Outdoor Sports Blog

Even though I wanted to write about something else today (it's my 250th posting to this blog – and I hope you enjoy reading it…) there are more serious issues to talk about, such as global warming. Today’s article looks into “Climate changes that put our national parks at risk”. The write up sheds some light on global warming and topics like • Choices to make • Habitat loss • Rising sea levels • Precipitation changes • Changing migration patterns • And lots more… Follow this link to read Paul Nussbaum’s article on global warming. (Update 2016-03-05: The article has been removed by the publisher - therefore we removed the link as well). For more info on Global Warming click here.

Lead fishing tackle is threatening common loons and other birds in northern Wisconsin (and probably elsewhere as well) according to a report by Kathrine Ott of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A single lead sinker has the potential to poison or kill a loon or other birds. Alternatives exist, such as tin, bismuth, steel, tungsten or ceramic. These are non-toxic and should replace lead in tackle boxes. ”Get the lead out” – a campaign sponsored by Loon Watch at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (and others) is now in its fourth year. The campaign exists not only in Wisconsin but also in neighbouring states and in Canada. A recent study shows that 5 out of 11 loons had poisonous levels of lead in their gastrointestinal system and tissue. Common Loon on Amazon.com.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Antelopes in Danger A recent study in the “Biology Letters” online edition of June 26th states that the pronghorn antelope is in danger. The study shows that pronghorn antelopes are migrating since 6,000 years between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Increased development outside of the parks could throw off balance the ecosystem of Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks and endanger the antelopes. But it is possible – actually relatively easy – to preserve the migration route. Read more in Bjorn Carey’s article (LiveScience.com). (Update 2016-03-06 LiveScience removed the article, so we deleted the dead link).

Squaw Valley Hiking Center Offers Scenic Summer Full Moon Hikes Bask in the moonlight along the peaks of Squaw. OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA - (News Release) - Squaw Valley USA's Hiking Center offers a variety of guided and self-guided hikes on the resort's upper mountain including the popular Full Moon Hikes. This summer Full Moon Hikes are scheduled for July 10-12, August 8-10, and September 6-8, 2006. Full moon hikes offer hikers the opportunity to climb to Squaw Valley's majestic peaks through fields of wildflowers under the glow of the full moon. Hikers are treated to inspiring views as the moon rises slowly over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra wilderness basks in the moonlight. The moderate level hikes last roughly three hours and guests are free to explore and walk at their own pace. High Camp, at the top of the Cable Car, is an ideal trailhead for mountain exploration. By riding the Cable Car to el. 8200' guests can easily access the beautiful views from Squaw's mou

The 3100 mile Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico recently received new funding. US President Bush included $1.2 million for the U.S. Forest Service for 2007. Driving force behind that seems to be Senator Wayne Allard and members of Congress from Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. “Protecting the national trail system is important to both Colorado and our country,” Senator Allard said. “Not only does the trail system provide ample opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of the outdoors, but it also serves as a historical link to the present generation to our old heritage.” Congress established the Continental Divide Trail as a National Scenic Trail in 1978. When complete, the “King of Trails” will be the most significant trail system in the world. Stretching along the backbone of the continent from Canada to Mexico, it accesses some of the wildest and scenic places left in the world while conserving the environment and promoting personal well-being. Source:

I just discovered an article on Canada.com that lists " 139 Canadian places to see before you die ". For those who don't know, the number 139 refers to Canada's 139 birthday last July. The lifetime checklist of the best places to see across Canada is broken down into six parts. Each section provides additional information such as Photo gallery Video of the destination Text links And here's the link to check it out!

While the Canadian Government recently spent more than 1 million dollars for its National Parks the situation in the neighbouring US seems to be different... Concord (N.H.) Monitor reports: The National Park Service should replace the decorated arrowhead that serves as its symbol with a log cabin roofed with a blue plastic tarp. It’s that bad. Years of budget cuts and neglect have taken their toll. Although President Bush made a campaign promise to eliminate the $5 billion maintenance backlog facing the nation’s 390 parks, recreation areas, seashores and historic sites, they have grown worse on his watch. America’s national parks are an irreplaceable legacy. They must not be stolen from the public, priced out of reach or allowed to decline.

Nature Canada announced at its annual meeting in Red Deer, Alberta two significant contribution agreements signed with Rona Ambrose, Minister of Environment and responsible for the Parks Canada Agency. The total amount of these contributions was more than one million dollars. The money is supposed to support an on-the-ground investigation by Nature Canada as to how to best develop a comprehensive nature network – bringing together naturalists, conservation organizations and land trust from across Canada . Minister Ambrose said: "We are interested in real, tangible results for Canadians and for our environment. The Government of Canada's contribution announcement today will go a long way towards making our shared conservation goals a reality, and I am excited about working with Nature Canada on this important endeavor. I am also pleased to announce that today's announcement is a joint initiative between Environment Canada and the Parks Canada Agency.” Parks Ca

Did you know… • …that there are 79 million acres of National Parks in the US and • …14 million acres of state facilities • …that these areas draw a combined total of over a billion (!) visitors yearly • …that this is over 3 visits annually for each person living in the US Recommended resources about National Parks on Amazon.com.

Most folks interested in mountaineering and expeditions know what happened 10 years ago on Mt. Everest when 12 climbers died descending the mountain. Jon Krakauer's must-read book Into Thin Air tells the story of the 1996 disaster on Mount Everest. Neal Beidleman, U.S. guide on this expedition and key figure in Krakauer's book said: "I have nothing against Everest myself. The tragedy that happened to us wasn't because the mountain had some evil personality or anything beyond just being a mountain. The reason I would not go back is not because of what happened to us. It's just because it's not the type of thing that I'm interested in climbing right now." If you're interested to find out more about how Neal Beidleman is doing ten years after the Mt. Everest disaster, I recommend reading Paul Willis article "Tragic mountain, one decade later". Click here to grab a copy of Into Thin Air at Amazon.com.

Planning a hike in the Superstition Mountains? Then better be prepared. Today I present an article by Chris Vásquez, Pinal County sheriff and coordinator for two search and rescue groups in the Pinal County area which includes the Superstition Mountains. Chris talks about what it takes to hike safely in the desert. He gives tips on necessary equipment, route finding and how to master the challenge of a desert hike in general. Vásquez says "Any time that you go on a hike, whether it's a short half-hour trek on a well-known trail or a multiple-day backpacking trip into the wilderness, you should always have the following 10 essential items with you. You never know what's going to happen or what you may need. Most important: know how to use the gear you'll carry!" Follow this link to read the full article "Know your limitations when hiking Pinal". (Update 2016-03-28: the article has been removed by the publisher, therefore we removed the dead link as

Canada's Yellowstone Too Small for Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Society A new scientific report by the Wildlife Conservation Society, a 110-year-old science-based conservation organization, says that Northwest Territories’ Nahanni National Park Reserve – one of Canada’s most beloved and storied national parks – is too small to maintain its nearly natural population of grizzly bears, caribou and Dall’s sheep. According to the report, which looked at more than four years of WCS field data, the park needs to expand from its current size of under 5,000 square kilometers, to include the entire South Nahanni River watershed and the adjacent Nahanni Karstlands. Both areas are totaling more than 38,000 square kilometers – four times larger than Yellowstone National Park. The full article was published at Mongabay.com but has been removed. Therefore, we're unable to link to it anymore. Additional resources for Nahanni National Park Reserve .