Infos querbeet zu NPs, NMs, SPs, etc.

Road Work to Begin in Natural Bridges National Monument

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A road construction project is scheduled for this spring and summer at Natural Bridges National Monument. Work will begin Monday, April 17, 2023, and continue through Friday, July 21, 2023.

Project work will resurface, restore, and rehabilitate approximately 10 miles of roads and pullouts in Natural Bridges National Monument along the main park road.

While construction crews will make every effort to minimize disruption to visitor travel and activities during this project, visitor should expect delays and temporary closures of some areas. Construction crews may use pilot cars and flaggers to control traffic. Delays of up to 15 minutes may be possible.

There may be loose gravel on some roadway surfaces. Drivers should drive slowly and use extra caution through these areas.

Alerts will be posted to the park website and information will be updated as the project progresses.

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Ein Denkmal wird 80 – und bekommt ein neues Gesicht

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Anlässlich des 80. Geburtstags des Jefferson Memorial in Washington am 13. April 2023 erschien am 10. April der folgende Text von Lauren Monsen auf ShareAmerica, einer offiziellen Website des US-Außenministeriums. Auch der Earth Day am 22. April 2023 ist ein guter Anlass für die Lektüre, denn ökologische Aspekte werden bei der nachhaltigen Umgestaltung des Areals eine zentrale Rolle spielen.

Am 13. April wird das Thomas Jefferson Memorial 80 Jahre alt – ein Anlass für die mit dem Denkmalschutz beauftragten Institutionen, dafür Sorge zu tragen, dass Besucherinnen und Besucher diesen Ort am wunderschönen Tidal Basin („Flutbecken“) auch in den kommenden Jahrzehnten noch genießen können.

Das Tidal Basin gleich neben der National Mall ist ein beliebtes Ausflugsziel für Einheimische und Touristen und lockt jedes Jahr zur Zeit der Kirschblüte – die Bäume waren ein Geschenk Japans an die Vereinigten Staaten – viele Menschen an. Herzstück des Geländes ist das Jefferson Memorial, das 1943 dem dritten US-Präsidenten und wichtigsten Verfasser der Unabhängigkeitserklärung gewidmet wurde.

Aufgrund des steigenden Meeresspiegels werden die Wege im Park allerdings häufig überschwemmt. Darüber hinaus senkt sich der Untergrund unter der Mall durch die hohe Verkehrsbelastung immer weiter ab. Einige Wege sind dadurch zu schmal geworden, sodass Besucherinnen und Besucher gezwungenermaßen auf die Rasenflächen ausweichen, was viel zu oft dazu führt, dass Wurzeln zertreten werden.

In den letzten 80 Jahren haben sich das Tidal Basin und das Areal der National Mall zu einer „sehr symbolträchtigen Landschaft von nationaler Bedeutung, zu einem ehrwürdigen öffentlichen Raum für die Bürgerinnen und Bürger entwickelt“, so Teresa Durkin, Projektleiterin der Stiftung Trust for the National Mall. Aber, so Durkin, „diese Landschaft ist fragil und gefährdet“.

Der National Park Service unternimmt nun große Anstrengungen um den steigenden Wasserständen zu begegnen, und investiert 5,7 Millionen US-Dollar in die Verstärkung der Dämme rund um das Tidal Basin. Sprecher Mike Litterst zufolge will der Park Service das unmittelbare Problem lösen und dafür sorgen, dass für den Anstieg des Meeresspiegels „in den kommenden 25, 50, 75 Jahren“ vorgesorgt ist. Die Bauarbeiten sollen Ende 2023 beginnen.

Da der Park Service die umfassende Problematik erkannt hat, hat er zusammen mit zwei anderen Organisationen – der Denkmalschutzstiftung National Trust for Historic Preservation und der Stiftung Trust for the National Mall – das Tidal Basin Ideas Lab gegründet, um innovative, längerfristige Lösungen zu erarbeiten.

Das „Ideenlabor“ beauftragte fünf Büros für Landschaftsarchitektur, Entwürfe vorzulegen, die die Bewältigung ökologischer Herausforderungen, die Erneuerung veralteter Infrastruktur und die Ausarbeitung von Leitlinien zur Umsetzung vorsehen.

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Mehr dazu mit Bildern der Vorschläge hier.

Blue Ridge Parkway begins major road project in northwest North Carolina

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Historic Great American Outdoors Act funding investment provides opportunity to address high priority road maintenance beginning May 1

Road closures related to a major infrastructure project are set to begin May 1 in a 75-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 229.6, just north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1, near Grandfather Mountain.

The $98 million project is a three-year repaving and rehabilitation project along the mainline motor road, that will also address drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks, and signage. The project will be phased with a staggered series of closures, allowing for continuous access to recreation areas and visitor amenities within the project area.

