National park regulations

Yellowstone Bison Gores Tourist; Respect Wildlife Boundaries

A 30-year-old New Jersey man sustained minor injuries after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone’s Old Faithful area on Tuesday, marking the second such incident this spring. This follows a similar incident involving a Florida man in May and multiple other bison-related injuries in recent years, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by approaching wildlife. Bison, the park’s most dangerous animal, are capable of high speeds and significant force. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to park regulations mandating a minimum 25-yard distance from bison and other large herbivores.

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Yosemite Bans Flags on El Capitan: Free Speech vs. Environmental Protection

Yosemite’s recent ban on flags at El Capitan, punishable by a six-month jail sentence, has sparked a heated debate. The ban, a seemingly straightforward measure, raises complex questions about freedom of expression, the preservation of natural beauty, and the practicalities of enforcement within a national park setting.

The decision evokes memories of the Supreme Court case *Clark v. Community for Creative Non-Violence*, which established that even symbolic expression in national parks is subject to time, place, and manner restrictions. However, the Yosemite ban’s broad application raises concerns about its potential for misinterpretation and abuse. Who, exactly, will be responsible for enforcement, and how will they determine what constitutes a “large” flag or banner?… Continue reading