02/01/2012

Everglades National Park News:
Study: Mammals vanishing as Burmese python spreads
Mammals like raccoons, opossums, rabbits and deer are vanishing from the Florida Everglades as Burmese pythons multiply, researchers said Monday.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/01/.../#ixzz1lAiiZwdN
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Glacier National Park News:
FWP closes wolf hunting unit west of Glacier Park
Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said in a press release Tuesday that they are closing Wolf Management Unit 110, which is immediately west of Glacier National Park, to hunting for wolves because the quota for that unit has been met.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20120201/NEWS01/202010313/FWP-closes-wolf-hunting-unit-west-Glacier-Park?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon National Park’s trail crew will soon begin repairs to the bridge across Bright Angel Creek on the Ribbon Falls spur trail in the inner canyon.
http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive...n-falls-bridge/
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Jasper National Park News:
Jasper National Park puts glacier walk decision on ice
Controversial plans for a private observation deck extending from a Jasper National Park highway turnout will be deferred for several weeks while the government further reviews an environmental report.
http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Jaspe...9236/story.html
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Misc. National Park News:
Survey of Western Attitudes Shows Strong Support for National Parks, Clean Environment
A survey of Westerners shows overwhelming support for conservation of the landscape, with strong pluralities agreeing that "national parks, forests, monuments and wildlife areas, are an essential part" of their state economies.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...environment9390

U.S. House shoots down bill for national park in Blackstone Valley
Proponents of creating a national historical park in the Blackstone Valley say they are not deterred by the failure of legislation.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x73...y#ixzz1lAiq8mvf
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Officials at Rocky Mountain National Park are reviewing options for repairing the Lily Lake Dam after it was rated a high-hazard dam by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/a0743ec6a46f4199b89b163f75ef3ec5/CO--Dam-Hazard/
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
ExxonMobil may owe more for Yellowstone River pipeline rupture
ExxonMobil, who recently agreed to a $1.6 million dollar settlement with Montana after a pipeline rupture spilled thousands of gallons of oil into the Yellowstone River, may owe the state even more for additional environmental damages.
http://www.kxlh.com/news/exxonmobil-may-owe-more-for-yellowstone-river-pipeline-rupture/
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Acadia National Park News:
Invasive insect threatens MDI hemlock trees
New sightings of an invasive insect that targets hemlock trees has prompted the Maine Forest Service (MFS) to send a survey crew to Mount Desert Island to look for additional infestations.
http://fenceviewer.com/site/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=71868:invasive-insect-threatens-mdi-hemlock-trees&Itemid=938
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Misc. National Park News:
Concerns grow over volcanic eruptions
Scientists have known for decades that hidden under those impressive vistas at sites such as Death Valley and Yellowstone National Park are magma pools that under the right conditions can trigger explosive eruptions.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/story/2012-02-01/deadly-us-volcanoes/52923094/1

Arctic Alaska’s Conservation Conundrum
The Arctic wind blows hard on the snow-covered plains a few hundred miles southwest of Prudhoe Bay. It’s eight degrees in the winter chill. Despite global warming, I am still quite cold. I watch the tracks of the grizzly bear disappear upslope as they narrow toward a newborn calf. Out of my field of vision its mother, a muskoxen – the quintessential land animal of the Arctic – stands guard. But it is no match for the powerful predator looking for its next kill.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/02/02/arctic-alaskas-conservation-conundrum/
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Front to bring snow to Estes Park
The front moving through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park Thursday is bringing with it wet, blustery conditions with up to 11 inches of snow forecast.
http://www.eptrail.com/ci_19876269

