7/9/2012


Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Some Smokies sites reopen
A number of storm-damaged areas remain closed; extensive trail damage reported
Park officials were able to reopen several popular tourist destinations, including Cades Cove, over the weekend, but the park is far from returning to normal following a devastating storm that left two visitors dead.
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20120709/NEWS01/307090013/Some-Smokies-sites-reopen?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p&nclick_check=1

Weather related closures continue in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to suffer from damage caused by last weeks storms which trapped campers and are responsible for several deaths. The park is slowly recovering as the popular Cades Cove area reopened late on Saturday, but the River Road continues to be closed according to the latest updates from Park Authorities.
http://www.examiner.com/article/weather-...s-national-park
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Grand Teton National Park rangers help bust suspect
Facebook photos with a familiar backdrop led to the arrest of a man in Jackson Hole suspected of assaulting a person at an Aspen bar more than two years ago, the Aspen Times reports.
http://jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=8744
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Yosemite National Park News:
Yosemite National Park bridges under attack by National Park Service
Californians with travel plans to Yosemite will be surprised to learn that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has added the Rustic bridges in Yosemite National Park to its 2012 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. This annual list spotlights important examples of the nation’s heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. The National Trust and the Park Service are officially at odds over a national treasure, each in the name of protecting America's resources.
http://www.examiner.com/article/yosemite-national-park-bridges-under-attack-by-national-park-service
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7/11/2012

Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Mine expansion near Bryce hits snag
Energy » BLM wants to do more study before signing off.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is delaying a decision on leasing southern Utah lands to Alton Coal Development for a mine expansion near Bryce Canyon National Park.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54463776-78/mine-bryce-blm-expansion.html.csp
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Denali National Park News:
Kids get up close with bugs in Denali
They came crawling and flying into the hands of kids who were waiting to sample them — the insects around the Denali National Park and Preserve were highly sought-after subjects last week at the four-day Denali Bug Camp.
http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/192...ow_left_bullets

Magnitude 4.3 quake west of Denali National Park
The Alaska Earthquake Information Center says a magnitude 4.3 quake was recorded Monday night about 18 miles west-southwest of Denali National Park.
http://www.adn.com/2012/07/09/2536798/magnitude-43-quake-west-of-denali.html#storylink=cpy
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
The Canyon cash cow
People boating the Colorado River were the Grand Canyon's highest-dollar tourists some years ago, paying $412 per party nightly for their trips.
http://azdailysun.com/news/local/the-can...75a7512573.html
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Mount Rainier National Park News:
Mount Rainier National Park finds new deputy superintendent in South Carolina
Tracy Swartout, a National Park Service veteran from South Carolina, was announced Tuesday as the new deputy superintendent at Mount Rainier National Park.
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure.../#storylink=cpy
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Grand Teton National Park trail reopened, Baxter’s fit to climb
Grand Teton National Park opened a climbing route and a hiking trail after two raptor nests failed.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=8749
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July 12, 2012

Glacier National Park News:
Browning men sentenced for Glacier elk shootings
Matthew Whitegrass, 20, and Benjamin Yellow Owl, 21, both of Browning, pled guilty and were sentenced on charges of violating the Lacey Act.
http://www.kxlh.com/news/browning-men-sentenced-for-glacier-elk-shootings/

National Geograpahic introduces kids to wonders of Montana
Montana is hosting 15 winners of the 2012 National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge. From July 6-15, 15 children between the ages of 9 and 14 from across the United States will descend upon Montana for a 10-day expedition exploring many of the varied and fascinating facets of the state.
http://www.laureloutlook.com/community/p...19bb2963f4.html
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
UT archaeological program invites Cherokee students to dig into culture
Twelve Cherokee, N.C., high school students are digging up clues to their ancestral past at an archaeological field program now under way in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
http://www.oakridger.com/newsnow/x558819...ig-into-culture
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Campfires allowed in RMNP
GC and northwest region still under Stage II fire ban
Rocky Mountain National Park has lifted its fire ban, allowing fires in designated fire grates, according to spokesperson Kyle Patterson.
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120710/NEWS/120719981/1079&ParentProfile=1067
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Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone sees strong visitation in June
The number of people visiting Yellowstone National Park last month increased 6 percent from June 2011.
http://www.kulr8.com/news/wyoming/162210455.html

