"Preserving Change": How the National Park Service Protects the Dynamic Nature of Our National Parks

Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin ~ NPS

National parks are often seen as timeless, unchanging landscapes—places where visitors can experience nature at its most pristine. However, the recent events at Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin, Glen Canyon’s Double Arch, and the North Cascades’ Pioneer Fire reveal that these environments are anything but static. These parks are dynamic, continually shaped by natural processes that define their character and beauty. The National Park Service (NPS), tasked with preserving these treasures "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations," faces the challenge of managing these evolving landscapes in a way that honors their natural rhythms.

Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin: The Power of Geothermal Activity

Yellowstone National Park, home to one of the world’s most active geothermal systems, recently witnessed a significant thermal explosion in the Biscuit Basin. This event is a powerful reminder of the volatile forces at work beneath the park’s surface. The explosion, caused by superheated water rapidly converting to steam, is part of a broader pattern of geothermal activity that has shaped Yellowstone for millennia.

For the NPS, managing a place like Yellowstone means acknowledging and respecting these natural processes. Instead of attempting to prevent or mitigate such events, the NPS allows them to occur naturally, understanding that they are essential to the park's identity. This approach underscores the importance of protecting the processes that continue to shape the landscape rather than trying to maintain a static, unchanging facade.

Glen Canyon’s Double Arch Collapse: The Impermanence of Geological Formations

In Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the collapse of the Double Arch is another example of the ever-changing nature of national parks. Arches and other rock formations result from millions of years of erosion, and their eventual collapse is a natural part of that process. While these features are beloved by visitors, their impermanence is a fundamental aspect of their existence.

Historically, there might have been attempts to stabilize or preserve such formations to maintain the park’s aesthetic appeal. However, the NPS has shifted its approach, recognizing that these natural changes are integral to the landscape's story. By allowing natural erosion and other processes to continue unabated, the NPS ensures that visitors can witness the entire cycle of these formations, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

North Cascades’ Pioneer Fire: The Role of Fire in Ecosystem Health

Wildfires, like the Pioneer Fire currently burning in North Cascades National Park, are often perceived as destructive forces. However, fire is a natural and necessary part of many ecosystems, including those in the North Cascades. Fire helps to clear out dead wood, promote new growth, and maintain the overall health of the forest.

The NPS has increasingly embraced the role of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Instead of suppressing all fires, the NPS now manages them with an understanding of their ecological importance. This shift reflects a broader recognition that fire, while sometimes destructive, is also a natural process that plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape. By allowing fires to burn under controlled conditions, the NPS helps ensure these ecosystems remain vibrant and resilient.

The National Park Service’s Evolving Mission

The NPS's mission to preserve parks "unimpaired" has evolved significantly over the years. In the early days, this often meant trying to freeze parks in a state of perpetual beauty, preventing any changes that might alter their appearance. However, this approach conflicted with the natural processes that are essential to the health and integrity of these landscapes.

Today, the NPS’s management philosophy has shifted to one that prioritizes the protection of natural processes. This approach acknowledges that change is an inherent part of nature and that attempting to lock landscapes in a frozen state would ultimately do more harm than good. By focusing on preserving the processes that shape these environments, the NPS ensures that parks can continue to evolve and thrive, providing visitors with a more authentic and meaningful experience.

Why It’s Important to Protect Natural Processes

Protecting natural processes, rather than trying to maintain a static landscape, is crucial for several reasons:

1. Ecological Health: Natural processes like erosion, fire, and geothermal activity are essential to ecosystem health. They promote biodiversity, renew landscapes, and maintain the balance of nature. Without these processes, ecosystems can become stagnant and less resilient to changes such as climate change.

2. Authentic Visitor Experiences: By allowing natural processes to unfold, the NPS provides visitors with an authentic experience of the natural world. Witnessing the dynamic changes in the landscape can deepen visitors' appreciation for the power and beauty of nature, fostering a greater sense of connection and stewardship.

