National Park News

Starting in May the National Park Service (NPS) will begin the  reconstruction of Grand Canyon National Park’s popular South Kaibab Trail.  The project will significantly improve the condition of the trail for both hikers and mule users alike.  The project is expected to take anywhere from two to four years and will include resurfacing of the trail; stabilization and preventative maintenance to existing retaining walls; replacing retaining walls that have been lost to floods, slides, or erosion; repairing and aligning existing water diversion features; etc.

The fifth meeting of the Denali National Park Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council will take place on Tuesday April 7, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the National Park Service Fairbanks Administrative Center located at 4175 Geist Road.  Individuals can also participate by videoconference from the Talkeetna Ranger Station located at 22241 South B Street in downtown Talkeetna.

Superintendent Patrick Reed announced today that the park has begun a project to improve traffic across the Green River in the park. Two public open houses will be conducted in Edmonson County April 13 and 14 to inform the public about the concepts the park is considering and encourage public comment.

Grand Canyon National Park and the Morris K. Udall Foundation recently formalized their partnership when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding.  With their new partnership the two organizations hope to increase collaboration and expand the educational program opportunities at Grand Canyon National Park.

Bunnies, colored eggs and baskets are springtime standards, but what’s the real story?

Superintendent Cherry Payne announced today that  the park Foundation Statement is now available. Grounded in Glacier Bay's enabling legislation, this reference document articulates the purposes, significance, and fundamental resources of the park and preserve. Feedback is welcome until April 25, 2009.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park receives National Design Project Achievement award for renovations to park amphitheater related to accessibility.

The resumption of the Zion Canyon Transportation (Shuttle) System signals the start of the 2009 visitor season in Zion National Park

On Saturday, April 25, 2009, Grand Canyon National Park will celebrate National Junior Ranger Day with kid-friendly activities and programs for the entire family.

Houchins Ferry, Houchins Ferry Road, and First Creek Trail and its campsites reopened today, following the prescribed fire conducted in the park on Monday, March 23.

Yellowstone National Park recently conducted a late winter bison distribution survey.  Based on the results of this survey, the late winter population is estimated to be approximately 2,900 bison. 

The final update on the trail and ice conditions in Voyageurs National Park.

Trails leading to the top of a mountain near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone have reopened after successful removal of a damaged radio tower.

Rocky Mountain National Park and the Town of Estes Park have again teamed up to provide an opportunity for area residents to recycle corrugated cardboard. The third opportunity will be on Saturday, March 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Workshop to be co-hosted by Olympic National Park and Peninsula Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington.

Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the Lumpy Ridge and Sheep Mountain areas of the park to enable wildlife managers to gather information and ensure that raptors can nest undisturbed.

Rocky Mountain National Park is currently recruiting new volunteers for the Bighorn Brigade at Sheep Lakes.

Join us Saturday night as a time traveler comes back to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Grand Canyon's North Rim to open for the season on May 15, 2009.

Glacier Bay visitors need to be aware that slope failures in Tidal Inlet may produce large waves and a risk to boaters and campers.

What do bears really do in the woods?

Visitors reminded to be aware for emerging bears and other natural hazards

Road work to occur between mid-April and early June

Peregrine falcons are once again defending a nesting territory on the Precipice Cliff. To protect these birds from inadvertent disturbance or harassment, areas in and around the Precipice Cliff, including the Precipice Trail, are closed to all visitor and operational activities.

Spring Sun Road vehicle access at Avalanche Creek and Jackson Glacier Overlook

Fire managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park plan to begin conducting a series of controlled burns of fields in the interior of Cades Cove on Tuesday March 24, 2009, if weather conditions permit. Park managers plan to burn three to seven different parcels totaling up to 300 acres from now until May 1.

Mammoth Cave National Park staff will conduct the Temple Hill prescribed fire on Monday, March 23.  Because the fire will produce smoke that may linger, some areas in the park will be temporarily closed.  Drivers are reminded to drive slowly and use their headlights in smoky areas.

Today, March 18, Rocky Mountain National Park staff presented a $2,500 donation to the Quota Club Estes Park Medical Center (EPMC) Ambulance Fund in recognition of ongoing services provided by Dr. Scott Chew.

Fire managers from Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of any upcoming winter weather conditions to burn piles of slash from several forest thinning and hazard tree mitigation projects.

Starting Saturday morning, March 21, bicyclists will be allowed to ride between West Yellowstone, Madison, Norris, and Mammoth Hot Springs.