This guy is all over the fucking place, which won't be good. What's the Outdoor Industry Saying About Trump's Interior Secretary Pick? It's a mixed bag Zinke tours the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company plant in Columbia Falls, Montana, in February 2016. Photo: AP On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump selected Montana congressman Ryan Zinke (R) to serve as secretary for the Department of the Interior, a position that manages natural and cultural resources. If Zinke accepts the job, he would oversee about 20 percent of the country’s public land, some 70,000 employees, and agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In short, Zinke, 55, would become the most powerful arbiter of outdoor recreation and land-use policies in the country. Given Trump’s other cabinet picks, the second-term Montanan congressman is a better option than many expected. Crucially, he’s voiced support for federal management of public land and renewable energy. But he’s also called climate change an “unsettled science” and wants to open federal land to more energy extraction. So it could be worse, but he’s certainly not an environmentalist’s ally. Here’s how the outdoor industry has responded to Zinke, through blog posts and press releases: Outdoor Industry Association “Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and OIAPAC endorsed Zinke in the 2016 election, citing his understanding of the outdoor recreation economy and his support for investment in and the protection of America’s public lands and waters... Specifically, Zinke was a co-sponsor of the Outdoor REC Act in the House of Representatives, supports reauthorization and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and co-sponsored the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act(WDFA)... Zinke also voted for the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act and has taken a vote against the state takeover of public lands… He shares the industry’s values specific to the importance of access to and funding for America’s public lands and waters and the important role they play as the foundation and infrastructure of the $646 billion outdoor recreation economy. We look forward to a collaborative relationship and constructive dialogue with him, but we will also be ready to defend the protection of our shared lands and waters—our American heritage—should they be threatened.” Read the full statement. Outdoor Alliance “We have worked with Zinke on public lands and outdoor issues over the last several years. During his time in Congress, Zinke has become more outspoken about the importance of fighting the public land heist and working to keep public lands public. He has also been a vocal advocate for conservation programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Zinke has at times been willing to take positions unpopular with his party to defend public lands...Although his overall voting record on this issue has been mixed, he also deserves credit for taking some tough committee votes in support of keeping public lands public. Earlier this summer, Zinke broke party lines to vote against one of two measures that pave the way for privatizing National Forests. Zinke has been a strong supporter of fossil fuel development on public lands, including coal mining. In addition, he has been inconsistent on the settled science of climate change...To his credit, Zinke has been responsive to the outcry of his constituents in Montana about the importance of public lands.” Read the full statement. The Wilderness Society “We have serious concerns about the nomination of Congressman Zinke, whose repeated support for logging, drilling and mining on cherished public lands is out of step with most Americans. While he has steered clear of efforts to sell off public lands and supported the Land and Water Conservation Fund, far more often Zinke has advanced policies that favor special interests. His overall record and the backdrop of cabinet nominations with close ties to the fossil fuel industry cause us grave concern. Zinke has refused to acknowledge that climate change is caused by fossil fuel emissions, while vocally opposing the Obama administration’s efforts to reduce harmful methane emissions. In addition, he has fought efforts to reform coal and voted to scrap environmental safeguards related to logging efforts on national forests.” Read the full statement. National Parks Conservation Association “It is up to all of us to protect our national parks, including the President-elect and his new Interior Secretary. Mr. Zinke has expressed support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, opposes the sale of public lands and has expressed concern over proposed mine development adjacent to Yellowstone. In contrast, Mr. Zinke has advocated for state control of energy development on federal lands, a move that threatens our national parks. Mr. Zinke has also repeatedly voted to block efforts to designate new national parks that would diversify the National Park System.” Read the full statement. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers “Congressman Zinke understands the importance of public lands and balancing management of these important resources with energy development and other uses. As Montana’s lone representative in the House of Representatives, Mr. Zinke has showed himself to be receptive to the interests of a wide range of constituents and a potential ally of sportsmen and other outdoor recreationists... We appreciate his efforts to keep public lands public and to strongly fund cornerstone natural resources programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund; at the same time, we are committed to ensuring that fish and wildlife and their habitats are considered priorities with competing uses of our public lands. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Mr. Zinke as Interior secretary.” Read the full statement. Center for Biological Diversity “Ryan Zinke has a dismal 3 percent lifetime environmental voting record. His brief political career has been substantially devoted to attacking endangered species and the Endangered Species Act. He led efforts to strip federal protections for endangered wolves, lynx, and sage grouse; voted to exempt massive agribusiness and water developers from Endangered Species Act limitations; and opposed efforts to crack down on the international black market ivory trade. Zinke consistently votes for the interests of oil and gas companies, which is not surprising since Oasis Petroleum is his largest campaign contributor and the oil and gas industry is his third-largest sector contributor. He has also voted against and attacked the establishment of protective national monuments on public lands. On the bright side, Zinke has spoken and voted against the outright transfer of federal public lands to states and corporations. This is in keeping with