Are national parks no longer for the people?

Monday, July 20, 2009

Kurt Repanshek over at the National Parks Traveler published a thoughtful article yesterday asking a couple of provoking questions: Are national parks no longer for the people? Have environmental groups succeeded in legally creating roadblocks to prevent their enjoyment?

Mr. Repanshek posed these questions to his readers after reading a response to a New York Times column. The gentleman responding to the NY Times article basically concluded that; "Our parks are becoming museums, roped off expanses with 'Don't touch' or 'People stay out' signs all over them"

You can read Kurt's full blog posting by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store

2 comments

SouthernHiker said...

That's a very interesting outlook. I believe SOME of our parks are becoming that way. When in Yellowstone this summer, I said to my wife several times that I didn't really feel like I was experiencing it in the same way as the Smokies because of all the signs prohibiting movement everywhere. I think this is a great point. There needs to be some middle ground between over the top conservation and enjoyment.

The Smoky Mountain Hiker said...

SouthernHiker - I concur!

Jeff