Who needs groundhogs when you have yellow-bellied marmots?
OK, OK. Technically, today is Groundhog Day. But since we live in Colorado, where there are no groundhogs, we might as well celebrate the holiday with our own lovable replacement rodent: the yellow-bellied marmot, a cute-and-fuzzy denizen of the state's high-country habitats.
http://www.chieftain.com/life/local/who-...19bb2963f4.html
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Yellowstone sets meetings on revised winter management plan
Four open houses are scheduled this month to allow the public to review and comment on a range of draft alternatives for winter management of Yellowstone National Park
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-an...l#ixzz1lGqIPV30
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Everglades National Park News:
Snakes alive! But not much else in Everglades
Davidson professor is lead author on high-profile study.
Florida was in the news this week, and not just because of the snake oil being peddled and venom being spewed by Republican candidates in the Sunshine State's presidential primary.
http://www.lakenormancitizen.com/news/item/1701-snakes-alive-but-not-much-else-in-everglades.html
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Mammoth Cave National Park News:
Park Service study shows Mammoth Cave generates $62 million annually for region
An economic impact study from the National Park Service indicates Mammoth Cave National Park is generating $62 million every year for the south-central Kentucky region.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/dd99727d7d2244e18a87b9ed573a71f0/KY--Mammoth-Cave-Impact/
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Studies Suggest Volcanic Eruptions Can Be Predicted
New research suggests that eruptions at some of Earth’s largest volcanoes could be predicted decades before the event actually occurs, potentially making it easier for experts to monitor danger zones and conduct pre-emptive evacuations to keep residents out of harm’s way.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112467784/studies-suggest-volcanic-eruptions-can-be-predicted/

Grand Teton Park Issues Permit For Tarantino Film
Grand Teton National Park officials say director Quentin Tarantino plans on shooting some scenes for his latest film in Jackson Hole within the next couple of weeks.
http://www.localnews8.com/news/30370612/detail.html
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Acadia National Park News:
Maine could lose money for scenic roads if federal bill passes
If a transportation bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives is approved as written, it could mean the end of a federal program that has brought $5 million to rural Maine over the past two decades.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/02/07/ne...ses/?ref=latest

Acadia seeks raptor internship applications
Acadia National Park is currently accepting applications for the Raptor Interpretation Internship. The raptor internship runs from mid-May to mid-October.
http://mdi.villagesoup.com/news/story/acadia-seeks-raptor-internship-applications/482777

Acadia park officials relax stance on cellphone infrastructure
When it comes to cellphone coverage on Mount Desert Island, what service has existed over the years has always been spotty.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/02/06/ne...ure/?ref=latest
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Big Bend National Park News:
Young Boy Survives Mountain Lion Attack At Big Bend National Park
Several areas of Big Bend National Park have been closed to the public in the wake of a mountain lion attack on a young boy, who received non-fatal injuries to his face.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...tional-park9435
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Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Proposed Utah mine expansion reflects politics of coal
It was the simple beauty of the sagebrush hills and the first-rate fishing that drew Vince Salvato here 15 years ago. "All I wanted was a quiet, pristine place with clean air," he said, sipping sarsaparilla inside Bronco Bobbi's curio shop in this tiny town in southern Utah. "That's why I came here."
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-utah-coal-20120207,0,5900382.story
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon banning sales of bottled water
Activists concerned that Coca-Cola might be influencing National Park Service policy were breathing a bit easier Tuesday after the Grand Canyon National Park announced it would eliminate the sale of bottled water inside the park within 30 days.
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/07/10340196-grand-canyon-banning-sales-of-bottled-water
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Misc.
National park vacations on the rise
Considered "America's best idea," national parks provide travelers undisturbed views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see and provide a unique backyard oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. All this unrivaled beauty, when combined with opportunities for exploration and easy accessibility, makes national parks a popular vacation choice for today's travelers.
http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/easyliving/138855509.html
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Avalanche danger high for Rocky Mountain National Park, Cameron Pass
Heavy snowfall east of the Continental Divide has created very dangerous avalanche conditions. Total snowfall accumulation with the storm is expected to be 1 to2 feet or more. That amount of snow will overwhelm a weak snowpack. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely today.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/201202...rk-Cameron-Pass
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Yellowstone (And Grand Teton) National Park News:
Yellowstone Park tax?
It takes a lot of money to keep Yellowstone National Park’s sewers, water lines, roads and bridges in working condition for the millions of people who visit the park each year. That’s why a Teton County legislator is sponsoring a bill that would put an additional 1 cent on purchases made in Yellowstone.
http://www.powelltribune.com/news/item/9291-yellowstone-park-tax

Grand Teton National Park Officials Say Fewer Animals Died in Vehicle Collisions Last Year
Efforts to educate motorists to watch carefully for wildlife on roads seem to be working in Grand Teton National Park, where officials cite a decrease in the number of animal deaths from vehicle collisions.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...s-last-year9416
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Hey Everyone,

I expect the news will be back up as of the 15th of February. I am focused like the "Evil Eye of Sauron" on the Dog Show.

