| National Park System |
Are We Losing Our National Parks? Climate Change May Forever Alter Our Most Precious Landscapes.
Everglades - Mangroves may not be able to grow fast enough to compete with rising waters. Coral Reefs may be bleached by warmer waters. Florida
panthers, West Indian Manatees and rare pine forests could lose their habitats.
Glacier - The retreat of glaciers have led to earlier spring runoff, which may lead to warming waters which can affect insects and fish, all part of the natural
ecosystems. There is also a large possibility of longer fire seasons, which may include larger and hotter burns. The famous animals of this park will also be
affected, heading north will be the caribou, grizzly and many other mammals.
North Cascades - It is approximated that the total ice mass in this park has decreased by 80 percent. This will lead to dropping summer stream levels, threating
spawning areas for salmon, in affecting the ecosystem of the entire area.
Saguaro - The major problem in this park is the spread of an invasive species known as buffalo grass. This plant is taking the water, nutrients, and space the
saquaro cactus need to survive. This grass is highly flammable and if it continues to invade the desert will soon look like a prairie. If the cacti burn they may
never return.
Glacier Bay - The main concern here is the thinning of the glaciers. The result is frigid meltwater decreasing stream temperatures, which will affect the
reproduction of many species, including salmon. The permafrost off-shore is also melting, releasing greenhouse gases.
Mt. Rainier - The receding glaciers have made the Paradise Ice Caves disappear and expect to see trails washed away, trees rising into alpine areas and
destroying wildflower meadows.
Great Smoky Mountains - This park contains more tree species than in all of Europe and more species of wildflowers than any other park. With CO2 levels
rising and temperatures increasing, many of the parks mammals will not survive and trees will start declining and moving north.
Rocky Mountain - Warmer temperatures are leading to earlier spring run-offs and if temperatures continue to increase the treeline will rise and boreal forest will
be replaced with savanna woodland. The tundra could completely disappear.
Yosemite - Like many other parks, species are climbing higher to reach cooler climates and the snowpack may decrease to such a state that the world famous
water falls may all but disappear.
Joshua Tree - A warmer climate may lead to the loss of 90 percent of the world famous tree, since Joshua trees cannot migrate fast enough. The park is also
home to a indescribable biodiversity, including 200 species of birds, bighorn sheep and desert tortoises.
Yellowstone - America's first National Park has been invaded by the mountain pine beetle which have started destroying entire forests.
Isle Royale - This 45 mile long island park whose delicate balance is being altered by the climate change. With dediciduous trees replacing the moose's food
supply of conifers. If the trends continue the moose as well as the wolves will completely disappear in the next century.
Channel Islands - Off the coast of Santa Barbara, five islands are being threatened by rising ocean temperatures. The outcome of eroding beaches will be the
loss of habitate for creatures such as seals and sea lions.
Mesa Verde - Higher temperatures and longer droughts are leading to the main threat in this park, fires. Seven recent fires have destroyed more than half this
park. Because of the delicate ecosystem as well as the parks location, we could eventually see the elimination of Mesa Verde National Park.
How Can You Help?
Visit the parks, donate to individual parks or to The National Park System, educate others on the problems we are leaving to the next generations.
Everglades - Mangroves may not be able to grow fast enough to compete with rising waters. Coral Reefs may be bleached by warmer waters. Florida
panthers, West Indian Manatees and rare pine forests could lose their habitats.
Glacier - The retreat of glaciers have led to earlier spring runoff, which may lead to warming waters which can affect insects and fish, all part of the natural
ecosystems. There is also a large possibility of longer fire seasons, which may include larger and hotter burns. The famous animals of this park will also be
affected, heading north will be the caribou, grizzly and many other mammals.
North Cascades - It is approximated that the total ice mass in this park has decreased by 80 percent. This will lead to dropping summer stream levels, threating
spawning areas for salmon, in affecting the ecosystem of the entire area.
Saguaro - The major problem in this park is the spread of an invasive species known as buffalo grass. This plant is taking the water, nutrients, and space the
saquaro cactus need to survive. This grass is highly flammable and if it continues to invade the desert will soon look like a prairie. If the cacti burn they may
never return.
Glacier Bay - The main concern here is the thinning of the glaciers. The result is frigid meltwater decreasing stream temperatures, which will affect the
reproduction of many species, including salmon. The permafrost off-shore is also melting, releasing greenhouse gases.
Mt. Rainier - The receding glaciers have made the Paradise Ice Caves disappear and expect to see trails washed away, trees rising into alpine areas and
destroying wildflower meadows.
Great Smoky Mountains - This park contains more tree species than in all of Europe and more species of wildflowers than any other park. With CO2 levels
rising and temperatures increasing, many of the parks mammals will not survive and trees will start declining and moving north.
Rocky Mountain - Warmer temperatures are leading to earlier spring run-offs and if temperatures continue to increase the treeline will rise and boreal forest will
be replaced with savanna woodland. The tundra could completely disappear.
Yosemite - Like many other parks, species are climbing higher to reach cooler climates and the snowpack may decrease to such a state that the world famous
water falls may all but disappear.
Joshua Tree - A warmer climate may lead to the loss of 90 percent of the world famous tree, since Joshua trees cannot migrate fast enough. The park is also
home to a indescribable biodiversity, including 200 species of birds, bighorn sheep and desert tortoises.
Yellowstone - America's first National Park has been invaded by the mountain pine beetle which have started destroying entire forests.
Isle Royale - This 45 mile long island park whose delicate balance is being altered by the climate change. With dediciduous trees replacing the moose's food
supply of conifers. If the trends continue the moose as well as the wolves will completely disappear in the next century.
Channel Islands - Off the coast of Santa Barbara, five islands are being threatened by rising ocean temperatures. The outcome of eroding beaches will be the
loss of habitate for creatures such as seals and sea lions.
Mesa Verde - Higher temperatures and longer droughts are leading to the main threat in this park, fires. Seven recent fires have destroyed more than half this
park. Because of the delicate ecosystem as well as the parks location, we could eventually see the elimination of Mesa Verde National Park.
How Can You Help?
Visit the parks, donate to individual parks or to The National Park System, educate others on the problems we are leaving to the next generations.
| "The region [of the Grand Canyon] is, of course, altogether valueless. It can only be approached from the south, and after entering it there is nothing to do but leave. Ours has been the first, and will doubtless be the last, party of whites to visit this profitless locality." - Lt. Joseph C. Ives, on his 1857-58 expedition to the Grand Canyon Today, over 4 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually |
| Arches National Park, left Petrified Forest National Park, below |
| Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim |
| Our Favorite Hikes In America's National Parks |
| Teton Crest Trail - Grand Teton NP Bechler River Trail - Yellowstone NP Escalante Route - Grand Canyon NP Three Passes Route - Denali NP Ozette River to Shi Shi Beach - Olympic NP John Muir Trail - Yosemite NP, Sequoia NP, King's Canyon NP Highline Trail - Glacier NP Keyhole Route - Rocky Mountain NP Under The Rim Trail - Arches NP Virgin River Narrows - Zion NP Spring Canyon - Capitol Reef NP McKittrick Trail - Guadalupe Mountains NP Minong Ridge - Isle Royale NP Boy Scout Trail - Joshua Tree NP Knob Mountain-Jeremys Run Loop - Shenandoah NP |
National Parks Going Green
It may be a small first step, but the National Park Service is hoping the new Energy SmartPARKS program will take the agency on a journey to turn the
nation's parks a different shade of green - energy efficient green.
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the
National Park Service showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship.
With equal amounts of initial "seed money" from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw
private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. The agencies are hoping the program will help show park visitors how to live
Earth in a smarter, more sustainable way.
"This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk
Kempthorne. "We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green
energy innovations."
Echoing that sentiment was Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, who said that the nation's parks have always been an important way for Americans to
learn about the environment, and now they can learn about energy use as well.
"Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance," bodman said. "With this agreement, we're ensuring that
these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies."
The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,
added Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service.
"This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016," she said.
On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that
retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces;
study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the
homes of every American.
The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new, and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These
partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public.
Six National Park Service properties in the West are on the list for "green" energy projects to be started or completed in 2009.
They are:
Arizona / Tumacacori National Monument. Replace 25 old single pane windows in two park buildings with high efficiency windows.
California / Cabrillo National Monument. Replace three large, single-pane, aluminumframed windows on west side of visitor center administration building
with energy efficient dualpane, tinted windows.
California / Mojave National Preserve. Install off-grid solar array system at Zzyzx Desert Studies Center.
Hawaii / Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Analyze outdoor lighting around developed areas in the park, and designing/installing new replacement lights
where they are needed.
Kansas / Fort Larned National Historic Site. Replace and/or retrofit lighting in the park's visitor center, museum, administrative office and maintenance
shop.
Minnesota / Pipestone National Monument. Purchase an electric powered utility vehicle for the park's Resource Management Division.
National Parks Offer Winter Fun for Visitors
WASHINGTON, DC – If you are thinking about getting away this winter, think about visiting a National Park. There are a large variety of winter activities
available to visitors, and whether you want snow or sun, the National Park Service (NPS) can offer both. From Alaska to Massachusetts to the warm
beaches of California and Florida, national parks offer something for everyone, anytime of the year. “I encourage everyone to remember that National
Parks aren’t only for summer vacations, but places to visit all year long,” said NPS Director Mary A. Bomar. “The magnificent places protected by the NPS
provide incredible opportunities to experience the marvelous natural and cultural heritage of our country – year round.”
Many parks offer special programs in the winter in addition to their regular programs – the following are just a few of the many wonderful programs
taking place this winter. For a more complete list of winter activities and special programs in national parks, visit http://www.nps.
gov/pub_aff/winter2008/activities.htm. Visitors are encouraged to visit the NPS web site at www.nps.gov and see what other parks are offering this
winter too.
De Soto National Memorial in Florida will be running its annual camp season December 15, 2007, to March 30, 2008. Camp Uzita at De Soto National
Memorial brings visitors back in time to 1539, when 650 Spanish conquistadors came to Tampa Bay and changed the lives of its native inhabitants
forever. Programs focus on the meeting of two very different cultures. Living history interpreters demonstrate Native and European arts and crafts.
Children are invited out on Saturdays to learn about Native American mask painting and paint one to take home for themselves. For more information,
contact the park at (941)792-0458.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. One of the most enjoyable winter activities for any national park occurs in Grand Teton with the ranger-led
snowshoe hikes. These hikes take place everyday, and the park supplies visitors with classic wooden Yukon or Alaskan-style snowshoes for their
outing with the ranger to explore the winter beauty of the park. Visitors learn about how the harsh conditions of winter determines which animals and
plants survive here as they amble over hill and dell in search of wildlife and/or signs of wildlife. The trip eventually brings the visitors to the banks of the
Snake River. For more information, contact the park at (307) 739-3300.
Death Valley National Park in California is the answer to those people who find it really difficult to enjoy the national parks because it is cold and snowy or
just cold and wet. An abundance of ranger conducted activities are available at Death Valley including living history guided tours of Scotty's Castle (a
1920s mansion with all original furnishings and stories to match). In addition to ranger conducted activities the park's 3.4 million acres are available for
exploration on foot or by car and/or 4x4 vehicles. With the longer winter nights, Death Valley is an excellent place to enjoy the brilliant night skys! We
have some of the best and clearest skys in our country and Death Valley's dark night skys expose the stars like few people have ever seen. If people
are dreaming of the days to come where they can hike in shorts and a light jacket and see spectacular scenery and relive the early history of the west,
why wait until June, July or August- come to Death Valley and experience it during the winter! For more information, contact the park at (760) 786-3200.
The National Park Service always recommends stopping by the park’s visitor center to get the latest, most up-to-date park information. In addition, NPS
reminds visitors that safety is critical, and hikers should stay on marked trails and let family members and/or friends know their whereabouts. Remember
to dress appropriately for the elements and activities you are going to engage in, and it’s always best to have plenty of water on hand (and maybe a little
hot chocolate too). Parks Rangers are easily recognizable in their distinctive green and gray uniforms. Ask questions…that’s what they are there for!
A National Parks Service News Report
It may be a small first step, but the National Park Service is hoping the new Energy SmartPARKS program will take the agency on a journey to turn the
nation's parks a different shade of green - energy efficient green.
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the
National Park Service showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship.
With equal amounts of initial "seed money" from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw
private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. The agencies are hoping the program will help show park visitors how to live
Earth in a smarter, more sustainable way.
"This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk
Kempthorne. "We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green
energy innovations."
Echoing that sentiment was Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, who said that the nation's parks have always been an important way for Americans to
learn about the environment, and now they can learn about energy use as well.
"Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance," bodman said. "With this agreement, we're ensuring that
these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies."
The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,
added Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service.
"This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016," she said.
On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that
retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces;
study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the
homes of every American.
The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new, and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These
partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public.
Six National Park Service properties in the West are on the list for "green" energy projects to be started or completed in 2009.
They are:
Arizona / Tumacacori National Monument. Replace 25 old single pane windows in two park buildings with high efficiency windows.
California / Cabrillo National Monument. Replace three large, single-pane, aluminumframed windows on west side of visitor center administration building
with energy efficient dualpane, tinted windows.
California / Mojave National Preserve. Install off-grid solar array system at Zzyzx Desert Studies Center.
Hawaii / Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Analyze outdoor lighting around developed areas in the park, and designing/installing new replacement lights
where they are needed.
Kansas / Fort Larned National Historic Site. Replace and/or retrofit lighting in the park's visitor center, museum, administrative office and maintenance
shop.
Minnesota / Pipestone National Monument. Purchase an electric powered utility vehicle for the park's Resource Management Division.
National Parks Offer Winter Fun for Visitors
WASHINGTON, DC – If you are thinking about getting away this winter, think about visiting a National Park. There are a large variety of winter activities
available to visitors, and whether you want snow or sun, the National Park Service (NPS) can offer both. From Alaska to Massachusetts to the warm
beaches of California and Florida, national parks offer something for everyone, anytime of the year. “I encourage everyone to remember that National
Parks aren’t only for summer vacations, but places to visit all year long,” said NPS Director Mary A. Bomar. “The magnificent places protected by the NPS
provide incredible opportunities to experience the marvelous natural and cultural heritage of our country – year round.”
Many parks offer special programs in the winter in addition to their regular programs – the following are just a few of the many wonderful programs
taking place this winter. For a more complete list of winter activities and special programs in national parks, visit http://www.nps.
gov/pub_aff/winter2008/activities.htm. Visitors are encouraged to visit the NPS web site at www.nps.gov and see what other parks are offering this
winter too.
De Soto National Memorial in Florida will be running its annual camp season December 15, 2007, to March 30, 2008. Camp Uzita at De Soto National
Memorial brings visitors back in time to 1539, when 650 Spanish conquistadors came to Tampa Bay and changed the lives of its native inhabitants
forever. Programs focus on the meeting of two very different cultures. Living history interpreters demonstrate Native and European arts and crafts.
Children are invited out on Saturdays to learn about Native American mask painting and paint one to take home for themselves. For more information,
contact the park at (941)792-0458.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. One of the most enjoyable winter activities for any national park occurs in Grand Teton with the ranger-led
snowshoe hikes. These hikes take place everyday, and the park supplies visitors with classic wooden Yukon or Alaskan-style snowshoes for their
outing with the ranger to explore the winter beauty of the park. Visitors learn about how the harsh conditions of winter determines which animals and
plants survive here as they amble over hill and dell in search of wildlife and/or signs of wildlife. The trip eventually brings the visitors to the banks of the
Snake River. For more information, contact the park at (307) 739-3300.
Death Valley National Park in California is the answer to those people who find it really difficult to enjoy the national parks because it is cold and snowy or
just cold and wet. An abundance of ranger conducted activities are available at Death Valley including living history guided tours of Scotty's Castle (a
1920s mansion with all original furnishings and stories to match). In addition to ranger conducted activities the park's 3.4 million acres are available for
exploration on foot or by car and/or 4x4 vehicles. With the longer winter nights, Death Valley is an excellent place to enjoy the brilliant night skys! We
have some of the best and clearest skys in our country and Death Valley's dark night skys expose the stars like few people have ever seen. If people
are dreaming of the days to come where they can hike in shorts and a light jacket and see spectacular scenery and relive the early history of the west,
why wait until June, July or August- come to Death Valley and experience it during the winter! For more information, contact the park at (760) 786-3200.
The National Park Service always recommends stopping by the park’s visitor center to get the latest, most up-to-date park information. In addition, NPS
reminds visitors that safety is critical, and hikers should stay on marked trails and let family members and/or friends know their whereabouts. Remember
to dress appropriately for the elements and activities you are going to engage in, and it’s always best to have plenty of water on hand (and maybe a little
hot chocolate too). Parks Rangers are easily recognizable in their distinctive green and gray uniforms. Ask questions…that’s what they are there for!
A National Parks Service News Report
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