I don't see what the problem is. We have many politicians of the caliber of Roosevelt and Pinchot whom we can trust to conserve our public lands. Men and women such as... uh... well, there's... On second thought, please disregard this comment.
57
The Republican Party, nor anyone else that I am aware of, has proposed eliminating, scaling back, or turning over to the States the National Parks. Please stop making stuff up.
Now here is something that is not made up. Notice that many of the workers in shops, lodges and other establishments in and around the parks are not from the US but rather are from Ireland, Bulgaria, Argentina, Australia and other places? They are here on J1 SWT visas which bring hundreds of thousands of foreign youth to work in places like this and other seasonal establishments like ski areas. They take jobs that could and SHOULD go to low income American youth who needs jobs and need the experience of living and working somewhere like Alaska or Glacier National Park. They need the money and more importantly they need the experience of being in the places radically different from where they live. Studies have shown black and hispanics go to National Parks far less than whites.
Lets see where candidates stand: Trump proposes abolishing that part of the J1 visa and setting up a job bank of inner city youth to get these jobs. Clinton proposes to keep bringing in the foreigners for these jobs, maybe because the American Camping Association, which wants the low cost, often white, foreigners paid her $200,000 to speak at their convention.
Another sad example where people like Kristof wax poetic but don't take practical steps to help ALL Americans live better and enjoy THEIR National Parks.
Now here is something that is not made up. Notice that many of the workers in shops, lodges and other establishments in and around the parks are not from the US but rather are from Ireland, Bulgaria, Argentina, Australia and other places? They are here on J1 SWT visas which bring hundreds of thousands of foreign youth to work in places like this and other seasonal establishments like ski areas. They take jobs that could and SHOULD go to low income American youth who needs jobs and need the experience of living and working somewhere like Alaska or Glacier National Park. They need the money and more importantly they need the experience of being in the places radically different from where they live. Studies have shown black and hispanics go to National Parks far less than whites.
Lets see where candidates stand: Trump proposes abolishing that part of the J1 visa and setting up a job bank of inner city youth to get these jobs. Clinton proposes to keep bringing in the foreigners for these jobs, maybe because the American Camping Association, which wants the low cost, often white, foreigners paid her $200,000 to speak at their convention.
Another sad example where people like Kristof wax poetic but don't take practical steps to help ALL Americans live better and enjoy THEIR National Parks.
30
A variation of this article should be in every newspaper, magazine. However, it is short-sighted to be partisan. So before a leftie replies with a, 'Yeah but look what Democrat Blah Blah Blah is doing' it is not enough when there has been ample oppty for BOTH sides to recognize the funding shortfalls in the parks - and do something about it. If there should be a partisan swipe it might be more honest to say the parks have become a collective bargaining tool to be scrapped along the way towards achieving more social oriented goals in congress.
8
Keep federal lands federal. Except the interstate highways and associated bridges. Let the Republicans figure out how to maintain THAT land, before screwing up our priceless wilderness areas.
23
".....But the biggest threat to our long-term wilderness enjoyment isn’t mosquitoes or ticks, bears or wolves. It’s Congress..."
No, the biggest threat is human overpopulation. It's a pity so few seem to get that
No, the biggest threat is human overpopulation. It's a pity so few seem to get that
31
Mr. Kristoff: you hiked in the Sierra, not plural Sierras, from the Spanish ''Una gran Sierra Nevada" - a great snow-covered mountain range, which runs 400 miles without a low gap. Do you also ski the Rocky Mountain ?
Fine article, and as a park ranger alumni, proud of the NPS Centennial!
Fine article, and as a park ranger alumni, proud of the NPS Centennial!
19
Please STOP the bikes from destroying our wilderness areas. Hikers and bikes do not mix and they will take over the trails as they have done in National Forest through out the USA. A bill in progress now will allow those bikers to fly down theon these trails.Forget about taking children for a hike, it will be to dangerous as they fly around corners and hills .Bikes also damage habitat with as the trails get deeper and deeper and more rutted. Hikers will lose the trails to bikers , its already happened through the US wherever bikes are allowed.
Stop the bikes in OUR wilderness areas .
Stop the bikes in OUR wilderness areas .
47
Would be interested to see visits/numbers over past (4) years going to our coveted NPark System, demos, REPEAT visits, the usual stuff/stats...
and organize a major pro-bono media/PR blitz (via a major PR firm) to let the majority of Americans know what "they inherited" as their right....this is an EXCELLENT media campaign theme from NK, ....
HOW late are we to handling/band aiding/preserving our precious lands...when NK states this...is the damage in aggregate at 30% (e.g. of trails) 50%, etc....why doesn't that OUTLANDISH "performance" carriage fee that hedge fund guys get (15% instead of paying near 40% on income) PAY for this...I assure you the gap between these two percentages ..in aggregate with these hedge fund tax loopholes on personal incomes, would help out tremendously...as in perhaps cover the whole bill to maintain...the land
..
and organize a major pro-bono media/PR blitz (via a major PR firm) to let the majority of Americans know what "they inherited" as their right....this is an EXCELLENT media campaign theme from NK, ....
HOW late are we to handling/band aiding/preserving our precious lands...when NK states this...is the damage in aggregate at 30% (e.g. of trails) 50%, etc....why doesn't that OUTLANDISH "performance" carriage fee that hedge fund guys get (15% instead of paying near 40% on income) PAY for this...I assure you the gap between these two percentages ..in aggregate with these hedge fund tax loopholes on personal incomes, would help out tremendously...as in perhaps cover the whole bill to maintain...the land
..
5
Is anyone actually indifferent to this ridiculous sidecar to their Republican party fealty? Really? This and global climate change you don't understand? You know what Earth is, right?
8
No, no, no! National Park lands must NOT be given to the states.
Just imagine the Cheneys of Wyoming lobbying to sell Grand Teton or Yellowstone to Halliburton to build a prison or train mercenaries or to drill baby drill.
This land is ours, and must remain forever ours.
Just imagine the Cheneys of Wyoming lobbying to sell Grand Teton or Yellowstone to Halliburton to build a prison or train mercenaries or to drill baby drill.
This land is ours, and must remain forever ours.
41
Yeah, but 95% of American's want some form of gun control. So What?
20
The Republican Party? All that remains is the name!
10
Thank you for this article.
19
Nicholas,
What??!! Not a single mention of Woody Guthrie? Really?
Considering the context in which his iconic song was written - http://www.npr.org/2000/07/03/1076186/this-land-is-your-land - I'm surprised by your lack of reference, other than your article title.
What??!! Not a single mention of Woody Guthrie? Really?
Considering the context in which his iconic song was written - http://www.npr.org/2000/07/03/1076186/this-land-is-your-land - I'm surprised by your lack of reference, other than your article title.
7
STEWARDSHIP. The single most important word in this editorial. We are not the owners of this land and it's natural wonders but the stewards. It's isn't ours to sell or anyone else's to own. We have a national responsibility to maintain the health and goodness of our natural world and the citizens who inhabit it, both human and otherwise. Not everything is an investment to be capitalized upon. The food I feed my family is not an investment. It is the price of parenthood. The taxes I pay are the price of citizenship. And just as I should not waste money on non-nourishing food, the moneies I pay into the system should good toward keeping the most beautiful and fragile parts of our nation healthy and vigorous.
18
It would be good to declare the whole nation a National Park. Imagine the environmental and aesthetic damage the nation would get saved from!
6
Mr. Kristof, You are making a serious mistake here. Has it not become clear to you during this campaign that America only belongs to the true "patriots' among us?
7
This op-ed is misleading. 99% of the Pacific Crest Trail is on National Forest or Wilderness Area lands. It barely kisses National Parks along its route.
Despite the back country there, it is not unfair to lable Yellowstone and Yosemite "Disneylands". Because of the "improved" camp grounds and paved roads most National Parks are highly populated exurbs of nomads for 3 - 5 months each year.
Despite the back country there, it is not unfair to lable Yellowstone and Yosemite "Disneylands". Because of the "improved" camp grounds and paved roads most National Parks are highly populated exurbs of nomads for 3 - 5 months each year.
6
I'm surprised the Times style guide accepts "California Sierras." The name of the range is Sierra Nevada. It's Spanish for snowy mountain range. There are several mountain ranges in California, but only one Sierra.
Would the Times style guide permit "Mexican Sierras" or "Spanish Sierras"?
Would the Times style guide permit "Mexican Sierras" or "Spanish Sierras"?
16
Perhaps today's Republicans should read this article, and a little history of T Roosevelt, to understand how far they have strayed from the good parts of conservatism.
22
The right wing nuts are determined to ruin the country.
25
Sadly, it is REPUBLICANS who want to do this. For the benefit of the rich. Some 40% of Americans who vote - or more - will vote for this party in November. Reality is stranger than fiction.
19
NOT TEDDY'S GOP Given the severe addiction the GOP has to giving away the store to the 1% at the expense of the 99%, clearly it's no longer Teddy Roosevelt's GOP. And most assuredly not the party of Lincoln. Though the GOP is willing to privatize the national parks, to screw them up along with everything else they've privatized by lying about them--that they'd naturally become more competitive and less expensive (oh yeah? where? how? when?). It matters not at all to the dunderheads in the GOP that 95% of Americans want the national parks to remain as they are. is there nothing sacred to the GOP? The answer is a resounding YES! The 1% is sacred. The almighty $ is sacred. The 7 day creation is sacred. The looming Zica virus epidemic is sacred. Mustn't tinker with natural law. No matter how unnatural the distortion and destruction may be. Since 1980 and the era of Ronnie Ray Gun we've been under constant pressure to have a pack of lies forced down our collective throat. Then along comes Trump, like a meteor crashing into the GOP, sending it to smithereens that will fly into outer space. Beware people. Donald is coming. Like a cannonball from the sky. Duck! Duck! Duck!
14
Mr. Kristof:
thank you for sharing your experiences and for calling-out a request for renewal of this nation's truly leadership role in preserving open spaces for public use.
100-years and counting.
funtastic...
oh, yes:
and a shoutout to the last citizen-oriented GOP president: Teddy R.
14
Thanks Mr. Kristof. This is a most worthy topic in its substance, and even more so since you nudged me into a few moments of Sunday morning reminiscence, hauling me back to days and nights hiking and camping in the Range of Light, the Rockies and the green mountains of my Appalachian home. Perhaps in the photo, you are resting in Evolution Valley, girding yourself for the climb to the Basin and then up through Muir Pass, all the while wallowing in the glory all around you. Good for you Sir, and your daughter.
6
Even if Trump wins in Nov. there are too many senators who would filibuster any attempt to sell off the National Parks.
1
Thank you for writing this article. What can we do to stop this is my question? It seems that Congress is out of control and so are the wealthy elite. Hillary is one of them and so is Trump so I don't see any Roosevelt's in this team. When Congress votes on things these days there is so much packed into bills how are we to know it's gone until it's too late?
3
Our National Parks are also a haven for endangered wildlife. There is a plan to link public lands from the US to Canada by building a corridor for safe migration routes. The Republicans would eliminate the best of America. Just another plan to deprive the average American of their rights. And don't forget those mineral rights - robbing the poor to benefit the rich.
8
Shuuush! Mr. Kristof. Don't give away our Country's secrets of real wealth and beauty away. The hawkish Republicans are just waiting to destroy, deface and flatten all splendor or beauty of nature's bounty. Or they are just waiting to hand over the serenity and happiness only to the 1% for their eyes and enjoyment only.
5
We should all be donating to the National Park Foundation. Won't solve all problems, but everything helps. http://www.nationalparks.org/about-us
6
At least Nick Kristof named the threat -- the Republican Party and its merry band of privatizers. Who'd be perfectly happy to make Yosemite the most expensive gated community in the world.
12
Fine thoughts for chaotic times Mr. Kristof. To plumb the depths of Nature further I recommend Robert McFarlane's The Old Ways and The Wild Places. Walking through other lands than ours, yet deeply. Only if humans wake up to their place in the global ecosystem and in human history can some balance be restored. The best chance to do so is running round in pre-school yards. Give a kid a magnifying glass and let her take you by the hand, out to see.
7
How true, we are squandering the National Parks at our loss and peril, an impertinence fruit of ignorance and greed. isn't there any way to make these national 'treasures' a permanent feature of America? No more stupid myopic temptations to the troglodytes among us, but most notable within the G.O.P.?
4
It is the people who support these Republican clowns in congress that are most to blame. We are more afraid of poor Mexicans and Muslims who want only a small piece of the American pie than the Billioairs controlling congress who want all of it. Now we have on actually poised to take the full reigns. God help us!
5
lets stop voting for "constitutional Sheriffs" who let their "deputies" intimidate citizens and visitors with their gun fantasies like Grant county Oregon.
8
When I read Mr. Kristof's column I thought of seeing the Milky Way on clear moonless nights from high in the Rockies in several national parks. Then I renewed my membership in the National Parks Foundation and the Wilderness Society. Then I thought yet again what a tragedy he describes: that one of our major Parties has succumbed to a relatively small number of extremists and fanatics who would threaten even this wonderful part of our heritage. They must be defeated.
18
The same real estate agency that has stuck a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn of Capitol Hill is trying to get the deal on our National Parks.
Thank you Mr. Kristof for drawing attention to what could be the greatest American rip off in our history.
Thank you Mr. Kristof for drawing attention to what could be the greatest American rip off in our history.
9
Anyone who cares to see just how far the "conservative" movement has fallen when it comes to, y'know, conserving stuff, need only read the history of Acadia National Park in Maine, which largely owes its existence to John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Also, I highly recommend Terry Tempest Williams' new book, "The Hour of Land," an unusual meander through nearly a score of national parks (and monuments) that vividly illustrates the power of "America's best idea" and how threatened it has become.
Finally, for those supporters of Bernie Sanders tempted to vote for Libertarian party candidate Gary Johnson, please know that his party enthusiastically supports selling off all public land — hardly what Senator Sanders has in mind on that subject.
Kudos to Kristof and his daughter for getting out on the PCT. I suspect that all too many millennials have never ventured into the wilderness and hence, may have little care or attachment to the idea.
Also, I highly recommend Terry Tempest Williams' new book, "The Hour of Land," an unusual meander through nearly a score of national parks (and monuments) that vividly illustrates the power of "America's best idea" and how threatened it has become.
Finally, for those supporters of Bernie Sanders tempted to vote for Libertarian party candidate Gary Johnson, please know that his party enthusiastically supports selling off all public land — hardly what Senator Sanders has in mind on that subject.
Kudos to Kristof and his daughter for getting out on the PCT. I suspect that all too many millennials have never ventured into the wilderness and hence, may have little care or attachment to the idea.
14
I"ve always been furious since I was a small child that the BLM let the ranchers lease our public lands to graze their cattle.......and that they've always killed the mustangs and fenced off water holes for their cattle only.
The tetons are my all time favor national park.
The tetons are my all time favor national park.
11
If only all those bags of cash the USA gave out to shady "operatives" in Iraq, Afghanistan and who knows where, had only gone to our parks. We have witnessed our birthright being sold right under our nose. Helpless to stop these dark forces.
6
I just returned from a week of backpacking in the Sierras myself. Neither words nor numbers can capture the value of places like this. We are uniquely lucky to have them (FOREVER!!!!) and of the many repulsive ideas from our bought politicians, selling them is at the very top of my list.
9
I keep thinking at some point the voters wake up, get smart, throw out the bums and we start progressing. Then I wake up.
7
I woke up early because my son is climbing Mt Rainier at this moment and I was looking for news telling me he reached the summit safely. This column was a surprise and a joy. The National Parks must be protected.
11
One big error here: the National Parks belong to the government, not the "people." In other words, the government has all of the attributes of real estate ownership, Nicolas has none. He visits for free at the pleasure of Uncle Sam, not himself. My family and I enjoy thr GSMNP and portions of thr AT, but we sure don't own them. (As the old joke goes, if somebody did, there'd be golf).
2
This is a superb essay which transcends party politics. T. R. was a Republican, and enshrined in law, practice, and precedent universal human values for the whole U. S. Thank you for alerting us to the threat to these timeless goods from nature and from God.
8
You should have credited FDR too. Read "Rightful Heritage - FDR and The Land of America" by Douglas Brinkley.
7
I just finished reading Ross Dothan's column about the lure of virtual reality... and find it hard to imagine the kids holed up in basements in front of screens wanting to subject themselves to an activity where they "...(are) eaten alive by mosquitoes... suffer frostbite and sunstroke... discover just how bloody blisters can be... drink squirming pond water that would give any urban dog nightmares, and... be endlessly frustrated that, contrary to all physics and geography, trails somehow are all uphill." It's easier to complain about high taxes than to climb high mountains... and much easier to conquer alien invaders on a screen!
The importance of our National Park systems is another good reason why Democrats need to retake both Houses of Congress. We, the people, need to vote the scorched-earth obstructionists out.
5
Soon, with virtual reality headsets, everyday people will be able to "experience" our National Park gems at home. We will be able to visit all our federal lands. They are beautiful. When the years go by, visits to the parks are the memories you keep.
When my wife moved here from Madagascar, she was somewhat interested in our cities, highways and consumer choices, but when we went hiking for the first time on our beloved Mt. Rainier, she gasped and said "I know what makes America great". When we do day hikes, we always hear many different languages on the trail. What an asset..
5
These lands were given often times by wealthy philanthropists. This is where Gates and Buffet and zuckerberg could help. Instead of trips to the moon, donate $1BB to get these places back up to par. Rockefeller did it now it's our current billionaires turn.
6
Although Trump has not yet stated what he'd do with public lands, I fear that one of his moves will be be to put the Trump brand name at the entrance of each of these parks.
3
Imagine the day when the 33 republican govermors who signed voter suppression laws are charged with operating a majority of our national parks. Then the parks will be truly great again.
2
Corporate takeover of national parks is evident when iconic historical names like Awahnee Hotel in Yosemite is replaced by a name that could be attached to a shopping mall in Ohio. When lands sacred to First Nations people, the names of which are often only memories of the people themselves, a Macdonalds or Dunkin Donuts is the next step.
Finally Yosemite will be reduced to a photo-shopped screen saver and those who crave true wilderness will have to watch old movies from their sofas.
Finally Yosemite will be reduced to a photo-shopped screen saver and those who crave true wilderness will have to watch old movies from their sofas.
1
If the National Parks are going to be protected with the help of the modern GOP, one that relies on gerrymandering and the wealthy to stay in office, then we can only hope that the wealthy take an interest in preserving the wild places like they did back in TR's time.
And, if the GOP can become more moderate and support policies that help all Americans with housing costs, perhaps more people can get to the parks and enjoy them.
And, if the GOP can become more moderate and support policies that help all Americans with housing costs, perhaps more people can get to the parks and enjoy them.
1
Republicans are wrong on everything. They hate government,the poor and have an aversion to facts. Only way to deal with them is to vote them out of office.
10
Your pictures are magnificent except for that invasive species you accidentally captured in the frame--that one with the skinny legs and pink skin! The question is, how do we love the wilderness without loving it to death-- benign neglect through underfunding that let trails fall into disrepair and keeps most people out may be a good strategy. You can get your nature fix through a stroll in Central Park, leave the bears and mosquitos and giardia alone in their own part of the world.
Whenever there is some environmental threat, like logging in some pristine area, hundreds of activists show up to protest, hundreds more write their congressperson, and journalists rail against the intrusion. Where are they when the parks could use a little old fashioned volunteerism to fix an eroded trail?
4
Thank you for reminding us of the gift of our National Parks. I, too have enjoyed many of them with my family. Going off the grid, allowing the energy of nature to infuse your body and spirit is priceless. Releasing control of these lands to the states will be a disaster. Period. Thank you for inspiring me to get involved in the efforts to be sure that never happens.