“This Great American Outdoors Act investment in critical park infrastructure allows the Parkway to continue serving the region as a driver of tourism for local economies for years to come,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “While the project is underway, I encourage park visitors to plan ahead and consult the park’s website to understand detour routes and ensure ready access to their favorite sites on and off the Parkway.”

Beginning May 1, park visitors should expect short-distance and short-duration single lane closures from mileposts 229.6 to 276.2. No sooner than May 15, the contractor also plans to put full closures with detours in place between both mileposts 229.6 to 238.5, and mileposts 261.2 to 276.4. A signed detour will direct travelers around the full closure from milepost 229.5 to 276.5, via routes NC 21, NC 18, and US 221. Access to Doughton Park attractions, including the Bluffs Restaurant (when open for the season on May 26), will be available via NC 18 and a short, 7-mile drive north on the Parkway. Access to the Northwest Trading Post at milepost 258.7 will be available from NC 16 and Trading Post Road at Glendale Springs, NC.

As construction progresses, closure locations will alternate with announcements preceding each shift. However, at all times, the contractor will maintain uninterrupted access from either the north or the south to visitor facilities and recreation areas within the project area.

Up-to-date closure and detour maps will be available on the park’s website and in visitor centers along the route. With multiple road projects underway and planned this season, the Parkway website and road status page are important planning tools that provide daily road status information with links to project information or current detour maps. This paving project is expected to be ongoing through September 2025.

As with any road project, park visitors and neighbors must exercise caution and observe closures. Within the active closure, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff.

Funding for this project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act’s (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. GAOA is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation. Maymead, Inc., of Mountain City, Tennessee, is the contractor for this paving project.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the largest designed landscapes in the country, providing visitors with a wide variety of opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history and culture. The park’s drive-a-while, stop-a-while design enhances the experience; and whether at milepost 0 or 469, driving the scenic route, hiking a trail or taking in a concert or ranger program, Parkway officials remind visitors to have a plan and recreate responsibly. A complete schedule of facility seasons is also available on the Parkway’s website.

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Everglades NP: Shark Valley area will be closed May 6-23 for repaving

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From May 6 to 23, the entire Shark Valley area at Everglades National Park will be closed day and night to all visitors for repaving of the entrance road, parking lot, and 15-mile tram road. The closure is necessary to ensure public safety during construction activities with heavy equipment and to enable the road surface to cure properly.

“While we recognize the inconvenience of this closure in the short-term, the long-term benefits are many,” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks. “Resurfacing the asphalt is necessary for preserving the quality of the road and will provide a more enjoyable experience for hiking, biking, and riding the tram road.”

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration is funding and managing the project through a contractor. Visitors who disregard the installed barricades, closure signs, and additional security measures will be subject to fines.

Visitors can still experience the Everglades by visiting one of the three airboat concessions on Tamiami Trail, the neighboring Miccosukee Cultural Center, or nearby Big Cypress National Preserve. The Homestead and Everglades City entrances to the park remain open with a variety of recreational opportunities.

Although tram tours and bicycle rentals will not be available during this time, Shark Valley Tram Tours will still accept online reservations for dates after May 23.

Shark Valley is scheduled to reopen on May 24.

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Seltenes Tier in den USA geboren – es gibt nur eines unter 10 Millionen

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In den USA wurde ein Tier mit einer seltenen Farbe geboren. Die Geburt begeistert das Netz. Unter indigenen Gemeinschaften gilt es sogar als heilig.

Er ist äußerst selten, hat pelziges, weißes Fell und gilt bei indigenen Völkern als heilig: In den USA wurde ein weißer Bison geboren. Fachleuten zufolge ist diese Farbe besonders selten. Nur ein Tier unter zehn Millionen ist weiß. Ein seltenes Tier wurde auch vor einer italienischen Küste entdeckt.

Das frisch geborene Kälbchen lebt mit seiner Mutter im rund 1,2 Quadratkilometer großen Bear River State Park im US-Bundesstaat Wyoming. Der knapp 14 Kilogramm schwere Bison sei dort am Dienstag (16. Mai) geboren worden, berichtete der Park noch am selben Tag bei Facebook.

Das Kalb sei zwar sehr klein, aber allem Anschein nach wohlauf, sagte Parkleiterin Tyfani Sager gegenüber dem regionalen Magazin Cowboy State Daily. Einen Namen hat das seltene Tier bislang nicht, auch das Geschlecht ist noch ein Rätsel. „Wir sind nicht sicher, ob es sich um ein Bullenkalb oder ein Färsenkalb handelt“, erklärte Sager. Da die Tiere sehr pelzig sind, sei es schwer, das auf Anhieb zu erkennen. Die Mutter des Tieres, die ebenfalls helles Fell hat, heißt Wyoming Hope.

