Latest news with #NPCA
New York Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Raunchy ‘ParkTok' trend goes viral with risqué videos raising awareness of spending cuts to national parks
Are you hot and heavy for national parks? These people want you to be. Videos mixing raunchy and sexually suggestive captions, audio or clips mixed with beautiful videos of American national parks are going viral on TikTok — or ParkTok, as the kids are calling it. In one clip posted by @ Johnathon Caine, an OnlyFans creator, smiles slyly into the camera from several angles before leaning over, flexing shirtless into the screen before the video cuts to clips of an alpine lake. Another video on the same account shows a woman dressed in a sexy cat costume dancing to a rap song before it cuts to a stunning scene of a park. The caption reads: 'Thirst Trap Thursday coming in hot and no, it's not just the hike. Serving scenic legs and waterfall teases on the way to Nevada Falls. Nature's not the only thing dripping.' Other ParkTok videos look innocent enough with stunning views of Multnomah Falls — yet if you turn the volume up, the music choices are beyond suggestive and explicit. The reason behind these unexpected spicy videos? Nature lovers are hoping to stop people mid-scroll to bring attention to the natural beauty of these parks — and the threats they're facing due to President Trump's attempt to cut national park staffing, which 'could result in more than a 75% reduction to the National Park System,' according to NPCA. 'This does go way beyond the thirst traps,' Kim Tanner, who runs the unofficial Joshua Tree account @joshuatreenp with more than 250,000 followers, told CNN. 'It's a way to pull people in, it's a way to hook them, and it works. But at the same time, you're showing them that beautiful imagery [of the parks] and hopefully, even if subliminally, you're educating them.' Funny text overlay is another tactic to get viewers' attention. tiktok/@ Many ParkTokkers hope that viewers donate to organizations like the National Park Foundation or contact local representatives to advocate for their political support of the parks. Sometimes the accounts make jokes about which has the 'biggest trees' or 'longest lakes' seemingly competing with one another — but many of them are actually working together. Phoebe, a nature enthusiast who started the unofficial Multnomah Falls account @multnomah_falls to simply share her love of Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, realized she could do more than just gush about how breathtaking her favorite area is. That's why she joined a group chat on TikTok with fellow-minded ParkTokkers. 'We started thinking we could probably do some good with this instead of just sharing our hiking videos,' Phoebe told the outlet. So, they began 'doing coordinated, themed posts, in between our silly posts and our nature posts, about the threats of logging and the threats of our public lands being sold and all of these things that have been introduced by the federal government,' she said. These content creators hope their buzzy, spice-filled videos will turn people on to protect the parks.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mount Rainier scaling back reservations for 2025 season in WA
The Brief Mount Rainier National Park will again require timed-entry reservations during peak periods to manage increased visitation. The NPCA supports the system but calls for broader implementation and better staffing. Increased visitation has caused traffic, crowding, and environmental issues. SEATTLE - Officials with Mount Rainier National Park will again limit the number of visitors to certain areas of the Washington park this year. MRNP has introduced a limited timed-entry reservation system for its peak 2025 visitation season, addressing the challenges posed by a significant increase in visitor numbers over the past decade. Timeline The new system requires reservations for visitors entering the Sunrise Corridor from the northeast between July 11 and Sept. 1, as well as on weekends and holidays in September and October. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been advocating for the implementation of such systems at Mount Rainier. The organization hoped park managers would build on their 2024 strategy. The park's previous pilot program in 2024, which included more dates and covered the popular Nisqually and Stevens Canyon entrances, was well-received by local community members, the State of Washington Tourism, outdoor retailers, and park visitors. However, efforts to expand the program were delayed by the Trump administration. What they're saying Rob Smith, NPCA Northwest Regional Director, spoke about the scaled-back reservation plan, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive system that could have been implemented earlier and in more areas of the park. "It's frustrating to settle for a scaled back reservations plan when a more commonsense system prevailed at Mount Rainier last year and could have easily returned earlier and in more areas of the park this year." Dig deeper The introduction of the reservation system comes in response to a nearly 40% increase in visitation to Mount Rainier over the last decade. This surge has resulted in traffic congestion, long lines for services, trash accumulation, trail crowding, and disturbances to wildlife, according to the NPCA. Park advocates have raised concerns about the gradual degradation of the park's high-altitude wildflower meadows due to social trails and roadside parking outside designated areas. The situation is reportedly exacerbated by the closure of the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge, which limits access. Smith highlighted the importance of smarter staffing levels to ensure the success of reservation systems at Mount Rainier and other national parks, noting ongoing challenges posed by staffing cuts and uncertainty. The Source Information for this story came from the National Parks Conservation Association. Viral TikTok warns women of convicted rapist released in Seattle Over 100 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores to close, including 8 in WA Seattle Seahawks 2025 schedule released, here are all 17 matchups Marymoor Park announces 2025 summer concert series lineup in Redmond, WA Viral TikTok captures truck break-in after Seattle Mariners game, despite police presence Bryan Kohberger back in court for pretrial hearing in Idaho students murder case 'Scared of accountability': Crowd calls out West Seattle leaders at public safety meeting FBI nabs Thurston County, WA fugitive hundreds of miles from crime scene To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Yosemite National Park Finally Announces Reservation System
