Mount Rainier National Park
Who's Who
National Park Service (NPS)
Since its founding in 1916, the NPS has endeavored to preserve America's parklands for generations to come. It is responsible for preserving and protecting the environmental and cultural values of our national parks, protecting the fish and wildlife therein, and providing for the public use and enjoyment of the parks. Contact the NPS at Mount Rainier National Park, Park Headquarters, Tahoma Woods, Star Route, Ashford, WA 98304; (360) 569-2211.
Mt. Rainier Guest Services, Inc. (GSI)
Mt. Rainier Guest Services, Inc. is the park concessioner at Mount Rainier National Park. GSI operates the Paradise and National Park inns, as well as food and gift facilities at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center and Sunrise Day Lodge. GSI's goal is to provide the finest service for guests while helping the NPS to preserve the natural and cultural history of Mount Rainier. Contact Guest Services, Inc. at P.O. Box 108, Ashford, WA 98304; (360) 569-2275, or www.guestservices.com/rainier.
Washington's National Park Fund
This nonprofit organization works with public and private interests to support a variety of projects in Washington's national parks, including education and research, trail improvements and visitor enhancements. For membership information, contact the Fund at 2112 Third Avenue, Suite 501, Seattle, WA 98121; (206) 770-0627.
Northwest Interpretive Association
The association publishes guidebooks, trail guides and park newspapers, as well as operating book sales outlets in visitor centers and ranger stations at seven locations within Mount Rainier National Park and at 11 within Olympic National Park. Mail orders are accepted; please call (360) 569-2211, ext. 3320 for more information. For a catalog of maps and books about Mount Rainier, contact the Northwest Interpretive Association at 909 First Avenue, Suite 630, Seattle, WA 98104-3627; (206) 220-4140,www.nps.gov/mora/NWIA/nwia.htm.
Student Conservation Association
SCA is a nationwide force of high school and college-age volunteers who are committed to protecting and preserving the environment. Through internships, conservation jobs and crew experiences, SCA members are rising to meet environmental challenges while gaining real, hands-on field experience. They complete projects in every conservation discipline—from archaeology to zoology—and everything in between. In January 2007, SCA was named to direct volunteer flood recovery efforts at Mount Rainier National Park. SCA will work collaboratively with park officials to assess backcountry damage caused by last November's torrential rains, devise a restoration strategy and organize a multi-year volunteer work plan to engage trail coalitions, friends groups and individual volunteers. For more information about SCA or to get involved visit www.thesca.org.
Mt. Rainier In Depth
News from the Parks
Alexander Backs New Source of Funding for National Parks
July 3, 2008 - 9:38am
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he will cosponsor bipartisan legislation to create a new source of funding for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country as part of the “Centennial Challenge” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in 2016. “The Centennial Challenge could bring up to $4 million to the Smokies – the country’s most visited national park – and will go a long way toward improving park facilities, aiding conservation efforts, and helping build upon the excellent visitor services already offered. This 4th of July, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than backing legislation that will aid efforts to preserve and celebrate our national parks, one of America’s greatest treasures.”
July 3, 2008 - 9:38am
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he will cosponsor bipartisan legislation to create a new source of funding for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country as part of the “Centennial Challenge” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in 2016. “The Centennial Challenge could bring up to $4 million to the Smokies – the country’s most visited national park – and will go a long way toward improving park facilities, aiding conservation efforts, and helping build upon the excellent visitor services already offered. This 4th of July, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than backing legislation that will aid efforts to preserve and celebrate our national parks, one of America’s greatest treasures.”
EPA's Pollution Plan Slammed
July 3, 2008 - 9:35am
City officials and business leaders here Wednesday warned that a federal proposal to relax air quality standards for the nation's national parks will ultimately be bad for business. Simply put, they said during a news conference at the entrance to Zion National Park, lower air standards being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hurt this gateway city economically if fewer tourists visit the park. "Air pollution could damage the stars, vistas and clean air we enjoy," Springdale Mayor Pat Cluff said. "Some places deserve to be preserved and it is my responsibility to preserve [the park] for those who come here."
July 3, 2008 - 9:35am
City officials and business leaders here Wednesday warned that a federal proposal to relax air quality standards for the nation's national parks will ultimately be bad for business. Simply put, they said during a news conference at the entrance to Zion National Park, lower air standards being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hurt this gateway city economically if fewer tourists visit the park. "Air pollution could damage the stars, vistas and clean air we enjoy," Springdale Mayor Pat Cluff said. "Some places deserve to be preserved and it is my responsibility to preserve [the park] for those who come here."
Dinosaur Fossils In Utah Inspire 'Jr. Paleontologists'
July 2, 2008 - 9:57am
Millions of years ago, northeastern Utah was a hot spot for dinosaurs. Today, people travel to the Dinosaur National Monument located on the borders of Colorado and Utah to see the leftover dinosaur bones. Visitors can see as many as 1,500 Jurassic-era fossils exposed on the cliff face of the Douglass Quarry.
July 2, 2008 - 9:57am
Millions of years ago, northeastern Utah was a hot spot for dinosaurs. Today, people travel to the Dinosaur National Monument located on the borders of Colorado and Utah to see the leftover dinosaur bones. Visitors can see as many as 1,500 Jurassic-era fossils exposed on the cliff face of the Douglass Quarry.
A Paiute Take On Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos
July 2, 2008 - 9:56am
The red spindly rock formations that make up the views at Bryce Canyon National Park are called hoodoos. Geologists say they were formed by erosion, but Kevin Poe, chief of interpretation at Bryce, shares his take on the Paiute legend about hoodoos.
July 2, 2008 - 9:56am
The red spindly rock formations that make up the views at Bryce Canyon National Park are called hoodoos. Geologists say they were formed by erosion, but Kevin Poe, chief of interpretation at Bryce, shares his take on the Paiute legend about hoodoos.
Can The Everglades Be Saved?
July 2, 2008 - 9:55am
Environmentalists have been issuing dire warnings about the deterioration of the Florida Everglades for years, saying these wetlands have to be restored in order to revive fragile ecosystems and increase scarce fresh water supplies. Over half of the Everglades are gone, irreversibly converted to urban or agricultural development. But this week, in an attempt to save what's left, the state of Florida announced a plan to buy nearly 200,000 acres of former wetlands from a sugar cane producer. Advocates say the plan is the largest restoration project in American history.
July 2, 2008 - 9:55am
Environmentalists have been issuing dire warnings about the deterioration of the Florida Everglades for years, saying these wetlands have to be restored in order to revive fragile ecosystems and increase scarce fresh water supplies. Over half of the Everglades are gone, irreversibly converted to urban or agricultural development. But this week, in an attempt to save what's left, the state of Florida announced a plan to buy nearly 200,000 acres of former wetlands from a sugar cane producer. Advocates say the plan is the largest restoration project in American history.