Yellowstone Holding Public Meetings On Draft Winter Use Plan; Comment period now open
The public has several opportunities next week to learn about a proposed new plan for winter use in Yellowstone National Park.
http://county10.com/2012/07/11/yellowsto...eriod-now-open/
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7/13/2012


Acadia National Park News:
Acadia Officials Issue Ozone Pollution Alert
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has forecasted ozone to reach unhealthy levels Friday, July 13 for the entire Maine coast, including all regions of Acadia National Park.
http://fenceviewer.com/site/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=75694:acadia-officials-issue-ozone-pollution-alert&Itemid=938
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Everglades National Park News:
Let the alligators be, experts warn
The 10-foot alligator that bit off part of Kaleb “Fred” Langdale’s right arm Monday as he swam in the Caloosahatchee River might have seen the 17-year-old Moore Haven resident as a large prey item.
http://www.news-press.com/article/20120713/GREEN/307130033/Let-alligators-experts-warn?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home
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Glacier Bay National Park News:
Massive landslide in Glacier Bay National Park sends rock and ice over glacier
Even by Alaska standards, the rock slide in Glacier Bay National Park was a huge event.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mas...1ZgW_story.html
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
Grand Canyon Tourism Positively Impacts Economy
Researchers have reported that people boating the Colorado River were the Grand Canyon’s highest-dollar tourists a few years ago paying $412 per party nightly for their trips. While they account for fewer than one-percent of the park’s 4.3 million yearly visitors, they make up nine-percent of the national park’s spending.
http://www.lakepowelllife.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3637:grand-canyon-tourism-positively-impacts-economy&catid=186:latest-local-news&Itemid=18
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Firefighters are working to suppress a new 5-acre wildfire in Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.kivitv.com/news/local/162351716.html
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7/16/2012

Acadia National Park News:
Aquatic insects target of Acadia ‘bio blitz’
Volunteer Kathy Claerr of Bowdoin wades in Witch Hole Pond in Acadia National Park on Saturday, July 14, 2012, while looking for life in a specimen net. Claerr was one of dozens of volunteers who participated in the park's 10th annual Bio Blitz, which this year sought to collect as many different types of aquatic insects as possible within a two-day period. http://bangordailynews.com/2012/07/15/news/hancock/aquatic-insects-target-of-acadia-bio-blitz/
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Everglades National Park News:
Obama Administration Releases Report on Next Steps in Restoring the Everglades
The Obama Administration has released a report outlining the historic Federal investments and progress made in Everglades restoration under the leadership of President Obama, and announced $80 million in additional funding to support farmers and ranchers who voluntarily conserve wetlands on agricultural land in the Northern Everglades Watershed. This new investment, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), will restore an additional 23,000 acres of wetlands vital to water quality and wildlife habitat in the Everglades system.
http://eponline.com/articles/2012/07/13/...everglades.aspx
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North Cascades National Park News:
Rangers evacuate four climbers in North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park search and rescue team recently responded to two separate mountaineering accidents, evacuating four people from remote mountain peaks.
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure.../#storylink=cpy
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Thousands work behind the scenes to keep Yellowstone running
For more than a decade, Richard Ranc has worked a summer job emptying trash cans, cleaning restrooms and performing minor repairs. The work comes with some of the most spectacular views in America, but there's always the risk of bear attack.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/16/uk-usa-yellowstone-idUSLNE86F02520120716

Taking Yellowstone's temperature from space
Satellite imagery could help predict geothermal or volcanic activity
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/...l#ixzz20ojRXEXZ

