National Park News Roundup 11/14

Draining Lake Powell, the future of feral horses on Cumberland, increased camping fees, and more.

Happy Thursday! It’s been a busy week over here. Jim is editing our upcoming Ocmulgee film at lightning speed to assist with the park status and I’m putting the finishing touches on our upcoming Coronado National Forest film (three years in the works). The Ocmulgee film is set to roll out in the coming weeks and we’ll be sure you’re the first to know! There’s been enough national park news this week for a good old fashioned round up. Here’s the latest from our public lands.

The Latest from Your Public Lands

• Bison & Elk have roamed Yellowstone for 2,300 years says new study of Yellowstone Lake. It turns out Yellowstone’s bison and elk are longtime locals! A new study reveals these majestic animals have called the park home for over two thousand years, proving that Yellowstone really is an ancient sanctuary.

• Feral horses to stay on Cumberland Island, for now… The wild horses of Cumberland Island get a reprieve! These beautiful but controversial animals are here to stay, at least for now, as officials consider their impact on the island’s unique ecosystem.

• Was that a Wolverine at Yellowstone?? Maybe according to eyewitnesses and grainy dash cam footage. Could it be? A wolverine in Yellowstone? Eyewitnesses and some grainy dashcam footage suggest that one of North America’s rarest animals might have made a surprise appearance.

• Drain Lake Powell to create a new national park? Yes says GCI. The Glen Canyon Institute thinks it’s time to bring Glen Canyon back to life by draining Lake Powell. Their idea, called “Fill Mead First,” would let Lake Mead handle the water while Glen Canyon re-emerges, potentially as a new national park. Supporters say this could save water lost to evaporation and reveal stunning natural features, though others worry about impacts on hydroelectric power.

• Another Yellowstone wolf from famed “8 Mile Pack” shot dead. $5,000 reward offered for information on the shooter. Yellowstone has lost another member of the “8 Mile Pack” to illegal hunting.

• Colorado man sentenced to seven days in jail for walking off trail/boardwalk.

• Camping fees set to nearly double at Grand Canyon from $18 to $30 starting April 1.

• Cutting your own Christmas tree (legally) in a national forest is a great tradition. There’s something special about heading into a national forest to cut your own Christmas tree, with a permit, of course! This tradition not only adds a bit of adventure to the season but also helps thin out the forest, reducing wildfire risks and keeping ecosystems healthy.

• Voyageurs Wolf Project shares a fun compilation of trail cam footage.

• NPCA releases wish list for Biden’s final days and lame duck congress including a Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree.

• Massive invasive “Joro” spiders have moved into Great Smoky Mountains. Invasive Joro spiders, known for their size and bright yellow webs, have made their way into the Smokies. While their webs can be quite a sight, these newcomers are raising questions about their impact on the local ecosystem.

• Wyoming board approves sale of prized $100 million “Kelly Land Parcel” to government for inclusion in Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton National Park is set to expand with the addition of Wyoming’s scenic Kelly Land Parcel. This $100 million land deal will help preserve important wildlife habitat and open up more space for visitors to enjoy.

• Are E-Bikes the solution for Arches National Park congestion problems?

That’s a wrap! Hope you enjoyed this week’s national park news round up!

Here’s me this past week with my new buddy sporting my many time patched Patagonia puffer.

Have a great week!
Will