9
We have the best Congress that money can buy, Nick. Whetheri it's funding national parks or infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, retirement & many more things too numerous to mention here, Congresspeople & Senators has proven time & again that they'll only dance with the one that brought (or should I say bought) them. If we are to save our national treasures & the nation itself, there must be an immediate end to corporate financing of elections, voter suppression & gerrymandering. We, the People need to take back our country in every sense of the word.
9
Commenters, like Richard, who want to turn over our public lands to states should keep in mind that immigrants (our ancestors) owned all of what is the US west of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers*.
Our ancestors gave the lands most useful for farming, ranching, railroad right-of-ways and siting towns to homesteaders & other residents. We were generous in letting ranchers "rent" use of land for grazing and too generous in letting mines abuse public lands. Then we allowed those residents to define territories and apply for statehood. However, our ancestors kept the rest as public lands. We owned it then and we own now what our ancestors kept. So, folks in these western states, please quit trying to take something you've never owned except as a citizen of the US.
*How we acquired these lands from foreign governments like Mexico and native Americans is another story with some unsavory parts.
Our ancestors gave the lands most useful for farming, ranching, railroad right-of-ways and siting towns to homesteaders & other residents. We were generous in letting ranchers "rent" use of land for grazing and too generous in letting mines abuse public lands. Then we allowed those residents to define territories and apply for statehood. However, our ancestors kept the rest as public lands. We owned it then and we own now what our ancestors kept. So, folks in these western states, please quit trying to take something you've never owned except as a citizen of the US.
*How we acquired these lands from foreign governments like Mexico and native Americans is another story with some unsavory parts.
3
Corporations are people too - so our land is theirs to plunder and pillage for profit.
We see private interests level of respect for nature all over the country - all over the world! From razed mountain tops to polluted water systems, to acid rain and contaminated unbreathable air, scorched forests and jungles, depleted oceans - the tragedy goes on and on.
Give them access to our national jewels? Hell no!
We see private interests level of respect for nature all over the country - all over the world! From razed mountain tops to polluted water systems, to acid rain and contaminated unbreathable air, scorched forests and jungles, depleted oceans - the tragedy goes on and on.
Give them access to our national jewels? Hell no!
11
My heart leapt when I clicked on your article and saw the first picture. Congratulations to you and your daughter on completing the John Muir Trail. A few years ago, one of my daughters asked me if I would hike the JMT with her as her high school graduation present. Her request was a gift to me, and in 2013, my wife and I hiked the JMT with our daughter and our son.
I can attest that the pictures you shared tell only half the story, but they tell the half of the story that I most remember. After our hike I wrote, "I like to think of the blisters, bruises, bloody noses, blood-sucking bugs and bears as important parts of the system that helps protect the beauty of the Sierra Nevada."
It is impossible to describe the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, or the power that its beauty has on the soul. I have a picture, however, that provides a glimpse of both its beauty and its power. In the picture, my daughter is standing at 13,500 feet on the western face of Mt. Whitney. She is looking out over what she later described as "limitless mountain peaks, standing in serrated rows, rigid and unchanged by the awe they demanded." Her arms are outstretched as far as they would go; her palms are down. She looks like she is about to take flight. On her face, is an expression of pure, unadulterated joy.
I will be forever grateful for what John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Stephen Mather, Harold Ickes, Ansel Adams, Franklin Roosevelt and others did to preserve the places through which we hiked.
I can attest that the pictures you shared tell only half the story, but they tell the half of the story that I most remember. After our hike I wrote, "I like to think of the blisters, bruises, bloody noses, blood-sucking bugs and bears as important parts of the system that helps protect the beauty of the Sierra Nevada."
It is impossible to describe the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, or the power that its beauty has on the soul. I have a picture, however, that provides a glimpse of both its beauty and its power. In the picture, my daughter is standing at 13,500 feet on the western face of Mt. Whitney. She is looking out over what she later described as "limitless mountain peaks, standing in serrated rows, rigid and unchanged by the awe they demanded." Her arms are outstretched as far as they would go; her palms are down. She looks like she is about to take flight. On her face, is an expression of pure, unadulterated joy.
I will be forever grateful for what John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Stephen Mather, Harold Ickes, Ansel Adams, Franklin Roosevelt and others did to preserve the places through which we hiked.
12
"But the biggest threat to our long-term wilderness enjoyment isn’t mosquitoes or ticks, bears or wolves. It’s Congress."
Congress is the biggest threat to America!!
Congress is the biggest threat to America!!
6
We cance can afford to maintain our national parks and much more if we stopped starting wars we can't win. The trillions waisted.
3
Thanks for nothing, Nicholas Kristof. Considering you and your family spend a
good deal of time traveling the world, the readers need a little more
insight into some of the problems bedeviling our country. Wait, if you
feel an overwhelming desire to write a travelogue, put it in
the travel section. Ah, for the days of James Reston
good deal of time traveling the world, the readers need a little more
insight into some of the problems bedeviling our country. Wait, if you
feel an overwhelming desire to write a travelogue, put it in
the travel section. Ah, for the days of James Reston
Last year, at 3, my daughter earned her jr. ranger badge viewing big horn sheep in Rocky Mtn National Park. This year she earned one water coloring at Weir Farm NHP in Ridgefield., CT. Next year, we're shooting for geysers in Yellowstone!
1
The Repuglican Congress are a nasty, greedy bunch of people without empathy or concern for the environment or citizens.
1
The current generation of GOP is so far removed from the true meaning of "conservative", e.g., to conserve our national resources for future generations, as to be be laughable. The Tea Party would have us believe they are a grass-roots organization of patriotic citizens, when in fact they are funded and led by the minions of American tycoons such as the Koch brothers. Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and other GOP leaders of past would not recognize the Ryan-McConnell GOP.
3
Thank you for this important article on our public lands. Our national parks are indeed a national treasure, but anything which comes under the category of the federal government providing for the common good will always be the target of right-wing politicians. We can only hope that Republicans, after this era of Trumpism, will again become more like Lincoln, T. Roosevelt and Eisenhower.
1
Thank you, TR, for preserving these public spaces for future generations, 100 years ago. And thank you, NK, for bringing to our attention the threats to this heritage today.
Our next President must appoint more liberal members of the Supreme Court so that the effect of the Citizens United decision is reversed. Then, the American people must vote out of office politicians who are in favor of privatizing everything now in the pubic domain (national parks, social security, medicare).
I'm not just aiming at Republicans. Certainly there at least a handful of Republicans left in the Theodore Roosevelt tradition who are hearing this message, and act accordingly.
And hopefully there are enough Democrats hearing this message, who are not bought off by Wall Street money, who will fight for the rights of the majority. Are your listening, Hillary?
Our next President must appoint more liberal members of the Supreme Court so that the effect of the Citizens United decision is reversed. Then, the American people must vote out of office politicians who are in favor of privatizing everything now in the pubic domain (national parks, social security, medicare).
I'm not just aiming at Republicans. Certainly there at least a handful of Republicans left in the Theodore Roosevelt tradition who are hearing this message, and act accordingly.
And hopefully there are enough Democrats hearing this message, who are not bought off by Wall Street money, who will fight for the rights of the majority. Are your listening, Hillary?
3
While we worry about the ownership and control of our scenic western landscapes, we shouldn't forget that much of that land was stolen from its indigenous inhabitants. Native Americans had a very different concept of "ownership" which didn't include fences and boundaries. Today they have been left to fend for themselves on the least desirable scraps of leftover lands we call reservations. It's nice that we can all enjoy our birthright as conquering invaders, but we shouldn't forget the burden of shame and unpaid debts to the remnant Native Americans whose place this was not so long ago.
3
Besides supervising your congressperson's actions regarding public lands protection, everyone can do another important thing - volunteer! In Washington State for example the Washington Trails Association organizes volunteer crews to build and maintain trails, and offers perks as well as opportunities for exceptional activities. This land is our land, and ours to actively preserve and maintain.
1
It is time to stop calling republicans conservative or fiscally responsible. They are not, they are just cheap.
35 years after FDR's New Deal America was humming along building a highway system, great swaths of new homes, even sending men to the moon.
35 years after Reagan and voodoo economics we can barely fill our pot holes.
There is more money being hoarded today by the "job creators?" (let's stop using that term, too) than has ever even existed in the history of the world. But we won't use it to repair and rebuild this vast complex Nation.
Shame on US.
35 years after FDR's New Deal America was humming along building a highway system, great swaths of new homes, even sending men to the moon.
35 years after Reagan and voodoo economics we can barely fill our pot holes.
There is more money being hoarded today by the "job creators?" (let's stop using that term, too) than has ever even existed in the history of the world. But we won't use it to repair and rebuild this vast complex Nation.
Shame on US.
5
Like you, I have hiked, camped, climbed and fished for over 50 years in the National Parks. And Ken Burns is surely right. It is “America’s best idea”.
But our biggest threat is not Congress – although I must admit that more funding it absolutely necessary. The biggest threat to our National Park System is global warming. I can see it every time I visit my “local” park – Rocky Mountain. Whole hill sides are covered with dead pine trees. They have been destroyed by the pine beetle which is no longer contained by minus 20 degree cold snaps in winter. New invasive species threaten native plant cover. The spring melt starts three weeks earlier so there is less water for plants and animals in the summer. And animals, like the pikas, are moving higher and higher to stay cool. If it warms enough they will die out.
When the Park System, like the earth, is decimated by global warming extra funding from Congress will be a moot point.
But our biggest threat is not Congress – although I must admit that more funding it absolutely necessary. The biggest threat to our National Park System is global warming. I can see it every time I visit my “local” park – Rocky Mountain. Whole hill sides are covered with dead pine trees. They have been destroyed by the pine beetle which is no longer contained by minus 20 degree cold snaps in winter. New invasive species threaten native plant cover. The spring melt starts three weeks earlier so there is less water for plants and animals in the summer. And animals, like the pikas, are moving higher and higher to stay cool. If it warms enough they will die out.
When the Park System, like the earth, is decimated by global warming extra funding from Congress will be a moot point.
2
Kristof: "It’s sad to see today’s Republicans hostile to continuing federal stewardship of these lands, since it was Republicans like Theodore Roosevelt whom we most owe for this exceptional heritage."
Nicholas, there are no more Republicans like Teddy Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln or Dwight Eisenhower. The so-called "Party of Lincoln" is no more, and has not been such a party for decades.
Nicholas, there are no more Republicans like Teddy Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln or Dwight Eisenhower. The so-called "Party of Lincoln" is no more, and has not been such a party for decades.
6
Our National Parks are an absolute treasure. They provide us with an inestimable sense of nature's pristine beauty that nourishes both our personal and collective soul. The last thing we need is to have these priceless national treasures looted by a bunch of Republican-leaning aristocrats who think life is nothing more than the "art of the deal" where money and profit take precedence over everything else. No thank you!
10
Does anyone remember Teapot Dome under President Harding, (I was assigned a term paper on this very subject, many years ago). President Harding allowed Standard Oil to drill for oil in Teapot Dome, destroyed the land and reaped the profits (if my memory is correct). Why would we want that outcome for the pristine beauty of our National parks.
Last week with my children and grandchildren we visited the Grand Canyon, it is an understatement of say it was spectacularly beautiful, purple, blue, and pink cliffs. Thank you Mr. Roosevelt for your vision for America.
Last week with my children and grandchildren we visited the Grand Canyon, it is an understatement of say it was spectacularly beautiful, purple, blue, and pink cliffs. Thank you Mr. Roosevelt for your vision for America.
3
They will lease portions of the park to corporations who will then charge large fees for the public to use the land. Thus the national parks will become a preserve for the use and enjoyment of the wealthy only. Which is what the Republicans would prefer.
Or they will lease them to politically connected mine operators for super low mining fees the way BLM land is leased.
Or they will lease them to politically connected mine operators for super low mining fees the way BLM land is leased.
7
As visionary as Theodore Roosevelt was, he wouldn't be welcome in today's Republican Party.
The modern day Republican Party opposes National Parks because a successful National Park system undermines the Republican dogma that government--in particular the federal government--can't do anything right
The modern day Republican Party opposes National Parks because a successful National Park system undermines the Republican dogma that government--in particular the federal government--can't do anything right
3
its 2016. the interests driving to get the feds out of the way are still operating in the 19th century and want to have unimpeded ability to rape and despoil the landscape for their own profit. why does their right to exploit the natural bounty of America trump my right to hand down wild areas and a clean environment to my grandchildren and their grandchildren...
i hate to paint things as a zero sum game, but self restraint has never been part of the m.o. of those in the resource exploitation business...
i hate to paint things as a zero sum game, but self restraint has never been part of the m.o. of those in the resource exploitation business...
5
I think our national park system is a true treasure for everyone. However, before anti Republican rhetoric is drawn up in the column (and has been from the author of this article), I would want to know what specific federal lands should be handed over to what states and for what reason. People are great to criticize and point fingers before the facts are known and for what reasons.
Europe's past is told in its castles, churches and other architecture. America's even more ancient history is told in its canyons, deserts and mountains. The natural world has informed the American poetic voice and has provided its vision. To take this away from the people leaves a void in the American soul. Nothing can replace it.
100
We spent much of our summer visiting National Parks in Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota. The word magnificent doesn't come close to describing them. They are unique, one of a kind places that we can visit and enjoy. Shame on the Repugnicans. That's a new word that I think should be coined. They are repugnant in their attacks on the National Park system.
It's time to vote the Republicans out and then to expect the Democrats that take their "seats" to fund all things necessary such as the Park Service and Zika research and eradication.
In the final analysis it is for our children. Think of our children.
It's time to vote the Republicans out and then to expect the Democrats that take their "seats" to fund all things necessary such as the Park Service and Zika research and eradication.
In the final analysis it is for our children. Think of our children.
64
It does not seem quite right to mention common belonging to American geology (as opposed to "ownership") (and hey, maybe I have lived more than half my life over here on the other side of the pond but still, being 1/64th Sauk [from Black Hawk's band who went with him on his tour of the Eastern cities], I claim my share! My passport is up to date) without mentioning Woody G. It feels a little bit like saying good night to Irene without remembering Huddie.
At least you cite T. R. and G. Pinchot.
At least you cite T. R. and G. Pinchot.
1
Nicholas,
Since we all "own" it, what is to prevent us, collectively, from providing up keep? How many of us want to go work, for a two-week busman's holiday, on fixing those trails? There's a solution, and it isn't called waiting for Congress...
Since we all "own" it, what is to prevent us, collectively, from providing up keep? How many of us want to go work, for a two-week busman's holiday, on fixing those trails? There's a solution, and it isn't called waiting for Congress...
1
As a Utahn I am bewildered by the way the GOP dominated Utah state legislature has thrown tax-payer dollars down the drain in an ill advised move to place federal public lands under state ownership and control.
This misguided effort also has the support of Utah's federal legislators.
In their wisdom the state legislators have already ear-marked $19,000,000 to pursue this goal.
A New Orleans law firm has already produced a finding concerning whether or not such a suit has any prospect of success.
Apparently, this finding led the Utah state legislators to believe that the proposed suit had merit--but not so much merit that the GOP majority was willing to share the results of the law firm's finding with their Democratic peers.
I can hardly wait to find out what our GOP legislators--among whom are many who are either themselves realtors, developers, ranchers or mine owners, or who have close ties to such--think should constitute proper use of these federal public lands.
But I can certainly hazard a guess!
This misguided effort also has the support of Utah's federal legislators.
In their wisdom the state legislators have already ear-marked $19,000,000 to pursue this goal.
A New Orleans law firm has already produced a finding concerning whether or not such a suit has any prospect of success.
Apparently, this finding led the Utah state legislators to believe that the proposed suit had merit--but not so much merit that the GOP majority was willing to share the results of the law firm's finding with their Democratic peers.
I can hardly wait to find out what our GOP legislators--among whom are many who are either themselves realtors, developers, ranchers or mine owners, or who have close ties to such--think should constitute proper use of these federal public lands.
But I can certainly hazard a guess!
4
Mr.Kristof predictably blames the Republicans exclusively for the sad state of affairs the National Parks are in.
He conveniently forgets 2009 when Democrats could have enacted a solid WPA-style program to help the parks and the people suffering from the aftershocks of the financial crisis, brought to us by fraudulent practices of the Democrats' biggest donors, then and now.
He also fails to mention that the person in charge of the parks at that time, Sen Ken Salazar, then Secretary of the Interior, was actively trying to sell off the National Parks to corporations through drilling rights, fracking etc.
This antithesis of an environmental conservationist is now in charge of the Clinton transition team.
As much as you love the National Parks and Hillary Clinton, don't get your hopes up that anything will change for the better.
On a positive note, at least the parks aren't littered with mines, remnants of cluster bombes and other relicts of military conflict (except the occasional Indian arrow head) as they are in many other countries thanks to the American military industrial complex.
He conveniently forgets 2009 when Democrats could have enacted a solid WPA-style program to help the parks and the people suffering from the aftershocks of the financial crisis, brought to us by fraudulent practices of the Democrats' biggest donors, then and now.
He also fails to mention that the person in charge of the parks at that time, Sen Ken Salazar, then Secretary of the Interior, was actively trying to sell off the National Parks to corporations through drilling rights, fracking etc.
This antithesis of an environmental conservationist is now in charge of the Clinton transition team.
As much as you love the National Parks and Hillary Clinton, don't get your hopes up that anything will change for the better.
On a positive note, at least the parks aren't littered with mines, remnants of cluster bombes and other relicts of military conflict (except the occasional Indian arrow head) as they are in many other countries thanks to the American military industrial complex.
1
The assault on our national parks is a thoroughly bi-partisan crime, with Democrats and Republicans alike advocating increased resource exploitation on what should remain pristine lands. President Obama, for instance, and his Secretary of State Clinton, would like to open national parks to more fracking and energy exploration, despite the overwhelming opposition of the American people. As long as these two venal, corporate-owned parties rule the nation, we must expect a continual attack on cherished public institutions like our National Parks.
1
Kristoff tries his best to disparage conservatives for trying to watch the nation's pocketbook and to promote the liberal view of environmental zealotry and government spending at the same time. He hit the trifecta !
But maybe if Democrats weren't so busy with redistribution which describes a whopping $2.2 tn or 63% of our budget, there would be more room to maintain some trails so that a well-off journalist could get his "Grizzly Man" fix.
But maybe if Democrats weren't so busy with redistribution which describes a whopping $2.2 tn or 63% of our budget, there would be more room to maintain some trails so that a well-off journalist could get his "Grizzly Man" fix.
1
"It’s sad to see today’s Republicans hostile to continuing federal stewardship of these lands, since it was Republicans like Theodore Roosevelt whom we most owe for this exceptional heritage."
Our public lands aren't amenable to quantification via quarterly earnings reports that are the life-blood of the Republican donor class. And their loudest "voice" originates from within the conspiracy-addled minds of aging juvenile gun fetishists who prefer the frontiersman fairy tales dished out by Hollywood 50 years ago to the more sublime realities of Nature itself. Perhaps this November, the majority of us "real Americans" will "take back our country" from the fevered minds of the nut jobs who have laid claim to it for the past three decades.
Our public lands aren't amenable to quantification via quarterly earnings reports that are the life-blood of the Republican donor class. And their loudest "voice" originates from within the conspiracy-addled minds of aging juvenile gun fetishists who prefer the frontiersman fairy tales dished out by Hollywood 50 years ago to the more sublime realities of Nature itself. Perhaps this November, the majority of us "real Americans" will "take back our country" from the fevered minds of the nut jobs who have laid claim to it for the past three decades.
