Anyone who has visited our National Parks in recent years has certainly noticed a dramatic increase in the tourist population. The massive crowds detract from the serenity and, more importantly, have a significant impact on the natural ecology. As a result, some Parks have begun to limit access and others will surely be forced to do the same.
Some might argue that tax-paying citizens own these natural preserves and that any limits placed on access is inappropriate if not un-Constitutional. Of course, other citizens resent the protection of Federal lands altogether, favoring access for grazing, mining, drilling and "development." In the end, we Americans will have to decide what should be protected for the benefit of future generations and for the welfare of our planet and its ecosystems.
Those seeking natural retreats without the tourist throngs should consider visiting our National Wildlife Refuges. Relatively unknown to the general public and often devoid of the "comfort facilities" that most tourists seek, they offer some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet. Some of the more popular refuges can get a bit congested during peak viewing seasons but it's nothing like the urbanization of our National Parks.
Some might argue that tax-paying citizens own these natural preserves and that any limits placed on access is inappropriate if not un-Constitutional. Of course, other citizens resent the protection of Federal lands altogether, favoring access for grazing, mining, drilling and "development." In the end, we Americans will have to decide what should be protected for the benefit of future generations and for the welfare of our planet and its ecosystems.
Those seeking natural retreats without the tourist throngs should consider visiting our National Wildlife Refuges. Relatively unknown to the general public and often devoid of the "comfort facilities" that most tourists seek, they offer some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet. Some of the more popular refuges can get a bit congested during peak viewing seasons but it's nothing like the urbanization of our National Parks.
