Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Throwback Thursday
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Blue Ridge Parkway and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Announce $700,000 Centennial Challenge Funding
The Blue Ridge Parkway is pleased to announce that $710,035 will be directed to addressing critical repairs along the 469-mile corridor. The Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation are receiving these funds through the NPS Centennial Grant Program, which includes $26 million for restoration projects at national parks around the country, including $16 million from non-governmental partners. The Parkway projects will improve visitor services, support outreach to new audiences, and strengthen partnerships reinvigorating connections to park communities.
Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods describes this announcement as momentous. "These projects will not only help us reestablish high levels of public service in some areas with serious needs, they are a wonderful model for leveraging public and private funds to advance the Parkway in ways that would not be possible otherwise. Private, local support has been instrumental throughout the history of the National Park Service; it will continue to be critical to the future success of parks and their mission of protecting the country's natural and cultural resources for future generations."
Protecting the Parkway is an immense undertaking; fortunately the Blue Ridge Parkway has a strong tradition of partnerships and private support. Every dollar awarded to the Parkway as part of this Centennial initiative will be matched by private donations through the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Carolyn Ward, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO, states, "Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with the Parkway, providing financial support that ensures protection of resources and a high quality experience for visitors now and long into the future. Because of this matching opportunity, Parkway supporters can double the impact of every dollar they donate through the Foundation, up to the promised match amount." Funding for these projects is in addition to the Foundation's support of other critical projects in 2015, and brings the nonprofit's total impact on Parkway improvements to $1.25 million this year.
For a list and details on the 2015 Centennial Challenge projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Protecting the Parkway is an immense undertaking; fortunately the Blue Ridge Parkway has a strong tradition of partnerships and private support. Every dollar awarded to the Parkway as part of this Centennial initiative will be matched by private donations through the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Carolyn Ward, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO, states, "Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with the Parkway, providing financial support that ensures protection of resources and a high quality experience for visitors now and long into the future. Because of this matching opportunity, Parkway supporters can double the impact of every dollar they donate through the Foundation, up to the promised match amount." Funding for these projects is in addition to the Foundation's support of other critical projects in 2015, and brings the nonprofit's total impact on Parkway improvements to $1.25 million this year.
For a list and details on the 2015 Centennial Challenge projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Les dents de sagesse ont-elles de l'avenir ?
Salut à tous,
Du site La Presse- le Soleil :
¨ «La plupart des gens croient que l'homme continue d'évoluer. On peut parfois entendre que le petit orteil, les dents de sagesse et d'autres appendices à l'utilité douteuse sont appelés à disparaître. Mais, les mécanismes de l'évolution étant ce qu'ils sont et l'homme étant essentiellement hors d'atteinte de la sélection naturelle, je ne vois pas comment cela peut survenir. Qu'en est-il vraiment?»
La réponse «classique» à cette question a toujours été : non, l'espèce humaine n'évolue plus, ou alors le fait-elle seulement de manière insignifiante, parce que son cerveau surdimensionné lui permet d'apprendre à vivre dans différents environnements, ce qui lui évite d'avoir à s'adapter génétiquement.
Dans cette vision des choses, la culture, soit le savoir collectif accumulé et transmis de génération en génération, nous épargnerait d'avoir à subir ce pénible jeu de massacre nommé sélection naturelle, par lequel les individus les moins bien adaptés à un milieu meurent, et leurs gènes avec eux.
La théorie n'est certainement pas dénuée de vérité. Quand on songe aux dizaines de millions d'années d'évolution qu'il faudrait, en principe, pour que des primates d'origine tropicale comme nous finissent par avoir la fourrure et les couches de graisse qu'il faut pour vivre autour du cercle polaire, la présence plusieurs fois millénaire de l'espèce humaine en Arctique semble être une belle preuve de la supériorité de la culture - nous sommes sortis d'Afrique il y a seulement de 50 000 à 60 000 ans.
Et de toute manière, il est aussi vrai que, en grande partie grâce à l'agriculture et à la médecine modernes, nous ne subissons presque plus des «pressions de sélection» qui, autrefois, éliminaient ceux de nos ancêtres qui avaient les gènes les moins adaptés.
Et pourtant, et pourtant... «Il y a des mutations qui apparaissent à chaque génération, il y a des changements aléatoires, des individus qui ont plus d'enfants que d'autres... Alors, on n'a pas vraiment de raison de penser que l'espèce humaine a arrêté d'évoluer», dit le chercheur de McGill Simon Gravel, titulaire de la Chaire en génétique statistique des populations¨... (Lire l`article au complet)
http://ift.tt/1DNifcl
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows Vista / Ubuntu 10.04 LTS / Voyager 11.10 / Linux Mint 10 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Smokies Announces Synchronous Firefly Viewing Event Dates
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the dates for the firefly viewing event in Elkmont. The ticketed event will take place from Tuesday, June 2nd through Tuesday, June 9th. The online ticketing system, operated through www.recreation.gov, will again provide visitors with guaranteed parking passes for Sugarlands Visitor Center where ticket-holders will park for reserved shuttle service to Elkmont.
Every year in late May or early June, thousands of visitors gather near the popular Elkmont Campground to observe the naturally occurring phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. Access to the viewing area during the 8-days of predicted peak activity is provided through a shuttle service beginning at Sugarlands Visitor Center. All visitors wishing to view the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont must have a parking pass.
The parking pass covers a maximum of 6 persons in a single passenger vehicle (less than 19 feet in length). Four passes for oversize vehicles, like a mini bus (19 to 30 feet in length and up to 24 persons), will also be available. Each reservation costs $1.50. Parking passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and good only for the date issued. There is a limit of one parking pass per household per season. Each reservation through www.recreation.gov will receive an e-mail confirmation and specific information about the event.
The number of passes issued each day is based on the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot capacity. Passes will be issued with staggered arrival times in order to relieve congestion in the parking lot and for boarding the shuttles. The shuttle buses, which are provided in partnership with the city of Gatlinburg, will begin picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center RV/bus parking area at 7:00 p.m. The cost will be $1.00 round trip per person, as in previous years, and collected when boarding the shuttle.
The shuttle service is the only transportation mode for visitor access during this period, except for registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground. Visitors are not allowed to walk the Elkmont entrance road due to safety concerns.
The parking passes will be available online for sale beginning at 10:00 a.m.on Thursday, April 30. The park will hold back 85 passes for each day to accommodate individuals who did not learn of the need to pre-purchase tickets. These 85 passes will go on sale online at 10:00 a.m. the day before the event and will be available until 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event or until the passes are all reserved.