Thank you so much for this important editorial. In my 20's I worked as an Outward Bound Instructor in the wildernesses of both North Caorlina and Oregon. This experience changed me deeply and planted a value of and love for the land that now speaks to my being. Even seeing the image of you sitting there at the river's edge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, brought tears to my eyes. There is no better way for me to connect to the divine than through nature. I agree - our National Parks are our "best idea." The United States has treasures secured that few nations had the forthought to secure. These lands are our collective treasure and we need leaders with the vision to protect them as our shared asset. Thank you for bringing attention to this matter and enjoy these priceless experiences with your daughter!
Richard,
My sisters and I are rather glad the federal gummint "owns and sequesters" the land comprising the Cape Cod National Seashore. Had it not been established in 1963, the shoreline and forests behind would have been despoiled with vacation homes and clam shacks on quarter acre lots, forever changing the character of the area toward something rather less precious.
How can we be so sure? Because as developers, that was exactly what our family intended for the hundreds of acres of beachfront we owned, that was transferred into the new national park, for a pittance.
50 years on, it Is done. The area is preserved, and is enjoyed by thousands and thousands of visitors who got to see what we saw all those years ago.
My sisters and I are rather glad the federal gummint "owns and sequesters" the land comprising the Cape Cod National Seashore. Had it not been established in 1963, the shoreline and forests behind would have been despoiled with vacation homes and clam shacks on quarter acre lots, forever changing the character of the area toward something rather less precious.
How can we be so sure? Because as developers, that was exactly what our family intended for the hundreds of acres of beachfront we owned, that was transferred into the new national park, for a pittance.
50 years on, it Is done. The area is preserved, and is enjoyed by thousands and thousands of visitors who got to see what we saw all those years ago.
1
It is really sad that the right wing groups harbors so much hatred towards progressive civilization that aspires to make the world a better living space. The aggression to the public lands is one of the symptoms - and a really bad one. This is akin to taking a short-term Wall Street view of the world. These people are thinking that they will enjoy their life and before the environment slowly deteriorates for the future generation, they will be long dead. This extreme selfishness is both appalling and worrying, because, they are just our fellow citizens, in large numbers. America's public lands should be defended, preserved and enhanced by everybody, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a hunter, a nature lover, or anything else. Speak up, vote, and get active in the society. Don't let some crazy ideologues destroy it.
Thanks for this reminder of America's richest legacy to its children and grandchildren. Protecting land does not happen by itself. It is the result of the conscious effort of thousands of people who work together to save something for everyone. Many of these folks are part of the land trust movement - a grassroots effort to preserve not only our great national parks, but the special places in each of our communities. Let's not politicize "America's best idea." Let's work together to give everyone access to the simple, yet irreplaceable beauty of nature.
1
My family and I have enjoyed and love our national parks. It's one of the greatest treasures of our United States. We must be the stewards of our beautiful national parks. We must allocate funds to preserve them, fix the trails and keep them the pristine wonders of our country for generations to come.
The conservation movement, including the creation of our national parks was the brainchild of- conservatives! Teddy Roosevelt and his successors shared an ingenious plan for preserving our national treasures. Now, Mr. Kristof wants to claim fantastically it is - conservatives or their supposed devil spawn, private equity barons, that would prevent us from keeping these lands that we all own.
What was he smoking on his hikes?
What was he smoking on his hikes?
Nature doesn't really need maintenance unlike some "public" places. So what, the trails turned into creeks? Isn't that good? The only thing we could do is to stop wasting our natural environment with pollution and disturbance. I think some hikers may actually trash the trail when they are hiking. Natural wildfires also occur to keep the ground available for new growth. They are not to be contained really. The nature keeps changing, it doesn't really need preservation unless people overuse the resources. It would be nice if everyone can enjoy the natural views but if everyone wanted to enjoy the view, they might destroy it (tragedy of the commons). Unless people actually aren't selfish, nature will be fine. But remember, government can be selfish too.
1
Just for another perspective, I am poor because I have a serious chronic illness. I don't eat out or go to movies, but you can bet that the next time I am well enough, I will find a friend (probably also low-income) to take me to Rocky Mountain National Park, and I will have the money for gas and entrance fee. Granted, I live in Denver, so it's not such a long trip.
Even though I haven't been well enough to go for a few years, it means to much to me just to know it is there. I believe most of us in Colorado feel the same way, and we don't want it sold to corporate interests.
Just because we live in a time of vast income inequality which prevents so many from taking a vacation or traveling, does not mean we should give up or parks to enrich corporations. Instead, let's do something about the problem, so more of our citizens have the opportunity to at least find a park close to home and visit.
Even though I haven't been well enough to go for a few years, it means to much to me just to know it is there. I believe most of us in Colorado feel the same way, and we don't want it sold to corporate interests.
Just because we live in a time of vast income inequality which prevents so many from taking a vacation or traveling, does not mean we should give up or parks to enrich corporations. Instead, let's do something about the problem, so more of our citizens have the opportunity to at least find a park close to home and visit.
2
It is much more likely that federal lands maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and agencies responsible for our National Wildlife and Wilderness areas will be sacrificed to the benefit of private interests. Thes areas lack the appeal of our popular National Parks and are more easily politicized, but are perhaps even more important to our maintenance of ecological connections essential to ecosystem diversity.
4
The biggest threat to our enjoyment of National Parks is not an indifferent congress. It's global warming. When all the glaciers, animals, trees, diverse flora and fauna is gone, or inexorably changed for the worse, no one will care about protecting the biological deserts that remain. While this article makes a cogent argument of the short term political "trail map" for those of us who depend on park land for a sense of wonder and happiness, the issue is so much bigger.
4
Kudos for Kristof's exceptional piece on the national parks. My family and I just celebrated the NPS centennial by going on a summer-long cross-country road trip in which we visited 15 national parks - from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Tetons to Yosemite to the Grand Canyon and many more. Based on this experience, I wholeheartedly concur with Kristof's arguments. These parks preserve and celebrate our greatest natural and cultural resources. We as a country and each of us as citizens absolutely must do more to assure that these amazing places not only survive but also thrive.
The notion of a nation created by immigrants, designed with the hope that together, as equals, we build a society to maximizes the human potential of us all.
National parks--equal access to the natural beauty of this land--seems such an integral part of our as yet unfulfilled dream.
National parks--equal access to the natural beauty of this land--seems such an integral part of our as yet unfulfilled dream.
4
"Wealth may buy political influence such that to speak of one person one vote seems naïve and incomplete."
How ironic. I am of a Senior age and all of my adult life I have been a political and environmental activist and looking back I conclude that I am incredibility naive.
Government at all levels and in all segments have failed US and I have always thought that the number one problem in my country is the American Electorate. And that if the electorate would just 'wake up/stand up' all of our problems could be fixed. But the electorate so divided as to never be able to come together as needed to address/insist on the needed changes.
And recently/finally my hopeful, idealistic, naive self came clearly into focus and regrettably I feel that I should surrender.
BUT, I know I want because I am what I am and I fear for my line to come.
How ironic. I am of a Senior age and all of my adult life I have been a political and environmental activist and looking back I conclude that I am incredibility naive.
Government at all levels and in all segments have failed US and I have always thought that the number one problem in my country is the American Electorate. And that if the electorate would just 'wake up/stand up' all of our problems could be fixed. But the electorate so divided as to never be able to come together as needed to address/insist on the needed changes.
And recently/finally my hopeful, idealistic, naive self came clearly into focus and regrettably I feel that I should surrender.
BUT, I know I want because I am what I am and I fear for my line to come.
I cannot think of one republican policy that does not benefit the very few at the expense of the many. Their demonization of government, the rejection of science, and their policy of starving the beast at every level of government is causing long term harm to this beautiful land of ours. The many need to wake, stop voting against their own best interest, up and bury them once and for all.
6
If it is my land? I say let the ranchers use it whenever they want. Its their land too. It is, isn't it?
Also that land belong to the states. let the States have it back again. And let them charge for going to those parks. Let the local people graze their cattle and work at those parks and let the income go tho the states counties and people of that state.
if you where to travel to one of those parks on a two lane highway you most likely pass one poor town after another. Lets start buy giving something to those people. When we travel to those parts of the country that have beautiful National parts. we stop in and around those parks to eat sleep and buy some souvenirs
they should be able to charge visitors to those parks. More importantly if its in a State its theirs. The Federal Government should not be land owners.
One more thing. if the government is doing us such a favor by taking that land from those States and letting us stay there for free. Why doesn't the Federal Government take some land in Manhattan and give a us a free place to stay when we visit New York? When I go to New York I pay and tip because thats what makes everything work. I would gladly pay to visit a former National Park.
Also that land belong to the states. let the States have it back again. And let them charge for going to those parks. Let the local people graze their cattle and work at those parks and let the income go tho the states counties and people of that state.
if you where to travel to one of those parks on a two lane highway you most likely pass one poor town after another. Lets start buy giving something to those people. When we travel to those parts of the country that have beautiful National parts. we stop in and around those parks to eat sleep and buy some souvenirs
they should be able to charge visitors to those parks. More importantly if its in a State its theirs. The Federal Government should not be land owners.
One more thing. if the government is doing us such a favor by taking that land from those States and letting us stay there for free. Why doesn't the Federal Government take some land in Manhattan and give a us a free place to stay when we visit New York? When I go to New York I pay and tip because thats what makes everything work. I would gladly pay to visit a former National Park.
It is good to hear a New Yorker wax wonderful about the pristine forest primeval. As a rich “first world” country we can afford to live in the artificial sprawl of our big cities and spend lots of money on artificial tree museums. After a trip to the Andean countries in South America, the relatively small footprint of their cities and the relatively untouched countryside surprised me until I figured out that they are too poor to bulldoze their wilderness heritage and put up parking lots and super highways. Maybe we could learn from the people of less developed countries, that less development is often better than more. We would need fewer “nature reservations” if we took better care of our everyday living space.
In yesterday's Times, there was an article about ending for profit Federal prisons. The tone of the article was surprise because such a move is so rare and unusual. We are in an age where privitization is king. Our National Parks are being swept up in this scheme to defraud us. Like Healthcare, education and Parks, certain things should always remain out of the hands of the profiteers.
84
We like to blame Reagan's "Government IS the problem" pronouncement for the current Republican intransigence in funding things like this, but it goes much deeper than that. Reagan had a point: in the '70's & '80's, many government agencies had become bloated, inefficient, and wasteful. But that was a long time ago. Things have changed, but our attitudes haven't caught up. Many of us are still living with the notion of "welfare queens in their Cadillacs getting free government handouts."
I lived in Cairo, Egypt for 3 years and currently live in Accra, Ghana. Soon after leaving the US to live in lands that DON'T have so many government regulations and who DON'T understand the value of establishing & maintaining public lands, I learned how much we take for granted in the US, and how easy it is to lose it.
Until we alter our entire paradigm in America to acknowledge the fact that many government agencies perform valuable services, that government needs to operate efficiently and not just cheaply, that a huge economy demands a huge government and that any organization made up of humans is prone to inefficiency, we will lose all of these wonderful benefits our forefathers built into our society.
Bottom line is: it ain't the Republicans. It's all of us.
I lived in Cairo, Egypt for 3 years and currently live in Accra, Ghana. Soon after leaving the US to live in lands that DON'T have so many government regulations and who DON'T understand the value of establishing & maintaining public lands, I learned how much we take for granted in the US, and how easy it is to lose it.
Until we alter our entire paradigm in America to acknowledge the fact that many government agencies perform valuable services, that government needs to operate efficiently and not just cheaply, that a huge economy demands a huge government and that any organization made up of humans is prone to inefficiency, we will lose all of these wonderful benefits our forefathers built into our society.
Bottom line is: it ain't the Republicans. It's all of us.
1
Prosperity: what a wonderful thing! But while poverty has its set of problems, prosperity brings problems as well:
Problem: erosion of trails. What causes the erosion of trails? People, prosperous people who have time and money to travel. Read the NY Times article titled, Are We Loving Our National Parks to Death? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/opinion/sunday/are-we-loving-our-natio...
"That tension between access and preservation has become ever more strained today.
"In 1916, when the National Park Service was created, there were a dozen national parks, all of them in the West, visited by 326,506 people. Today, 412 parks, national monuments and historic sites cover more than 84 million acres and were visited more than 307 million times last year. Attendance is setting records this summer, and by the time the year ends, the number of visits over the last 100 years is expected to crest 13.5 billion."
The tension between the wish to preserve our beautiful national parks and the questions of how to preserve them include preservation and finances. Compare those with time and money to make 2-3 week trips to visit national parks and hike wilderness trails, and contrast with the millions of Americans who are either unemployed or underemployed, who can barely afford food and shelter and cannot take long vacations.
Decent jobs should be our first priority. We lost millions of jobs with NAFTA, and will lose many more if TPP is passed.
Problem: erosion of trails. What causes the erosion of trails? People, prosperous people who have time and money to travel. Read the NY Times article titled, Are We Loving Our National Parks to Death? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/opinion/sunday/are-we-loving-our-natio...
"That tension between access and preservation has become ever more strained today.
"In 1916, when the National Park Service was created, there were a dozen national parks, all of them in the West, visited by 326,506 people. Today, 412 parks, national monuments and historic sites cover more than 84 million acres and were visited more than 307 million times last year. Attendance is setting records this summer, and by the time the year ends, the number of visits over the last 100 years is expected to crest 13.5 billion."
The tension between the wish to preserve our beautiful national parks and the questions of how to preserve them include preservation and finances. Compare those with time and money to make 2-3 week trips to visit national parks and hike wilderness trails, and contrast with the millions of Americans who are either unemployed or underemployed, who can barely afford food and shelter and cannot take long vacations.
Decent jobs should be our first priority. We lost millions of jobs with NAFTA, and will lose many more if TPP is passed.
Nick I've got good news and I've got bad news. The good news is they aren't going to sell the places you like to go, the beautiful alpine lakes next to famous trails in National Parks. They are going to sell the places people like you never go, the mountains and prairies with no marked trails and hardly any names, the places the wealthy wouldn't know where to find. The places of mostly cowboys or hunters. The places where million acre private ranches thrive, like your best bud Ted Turner.
And in truth it costs next to nothing to maintain public lands, mostly they are just let be, just as they've always been. Even trails are a drop in the bucket. Costs are for parking lots and interpretive centers for the wealthy. Costs are the franchised campgrounds and RV hookups for the old, white, wealthy, people who actually visit our National Parks and much of our National Forests.
The vast majority of our public lands are BLM lands, visited by almost no one, most don't even know where they are, and the second most numerous acres are Forest, your Wilderness and Parks are distant third and fourth. There is an organised and strong resistance to privatizing these lands from a very small but interested segment of our population. We, like Teddy Roosevelt, are hunters. Hunting is conservation.
Unfortunately we who know these secluded and unnamed lands best are exactly the ones that far distant bureaucrats on the coasts dictate to. As in your state of Oregon.
And in truth it costs next to nothing to maintain public lands, mostly they are just let be, just as they've always been. Even trails are a drop in the bucket. Costs are for parking lots and interpretive centers for the wealthy. Costs are the franchised campgrounds and RV hookups for the old, white, wealthy, people who actually visit our National Parks and much of our National Forests.
The vast majority of our public lands are BLM lands, visited by almost no one, most don't even know where they are, and the second most numerous acres are Forest, your Wilderness and Parks are distant third and fourth. There is an organised and strong resistance to privatizing these lands from a very small but interested segment of our population. We, like Teddy Roosevelt, are hunters. Hunting is conservation.
Unfortunately we who know these secluded and unnamed lands best are exactly the ones that far distant bureaucrats on the coasts dictate to. As in your state of Oregon.
Perhaps this may be one of the very few situations that I would agree with Mr. Kristof, with the "preservation" of public lands, however, this is where the agreeability ends.
Public spaces like the John Muir Trail should remain free of commercialization but be as cost free since this should remain as "natural" a place as possible, so if trails erode or become unpassable due to natural circumstances like falling trees, so be it.
Understandably there are the salaries of the park services personnel, but to spend funds to rebuild trails is in a sense counterintuitive if such an area is to remain natural. And what is meant by "trails being in poor condition"?
Hiking through the wilderness should be just that, hiking, not a casual stroll on a well manicured walkway like your in Central Park.
Keeping public spaces in their natural form should cost a minimum to preserve and places like Yellowstone should be as self sustaining as possible by charging and raising fees for camping, parking etcetera when needed.
Public spaces like the John Muir Trail should remain free of commercialization but be as cost free since this should remain as "natural" a place as possible, so if trails erode or become unpassable due to natural circumstances like falling trees, so be it.
Understandably there are the salaries of the park services personnel, but to spend funds to rebuild trails is in a sense counterintuitive if such an area is to remain natural. And what is meant by "trails being in poor condition"?
Hiking through the wilderness should be just that, hiking, not a casual stroll on a well manicured walkway like your in Central Park.
Keeping public spaces in their natural form should cost a minimum to preserve and places like Yellowstone should be as self sustaining as possible by charging and raising fees for camping, parking etcetera when needed.
Sadly another Roosevelt is having a continuing effect on politics 72 years after he died. It is the Democrat Franklin who so successfully used federal resources to strengthen our country based on a vision of "e pluribus unum". This idea of out of many there is one country annoys the selfishly rich who believe against logic that their single minded success in accumulation was accomplished alone by virtue of their superior God-given personal gifts. Like kids who skipped kindergarten, they never learned to share or to give rather than take. A lack of generosity is a disease of the spirit. Reducing taxes and moving money offshore has real life effects. They are bereft of national pride except when they need the annoying rest of us to don uniforms and protect them and their investments. Just don't ask for reasonable compensation as that eats into profits.
1
Bless you for calling attention that ownership of our public lands is threatened. Not only has Congress refused to provide anything close to adequate funding for even basic maintenance. This is a cynical strategy designed to steal large parcels of land that rightfully belong to all of us. What must be done is decisive action to stop the individuals and organizations who are striving to see to it that our public lands are ultimately controlled by extremely right wing ranchers, farmers, loggers, miners, land speculators, who see nothing but dollar signs instead of understanding that these are some of the last lands in the world that are in just about the same condition in which god made them. If we allow this to happen, we will be allowing greedy men to steal the patrimony of our children .
It was well over a century ago that there were no longer any large tracts of land available to be given away for settlement, and therefore the frontier was officially closed. Unfortunately there are people close to our centers of power, who are choosing to ignore the fact that it has been well over 100 years jsince there was western land free for the taking. They must be stopped.
It was well over a century ago that there were no longer any large tracts of land available to be given away for settlement, and therefore the frontier was officially closed. Unfortunately there are people close to our centers of power, who are choosing to ignore the fact that it has been well over 100 years jsince there was western land free for the taking. They must be stopped.
2
Nick Kristof looks a treasure, and reminds us that nothing is priceless.
Indeed, in our current philosophy, nothing is valuable unless it is valued, sold and exploited for cash. Revenue generation now beats out the Greatest Generation who built and maintained much of what we use.
The push to privatize everything, to exploit everything, to extend ownership and wealth to the few, at the expense of the many, is not conservative. It conserves nothing. Exploitation is not conservative.
There is no political need to starve our parks to make privatization more attractive. Perhaps we can stop trying to build other countries for just a little bit, and spend some time rebuilding our own.
Indeed, in our current philosophy, nothing is valuable unless it is valued, sold and exploited for cash. Revenue generation now beats out the Greatest Generation who built and maintained much of what we use.
The push to privatize everything, to exploit everything, to extend ownership and wealth to the few, at the expense of the many, is not conservative. It conserves nothing. Exploitation is not conservative.
There is no political need to starve our parks to make privatization more attractive. Perhaps we can stop trying to build other countries for just a little bit, and spend some time rebuilding our own.