Der National Bison Association zufolge ist die Geburt eines weißen Bisons äußerst selten und komme nur in einem von zehn Millionen Fällen vor. Bei indigenen Stämmen wie den Lakota-Sioux gilt die Geburt eines weißen Bisons als gutes Omen.

Der Bear River State Park stellte bei Facebook allerdings klar, dass das neugeborene Kalb kein Albino sei. Das Tier habe eine genetische Veranlagung, die ihm das weiße Fell verleihe. Es sei also nicht ungewöhnlich, dass das Kalb auch weiß sei. „Die meisten Bisons, die man heute findet, haben Rindergenetik“, sagte Sager gegenüber Cowboy State Daily. In den späten 1800er Jahren seien Bisons fast bis zur Ausrottung gejagt worden. Deshalb seien die Tiere mit Rindern gezüchtet worden. „Die Geburt eines weißen Bisons ist immer noch ziemlich selten.“

Durch die Geburt des Tieres mit der seltenen Färbung habe der Park bereits einen Anstieg der Besucherzahlen festgestellt. Auch in den sozialen Medien erfreuen sich Dutzende an den Bildern des Tieres. „Wir waren heute dort, so ein schöner Anblick!“, schrieb ein Facebook-Nutzer unter einem Beitrag des Parks. „Ein Geschenk, so ein majestätisches Tier in der Wildnis mit ihrem neugeborenen Kalb sehen zu können“, kommentierte eine andere. Zwar kann man den Bison mit seiner Mutter im Park besuchen, die Ranger mahnten jedoch, die Tiere nicht zu stören.

2021 bekam der Park in den USA zwei weiße Bison-Weibchen. Das wenige Wochen alte Kalb ist damit der erste weiße Bison, der dort geboren wurde. Die zweite Färse soll voraussichtlich im kommenden Frühjahr ein Kalb zur Welt bringen.

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Waterton-Glacier Announce Reopening of Goat Haunt

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Cross border travel between Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park will reopen for the 2023 season

Today, Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) and Glacier National Park (Montana, USA) announce that pedestrian and watercraft cross-border travel between the parks will reopen for the 2023 season.

The Goat Haunt area of Glacier National Park will open for the season on June 24, 2023. Goat Haunt is a remote area on the southern end of Upper Waterton Lake. The area is only accessible by watercraft or hiking trails.

Glacier National Park will have interpretive programs starting the week of June 25 at Goat Haunt this year with a variety of talks at the Snowflake pavilion and short guided walks for visitors traveling by boat.

International Peace Park hikes will be co-led with a Parks Canada Interpreter and a National Park Service interpretive park ranger on Fridays starting Friday, June 30 to Friday, September 1.

The season program calendar is still being updated and visitors should check back as the season nears.

Goat Haunt back country camping shelters will also be open for the 2023 season.

“I'm thrilled that we are reopening Goat Haunt and renewing a visitor experience that is at the heart of the International Peace Park,” says Dave Roemer, Glacier National Park Superintendent. “Goat Haunt is the perfect place to celebrate the long-standing peace and friendship between the United States and Canada, and the shared resources and splendor that we protect through Parks Canada and the National Park Service.”

The best and most common way to access Goat Haunt is from Waterton Lakes National Park. Visitors can:

Hike the Lakeshore trail. The trail starts in the Waterton Village at the Bertha trailhead and leads south to the Goat Haunt Ranger Station. The hike to Goat Haunt is 13.5 kilometers one way (nearly 8.5 miles), requiring a prebooked return ferry trip through Shoreline Cruises, or 27 kilometers (nearly 17 miles) round trip.

Paddle, take a personal watercraft, enjoy a scenic cruise, or take a hiking ferry. All non-motorized watercraft requires an inspection, and all motorized watercrafts require a 90-day quarantine before launching in Waterton Lakes National Park. More information on watercraft requirements is available on the Parks Canada website.

Travel across the United States-Canada border requires planning ahead and adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) regulations. Visitors wanting to cross the border by personal watercraft or hiking trail must have a passport and report their entry to the United States via the CBP ROAM app and their return to Canada to CBSA via telephone. Visitors taking a cruise through Shoreline Cruises do not require a passport. Kiosks will be available near the boat dock for visitors to use ROAM. More information about the CBP ROAM app can be found on the CBP’s website

“Crossing the border by hiking trail or watercraft is a unique experience for visitors to enjoy the majesty of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park,” says Locke Marshall, Waterton Lakes Superintendent. “We are eager to provide an experience once again for peace park visitors to connect with nature on both sides of the United States-Canada border.”