Bison critics can calm fanciful fears over proposal
A Montana legislator attracted national attention recently by placing bison at the center of an elaborate conspiracy to "bring our populace into perfect dependence on big government" and drive the price of gasoline to $25 a gallon.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20120716/OPINION/207160305
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7/17/2012 National Park News:

Acadia National Park News:
Environmental regulation especially important for Mainers (Editorial)
Maine is downwind. The state is often called “the tailpipe of the nation” because prevailing winds carry every other state’s pollutants our way. So if Maine has been more proactive in trying to keep harmful chemicals out of the bodies of its residents, it’s because Mainers are at much greater risk of exposure than residents of other states. Maine has some of the highest asthma rates in the country. Smog and ozone are carried directly over Acadia National Park, resulting in summertime health warnings, including this week. A landmark 2006 study tested blood samples from Mainers. On average, each participant had measurable levels of 36 toxic chemicals in their bodies.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/07/16/op...nt-for-mainers/
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Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Coal mine near Bryce Canyon waits for BLM decision on expansion
It is reported that a heated battle over coal mining near Bryce Canyon National Park took a new twist this week.
http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_ne...ion/273784.html
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Denali National Park News:
KTUU Q&A on the new Denali National Park vehicle management plan
Denali National Park officials have spent nearly four years studying the effectiveness of the park’s overall vehicle management plan, and as a result, changes are expected to be announced in the coming months.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Jour.../#ixzz20uu8OCnr

Anthropologist records Denali Park history
Jane Bryant has been the perfect person to preserve history at Denali National Park and Preserve. That’s because she has lived it.
http://newsminer.com/bookmark/19330932-Anthropologist-records-Denali-Park-history
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier National Park seeing more visitors
Glacier National Park officials say more than 490,000 people have visited the park so far this year, marking an increase of 14% when compared to the first six months of 2011.
http://www.ktvq.com/news/glacier-national-park-seeing-more-visitors/
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Caretakers sought to look after Smokies' historic cabins
Thomas Barnard has a special message for the Warren family, who for more than a decade has been using the hand-hewn wood ceiling of a century-old cabin as their personal social media platform.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jul/17/caretakers-sought-to-look-after-smokies-historic/
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
Rocky Mountain Nature Association program to look at GPS and the recreational traveler
D o you want to learn how to use a GPS? What are global positioning systems all about? To get the answers to both of these questions, take the GPS Navigation class that is being offered by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. This all-day course is on Saturday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a field exercise in Rocky Mountain National Park.
http://www.eptrail.com/estes-park-news/c...ram-look-at-gps
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Group Claims National Park Service Planning To Erect Cell Tower In Yellowstone Without Proper Approvals
Charges were raised today that the National Park Service is moving to OK a 100-foot-tall cellphone tower in the middle of Yellowstone National Park without having properly taken all the steps to OK the project, including informing the public along the way.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...-approvals10245

Upper Yellowstone opened Sunday to eager anglers
The upper section of the Yellowstone River opened to angling July 15.
http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/sports/article_0605a9e2-cf7e-11e1-bec1-0019bb2963f4.html

Wyoming black bear conflicts increase
Messy campers and dry weather have combined to make this early summer bear season a little worse than normal.
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/...l#ixzz20uuwtUed
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7/19/2012

Glacier National Park News:
Going-to-the-Sun Road closures could be lifted by Thursday night
The aftermath of Tuesday afternoon’s rock and mud slides continued to force closures on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road Wednesday, but park officials said they hoped to reopen the popular and scenic drive by Thursday evening.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/parts-o...1a4bcf887a.html