positions taken by Donald Trump and his son Donald, Jr. Unfortunately Zinke has championed the same result—greatly increased logging, mining and oil drilling, greatly reduced environmental protections, elimination of federal control, and weakening of environmental standards—by turning over public land management to industry-dominated panels appointed by state governors... During confirmation hearings, the Senate needs to grill Zinke on this contradiction and ensure he truly supports keeping public lands in public hands." —Kierán Suckling, executive director of the CBD Trust for Public Lands “President Theodore Roosevelt rightly recognized that saving our outdoor heritage for future generations was important, and if President-elect Trump intends to follow in Roosevelt’s footsteps, he will make sure these special places are protected forever, not sold to the highest bidder. As a member of Congress, Zinke was a strong supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and worked with us to support community-based land conservation in Montana. We hope that as Secretary of the Interior, he will staunchly defend our public lands from harmful attacks, oppose the proposed sale and transfer of those lands and work to ensure permanent access to the outdoors for all Americans.” Read the full statement. Center for American Progress “Congressman Zinke is a coal executive’s dream nominee. Congressman Zinke has been on a one-man crusade to preserve a massive loophole that allowed coal companies to dodge royalty payments to Montana communities and U.S. taxpayers...The coal and oil industry’s contributions to Congressman Zinke also seem to have transformed him into a denier of basic climate science. His flip-flop on the science of climate change will raise questions about which of his other positions—such as his promise not to sell off parks and public lands—can be sold to the highest bidder...In 2010, then-state senator Zinke signed a letter of 1,200 state legislators calling on President Obama and the Congress to pass legislation on clean energy and climate change. Running for Congress in 2014, Congressman Zinke flipped his position, challenging the scientific consensus behind climate change. Since 2014, Zinke has taken at least $345,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry.” Read the full statement. Current Secretary of the Interior Salley Jewell Last month, Outside editor-in-chief Chris Keyes chatted with Jewellabout her potential replacement. When asked about what she thought about a climate change denier filling the role, she said: “You cannot be the Secretary of the Interior and deal with the wildfires and the droughts and the invasive species and coastal erosion without recognizing that climate change is real….No matter what beliefs a person comes into this position with, the job has a way of showing you what’s really going on.”
Still getting my feet wet with this hiking stuff since I moved out here. Yesterday for my birthday my wife and I hiked up to the Bells Canyon Reservoir which is only a short drive from my house. Thankfully no snakes this time
Its bad news. He has been publicly against the sale of federal lands, so that is the only positive I can find with him. Desperately hoping my contract gets converted to full time perm before the funding for the DOI gets completely gutted.
Was curious what "previously identified as suitable for disposal" meant. https://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/planning/planning_overview/lands_potentially0.html
Trump’s America, where even park employees have become enemies of the state https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...rump-america-parks-employees-enemies-of-state
Will be driving my daughter home from college from from Idaho to Orlando in late May. Planning in taking a couple of days in Yellowstone (not enough, I know) but on the drive back in August would like to come up through the south or western side of the park for a few more days.
Driving from Jersey to Nashville in August. I've been to the Great Smokey Mountains and Shenandoah, anyone have a recommendation for somewhere else in between?
Mammoth Cave is about your only option. You could swing wide to Cuyahoga but that place is a fucking sorry excuse for a park.
not much in terms of National Parks - but there are some fantastic National Forest stops and State Parks to be had in VA/WVA Dolly Sods Wilderness, Douthat State Park, Devil's Marble Yard, Table Rock, New River Gorge Could also just drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Planning on camping somewhere about halfway in between. It looks like that means going NJ > DE > MD > VA > TN or NJ > PA > WV > KY > TN depending on whether I go West then South or South then West. Last time, I camped in Shenandoah for a few nights, bit that was a bit too close to NJ so I had a much longer second half of my trip than I wanted.
Haven't gone the route through Kentucky, but I just did NJ>PA down I-81 through Virginia then Knoxville to Nashville and it's a beautiful drive
Yeah, that's the way I usually go. I just googled it and there's a third way, an all the way through PA > OH > KY > TN route that hits Pitt, Cinci, and Louisville. (I-76 W, I-70 W, I-71 S and I-65 S)
Not all are officially parks, and some are historical sites or museums, but sites you could consider on the western half of the state include. Only included ones I been to but pointed out a couple that looked like they might be of interest to you. Appomattox Court House (where the Civil War formerly ended in case you didn't know), also pair it with the Museum of the Confederacy if you can since they are both in Appomattox Blue Ridge Parkway - numerous things along that parkway National D-Day Memorial Great Falls - Never been here, looks neat though Natural Bridge - Nice little hike with a waterfall if you go all the way to the end. Also has a Monocan Indian exhibit. Avoid the nearby zoo and safari park. They have a not so good history with animal welfare, fuck them. Nine different caverns - Luray is generally considered to be the best of them Birthplace of Country Music museum - also never been because not my kind of music but throwing it out there in case you like country Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia James Madison's Montpelier Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Poplar Forest James Monroe's Highland Patrick Henry's Red Hill UVA - a lot of historical stuff at that school Virginia Beer Museum - never been here, I assume you like beer though And tons of different forests that are designated as state or national parks as well as Civil War battlefields since Virginia has 3x more battles than any other state. Not really a camper/hiker type so can't really tell you much about the forests. You need to vacation down in Eastern Virginia sometime. Definitely the superior half of the state as far as tourism is concerned.
