Parkography

The Wild True Story of the Man Trapped on Devils Tower

A $50 bet turned into a six-day national spectacle atop Devils Tower: The bizarre true story of George Hopkins—the daredevil parachutist who leapt onto the summit of America’s first national monument... and couldn’t get down.
Stranded on the iconic rock formation for nearly a week, Hopkins sparked a media frenzy, drew thousands of spectators, and prompted wild rescue offers from blimps to military helicopters—all thanks to a friendly wager.
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NPS Layoffs Paused, Bear That Flips Dumpsters Killed, Endangered Species Change Threatens Rivers

Massive job cuts at the National Park Service are paused while contract approval at the US Forest Service is slowing cleaning and maintenance. A bear that can flip 800lb dumpsters is euthanized, hunting and fishing are expanded in wildlife refuges, and a hiker tells her harrowing tale of being lost for 24 days, surviving on wild leeks and boiled snow.
Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography
Comment on federal regulations here: https://www.regulations.gov/

Behind the Lens: Capturing the Wild with the Creators of PBS's "View Finders"

In this episode of Parkography, I sit down with Chris Greer and Paul Daniel, the adventurous creators behind the PBS series View Finders. We dive into their creative journeys, the challenges of capturing the perfect shot in the wild, and their mission to inspire a deeper connection to nature through their work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just someone who loves the call of the wild, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Hosted By: Jason Epperson
Guests:
Chris Greer: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaniel5010/
Paul Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaniel5010/
View Finders on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/view-finders/
View Finders on Instagram: @viewfinderstv
Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography
 

40% Cut To Park Service? National Parks Handed Over To States? Trump's Budget Proposal

In this National Park and Public Lands news roundup, we dive into the proposed 38% budget cut for the National Park Service, which could lead to the removal of some sites from the system. We cover the Interior Department's leaked plans to allow drilling, mining, and selling off federal land, as well as the potential reopening of Alcatraz as a federal prison. Updates on Yosemite's summer reservations, a tragic crash near Yellowstone, various park closures, and more.
Find the  Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:35 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove01:22 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal for National Parks03:09 Leaked Interior Department Plan for Federal Lands04:20 National Monuments and Endangered Species05:15 House Appropriations Bill and National Park Funding07:18 Staffing Issues and USACE Campground Closures11:26 Yosemite Summer Reservations13:01 Tragic Crash Near Yellowstone13:41 Theft at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park14:24 Jackson Hole Airport Achieves Dark Sky Status15:18 Conclusion

How One Piece of Litter Changed a National Park Forever

In this episode, we explore the surprising impact of litter in our national parks, beginning with a vivid story from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Hear how a single discarded bag of Cheetos disrupted the delicate ecosystem of one of the largest limestone chambers and what it reveals about the broader issue of trash in parks. Discover the ongoing efforts to manage waste and tips on how you can minimize your footprint while enjoying these natural treasures.
Written By James Fester
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/
Don't Feed the Landfills: 
https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/programs/reducing-waste-sent-to-landfills
https://www.nps.gov/dena/getinvolved/zero-landfill.htm
 
 
 

Elon Musk’s DOGE Now Directly Controls the National Park Service

In a stunning shift of federal power, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now holds sweeping authority over the U.S. Department of the Interior — including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and more. DOGE appointee Tyler Hassen, a private oil exec, has been handed the keys to over 500 million acres of federal land with zero oversight.

Witness Trees: Silent Sentinels of American History

In this episode, delve into the fascinating world of 'Witness Trees'—trees that have stood the test of time and witnessed key moments in American history. From the Civil War battlefields of Antietam, Gettysburg, and Manassas to the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, these trees have borne silent witness to significant events. We explore the stories and historical significance of several protected trees, including the Burnside Sycamore, the Oklahoma City Survivor Tree, and the iconic Jackson Magnolia at the White House. Through these stories, we're reminded of the resilience and endurance symbolized by these natural sentinels.
Written By Lizzie TeschNarrated By Jason Epperson
00:00 Introduction: Witness Trees of America02:24 Witness Trees of the Civil War03:05 The Sycamore at Antietam07:55 The Survivor Tree of Oklahoma City11:34 Witness Trees in Washington DC12:24 The Legacy of Jackson's Magnolia Tree14:55 Conclusion: The Importance of Witness Trees

DOGE Cuts National Park Facilities, Troops Sent to Big Bend, Yosemite Reservation System On Hold

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Parkography! This episode is the first of our monthly comprehensive news roundups on national parks and public lands. Today' we're covering the reinstatement of federal employees, cuts to federal facilities, an executive order on historic monuments, military deployments to Big Bend National Park, potential changes to Yosemite's timed-entry reservation system, Alaskan oil exploration, and various lawsuits concerning logging in national forests. Stay informed about all the latest changes and decisions affecting America's public lands.
00:00 Introduction01:29 Federal Employee Reinstatements and Workforce Reductions03:29 Federal Building Lease Cancellations04:56 Review of Historic Monuments and Memorials06:22 Military Deployment to Big Bend National Park07:32 Yosemite National Park Reservation System Controversy09:00 Opening Alaskan Oil Resources10:25 Logging Controversies in National Forests14:10 Wild Horse Adoption Incentive Program Halted15:12 Hurricane Helene's Impact on Blue Ridge Parkway16:31 Conclusion