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Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens for the 2023 Season

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Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened this morning for the 2023 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles all the way through from both the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances. This is the earliest the road has opened since 2005.

Vehicle reservations are required May 26 through September 10, 2023, for those entering the park by vehicle or motorcycle from 6 am to 3 pm at west side entrances including the North Fork, Camas, and West entrances.

With Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open, the number of vehicle reservations available will be increased in the corridor. This increase will be executed through a series of additional reservation releases made available each morning starting today, June 13 at 8 am MDT. For opening day, a one-time release for additional Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservations will also take place today at 6 am.

Advanced vehicle reservations are exclusively available on Recreation.gov and not available at the park.

For the east side of the park, vehicle reservations will not be required at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and St. Mary (at Rising Sun) entrances until July 1, 2023.

Visitors with lodging, camping, or commercial activity reservations (e.g., boat tours and horseback rides) do not need a vehicle reservation and can use their confirmation email to access the portion of the park for which their activity is booked.

The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter the park before 6 am or after 3 pm without a vehicle reservation.

Additional vehicle reservation information and frequently asked questions are available on the park’s Vehicle Reservation page.

The park’s free shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road will begin operating July 1 on a first-come, first-served basis with stops at the Apgar Visitor Center, Sprague Creek Campground, Lake McDonald Lodge Avalanche Creek, The Loop, Logan Pass, Siyeh Bend, Gunsight Pass, St. Mary Falls, Sunrift Gorge, Sun Point, Rising Sun, and the St. Mary Visitor Center. Please check the park website for additional information on shuttle stops.

Services at Logan Pass include restroom facilities and potable water. Visitor information services will be provided at the Logan Pass Visitor Center from 9 am to 7 pm daily starting June 13. The Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be operating inside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

There will be construction zones on Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Traffic lights will control a single lane through the construction area along Lake McDonald. Expect up to 30-minute delays in both directions. The park previously messaged that nighttime closures would be in place starting June 1. The contractor for the project has determined that nightly closures are not necessary at this time; however, traffic control will remain in place for nightly work. There is a possibility that a nighttime closure will be implemented in the construction zone later in the season. Updates will be posted on the park’s Construction page two weeks in advance of a nightly closure. Visitors should check the page before visiting as this may affect their visit. Visitors are encouraged to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the St. Mary entrance on the east side of the park to avoid construction congestion.

A temporary traffic light is in place just past the Loop on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road due to rock fall damage. Visitors should expect up to 10-minute delays.

While driving along the road, particularly through the Rim Rock area (approximately one mile west of Logan Pass) visitors should be aware of potential rockfall and should not slow down or stop in this section. Rocks and other debris continue to fall throughout the summer, requiring daily clean up.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, and/or wider than 8 feet, are prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs.

The Highline Trail and a portion of the Grinnell Glacier Trail remain closed due to hazardous snow conditions and emerging vegetation. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage. The Hidden Lake Trail will be closed June 15 to August 7 from the overlook to the Hidden Lake due to bear activity near the lake outlet while fish are spawning.

Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle safety restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun-Road are in effect June 15 through Labor Day, September 4. Bicycles are prohibited in certain areas between 11 am and 4 pm. Information on bicycle restrictions may be found in the park newspaper available at park entrance stations, or online on the park’s bicycle information webpage.

Visitors are encouraged to limit vehicle idling to no more than two minutes in Glacier in parking lots, at scenic viewpoints and trailheads, and while stopped in traffic lines and road construction to benefit the health of both the public and the park resources.

Visitors should not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows while waiting in lines. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.

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These Are 10 Of The Most Important Historic Battlefield Sites In The USA

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A number of wars and battles have defined the history of the USA, and these battlefields in America are among the most significant.

Historic battlefields preserve some of the most important, pivotal, and even darkest moments in the history of America. Since 1776, there have been numerous wars fought on American soil, and some of the most important battlefield sites are preserved in historic battlefields today - sometimes as national battlefields and sometimes by state parks.

10 Gettysburg National Military Park: The Deadliest Battle In American History

Gettysburg is a household name and was the bloodiest battle in the history of the United States. It saw Americans killing Americans and is one of the most tragic chapters of the history of the nation.

It continues to prompt deep soul-searching and is the site of annual Civil War reenactments and the modern presidential Gettysburg Address.

9 Pearl Harbor Museum & Memorial: The Raid That Shocked The Nation

At the time of the attack, Hawaii was a territory of the United States and not a state, but still, it was US soil. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation into joining WW2, and it claimed the lives of over 2,000 American servicemen and women.

Today, the stricken USS Arizona battleship is preserved as a national memorial, and visitors can learn about the raid at the Pearl Harbor Museum & Memorial.