Passes can be purchased at www.recreation.gov. Parking passes may also be obtained by calling 1-877-444-6777, but park officials strongly encourage the use of the online process because it provides more information to visitors about what to expect when they arrive at the park. The online process is also faster which enables a better chance to secure a pass. The $1.50 reservation fee covers the cost of processing the request for the passes. The park will not receive any revenue from the parking reservations or the shuttle tickets.
For more information about the synchronous fireflies, please visit the park website.
If planning to visit the Smokies for the synchronous firefly events, or anytime this summer, please make sure to visit our accommodations page to find the perfect cabin or chalet for your visit.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
The parking pass covers a maximum of 6 persons in a single passenger vehicle (less than 19 feet in length). Four passes for oversize vehicles, like a mini bus (19 to 30 feet in length and up to 24 persons), will also be available. Each reservation costs $1.50. Parking passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and good only for the date issued. There is a limit of one parking pass per household per season. Each reservation through www.recreation.gov will receive an e-mail confirmation and specific information about the event.
The number of passes issued each day is based on the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot capacity. Passes will be issued with staggered arrival times in order to relieve congestion in the parking lot and for boarding the shuttles. The shuttle buses, which are provided in partnership with the city of Gatlinburg, will begin picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center RV/bus parking area at 7:00 p.m. The cost will be $1.00 round trip per person, as in previous years, and collected when boarding the shuttle.
The shuttle service is the only transportation mode for visitor access during this period, except for registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground. Visitors are not allowed to walk the Elkmont entrance road due to safety concerns.
The parking passes will be available online for sale beginning at 10:00 a.m.on Thursday, April 30. The park will hold back 85 passes for each day to accommodate individuals who did not learn of the need to pre-purchase tickets. These 85 passes will go on sale online at 10:00 a.m. the day before the event and will be available until 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event or until the passes are all reserved.
Passes can be purchased at www.recreation.gov. Parking passes may also be obtained by calling 1-877-444-6777, but park officials strongly encourage the use of the online process because it provides more information to visitors about what to expect when they arrive at the park. The online process is also faster which enables a better chance to secure a pass. The $1.50 reservation fee covers the cost of processing the request for the passes. The park will not receive any revenue from the parking reservations or the shuttle tickets.
For more information about the synchronous fireflies, please visit the park website.
If planning to visit the Smokies for the synchronous firefly events, or anytime this summer, please make sure to visit our accommodations page to find the perfect cabin or chalet for your visit.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Big South Fork and Obed Trails Highlighted in the Mountain Laurel Walks Celebration
Six of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Obed Wild and Scenic River trails are showcased in this year's Mountain Laurel Walks Celebration. These trails generally have excellent views of the beautiful, native mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) shrub that is usually in bloom in later May and early June as well as many wildflowers and are excellent hikes for bird watching.
• Angel Falls Trail at Leatherwood Ford (2 miles, easy effort) is a relatively flat hike which offers visitors a view of the old Leatherwood Ford crossing, Big South Fork River, scenic geology and finishes with Angel Falls. There are two small bridges.
• Burnt Mill Loop (4.4 miles, moderate effort) gives hikers the opportunity to view both the plateau and the gorge. It offers the longest section of trail on the Clear Fork River; the trail also offers a picnic area and restrooms at the trailhead. There is one set of steps and one ladder.
• Gentlemen's Swimming Hole Loop (2.1 miles, moderate effort) showcases the confluence of Clear Fork River and North White Oak Creek.Visitors can also stop in to Historic Rugby to gain insight to the area's past.
• Honey Creek Loop (5.2 miles, difficult effort) is the most challenging trail in Big South Fork. With multiple stream crossings and over 500 feet change in elevation, five waterfalls make the hike a must for any visitor.
• Point Trail (3.8 miles, moderate effort) is the longest trail within Obed Wild and Scenic River. Hikers will enjoy bubbling streams, Obed Arch, and finish with a breathtaking view of the gorge from the overlook. There is one bridge with stairs.
• Twin Arches Upper Loop (2 miles, easy effort) showcases the beauty of the Big South Fork. The loop offers a spectacular view of the gorge and the largest arch east of the Mississippi. There are four sets of stairs (two are quite steep).
The Mountain Laurel Walks is an annual celebration of late spring in the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is organized by the Morgan County Tourism Alliance. For more information on these trails and other recreational opportunities in the Big South Fork and the Obed Wild and Scenic River, please call (423) 286-7275 or (423) 346-6294.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
• Burnt Mill Loop (4.4 miles, moderate effort) gives hikers the opportunity to view both the plateau and the gorge. It offers the longest section of trail on the Clear Fork River; the trail also offers a picnic area and restrooms at the trailhead. There is one set of steps and one ladder.
• Gentlemen's Swimming Hole Loop (2.1 miles, moderate effort) showcases the confluence of Clear Fork River and North White Oak Creek.Visitors can also stop in to Historic Rugby to gain insight to the area's past.
• Honey Creek Loop (5.2 miles, difficult effort) is the most challenging trail in Big South Fork. With multiple stream crossings and over 500 feet change in elevation, five waterfalls make the hike a must for any visitor.
• Point Trail (3.8 miles, moderate effort) is the longest trail within Obed Wild and Scenic River. Hikers will enjoy bubbling streams, Obed Arch, and finish with a breathtaking view of the gorge from the overlook. There is one bridge with stairs.
• Twin Arches Upper Loop (2 miles, easy effort) showcases the beauty of the Big South Fork. The loop offers a spectacular view of the gorge and the largest arch east of the Mississippi. There are four sets of stairs (two are quite steep).
The Mountain Laurel Walks is an annual celebration of late spring in the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is organized by the Morgan County Tourism Alliance. For more information on these trails and other recreational opportunities in the Big South Fork and the Obed Wild and Scenic River, please call (423) 286-7275 or (423) 346-6294.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
NPS Announces $26 Million in Centennial Challenge Projects
From trail repairs to new wayside interpretive panels, road and bridge repairs and restoring the most photographed barn in America, the National Park Service this week announced $26 million for more than 100 initiatives that will help parks prepare for centennial visitors.
The National Park Service received a $10 million Congressional appropriation that was matched with $15.9 million from more than 90 partner organizations. The 106 projects, located at more than 100 parks in 31 states and the District of Columbia, are designed to improve visitor services, support outreach to new audiences, and leverage partnerships to reinvigorate national parks while forging connections with communities.
“As the National Park Service approaches its Centennial in 2016, the National Park Foundation and local park friends groups have pledged to raise private funds to improve the facilities, accessibility, and programs of our national parks, matching the federal appropriation and resulting in a $26 million investment in the parks," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.
Among the projects funded with these grants, Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone Park Foundation will improve the connection from Gardiner, Montana, with the park’s iconic Roosevelt Arch entry. The $2 million project with $1.5 million from the Yellowstone Park Foundation and $500,000 of federal funds, will improve the road, parking, walks, signage and pedestrian areas to meet modern road and accessibility standards.
