** As parks reopen, questions arise about visitor experience, overcrowding
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Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Instameet in Zion National Park ([link removed]) , which plans to open select areas of the park by May 13 ([link removed]) .

Concerns about the impact of overcrowding in national parks ([link removed]) existed well before the coronavirus pandemic forced the necessary closure of many parks due to public health concerns. As some parks start to reopen ([link removed]) , it may be an opportune time to examine how overcrowding diminishes the visitor experience ([link removed]) .

Jeff Ruch with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility thinks it's long overdue for park managers to address overcrowding, saying ([link removed]) "Despite statutory requirements, very few parks have current (within the last 20 years) general management plans and almost none has established carrying capacities."

Although many Americans are eager to resume their travel plans and safely visit our national parks ([link removed]) and public lands, the challenges facing park managers that existed before will be there to greet them when they return. Kristen Brengel with the National Parks Conservation Association said ([link removed]) , "We were seeing overcrowding issues in many national parks long before coronavirus threatened the health of visitors and staff." Following the pandemic she went on to say ([link removed]) , "We hope park planners are empowered to implement tools that will enhance visits to national parks and better protect resources."
Quick hits


** Global oil production continues despite supply glut
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Wired ([link removed])


** Wildlife luxuriate in having parks all to themselves
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Smithsonian ([link removed])


** Park closures from coronavirus raise questions about overcrowding, complications for reopening
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National Parks Traveler ([link removed]) | Snews ([link removed])


** Oil and gas companies dramatically cut production, expenditures amid historic losses in the billions
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** New Mexico Land Commissioner warns oil and gas clean-up costs could be in the billions due to insufficient bonds
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Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])


** Public health officials worry about impact on adjacent communities' health care systems when parks reopen
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The Hill ([link removed])


** Opinion: Former New Mexico BLM state director urges extension of Chaco comment period
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Albuquerque Journal ([link removed])


** Increased interest in bird watching takes flight amid pandemic
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Associated Press ([link removed])
Quote of the day
The public cannot sincerely engage if the comment period is not adjusted to account for the obstacles posed by the ongoing crisis. For instance, here in New Mexico – the 49th-ranked state in the country for internet access – those lacking the resources to submit comments online may be unable to. This is of particular concern for tribal households, less than half of which have access to fixed broadband service and who are entitled to robust input opportunities as part of the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations. For lands sacred to the pueblos, the administration should want more input from tribal communities, not less."
—Jesse Juen ([link removed]) , former New Mexico BLM state director
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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You can find sparkling skies, shooting stars & locations for 2 Star Wars movies
@DeathValleyNPS ([link removed]) ... but not the droids you're looking for #California ([link removed]) #MayThe4thBeWithYou ([link removed]) #starwarsday ([link removed])
[link removed]


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