8 The Battle Of The Little Bighorn: The Site Of Custer's Last Stand

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was the last of the large battles of the Plains Indian Wars and was a shocking defeat of the US 7th Cavalry and the death of General Custer. It was a notable tactical victory for the Plains Indians, led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. But still, the times had changed, and after this battle, the United States established its control over the Great Plains.

7 Yorktown Battlefield: The Battle That Won The Revolutionary War

The Battle of Yorktown ended with the defeat and surrender of the British army during the Revolutionary War. It was one of the great American victories (supported by the French navy).

After the battle, the British lost all hope of reclaiming their old 13 colonies. The British subsequently acknowledged the United States as an independent country.

6 The Alamo: The Battle That Galvanized Texas

When Texas fought for independence in 1835, the territory was sparsely inhabited, with a non-native population of less than 40,000. The battles fought appear more as skirmishes now, but they were hugely important to the course of the history of Texas.

The Alamo is only a small Spanish mission, but the battle there set the tone of the quest for Texan independence.

5 San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site: Where Texan Independence Was Won

While the battle at San Jacinto is often overshadowed by the Alamo, it was this battle that won Texan independence. At San Jacinto, the Texans crushed the Mexican army so badly that they even captured the president of Mexico - General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

4 Dade Battlefield Historic State Park: The Forgotten American Defeat Of The Forgotten War

While the Plains Indian Wars are famous on account of countless movies and popular culture, the Seminole Wars are forgotten. These wars against the Seminole peoples of Florida were the longest of the wars with the Native Americans.

3 Antietam National Monument: The Deadliest Day Of The Civil War

Gettysburg was the deadliest battle of the Civil War, but it took place over the course of several days. The deadliest single day of the Civil War was the Battle of Antietam, where the North and South squared off against each other.

2 Battle Of Bunker Hill: Opening Shots Of The Revolutionary Wa

As the British tried to march out of Boston, they were ambushed by Colonial militias. The battle resulted in one of the first Colonial victories over the British and set the tone for the Revolutionary War.

1 Saratoga National Historic Park: A Turning Point In The Revolutionary War

The Battle of Saratoga was one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War and handed the British a painful defeat. The American victory meant that the British had to abandon their plans to take over the northern colonies. It was a defeat they were unable to recover from.

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Mehr Infos und Bilder hier.

Lover's Key State Park reopened for limited day-use activities

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Lovers Key State Park reopened Wednesday but only for limited day-use activities with electricity or drinking water not yet available.

The park is located between Fort Myers Beach and Big Hickory Island at 8700 Estero Blvd.

Tram services will operate from 8 a.m. to sunset and will transport visitors to within 800 feet of the beach.

Paddling equipment will be available for rent through the concession.

The gift shop has cold water, beverages and some merchandise.

The Discovery Center and boat ramp are closed.

Visitors are asked to adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas.

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Ich fand den Park bei meinem Besuch recht schön.

Bison injures woman visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park

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For the second time in less than a week, a visitor at one of the U.S. National Parks was injured in a bison attack, the park service said.

A Minnesota woman visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota was hospitalized in stable condition after she was severely injured by a bison at Painted Canyon Trailhead late Saturday morning, according to a statement the National Park Service released Tuesday.

The news came one day after a 47-year-old Phoenix woman was attacked by a bison at Yellowstone National Park. The woman was walking with another person when they encountered two bison. As they turned to walk away from the animal, one of the bison charged at her, causing severe injuries to her chest and stomach, the park said.

Medical personnel and park officials treated the woman on the scene in North Dakota until she could be picked up by an ambulance.

The woman was transported to a local hospital a short time later, where she is recovering. She experienced severe injuries to her stomach and foot.

Park officials are still investigating the cause of the attack.

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U.S. to establish national monument to Emmett Till

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U.S. President Joe Biden will establish a national monument to honor Emmett Till, the black teenager from Chicago who was abducted, tortured, and killed in 1955 after being accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi, and his mother, a White House official said at the weekend.

Mr. Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday to create the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across three sites in Illinois and Mississippi, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Tuesday is the anniversary of Emmett Till’s birth in 1941.

The monument will protect places that are central to the story of his life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers, and his mother’s activism.

Till’s mother’s insistence on an open casket to show the world how her son had been brutalized and Jet’s magazine’s decision to publish photos of his mutilated body helped galvanize the U.S. civil rights movement.

Mr. Biden’s decision also comes at a time of rising conflicts over racial matters in the United States.

Conservative leaders are trying to end the teaching of slavery and black history in public-sector schools, as well as the incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from college classrooms to corporate boardrooms.