The Grand Teton National Park Foundation will provide a $23,000 match with $23,000 of centennial challenge funds to address deferred maintenance on the T.A. Moulton Barn and the Reed Moulton Barn, two iconic barns in the Mormon Row Historic District in Grand Teton National Park.
Other projects include $38,000 towards rehabilitation of the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, and $105,000 to replace the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point footbridges along the Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park.
For a complete list of the centennial challenge projects, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
“As the National Park Service approaches its Centennial in 2016, the National Park Foundation and local park friends groups have pledged to raise private funds to improve the facilities, accessibility, and programs of our national parks, matching the federal appropriation and resulting in a $26 million investment in the parks," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.
Among the projects funded with these grants, Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone Park Foundation will improve the connection from Gardiner, Montana, with the park’s iconic Roosevelt Arch entry. The $2 million project with $1.5 million from the Yellowstone Park Foundation and $500,000 of federal funds, will improve the road, parking, walks, signage and pedestrian areas to meet modern road and accessibility standards.
The Grand Teton National Park Foundation will provide a $23,000 match with $23,000 of centennial challenge funds to address deferred maintenance on the T.A. Moulton Barn and the Reed Moulton Barn, two iconic barns in the Mormon Row Historic District in Grand Teton National Park.
Other projects include $38,000 towards rehabilitation of the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, and $105,000 to replace the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point footbridges along the Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park.
For a complete list of the centennial challenge projects, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Shenandoah National Park Announces Entrance Fee Increase
As part of a nationwide initiative, Shenandoah National Park will begin charging increased entrance fees in two stages, beginning on May 1, 2015.
In the fall of 2014, the National Park Service began a review of entrance fees charged throughout the National Park System, in part, to bring greater consistency to fees being charged at parks of similar size and complexity. To solicit public input, Shenandoah National Park launched a civic engagement campaign in December 2014 which included a series of public meetings aimed at discussing the increase needed to bring the park's fees into compliance with other similar parks in the nation.
During the public comment period, the park received over 240 formal comments through e-mails, letters and on-line comments, as well as, over 100 comments on the park's Facebook page. While the majority of comments supported an increase, many people felt that the original proposal was too much of an increase to make all at once. To respond to public comments, the park modified the proposal to phase implementation of entrance fee increases beginning in 2015, and followed by a second and final increase on January 1, 2017.
"The fee program is critical to the park," stated Jim Northup, Shenandoah National Park Superintendent. "Eighty percent of fees collected stay right here in the park and are put to work improving facilities and services important to visitors.Without this funding, park staff would have to forego these projects. The additional revenue from this increase will allow us to sustain this world-class park."
Entrance fees have supported a wide range of projects that improve park conditions and visitor experience including, rehabilitating trails and trailhead signs, developing and installing exhibits in visitor centers, improving park water systems, rehabilitating wastewater treatment plants, providing ranger programs, improving ADA accessibility at Rapidan Camp and park comfort stations, and maintaining open vistas at park overlooks.Additional revenue raised by a fee increase may be used to rehabilitate/rebuild Front Royal Entrance Station for increased staff safety and improved access, restore wetlands in Big Meadows campground by removing a loop in and establishing replacement sites in a less sensitive area, as well as, restore backcountry stone structures, retaining walls, bridge structures, and huts.
The entrance fees and schedule are as follows:
Park Annual Pass
Effective May 1, 2015 = $40
Effective January 1, 2017 = $50
Per Vehicle (1-7 days)
Effective May 1, 2015 = $20
Effective January 1, 2017 = $25
Per Person (1-7 days)
Effective May 1, 2015 = $10
Effective January 1, 2017 = $10
Motorcycle (1-7 days)
Effective May 1, 2015 = $15
Effective January 1, 2017 = $20
Beginning this spring, the Park will also charge a $10 per-person fee for visitors participating in special ranger-led van tours to Rapidan Camp, President Hoover's former retreat and a National Historic Landmark located within the Park. Children 12 and under will not be charged for this tour. The Park has also decided to move the group campsite currently at Loft Mountain to an underutilized area at Dundo Picnic Grounds, reducing conflicts within the main campground.Two 20-person group sites will be established at Dundo. The cost per site will be $45.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
In the fall of 2014, the National Park Service began a review of entrance fees charged throughout the National Park System, in part, to bring greater consistency to fees being charged at parks of similar size and complexity. To solicit public input, Shenandoah National Park launched a civic engagement campaign in December 2014 which included a series of public meetings aimed at discussing the increase needed to bring the park's fees into compliance with other similar parks in the nation.
"The fee program is critical to the park," stated Jim Northup, Shenandoah National Park Superintendent. "Eighty percent of fees collected stay right here in the park and are put to work improving facilities and services important to visitors.Without this funding, park staff would have to forego these projects. The additional revenue from this increase will allow us to sustain this world-class park."
Entrance fees have supported a wide range of projects that improve park conditions and visitor experience including, rehabilitating trails and trailhead signs, developing and installing exhibits in visitor centers, improving park water systems, rehabilitating wastewater treatment plants, providing ranger programs, improving ADA accessibility at Rapidan Camp and park comfort stations, and maintaining open vistas at park overlooks.Additional revenue raised by a fee increase may be used to rehabilitate/rebuild Front Royal Entrance Station for increased staff safety and improved access, restore wetlands in Big Meadows campground by removing a loop in and establishing replacement sites in a less sensitive area, as well as, restore backcountry stone structures, retaining walls, bridge structures, and huts.
The entrance fees and schedule are as follows:
Park Annual Pass
Effective May 1, 2015 = $40
Effective January 1, 2017 = $50
Per Vehicle (1-7 days)
Effective May 1, 2015 = $20
Effective January 1, 2017 = $25
Per Person (1-7 days)
Effective May 1, 2015 = $10
Effective January 1, 2017 = $10
Motorcycle (1-7 days)
Effective May 1, 2015 = $15
Effective January 1, 2017 = $20
Beginning this spring, the Park will also charge a $10 per-person fee for visitors participating in special ranger-led van tours to Rapidan Camp, President Hoover's former retreat and a National Historic Landmark located within the Park. Children 12 and under will not be charged for this tour. The Park has also decided to move the group campsite currently at Loft Mountain to an underutilized area at Dundo Picnic Grounds, reducing conflicts within the main campground.Two 20-person group sites will be established at Dundo. The cost per site will be $45.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Shenandoah National Park Hosts Wildflower Weekend 2015
Native spring wildflowers and children's creativity will be celebrated during Shenandoah National Park's 29th annual Wildflower Weekend, May 9-10, 2015.
