Blog du Wren

See America!

I came across this postcard at the visitor's center at Lake Mead Recreation Area and I just couldn't pass it up. It fit so well with the blog post that's been brewing in my head over the last couple days that I promptly bought it and found a spot to scan it.

Why does it fit with what I've been thinking about?, you ask. Well, on my little road trip so far, I've been through about 10 or so National Parks, Recreation Areas, Forests, Scenic Areas, etc. I guess I never realized there were so many out there or how cool they are.

Take Crooked River National Grassland in Central Oregon. So cool. There are hikes, places to camp, view points, etc. I don't really know what the politics are of this particular one (e.g. who pays for it, who manages it), but all I know is that I am glad it is there.

A number of other such experiences made me really think about the National [Parks/Forests/Grasslands/...] and how lucky we are as a country to have that amount of land set aside. Sure it could be more, or it could be more accesible, or it could be better managed, but at least it is there, and this time, it served my purposes. In my internet meanderings, I came across this representation of the U.S. Budget. To see how little gets spent on public use lands like this compared with some of the other programs, it really makes me wonder how things could be...

Thanks Teddy*!

Tuesday May 1 2007

File under: travel, road trip

Toggle Comments (5)

comment?

on Tue 01st May, 2007 01:52 pm PDT bob said:
personally i think more accessibility would spoil some of the parks. it would turn them into yellowstone, with traffic jams and rv parks and huge billboards lining the roads. i say, in most cases, the parks are better just left alone. what do you think?
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on Tue 01st May, 2007 03:11 pm PDT Saxtor said:
For a short period of time, the State of Washington imposed a use-fee on the state parks system. $5/visit or $50/year and it cut access to a terrible low. It was later dropped while they went back to the drawing boards. What it made me realize is that these parks aren't for the middle- and upper-class, they really do belong to all of us, and we all have a right to be able to enjoy them. If you ask me, any action that limits access, or fails to promote access does everyone a disservice. To prevent "another Yellowstone" (which is quite deserving of it's popularity, IMO) is to increase awareness on how the parks should be used, not deter those who might use them.
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on Tue 01st May, 2007 07:22 pm PDT Jule said:
Recent storms did their best to limit access to northwest national parks, but they are now mostly reopened. However, many roads in Olympic National Park (motto: national PARK, not forest) are closed and will probably remain so due to lack of money. This makes the hikes longer, but visitors fewer. sooooo, take your pick. by the way, saxtor, I agree!!! what low income family can afford 50 bucks a year to enjoy lands they have already paid for in taxes? On a good note, WA states new budget dramatically increases funding for state parks. whooohooo!
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on Tue 01st May, 2007 10:31 pm PDT Mom said:
Based on the drawing and your comments I can only say "All power to the peephole." Go Teddy, we need another roughrider in power.
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on Wed 02nd May, 2007 09:20 am PDT Siri said:
This is a good spot to plug Native Forest Council (a non-profit my friend Dave canvasses for). . . check out the website nativeforest.org. Tim Hermach (the founder) could be your rough rider in shining armor (or flannel), Marg. Although I don't think he'll be running for office anytime soon.
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