On Friday, Vice-President Kamala Harris criticized a revised black history curriculum in Florida that includes teaching that enslaved people benefited from the skills they “learnt” at the hands of the people who denied them freedom.

The Florida Board of Education approved the curriculum to satisfy legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate who has accused public-sector schools of liberal indoctrination.

“How is it that anyone could suggest that, in the midst of these atrocities, that there was any benefit to being subjected to this level of dehumanization?” Ms. Harris asked in a speech delivered from Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. DeSantis said he had no role in devising his state’s new education standards but defended the components on how enslaved people have supposedly benefited.

“All of that is rooted in whatever is factual,” he claimed.

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10 Strange and Surprisingly Specific National Park Rules

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With hundreds of millions of people visiting the U.S. National Parks every year, it’s no wonder there are rules and regulations in place to keep the parks safe and clean. National Parks are full of nature and wildlife that need to be protected; the regulations are also intended to ensure visitors don’t hurt themselves. And while there are plenty of standard rules you would expect (like not messing with the wildlife and following the general Leave No Trace guidelines) there are also stranger rules you may not know about.

1. No Giving Birth in the Saline Valley Hot Springs // Death Valley National Park

Giving birth—or even attempting to—in the Saline Valley Hot Springs is forbidden. Other rules at this Death Valley hot spring include not using the pools when you’re sick, mandating that children who aren’t potty-trained wear waterproof diapers, and banning human bodily waste from the springs. Pets also aren’t permitted within 50 feet of the pools. But the specific law against giving birth takes the cake for the weirdest rule.

2. No Pets on Your Rafting Trip // Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park has a whole page on their website regarding rules for visiting with your pet. It makes sense, as the park’s rocky terrain, rapid waters, and unpredictable wildlife can be dangerous for both people and their four-legged companions. Pets are also unpredictable; for example, a runner or a mule could spook them, leading to an accident, or your creature could chase and harass the park’s resident wildlife.

One very specific rule bars cats, dogs, and other domestic animals from joining you on a rafting trip down the Colorado River. In fact, no pets are allowed below the rim on the canyon except for service animals. This rule is probably for the best, as the leading cause of death in national parks is drowning.

3. No Burying Your Poop Less Than 3 Inches Deep // Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful, waterfall-filled getaway just 75 miles from Washington, D.C. Its beauty attracts visitors year-round, many of whom choose to camp. Because of this, there are federal laws regarding camping in this park, such as how long you can stay and where you can set up camp. The sanitation section of these rules prohibits the possession of “food or beverage in discardable glass containers.” It also outlaws urination or defecation within 10 yards of a stream or trail, and specifies that fecal matter must be buried in a hole and covered with at least 3 inches of soil.

4. No Teasing Animals While They Breed // All National Parks

It’s rude to harass animals while they breed—and it’s also illegal. The full federal law prohibits “the feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding, or other activities.” It’s clear that the focus of this rule is not to disturb the wildlife and invade their habitat or disrupt their behavior, but the teasing part definitely stands out.

It’s always best to just leave the animals alone. In 2018, a man was arrested for harassing a bison at Yellowstone National Park when he taunted and lunged at the animal, trying to start a fight. This type of behavior is dangerous to both the wildlife and other humans at the park.

5. No Intimidating Golfers or Tennis Players // Washington, D.C. National Parks

It takes a lot of focus to play a great game of golf or tennis. To play these sports in one of the National Parks in the D.C. area, you need to get a permit and pay a required fee. Once you’re an authorized player, you won’t have to worry about anyone bothering you: No one can legally trespass, intimidate, harass, or otherwise interfere with you.

In addition to needing a permit to play these sports, you also need a special permit if you want to fly a model powered plane from anywhere in a D.C. National Park.

6. No Balloons Without a Permit // Joshua Tree National Park

There are no balloons of any kind allowed in the beautiful desert of Joshua Tree National Park (unless you get a permit).e. Water balloons and helium balloons are considered litter; biologists also worry that they could be ingested by wildlife. Due to their flammable nature, sky lanterns are illegal within the fire-prone park.

The National Park Service discourages the use of sky lanterns in all parks, for the reasons listed above. They encourage people who do release paper lanterns to do so under certain parameters.

7. No Swearing or Making Obscene Gestures // All National Parks

Disorderly conduct is prohibited in National Parks, but what exactly does that mean? Federal law defines it with wording like “intent to cause public alarm” and “recklessly creating a risk.” However, another part of the law proclaims that anyone who uses “language, an utterance, or gesture, or engages in a display or act that is obscene” is engaging in illegal activity. Park rangers probably won’t be apprehending every person who swears in a park, but it’s a good reminder to keep things respectful and consider your surroundings.

8. No Building Cairns or Disturbing Existing Ones // All National Parks

Cairns are vertically stacked piles of rocks that you’ve probably seen before on a hike. They aren’t just art—park officials place them there to mark trails or other significant areas. Because of their purpose, it’s illegal for park attendees to build their own cairns or to mess with ones they find, as that could lead hikers dangerously astray. Constructing cairns also disrupts the local ecology.

Some parks don’t use cairns to mark trails and may erect some for decoration only. Because of this distinction, it’s important to check a park’s website or signage before following cairns.

9. No Moving or Disturbing Dead Fish // All National Parks

It probably makes sense that you’re prohibited from “possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing” wildlife from its natural state. But you may be surprised to learn that it’s illegal to touch dead wildlife as well. Collecting dead fish that washed ashore, snagging an abandoned bird nest, and pocketing some shed deer antlers are all off-limits. Park officials want to make sure that no aspect of wildlife and their environment are disturbed. Similarly, it is illegal to introduce any wildlife into a park area’s ecosystem.

10. No Rolling a Rock Down a Hill // All National Parks

Just like you can’t disturb a dead fish from its natural state, you also can’t disturb rocks. The same federal law states that tossing or rolling rocks (or other items for that matter) is not allowed in National Parks. What you might think of as an innocent stone throw could disrupt the natural habitat around you. The law specifically forbids rocks to be thrown “inside caves or caverns, into valleys, canyons, or caverns, down hillsides or mountainsides, or into thermal features.”

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Tourists are ruining the amazing 'cannonballs' at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

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People are vandalizing rock formations at US National Parks, and destroying unique geological features that have taken millennia to develop. Earlier this week, photographer Kevin Dunn shared a picture of graffiti on one of the spherical cannonball concretions at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, which is a particular hotspot for vandalism.

"This is on one of the 'cannonballs' at the Cannonball pull off," Dunn wrote, alongside a photo of a name and date scrawled on the rock using a permanent marker three years ago.

Graffiti is a serious problem at US National Parks, and it's not always possible to remove. Scouring ink and paint off rock often requires strong solvents, which can be damaging to local plants and wildlife, while sandblasting it away accelerates erosion. The act of vandalism itself can also cause lasting damage to delicate formations.

The cannonball concretions are spherical stones (some of which are several feet in diameter) were slowly created by water seeping through porous rock and causing sediment to stick together. Over time, layers of sediment build up to create a ball, like a pearl forming around a piece of grit in an oyster. These concretions form underground, and are eventually exposed by erosion of the surface rock.

They are an amazing feature, but they are also a graffiti hotspot. According to the National Park Service, every single one of the exposed concretions has been tagged or marked in some way.

"The sandstone in the badlands is very soft and naturally erodes," explains one Park Ranger in an informational video, which you can watch below. "If you add to that erosion by carving your name into it, you are speeding the process. If every visitor added graffiti to that cannonball, 100 years down the road it may no longer be there."

You can help protect them by not adding to the graffiti yourself, and educating others about the importance of leaving no trace.

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Boston: Restoration of the Bunker Hill Monument Pyramidion Begins

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In preparation for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, the National Parks of Boston is continuing its preservation efforts of the Bunker Hill Monument. Starting July 31, 2023, the Monument will undergo work on its pyramidion, the equally-sided pyramid that tops the obelisk.

The pyramidion suffers from sustained exposure to the elements, causing leaks that have broken down mortar, deteriorated masonry, and caused slippery conditions in the stairway of the interior of the Monument. During this project, workers will replace the mortar on the pyramidion roof and on the upper levels of the Monument in order to prevent additional and possibly irreparable damage.

In order to preserve this 180 year-old Monument, restoration work occurs every 20-30 years. The National Parks of Boston takes this preservation work seriously to ensure generations to come will continue to appreciate the Monument, honor the soldiers who fought and died on this battlefield, and consider the ongoing legacy of both the battle and the Monument.

This restoration project will cause considerable changes in public access to the Bunker Hill Monument. Starting July 31, fencing will go up on the Monument grounds to prepare for the installation of scaffolding. This fencing perimeter will establish the construction zone and will remain in place until the project's completion. The National Parks of Boston plans to keep the Monument open as often as possible during this project, while also recognizing that construction and restoration work may cause the Monument to close without notice.

The work is expected to occur through the end of 2023. The Bunker Hill Museum will keep regular hours during this project.

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Joshua Tree National Park: Fortynine Palms Trail and Oasis closure

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Beginning today, Monday, August 7, 2023, park rangers will close the Fortynine Palms Trail and Oasis to allow bighorn sheep undisturbed access to surface water. The park is under drought conditions, and herds in the area are increasingly reliant on the oasis spring to survive the hot summer months. The closure will remain in place until October 1, or until summer monsoons provide adequate rainfall to increase water availability. Park wildlife biologists will be monitoring the situation.