Special hikes and programs will focus on the diversity and value of hundreds of species of flowering plants that are protected by the Park. Visitors may also view the winning entries in the Park's first "Youth Art in the Park" wildflower art contest.The top-winning works will be exhibited at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51 on Skyline Drive) on Wildflower Weekend, and later at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6).
Featured programs during Wildflower Weekend are "Bee Wild and Go Native ~ How to Create Your Own Wildlife Habitat," a PowerPoint presentation by Jack Price;and "Simply Beautiful," a nature photography workshop by Ann and Rob Simpson. Both programs will be on Saturday, May 9, at Byrd Visitor Center.
On Sunday, May 10, Park Botanist Wendy Cass will lead a hike on the Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6), highlighting a new program funded by the Shenandoah National Park Trust to control invasive plants and restore native ones in targeted areas of Shenandoah National Park.
There will be additional to hikes to waterfalls, peaks and other favorite wildflower trails, a bird walk, wildflower identification for beginners, and a program designed for children ages 7-12.New programs include a short hike down to Jeremy's Run and a hike around the summit of Bearfence Mountain.
All programs are free and no reservations are needed. The complete program schedule is posted here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Featured programs during Wildflower Weekend are "Bee Wild and Go Native ~ How to Create Your Own Wildlife Habitat," a PowerPoint presentation by Jack Price;and "Simply Beautiful," a nature photography workshop by Ann and Rob Simpson. Both programs will be on Saturday, May 9, at Byrd Visitor Center.
On Sunday, May 10, Park Botanist Wendy Cass will lead a hike on the Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6), highlighting a new program funded by the Shenandoah National Park Trust to control invasive plants and restore native ones in targeted areas of Shenandoah National Park.
There will be additional to hikes to waterfalls, peaks and other favorite wildflower trails, a bird walk, wildflower identification for beginners, and a program designed for children ages 7-12.New programs include a short hike down to Jeremy's Run and a hike around the summit of Bearfence Mountain.
All programs are free and no reservations are needed. The complete program schedule is posted here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Throwback Thursday
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Forest Service Expands Access to Youth Conservation Corps Program
The U.S. Forest Service is announcing new Youth Conservation Corps job opportunities on national forests throughout the country. Young people from across the United States are encouraged to apply for these jobs at a local forest or with a partner organization. Some residential YCC opportunities are also available for selected applicants.
As part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps initiative to put America's youth to work protecting, restoring and enhancing America's Great Outdoors, the Forest Service is expanding access for urban and other underrepresented groups through YCC opportunities. In 2014, the Forest Service employed more than 1,400 YCC members, a 34 percent increase from 2013. Those members contributed 364,000 cumulative hours of work on Forest Service lands, with a value generation of more than $8 million, a 47 percent increase from 2013.
The YCC and a previous companion program, the Young Adult Conservation Corps, has launched the careers of many Forest Service employees and has had a profound impact on the personal and professional development of people across the country, including Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.
The Youth Conservation Corps program was established in 1974 to help young people ages 15 to 18 gain an understanding of and appreciation for the nation's environment and heritage, and thereby further the development and maintenance of the natural resources by America's youth. YCC provides teenagers gainful employment, while they learn land management and work ethic skills.
This year, select programs will offer participants accommodations including lodging and food, while developing life skills by preparing their own meals, maintaining a clean and safe living environment, and communicating and working with others on a daily basis. Residential YCC programs participants are provided 24-hour supervision.
Young people ages 15 to 18 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to participate in this program. Interested participants can find out more about current YCC opportunities by visiting the Forest Service website. Those interested in applying can complete an application online or mail it to the host Forest Service unit. Most of the programs will accept applications through April 2015. For more information about the Youth Conservation Corps, please contact Kristina Bell at kristinanbell@fs.fed.us.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
The YCC and a previous companion program, the Young Adult Conservation Corps, has launched the careers of many Forest Service employees and has had a profound impact on the personal and professional development of people across the country, including Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.
The Youth Conservation Corps program was established in 1974 to help young people ages 15 to 18 gain an understanding of and appreciation for the nation's environment and heritage, and thereby further the development and maintenance of the natural resources by America's youth. YCC provides teenagers gainful employment, while they learn land management and work ethic skills.
This year, select programs will offer participants accommodations including lodging and food, while developing life skills by preparing their own meals, maintaining a clean and safe living environment, and communicating and working with others on a daily basis. Residential YCC programs participants are provided 24-hour supervision.
Young people ages 15 to 18 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to participate in this program. Interested participants can find out more about current YCC opportunities by visiting the Forest Service website. Those interested in applying can complete an application online or mail it to the host Forest Service unit. Most of the programs will accept applications through April 2015. For more information about the Youth Conservation Corps, please contact Kristina Bell at kristinanbell@fs.fed.us.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes
Video: Walker Sisters Cabin
TheDayHikerGSM provides an excellent overview of the Walker Sisters Cabin and the Little Greenbriar area in this short video:
For more information on the easy hike to the Walker Sisters homestead, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Grand Teton Hiking
For more information on the easy hike to the Walker Sisters homestead, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Grand Teton Hiking
Spring & KAOS in the Air
| KAOS is in the air, and probably the water. |
I've been a card-carrying KAOS member for years, and for the past couple or so, I've joined up the kids as well--they breathe that same KAOS-infused air, and I want them to learn about supporting community. The community of hosts, doers-of-things, and engineers (all volunteers) that makes up KAOS serves up news and music un-constrainted by corporate orthodoxy or the increasingly dullardly NPR strictures (I I want the kids to grow up in a place where the airwaves are free, and the chaos is locally grown), and I want to be in a place where KAOS is is in the air, even if I'm not tuned in.
So when the credit union was hacked any my credit card changed, shutting off one of the trickle-ups of money that keeps KAOS independent, I meant to give them a call and hook up the new card.
But I procrastinated.
And felt off-kilter. A couple or three months went by, and still I hadn't re-coupled my financial hook-up to dear sweet KAOS. I didn't miss KAOS caressing my ears--because I didn't stop listening to this FREE station, but felt dangerously close to Guilt, and about half-past Hypocritical, having extolled and exhorted on behalf of radio--particularly community radio--so often on this blog.
But now I've made the call, and gotten right with KAOS once again. I just stepped outside, and the air was sweet with what most people would recognize as some Spring flower, but in which I could catch a whiff of KAOS Community Radio.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Fire Fully Contained
Significant rainfall allowed firefighters to fully contain the 521 acre Blue Gravel wildfire on the Pisgah National Forest in the Shortoff Mountain area of the Linville Gorge Wilderness area. All areas, trails and roads closed during emergency operations are now reopened. Visitors should be aware of changing weather conditions and potential tree hazards.
After initial attack operations were not successful, Forest Service responders assessed the values at risk and risk to firefighters. It was determined unnecessary to send firefighters into difficult terrain to suppress the fire when high values were not at risk and success was uncertain. The decision was made to fall back to established containment lines proven successful on previous wildfires. In doing so it also eliminated creating new impacts on the landscape from building new fire line.
Positive results of the fire include a reduction of fuels that could contribute to severe fires in the future and benefits to wildlife. New growth encouraged by the fire will improve wildlife habitat and feeding grounds.
Low, backing fires moved through fire-adapted shortleaf pine restoration areas, which are managed as part of the Grandfather Ranger District’s Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program, one of ten projects nationally. Authorized for 10 years through the 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act, the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) was created to emphasize partnerships between government and local forest workers, sawmill owners, conservationists, businesses, sportsmen, outdoor recreationists and others to improve forest health and promote the well-being of local communities.
The fire was reported the afternoon of Saturday April 11th. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no evacuations, injuries or structures lost.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
After initial attack operations were not successful, Forest Service responders assessed the values at risk and risk to firefighters. It was determined unnecessary to send firefighters into difficult terrain to suppress the fire when high values were not at risk and success was uncertain. The decision was made to fall back to established containment lines proven successful on previous wildfires. In doing so it also eliminated creating new impacts on the landscape from building new fire line.
Positive results of the fire include a reduction of fuels that could contribute to severe fires in the future and benefits to wildlife. New growth encouraged by the fire will improve wildlife habitat and feeding grounds.
Low, backing fires moved through fire-adapted shortleaf pine restoration areas, which are managed as part of the Grandfather Ranger District’s Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program, one of ten projects nationally. Authorized for 10 years through the 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act, the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) was created to emphasize partnerships between government and local forest workers, sawmill owners, conservationists, businesses, sportsmen, outdoor recreationists and others to improve forest health and promote the well-being of local communities.
The fire was reported the afternoon of Saturday April 11th. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no evacuations, injuries or structures lost.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
How To Pack For a Dayhike
In the short video below, Backpacker Magazine offers a list of items that should be included in your pack during a day hike. This is a great starting point for being properly prepared for a variety of conditions or circumstances that can be encountered while out on the trail, especially if you're new to hiking. However, you may want to check out the far more comprehensive list we've compiled on our hiking website. Our Hiking Gear Checklist is divided between essential and optional gear to bring on a hike.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hiking
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hiking
Trail Keeper Volunteer Program Expanded at the Big South Fork
Last year the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area successfully completed the first year of the park's Trail Keeper volunteer program. Trail Keepers is a volunteer program for people who love the park's trails and want to help take care of them. The goal of the program is to provide an extended presence in the backcountry and, at the same time, provide the Big South Fork's staff with information on trail conditions.
Individuals who adopt one of the 70 plus designated trails are expected to hike, bike or horse ride their adopted trail at least four times during the calendar year, report on overall trail conditions, pickup any trash, and submit a trail condition report after each hike. Being a Trail Keeper does not involve heavy trail maintenance or the use of any kind of power equipment. Trail Keepers may use a small handsaw to cutout small trees that are down across the trail and may move branches and do light maintenance by hand.
"There are so many people who love to hike, bike,and ride the trails at the Big South Fork. With more than 400 miles of trails to take care of, this program is a great way for folks who have a special interest in a particular trail to help keep it in great shape," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, park superintendent.
To learn more about the Big South Fork Trail Keeper program, please click here, or call Effie Houston, the park's volunteer coordinator, at (423) 569-9778.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Individuals who adopt one of the 70 plus designated trails are expected to hike, bike or horse ride their adopted trail at least four times during the calendar year, report on overall trail conditions, pickup any trash, and submit a trail condition report after each hike. Being a Trail Keeper does not involve heavy trail maintenance or the use of any kind of power equipment. Trail Keepers may use a small handsaw to cutout small trees that are down across the trail and may move branches and do light maintenance by hand.
"There are so many people who love to hike, bike,and ride the trails at the Big South Fork. With more than 400 miles of trails to take care of, this program is a great way for folks who have a special interest in a particular trail to help keep it in great shape," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, park superintendent.
To learn more about the Big South Fork Trail Keeper program, please click here, or call Effie Houston, the park's volunteer coordinator, at (423) 569-9778.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Wildfire Closes Portions of Linville Gorge Wilderness area
The Blue Gravel wildfire is still burning this morning in a remote area east of Shortoff Mountain just outside Linville Gorge Wilderness area on the Pisgah National Forest. With dry conditions yesterday, the fire increased to the south and west and is now estimated at 221 acres. Light rain in the area overnight, along with overcast skies and higher humidity has reduced fire activity this morning. Today, firefighters are monitoring the fire. Forecasted precipitation into the evening hours and tomorrow is expected to aid firefighting efforts.
For public safety the southern Linville Gorge Wilderness area from Chimney Gap south and east of the Linville River is temporarily closed. In addition, the following roads and trails remain closed within the fire area:
* Back Irish Creek Road (Forest Road 118), also known as the Blue Gravel Road
* Shortoff Trail (TR 235)
* Mountains to Sea Trail (TR 440) from the Pinnacles trailhead to the Table Rock Picnic Area.
Approximately 80 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and local volunteer fire departments are assigned to the fire. Burke County and North Carolina Emergency Management are supporting fire operations. Minimizing risk for firefighters, local communities, and the public are primary objectives.
The Blue Gravel fire is burning in an area where wildfires have frequently occurred allowing the use of previously established containment lines. Yesterday, firefighters improved fire lines that were successful in achieving containment in the past, and use of them will likely allow firefighters to minimize disturbance within the wilderness area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
For public safety the southern Linville Gorge Wilderness area from Chimney Gap south and east of the Linville River is temporarily closed. In addition, the following roads and trails remain closed within the fire area:
* Back Irish Creek Road (Forest Road 118), also known as the Blue Gravel Road
* Shortoff Trail (TR 235)
* Mountains to Sea Trail (TR 440) from the Pinnacles trailhead to the Table Rock Picnic Area.
Approximately 80 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and local volunteer fire departments are assigned to the fire. Burke County and North Carolina Emergency Management are supporting fire operations. Minimizing risk for firefighters, local communities, and the public are primary objectives.
The Blue Gravel fire is burning in an area where wildfires have frequently occurred allowing the use of previously established containment lines. Yesterday, firefighters improved fire lines that were successful in achieving containment in the past, and use of them will likely allow firefighters to minimize disturbance within the wilderness area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Three Appalachian Trail Hikers Rescued in Smokies
On the morning of April 4th, a report was received of three Appalachian Trail hikers who’d become separated from each other during the preceding day’s thunderstorms. Only one member of the party had made it to an Appalachian Trail shelter before nightfall; the other two independently spent the night out on the trail in the harsh weather with no shelter.
Rangers Phil Basak (medic) and Jamie Sanders responded to the Spence Field shelter on the AT and contacted two members of the party. One had a knee injury and was experiencing a diabetic emergency; he’d been helped into the shelter by other hikers along the trail. He was treated and evacuated by horseback.
The third member of the party, a man with an extensive cardiac history, was located just off trail approximately two miles north of the Spence Field shelter. He was reported as hypothermic, unable to move, and not lucid. Rangers treated him and requested the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Aviation Unit in extricating him and taking him to a waiting ambulance. Both hikers are expected to make full recoveries.
Here's an interview with Brad Phillips, the man rescued via helicopter:
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Rangers Phil Basak (medic) and Jamie Sanders responded to the Spence Field shelter on the AT and contacted two members of the party. One had a knee injury and was experiencing a diabetic emergency; he’d been helped into the shelter by other hikers along the trail. He was treated and evacuated by horseback.
The third member of the party, a man with an extensive cardiac history, was located just off trail approximately two miles north of the Spence Field shelter. He was reported as hypothermic, unable to move, and not lucid. Rangers treated him and requested the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Aviation Unit in extricating him and taking him to a waiting ambulance. Both hikers are expected to make full recoveries.
Here's an interview with Brad Phillips, the man rescued via helicopter:
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Great Smoky Mountain Rangers Rescue Seriously Injured Hiker
On the afternoon of March 29th, rangers rescued a hiker who had taken a fall onto a pile of rocks a little over two-and-a-half miles from the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead .
The hiker had sustained chest trauma and required evacuation by litter carryout from the backcountry over very rough terrain. The challenge of patient care increased when his airway became compromised subsequent to the chest injury.
In addition to the deterioration of his condition, the extrication from the backcountry required the park’s technical SAR team to construct a Tyrolean traverse to get the patient safely across a river. The SAR operation took a total of seven hours from the time of injury to the waiting ambulance at the trailhead.
The injured hiker was flown by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center and immediately admitted to the OR. Prior to departing the landing zone, ambulance personnel and flight medics had to perform a surgical cricothyrotomy to secure the airway. The patient is expected to make a full recovery.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
The hiker had sustained chest trauma and required evacuation by litter carryout from the backcountry over very rough terrain. The challenge of patient care increased when his airway became compromised subsequent to the chest injury.
In addition to the deterioration of his condition, the extrication from the backcountry required the park’s technical SAR team to construct a Tyrolean traverse to get the patient safely across a river. The SAR operation took a total of seven hours from the time of injury to the waiting ambulance at the trailhead.
The injured hiker was flown by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center and immediately admitted to the OR. Prior to departing the landing zone, ambulance personnel and flight medics had to perform a surgical cricothyrotomy to secure the airway. The patient is expected to make a full recovery.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Throwback Thursday
John Muir once said “If I were so time-poor as to have only one day to spend in Yosemite I should start at daybreak, say at three o'clock in midsummer, with a pocketful of any sort of dry breakfast stuff, for Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, the head of Illilouette Fall, Nevada Fall, the top of Liberty Cap, Vernal Fall and the wild boulder-choked River Cañon.”
Many of those places described by Muir are found along the Panorama Trail. In fact, Muir may very well have hiked this trail himself, as it's one of the older trails in the park, having been constructed in 1872. Today the Panorama Trail is still considered to be one of the premier hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Many of those places described by Muir are found along the Panorama Trail. In fact, Muir may very well have hiked this trail himself, as it's one of the older trails in the park, having been constructed in 1872. Today the Panorama Trail is still considered to be one of the premier hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Big South Fork Offers Ranger-led Wildflower Hike to Angel Falls
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a two to three hour ranger-led interpretive hike about Big South Fork's local wildflowers, forest ecology, and geology. Participants will enjoy a hike from Leatherwood Ford gazebo to Angel Falls. Along the way, participants will learn more about the local wildflowers in bloom and the intricate details of forest ecology. Visitors will also get to enjoy the fascinating geological formations that can be seen along this trail. This ranger-led hike begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on Saturday, April 11, at the Leatherwood Ford gazebo.
This hike is free of charge and the trail is considered to be easy. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable hiking footwear. Everyone is welcome including well-behaved dogs on leash. For directions or additional information, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Commits $600,000 for Improvements and Programs on the Parkway
It’s the time of year when millions of visitors are eagerly anticipating their next adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As they plan their drive, hike, or camping trip, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is preparing to meet their expectations by funding $600,000 in projects critical to the preservation and betterment of this treasured route.
Each year, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation collaborates with Blue Ridge Parkway staff to identify high priority projects in need of immediate attention to protect the environment and wildlife, prevent deterioration of historic buildings, and improve visitor enjoyment and safety. For 2015, we have identified more than $600,000 in crucial projects and programs, ranging from wildlife research to historic preservation. For instance, the Doughton Park Picnic Area, built in the 1940s and ’50s, is in severe need of attention. The Foundation will fund repairs to the crumbling walkways, picnic tables, and fire pits to restore this spot as a haven for visitors.
The Foundation is also collaborating with groups such as the Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) and Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST) to strengthen their efforts. Through funding by the nonprofit, a youth conservation crew from CTNC will repair trails and campgrounds in the Highlands District. A partnership with FMST will help build a bridge over the Boone Fork near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Since 1997, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has contributed approximately $9 million to Parkway projects and programs. “The Foundation’s support through the years has helped the park and park visitors in important and meaningful ways,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods. “In 2015, the level of support from the Foundation and their Community of Stewards raises the bar for all of us as we work together to provide a high level of service in protecting park resources and providing high quality visitor experiences. We are grateful for their leadership and vision.”
In addition to the Foundation’s 2015 project list, the nonprofit has committed to raise up to $500,000 for the Centennial Challenge, a competitive bid process for funds to be allocated by Congress. A park must have a partner that will match any allocated funds to qualify for this opportunity. As soon as next week, Congress will announce which projects submitted for consideration will receive funding and require a match from the Foundation. There is more news to come on this exciting opportunity.
For a full list of projects to be funded by the Foundation this year, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Each year, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation collaborates with Blue Ridge Parkway staff to identify high priority projects in need of immediate attention to protect the environment and wildlife, prevent deterioration of historic buildings, and improve visitor enjoyment and safety. For 2015, we have identified more than $600,000 in crucial projects and programs, ranging from wildlife research to historic preservation. For instance, the Doughton Park Picnic Area, built in the 1940s and ’50s, is in severe need of attention. The Foundation will fund repairs to the crumbling walkways, picnic tables, and fire pits to restore this spot as a haven for visitors.
The Foundation is also collaborating with groups such as the Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) and Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST) to strengthen their efforts. Through funding by the nonprofit, a youth conservation crew from CTNC will repair trails and campgrounds in the Highlands District. A partnership with FMST will help build a bridge over the Boone Fork near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Since 1997, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has contributed approximately $9 million to Parkway projects and programs. “The Foundation’s support through the years has helped the park and park visitors in important and meaningful ways,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods. “In 2015, the level of support from the Foundation and their Community of Stewards raises the bar for all of us as we work together to provide a high level of service in protecting park resources and providing high quality visitor experiences. We are grateful for their leadership and vision.”
In addition to the Foundation’s 2015 project list, the nonprofit has committed to raise up to $500,000 for the Centennial Challenge, a competitive bid process for funds to be allocated by Congress. A park must have a partner that will match any allocated funds to qualify for this opportunity. As soon as next week, Congress will announce which projects submitted for consideration will receive funding and require a match from the Foundation. There is more news to come on this exciting opportunity.
For a full list of projects to be funded by the Foundation this year, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
The Trails of Mt LeConte
Last fall Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that a full-scale restoration project will begin on Alum Cave Trail later this spring. The Trails Forever crew will focus efforts on several targeted locations along the 5-mile trail to improve visitor safety and stabilize eroding trail sections. As a result, the restoration work will require temporary closures throughout the 2-year process. Unfortunately this means that the Alum Cave Trail and associated parking areas will be closed May 4th through November 19th in 2015, excluding federal holidays, on Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. through Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. weekly.
While Alum Cave is the most popular trail leading up to Mt LeConte, there are five other routes worth checking out. This video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association highlights the other routes hikers can take to reach the summit of Mt. LeConte, the LeConte Lodge, and the Mt. LeConte Backcountry Shelter:
For more detailed information on the other routes leading to LeConte's summit, please visit the Boulevard Trail , Bullhead Trail , Rainbow Falls , Trillium Gap or Brushy Mountain Trail pages.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
While Alum Cave is the most popular trail leading up to Mt LeConte, there are five other routes worth checking out. This video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association highlights the other routes hikers can take to reach the summit of Mt. LeConte, the LeConte Lodge, and the Mt. LeConte Backcountry Shelter:
For more detailed information on the other routes leading to LeConte's summit, please visit the Boulevard Trail , Bullhead Trail , Rainbow Falls , Trillium Gap or Brushy Mountain Trail pages.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Smokies Limits Access in Whiteoak Sink Area to Protect Declining Bat Populations
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have reopened the Whiteoak Sink area with limited access effective April 1 through May 15 to limit human disturbance in critical bat habitat and help hikers avoid interactions with bats. Park biologists will continue monitoring bat populations near the site as they emerge from winter hibernacula to collect population, ecological and behavioral data that will provide resource managers information to develop a long-term protection plan.
The Whiteoak Sink area is primarily accessed from the Schoolhouse Gap Trail between Townsend and Cades Cove. Hikers may descend into the Whiteoak Sink area, but access to the waterfall and additional areas are closed. The closed areas are clearly marked by orange fencing or signs. Hikers may not hike beyond the restricted areas.
“The Whiteoak Sink area is popular throughout the spring and we are pleased to be able to provide limited access to the area, while still taking precautions to minimize disturbance to declining bat populations as they emerge from hibernation,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash.
Park biologists have reported up to 98% population declines of some cave-dwelling bat species. The decline is due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). Infected bats are marked by a white fungal growth on their noses, wings, and tail membrane. The skin irritation damages skin tissue causing the bats to wake from hibernation during winter months. Once aroused, the bats burn energy at a much faster rate depleting stored fat. With no food source available during the winter, the bats soon die. Infected bats exhibit unusual behavior including flying erratically during the day, even during winter months, and diving down toward people. They may be seen flopping around on the ground around cave openings.
The park is home to 12 species of bats including the federally endangered Indiana bat and the Rafinesque's big-eared bat which is a state listed species of concern in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Bats play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance as the primary predators of night-flying insects. Biologists estimate that an individual bat can eat between 3,000 to 6,000 insects each night including moths, beetles, and mosquitoes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is cooperatively working with other parks and federal, local and state agencies across the country to protect bats and manage their habitats. In an effort to prevent the unintentional spread of WNS by people, the park closed all of its 16 caves and two mine complexes to public entry in 2009. Ongoing research in the Smokies includes monitoring bat populations in the winter during hibernation and tracking bats in the summer to determine habitat use. A recent plan released by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service aimed at stabilizing the dramatic decline of the Indiana bat identified hibernacula found in the Smokies as one of only 13 sites across the country identified as critical habitat for this endangered bat. Wildlife biologists have determined that giving the bats the chance to survive includes establishing protective zones surrounding critical habitat caves.
Humans are not susceptible to WNS because the fungus requires a cold body temperature to survive, but skin-to-skin contact with bats should be avoided due to other transmittable diseases such as rabies. Bats are the only mammal species in the park that have tested positive for rabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the transmission of rabies virus can occur from minor, seemingly unimportant, or unrecognized bites from bats. For human safety, it is important not to touch or handle a bat. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they have had skin-to-skin exposure to a bat.
For more information about bats, please the park website .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
The Whiteoak Sink area is primarily accessed from the Schoolhouse Gap Trail between Townsend and Cades Cove. Hikers may descend into the Whiteoak Sink area, but access to the waterfall and additional areas are closed. The closed areas are clearly marked by orange fencing or signs. Hikers may not hike beyond the restricted areas.
“The Whiteoak Sink area is popular throughout the spring and we are pleased to be able to provide limited access to the area, while still taking precautions to minimize disturbance to declining bat populations as they emerge from hibernation,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash.
Park biologists have reported up to 98% population declines of some cave-dwelling bat species. The decline is due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). Infected bats are marked by a white fungal growth on their noses, wings, and tail membrane. The skin irritation damages skin tissue causing the bats to wake from hibernation during winter months. Once aroused, the bats burn energy at a much faster rate depleting stored fat. With no food source available during the winter, the bats soon die. Infected bats exhibit unusual behavior including flying erratically during the day, even during winter months, and diving down toward people. They may be seen flopping around on the ground around cave openings.
The park is home to 12 species of bats including the federally endangered Indiana bat and the Rafinesque's big-eared bat which is a state listed species of concern in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Bats play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance as the primary predators of night-flying insects. Biologists estimate that an individual bat can eat between 3,000 to 6,000 insects each night including moths, beetles, and mosquitoes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is cooperatively working with other parks and federal, local and state agencies across the country to protect bats and manage their habitats. In an effort to prevent the unintentional spread of WNS by people, the park closed all of its 16 caves and two mine complexes to public entry in 2009. Ongoing research in the Smokies includes monitoring bat populations in the winter during hibernation and tracking bats in the summer to determine habitat use. A recent plan released by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service aimed at stabilizing the dramatic decline of the Indiana bat identified hibernacula found in the Smokies as one of only 13 sites across the country identified as critical habitat for this endangered bat. Wildlife biologists have determined that giving the bats the chance to survive includes establishing protective zones surrounding critical habitat caves.