3. Long-Term Preservation: Attempting to freeze landscapes in time can lead to unintended consequences, such as the degradation of natural features or the loss of biodiversity. By protecting the processes that shape these landscapes, the NPS ensures that parks will continue to evolve and remain vital for future generations.

4. Educational Value: Dynamic landscapes offer unique educational opportunities, allowing visitors to learn about geology, ecology, and other natural sciences in real time. This enhances the role of national parks as living classrooms where people of all ages can engage with the natural world.

Conclusion

The dynamic nature of national parks like Yellowstone, Glen Canyon, and the North Cascades presents challenges and opportunities for the NPS. By embracing the natural processes that shape these landscapes, the NPS honors its mission to preserve these places "unimpaired" while allowing them to evolve and thrive. This approach ensures that future generations can continue to explore and appreciate these dynamic environments, experiencing them as living, changing landscapes rather than static, unchanging facades. In doing so, the NPS not only preserves the beauty of these parks but also protects the natural processes that make them truly extraordinary.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

National Park Centennial Limited Edition Posters

Many of the first national parks were established to protect unique wildlife from illegal hunts and poaching. Congress establish parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite to protect species like the bison, grizzly bear, wolf, and mountain lion. Other parks protect species such as the fisher and the Nene found nowhere else on the planet.

The next edition of the National Park Centennial Limited Edition posters honors the National Park Service's efforts in wildlife conservation.

 

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

The Presidency and National Parks: Two Great American Ideas

President Obama and family in  Acadia National Park.
White House Photo

February 15th is President's Day, the one day we honor all the people who served in America's highest office. At the time of the Constitution's ratification, a country's highest executive office serving as president was a unique and radical idea. Many founders, before adopting the idea of a president, flirted with a chief executive akin to a dictator or king. But having just fought a war to overthrow one king, the founding father's rightly rejected this idea.

A presidency is an idea that Americans have truly made their own. Another truly American idea is that of the national park. With President's Day fast approaching, here are my top five favorite presidential national parks.

5. Yellowstone: This park may surprise some for making this list.  However, given that it was the world's first national park, requiring congress and President U.S. Grant to set precedent makes a perfect candidate for a presidential national park.

4. Devils' Tower: Another park that wouldn't come to mind of most. Yet, Devil's Tower most definitely deserves to be on the list. In 1906, Teddy Roosevelt used presidential power to create the Devils' Tower national monument. This was the first time a precedent used executive power to expand federal protection to public lands.  Roosevelt went on to establish numerous monuments including the Grand Canyon national monuments. Many of these monuments later were elevated to national parks by Congress.

3. Mount Rushmore is the first obvious choice. This massive granite edifice would likely make everyone's list of presidential national parks. The park memorializes some of America's greatest commanders in chief. Many however don't realize why the president who are carved in South Dakota's Black Hills were chosen for this honor, in short its because each in their time in office set a precedent that still impacts us today.  Washington was chosen for his example of stepping down from office and peacefully transferring governmental power after two terms. This peaceful power transfer is an example of good government that Americans can be rightly proud.  Jefferson was chosen for his negotiations with France to purchase the Louisiana territory. This like Washington was an example of the federal government's policy of using negotiation and compensation to expand its domain. Lincoln was obviously selected for his saving of the Union. Lincoln knew with great clarity and conviction that if the south was allowed to leave the Union, the United States would not long survive this cleavage. Rather, the previous United States would likely be cast into a Balkanized state that could be easily picked off by larger powers. Lincoln always realized the injustice and threat slavery represented to our national soul and rightly worked to abolish it.  Finally, Teddy Roosevelt was carved onto Mount Rushmore because of his desire to leave not just political goods but natural resources for future generations. Roosevelt was among the first to see the limits of our public domain and the need to conserve some it for Americans yet unborn.

Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C
National Archives

2. The Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and Washington Monuments are the second obvious
choice. These Greek and Egyptian inspired monuments enshrine three of the presidents who help shape not only the nation but what it means to serve as president. Serving as the first Commander and Chief, everything George Washington did was precedent setting and is why he is rightly referred as the father of our country. Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence and set down for the entire world to see that America believes all are created equal.  Abraham Lincoln followed Jefferson's lead and committed America to the path that Jefferson's ideal extended to all Americans.  While are nation isn't perfect, no one can deny that progress has been made on nearly every front, and national parks such as the Lincoln Mermorial have been the setting for much of this progress.

