fire in Sequoia National Forest Sends Smoke Into Reno
SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. (AP) - Fire crews are managing a
wildfire in Sequoia National Forest as an ecological burn as the
blaze burns in a remote area of the forest, and sends smoke carried by wind into northern Nevada, blanketing our sky.
http://www.kolotv.com/news/headlines/Control_Burn_in_Seq_126353503.html?ref=503
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Yellowstone National Park News:
EPA reviews oil on Yellowstone River
Less than 3 percent of the observed sections of the Yellowstone River in Montana downstream from a pipeline break are heavily affected by oil, the EPA said.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-.../#ixzz1TWlndJve

Tourism numbers down at Yellowstone NP
Numbers show that not as many tourists headed to Yellowstone National Park in June, but the numbers are still on pace for one of the highest visitor numbers for this year.
http://www.kbzk.com/news/tourism-numbers-down-at-yellowstone-np/

Small lightning-caused fire ignites in Yellowstone
A small lightning-caused fire has been found burning in Yellowstone National Park several miles southeast of Gibbon Falls.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-an...l#ixzz1TWlywWwi
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite's hidden vistas
Ah, the sounds of Yosemite Valley. Birds tweeting. Waterfalls crashing. Chain saws whirring?
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/28/2334666/yosemites-hidden-vistas.html#ixzz1TWlIkVtO
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