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/

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

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 Overview 00:35 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 01:22 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal for National Parks 03:09 Leaked Interior Department Plan for Federal Lands 04:20 National Monuments and Endangered Species 05:15 House Appropriations Bill and National Park Funding 07:18 Staffing Issues and USACE Campground Closures 11:26 Yosemite Summer Reservations 13:01 Tragic Crash Near Yellowstone 13:41 Theft at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park 14:24 Jackson Hole Airport Achieves Dark Sky Status 15:18 Conclusion

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

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.

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 Tesch Narrated By Jason Epperson

00:00 Introduction: Witness Trees of America 02:24 Witness Trees of the Civil War 03:05 The Sycamore at Antietam 07:55 The Survivor Tree of Oklahoma City 11:34 Witness Trees in Washington DC 12:24 The Legacy of Jackson's Magnolia Tree 14:55 Conclusion: The Importance of Witness Trees

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 Introduction 01:29 Federal Employee Reinstatements and Workforce Reductions 03:29 Federal Building Lease Cancellations 04:56 Review of Historic Monuments and Memorials 06:22 Military Deployment to Big Bend National Park 07:32 Yosemite National Park Reservation System Controversy 09:00 Opening Alaskan Oil Resources 10:25 Logging Controversies in National Forests 14:10 Wild Horse Adoption Incentive Program Halted 15:12 Hurricane Helene's Impact on Blue Ridge Parkway 16:31 Conclusion

We're coming back, and it's a whole new ballgame! Parkography (formerly known as the America's National Parks Podcast) is the new home for the powerful stories, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of America’s national parks and public lands. Through immersive storytelling, vivid soundscapes, and in-depth research, we explore the people, places, and pivotal moments that shaped the wild places we cherish today. From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, Parkography brings the soul of America’s public lands to life—one story at a time.