White House and South Lawn
Daniel Schwen

1. The White House is my last choice as a presidential national park.  Unknown to many, the White House is part of the National Park System. The National Park Service is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance, as Barack Obama recently stated one of the perks of being president is getting to live in a national park. The White House serves not only as the focus of the federal government, but its fitting that the symbol of that power is part of the national park system which has a mission to preserve and protect America's most treasured ideas,hopes, and places for present and future generations.

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Only You Can Protect the North Cascades' Grizzly Bears

The National Park Service (NPS) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are taking comments on a plan that would restore the North Cascades Grizzly bear to a health population.  Currently there it is estimated there are roughly a couple dozen bears that transit the park, crossing the border from Canada.  Studies show that this number is not viable.  Inbreeding is likely rampant which can lead to birth defects and the extinction of the ecosystem's bears.

The NPS and FWS are proposing to supplement the current North Cascades Grizzly bear population with individuals relocated from healthy Canadian populations.  Restoring the grizzly bear to the North Cascades would produce numerous legal, economic, ecological, and recreation benefits.

Please join me in urging the federal government to draft a plan that restores the North Cascades Grizzly bear to health numbers.

Click here to send your letter today.

Thanks,

Sean Smith


Below is the letter I sent to the federal government.  Feel free to use it for yours!

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To whom it may concern:

I write today in support of the Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) and National Park Services (NPS) effort to restore a viable population of Grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem.
Grizzly bears have been a integral component of the North American continent. In the recent past, it was estimated that in America the Grizzly bear population reached 100,000 and ranged from the American plains to the Western coast. Today the remaining few hundred Grizzly bears are limited to a few remote mountainous regions of the country like Yellowstone, Glacier, the Selkirks and the North Cascades.

The FWS and NPS are by law required to preserve and restore endangered and native species. Countless scientific studies and research have shown that viable Grizzly bear habitat exists in the North Cascades and that the few grizzly bears that transit the area do not constitute a viable population.

Besides legal reasons for restoring the bears, there are ecological, economic, recreational benefits to restoring a healthy population. For example, grizzly bears are an indicator species.  Wildlife biologist tell us that if a region has a healthy bear population, its more likely the ecosystem's remaining plants and animals are also robust.  Grizzly bears also have significant economic impacts on areas.  Many visitors from around the globe travel to places like Glacier and Yellowstone with the single purpose of seeing a Grizzly bear in the wild.

Finally, as a former Glacier and Yellowstone park ranger I know recreation and grizzly bears can coexist. People are rightly concerned about traveling in bear country, but simple practices like making noise, traveling in groups, and hanging ones food can significantly improve ones safety.  Moreover, concerns about area closures or exclusions are overblown. These measures are rarely if ever used, and when they are its often for short term reasons such as to protect den sites.
I encourage the FWS and NPS in its draft recovery plan to research the following areas of Grizzly bear recovery:

1. the legal requirements,
2. the ecological benefits,
3. the economic benefits,
4. the recreation impacts,
5. the safety concerns.

Along with the above, and probably most important, I'd ask the FWS and NPS to document the intrinsic benefits of restoring bears.  Grizzly bears if nothing else represent the "wild" part of America that is fast disappearing.  Can we as Americans sustain a few select places where we glimpse the possibility of connecting to something higher.

When I was a park ranger, I often heard from visitors that they appreciated what people like John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, Aldo Leopold, and Rachel Carson had done to protect our wildlife heritage.  But immediately right after many added, they wished these leaders had done more.  Fair enough, I share that sentiment. But there is nothing we can do about the decisions of are ancestors.  However, we are the ancestors of the future, are they going to look back and say "I wish they had done more to protect the Grizzly bear."  If the North Cascades Grizzly bear recovery plan is done correctly, I don't think so.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Sean Smith

BREAKING INTERVIEW: Connecting People to Parks thru Writing

I recently did an interview for the www.ParkLeaders.com podcast.  Jody Maberry the founder of Park Leaders, and I talked about how great stories can connect people to their parks.  How my ranger experience inspired me to write thrillers set in national parks and pending issues for the park system as it approaches it 100th birthday.