Awesome list, thanks a ton. Yeah, I've just started making this trip since my little bro moved to Memphis a year back. Prior to that, almost all of my camping was on the coast, from MD down to NC.
Always been a fan of big bone lick state park. Swing through beaver lick Kentucky if you go, it's close by.
You're welcome. Some of those you could knock out two in a day because frankly there really isn't much of anything to do in the towns where several of those things are located and you'd really have to drag out visiting those spots to make it last a day. Charlottesville area would be your best spot to maximize a one-day visit. You could go, in order from north to south, Montpelier, UVA, Monticello, Ash-Lawn Highland. Charlottesville also has a ton of dining and shopping options. Not sure if you could fit it all in a day, but it's possible. Really depends on how much time you spend at each, can be lots to do in Charlottesville. The four spots are just 41.1 miles apart according to Google Maps, take out Montpelier and just 12.6 miles apart. So taking out Montpelier would be the best if you don't think you could swing all four in a day. I neglected to add this, but Natural Bridge is just a little bit outside of Lexington, home to VMI and Washington & Lee. Both of those schools have some museums but aren't really worth your time to hit up just them. Could probably knock them both out in like 2-3 hours, perhaps even less. Been many years since I went. Natural Bridge also has a cavern. Other than Natural Bridge, none of the options in this paragraph are worth the stop in town alone but could make for a nice day if done together.
If you are even near SC, check out Congaree. Maybe I'm a bit biased (worked there for a few months) but it's a really awesome little park hidden away in the midlands of SC. Gorgeous old growth swamp.
Anyone been to the Smoky Mountains or WNC recently? I'm thinking of doing Asheville > WNC > Smokies > Tellico Plains here in the next few weeks to do some trout fishing and camping. One of my best friends from school lives in Asheville and I need to see my god-daughter and my family has a cabin in Tellico I can stay in. HOOSINSC
If you do the PA-OH-KY route, Hocking Hills is about half way in Ohio. You can divert near Columbus to get there, then get out by picking up 32 near Athens/Ohio University for a straight four lane shot over to I-71 and Cincinnati. Hocking Hills is a state park with some very cool trails--Old Mans Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Falls. It's adjacent to Wayne National Forest. There are a lot of water falls, 20-200 feet high, but August is going to be pretty dry. Google for pictures. The Ohiopyle area in SW PA is pretty cool too. You can do some mild whitewater rafting there. Frank Lloyd Wright's "Falling Water" Kaufman House is there.
yes hello. long cat in spoilers Spoiler the only river near tellico plains that i've fished is the hiawassee near reliance, tn. that's an hour or so away at least. wnc - there's great town fishing around bryson city, sylva, cherokee, and waynesville has a nice fly shop and good food. less than an hour from asheville all of them. bryson city is close to a ton of hiking trails and falls. the tuckaseegee river from hwy 23 bridge in dillsboro up river is 12 miles of really good and not terribly difficult water. lots of big fish. the nantahala river from wesser,nc up river is really good. the closer to old river rd and the pumping station the better. i don't know cashiers or rosman area too well but there's a shop there called headwater outfitters that's legit. usually has cute girls working there. pisgah is usually so crowded as is dupont state forest i don't bother with them much. they're popular spots though. Linville Gorge is supposed to be legit. resources for some streams in the area http://www.flyfishingtrail.com http://www.perfectflystore.com/waters.html (scroll until you see nc and then you can read pretty solid stream reports and fly suggestions) fyi i'm going on the 12th of Feb somewhere in wnc or east tn
If you take the WV-KY route, Red River Gorge in Eastern KY is nice. Again, check out photos on google to see if it's your thing.
I would check what the forest fires did in November before you pick an area of the park. The Western side of Smokey Mountain National Park got hit pretty bad in spots.
Awesome, thank you. Just off the top of my head a Ash > Dilboro/Tuck > GSMSP > Tellico might be the ticket.
Exactly, my Mom worked at the visitor center last summer (2015) and she has no idea what housing is left. She thinks her apartments are gone and a large portion of her fellow NPS peers lost their homes including the head of the park. I think I'd be tent camping by this point.
Fucking sad it's come to this. http://www.pressherald.com/2017/01/30/this-message-appeared-in-huge-letters-on-an-acadia-beach/
it's an under appreciated park. very low visitor numbers and some truly unique features. that said, it isn't exactly a place to hike for a week.
there are some really awesome rivers that get overlooked in SC. The Broad, Savannah, Catawba, and Edisto all have great sections. The Lower Saluda in Columbia before the Congaree is really something. This trip down the Edisto is on my bucket list, http://www.canoesc.com/
the bottomland hardwood stands in Congaree are just about as good as it gets - it's a great day trip for sure, and easy to get to off of 26