1
Mr. Kristof's citing of Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinochet deserves amplification. We should also mention Harriet Hemenway and Mina Hall who stopped the senseless slaughter of wild birds for market and feathers and Rosalie Edge for her brave defiance of the status quo in founding Hawk Mountain Sanctuary to halt raptor decimation during migration. These men and women came from the most elevated of backgrounds but put all they had into saving America's natural bounty - swimming against the tide of the society they lived in. The North American Ornithological Conference which just wound up a week long meeting of 2,000 people who also care follows in these footsteps. We must pressure the very wealthiest individuals and companies as well as our elected and appointed public servants to work much harder to stop environmental degradation and to preserve our country's natural resources. Greed is winning right now and it would be an 'un-natural' disaster if we allow that to happen.
The Federal government cannot give or sell these lands to private or corporate interests but the States can. It is for this reason that Republicans in Congress and the States want to give the parks to the States. The cover rhetoric is that the states will manage them better for all of us, but the real motive is to turn them into polluted, lifeless deserts that are plundered for minerals, or private resorts, or exclusive developments for the ultra wealthy. America's 'greatest idea" will be raped, plundered and destroyed in the service of greed and narcissistic self aggrandizement.
1
Nothing changes. Since civilization began there have always been people who would profit at the expense of the community. The difference, the threat now is that for every one person on this planet when I was a boy--there are now three. The wealthy are the most overcrowded countries because each of us use so much of the world's resources. Human population is even a bigger inconvenient truth, because our numbers fuel climate change, which in turn will drastically effect the flora and fauna of the National Parks and wild lands everywhere. Our wild lands are like the last few handfuls of seed corn in a world that is hungry for every last resource.
Americans have allowed their Politicians to use their taxes to pay for a bloated Military and by inference, the profits and pay of Defence Contractors. They have funded bailouts for Banks and Wall Street, subsidised Fossil Fuels, allowed Businesses to pay less tax and subsidise a many farmers who in further opportunity, gain income by hiring illegals at half the minimum wage keeping Americans from jobs and decent pay.
But increasingly, they reduce budgets year on year for those critical "check, inspect respect agencies and departments that are so important to people's well being, safety and quality of life to such a degree, they cannot function effectively and include: Dept of Labor /Agencies that are responsible for policing Employee safety standards, salary fraud, discrimination, unfair dismissal, Safe working environments, clean water, Pollution standards, price fixing, illegal employee exploitation and many other protections, and standards hard won over a 100 years of blood sweat and tears.
The EPA, VA, Dept of Labour, NPS and many others, including the IRS are being defunded and hollowed out so as to ensure a minimum chance of success and ability and by thus, encouraging transgressions, opportunism negative outcomes for most who are affected.
And employers and corporations exploit these weaknesses with an eager gusto, knowing that it is unlikely getting caught or pay much for breaking the law, endangering millions and breaking the trust and hopes of so many more.
But increasingly, they reduce budgets year on year for those critical "check, inspect respect agencies and departments that are so important to people's well being, safety and quality of life to such a degree, they cannot function effectively and include: Dept of Labor /Agencies that are responsible for policing Employee safety standards, salary fraud, discrimination, unfair dismissal, Safe working environments, clean water, Pollution standards, price fixing, illegal employee exploitation and many other protections, and standards hard won over a 100 years of blood sweat and tears.
The EPA, VA, Dept of Labour, NPS and many others, including the IRS are being defunded and hollowed out so as to ensure a minimum chance of success and ability and by thus, encouraging transgressions, opportunism negative outcomes for most who are affected.
And employers and corporations exploit these weaknesses with an eager gusto, knowing that it is unlikely getting caught or pay much for breaking the law, endangering millions and breaking the trust and hopes of so many more.
As an immigrant, I couldn't agree more. Sure some of these places are expensive to visit esp. if they are far away from you or if a lot of people want to visit such as Yellowstone which can be really pricey in summer.
My wife and I have talked about how everywhere in the world there has to be similar scenic areas - geysers, canyons, arches - which probably got destroyed over a period of time as civilizations grew. US was unique to have Native Americans who were untouched by this for the longest time, and the European settlers came in far late to the West where that Congress and certain Presidents saw enough to preserve these precious lands.
My wife and I have talked about how everywhere in the world there has to be similar scenic areas - geysers, canyons, arches - which probably got destroyed over a period of time as civilizations grew. US was unique to have Native Americans who were untouched by this for the longest time, and the European settlers came in far late to the West where that Congress and certain Presidents saw enough to preserve these precious lands.
The vast majority of public lands is managed not by the National Park Service but by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and whatever agencies are responsible for the wilderness areas dedicated to protecting, well, wilderness . The National Parks were established as recreational areas possessing dramatic scenic characteristics, and were buffered in their often remote locations by vast tracts of land that were incidental in the maintenance of the ecosystems they were integral to. As our population and knowledge has increased so too has the pressure from financial interests and specific forms of recreation been imposed upon the idea of multiple use. It is primarily upon federal lands outside of our National Parks, on Forest Service and BLM holdings in the Western States that people like Jason Chaffetz and Rob Bishop (of Utah) resurrect the idea that the "government" deprives its citizens an elemental and natural right to dispose of our natural heritage by "locking it up" and preventing private ownership. Cliven Bundy's land grab is a logical consequence of the rhetorical flourishes flying about in congress among the Republican members from western states, reminiscent of the "Sagebrush Rebellion," and positions taken at Interior by James Watt and Gail Norton.
1
I have been following this issue for a while. In fact, knowing that Kristof was a backpacker, I was wondering when he'd raise the issue of the Republican plot to seize federal public lands. So I welcome it, but there are a few flaws.
He mostly emphasizes the Republican platform and the potential impact on national parks, stating (correctly) that the platform language is vague as to which federal lands are affected. But there's already legislation pending that makes clear Republicans' effort to effectively abolish National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Monuments as well as BLM-administered lands. In fact, the Senate over a year ago passed a Budget Resolution Amendment directing the federal government to begin transferring these lands to the states. 51 senators - all Republicans - voted for it. While non-binding as a budget resolution and therefore not legally enacted, it provides a good sense of how the senators feel.
Moreover as Kristof well knows, the John Muir Trail, most of which I've hiked, is largely in National Forest, not National Park. Kristoff needs to make this clearer; most Americans know very little about National Forests and how they differ from National Parks. It is National Forests which are under greater threat than National Parks, driven not just by ideology but also extractive interests such as timber, mining, drilling.
He mostly emphasizes the Republican platform and the potential impact on national parks, stating (correctly) that the platform language is vague as to which federal lands are affected. But there's already legislation pending that makes clear Republicans' effort to effectively abolish National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Monuments as well as BLM-administered lands. In fact, the Senate over a year ago passed a Budget Resolution Amendment directing the federal government to begin transferring these lands to the states. 51 senators - all Republicans - voted for it. While non-binding as a budget resolution and therefore not legally enacted, it provides a good sense of how the senators feel.
Moreover as Kristof well knows, the John Muir Trail, most of which I've hiked, is largely in National Forest, not National Park. Kristoff needs to make this clearer; most Americans know very little about National Forests and how they differ from National Parks. It is National Forests which are under greater threat than National Parks, driven not just by ideology but also extractive interests such as timber, mining, drilling.
3
We have an accounting problem in Federal book keeping. We do not have capital accounts nor deferred maintenance accounts that show up on the balance sheet. If we booked deferred maintenance as a liability, then total liabilities would not change when we replaced a bridge or repaired a park service trail. All that would happen is that the deferred maintenance account would go down and the funds borrowed to replace or repair would go up. But our total liabilities would remain unchanged until we applied tax revenues to reduce them. This could get us past the political log jamb that we now have by failing to include deferred maintenance in national income accounting.
1
For more than 40 years, I have walked and backpacked in National Parks and National Forest areas. My wife and I are not wealthy, and walking a trail is something special for people like us who cannot afford to own many acres of land to ensure quiet and peace. All we have to do is get to the trailhead and walk. Increasingly, our trails have become neglected, as Mr. Kristof notes; many are now abandoned. I've hiked for decades in the Pasayten Wilderness in Washington State. I know it well. Many of these trails are now abandoned (see the Okanogan N.F. website). The funds are not there to maintain them. Many are impassable, impossible to follow. Maybe it is good that trails are disappearing. People, myself included, inevitably bring along their “civilized” attitudes. Many seem to treat natural places as things that can be consumed and used up. Once, someone asked me as I returned from a walk in a National Park, “Is there anything up there worth looking at.” I have seen campsites miles from any road littered with trash and charred logs. I have seen fuel canisters and Clif Bar wrappers tossed beside the trail. I have seen used toilet paper blowing across the land. I have seen still-hot fire rings in the middle of otherwise pristine meadows, graffiti carved into trees, a campfire made at the base of a tree. Trails in National Parks and National Forests are disappearing. The places are beginning to heal. Maybe we don’t belong in such places anymore.
Future of National Parks in the U.S.?
I find it difficult to see any future for them, for they are representative of the natural and America does not seem to have much interest in the natural, which is to say America tends to view people and the environment as that which must not remain as is but as that which must progress...People must be trained, educated, not taken as they are naturally but made into something, into becoming employable, by thousands upon thousands of dollars of time and effort--a debt they pay off eventually by society determined work.
There is little relationship between the silence, naturality and grandeur of a National Park and all a child must endure to acquire a decent occupation in society. The message to the child is what you naturally are is at best something that can be worked with, but years and lots of money have to go into making you a decent member of society. What exactly people are being made into with all that money required of getting an education I do not know, but I find it difficult to see such easily superimposed on National Parks to the benefit of the Parks.
It really is odd: On one hand celebrate National Parks, the natural, on the other hand the price of making a person into a worthwhile person in society keeps rising, and we believe less and less a person can educate himself (if education costs so much of course a person cannot really be expected to teach himself), and the last thing we believe in is a natural person.
I find it difficult to see any future for them, for they are representative of the natural and America does not seem to have much interest in the natural, which is to say America tends to view people and the environment as that which must not remain as is but as that which must progress...People must be trained, educated, not taken as they are naturally but made into something, into becoming employable, by thousands upon thousands of dollars of time and effort--a debt they pay off eventually by society determined work.
There is little relationship between the silence, naturality and grandeur of a National Park and all a child must endure to acquire a decent occupation in society. The message to the child is what you naturally are is at best something that can be worked with, but years and lots of money have to go into making you a decent member of society. What exactly people are being made into with all that money required of getting an education I do not know, but I find it difficult to see such easily superimposed on National Parks to the benefit of the Parks.
It really is odd: On one hand celebrate National Parks, the natural, on the other hand the price of making a person into a worthwhile person in society keeps rising, and we believe less and less a person can educate himself (if education costs so much of course a person cannot really be expected to teach himself), and the last thing we believe in is a natural person.
As an individual for whom decrepitude now prevents any recurrence of a life formerly awash in hikes in fantastically beautiful places from Acadia to Yellowstone, I have a particular angle from which to view this issue --- a former user of the national-treasure resources, who now has only memories to cherish. I feel terribly deprived, and I can only warn my fellow citizens that the loss of these places will create a deep hole in their consciousness for which there is no filler available. If we allow corporate greed into this picture, it will become a gigantic nail into the soul of this country.
You worry too much, Nicholas Kristof. Privatize this whole thing into a National Park theme park. Put it all in one convenient, centralized location, with convenient air connections, nice hotel accommodations, warm weather for sure, perhaps Florida, and let the entrepreneurs take over. All the parks in one big park, gift shops and fast passes and mechanical donkey rides over mountain peaks and beautiful vistas. Catch a mechanical trout in a mechanical snow-fed stream. No hiking, no mosquitoes, no sweat, and the only bears and alligators you'll run into are mechanical. This Park will be your Park, at least for a day or two if you can pony up the money. And the souvenirs will last a lifetime, if the grand kids are careful with them. Heck, Six Flags already has a step up -- Yosemite Sam.
Just returned to paradise after touring Yellowstone and Tetons National Parks and the adjacent National Forests and I could not agree with you more. For $50 a week we had access to both parks, Ranger lead activities, visitor centers with helpful people that wanted us to get the most out of our time in the park. Our Rangers were knowledgeable and were eager to teach us about the flora, how the land was formed, how it is changing, the life cycles of the animals that we encountered all the while keeping us on the trail and out of harms way.
I can't buy lunch in an amusement park for less than $50, but I was able to have a nearly private guide while hiking through pristine wilderness. We stopped to learn about the trees that surrounded us and the footprints in the snow -- yes snow in July.
In the Mammoth Springs visitors center, we learned about the early history of the park. How men of little integrity took advantage of the lack of oversight and the abundance of resources and wildlife in particular. The spirits of those men have returned to us and they are looking at our land, they want our land.
This land is OUR land. End of story.
I can't buy lunch in an amusement park for less than $50, but I was able to have a nearly private guide while hiking through pristine wilderness. We stopped to learn about the trees that surrounded us and the footprints in the snow -- yes snow in July.
In the Mammoth Springs visitors center, we learned about the early history of the park. How men of little integrity took advantage of the lack of oversight and the abundance of resources and wildlife in particular. The spirits of those men have returned to us and they are looking at our land, they want our land.
This land is OUR land. End of story.
4
I think some folks who live east of every state from Montana down to New Mexico might be surprised to know that 81% of Nevada is Federal NOT state land. 66% of Utah, 61% of Alaska and Idaho, 53% of Oregon, 48% of Wyoming, 47% of California.
The liberal east coast and mid western states are less than 10% Federal land with some states having NO federal land ownership. Ask yourself how you would feel if your family had been in an actual western state since the 1850's like my family has been here in California, and now your 'state' is now Federal land and smaller in size than a state like New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine.
When your state is no longer run as a state by the citizens of the state but by folks on the other side of the country who have never and never will be your actual neighbor it can seem more like someone owning a home in NYC telling someone in California what colour they can paint the home they own and what type of landscaping they can have.
The liberal east coast and mid western states are less than 10% Federal land with some states having NO federal land ownership. Ask yourself how you would feel if your family had been in an actual western state since the 1850's like my family has been here in California, and now your 'state' is now Federal land and smaller in size than a state like New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine.
When your state is no longer run as a state by the citizens of the state but by folks on the other side of the country who have never and never will be your actual neighbor it can seem more like someone owning a home in NYC telling someone in California what colour they can paint the home they own and what type of landscaping they can have.
1
My 11 year old daughter and I recently rafted the wild and scenic Rogue River in Oregon, and then we took a little trip to Crater Lake NP. I noticed the same thing at Crater Lake that I've noticed at every other national park I've visited - foreigners. Tons of them. It seems that people from all over the world recognize the beauty of these places and travel thousands of miles to snap pictures and head out, poorly shod, on the trails. How much money is poured into the US economy by these visitors, I wonder? I suspect that the national parks generate, directly and indirectly, multiples more in economic stimulus than they cost in tax payer dollars. The parks are not just spiritual fulfillment areas, they are good business for America.
1
As a westerner, I spent a lot of time in state and national parks in California, Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, etc. Mountains, islands, deserts, beaches, etc. After retirement, I decided to do a road trip (four of them, actually) to visit National Parks in the lower 48. This took six months and 24,000 miles, spread out over two years. It's not that hard, folks; it's only one country, one currency, one common language, with road signs, maps, and GPS. This puts the travails of the pioneers in perspective. I only had a basic route, no timetable or reservations.
Good people are distributed throughout the land, there are regional differences, lots to learn and experience. Public campgrounds are quite affordable, and many, including our National Parks, are quite extraordinary. I'm still in touch with some of the co-travelers I met. I'd recommend it.
Good people are distributed throughout the land, there are regional differences, lots to learn and experience. Public campgrounds are quite affordable, and many, including our National Parks, are quite extraordinary. I'm still in touch with some of the co-travelers I met. I'd recommend it.
1
Woody Guthrie's song also included the lines,
'..on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me...'
Earth is heaven-sent. We're the beings in it's graceful embrace. Though through climate change and the like we try desperately to destroy it, the earth itself is beyond our 'ownership'. The madness of our greed has brought us to this particular precipice. We seem numb as wealth concentrates into fewer hands and more become desperate and without. Yes, this land is our land, and someday we'll finally realize that this world is our world, not to be sold-off to the richest oligarch or plutocrat or tech billionaire or hedge fund/private equity guru. No, someday we'll awake from this nightmare and learn to share and give and become worthy of what we've been given. Someday.
'..on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me...'
Earth is heaven-sent. We're the beings in it's graceful embrace. Though through climate change and the like we try desperately to destroy it, the earth itself is beyond our 'ownership'. The madness of our greed has brought us to this particular precipice. We seem numb as wealth concentrates into fewer hands and more become desperate and without. Yes, this land is our land, and someday we'll finally realize that this world is our world, not to be sold-off to the richest oligarch or plutocrat or tech billionaire or hedge fund/private equity guru. No, someday we'll awake from this nightmare and learn to share and give and become worthy of what we've been given. Someday.
1
Just when I felt sullied by all the political shenanigans, along came your inspiring oped. Thank you! It brought back a memory of many nights in a two man tent with a 12 year old son and a springer spaniel while we waited for a teenaged daughter to return from a Sierra Club backpack. We were inept but deliriously happy, with a pond nearby and many unsuccessful fishing attempts. It's almost a half century ago, and one of my sweetest memories.
You don't have to be an expert camper to be grateful to Teddy Roosevelt.
You don't have to be an expert camper to be grateful to Teddy Roosevelt.
9
My fellow Americans,
Nicholas Kristoff is right. America's national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, forests, seashores, prairies, deserts and other federally owned conservation lands are *our* property. Our treasures. A vital part of our birthright, now and forevermore.
These natural treasures do not belong to any political party, nor to our senators and congressmen, nor to the states, nor to the extractive industries, nor to the likes of Cliven Bundy and his miscreant clan. They belong to us, the American people.
But we must forever fight for them, it seems, because they are always under threat from short-sighted politicians and selfish interest groups.
There are several important steps that each of us can take, this year and every year.
First, vote for politicians at all levels who support natural resource conservation and environmental protection. Vote against (or vote out) those who undercut those values.
Second, write our US representative and both our senators, no matter which party they belong to. Tell them, politely but firmly, to protect our natural treasures, not sell them or give them to the states, which never owned them and have no right to claim them.
Third, teach our children to love wild places so that they, in their time, will care enough to protect them.
Future generations of Americans will thank us for protecting their birthright.
Nicholas Kristoff is right. America's national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, forests, seashores, prairies, deserts and other federally owned conservation lands are *our* property. Our treasures. A vital part of our birthright, now and forevermore.
These natural treasures do not belong to any political party, nor to our senators and congressmen, nor to the states, nor to the extractive industries, nor to the likes of Cliven Bundy and his miscreant clan. They belong to us, the American people.
But we must forever fight for them, it seems, because they are always under threat from short-sighted politicians and selfish interest groups.
There are several important steps that each of us can take, this year and every year.
First, vote for politicians at all levels who support natural resource conservation and environmental protection. Vote against (or vote out) those who undercut those values.
Second, write our US representative and both our senators, no matter which party they belong to. Tell them, politely but firmly, to protect our natural treasures, not sell them or give them to the states, which never owned them and have no right to claim them.
Third, teach our children to love wild places so that they, in their time, will care enough to protect them.
Future generations of Americans will thank us for protecting their birthright.
14
Everyone keeps writing that our politics are so polarized, as if both parties were equally to blame. Stop it, please. One party has decided, individually and collectively, that being the party of NO is the only thing they want to be until they get full power in Washington, DC. The Republicans have run off from responsibility and ordinary decency.
When Gingrich and gang came to power in the 1990s, they looked back with contempt on 40 yrs. of "cooperation" on the part of fat, bourbon sipping Republicans. They blamed comprise for 40 yrs. in the wilderness.
Gingrich was not a master tactician. He didn't really have a plan except eternal opposition and the Machiavellian game of take down, which he used in all seasons until, at long last, he failed to knock Clinton out of office and his blatant extra martial affairs, while impeachment was in train, along with his mercurial personality became too much for a few of his colleagues. The Republicans were rising but had no real idea of where to go. The tea party inspired amateurs who followed can't come up with an actual, workable plan of their own. To call them nitwits would be a modest beginning of condemnation.
Our politics are not polarized. We are surrounded, engulfed really, with legions of campaign consultants who make a lot of money, some getting rich, by inspiring more and more conflict. The same for radio loudmouths and conspiracy filled websites. The candidates are secondary, puppets in the hands of the manipulators.
11
I just returned from 80 miles of backpacking in the glorious Wind River Mountains, southeast of the Tetons in Wyoming. It is a vast wilderness area, full of fisherman, climbers and hikers from across the country who collectively own this, and many other, incredible places. I grew up in the boy scouts and have spent several decades exploring the wonderful places that we all have access to. If you love the outdoors, and treasure this inheritance--and believe that everyone deserves the right to experience such places--don't forget that virtually all wilderness areas have been preserved by one political party. If you treasure the second amendment, keep in mind that hunting grounds are often in national forests and wilderness areas.
5
If we let the Republicans hijack the national park system, we may be denying all the generations to follow the chance to experience the beauty, peace, and luxury of nature only available in these parks. Yes, many national parks now have entrance fees, and the food available in many parks is super expensive from what it once was because now the food is provided by a corporation. But it is still possible for a young family to get a campsite, bring in their own food, and enjoy the parks. If the Republicans get their way, the public will become just a necessary evil. Campers and hikers will be off limits to areas converted to cattle grazing, or mining, etc. There is more to life than money and someone should remind the Republicans that this is "our land, this land is your land" from the Pearl Harbor Memorial to the Smokey Mountains.
Leave the parks alone.
Leave the parks alone.
4
Let's hope these national park lands belong to all in perpetuity, even visitors to our great land. We live within 10 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and even though we won't be hiking the length of that 2600 mile trail, it would a blow to the soul to forfeit even a foot of it.
Remind the Republicans that the original meaning of conservative included conservation of natural resources and that public land is a right. This land is your land, this land is my land. Land held forever is a sacred trust. We must not lose it.
Remind the Republicans that the original meaning of conservative included conservation of natural resources and that public land is a right. This land is your land, this land is my land. Land held forever is a sacred trust. We must not lose it.
5
John Muir was a hero. Nick, you will love this ad, which riled up the right. A 2015 Superbowl commercial that takes Woody Guthrie's song to its natural conclusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxS5QH2vz6w
2
"It’s sad to see today’s Republicans hostile to continuing federal stewardship of these lands...."
Kristof, probably suffering a touch of sunstroke, carelessly paints all Republicans with his broad brush. It is both correct and fair to say that most Republican citizens of this nation wants the National Parks to be carefully preserved (see his 95% survey result -- lots of Rs in there!)
Rather, he could have made a much better point by blaming Republican politicians and their financial backers for the threat.
My father-in-law, who voted R until the end of his days, retired as a Park Service superintendent of a major southwestern park because of political interference in its governance. Park exploiters wanted more commercial development than the man saw fit, but a couple of people in Congress put the Big Squeeze on Interior, which overruled him.
He initiated his retirement process the same day. A stubborn cuss, he continued to vote Republican.
Kristof, probably suffering a touch of sunstroke, carelessly paints all Republicans with his broad brush. It is both correct and fair to say that most Republican citizens of this nation wants the National Parks to be carefully preserved (see his 95% survey result -- lots of Rs in there!)
Rather, he could have made a much better point by blaming Republican politicians and their financial backers for the threat.
My father-in-law, who voted R until the end of his days, retired as a Park Service superintendent of a major southwestern park because of political interference in its governance. Park exploiters wanted more commercial development than the man saw fit, but a couple of people in Congress put the Big Squeeze on Interior, which overruled him.
He initiated his retirement process the same day. A stubborn cuss, he continued to vote Republican.
3
I have hiked a small portion of the pacific crest trail, in the Klamath and Trinity Alps in Calif.
Aw inspiring scenery just like all of the national parks
I am afraid that the capitalists wan't to sell off the national parks.
They will sell the naming rights to the trails and put up foreign made toll booths to collect user fees
Welcome to the whoever sporting goods trail if donald trump is elected president
Aw inspiring scenery just like all of the national parks
I am afraid that the capitalists wan't to sell off the national parks.
They will sell the naming rights to the trails and put up foreign made toll booths to collect user fees
Welcome to the whoever sporting goods trail if donald trump is elected president
4
Maybe more Americans would stand up for our public spaces if more of us could afford to spend an -entire summer- backpacking in the mountains. Most of us would be lucky to get a week to rush out there in economy class, suffering delays and degradation and sleep deprivation to get a few precious days before circling back. Only thirteen percent (yes that's 13%!!) of Americans can *afford* to take a 10-day vacation. 2 in 5 didn't take a SINGLE DAY of vacation in 2014.
And then the Democrats sit in wide-eyed wonder at why the electorate is so angry.
And then the Democrats sit in wide-eyed wonder at why the electorate is so angry.
9
Once again i'm left out. Of course I could get in my sub compact personal urban transportation vehicle and drIve two thousand miles to the base of the Muir trail but that would take at least a week. I'm no longer able to drive one thousand miles a day. It's much easier to fly first class. They serve free drinks there and alcohol is difficult to carry on the trail.
What beauty. Not Ms. Kristof's kid. With fifty bug bites not so. Lucky for him he found someone to safely accompany him on the next trip to Miami. "Just walk twenty feet in front of me, i'm old, i'll catch up. " Who could blame you?
No, i'm sentenced to circling my neighborhood ditches, while crazy old white men who think I'm Mexican and arm themselves accordingly. It's never less than One hundred degrees here. At least in my house.
Since the Nytimes is willing to spring for it's contributor vacations. Could they give me a paid vacation? Not to the opium dens in Thailand. but to somewhere with less bugs and more air condtioning. Maybe Oslo.
What beauty. Not Ms. Kristof's kid. With fifty bug bites not so. Lucky for him he found someone to safely accompany him on the next trip to Miami. "Just walk twenty feet in front of me, i'm old, i'll catch up. " Who could blame you?
No, i'm sentenced to circling my neighborhood ditches, while crazy old white men who think I'm Mexican and arm themselves accordingly. It's never less than One hundred degrees here. At least in my house.
Since the Nytimes is willing to spring for it's contributor vacations. Could they give me a paid vacation? Not to the opium dens in Thailand. but to somewhere with less bugs and more air condtioning. Maybe Oslo.
5
I have read that European travelers come here to see what their mountain wildernesses looked like 200 or more years ago. Switzerland, in particular, has a long sustained building on the mountain tops just about anything but Starbucks. Restaurants, hotels, youth hostels, churches, the mountains are all up for grabs, or at least they were. Climbing the Eiger outside of Bern is considered one of the great challenges of wall climbing in the world, but don't worry too much. If you get stuck, there is even a door that opens on the mountain and you can be carried to the top by a tram in a tunnel.
Leaving things alone is so 19th century. Thank heavens for a modest amount of restraint in a world that will soon be half paved over coast to coast. By the way, you can still buy whole mountain ranges. Ted Turner bought the Sangre de Christo mountains in New Mexico when he was a little more flush with cash than he is these days. He has willed into permanent preservation as wilderness.
This article seems to confuse federally owned lands with National Park lands. They are different. The feds control vast sections of western states and, in the main, don't seem to have a really good idea what to do with them. This ownership is one of the biggest thorns in the sides of many westerners, especially ranchers. There is a lot of encroachment into the National Parks, including allowing the carrying of guns, but, for the most part, the federal lands issue and the National Parks are separate battles.
Leaving things alone is so 19th century. Thank heavens for a modest amount of restraint in a world that will soon be half paved over coast to coast. By the way, you can still buy whole mountain ranges. Ted Turner bought the Sangre de Christo mountains in New Mexico when he was a little more flush with cash than he is these days. He has willed into permanent preservation as wilderness.
This article seems to confuse federally owned lands with National Park lands. They are different. The feds control vast sections of western states and, in the main, don't seem to have a really good idea what to do with them. This ownership is one of the biggest thorns in the sides of many westerners, especially ranchers. There is a lot of encroachment into the National Parks, including allowing the carrying of guns, but, for the most part, the federal lands issue and the National Parks are separate battles.
5
Your column left me in tears. How can the GOP lay claim to "religious freedom" when they are threatening to privatize the very few sanctuaries left in this country where we can all share a taste of the divine?
11
What is supposedly wrong with our current model that necessitates a "return" to the states? Just the GOP's usual obsession with "government is bad" and if we have to have government, state government is bettter? Are the states pushing this as well?
While I have no experience hiking where Mr. Kristof is right now, as a New Yorker, I am so grateful for our state parks, ski areas and golf courses. I have spent months in our beautiful Adirondack Mountains and happy that all our governors, dems and republicans, have done so much to not only preserve them, but have actually expanded state lands recently. And I am also thankful to John F Kennedy for the gift of the National Seashore on Cape Cod. It is truly food for the soul to see a whale breach off the beaches near PTown.
Sometimes politicians do good things.
While I have no experience hiking where Mr. Kristof is right now, as a New Yorker, I am so grateful for our state parks, ski areas and golf courses. I have spent months in our beautiful Adirondack Mountains and happy that all our governors, dems and republicans, have done so much to not only preserve them, but have actually expanded state lands recently. And I am also thankful to John F Kennedy for the gift of the National Seashore on Cape Cod. It is truly food for the soul to see a whale breach off the beaches near PTown.
Sometimes politicians do good things.
6
There is always a conflict between open land and jobs. When Obama reversed himself on drilling in the Atlantic, he allowed additional drilling in the Gulf and Alaska. Clearly, Eastern elites got their way at the expense of others. Almost all public lands are in the West. Many Westerners call for Obama to attend to their job needs as much as conservation. But, again, Easterners have more influence and their insistence on conservation carries the day. Conservation should be two way street. If the West preserves their lands, the East should do the same. But they don't, because they don't want to. That's how it works.
4
Good to see your very visable and valuable bully pulpit to discuss yet another critical issue for Americans to focus on: the willingness of members of Congress to sell off our beautiful public lands to whomever makes the biggest campaign contributions. Sad, oh so sad.
14
Nick, did you meet many poor people on the trail? Do these federally supported parks really belong to all of us? (In my experience, they certainly aren't used by all of us.)
I love these places, too, but I sometimes wonder if citizens who don't use them should be required to support them for me.
I love these places, too, but I sometimes wonder if citizens who don't use them should be required to support them for me.
4
The National Parks are overcrowded, just like much of America's "infrastructure".
The main reason they are overcrowded is that America has become overpopulated.
One of the main reasons for overpopulation is too much immigration.
The left wing will sink of it's own "internal contradictions", to quote the leftist par excellence, Karl Marx.
The environmentalists on the left have been silent for far too long about massive immigration overwhelming America. The environmentalists need to stand up and confront the pro- immigration camp within the left.
The main reason they are overcrowded is that America has become overpopulated.
One of the main reasons for overpopulation is too much immigration.
The left wing will sink of it's own "internal contradictions", to quote the leftist par excellence, Karl Marx.
The environmentalists on the left have been silent for far too long about massive immigration overwhelming America. The environmentalists need to stand up and confront the pro- immigration camp within the left.
6
Two years ago, I visited Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks...and they were quite simply the most breath-taking places I've seen. Literally breath-taking in the case of hiking Bryce Canyon (7,500 feet, 90 degrees and sunny!). Hiking to Angel's Landing at Zion was amazing, and taught me I could ignore my fear of heights if I wanted to. Later on, I cooled off by hiking *in* the snow-melt and spring-fed Virgin River that carved out Zion Canyon...through a passage just 25 feet wide at points with sheer 2,000 foot walls.
I did all of this for just $25 paid to the U.S. National Parks Service. Had the Parks not been established, that experience could have easily cost 10 times as much, if it were even possible at all.
Any Congressman or Senator who doesn't want to keep these beautiful places open for everyone to enjoy (they also draw a lot of money in foreign tourism) is impossibly short-sighted and should be ashamed of themselves.
I did all of this for just $25 paid to the U.S. National Parks Service. Had the Parks not been established, that experience could have easily cost 10 times as much, if it were even possible at all.
Any Congressman or Senator who doesn't want to keep these beautiful places open for everyone to enjoy (they also draw a lot of money in foreign tourism) is impossibly short-sighted and should be ashamed of themselves.
8
I stare out at our beautiful lands from my house outside of Seattle. It comforts me that some oligarch can't own this land. it is mine and it is yours. I may never step foot on it but am comforted by my ownership to keep some corporate raider from misusung it. I love this about America. you should too. make America great again. keep it American
4
America’s public lands are in jeopardy, even though the magnificence of the vistas at so many sites may create the illusion of permanence and indestructibility.
For those who want to put their money where their mouth is, organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association seem to use donations wisely.
Nicholas Kristof reminds us that it was the vision and generosity of Republicans more than a century ago which made a difference in setting aside our best public lands. Kristof points out the irony that in 2016 it is the Republican Party which wants to destroy our public lands and hobble our National Park Service by withholding needed funding for maintenance.
Isn’t there an even greater lesson to learn here? I mean the lesson that there is something odd, even eccentric, about today’s Republican Party.
Republicans always have been easy marks for business hustlers who want to use public resources or tax revenues for their private entrepreneurial schemes. The G.O.P. faithful are much easier marks than Democrats – even those Democrats who periodically bend the rules for the right price.
Today, Republican politicians all seem to rush headlong towards squandering everything good about America. They are ready to sell out for a song, and they no longer are secretive about it.
Perhaps the modern Republican is simply much dumber than his Republican grandfather.
For those who want to put their money where their mouth is, organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association seem to use donations wisely.
Nicholas Kristof reminds us that it was the vision and generosity of Republicans more than a century ago which made a difference in setting aside our best public lands. Kristof points out the irony that in 2016 it is the Republican Party which wants to destroy our public lands and hobble our National Park Service by withholding needed funding for maintenance.
Isn’t there an even greater lesson to learn here? I mean the lesson that there is something odd, even eccentric, about today’s Republican Party.
Republicans always have been easy marks for business hustlers who want to use public resources or tax revenues for their private entrepreneurial schemes. The G.O.P. faithful are much easier marks than Democrats – even those Democrats who periodically bend the rules for the right price.
Today, Republican politicians all seem to rush headlong towards squandering everything good about America. They are ready to sell out for a song, and they no longer are secretive about it.
Perhaps the modern Republican is simply much dumber than his Republican grandfather.
2
I am so jealous. It sounds like a wonderful summer for you and your daughter. I have visited many National Parks and Forests and treasure each of them I have been sickened of talk about selling these invaluable lands to the highest bidder so they can wreck them with mines, drills, deforestation. We need a full supreme court so congress cannot give OUR land away to their corporate friends for campaign donations. Vote for Democrats until congress gets their head around doing what is best for the country.
8
stewardship....abdication of the responsibility for our lands and waters is in many states nearly total...the budget cuts in connecticut where this is written have frozen scientific snd field staff (including leaving places made by retirement unfilled) and ecopolice beneath safe and effective numbers...it's that simple...where there is no will there is no way.
A few years ago, all the liberal media cried that that Federal Parks were racist. Now they are supposedly awesome?
Liberal hypocrisy at its worst...
Liberal hypocrisy at its worst...
6
The Pacific Crest Trail is for all Americans, all people for that matter. It is not a political football -- it is not the sort of land that anyone would sell. it's hard to fathom what private equity tycoons would see in a path that is maybe 10 yards wide. And there have never been any billionaires trying to buy the trail. Your digression on the Voting Rights Act is truly a stretch. And, as you well know, there aren't any luxury home in the area. and building such homes on a narrow path ain't gonna happen.. As for a brewery nearby the path, it actually might attract more hikers to your democratic trail.
Bottom line, the trail is not in danger of being sold off. Even Republicans hike and Cheryl Strayed, who revived interest in the trail, comes from a Republican family. You hiked 200 miles with your daughter, and you barely mention her. Instead you digress into tendentious polemics. If your daughter hikes again, I'm betting she will go with her friends.
Bottom line, the trail is not in danger of being sold off. Even Republicans hike and Cheryl Strayed, who revived interest in the trail, comes from a Republican family. You hiked 200 miles with your daughter, and you barely mention her. Instead you digress into tendentious polemics. If your daughter hikes again, I'm betting she will go with her friends.
4
When all else fails to hold back the Sagebrush Rebels from overturning the will of the people, we could try expressing that will by voting.
The enormous power wielded by narrow but well funded interests in Washington, DC thrives like an invasive species in a Congressional and Supreme Court ecosystem weakened by voter apathy.
This is the fundamental reason that the NRA, Big Pharma, Big Defense, Big Energy and others can obstruct the greater public interest so effectively for so long.
Clinton's pledge to overturn Citizens United would be a good start.
The enormous power wielded by narrow but well funded interests in Washington, DC thrives like an invasive species in a Congressional and Supreme Court ecosystem weakened by voter apathy.
This is the fundamental reason that the NRA, Big Pharma, Big Defense, Big Energy and others can obstruct the greater public interest so effectively for so long.
Clinton's pledge to overturn Citizens United would be a good start.
20
Bravo. The people of America own public lands and giving them to the states doesn't get our support. Most federal lands in the west are multiple use. The problem is the lack of funds to properly manage the land coupled with the greedy adjacent landowners who do not want to pay market rates for their use. What do conservatives conserve anyways?
17
Great article. One thing folks can do to help the effort beyond talking to their congressional delegation to do the right thing (and the obvious thing - adequately fund the Federal agencies) is volunteer with one of the many non-profit groups that work with the US Forest Service to maintain trails in the National Parks, Forests and the Wilderness Areas. One great group is the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation in Hungry Horse Montana (bmwf.org). That land is all of ours - lets take care of it!!
6
Of course, the WASPs who set up wilderness preservation in the USA -- such as such as Gifford Pinchot, Madison Grant (co-founder of the Save-the-Redwoods League and author of the bestseller "The Passing Of The Great Race Or The Racial Basis Of European History"), Alexander Graham Bell (the telephone inventor who was crucial in the early history of the National Geographic Society), John Muir’s close friend Henry Fairfield Osborn, David Starr Jordan (co-founder of the Sierra Club and president of Stanford), and horticulturalist Luther Burbank -- tended to be eugenicists and opponents of mass immigration.
http://takimag.com/article/the_unbearable_whiteness_of_ken_burns/print#i...
http://takimag.com/article/the_unbearable_whiteness_of_ken_burns/print#i...
2
Not only could we afford to expand and improve our parks during the Great Depression, we, with Keynesian deficit spending, put people to work on improving them!
And, like all good investments, doing so paid off far more than we put in - from the multiplier effect on wages being paid to the formerly unemployed, to the increased tourism and travel the improvements spurred, and improved health of both visitors and nearby communities.
It is tragic that most all of our political community still buys the Reagan-era lie that a good Government is run like a good Business. Because in the modern era, businesses don't have to plan for the future -- only for the next quarterly report. Any investments made have to start paying off before the next annual shareholders meetings, or those who made the investments may well be booted from the company!
We have governments in part because UNLIKE businesses, and even individuals, they can plan for the future. Not just the immediate future, but for the future of generations not yet born.
