The Latest Breaking News from the National Park Service

In 1869, Frederick Billings bought a deforested Vermont estate and replanted Mount Tom; 550 managed acres now form America's oldest professionally managed forest

In 1869, Frederick Billings took the ambitious step of reforesting a deforested hillside in Vermont. His efforts led to the establishment of a thriving, sustainably managed forest that persists to this day, symbolizing environmental resilience and the power of foresight. Once ravaged by sheep farming, this land is now preserved…

The Economic Times · Sep 3

In 1997, NPS installed 3 solar hot-water systems at Oklahoma’s Chickasaw park. 2 years later, the largest system supplied 18,194 kWh annually, replacing electric heating

In 1997, the National Park Service replaced electric heaters at Oklahoma’s Chickasaw National Recreation Area with three solar hot-water systems. Built with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the project tackled high utility costs at campground comfort stations. Within two years, the largest system produced 18,194 kilowatt-hours annually. The installation recouped…

The Economic Times · Sep 2

From 1886 to 1968, more than 20 million fish were stocked in waters that became Rocky Mountain National Park; in 2026 crews treated 14.3 miles to remove non-native fish and restore threatened greenback trout

In a significant move, Rocky Mountain National Park is eradicating non-native fish species that have invaded the ecosystem for more than eighty years. These fish have severely disrupted the balance of aquatic habitats. Teams are utilizing rotenone to treat streams connected to the Grand Ditch, focusing on fostering the endangered…

The Times of India · Sep 2

Normally arid Grand Canyon hit with deadly flash floods, leaving two dead and at least 15 missing. More rain is expected

Certain places saw 4ft walls of rushing debris.

We Got This Covered · Sep 1

What drove the deadly Grand Canyon flooding?

Torrential downpours washed out popular hiking trails and left the historic Phantom Ranch Lodge cabins under five feet of water

The Independent UK · Aug 31

In 2015, California EPMT discovered Japanese knotweed along Lagunitas Creek. 2 years later, treatment cut knotweed by 93% on National Park Service land, a major gain now

Japanese knotweed can spread quietly along waterways, making an early discovery especially valuable. In 2015, California’s Early Detection and Monitoring Team found the invasive plant along Lagunitas Creek. The finding allowed land managers to respond while the infestation was still manageable. Two years later, treatment on National Park Service land…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

In 1898, Sheep Camp grew into a gold-rush town of 6,000 to 8,000 people; by July 1899, only 18 remained, while most buildings still stood in 1906

Once a tranquil waystation, Sheep Camp evolved into a vibrant gold rush town as thousands flocked to seek fortune. This chaotic boom phase soon faded, leading to a sharp population decline by 1899. Nature gradually reclaimed the land, dismantling the remnants of human settlement. Today, Sheep Camp welcomes adventurers as…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

Laurance Rockefeller first saw undeveloped St. John from a boat in 1952; his conservation group later acquired about 5,000 acres and gave them to create a US national park

Laurance Rockefeller's 1952 boat trip inspired him to preserve St. John's undeveloped island beauty. His organization acquired nearly 5,000 acres, which became the park's foundation. Congress established Virgin Islands National Park in 1956, preserving tropical forests and beaches. Additional submerged lands were incorporated later, expanding the protected area significantly. This…

The Times of India · Aug 31

After Nepal, a powerful flash flood hits Grand Canyon in Arizona leaving about 15 people missing; footbridges, bunkhouses destroyed by mud and boulders: Watch video

A powerful flash flood tore through Arizona's Grand Canyon on August 29, sending mud, boulders and debris through Bright Angel Canyon. About 15 people may be missing and 62 were evacuated. The flood destroyed footbridges, damaged the park's only water pipeline and reshaped parts of the canyon as more storms…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

Two dead and around 15 missing as flash flood strikes Grand Canyon National Park

At least two people died and more than 15 people may be missing after flash floods struck Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, the National Park Service said on Sunday. Flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, prompting authorities to evacuate visitors and search for…

France 24 · Aug 31