Thanks
James

Big Bend National Park News:
The stars at night are officially big and bright in Big Bend
Big Bend National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park and one of 10 places in the world certified to have especially dark night skies favored for stargazing.
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/02/15/3737990/the-stars-at-night-are-officially.html#storylink=cpy
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Everglades National Park News:
Nepal crocodile farm aims to save endangered species
As Prem Sharma steps gingerly into the sand-filled chamber, lines of baby crocodiles basking in the warm sunshine splash into a pond, eyes glinting behind their long, thin snouts.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/16/us-nepal-crocodiles-farm-idUSTRE81F00E20120216
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Glacier National Park News:
Winter storm damages historic ranger station in Glacier National Park
Wild weather wrecked a big part of the historic Belly River Ranger Station in Glacier National Park's remote northeast corner sometime around the New Year.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-reg...l#ixzz1maTTyGZn

Wolf populations had humble beginnings
The revival of wolf populations in Northwest Montana likely had its genesis with a single pack just north of Glacier National Park.
http://www.cdapress.com/news/outdoors/article_1bbbc7c4-517d-5446-bcc6-f4aac9ff400a.html
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Joshua Tree National Park News:
Rock climber injured in 50-foot fall at Joshua Tree National Park
Officials Wednesday were advising rock climbers at Joshua Tree National Park to use helmets after a San Diego man fell 50 feet and injured his head.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/02/rock-climber-injured-joshua-tree-park.html
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Yellowstone tax proposal fails, may be dropped
Years ago, a group of folks in Cody came up with the idea of instituting an additional 1-cent sales tax in Yellowstone National Park to pay for improvements to and maintenance of the park’s roads, sewer systems and other infrastructure.
http://www.powelltribune.com/news/item/9326-yellowstone-tax-proposal-fails-may-be-dropped

Yellowstone wolf packs learning to hunt bison
Wolf experts are all abuzz about new wolf dynamics taking place this winter in the park's backcountry.
http://www.kbzk.com/news/yellowstone-wolf-packs-learning-how-to-hunt-bison/

Ancient Yellowstone Eruptions Not from Supervolcano
# In defense of the supervolcano beneath Yellowstone National Park a plea of not guilty is now on geologic trial.
http://news.discovery.com/earth/supervolcano-not-guilty-120215.html

Yellowstone considers ‘personal’ sledding
Proposals for winter use in Yellowstone Park are too vague, and biased against snowmobiling, according to some local people.
http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/local/article_2f9319f8-5822-11e1-84ed-001871e3ce6c.html

Yellowstone National Park holding winter use plan open houses
Yellowstone National Park has now completed 2 of 4 open houses regarding alternatives to the current winter use plan. Spokesperson for the park, Dan Hottle told our news team that each of the four surrounding communities have different demands and concerns about winter operations in the park.
http://www.kbzk.com/news/yellowstone-national-park-holding-winter-use-plan-open-houses/

Study looks to bacteria for biofuel
Bacteria first found in Yellowstone's hot springs could make ethanol production from crops such as switchgrass commercially viable, U.S. researchers say.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/02/.../#ixzz1maT3RQoe

One of my NPS friends worked so hard on the Blackstone study. Having it shot down in Congress is sad. It's such an amazingly historic and interesting string of places.

Hey Diane,

As a former Rhode Islander, I can say that this was a sad development.