Check out the interview here.

Must National Parks modernize to remain relevant?

Michael Gray

National parks are all over the news these days. From stories about a “Creepy” graffiti bandit to efforts by some states to seize our national heritage, national parks are at the top of the national discussion. At the heart of many of these stories is a question, one that has perplexed the Park Service from before its inception, how can the park system remain relevant in our modern world? Some even go so far as to question the conservation ethic which serves as the Park Service’s guiding management principle, claiming it should be buried.

Everyone seems to have an idea on how to make the parks relevant. Suggestions range from giving the parks to the states, providing new or expanded access for recreational activities like mountain biking or providing new amenities like high speed internet and cell phone services.

Putting aside the fact that national parks like Glacier and Rocky Mountain continue to break visitation records, pundits bemoan the fact that the current park system is a throwback to an ancient time.  If national parks are to remain relevant especially to millennials and minorities the park system must get with the times.

But is this the case? Are we standing on a historic precipice? Must we so dramatically change the park system to save it, that it would be hardly recognizable to visitors even a decade ago?

Anyone who would answer yes to these questions obviously doesn’t know the Park Service’s history and how it is that we are the beneficiary of a system that is the envy of the world.

Nearly every generation of park defenders is challenged by a misguided segment of the population saying the parks must modernize or risk becoming irrelevant. The parks are too difficult to access, the park service places to many restrictions on visitors, they are too antiquated or out of date they charge.  They need to be run more like a business, offering a resort like broad spectrum of activities and amenities.

However, the park system was created in part as a counter to modernization or as some put it the cheapening of nature.

In the early years of the country, the nation’s best known natural wonder was Niagara Falls. People came from all over the world to see the mighty cataract. Quick thinking entrepreneurs saw dollars signs in those visitors. They bought up many of best viewing spots and walled them off, with a baseball like outfield fence.  Visitors were charged a pretty penny to see the falls through precut viewing holes. Yet, this would only capture so much money and wouldn’t guarantee repeat visits, so these entrepreneurs continually sought ways to capture the public’s attention, to keep the falls “modern.” Promoters brought in high wire acts and traveling circuses to squeeze the crowds of their hard earned money.  Unfortunately, Niagara Falls became little more than a cheap backdrop for the ever sensational and questionable sideshows.

It was against this backdrop that the national park system got its start. Early proponents of the parks realized that private viewing platforms, circus acts, and high wire stunts cheapened Niagara Falls, but even worse the “modernization” cheapened visitor’s experience, rendering a trip to the falls as no different than an experience that could be had at a circus or carnival.  The founders of the national parks knew what made Yellowstone and Yosemite special, they can provide experiences and create memories to be found nowhere else in the world. The park system’s founders deliberately wanted to prevent the cheapening of the country’s scenic wonders; by protecting our most iconic landscapes while providing reasonable access for all. Unlike Europe where public lands were often playgrounds for the rich and powerful, America’s public domain would be open to everyone. As such, the park system and park service were established to preserve and protect our nation’s best natural, cultural and historic wonders for the benefit of both current and future generations.

Parks don’t need Wi-Fi, parks don’t need high speed internet, parks don’t need five-star accommodations and parks don’t need state management. These so-called solutions are actually the quickest path toward rendering the parks irrelevant, merely another side show. Instead the public must demand that park managers focus on what makes national parks’ unique and protect that.

The only reason we have the opportunity to debate the relevance of national parks today is because our ancestors put aside their short term wants by protecting our most treasured places.  We owe them a great debt for this gift. We cannot pay them back for this gift. Rather we can merely pass it forward unimpaired. If we curb our desire to modernize the national parks, future generations will thank us as well.

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his conservation work and novels, please visit www.seandavidsmith.blogspot.com or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers