Infos querbeet zu NPs, NMs, SPs, etc.

Most backcountry trails & campsites in Hawai‘i Volcanoes NP will reopen Friday

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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will reopen most coastal and backcountry trails and campsites on Fri., Oct. 19. Other parts of the park reopened last month following a record 134-day closure due to hazardous volcanic and seismic activity on Kīlauea Volcano.

Permits are required for all overnight backpacking and camping. The park’s backcountry permit office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to prepare for backcountry treks and how to get a backcountry permit on the website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_bc.htm

The remote coastal campsite destinations of Halapē, Ka‘aha, Keauhou and ‘Āpua Point will open Friday, and are reached via the rugged Puna Coast Trail and Keauhou Trail. In the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, Nāpau campsite and the Nāpau and Nāulu trails will also open.

Water levels in the catchment tanks at Halapē, Ka‘aha and Keauhou are full. Nāpau and ‘Āpua Point do not have water tanks.

“We are excited to reopen popular areas of the coastal backcountry, and we’re happy to report there was little impact to campsites and trails along the coast,” said Chief Ranger John Broward. “However, projects to clear brush along trails were delayed due to recent seismic activity, and hikers may find it difficult to navigate pathways that connect coastal sites. The trail crew will continue to improve these areas, but in the meantime, hikers should be prepared for a rough and challenging journey,” Broward said.

Broward added that Pepeiao Cabin and the Ka‘ū Desert Trail past the Footprints shelter will remain closed until trail maintenance and further assessments can be made.

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Joshua Tree National Park

Entrance into the Park from I-10 Reopens

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Park officials announced the reopening of Cottonwood Campground (loop B) after repairs were made due to damage by heavy rains. Access to the park of off I-10, via Pinto Basin Road is reopened. Visitors are asked to exercise caution when entering and exiting the park through the south entrance due to a short distance of single lane traffic and road repair crews working in the area. Cottonwood Oasis Trail and the parking lot at the trailhead will remain closed until further notice.

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The most beautiful train ride in every state

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The cliched old adage "it's not about the destination, but the journey" rings especially true when it comes to train travel.
Easily the best part of traveling by train is looking out the window and staring at the passing landscapes. Whether you're a tourist exploring a new region or a commuter getting to and from work, you can catch the country's natural beauty aboard one of the many trains crisscrossing the United States.
From Mount Rushmore to Miami Beach, every state has awe-inspiring landscapes and beautiful landmarks to enjoy by train.
Keep scrolling to find the most scenic train ride in your state.

Link mit vielen Bildern:
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Foothills Parkway Opening

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“We are grateful to the visionaries in the 1930s who conceived the idea of a parkway and to the countless people who have tirelessly worked since then to complete this spectacular section,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We can’t wait for people to experience the unparalleled views offered along this new Smokies destination.”

The completion of the roadway was made possible due to a decades-long partnership among the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration, and the National Park Service (NPS) at a total cost of $178 million. Funding for the final paving was provided through a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) VIII grant secured by the Tennessee Department of Transportation along with $15 million from the State of Tennessee and $7 million through the NPS Federal Lands Transportation Program.

The Foothills Parkway now consists of two finished sections at either end of the 72-mile corridor. The western section now extends 33 continuous miles from Chilhowee to Wears Valley, offering a new recreational experience for motorists and cyclists. The eastern section, completed in 1968, extends 6 miles from Cosby to Interstate 40 presenting breathtaking views of Mt. Cammerer.

Park officials plan to invite the public to preview the parkway by foot, if conditions permit, before it opens to motorists. This pedestrian opportunity is tentatively planned for Thursday, November 8 during the morning hours utilizing a shuttle operation. More details will be provided by Friday, November 2 to help prepare people for this special opportunity.

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USS Arizona Memorial dock completion expected in March 2019

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The National Park Service (NPS) expects the USS Arizona Memorial dock repair project to be complete by March 2019, allowing visitor access to the memorial to resume.

The design phase of the project was recently completed, allowing for the development of a more precise timeline for the repair process. Unfortunately, it will not be completed in time for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7. Since May, the NPS has worked with its partners in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to ensure repairs are made as quickly as possible with special consideration given to the national significance of the site.

“Not being able to welcome survivors and their families on the USS Arizona Memorial this coming December 7th is heartbreaking,” said Jacqueline Ashwell, superintendent of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, who oversees the memorial. “After exploring multiple options, we are working with our friends in the U.S. Navy to hold an intimate ceremony aboard a vessel adjacent to the USS Arizona. The Navy has been our partner every step of the way, and I could not be more grateful for their support.”