James

Acadia National Park News:
Acadia to Hire fewer Workers
Acadia National Park’s operating budget for fiscal year 2012, which began on Oct. 1, is $7,884,000. That’s $28,000 less than the budget for FY 2011 and $191,000 less than the operating budget for 2010.
http://fenceviewer.com/site/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=72313:acadia-to-hire-fewer-workers&Itemid=938
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Denali National Park News:
NPS wants to upgrade oldest Denali park trail
The National Park Service wants to improve and lengthen the oldest established trail in Denali National Park and Preserve.
http://newsminer.com/bookmark/17565729-NPS-wants-to-upgrade-oldest-Denali-park-trail
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Olympic National Park News:
Mountain goat count up in Olympic National Park
A new report by the U.S. Geological Survey shows the population of mountain goats in the Olympics -- where they are not a native species -- is growing.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/fi...ional_park.html
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Outside the US/Canadian Park System:
Cameroon: 200 Elephants Killed in Park
Wildlife activists said on Thursday that poachers had slaughtered at least 200 elephants in the past five weeks in Bouba Ndjida National Park.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/17/world/africa/cameroon-200-elephants-killed-in-park.html?_r=1
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Burn to close Bear Lake Road
Weather permitting, Bear Lake Road, from the Park & Ride to Bear Lake, will be temporarily closed Feb. 22 from 6 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m.
http://www.eptrail.com/rocky-mountain-national-park/ci_19981134

Acadia National Park News:
Education interns sought by Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is accepting applications for internships in the education department. Interns gain hands-on experience teaching school groups in third through eighth grades, in classrooms and in Acadia.
http://fenceviewer.com/site/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=72430:education-interns-sought-by-acadia-national-park&Itemid=938
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Smokies volunteers needed at Oconaluftee and Clingmans Dome
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting for a variety of volunteer opportunities at Oconaluftee and Clingmans Dome for the upcoming season.
http://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/it...-clingmans-dome

Transportation representatives discuss traffic congestion in Great Smoky Mountains area
The assistant superintendent at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park says most local residents don't believe traffic congestion is necessarily a negative.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/ae55b22c9d8f4df1a6ae617d27e0464e/TN--Smoky-Mountains-Traffic/
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Mobilizing to save moose
Signs, speed limit, trimming willows all raised as ways to keep motorists from hitting wildlife on Highway 390.
A longtime Teton Village resident disheartened by the number of moose killed by cars on Highway 390 is rallying her neighbors to protect the ungulates.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=8277

Yellowstone River: Lawsuit over Exxon oil spill sent back to state court
A federal judge has returned to state court a lawsuit by Montana landowners whose property was contaminated with crude oil from a broken Exxon Mobil pipeline.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-reg...l#ixzz1n955TiRJ

Does Yellowstone Hold The Secret To Simple Biofuel Production?
While plant-based biofuels hold a lot of promise, many of these fuels require complicated, expensive, energy-intensive processes to make even a little sustainable fuel. Hoping to find influence or a breakthrough from Mother Nature, researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory are turning to the bubbling cauldrons of Yellowstone National Park. They are looking for a strain of bacteria that can break down biomass into usable biofuels in a single, “one-pot” process.
http://gas2.org/2012/02/21/does-yellowstone-hold-the-secret-to-simple-biofuel-production/

Lawsuit over fatal bear mauling near Yellowstone moves forward; Judge rejects immunity claim
A federal judge is allowing a lawsuit over a fatal bear mauling near Yellowstone National Park to move forward, rejecting the federal government's immunity claim under state law.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/9bccda6329f34eafb20704672972368b/WY--Grizzly-Mauling/
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite National Park: Major road to be closed for repairs
Here’s a traffic alert for California’s Yosemite National Park: A section of a major route there will be shut down for more than a month to repair damage caused by a Jan. 22 rockslide.
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/21/news/la-trb-yosemite-road-to-close-20120220

From Waterfall To Lavafall: Yosemite's Fleeting Phenomenon
If you head to Yosemite National Park this time of year and stop by Horsetail Fall at just the right time, you might see something spectacular: As the sun sinks low in the sky, the waterfall glows with streaks of gold and yellow — and it looks just like molten lava.
http://www.wbur.org/npr/147206195/from-waterfall-to-lavafall-yosemites-fleeting-phenomenon
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