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A poll that includes 300 hunters, examined perspectives on issues including the Endangered Species Act, Congressional investments to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in park landscapes, and Trump administration regulations that expand hunting in some national parks.
New Poll Shows American Public, Hunters Largely United on National Park Wildlife Protection
The NPCA poll, conducted by YouGov among 1,000 Americans and 300 hunters, examined perspectives on issues including the Endangered Species Act, Congressional investments to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in park landscapes, and Trump administration regulations that expand hunting in some nationa...
The Olympic National Park hike that took me to the quietest place in America
Olympic's quietest trail will change how you hear nature.
“You could tell they were just strolling along, taking their selfies, without a care in the world. They were totally oblivious to what was right under their feet. You're causing so much damage with every step you take, and you don't care.”
Tourists Again Illegally Walk On Dangerous Grand Prismatic Spring In Yellowstone
Two tourists got dangerously and illegally close to Grand Prismatic Spring on Sunday in Yellowstone. Montana resident Tanya Saueressig, who filmed them…
Another reason to put Badlands National Park on the must-see list….
NEWS RELEASE: Badlands National Park Achieves Dark Sky Park Certification
INTERIOR, S.D. — Badlands National Park has officially been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by Dark Sky International. The accomplishment marks the culmination of nearly a decade of work by park staff and partners to protect the night sky and preserve the area’s nocturnal environment.
The park began pursuing Dark Sky certification in 2018 after encouragement from the public and partners. Since then, Badlands National Park and its nonprofit partners have instituted darky-sky-friendly lighting practices, established long-term monitoring efforts and completed major lighting retrofits.
“In addition to providing unparalleled views of the night sky, Badlands National Park is home to many nocturnal species, such as owls, bats and the endangered black-footed ferret, that depend on dark skies for their survival. Protecting the night sky is consistent with tribal and wilderness values as well,” said Superintendent Eric Veach. “Thanks to the hard work of park staff and partners, this certification will help protect the area’s wildlife and ecosystems while allowing visitors to experience starry night skies for years to come.”
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting practices and public education.
Badlands National Park has conducted night sky programming since the late 2000s. Today, the park offers nightly astronomy programs and night sky tours and supports a growing team of astronomy volunteers. The park launched its Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival in 2012 to celebrate the night sky and space exploration. This year’s festival will be held July 17–19, 2026 and will support the continued protection and enjoyment of night skies as a precious natural resource.
For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/badl/learn/news/Badlands-National-Park-Achieves-Dark-Sky-Park-Certification.htm
NPS Photo/ E. Neubaum
INTERIOR, S.D. — Badlands National Park has officially been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by Dark Sky International. The accomplishment marks the culmination of nearly a decade of work by park staff and partners to protect the night sky and preserve the area’s nocturnal environment.
The park began pursuing Dark Sky certification in 2018 after encouragement from the public and partners. Since then, Badlands National Park and its nonprofit partners have instituted darky-sky-friendly lighting practices, established long-term monitoring efforts and completed major lighting retrofits.
“In addition to providing unparalleled views of the night sky, Badlands National Park is home to many nocturnal species, such as owls, bats and the endangered black-footed ferret, that depend on dark skies for their survival. Protecting the night sky is consistent with tribal and wilderness values as well,” said Superintendent Eric Veach. “Thanks to the hard work of park staff and partners, this certification will help protect the area’s wildlife and ecosystems while allowing visitors to experience starry night skies for years to come.”
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting practices and public education.
Badlands National Park has conducted night sky programming since the late 2000s. Today, the park offers nightly astronomy programs and night sky tours and supports a growing team of astronomy volunteers. The park launched its Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival in 2012 to celebrate the night sky and space exploration. This year’s festival will be held July 17–19, 2026 and will support the continued protection and enjoyment of night skies as a precious natural resource.
For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/badl/learn/news/Badlands-National-Park-Achieves-Dark-Sky-Park-Certification.htm
NPS Photo/ E. Neubaum