Drivers trapped by mudslides at national park
Mudslides on a road at Glacier National Park in Montana trapped the drivers of 10 cars Tuesday.
http://www.myfoxal.com/story/19060996/drivers-trapped-by-mudslides-at-national-park
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Grand Canyon National Park News:
“Pioneer of local food movement” to speak at Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park’s Green Team is pleased to announce that Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan, award-winning author, conservation biologist, farmer, and “pioneer of the local food movement” as he has been called by Time magazine, Utne Reader, and Mother Earth News, will be presenting special programs at the park on July 21 and 22.
http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive...t-grand-canyon/
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park News:
Increase in Smokies visitation means prosperity for area tourism
Whether it was the hopes of an upward looking economy, cheaper gas prices, a season of favorable weather or a general desire to get back to our roots, one thing is for certain — nearly 411,000 more people have visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year than during the first six months of 2011.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jul/18/increase-in-smokies-visitation-means-prosperity/
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Hot Springs National Park News:
Park rangers battling crime in Hot Springs
Park rangers are battling serious crimes on patrol.
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/218783/2/Park-rangers-battling-crime-in-Hot-Springs
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Shenandoah National Park News:
Environmentalists say Shenandoah National Park at risk
State and local environmental protection advocates gathered in Darden Towe Park on Wednesday to warn about federal legislation that they said poses a clear and present danger to the Shenandoah National Park and other wilderness lands in Virginia.
http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2012/07/shenandoah_national_park.html
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park News:
Missing hiker found dead in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
A hiker who disappeared in Theodore Roosevelt National Park was found dead near his car late Wednesday afternoon, the National Park Service said.
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-an...19bb2963f4.html
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Yellowstone National Park lifts campfire restrictions
Yellowstone National Park ended its temporary campfire ban today.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_b3dc88ea-d0fc-11e1-ad38-0019bb2963f4.html
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7/20/2012

Acadia National Park News:
Acadia urges carriage road bike safety
Park rangers are urging bicyclists to use caution on the park’s series of carriage roads after a couple minor bike accidents earlier this week.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/07/18/ne...ety/?ref=latest
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Glacier National Park News:
Glacier’s Going to the Sun Road reopens after rock slides; flash flood watch on Friday
Glacier National Park officials say the Going to the Sun Road has reopened two days after heavy ran triggered a dozen mud and rock slides along the scenic mountain roadway.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/...00xW_story.html

Flash flood watch issued for Glacier Park, NW Montana
Good Friday morning, western Montana! The National Weather Service is cautioning that we'll have scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon - and that some of the storms could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-reg...mment_form=true
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Misc. National Park News:
Students learn about public lands through internship
As a way to learn more about public lands, state and national parks and the forest service, some college students are taking advantage of the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative in southwestern Utah.
http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20120719/NEWS01/307190030/Students-learn-about-public-lands-through-internship?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage&nclick_check=1
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North Cascades National Park News:
North Cascades National Park staff pulls off challenging helicopter rescue
Rangers from Washington's North Cascades National Park this week saved the life of an injured climber in an amazing rescue.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2012/07/north_cascades_national_park_r_1.html
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Rocky Mountain National Park News:
16-person crew works RMNP fire
A 16-member Forest Service crew worked Thursday to mop up the Beaver Mountain Fire burning about a half-acre in Rocky Mountain National Park.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120719/NEWS01/307190021/16-member-crew-fighting-fire-Rocky-Mountain-National-Park?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News
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7/23/2012


Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Third Annual Bryce Canyon National Park Geology Festival - July 27 & 28, 2012
Bryce Canyon National Park known for its amazing geologic formations will be holding its third annual Geology Festival on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, 2012.
http://www.kcsg.com/view/full_story/1950...e_first_stories
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Denali National Park News:
Daily vehicle limit ahead for Denali Park Road
The National Park Service says it will limit the number of vehicles allowed daily on the wilderness stretch of the Denali Park Road beginning in 2015.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/22/4649546/daily-vehicle-limit-ahead-for.html#storylink=cpy
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Misc. National Park News:
Land Rush at National Parks
U.S. Steps Up Buying Privately Owned 'Inholdings' Just as Funding Shrinks
Federal land managers are stepping up efforts to acquire privately owned acres that lie within national parks, even as funding to do so has been slashed.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303612804577533912723969448.html

