Latest News

The latest news from around the National Park System.

Birding In The National Parks: Yes, There Is Birding At Fort Sumter

It’s no secret that birders are always birding, no matter where they find themselves. That’s why an excursion to Fort Sumter National Monument can be as much of a birding experience as a Civil War history experience.

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By Kirby Adams - April 19th, 2016 3:00am

Winter Survey: Just Two Wolves Known To Remain At Isle Royale National Park

While the moose population at Isle Royale National Park is estimated at 1,300 animals, up from just 540 in 2005, the island's wolf population stands at just two, according to a winter survey of the park by Michigan Tech University researchers.

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By NPT Staff - April 19th, 2016 8:01am

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Alfred Runte, Railroads, And The National Parks

How railroads helped evolve the national park idea and grow tourism will be discussed by Dr. Alfred Runte in a presentations at Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

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By NPT Staff - April 19th, 2016 10:43am

More Crews Heading To Shenandoah National Park To Battle Fire

Firefighters from as far away as New Mexico were heading to Shenandoan National Park in Virginia on Monday to help battle a backcountry fire that led to the temporary closure of a short stretch of Skyline Drive as well as a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 18th, 2016 10:23am

Traveler’s View: Grand Canyon’s Sexual Harassment Chapter Demands Transparency

Three months past the public notice that a sordid chapter of sexual harassment pervaded Grand Canyon National Park’s Inner Gorge, the National Park Service has largely been silent on exactly how it will address the issue.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 18th, 2016 3:00am

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New River Gorge National River To Close, Rehabilitate Illegal Off-Road Vehicle Trails

Staff at New River Gorge National River hope to eradicate 28 miles of illegal trails created by off-road vehicle use, an activity that is not allowed within the West Virginia park.

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By NPT Staff - April 18th, 2016 2:00am

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Former President Carter Made Honorary Park Ranger

Nearly four decades after he signed into law some of the most sweeping pieces of legislation affecting the National Park System, former President Jimmy Carter has been made an honorary park ranger.

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By NPT Staff - April 18th, 2016 2:00am

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UPDATED: Wildfire Closes Section Of Skyline Drive, A.T. At Shenandoah National Park

A wildfire possibly started by a backcountry traveler spread Sunday to roughly 500 acres at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, leading officials to close sections of both Skyline Drive and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

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By NPT Staff - April 17th, 2016 8:31pm

Crude Oil Refinery Proposed Next To Theodore Roosevelt National Park Raises Concerns

While falling oil prices have slowed production from North Dakota's oil and natural gas fields, a company sees that lull as the perfect opportunity to build a crude oil refinery in the state. However, its proposed location just three miles from Theodore Roosevelt National Park has raised concerns from the National Park Service and conservation groups about how it will impact the park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 1st, 2016 1:08pm

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National Park Websites Get Extreme Makeover For National Park Week

Dramatic photos, larger graphics, a simpler approach to navigation, and a somewhat laissez-faire approach to content has debuted on websites across the National Park System, with the bold, colorful look celebrating the National Park Service centennial this year.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 17th, 2016 9:33am

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Construction Will Limit Availability At Many Glacier Hotel This Year

Booking a room at the historic Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park will be even tougher than usual this year, and those who get a reservation will encounter closed-off areas and noise related to a $13.6 million construction project.

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By NPT Staff - April 17th, 2016 2:30am

Human Remains Found At Acadia National Park, Could Be Missing Maine Man

Remains found in Acadia National Park on Friday could be those of a Maine man who went missing back in January, according to park officials.

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By NPT Staff - April 16th, 2016 3:20pm

Presidential Proclamation For National Park Week

Our National Parks have allowed generations to discover history, nature, and wildlife in irreplaceable ways. From the highest peaks of Denali to the lowest dips of the Grand Canyon, families around our country enjoy the splendor of the outdoors. Throughout National Park Week, as we celebrate the ways in which our treasured outdoor spaces enrich our lives and uplift our spirits, the National Park Service will again offer free admission to America's National Parks so more people can explore our country's vast natural beauty.

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By NPT Staff - April 16th, 2016 4:00am

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Portsmouth Village Homecoming Later This Month At Cape Lookout National Seashore

Portsmouth Village, one of the oldest seafaring villages on the East Coast, will be the backdrop for the annual Portsmouth Homecoming at Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina.

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By NPT Staff - April 16th, 2016 2:00am

Plants And A Play Mark Anniversary At Chamizal National Memorial

A live performance, a chance for kids to reshape the landscape, and a new exhibit highlight National Park Week at Chamizal National Memorial, which was established 50 years ago to celebrate the culture and history of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands in El Paso, Texas.

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By NPT Staff - April 15th, 2016 3:00am

Spring Into Yellowstone Festival Coming To Cody, Wyoming In May

One of the most gorgeous approaches to Yellowstone National Park is from the east, through the Sunlight Basin northwest of Cody, Wyoming. The road descends in a series of switchbacks down the Absaroka Range and onto the forested valley floors. And if you're heading to the park in mid-May, you just might want to spend a little time in Cody, Wyoming, to take in the fourth annual Spring Into Yellowstone festival before you head into the basin.

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By NPT Staff - April 15th, 2016 2:30am

Op-Ed | How To Create A National Park Without Taxpayers Footing The Bill

Should the federal government create a national park in the North Woods? It’s a question that divides many in Maine. Some fear the effects of more federal control in the state. Others say a new park will bring economic growth to a depressed region.

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By NPT Staff - April 14th, 2016 8:09am

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Two-Day River Cleanup Set For Ozark National Scenic Riverways

The Current and Jacks Fork rivers in Missouri will flow more freely after Ozark National Scenic Riverways hosts a cleanup event April 22-23. Volunteers will tackle litter in the river and along the roads, trails, and riverbanks of the park by boat, kayak, canoe, and foot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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By NPT Staff - April 14th, 2016 3:00am

Lake Mead Wants To Make Summer Closures Permanent At Two Dangerous Trails

Four fatalities, 18 medical transports, and 66 patients in less than two years has Lake Mead National Recreation Area proposing to close the Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring trails from May 15 to Sept. 30 annually.

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By NPT Staff - April 14th, 2016 3:00am

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Wildfire Burning In Everglades National Park

A fire possibly sparked by campers at the Long Pine Key Campground in Everglades National Park had spread across nearly 4,000 acres, though crews reported that it was 40 percent contained.

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By NPT Staff - April 13th, 2016 12:17pm

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The Essential RVing Guide

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

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