Thus it is a dual tragedy that we are squandering our parks: we're not only failing to plan for the future, we're undoing the foresight of past generations in the name of immediate gratification, political or profit-wise.
And, like all good investments, doing so paid off far more than we put in - from the multiplier effect on wages being paid to the formerly unemployed, to the increased tourism and travel the improvements spurred, and improved health of both visitors and nearby communities.
It is tragic that most all of our political community still buys the Reagan-era lie that a good Government is run like a good Business. Because in the modern era, businesses don't have to plan for the future -- only for the next quarterly report. Any investments made have to start paying off before the next annual shareholders meetings, or those who made the investments may well be booted from the company!
We have governments in part because UNLIKE businesses, and even individuals, they can plan for the future. Not just the immediate future, but for the future of generations not yet born.
Thus it is a dual tragedy that we are squandering our parks: we're not only failing to plan for the future, we're undoing the foresight of past generations in the name of immediate gratification, political or profit-wise.
13
I love the national parks, have visited my share, and have never been disappointed. I make this correction for sake of accuracy. I very much disagree that these parks are the most democratic parks out there. Blacks don't visit these parks. And the most prominent, like the Grand Canyon, are mostly visited by foreign tourists. Visiting the parks involves expensive lodging. And camping is limited to tent camping along trails. Middle class Americans far prefer car camping, usually in state parks, sometimes in national forests. It's the cheapest way to enjoy the great outdoors, and it's the only way to do it with a case of Bud.
6
Nicholas, the land may now be yours and, as you say, also belong to the descendants of other white European colonisers. But once it belonged to America's First Peoples who continue to languish in reservations, their treaties trashed and broken by those intrepid pioneers who spoke with forked tongues.
You write eloquently about the plight of Syrians. When will you have the courage to write eloquently about the plight of Native Americans?
You write eloquently about the plight of Syrians. When will you have the courage to write eloquently about the plight of Native Americans?
12
I'm with Nick, my fellow Oregonian.
America's public lands should not be sold or transferred to the states.
The states couldn't afford them, and as a result, these lands would be sold.
What has to change is the idea that public lands need to be loss leaders.
Grazing rights are laughably low, as are mining leases and energy extraction fees. The forest service sells timber allotments at a loss.
The American public needs to receive value for Roosevelt's investment in the future. Perhaps then the forest service will be able to fight fires without raiding prescriptive thinning funds, and the park service will be able to spend money on trail maintenance rather than repair of dilapidated buildings.
America's public lands should not be sold or transferred to the states.
The states couldn't afford them, and as a result, these lands would be sold.
What has to change is the idea that public lands need to be loss leaders.
Grazing rights are laughably low, as are mining leases and energy extraction fees. The forest service sells timber allotments at a loss.
The American public needs to receive value for Roosevelt's investment in the future. Perhaps then the forest service will be able to fight fires without raiding prescriptive thinning funds, and the park service will be able to spend money on trail maintenance rather than repair of dilapidated buildings.
14
My husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary in Yosemite this spring. It is truly an awesome place. We must not let greedy, narrow-minded people or corporations steal such places from us, the people.
6
As an attorney who represents primarily ranching families and small mining companies, I work with a large number of very conservative Republicans and I tend to agree with their perspective on many issues, however, I could not agree more with Mr. Kristof's column. We, as a nation, must preserve our National parks and all of the other lands managed by the Department of Interior and we must preserve our National Forests and other lands managed by the Department of Agriculture. We must do this for our children and all future generations. We must fight to fund these agencies and we must fight to encourage sensible management of these treasures. This is not and should not be a partisan issue and we should not let small radical factions of our society succeed in selling off or privatizing these lands, they must be preserved .
40
Well stated from a 360 degree point of view.
Mr. Kristof, I do find it interesting that until recently, you have been ambivalent about the function of unions. You are fortunate to have a career which allows you to spend so much time walking the trail. Many people lack that flexibility in their workplace.
10
Thanks. I hiked this trail (not all of it, but enough) when I was young. While I loved everything about that time, I must state I did not appreciate everything about the journey. Like much of that time, I took so much for granted.
I don't hike anymore, but I am appreciating things more, and don't take much for granted. Again...thanks.
I don't hike anymore, but I am appreciating things more, and don't take much for granted. Again...thanks.
5
Thanks for writing this. Enjoy your hike--your daughter is very lucky.
14
The national parks are indeed Anerica's best idea. Unfortunate, today's Republican Party has all of America's worst ideas.
VOTE.
VOTE.
32
If more money were made available for the parks, some of our wealthiest citizens would have to pay a very small amount more in taxes. This would take money from the people who matter by far the most just for the unproductive pleasure that you write about, shared by people like you and me who don't matter at all. Our Congress and the party that controls it care about the people who matter. And they've convinced more people than you would hope that their priority is correct. If the poll question asked whether it's worth even a small amount of additional taxes from even a small percentage of our citizens to preserve our parks for current and future generations, you would be disappointed at how much lower the support would be. Somehow the party that has underfunded and abdicated government, and then repeatedly campaigned against the idea of government because it functions so poorly, has outFOXed the rest of us and successfully misled and miseducated much of the population. A concerted generational effort will be needed to rekindle belief in the notion that the public good is really not such a bad idea.
13
It's a great country indeed and we should stop big money interests from squandering by controlling public policy that serves their sole and unrelenting drive to maximize profits including immigration policies that allows millions of migrants to flood into our nation to suppress wages here (who benefits: the hotel, fast food and retail industry) and public policy that allowed American manufacturers to lay off millions of Americans and move operations overseas where they can exploit submissive slave wage employees (who benefits: Apple, TV, chemical, auto etc.) Totally agree we are squandering our wilderness, forest and national parks, but we are squandering a lot more than that...it's time we take back our government from the Republicans and corporate Democrats...it's time we live out Lincoln's goal: government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We must regulate big money interests to ensure they also serve that goal too.
11
Please excuse this run-on sentence.
Isn't the REAL truth about the evolution of OUR House of Representatives (and Governors) was when, long ago, they became aware of and took advantage of their incredible access and newly found power to CONTROL: UNIVERSITY and K-12 Education; and RESEARCH from University in______(you name it subject fields...?) Voting boundaries and ACCES TO DATA from: Banking and lending (autos-homes-credit cards), SHOPPING, Cable, Mobile and landline, US Mail, Law enforcement, JAILS, PRISONS, and Courts; Satellite imagery for "exploration", weather, mining, Energy, the GRID, Water (storage, treatment, delivery, waste); business-owners and merchants that want to by or sell their research and development, products, patents, ideas, and companies...? Not to mention maintenance of basic and VITAL infrastructure, such as: parks, recreation, schools, roads, bridges, rail, pipelines, and government buildings that fall into DESPAIR. No wonder so many of them are MILLIONAIRES...! Not all of them are crooked, and some are true public servants that want to represent all their citizens. However, they FAIL us more often then they serve us, and we-as their EMPLOYERS have a right to "call them on the CARPET", and to tell them to dig that ditch or to FETCH Water...! When government officials fail to co-operate to work and serve "the People" then the People shave a RIGHT to demand an accounting...!
Isn't the REAL truth about the evolution of OUR House of Representatives (and Governors) was when, long ago, they became aware of and took advantage of their incredible access and newly found power to CONTROL: UNIVERSITY and K-12 Education; and RESEARCH from University in______(you name it subject fields...?) Voting boundaries and ACCES TO DATA from: Banking and lending (autos-homes-credit cards), SHOPPING, Cable, Mobile and landline, US Mail, Law enforcement, JAILS, PRISONS, and Courts; Satellite imagery for "exploration", weather, mining, Energy, the GRID, Water (storage, treatment, delivery, waste); business-owners and merchants that want to by or sell their research and development, products, patents, ideas, and companies...? Not to mention maintenance of basic and VITAL infrastructure, such as: parks, recreation, schools, roads, bridges, rail, pipelines, and government buildings that fall into DESPAIR. No wonder so many of them are MILLIONAIRES...! Not all of them are crooked, and some are true public servants that want to represent all their citizens. However, they FAIL us more often then they serve us, and we-as their EMPLOYERS have a right to "call them on the CARPET", and to tell them to dig that ditch or to FETCH Water...! When government officials fail to co-operate to work and serve "the People" then the People shave a RIGHT to demand an accounting...!
3
Mr. Kristoff: Thanks for your clear message about our shared inheritance--the national parks, forests, reserves and public lands--of this majestic nation. In preparation for my own jaunt next month across Scotland's own John Muir Way, I recently completed Donald Worster's "A Passion for Nature" and learned about Muir's deeply held belief in the therapeutic and humanizing effect of time spent with nature, something all visitors to nature quickly understand. Worster argued that Muir believed his mission was "saving the American soul from total surrender to materialism." Hmmm ... that works with me! Besides, were it not for the determination of leaders Muir and his Teddy Roosevelt, these great public assets would have surely been developed or compromised, much like the hallowed ground outside of Gettysburg.
9
Among William Wordsworth's most beautiful prose was the following: "Come forth into the light, and let Nature be your teacher." If only one entire party weren't dedicated to destroying everything of value in Nature, not the least of which is our entire deeply endangered planet, but alas, the GOTP is slavishly loyal to profits and plutocrats above all else. The damage done to our spectacular wildlife, our incomparable National Parks, our oceans, rivers and lakes, and our air will reach a tipping point beyond which there will be no retrieving it from total desecration - we are not yet there, but every day that the GOTP denies and delays brings us closer to that point of no return. I think of the work of the great naturalist, Henry Beston, of John Muir, and so many others, including the First Americans, who revered and understood the delicate balance between Mother Earth, Father Sky, and humans. I can only pray that enough of them find the wisdom and fragile beauty all around us, before they have destroyed it for everyone who succeeds them.
10
Thank you, Mr. Kristof--wish your words could be broadcast everywhere. The age of politicians actually caring about their country seems like a dream from the distant past. Even excellent Democratic politicians like Pres. Obama and Hillary Clinton are essentially city folk, and our "spacious mountains' majesty" isn't real to them.
Perhaps a wealthy progressive could fund a PAC that would support environmental lobbyists to keep pushing a green agenda. It has been heartbreaking to sign petitions to prevent mining interests from digging in the Grand Canyon.
Perhaps a wealthy progressive could fund a PAC that would support environmental lobbyists to keep pushing a green agenda. It has been heartbreaking to sign petitions to prevent mining interests from digging in the Grand Canyon.
9
Actually President Obama along with visiting our wilderness areas to help publicize their importance, has helped protect millions of new acres. Congress unfortunately rather fund themselves
2
The National Parks and the National Parks Service are one of the things about government that works. They are a bargain.
12
We need to save our public lands for future generations to enjoy.......
7
If only people knew how much the Congress deprives of money. Tried to call the National Labor Relations Board lately? Don't bother. There is nothing they can do for you. They don't have the money or the teeth. If you're lucky enough to be in a Union, go to them. Otherwise you're on your own.
Congress is one of the most reprehensible useless bodies ever conceived. If they aren't serving their corporate masters they are fundraising. That's it. Aggrandizing themselves or aggrandizing the oligarchs. And they are chopping up the nation bit by bit and giving it away for favors.
Congress is one of the most reprehensible useless bodies ever conceived. If they aren't serving their corporate masters they are fundraising. That's it. Aggrandizing themselves or aggrandizing the oligarchs. And they are chopping up the nation bit by bit and giving it away for favors.
29
Be very alarmed when Congress starts auctioning off the naming rights to these parks and monuments to private companies. The John Muir Doritos Trail may be in our future-wait and watch, they may try this. And please let's not allow them.
16
I am native American. This land is my land and it could be our land, but no one asked us. The land was managed. That's why it looked like it did when you got here. The extraction of wealth from this land impoverishes us. Even the use of the Antiquities Act to protect cultural resources and cultural artifacts is used against us. It's like watching the trade in stolen goods and properties right out there in the open and nothing you can do about it. Go figure.
28
We wasted money building $42 million dollar gas stations in Afghanistan why can't we spend it on the trails.
19
Every generation needs to defend our parks and wild spaces. There are always people who want to take them from us.
16
Perhaps some of the presidential campaign should be held on the Pacific Crest Trail. I'd even consider contributing to the Trump campaign if his helicopter would drop him off there. Preferably in one of the most remote areas. Without an American sherpa. The guy is on his own. Now that would be great reality television.
18
The Park System is the last refuge of all the people and serves as a bulwark against the overreaching of some tycoons, some the very rich and any number of politicians and lobbyists. There are good arguments put forward for giving lands back to some but not all of the states. Some seem quite reasonable, competition between states, long term leases, "according to standards of both parties" - but consider the public's disdain for the present Congress - an 11% approval rate. Would we want to trust "both" parties?
Republicans and Democrats haven't agreed on much of anything the last 8 years and it's likely they will not agree for 8 more years. Here is a simple suggestion: When the approval rate for Congress soars above 50%; when the tax table closes loop holes and insures the extremely wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, and when the major parties can at least agree on legislation to maintain the parks with the same care people maintain their lawns. Then we can discuss the transfer of some of the lands.
We shouldn't have long to wait because when this millennial generation comes of age in their 40's and 50's they will do it right because their mantra to change the world includes 1) the real use of power to take care that all humanity benefits and 2) that extreme wealth is only important when used for the betterment of millions of people i.e. Mark Zuckerberg's plan to give away 99 % of his wealth while still living. He is a millennial.
Republicans and Democrats haven't agreed on much of anything the last 8 years and it's likely they will not agree for 8 more years. Here is a simple suggestion: When the approval rate for Congress soars above 50%; when the tax table closes loop holes and insures the extremely wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, and when the major parties can at least agree on legislation to maintain the parks with the same care people maintain their lawns. Then we can discuss the transfer of some of the lands.
We shouldn't have long to wait because when this millennial generation comes of age in their 40's and 50's they will do it right because their mantra to change the world includes 1) the real use of power to take care that all humanity benefits and 2) that extreme wealth is only important when used for the betterment of millions of people i.e. Mark Zuckerberg's plan to give away 99 % of his wealth while still living. He is a millennial.
9
Thank you Mr. Kristof. About as well said as it can be.
I am proud that one of Idaho's Republican Congressmen, Mike Simpson, strongly opposes efforts to transfer public lands to state and private control. The other, Raul Labrador, is co-sponsor of bills that would do just that, and is supported by our backward-looking governor. Responding to Mr. Luettgen, the public lands in Idaho are not owned by the government, but by the American people. And they are remarkably unsequestered, which is why so many people use them in so many ways. Idaho's state lands are far more sequestered from use, and decidedly not public lands, since they must be managed under our state constitution for maximum financial gain.
I am proud that one of Idaho's Republican Congressmen, Mike Simpson, strongly opposes efforts to transfer public lands to state and private control. The other, Raul Labrador, is co-sponsor of bills that would do just that, and is supported by our backward-looking governor. Responding to Mr. Luettgen, the public lands in Idaho are not owned by the government, but by the American people. And they are remarkably unsequestered, which is why so many people use them in so many ways. Idaho's state lands are far more sequestered from use, and decidedly not public lands, since they must be managed under our state constitution for maximum financial gain.
35
You are so right, Nick. Teddy Roosevelt is my all time favorite president, not least of all because of his vision in helping start the NPS and our collection of amazingly wonderful public parks. I highly recommend the book, River of Doubt, about TR's trip to the Amazon, in which the struggles and dangers of exploring the wilderness are vividly detailed. We need to continue working together to protect and promote our parklands.
22
Great story, Nick. Perhaps the best thing about it is sharing the West with your daughter. While there are some of these places in the eastern two-thirds of the United States, there is nothing quite like the West for unbelievable mountain lakes, often frozen most of the winter and elevations without comparison to any other part of the country.
28
The modern GOP would sell off all National Park land in a heartbeat, at bargain basement prices to its largest campaign donors.
Believing otherwise is folly.
Believing otherwise is folly.
134
I don't mean to ruin your wilderness reverie, Nicholas, but brood for a moment on this nightmare possibility: There are a number of right wing zealots, mainly Republicans in the West and backed by Koch brothers's money, who would love to turn the management of such Wilderness & National Park wonders as the Pacific Coast Trail and Bureau of Land Management lands like Grand Canyon Escalante over to the states to manage. Now I wonder why Congressmen like Jason Chaffetz & Ron Bishop of Utah, two men, by the way, who probably can't lift a forty pound backpack to their shoulders, with Charles Koch's loot, would want to do that? Because they want to mine & drill & log off these national treasures, make a fast buck off them. According to Jane Mayer's "Dark Money" Koch companies are the most egregious polluters in the U. S. If Bishop & Chaffetz get their, and they are working overtime in Utah just to take over federal land, that snow fed creek you are sitting down by will run orange red with mining waste.
143
Messers Bishop and Chaffetz have failed to mention how the states will pay for their foolhardy initiatives aside from selling the more lucrative lands for exploitation and development. Imagine the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uintah Mountain Range with a gate and sign indicating the area is now an exclusive gated community. Or parts of southern Utah in the vicinity of Canyon Lands National Park along with the neighboring Dead Horse Point State Park littered with drill pads and mines. Oh, wait, one can already see the drill pads as you make your way to Dead Horse Point. Quite the vista the pipelines that service these wells and the pump jacks that are on the wells.
That is how the state of Utah will need to get revenue to manage those lands-exploitation and development.
That is how the state of Utah will need to get revenue to manage those lands-exploitation and development.
3
Envious of your trip!
Our parks and wilderness areas are our most precious resources and the best recreational deal ever. As safe havens for animal and plant life, they are a priceless reservoir of the biodiversity we will probably need to make it on this planet for the longterm. Their value far exceed any dollar amount we could ever try to put on them.
Thanks for this piece.
Our parks and wilderness areas are our most precious resources and the best recreational deal ever. As safe havens for animal and plant life, they are a priceless reservoir of the biodiversity we will probably need to make it on this planet for the longterm. Their value far exceed any dollar amount we could ever try to put on them.
Thanks for this piece.
51
It is, perhaps, one of the most foolish ideas regarding natural resources management in the United States to assume that local and state governments should own or manage federal lands. In western states the acreage of federal land is so vast that it would far exceed the budgets of local or state governments to maintain. It is only the most foolish people who argue against this. State and county governments do not have the funds to treat invasive weeds, maintain grazing infrastructure, employ land managers, and mitigate for wildfire. As it stands, western states, especially those with low populations, essentially receive revenue from federal lands. If know-nothing blowhard libertarian/republicans had their way, state budgets would be exhausted, and valuable resources would be degraded beyond our ability to utilize them.
73
There has been studies performed concerning state's managing these lands. Many of those studies conclusions indicated that the only way the states that gained control of those lands could financially manage those lands would be to develop, sell and/or exploit any logging or mineral extraction which would and could destroy the land and prohibit public access to those lands.
Congressmen Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, (R) Utah are "champions" of legislation that would lessen the role of the federal government in land management.
It will be a sad day for the public if, and possibly when, those public lands become the responsibility of the states and the public is no longer permitted to access those lands due to privatization.
Congressmen Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, (R) Utah are "champions" of legislation that would lessen the role of the federal government in land management.
It will be a sad day for the public if, and possibly when, those public lands become the responsibility of the states and the public is no longer permitted to access those lands due to privatization.
1
Ryan - you miss the real point of this Republican initiative. It is to take the land away from the American public, give it to the states, and then transfer it to the rich for exploitation, such as strip mining and overgrazing. That's the agenda. The Republicans know the states don't have the finances or capability to manage it - but since most of those Western states have been turned Red, it wouldn't be long before those 'public' lands would be in "public-private' partnerships for 99 year leases with ironclad guarantees and the private portion of the partnership would be happily strip mining, fracking, and overgrazing.
