Currently the Interior Department is reviewing the status of a number of National Monuments across the land, the latest in a series of threats to our Public Lands.  These National Monuments are valuable treasures to all citizens in this land, not the least of which is because so many have gone on to become National Parks.  Crater Lake, Lassen, Death Valley, Capitol Reef, and Katmai National Park where the brown bears gather to catch salmon at the waterfalls - all started as National Monuments.

But even if they never get changed to Parks they all hold unique treasures, and as Monuments they are open to ALL of us, not set aside for use by various special interests.  The Monument most familiar to us is Grand Staircase Escalante NM, and below is a photo gallery of some of our most recent visit there.  This place, like all National Monuments, is worth saving.

If you agree, it is time to fulfill your civic duty as a concerned citizen.  Comments may be submitted online by visiting http://www.regulations.gov then entering “DOI-2017-0002” in the Search bar and clicking “Search,” or by mail to Monument Review, MS-1530, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.  Take 5 minutes to make your voice be heard on this important topic!

by Harley McAllister

This week is National Parks week which means you get free admission to any and all of our nation's parks.  So what are you waiting for? Click the link below for more information and then make time to get out and visit a park near you.
https://www.nps.gov/findapark/national-park-week.htm

Here is a cool video of a bobcat fishing for salmon in Olympic National Park.  Visiting National Parks in the off season can be very rewarding if you're looking to spot animals because the cooler weather cna bring them out of the high country and the reduced visitors can make them less shy. 

On a recent weekend getaway we made our first quick trip to this little known National Park.  As with all National Parks, we were not disappointed.  This was more of a scouting trip so we didn't even get to hit the trails very much, but even the views from the roads and pullouts were enough to leave us wanting more.  Check out a gallery of our photos below, and if you are ever in northern Washington don't miss an opportunity to visit this amazing place!

One of the most helpful guide books I've read for any destination. The same level of in-depth knowledge and clear communication you'd expect from a top-shelf series like Lonely Planet, but for a very particular niche: Parents traveling with kids. Can't imagine planning a Yellowstone trip with kids without this book.  - Jonathan V. Last