Humans are not susceptible to WNS because the fungus requires a cold body temperature to survive, but skin-to-skin contact with bats should be avoided due to other transmittable diseases such as rabies. Bats are the only mammal species in the park that have tested positive for rabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the transmission of rabies virus can occur from minor, seemingly unimportant, or unrecognized bites from bats. For human safety, it is important not to touch or handle a bat. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they have had skin-to-skin exposure to a bat.
For more information about bats, please the park website .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Help Wanted: Explorers for the Ultimate Canadian Dream Job
Woods Canada is currently looking for two persons to become Woods™ explorers. The two of you will be engaged for the 2015 program and work and travel together as a team. Interested parties can submit their application video as a team or as individuals.
The selected applicants will travel across Canada on the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) visiting key points of interest while producing compelling content about their journey. Each week, Woods™ explorers will travel to a unique destination along the TCT with the intention of covering a wide range of Canada over the 5-month journey. Travel will not be necessarily continuous and may involve driving or flying to different debarkation points in order to maximize their geographic reach.
The position runs from May 12, 2015 until September 30, 2015. Applicants should be comfortable hiking, climbing, paddling, portaging and swimming, though the more extreme disciplines like technical mountain climbing or canoeing through rapids will NOT be a requirement for this job.
Some of the skills and requirements for the job include:
• You have experience in the outdoors with camping, tripping, canoeing and orienteering. You also don’t mind be isolated in the great outdoors for a few weeks at a time.
• You get social media and are a skilled communicator. You are an avid social media contributor and content creator.
• You are both a leader and a team player. You have been a coach, counselor, manager or team leader in your previous life. You work well with people and inspire others.
• Having skills in photography, videography and content production is a definite plus.
• Having some experience or training in media or public relations is a bonus.
• Bilingualism is a definite asset.
Prospective applicants must submit a 60 second video and tell Woods Canada why they should choose you. Submissions are due by April 17, 2015. For more information, please click here .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
The selected applicants will travel across Canada on the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) visiting key points of interest while producing compelling content about their journey. Each week, Woods™ explorers will travel to a unique destination along the TCT with the intention of covering a wide range of Canada over the 5-month journey. Travel will not be necessarily continuous and may involve driving or flying to different debarkation points in order to maximize their geographic reach.
The position runs from May 12, 2015 until September 30, 2015. Applicants should be comfortable hiking, climbing, paddling, portaging and swimming, though the more extreme disciplines like technical mountain climbing or canoeing through rapids will NOT be a requirement for this job.
Some of the skills and requirements for the job include:
• You have experience in the outdoors with camping, tripping, canoeing and orienteering. You also don’t mind be isolated in the great outdoors for a few weeks at a time.
• You get social media and are a skilled communicator. You are an avid social media contributor and content creator.
• You are both a leader and a team player. You have been a coach, counselor, manager or team leader in your previous life. You work well with people and inspire others.
• Having skills in photography, videography and content production is a definite plus.
• Having some experience or training in media or public relations is a bonus.
• Bilingualism is a definite asset.
Prospective applicants must submit a 60 second video and tell Woods Canada why they should choose you. Submissions are due by April 17, 2015. For more information, please click here .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Trails
Volunteers Needed to Assist in Alum Cave Trail Rehabilitation
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently recruiting volunteers to assist a Trails Forever trail crew on rehabilitation projects on the Alum Cave Trail every Wednesday from May 20th through October 28th.
The Trails Forever program provides opportunities for both skilled and non-skilled volunteers to work along-side national park crews to complete various trail projects. Trail volunteers perform a wide range of trail maintenance and rehabilitation work from rock and root removal, rebuilding trail tread, cleaning drainage ditches, constructing drainage features (water bars), and adding fill material. Great Smoky Mountains National Park will provide all the safety gear, tools and equipment needed for the projects.
Volunteers are required to wear boots and long pants. They should also bring a day pack with food, water, rain gear and any other personal gear for the day. Work shifts run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., however arrangements can be made for shorter shifts upon request.
The Trails Forever program is a partnership between the national park and Friends of the Smokies. The volunteer component gives individuals the opportunity to work alongside professional trail workers and make lasting improvements to trails throughout the Park. Interested parties should RSVP before the events by contacting Alan Chapman by phone at (828) 497-1949 or by email. For more information on the Trails Forever restoration projects please click here
For more information about the Alum Cave Trail project, please click here to find answers to frequently asked questions and updates on the trail restoration.
For more information about the Alum Cave Trail, please click here .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
The Trails Forever program provides opportunities for both skilled and non-skilled volunteers to work along-side national park crews to complete various trail projects. Trail volunteers perform a wide range of trail maintenance and rehabilitation work from rock and root removal, rebuilding trail tread, cleaning drainage ditches, constructing drainage features (water bars), and adding fill material. Great Smoky Mountains National Park will provide all the safety gear, tools and equipment needed for the projects.
Volunteers are required to wear boots and long pants. They should also bring a day pack with food, water, rain gear and any other personal gear for the day. Work shifts run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., however arrangements can be made for shorter shifts upon request.
The Trails Forever program is a partnership between the national park and Friends of the Smokies. The volunteer component gives individuals the opportunity to work alongside professional trail workers and make lasting improvements to trails throughout the Park. Interested parties should RSVP before the events by contacting Alan Chapman by phone at (828) 497-1949 or by email. For more information on the Trails Forever restoration projects please click here
For more information about the Alum Cave Trail project, please click here to find answers to frequently asked questions and updates on the trail restoration.
For more information about the Alum Cave Trail, please click here .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Throwback Thursday
Mt. LeConte is famous for the historic lodge and cabins at its summit. The idea for the lodge came about when Paul Adams, a local hiker and explorer, led an expedition up the mountain with some dignitaries from Washington DC to show them the rugged beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, and in the process, help promote the cause for national park status. The group spent the night in a large tent. The following year Adams would build a cabin on that same spot (see photo below from The Paul J. Adams Photograph Collection, University of Tennessee Library Digital Collections), which eventually led to the establishment of the LeConte Lodge. Adams is also credited with helping to blaze the Alum Cave Trail up to the summit, which is now one of the premier hikes in the park.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
The First Week of Spring in Cades Cove
It's finally April! If you don't already wish you were in the Smokies right now, this short video from Great Smoky Mountains Association will likely leave you feeling like you should pack the car right now!
Want to see some wildflowers this spring? For a list of the Best Wildflower Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, please click here .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Want to see some wildflowers this spring? For a list of the Best Wildflower Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, please click here .
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
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