Are Our Parks Becoming Too Crowded?

IS IT TIME FOR A RESERVATION SYSTEM?

All of our well known National Parks have been setting new records for visitation the past few years, and this year is no different.  Some attribute the trend to the publicity from the recent 100th year anniversary of the park system, or the fact that fewer folks are traveling abroad due to perceived risks from terrorism and other instabilities.

But no matter the cause, the result is the same - crowding in our National Parks. On the one hand it is great that people are appreciating the wonders that can be found in our wonderful parks, but on the other hand, getting away from our crowded, busy life and getting closer to nature is one of the chief benefits of visiting our parks.  When the bugle of a bull elk is drowned out by the sound of car doors slamming and camera shutters clicking, it detracts from the experience.

A number of solutions are being considered, and the parks may soon be looking for public input.  For a good discussion on this topic, here is a link to an article published by the Yale School of Forestry.  Add your thoughts to the conversation.