Hikers should be prepared to use other trails in the park but must use extreme caution. All hikes should be planned to begin at or before sunrise and end by 10 am or planned to not begin until after 5 pm. Hiking in the middle of the day is not recommended. Summer temperatures on exposed parts of park trails can reach over 120° F (49° C) in the shade. Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death.

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Biden errichtet Schutzgebiet um Grand Canyon

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US-Präsident Joe Biden hat am Dienstag ein über 370.000 Hektar großes Gebiet um den Grand Canyon zum "National Monument" erklärt.

US-Präsident Joe Biden hat am Dienstag ein über 370.000 Hektar großes Gebiet um den Grand Canyon zum "National Monument" erklärt. Unter dem Namen "Baaj Nwaavjo I`tah Kukveni" soll das Naturschutzgebiet insbesondere indigene Gruppen und ihre kulturellen Stätten bewahren.

"Heute bin ich stolz darauf, meine Befugnisse im Rahmen des Antiquities Act zu nutzen, um fast eine Million Acre Land rund um den Grand Canyon National Park als neues Nationaldenkmal zu schützen - um die Fehler der Vergangenheit zu korrigieren und dieses Land zu erhalten für alle zukünftigen Generationen", sagte Biden am Dienstag. Mit der Anerkennung als Nationaldenkmal wird unter anderem der umstrittene Uranbergbau auf dem Gebiet teilweise unterbunden. Umweltschützer und die indigene Gruppe Havasupai hatten sich jahrzehntelang für den Schritt eingesetzt, weil sie eine Verseuchung von Land und Wasser fürchten, wie sie bereits in anderen Uranbergbaugebieten vorgekommen ist. Die US-Regierung will mit der Maßnahme ihrem Ziel näherkommen, bis zum Jahr 2030 rund 30 Prozent der Flächen und Gewässer in den USA zu erhalten und wiederherzustellen.

Der Schritt wird durch ein 44 Millionen US-Dollar umfassendes Programm zur Stärkung der Klimaresilienz der Nationalparks begleitet.

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The 15 Best Long-Distance Trails in the US

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When it comes to hiking long distances, there are countless trails to choose from. The US alone offers hundreds of unique hiking experiences with every kind of natural setting you can imagine. Some of them travel a few dozen miles through a specific scenic area, while some of them stretch hundreds of miles to cross an entire state, and some of them span thousands of miles to connect the country’s borders.

Whether you’re looking for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months in the wilderness, and whether you prefer snowy peaks, peaceful forests, or vast and quiet deserts, there is a trail to provide the perfect adventure. The following list narrows the options down to fifteen of the best long-distance trails in the US.

Appalachian Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

Continental Divide Trail

John Muir Trail

Arizona Trail

Long Trail

Colorado Trail

Tahoe Rim Trail

Lone Star Trail

Benton MacKaye Trail

Ice Age Trail

Wonderland Trail

Hayduke Trail

Florida Trail

Superior Trail

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Für mehr Infos, Bilder und Beschreibungen müsst ihr hier klicken.

Mojave National Preserve Partially Reopens

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Mojave National Preserve will partially reopen by 7 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1. Areas that will open include South Kelbaker Road, Kelso Cima Road, Morning Star Road and a portion of Ivanpah Road between Morning Star Mine and Nipton Roads.

Roads that remain closed include Ivanpah Road, Lanfair Road, Essex Road, Black Canyon Road, Cedar Canyon Road, and North Kelbaker between Kelso and Baker. All unimproved and backcountry roads such as Mojave Road are closed.

In addition, Black Canyon group site, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Mid Hills campgrounds will be closed. The Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center will also remain closed until repairs can be made on the damaged roof, and the washed-out roads leading to the campgrounds. Hurricane Hilary impacted Mojave National Preserve and surrounding region with historic heavy rainfall and strong winds on Aug. 20.

“Mojave National Preserve road crews have been working long hours, including weekends since the hurricane incident to clear and repair roadways and facilities,” said Acting Superintendent Debra Hughson. “It is estimated it may take a few more weeks before all facilities can be safely open.”

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7 photos show that tourists have always been brazen at US national parks

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Tourists misbehaved at US national Parks this summer, but it's not the first time.

Whether harassing a bison calf or sticking appendages into a steaming hot spring, some tourists flouted rules to the detriment of their and wildlife's safety. Their behavior made national headlines, but we shouldn't be surprised.

Photos taken before the turn of the 21st century show tourists interacting with wildlife and edging much too close to thermal areas like geysers — take a look.

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