1
The Party of Lincoln talks about the good old days of slavery.
The Party of Teddy Roosevelt wants to turn national parks into real estate and mineral mines.
The Party of Eisenhower wants to end school integration.
The Party of Rockefeller and Javits wants to end voting and civil rights.
The Republican Party of Lincoln and his illustrious descendants is dead, replaced by Trumpist racism, Conservative selfishness, and Tea Party obstructionism.
The Party of Teddy Roosevelt wants to turn national parks into real estate and mineral mines.
The Party of Eisenhower wants to end school integration.
The Party of Rockefeller and Javits wants to end voting and civil rights.
The Republican Party of Lincoln and his illustrious descendants is dead, replaced by Trumpist racism, Conservative selfishness, and Tea Party obstructionism.
339
I gotta say, I'm with Dadof2 on this. I cannot comprehend how "liberal" became a dirty word. Whatever pretense the Republican party might make to "conservative values" or "fiscal prudence," in practice it has become the party of the rich, the greedy, the venal, the selfish. And every impoverished heart-lander who votes these clowns into office is complicit in their own destruction and the destruction of our country.
5
Perfect, Dadof2.
1
Pure. Unadulterated. Nonsense.
Republicans in congress are conniving to return lands to state control under the aegis of fostering economic growth.
If it were possible for that economic growth to equally benefit all Americans, more of us might agree with the realignment of our priorities on our natural resources. Unfortunately, economic growth by consumption of a particular resource by its nature is not universally beneficial to all Americans. If that were true, there'd be no need for individual states to assert their rights over the federal government at all - we'd all just simply agree.
This is certain - preservation of our National Parks, at the minimum, benefit all of us. Same is true for the wilderness areas Nicholas trudged through, bitten by vermin and fried by solar radiation.
There will always be private interests looking to profit from public resources. It's the nature of capitalism, and it's not all wrong.
But..
Until Republicans and Democrats alike can come up with something so universally beneficial to all of us as those lands, they should stay as they are. Owned by all of us.
If it were possible for that economic growth to equally benefit all Americans, more of us might agree with the realignment of our priorities on our natural resources. Unfortunately, economic growth by consumption of a particular resource by its nature is not universally beneficial to all Americans. If that were true, there'd be no need for individual states to assert their rights over the federal government at all - we'd all just simply agree.
This is certain - preservation of our National Parks, at the minimum, benefit all of us. Same is true for the wilderness areas Nicholas trudged through, bitten by vermin and fried by solar radiation.
There will always be private interests looking to profit from public resources. It's the nature of capitalism, and it's not all wrong.
But..
Until Republicans and Democrats alike can come up with something so universally beneficial to all of us as those lands, they should stay as they are. Owned by all of us.
31
I always admired Kristoff so I hope that what I have to say now does not seem rude.
You said that in your bucolic excursions you drank pond water that was "squirming" and that would give any dog nightmares. Some of that water may have contained parasites. Indeed, deaths from bad drinking water is one of the biggest causes of death on this planet.
I think you and your daughter need a complete work-up to rule out various infectious diseases. You may require stool tests to determine if you have intestinal parasites. Also the hordes of mosquitoes are alarming. Some of them might have transmitted all sort of obnoxious infections.
You said that in your bucolic excursions you drank pond water that was "squirming" and that would give any dog nightmares. Some of that water may have contained parasites. Indeed, deaths from bad drinking water is one of the biggest causes of death on this planet.
I think you and your daughter need a complete work-up to rule out various infectious diseases. You may require stool tests to determine if you have intestinal parasites. Also the hordes of mosquitoes are alarming. Some of them might have transmitted all sort of obnoxious infections.
8
I'm certain that Mr.. Kristoff used filtering equipment, a precaution that all modern backpackers take. The filters are extremely effective.
I believe it is safe to assume that Mr. Kristoff and his daughter used water filters. These filters are lightweight, convenient, and remove nearly all bacteria and parasites from water (99.9999%). It is not possible to hike distances such as the Pacific Crest Trail while carrying clean water. All backpackers rely on filters.
Donald Trump, with all his billions, could do a lot to help provide clean drinking water for people in our nation and all over our planet. Too bad he's not doing that, instead of making a futile run for President.
1
Well-thought out and well-argued article. I am one of those who, while having a distinct aversion to the outdoors, believe fervently that our national parks must be preserved, and that they (and the process of their founding) are a source of national pride. I believe their preservation is a reflection of when the U.S. is at its best and most patriotic, and the access of and use by people of so many diverse backgrounds when we are at our most democratic. Preservation should not be an option - it should be a requirement in perpetuity, so people like Mr. Kristol, his daughter, and the doctors, and constructions workers they meet along the way can continue to enjoy and appreciate the beauty our nation has to offer.
103
It's only a matter of time before right wing groups like ALEC draft ready made legislation which will enable large corporations a stake in our national parks. It will start with innocuous PR campaigns, "This Yellowstone Road for our enjoyment is brought to you by Verizon." The next thing will be campsites managed by Exxon, then a research field office by Johnson and Johnson, then an area of the park will be fenced off for private development- and the next thing you know... CONDOS in our National Parks... It will happen.. mark my words it will happen.
59
Too late.
This year, in a quiet move, the National Park Service is poised to begin aggressively seeking corporate sponsorship for park projects and using agency personnel as fundraisers. A proposed Parks Policy, "Director’s Order on Philanthropic Partnerships," would significantly expand the scope of corporate branding both inside and outside parks, including
Allowing display of corporate logos in a variety of park settings;
Selling corporate "donor recognition" displays on park benches, equipment, interior spaces, landscaped areas, paving stones and even theater seating; and
Licensing park names, landmarks and symbols for corporate marketing campaigns.
This year, in a quiet move, the National Park Service is poised to begin aggressively seeking corporate sponsorship for park projects and using agency personnel as fundraisers. A proposed Parks Policy, "Director’s Order on Philanthropic Partnerships," would significantly expand the scope of corporate branding both inside and outside parks, including
Allowing display of corporate logos in a variety of park settings;
Selling corporate "donor recognition" displays on park benches, equipment, interior spaces, landscaped areas, paving stones and even theater seating; and
Licensing park names, landmarks and symbols for corporate marketing campaigns.
1
It's the Liberals who will give away our national parks, not the right wing groups. They've already started doing it.
1
Aaron: That time is already here. Yosemite National Park has been one of our iconic parks for more than 125 years. But, in 2014 the concession company DNC claimed a trademark on the historic Yosemite Lodge and the Ahwahnee lodge which required the National Park Service to rename them to now be called the Yosemite Valley Lodge and the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, respectively. So, Verizon would only have to buy DNC to rename them the Verizon Lodges at Yosemite
Notwithstanding Mr. Kristof's claim to have met construction workers on the Pacific Crest Trail, the National Parks are maintained primarily for the benefit of the middle and upper middle class. How many inner city blacks from Detroit have ever visited ANY national park? The same is true of poor, rural whites - with the possible exception of some Appalachians who have been to Shenandoah or Smoky Mountains.
So yes, the parks are your inheritance, if you can afford to visit.
So yes, the parks are your inheritance, if you can afford to visit.
40
And just how will inner city Blacks from Detroit benefit from luxury condos on the rim of the Grand Canyon or private hunting enclaves elsewhere on national park lands? At least now, such folks have the chances to 1) dream and 2) rise above their current circumstances and visit those parks.
In the meantime, enjoy that Figi Water, "untouched by human hands"--well, except for the bottling factory they must have built near or on the shore, and the roads for trucking all those bottles out. I'm sure the National Parks will be equally "untouched" once the states get their greedy little mitts on them to sell off every marketable feature for private profit and enjoyment.
In the meantime, enjoy that Figi Water, "untouched by human hands"--well, except for the bottling factory they must have built near or on the shore, and the roads for trucking all those bottles out. I'm sure the National Parks will be equally "untouched" once the states get their greedy little mitts on them to sell off every marketable feature for private profit and enjoyment.
3
@ Jim: how very short-sighted your view is. I grew up in a working-class family in the 1950's. My life was greatly enriched by those publicly-supported opportunities that my family couldn't afford on its own--libraries, museums, state parks, even a national monument or two even if we didn't make it to camping trips in the West.
Thirty years later I was taking my own children to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Painted Desert, etc.
When an economy grows the way it did under the New Deal, the Square Deal, and further stimulation of government spending (GI Bill, Interstate Highways, Guaranteed Student Loans [in 1959 I had the first one that the National Bank of Geneva (NY) had ever given]), NASA. etc., we can afford almost anything we want, even if it's our children and grandchildren who get to enjoy it instead of ourselves.
Thirty years later I was taking my own children to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Painted Desert, etc.
When an economy grows the way it did under the New Deal, the Square Deal, and further stimulation of government spending (GI Bill, Interstate Highways, Guaranteed Student Loans [in 1959 I had the first one that the National Bank of Geneva (NY) had ever given]), NASA. etc., we can afford almost anything we want, even if it's our children and grandchildren who get to enjoy it instead of ourselves.
3
Sure, everyone in America hasn't visited a national park but the opportunity for them to go sometime in their lifetime is still an option. My parents were immigrants and both of them worked at a time when most mothers stayed home. We never had extras but every few years we took a two week vacation to a national park or seashore within driving distance. It instilled in me a reverence for the beauty of the natural world. As an older adult, I'm still working on trying to see the rest of the parks as I can afford it.
4
Sorry, Richard, but I disagree. Once you breach the barrier, it will eventually tumble down, and we will have significantly reduced public lands for the people. On the surface, your idea sounds fair, but it will end the government protection for the land, animals, and visitors to the parks and monuments.
If Congress can come up with millions of dollars to investigate non-crimes, they can come up with some to protect our wilderness. Many students would treasure the opportunity to work with forest rangers to maintain the trails and other sites and learn about conservation, the land, the animals, and visitors in the parks. Offer a stipend and room and board, even a ground cloth and sleeping bag!
Please don't think that we can count on states to protect our national lands. Quite a few states admit they see park land as unexploited resources that some crony corporations can "manage." If a corporation wants to extract resources from federal land, let them make a proposal to the Park Service, submit it, get approval, and pay for the privilege. Share a portion of the proceeds equally between the Park Service and the states.
If Congress can come up with millions of dollars to investigate non-crimes, they can come up with some to protect our wilderness. Many students would treasure the opportunity to work with forest rangers to maintain the trails and other sites and learn about conservation, the land, the animals, and visitors in the parks. Offer a stipend and room and board, even a ground cloth and sleeping bag!
Please don't think that we can count on states to protect our national lands. Quite a few states admit they see park land as unexploited resources that some crony corporations can "manage." If a corporation wants to extract resources from federal land, let them make a proposal to the Park Service, submit it, get approval, and pay for the privilege. Share a portion of the proceeds equally between the Park Service and the states.
137
You are right on the money. States would allow companies to frack, dig and exploit our national resources for money, no two ways about it. Companies would destroy the environment, promise to clean up and then, once finished with exploiding the area, walk away and never look back and never mind the promise of cleaning up the toxic mess and restoring the area. We have seen that scenario or movie before. The individual states would take the monies they receive for these ventures and put it in a general fund and never use them in support of our national parks.
For the Republicans it is all about how much money they can make and never mind the ordinary citizens of this country and the environment.
For the Republicans it is all about how much money they can make and never mind the ordinary citizens of this country and the environment.
1
Our national parks are one of this nations greatest assets. Accessible by anyone with the desire to get outdoors and enjoy clean mountain air. Losing this priceless and irreplaceable resource would be tragic. Thank you for the magnificent photos.
1
They are called Republicants for a reason.
18
The Mitch McConnell-led Senate and the Paul Ryan-led House refuse to allocate money for necessary presidential appointments to federal courts, for vital cabinet-level personnel and for common-sense regulatory agencies.
It cannot be a surprise that "the party of No!" would throw a tantrum and punish the rest of us with determined and continued mean-spirited spite because they hate President Obama (and us).
The GOP is telling us that this country is (or should be) for the rich, should be controlled and administered by the rich and the rest of us should be glad of it. One has only to contrast this backwardness with the incomprehensible wonder that is Canada's Banff National Park. Friends who live outside of the U. S. tell me they would never consider any U. S. National park as a holiday site because even their brochures can't disguise that the parks aren't a whole lot different from dilapidated inner city ghetto cousins: neglected, run-down, practically abandoned due to under-funding.
Earlier this year, the Times ran a piece about (sorry I can't be more detailed here) Navajo tribes suing to reclaim or to hold on to sacred tribal lands. Angry GOP congressmen, in concert with state legislators and local (wealthy) donors, are determined to block President Obama's promise to side with the plaintiffs since their intent is to use these (and other) lands to sell off for private development for private use.
They all but scream "American citizens! stay the hell out of here!"
It cannot be a surprise that "the party of No!" would throw a tantrum and punish the rest of us with determined and continued mean-spirited spite because they hate President Obama (and us).
The GOP is telling us that this country is (or should be) for the rich, should be controlled and administered by the rich and the rest of us should be glad of it. One has only to contrast this backwardness with the incomprehensible wonder that is Canada's Banff National Park. Friends who live outside of the U. S. tell me they would never consider any U. S. National park as a holiday site because even their brochures can't disguise that the parks aren't a whole lot different from dilapidated inner city ghetto cousins: neglected, run-down, practically abandoned due to under-funding.
Earlier this year, the Times ran a piece about (sorry I can't be more detailed here) Navajo tribes suing to reclaim or to hold on to sacred tribal lands. Angry GOP congressmen, in concert with state legislators and local (wealthy) donors, are determined to block President Obama's promise to side with the plaintiffs since their intent is to use these (and other) lands to sell off for private development for private use.
They all but scream "American citizens! stay the hell out of here!"
31
I too walked (half) the John Muir Trail in California with my daughter - in 2008. Those memories will last a lifetime. Thanks so much for this great piece! To me, public lands, and especially backpacking on them is the perfect expression of freedom and self-reliance. Hopefully our next Congress will recognize the value of our shared natural heritage and fund these lands adequately.
18
A wonderful essay. Thank you for sharing.
13
A fine and even eloquent summary of the value of preserving extensive wild landscapes in perpetuity, and a cogent example (not that there isn't already a great abundance of such cases) of how extensively incompetent and dysfunctional America political system, and particularly the two main political parties (and most especially the Republicans), have become. Even the so-called Green Party is devoting almost no attention to combating the absurd and patently ignorant policies which "save" a negligible pittance of federal funds by starving the federal agencies of financing for protecting the viability of public lands.
16
Just read today that the two Republican senators from Utah have introduced a bill trying to further open up Wilderness Area to trail bikes....the U.S. West needs to squelch the "Sagebrush Rebellion" mentality and realize what a treasure we have here for everyone to enjoy!
36
I couldn't agree more. Those parks are worth every penny. Thanks for another great column!
14
What a great adventure! We have done much of the trail between the Crater Lake area to a point about even with a line drawn between Eugene and Bend, OR. I envy your time to do this, while still having the time to spend a number of days in Ashland.
An old high school friend from the Portland area has spent a great deal of time on conservation activities in Oregon, especially in the northern Oregon Cascades, continuing policies and activities put in place when his father was the Governor. A wonderful contribution to the state.
Enjoy your time back in the "motherland." Every person I know agrees with your comment in the third paragraph from the end of this piece. And Wilson and Roosevelt did a great service (no pun) to the country establishing, enabling then reorganizing the assembled collection of parks, monuments, etc. to the benefit of all citizens in the U.S. it would be great to see all raise a toast on Thursday to continued growth of the system.
An old high school friend from the Portland area has spent a great deal of time on conservation activities in Oregon, especially in the northern Oregon Cascades, continuing policies and activities put in place when his father was the Governor. A wonderful contribution to the state.
Enjoy your time back in the "motherland." Every person I know agrees with your comment in the third paragraph from the end of this piece. And Wilson and Roosevelt did a great service (no pun) to the country establishing, enabling then reorganizing the assembled collection of parks, monuments, etc. to the benefit of all citizens in the U.S. it would be great to see all raise a toast on Thursday to continued growth of the system.
16
Mr. Kristof, now I see one of your biggest antidotes to the challenge of being up close to many of the world's man-made tragedies, communing with Nature. Anyone with compassion like yourself must be in danger of seeing too much human greed, ignorance and ambivalence toward suffering.
I must remember to use more of the time I have left taking in the beauty of nature in its glorious solitude to restore perspective.
I must remember to use more of the time I have left taking in the beauty of nature in its glorious solitude to restore perspective.
15
Thank you, Nicholas, for sharing the time you spend with your daughter and love of the outdoors with your readers. There is no better gift to give each other...I've been Blessed to take graduated HS seniors on backpacking trips to CO and hike 14ers! Blisters, mosquitos and sunburns don't tell the whole story. Those dozen trips have been some of the highlights of my life and I was the last one up to the top! God Bless, Marianne McGriff
9
Just before reading the column about N. Kristof's hike in Calif. I was sorting through pictures of my late husband many backpacking trips in that very area.
He laments that the money is lacking to maintain and repair these trails. I know that Gov. Brown started a program called the Conservation Corps- would it not make sense to expand that kind of program to include incarcerated young and non-violent prisoners and introduce them to a heallthy outdoor life while teaching them skills that can be useful later in life. This would also cost the taxpayer less than incarceration.
He laments that the money is lacking to maintain and repair these trails. I know that Gov. Brown started a program called the Conservation Corps- would it not make sense to expand that kind of program to include incarcerated young and non-violent prisoners and introduce them to a heallthy outdoor life while teaching them skills that can be useful later in life. This would also cost the taxpayer less than incarceration.
74
If Donald Trump gets elected, he'll be building casinos at Yellowstone.
31
And bankrupting them shortly thereafter.
1
If 95% of us want our national parks to be preserved and cared for, why isn't this being done? Because we don't live in a democracy any more. Corporations who see money where the rest of us see natural beauty are calling the shots on the national parks and everything else, unless we use our votes and our voices to make big changes at all levels.
160
That America is still a democracy is a myth. We are an oligarchy through and through
Indeed, Congress is the biggest threat to our national parks. Our parks, roads, bridges, highways, and transportation systems are crippling;It just feels that our national pride is eroding. We need champions like Theodore Roosevelt.
43
Conservative---Conservationist ... it took people like Lee Atwater, Frank Luntz, Roger Ailes, Rupert Murdoch, and Ronald Reagan to "redefine" the meaning of these words.
31
Ay Yaa! Enjoy your family and have them enjoy you. Of course you have made the whole human race your family. -Rudy
6
So sad, and I have visited less than a handful of our natural wonders in my entire life (parts of the Green Mountains and White Mountains in New England, Acadia in Maine, and a few old-growth and seaside National Parks in California). I have never undertaken the rigors of days or weeks-long wilderness hiking that I admire in people like Mr. Kristof and others like him and his daughter, but have never really attempted myself.
These are, indeed, priceless treasures that we should all value, even if we personally have not experienced them. I know from my own lack of experience of a certain poverty in it.
This is why I am just outraged by the complete lack of appreciation from so many of our especially conservative politicians and their willingness to squander our national wealth so carelessly. As Mr. Kristof notes, the very idea and act of establishing these national treasures for future generations was the patrimony of real conservatives in the first place.
Has individual greed and privilege so overcome those who claim the "conservative" high ground that they cannot prioritize the preservation of our priceless national heritage?
These are, indeed, priceless treasures that we should all value, even if we personally have not experienced them. I know from my own lack of experience of a certain poverty in it.
This is why I am just outraged by the complete lack of appreciation from so many of our especially conservative politicians and their willingness to squander our national wealth so carelessly. As Mr. Kristof notes, the very idea and act of establishing these national treasures for future generations was the patrimony of real conservatives in the first place.
