Black History Month Events, Park Attendance Records, New Reservation Systems, and a Groundbreaking Moment Aboard the USS Constitution
Yellowstone National Park, WY - Photo Credit: Abby Voce
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The Colonel Young Tree, named for the first Black Superintendent of a National Park
Sequoia National Park, CA - Photo Credit: Kiel Maddox
In honor of Black History Month 2022, the National Park Service has arranged multiple events, both online and in-person, to celebrate the immense impact African Americans have had on our country's history as a whole and on outdoor preservation and conservation efforts in particular. Learn about Black History Month programs throughout the month, African American Heritage Parks, the African American Civil Rights Network, and more. The NPS has also recently created an interactive story map utilizing GIS software that allows users to explore the rich tradition of historical sites throughout the country.
Big Bend National Park, TX - Photo Credit: Brett Stanton
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic curtailing travel plans in 2020 for an exorbitant number of people within the United States - and the difficulty of navigating various international travel restrictions - the National Park System saw an enormous increase in visitation in the 2021 calendar year. Big Bend surpassed half a million visitors for the first time in the Park’s history. Grand Teton set individual monthly and overall annual records at over 3.8 million visitors in 2021. Throughout the country, National Parks set records for attendance - which unfortunately also exposed limitations in outdated park infrastructure ill-equipped to handle the influx of additional tourists. While park officials work to update their capabilities to take on an uptick that they expect to continue into the future, websites such as this one will continue to do what we can to identify less-traversed trails within the Parks, or nearby State Park alternatives, that may provide an equally fulfilling yet less crowded experience.
Related on the Pathloom Blog: Overcrowding in the Outdoors - How Tech Can Help
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO - Photo Credit: Bryan Donoghue
Rocky Mountain National Park Extends Timed Entry Reservation System into 2022, Introduces Backpacking Permit System
Again due to the influx in visitors throughout 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park has plans to maintain a timed-entry reservation system for access to the Park initially implemented in 2021. Visitors can sign up in advance to select a 2-hour entrance window on their desired date when they will be permitted entry to the park. This is designed to reduce drain on Park resources, alleviate traffic burdens on Park roads, and provide for a better overall experience for all.
The Park also announced the implementation of a 100% online-only overnight backpacking wilderness permit system via Recreation.gov. The system is designed to reduce overcrowding, enforce Leave No Trace regulations, and ensure visitors are properly educated on safety concerns such as bears or mountain weather.
USS Constitution, Boston National Historical Park, MA - Photo Credit: Bryan Donoghue
In a historical (and long-overdue) change-of-command ceremony in January, Commander Billie Farrel was officially appointed the Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution, a 224-year old battleship that serves as one of the crown jewels of Boston National Historical Park. The ship is nicknamed “Old Ironsides” for being seemingly impervious to cannon fire throughout dozens of expeditions, dating back to its initial commission in 1797. Farrell’s appointment is well-deserved, as prior to serving on the ship’s crew she has a decorated naval history, including a stint as Executive Officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg. Old Ironsides may not see the same level of action these days as it has in the past, but still serves an important educational role for this country’s naval heritage.
Yellowstone National Park, WY - Photo Credit: Brett Stanton
On March 1st, 2022, Yellowstone National Park will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its establishment. The creation of the first official National Park in the world initiated a commitment to conservancy and environmentalism that continues to exist (to some extent) today, throughout this country and across the globe. In an effort to account for past inconsistencies in recognizing the millenia-long Native American connection to the region, Park authorities are actively integrating tribal customs and recommendations to establish the most respectful way of paying tribute to this incredible area of the country. As Covid-19 restrictions have had a serious impact on the planning of in-person celebratory events, it is recommended to check this website on a regular basis as news develops.
Related on the Pathloom Blog: 4 Epic Yellowstone Day Hikes to Beat the Crowds!
Yellowstone National Park, WY - Photo Credit: Abby Voce
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