The boat-based ceremony will include a floral tribute and will also allow survivors, their families, and other key dignitaries to pay their respects to the fallen at the USS Arizona. This special ceremony will be in addition to the full land-based commemoration ceremony at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Access to the USS Arizona Memorial was suspended on May 6 when minor damage to the exterior of the structure became visible at the main point of entry. A more thorough examination revealed that the damage was caused by a failure of the anchoring system for the boat dock adjacent to the USS Arizona Memorial. This placed extreme pressure on the loading bridge that provides overwater passage for visitors from the boat dock to the USS Arizona Memorial. Access was curtailed immediately to ensure visitor safety and prevent additional damage to the memorial.

Ashwell also stated, “We are committed to restoring access to the memorial as soon as possible for all visitors, and it will remain a top priority across the board for this site and the National Park Service. We have condensed this project to the shortest amount of time necessary while also implementing solutions that will ensure a similar problem does not occur again. We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we work to complete the process and reinstitute access to the USS Arizona Memorial.”

While the repair process continues, visitors will continue to see a 25-minute documentary film followed by a harbor tour of Battleship Row on U.S. Navy vessels which pass as close as possible to the USS Arizona Memorial. The NPS will continue to provide live or recorded commentary in an effort to maximize the visitor experience. Reservations are encouraged, as tickets for these programs continue to be fully distributed each day.

All other amenities at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center remain open and accessible. Visitors are encouraged to visit our two free museums, shore side exhibits, snack shop and bookstore. Our partners at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum remain open and ready to welcome visitors.

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11 Ways National Parks Influenced World War I (and vice versa)

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Congress created the National Park Service in 1916, just a few months before the United States entered World War I. Many places that are now national parks are part of the story of World War I, whether it was the people who served, the places where events happened, or the ideals we hold up as a nation.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, 11/11/1918, here are 11 connections between our national parks and World War I!

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Department Of Interior Reopens National Parks After Filling In All Canyons Posing Hazardous Fall Risk To Visitors

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Apologizing for the delay as they worked to correct the dangerous oversight, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced Thursday that they had reopened the country’s national parks after finally filling in all the canyons posing hazardous fall risks to visitors. “We are proud to announce that we’ve successfully eliminated the enormous risk that these life-threatening chasms previously posed to guests,” said Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, praising work crews for their diligent efforts in pouring asphalt into every hole over 10 feet deep in all 58 of the United States’ national parks. “Thanks to this common-sense safety measure, American citizens no longer have to worry about plummeting hundreds of feet to their death when they visit the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or the Canyonlands. While it took several months and cost billions of dollars, making sure all park guests feel safe and secure is a top priority.” Zinke also announced a new upcoming initiative to further improve national parks by sanding down the sharp tips of mountains that pose dangerous risks to hikers.

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Statue of Liberty National Monument

Statue of Liberty's Original Torch Completes Move to New Home

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Today, the Statue of Liberty’s original torch moved into its new home inside the new Statue of Liberty Museum currently being built on Liberty Island. For nearly 100 years, the gold and copper marvel served as a beacon of freedom in the outstretched hand of Lady Liberty. In 1984, as part of the Statue’s centennial restoration project, the torch was removed from atop the monument and placed on display inside the Statue of Liberty Monument’s pedestal. In November 1985, a replica of Bartholdi's original design was installed onto the Statue and formally dedicated during the July 4, 1986, Liberty Weekend centennial celebration. Led by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and the U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service, a team of engineers disassembled the torch and relocated it from the monument’s pedestal across Liberty Island to the new museum site. A special hydraulically stabilized transporter vehicle took the torch 470 feet across the island before the torch was lifted by crane into the new museum.

“The original torch is a beautiful object of art and exemplifies the American ideals of freedom and democracy - a true national treasure cared for by the National Park Service,” said John Piltzecker, Superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. “That’s why I’m so pleased that The Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Foundation’s fundraising campaign has allowed us to relocate it to a more fitting place where all of our visitors, from across the nation and from around the world, will always be able to see it and be inspired by it.”

The 3,600-pound original torch will be the centerpiece of the new Statue of Liberty Museum, a 26,000-square-foot museum that will celebrate the Statue of Liberty’s history, influence, and legacy in the world. Visitors will get an up-close view of the iconic symbol in its new home in the Inspiration Gallery, which features floor-to-ceiling glass panels overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. The museum will be free to visitors with the purchase of a ferry ticket to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands and is expected to open to the public in May 2019.

“For nearly a century, the Statue of Liberty’s original torch was viewed by millions of immigrants as they came to America in search of better lives. Unfortunately, today only one-fifth of the visitors who come to Liberty Island can enter the monument and see the original torch in person,” said Stephen Briganti, President and CEO of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be able to give all guests to Liberty Island the opportunity to see this unparalleled piece of American and world history firsthand, whether from within or outside of the museum.”

The Statue of Liberty Museum was designed by architecture firm FXCollaborative with exhibits created by experience design firm ESI Design. The structure is being built by Phelps Construction Group, which also moved the original torch to the new museum site.
“The moving of the torch from the pedestal into the museum represents a signification milestone in this project,” said Douglas Phelps, President of Phelps Construction Group. “We are honored to have been entrusted by the Foundation and the National Park Service to move this national treasure and although it is not one of the most difficult things we have ever moved, it is certainly the most important.”

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Parking Restrictions at Horseshoe Bend

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The City of Page and the National Park Service are working together to address congestion and safety concerns at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook parking lot. Effective immediately, the north parking lot will be closed due to construction on the Horseshoe Bend Phase 2.A parking expansion. The previously enacted parking and safety restrictions have been implemented in the parking lot by the Page Police Department.
Over the last several years, visitation to Horseshoe Bend Overlook has increased dramatically. Thousands of visitors from around the world visit the attraction daily. Although the parking lot has been expanded several times, vehicle and pedestrian congestion still remains a safety issue. This congestion will be amplified with the reduction of available parking during the next phase of construction. To address these issues, the following parking and safety restrictions are in place until further notice:
Tour buses with a carrying capacity of more than 20 passengers will not be allowed to park on site. All buses this size will be required to unload at the designated area near the trail head, leave the site and return at a time agreed upon with their passengers to pick them up.
All visitors must adhere to the instructions of the parking control employee.
Parking is prohibited along US Highway 89. New signs and barriers have been placed along the highway and violators will be cited.
If the parking lot is full, visitors will need to return at another time. The best time to find parking is prior to 10 a.m. or between 4 and 6 p.m. On holiday weekends, the parking lot may fill up sooner.
We ask that consideration be given to the limited parking and that visitors not linger, camp, or picnic in the parking lot at Horseshoe Bend. Overnight camping is not allowed in the Horseshoe Bend parking lot. Visitors are invited to enjoy city parks in Page and day use areas at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The half-mile hike from the parking lot to the rim provides little relief from the sun. Visitors should bring water on the hike, wear comfortable clothing, and wear appropriate shoes (no sandals). Pets must not be left unattended in vehicles. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash that is no longer than six feet in length. Owners must clean up solid pet waste.
A parking control employee will be posted in the parking lot daily during the busiest hours. The Page Police Department will continue to assist with parking control as needed.
Horseshoe Bend is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is managed by the National Park Service. The parking lot for Horseshoe Bend is located in and managed by the City of Page. Improvements are currently underway at the site, including a new American Disabilities Act trail and viewing area, shade structures, a larger parking lot, and visitor contact station. The City of Page started construction of the new parking lot on November 1 with a projected completion date of March 2019. When the new parking area is complete buses will again be allowed to park at Horseshoe Bend. Both the City of Page and the National Park Service wish all visitors a safe and enjoyable visit to Horseshoe Bend and thank you for your cooperation while improvements are being constructed.

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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Castillo by Candlelight Enemy at the Gates 2018

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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host special evening tours on Friday, November 30, 2018. Please join us for a special look into the Siege of 1740.

In 1740, the continued existence of St. Augustine was in doubt. British General James Oglethorpe laid siege and was poised to run the Spanish from the city. Citizens – terrified about the possibility of losing their homes – clung to the hope that the Spanish forces would strike a blow from the Castillo that would send the English invaders away. A desperate plan was conceived to attack the British occupiers of Fort Mose.

In partnership with the St. Augustine Garrison, on the evening of Friday, November 30th, staff and volunteers in 18th century period clothing will tell the stories of St. Augustine on the brink of its destiny. Visitors will experience the evening before the Fort Mose counterattack, and learn about life in the town during the siege as the cannon fire away at the British on Anastasia Island. During the tours, visitors and local residents will hear the Castillo’s cannons fire multiple times between 6:45pm - 9:00pm.

There will be six nighttime candlelit living history tours that highlight the events of 1740, each lasting roughly 45 minutes. Tours depart from the ticket both at 6:45, 7:00, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, and 8:00 pm. Nonrefundable tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis, beginning on November 17th, and may be purchased at the ticket booth or by phone Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm by calling (904) 829-6506 ext. 239. Space is limited. The cost is $10 per adult ages 16 and up, $5 per child ages 5 to 15, and children under 5 free. For questions, please call (904) 829-6506 ext. 233.

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Bilder von meinem Erlebnis 2009 gibt es hier

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

Civil War Santa Returns for Annual Christmas at Chatham Program

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On Sunday, December 16th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the National Park Service and Friends of Chatham host living historians, musicians and Civil War Santa for Christmas at Chatham!

Excited to visit with Santa? Park staff will be distributing time cards at Chatham’s front desk so that each family will know exactly when to report for their visit. The entire group must be on-site to receive a time card. No time cards will be distributed prior to 11:45 a.m on December 16, 2018. Due to the popularity of the program, families should anticipate a wait to see Santa, and are encouraged to enjoy some of the other holiday activities.

Learn about how soldiers and civilians experienced Christmas during the Civil War, and participate in 19th Century Christmas traditions. Union soldiers will share stories about being in camp for Christmas, and how soldiers entertained themselves during the cold winter months. Activities inside the house will focus on different Christmas traditions from the 19th century, including how people decorated Christmas trees and the types of gifts they received.

Friends of Chatham will be serving light refreshments in the Summer House.

The program location is at Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA, 22405.

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Von einem "Civil War Santa" höre ich jetzt zum ersten Mal.

Olympic National Park

Emergency Closure on Olympic Hot Springs Road for Flood Damage Repair to River Bank near Madison Falls Parking Area

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Heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday this week resulted in flooding and river bank erosion on the Elwha River near the Madison Falls parking area on Olympic Hot Springs Road. The road is now closed to all public access while the park road crew completes necessary work to protect the road from being undercut by further erosion. Madison Falls parking area will be inaccessible over the next two to three weeks until the work is completed.

The recent storm resulted in 7-8 inches of rain and increased flows which peaked at roughly 12,000 cfs. The repair is estimated to cost $60,000 for the materials, equipment, and labor.

The park is in the planning process for the future of the Olympic Hot Springs Road to address long-term, sustainable access. The first step was to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a geotechnical investigation in order to determine the engineering feasibility of a potential road relocation. This EA was completed and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was released in late September. The geotechnical investigation and installation of monitoring instruments occurred over the last two months.

Initial monitoring results have indicated that relocating the one-mile section of road near Sander’s Creek would be feasible. Monitoring and data collection will continue into next year. The next step to address long-term access for the Olympic Hot Springs Road is to analyze the potential road relocation in a separate EA. Civic engagement for the next EA is anticipated to begin in December 2018.

The upcoming EA will analyze various options including modifying the current roadway or relocating it outside the floodplain, one of which will be implemented in 2020-2021.

This week’s storm event also resulted in additional road closures across the park. The Upper and Lower Queets Road closed due to high winds and downed trees. The Quinault North Shore Road was closed on Monday near the 900 block due to a downed tree and power lines across the road. Upper Queets Road has now reopened to the campground and North Shore Road was cleared and opened. Lower Queets Road remains closed for additional clearing.

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Da in dem Bericht auch Parks Erwähnung finden, habe ich es mal hier eingefügt:

The Strangest Fact About Every U.S. State

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Which state has a law against shooting Bigfoot? Do you know where to get coffee milk? Check out these bizarre facts from every state in the Union.

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Partners support monument preservation at Gettysburg National Military Park

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The Gettysburg Foundation and the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association (GBPA) have provided donations to match federal funds to preserve monuments at Gettysburg National Military Park. Thanks to partner support and federal funding from the Helium Act, a total of $188,129 is available to do repairs and preservation maintenance for more than 350 civil war monuments on the Gettysburg battlefield.

The Gettysburg Foundation provided $50,765 and the GBPA provided $43,300 in a dollar-for-dollar match for $94,065 in federal funding. National Park Service preservation specialists will use the funds to continue to work on more than 350 of Gettysburg’s 1300 monuments, steam cleaning stone features and pedestals, re-pointing and preserving masonry, power-washing and waxing all bronze elements, and repairing and replacing missing or broken bronze features, as necessary.

The federal funding comes from the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, which provides $20 million in fiscal 2018 from proceeds from the sale of federal helium, to be used for deferred maintenance projects requiring a minimum 50% match from a non-federal funding source.