Mountain bikers could gain more access to national parks
New federal regulations give park superintendents more flexibility in allowing off-road cycling
Dreams of mountain bicycle riders rolling off road in Rocky Mountain National Park may come to life sooner than expected, now that new regulations have been approved giving more local control to park superintendents.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120722/NEWS01/307220045/Mountain-bikers-could-gain-more-access-national-parks?odyssey=nav|head
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Grizzly deaths puzzling in Yellowstone Park
Bear biologists are refraining from assigning a single reason for a two-fold increase in the rate of natural grizzly bear deaths in the Yellowstone National Park region.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20120723/NEWS01/207230313

Climber falls from Teton peak
Grand Teton National Park rangers spotted a motionless body on the north side of the Middle Teton after receiving a report that a climber had fallen from the 12,804-foot summit about midday Sunday.
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=8807
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July 26, National Park News:

Bryce Canyon National Park News:
Junior Rangers Make a Big Impact at Bryce Canyon National Park
Three sisters from Martinsburg, West Virginia caused quite a stir recently when they came into the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center. The girls turned the heads of visitors and staff as they marched up to the information desk wearing vests pinned with literally hundreds of Junior Ranger badges and patches.
http://www.kcsg.com/view/full_story/1955...e_first_stories
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Glacier National Park News:
Popular Highline Trail in Glacier Park to open Friday, possibly earlier
Rock slides and an employee injury slowed the opening of the popular Highline Trail at Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass this summer, but crews working to clear the scenic trail of debris anticipate having it ready for hikers by Friday, and possibly earlier.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-reg...mment_form=true

Fundraiser to help Glacier National Park Fund
If you sip on your favorite beer from Flathead Lake Brewing Company this weekend, the money you spend will go to a good cause. The Glacier National Park Fund is holding their annual fundraiser this Saturday and the brewery will donate a portion of their proceeds to the fund.
http://www.kaj18.com/news/fundraiser-to-help-glacier-national-park-fund/
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Great Smoky National Park News:
Park seeks volunteers for Clingmans Dome station
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers with an interest in the outdoors who don't mind hiking and helping out at heights above 6,000 feet — at the Clingmans Dome visitor contact station nestled a few hundred feet below the highest point along the Appalachian Trail.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jul/25/park-seeks-volunteers-for-clingmans-dome-station/
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Yellowstone (and Grand Teton) National Park News:
Yellowstone seeks comment on bridge renovation
Yellowstone National Park is preparing a plan to reconstruct the historic Isa Lake Bridge at Craig Pass.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501843_162-57480033/yellowstone-seeks-comment-on-bridge-renovation/

Yellowstone slammed for cell tower plan
Despite some internal objections, Yellowstone National Park will move ahead with plans to install a fifth cell phone tower to provide coverage in the developed Lake Village area.
http://summitcountyvoice.com/2012/07/26/yellowstone-slammed-for-cell-tower-plan/

Montana proposes allowing free-ranging bison outside Yellowstone
The State of Montana is asking for public input on a plan which could allow bison to freely roam outside Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.ktvq.com/news/montana-proposes-allowing-free-ranging-bison-outside-yellowstone/

Two-fold Increase Reported in Grizzly Bear Deaths in Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
A spike in the mortality rate for grizzly bears has been reported in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem earlier in the season than is typical according to my colleague Frank van Manen. Dr. van Manen is the Team Leader of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team and President of the International Association for Bear Research & Management.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/...tone-ecosystem/
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Zion National Park News:
Zion National Park beginning project to preserve historic cabins
This week Zion National Park is beginning a project to stabilize two log cabins within its designated wilderness. The two cabins were built in 1929 and 1930.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86555...ric-cabins.html