National Park News

Back by popular demand is the Thursday evening Science Behind The Scenery Series.  These programs begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park.  They are free and open to the public.  Expand your knowledge of the park by learning more about the research behind the scenes.

Excess wood is available to the public.  Contact rangers at 270.758.2115 to make arrangements.

Partnership between Montana Department of Transportation, Flathead County and Glacier National Park expands

Captivating words and wonderful music come together at Cumberland Gap with regional author Joe Tennis and Reel World String Band.

While Logan Pass opening preparatios continue, west side of Sun Road opens to vehicle traffic to Big Bend

Glacier Bay vessel operators are asked to  avoid harbor seals hauled out on floating ice. 

A unique art exhibit is opening on June 20, 2009 at the Yosemite Museum Gallery. The exhibit features work from seven professional artists, all part of the Artists-in-Residence program.

The 2009 annual road lottery in Denali National Park and Preserve is taking place on September 18, 19, 20, and 21 (Friday through Monday), weather permitting.

A rare look at Denali's prehistoric cultural past came to light when a portion of a prehistoric Athabaskan arrow was discovered by park visitors in mid-May 2009 along the gravel bar of the Teklanika River.

Glacier Bay vessel operators are asked to exercise additional caution to avoid harbor seals hauled out on floating ice. 

New 'vintage' busses inspired by the charm of early 20th century vehicles that once roamed the Stehekin Valley are heading to Stehekin. The busses have a vintage look but also contain modern amenities such as large touring windows and a windowed ceiling, comfortable seating, and the ability to "kneel" for easy entry. "These busses make a great addition to the Stehekin experience," explained North Cascades National Park Complex Superintendent Chip Jenkins.

Searchers continued their efforts Thursday looking  for the body of a Utah man who apparently committed suicide in Yellowstone National Park Tuesday afternoon. 

Full level inspections on commercial vehicles will be conducted in Yellowstone National Park this weekend and will primarily focus on commercial buses and trucks.

Yosemite National Park will be reconstructing part of the Glacier Point Road beginning this Monday, June 22, 2009.  Work will consist of the rehabilitation, restoration, and resurfacing of the road, including repaving and drainage improvements to include 5.1 miles of the road from the Chinquapin intersection to Badger Pass Ski area.  Additionally, there will be work on the Wawona Road (Hwy. 41) near the Chinquapin intersection. 

Acting Yosemite Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announced today that Dick Ewart is the recipient of the 2009 Barry Hance Memorial Award.  Ewart, a Yosemite National Park Ranger, received the award at an all employee meeting today attended by approximately 300 people, including several past Barry Hance Award recipients. 

Pree presentations hosted by park's Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center

One organization is managing the complex in a cooperative effort between the Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest.

Officials are searching for the body of a Utah man who apparently committed suicide by jumping off the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Tuesday afternoon.

The North Cascades Are Calling!
Be Involved: Volunteer

The North Cascades are calling and there are numerous opportunities for you to become involved as a park volunteer.  Opportunities exist along the North Cascades Highway corridor and in Stehekin. “Volunteers are integral to park operations,” explained North Cascades National Park Complex Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “And volunteering is a fun way to be healthy and outside with friends and family while surrounded by the beauty of the North Cascades.”

The two fires forming the Ruby Complex have grown to 3,396 acres.

The two fires forming the Ruby Complex have grown to 3,396 acres.

Join an old prospector as he interprets the Rainy Lake gold rush and geology of Minnesota. 

Christopher Hale, 23, of Gainesville, Florida was found dead today in Yosemite National Park.  Hale, who had been reported missing since yesterday morning was found by Park Rangers at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. It appears that Hale fell from an unnamed cliff face above Mirror Lake in eastern Yosemite Valley. The exact cause of death and other details remain under investigation. 

At about 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls regarding an individual who had fallen from the cables on Half Dome.  Manoj Kumar, a 40 year old male from San Ramon, California, had gone to the top of Half Dome and was descending. Day time weather conditions mirrored those of the last several weeks with clouds developing midday with afternoon showers. 

At approximately 3:40 p.m. this afternoon, Yosemite National Park’s Emergency Communication Center received a 911 phone call reporting a fall of a hiker on Half Dome.  National Park Rangers arrived on scene via the park helicopter soon thereafter.  A male park visitor was found dead and about 30 hikers were still on the cables. 

Pablo Garza, Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor at Grand Canyon National park, recently received the 2008 Franklin G. Smith Award for Excellence in Workforce Development from National Park Service (NPS) Intermountain Regional Director Mike Snyder. This award is the NPS Intermountain Region’s highest honor for promoting diversity in the NPS workforce.

Forest and park managers have agreed it is beneficial to manage both fires under one organization. On Saturday, June 13, the Ruby and Game Reserve fires became the Ruby Complex.

Zion National Park will be offering free entry into the park on the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park fee free weekend, June 20-21, 2009

Superintendent Martha Bogle announced today the continuation of the Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day to celebrate park neighbors. Additionally, the National Park Service has announced three fee free weekends to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit our national treasure, including Shenandoah National Park.  Entrance fees will be waived on June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16.