“Public private partnerships help stretch federal dollars to take care of national parks,” said Ed Wenschhof Jr., acting superintendent at Gettysburg National Military Park. “We’re very pleased to have the Gettysburg Foundation and the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association help us fund the care of these important monuments.”

Beginning in 1863 veterans and survivors of the battle of Gettysburg preserved the battle grounds and created the commemorative features and monuments that still define the park today. The 1895 law establishing Gettysburg National Military Park authorized the federal government to preserve the “important topographic features of the battlefield” and to preserve and mark the battle positions.

Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects and interprets for this and future generations the resources associated with the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, during the American Civil War, the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and their commemorations.

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Joshua Tree National Park

New Campground Procedures

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Park officials announced today new policies and procedures with regards to campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. Reservations are required at Black Rock, Indian Cove, and Jumbo Rocks campgrounds during the busy season, October to May. Same day and advance reservations (up to six months in advance) can be made online at http://www.recreation.gov. During June through September all sites in these campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

October to May, reservations at Cottonwood Campground are available from six months in advance and up one day before arrival during the busy season. Some sites at Cottonwood Campground may be available on a first-come, first-served basis during the busy season. June through September, all sites in Cottonwood Campground are first-come, first-served.

All sites at Hidden Valley, Belle, Ryan, and White Tank campgrounds are first-come, first-served throughout the year.

These changes are designed to improve camping opportunities for visitors as well as address capacity challenges created by record visitation at the park. Park Superintendent David Smith said, “In spite of the fact that we will see over three million visitors in Joshua Tree this year, we will continue to constantly make adjustments and allowances in order to insure a meaningful visit to those who come here.”

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National Park Service Homepage

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Government Shutdown

During the federal government shutdown, this website will not be updated and may not reflect current conditions. Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors; however, access may change without notice. Some parks are closed completely. Some visitor services may be available when provided by concessioners or other entities. For most parks, there will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities, or road maintenance. For more information, see http://www.doi.gov/shutdown and the park website.

2018 Year In Review: Exploring The Parks

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This year took National Parks Traveler contributors to parks – near and far, big and small – that showcase the diversity and history of our planet.
The Traveler took readers to Chile, Portugal, and Tanzania. A little closer to home, follow a daring journey into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, which, at 13.2 million acres, is the largest national park in the United States, or tag along with Jim Stratton on his trip to smaller, lesser-known units of the National Park System.
We also offer itineraries for exploring some of the country’s more popular parks, like Acadia, Grand Teton, Canyonlands, Badlands, and Mount Rainier.
Maybe these articles will inspire your next trip.

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Florida

First Coast National Parks And Monuments Closed Due To Government Shutdown

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Florida’s National Parks are being affected by the partial government shutdown.
The shutdown, which started last Friday, has left national parks with little-to-no staff. Some like Jacksonville’s Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve are closed.
Timucuan Foundation’s Mark Middlebrook says there’s no way to access how many have been affected by the shutdown.
“There’s a lot of visitors, people who are visiting friends and family in the area, Middlebrook said. “They use those parks this time of year.”
Middlebrook said Kingsley Plantation, Fort Caroline, and Theodore Roosevelt Preserve in Jacksonville will also be closed for as long as the government is shutdown. All three are part of the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve.
“There is a lot of jobs and tourism, economy depend of those jobs and those tourists. If people aren’t coming, they’re not spending money then it’s unfortunate,” he said.
Our News4Jax partner reports the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine and Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Johns County are also closed.
Some of the Florida’s national parks like Everglades and Dry Tortoise will remain open, but with reduced staff and services.
The shutdown entered its fifth day Wednesday. It was caused by a budgetary stalemate between President Donald Trump and Congress. Trump is demanding $5 billion for his border wall and Democrats have vowed to block the wall funding. At last report, an end didn’t appear to be in sight.
State and city parks are not affected and remain open.

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Around The National Parks During The Government Shutdown: Human Waste And Helping Hands

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Some units of the National Park System are facing greater pressures caused by the partial government shutdown, while others are benefitting from helping hands from states, concessionaires, and non-governmental organizations.
With the shutdown now in its second week, accumulations of human wastes and overflowing garbage cans have forced some parks to close campgrounds, restrooms, and trailheads. Even the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias at Yosemite National Park was closed due to the absence of maintenance crews to deal with the wastes. Some parks that have avoided such problems could encounter them this week as funding support runs out.
Here's a glance at operations in the park system. Please update this list in your comments.

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