Has individual greed and privilege so overcome those who claim the "conservative" high ground that they cannot prioritize the preservation of our priceless national heritage?
78
No doubt about it, establishing National Parks was America's best idea, and it would be a travesty if any of the parks were turned over to the states. However, Canada had the same good idea, some 19 years earlier, when it established Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains (1887) (it had been set aside as a "preserve" a couple of years earlier).
Good hiking to you.
Good hiking to you.
37
Yellowstone was set aside as a park in 1872, and Mackinac in 1875. Australia gets the bronze (Royal, 1879). Look it up.
1
Sorry, Yellowstone was designated as the first national park in 1872. This year marks the anniversary of the National Park Service, the agency that manages the parks.
During its early years, Yellowstone was run by the US cavalry.
During its early years, Yellowstone was run by the US cavalry.
1
Bravo, Nick!! You painfully and eloquently voice the frustrations and outrage of millions of like-minded citizens for whom the NPS system is the "crown jewels" of American citizenship. The irresponsible, short-sighted neglect of Congress to properly maintain these treasures is, quite simply, UNFORGIVABLE. May they be properly chastened on Election Day!
90
thanks sharing . seems you two caught the transforming spirit our Wilderness . safe return .
14
Sadly the drive to "give back " public lands to the states, who will likely sell them or lease them or commercial exploitation, is little more than a shallow attempt to make a fast buck today and the heck with tomorrow. The argument that the Constitution doesn't allow the Federal Government to own land is absurd. These lands are owned by us, as Nic mentioned, but there are problems. Sadly the federal government has not always been the smartest manager but unlike the states, who often lock people out, most federal land is open for hunting, fishing, bike riding, hiking, floating or paddling. Trump may have been the final straw driving me out of the party but the irresponsible, short sighted movement to shrink public lands, one of the best ideas ever to emerge from government, was pushing me to that inevitable action. Shame on the short sighted fast buck artist who want to steal the lands we, the public, already own.
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94
Seems like in this day and age working on a farm would be more to the point instead of gassing up and running thousands of miles to find happiness in a faraway place that will soon disappear due to global warming. Oh, gee whiz, he wants to get the sights in before the deluge.
2
Chapkoski,
Are you meaning to say that no one should go to these places and experience what it's like to see a desert vista or a mountain goat scrambling up a cliff? What could be wrong with this? Yes, it may all be lost, but why the contempt?
Are you meaning to say that no one should go to these places and experience what it's like to see a desert vista or a mountain goat scrambling up a cliff? What could be wrong with this? Yes, it may all be lost, but why the contempt?
1
No, you have it all backwards. If you have never been in a real wilderness, with the land and its biota existing pretty much as god made them. It is only by being able to see what is happening to such land and seascapes as the planet continues to warm that we have a clue as to what is really happening.
1
Hiking and camping are awesome.
1
We need to preserve, not continue to pollute and destroy, our natural heritage. However, that is not way of humans of all parties - greed knows no boundaries - though it may be more prevalent in some.
24
We, too, have back packed the John Muir trail with our 2 children in hte late 70's; in fact, I shudder to think that the lake you pictured is, I believe, the very lake I encouraged our 12 year old daughter to take a dip (and swim) in. I love your approach of stating our ownership.
It's easy to complain about taxes without considering the privileges they bring us - beyond safety and infrastructure, there is public education and justice. The current politics are frightening, but we can only hope the optimists like you and us can share with our communities the bounties we share and pay for.
Love your columns; thank you so much.
It's easy to complain about taxes without considering the privileges they bring us - beyond safety and infrastructure, there is public education and justice. The current politics are frightening, but we can only hope the optimists like you and us can share with our communities the bounties we share and pay for.
Love your columns; thank you so much.
122
Our national parks are examples of socialism, their destiny decided by politicians and bureaucrats (who hopefully act for the people) rather than market forces and market-driven, competitive actors. They are also examples of our existence as citizens (since it is as citizens that we own them in common) rather than consumers.
Market-worshippers do not want us to think of ourselves as citizens because their power over us increases when we conceive of ourselves only as consumers. Then, voting is just another consumer choice and government is just one of many consumer objects. Our public lands are not only areas that are wasted because they cannot be exploited for economic gain. They are areas that are outside the world of consumption, and thus remind us that such (socialist) areas are possible and perhaps desirable.
In other countries, public lands, historical heritage, health care, and education are overtly and proudly socialistic in that they are provided to all as rights rather than purchased by those who can afford them. Our programs are often stingy and incomplete. We have been taught to think of them as burdens rather than as making real and concrete our common existence as citizens.
Market-worshippers do not want us to think of ourselves as citizens because their power over us increases when we conceive of ourselves only as consumers. Then, voting is just another consumer choice and government is just one of many consumer objects. Our public lands are not only areas that are wasted because they cannot be exploited for economic gain. They are areas that are outside the world of consumption, and thus remind us that such (socialist) areas are possible and perhaps desirable.
In other countries, public lands, historical heritage, health care, and education are overtly and proudly socialistic in that they are provided to all as rights rather than purchased by those who can afford them. Our programs are often stingy and incomplete. We have been taught to think of them as burdens rather than as making real and concrete our common existence as citizens.
66
I hiked a short section of the John Muir Trail last week. I've posted some pictures on my blog at the link below.
https://schrodingerblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/some-pictures-from-john-mui...
The argument that 'these lands are under threat from Republicans' is a standard liberal meme. It is very disingenuous of Kristof to link this to national parks. Yosemite was a California state park before it was a national park, with the initial land grant signed by President Lincoln. The state of California will protect our High Sierra even if the federal government doesn't.
The areas where there is controversy over Federal control are semi-arid parts of Nevada. Those areas look nothing like the pictures that Kristof has posted.
https://schrodingerblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/some-pictures-from-john-mui...
The argument that 'these lands are under threat from Republicans' is a standard liberal meme. It is very disingenuous of Kristof to link this to national parks. Yosemite was a California state park before it was a national park, with the initial land grant signed by President Lincoln. The state of California will protect our High Sierra even if the federal government doesn't.
The areas where there is controversy over Federal control are semi-arid parts of Nevada. Those areas look nothing like the pictures that Kristof has posted.
2
California may, but what about Nevada and Utah. The mining and logging companies are salivating waiting for the states can control these lands again.
5
Basically, incorrect. The Republican Congress has had its eyes on most all public lands for many years now, including the national parks, and the situation has become progressively worse as the GOP has evolved toward an ever more extreme ideology. Having worked as an environmental activist for some years, I can tell you that Republican proposals for open-pit mines, oil drilling, clearcut logging, dams and water diversions, and other marvelous similar ideas IN THE NATIONAL PARKS are beaten back almost every year. Now more than ever, we must not allow complacency in protecting our wild places, because the Republicans are quite ready to take them away from us all.
H. Peters
H. Peters
5
Thank goodness for President Lincoln's wisdom. Yosemite was subsequently transferred, and expanded, into the National Park Service. Even then, it took years to remove the squatters who operated illegal lodging and grazing in the Valley and high country. California can't protect what it does not own.
And if you think these treasures won't be exploited by capitalists, look at what the last valley operator did after their lease expired--claimed to own the names that had described Yosemite and its sites for a century! This is a former tenant exhibiting spitefulness that is costing us plenty for (hopefully temporary) replacement signs, brochures, litigation, etc. I'd call it extortion.
This endeavor is about private exploitation for the few at the expense of the many, as well as diminishing our precious natural spaces.
And if you think these treasures won't be exploited by capitalists, look at what the last valley operator did after their lease expired--claimed to own the names that had described Yosemite and its sites for a century! This is a former tenant exhibiting spitefulness that is costing us plenty for (hopefully temporary) replacement signs, brochures, litigation, etc. I'd call it extortion.
This endeavor is about private exploitation for the few at the expense of the many, as well as diminishing our precious natural spaces.
4
The second picture here looks like it is in the Upper Basin of the Kings River. north of Taboose Pass, it is one of my favorite parts of the Muir Trail.
I have soloed the trail from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney, been on the trail many other times, climbed most of the peaks in the Sierra, spent many hours of solitude looking at the stars unencumbered b city lights, had fresh trout for dinner, watched the marmots and pikas play, had Clark's Nutcrackers try to steal food from me.
Slept through summer lightening storms that lit up my tent. It is a wondrous place, a national treasure. You can bet there are people who would find a way to build a hotel here, those who believe a buck is worth more than grand vistas. I have met people who find the quiet upsetting, they are to used to the noise of the cities. No radios here, no horns blaring, motors running, it is peace, you come back rested and refreshed.
We see those who would give it all away for a buck, all they can see is money. What a miserable existence that is.
I have soloed the trail from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney, been on the trail many other times, climbed most of the peaks in the Sierra, spent many hours of solitude looking at the stars unencumbered b city lights, had fresh trout for dinner, watched the marmots and pikas play, had Clark's Nutcrackers try to steal food from me.
Slept through summer lightening storms that lit up my tent. It is a wondrous place, a national treasure. You can bet there are people who would find a way to build a hotel here, those who believe a buck is worth more than grand vistas. I have met people who find the quiet upsetting, they are to used to the noise of the cities. No radios here, no horns blaring, motors running, it is peace, you come back rested and refreshed.
We see those who would give it all away for a buck, all they can see is money. What a miserable existence that is.
157
I live in a Seattle neighborhood where after a beautiful, very warm day, I went outside to spend a little time in my recliner, and was mesmerized by the concert of bird voices in the trees, dozens of happily contented voices harmonizing in a way no orchestra could ever replicate.
When we speak of preservation of the crown jewels of America, our National Parks and wilderness areas and forest lands, we need to remember that the natural world calms and refreshes us. And that in addition to our own needs, provides refuge and solace for millions of other living beings, beings who often know and understand much about harmony that we can learn from them.
Those who wish to sell off, subdivide and profit mightily from our public lands have no interest in doing what is best for the great community of us and other living beings, but merely, driven by greed and selfishness, to profit.
We must never give up our 'public lands' for the avarice of a few, remembering always the wisdom of those who came before us, from all sides of the political spectrum, who understood just how very precious and irreplaceable those public lands are.
When we speak of preservation of the crown jewels of America, our National Parks and wilderness areas and forest lands, we need to remember that the natural world calms and refreshes us. And that in addition to our own needs, provides refuge and solace for millions of other living beings, beings who often know and understand much about harmony that we can learn from them.
Those who wish to sell off, subdivide and profit mightily from our public lands have no interest in doing what is best for the great community of us and other living beings, but merely, driven by greed and selfishness, to profit.
We must never give up our 'public lands' for the avarice of a few, remembering always the wisdom of those who came before us, from all sides of the political spectrum, who understood just how very precious and irreplaceable those public lands are.
309
Perhaps we need to work harder as a community to ensure that all our children have opportunities to visit the wilderness and learn to love and respect it - how can they learn about its wonders if they never get to experience it as children?
3
Very beautifully written - I had the good fortune to camp in Yellowstone,
Zion, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon several years ago. The majesty
of these places almost defies description. To parcel them out to the highest bidder is tantamout to desecration.
Zion, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon several years ago. The majesty
of these places almost defies description. To parcel them out to the highest bidder is tantamout to desecration.
3
What a wonderful trip for you and your daughter, Mr. Kristof.
You say, "Pioneering conservationists like Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot were enormously wealthy themselves and could afford their own private retreats. But they believed in a kind of democracy that gave the humblest citizen not only the vote but also access to the nation’s natural wonders." These are the kind of Americans we want running OUR country - not corporate lackeys.
America is breathtakingly beautiful. Surely the vast majority of us will have the good sense to kick the America haters out of elected office at every level to retain our shared national treasures. WE can stop greed and profit-at-all-cost with OUR votes and grassroots synergy - that is the ONLY way to stop them.
You say, "Pioneering conservationists like Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot were enormously wealthy themselves and could afford their own private retreats. But they believed in a kind of democracy that gave the humblest citizen not only the vote but also access to the nation’s natural wonders." These are the kind of Americans we want running OUR country - not corporate lackeys.
America is breathtakingly beautiful. Surely the vast majority of us will have the good sense to kick the America haters out of elected office at every level to retain our shared national treasures. WE can stop greed and profit-at-all-cost with OUR votes and grassroots synergy - that is the ONLY way to stop them.
376
As long as we keep clear title to the National Parks, all else can be fixed.
Of course, in time all of us will be dead. We really ought to jump to and get this done. But if we don't, it isn't the end, just an unnecessary loss in the moment.
Then again, Republicans keep trying to sell if off, which would be a permanent, irredeemable loss. To stop that, we could actually justify Cliven Bundy's approach, although we know he himself would be on the wrong side.
Of course, in time all of us will be dead. We really ought to jump to and get this done. But if we don't, it isn't the end, just an unnecessary loss in the moment.
Then again, Republicans keep trying to sell if off, which would be a permanent, irredeemable loss. To stop that, we could actually justify Cliven Bundy's approach, although we know he himself would be on the wrong side.
63
Help Trump into office and the sale will close.
Probably to an offshore golf course concern with Russian partners. And a hideous gold tower will inexplicably grow.
Going to help facilitate that?
Vote Hillary. Please.
Probably to an offshore golf course concern with Russian partners. And a hideous gold tower will inexplicably grow.
Going to help facilitate that?
Vote Hillary. Please.
5
The National Parks are the crown jewel of America's heritage. Once they're despoiled, that crown jewel is compromised.
Some of my best moments have been spent in the nation's National Parks, and they are sources of recreation and tourism income for millions. A smart policy would be to direct funding to preserving and enhancing these marvels, and to encourage economic growth through related conservation and ecotourism initiatives.
Some of my best moments have been spent in the nation's National Parks, and they are sources of recreation and tourism income for millions. A smart policy would be to direct funding to preserving and enhancing these marvels, and to encourage economic growth through related conservation and ecotourism initiatives.
218
Republicans in Congress agitating for return of some federal lands to the states are excessive in their aims, mostly because their aims probably are not actionable unless they develop majorities far out of line with current projections.
The federal government owns and controls too much land out west. Some states are absurdly over-owned by the feds – over 80% of Nevada. Some of these states should be forced to give up a U.S. senator. In Nevada’s case, I’d be happy to sacrifice Harry Reid early, even though he’s retiring at the end of this year.
When the federal government owns and sequesters so much of a state’s land, it limits the ability of the state to compete economically with eastern states and encourage businesses to grow to provide jobs for its residents.
The wise path would be to award states (very) long-term leases on federal lands that lie within their borders and allow mixed-uses of those lands according to standards that both parties agree to. That would be a sensible compromise that preserved our wilderness areas while supporting economic growth and economic justice to our western states – and a piece of increased taxes on the use could be employed to better maintain the wilderness areas.
TOO sensible? Probably.
The federal government owns and controls too much land out west. Some states are absurdly over-owned by the feds – over 80% of Nevada. Some of these states should be forced to give up a U.S. senator. In Nevada’s case, I’d be happy to sacrifice Harry Reid early, even though he’s retiring at the end of this year.
When the federal government owns and sequesters so much of a state’s land, it limits the ability of the state to compete economically with eastern states and encourage businesses to grow to provide jobs for its residents.
The wise path would be to award states (very) long-term leases on federal lands that lie within their borders and allow mixed-uses of those lands according to standards that both parties agree to. That would be a sensible compromise that preserved our wilderness areas while supporting economic growth and economic justice to our western states – and a piece of increased taxes on the use could be employed to better maintain the wilderness areas.
TOO sensible? Probably.
12
Richard Luettgen i
"Republicans in Congress agitating for return of some federal lands to the states are excessive in their aim."
You just can't even get your facts straight. The states never owned these lands, they were bought by the U.S. using the taxpayers money, these western states were not states they were territories, the land belongs to all the people, to be come states they agreed to no claims for these lands.
"The federal government owns and controls too much land out west. Some states are absurdly over-owned by the feds – over 80% of Nevada. "
Only for right wing ideologues like you, and rural ranchers like Cliven Bundy who want to use it for free.
You just can not give up trying to rewrite history, and twisting the facts.
In case you have not noticed, the majority of the American public is opposed to giving their rightfully owned lands to developers, expropriators of the natural resources, destruction like mountain top removal, pollution with mine tailings, all in the name of a buck, at our expense.
Remember James Watt, well we got rid of him, and we will get rid of others like him. We will save our grand vistas, open recreation, solitude, and escapes from the likes of the GOP cult.
"Republicans in Congress agitating for return of some federal lands to the states are excessive in their aim."
You just can't even get your facts straight. The states never owned these lands, they were bought by the U.S. using the taxpayers money, these western states were not states they were territories, the land belongs to all the people, to be come states they agreed to no claims for these lands.
"The federal government owns and controls too much land out west. Some states are absurdly over-owned by the feds – over 80% of Nevada. "
Only for right wing ideologues like you, and rural ranchers like Cliven Bundy who want to use it for free.
You just can not give up trying to rewrite history, and twisting the facts.
In case you have not noticed, the majority of the American public is opposed to giving their rightfully owned lands to developers, expropriators of the natural resources, destruction like mountain top removal, pollution with mine tailings, all in the name of a buck, at our expense.
Remember James Watt, well we got rid of him, and we will get rid of others like him. We will save our grand vistas, open recreation, solitude, and escapes from the likes of the GOP cult.
301
Too sensible by half. Your proposal would allow the land to be destroyed for the sake of short-term gains.
52
As always Richard, you expose a naivete I find truly astounding for someone who seems fairly articulate. What mixed use, pray tell, do you envision for someplace like Yellowstone National Park? Perhaps you believe that energy companies and their republican shills will show the land the respect it deserves. After all, they have a long history of, oops, never mind.
Maybe I'm wrong, perhaps you believe the Bundys and their like minded "followers" should be given land they never owned to do whatever it is they would like to do on/to that land. I'm sure they'd be fantastic stewards of our shared national heritage.
Have you ever hiked miles into the Teton's back country? Laid out under the stars in the Grand Canyon with the Milky Way unfolding before you eyes, and only the sound of the Colorado River rushing by? Backpacked a hundred miles into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, with no trails, no GPS, and only a map and compass to guide you? Kayaked in Blackstone Bay, off of Prince William Sound with tidewater glaciers calving all around you? Climbed Mount Katahdin? Have you taken advantage of these or any of the thousands of adventures made possible by the preservation of our absolutely unmatched natural resources?
If it is all the same to you, I'd like it very much if the Federal Government and National Park Service continued as the keeper of these great treasures. Now, if only we had a functional Congress to ensure adequate funding to make this a reality.
Maybe I'm wrong, perhaps you believe the Bundys and their like minded "followers" should be given land they never owned to do whatever it is they would like to do on/to that land. I'm sure they'd be fantastic stewards of our shared national heritage.
Have you ever hiked miles into the Teton's back country? Laid out under the stars in the Grand Canyon with the Milky Way unfolding before you eyes, and only the sound of the Colorado River rushing by? Backpacked a hundred miles into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, with no trails, no GPS, and only a map and compass to guide you? Kayaked in Blackstone Bay, off of Prince William Sound with tidewater glaciers calving all around you? Climbed Mount Katahdin? Have you taken advantage of these or any of the thousands of adventures made possible by the preservation of our absolutely unmatched natural resources?
If it is all the same to you, I'd like it very much if the Federal Government and National Park Service continued as the keeper of these great treasures. Now, if only we had a functional Congress to ensure adequate funding to make this a reality.
142
But those of us whore are progressive have to accept that some of what's happened is our own fault. We simply don't show up to vote in sufficient numbers in midterm elections. The right wing doesn't have that problem. We must get our act together if we are to move our agenda forward.