Andrew S)"> After months of confusion and delay, Yosemite National Park has announced its reservation rules for the summer of 2025. On May 6, people can book their reservations through the National Park Service's website starting at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. While the new system is significantly less restrictive than previous years, some advocates argue that it won't prevent traffic from overwhelming the park. Reservation requirements for 2025 start on Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-26) for anyone driving into or through Yosemite between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. After that, people will only need reservations if they visit from June 15 to August 15 and from August 30 to Labor Day (September 1). 'This system ensures all visitors, whether they plan in advance or decide last minute, can experience the park each day,' Yosemite National Park officials wrote on the website. 'It also spreads visitation across the day so that visitors have a better experience.' This new system replaces a previous 2025 visitation plan that would have required reservations every day from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with weekend-only reservations in April, May, September, and October. According to Mark Rose, the Sierra Nevada program manager for the National Park Conservation Association (NPCA), that was the preferred system among Yosemite park officials. 'If the administration truly cared about the visitor experience at Yosemite this summer, it would have allowed park leaders to move forward months ago with its preferred reservation system, which was refined over the past several years, and led by data, deep community engagement, and commonsense,' Rose said in a statement. On the morning of May 6, reservations for all dates will be released on the National Park website. Additional dates will be posted 7 days ahead of the arrival date. Reservations will be available for purchase every day at 8 a.m. There is a $2 reservation fee that does not include the $35-per-car Yosemite National Park entrance fee. Be sure to have an account on set up before logging onto the site to book your dates. 'Reservations sell out almost immediately,' NPS warns. 'Even if you're logged on by 8 a.m., there is no guarantee you will be able to get a reservation.' Anyone with a Half Dome or wilderness permit, reservations for in-park camping or lodging, or who accesses the park using a regional transit or tour bus is exempt from the 2025 reservation requirements. To visit without a permit, simply enter the park before 6 a.m. or after 2 p.m. You can also visit Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy area without a reservation during daylight hours. Generally, Yosemite National Park announces its reservation system months before summer. However, in February, it suspended reservations at five of its largest campsites due to understaffing. It announced that it was waiting for a 'blessing' from the new administration to move forward with its plans for summer reservations, The LA Times reported. According to the NPCA, visitation at Yosemite has exploded in the last 20 years, soaring by 30% between 2020 and 2019. The crowds caused congestion and gridlock throughout the park, so reservation systems were piloted starting in 2020. Since then, the program has been refined, streamlined, and adapted. NPCA said this new 2025 reservation system is 'insufficient to protect the park.' 'It's clear that when implemented thoughtfully, reservations significantly improve the visitor experience while protecting Yosemite's invaluable resources,' Rose said. 'Last year, over 4 million people visited the park with a more expansive reservation system in place. Smart planning doesn't mean fewer people, just a better experience for all.' Whether this new reservation system will result in more crowds and negatively affect visitor experiences remains unknown. However, with fewer resources and continued staffing shortages, increased visitation could cause problems. 'Attacks on park staffing aren't just about the numbers; they directly impact visitors, local communities, and the landscapes we cherish,' Rose said. Hanging Lake Trail Finally Reopens: Book Your Summer Hike Now
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
2,400 National Park Service Staff Could Exit Before Easter Due To New Offer
As a next wave of workforce reduction efforts, the National Park Service (NPS) opened a five-day window on April 4, allowing employees to resign while remaining on paid leave through September. It takes effect on April 18, right before the Easter holidays. National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) estimated this would affect at least 2,400 staff members, over 10% of NPS's workforce. Kristen Brengel, senior vice president for government affairs at NPCA, was interviewed by Kurt Repanshek for National Parks Traveler on April 11. She shared her fear that NPS will lose 'knowledgeable people who know how to protect natural and cultural resources.' The offer came through an internal email sent by Melissa Sims, acting associate director of workforce and inclusion, and was later shared publicly by NPS Ranger News. It was also confirmed on Shenandoah National Park's website. This offer follows a string of measures affecting staffing, such as the February 14 dismissal of roughly 1,000 probationary NPS employees and the Voluntary Early Retirement Program with up to $25,000 in incentives rolled out in March. Full-time permanent employees across the agency can apply for the Deferred Resignation/Retirement Program or pair it with a Voluntary Early Retirement Program. Approved applicants will be placed on fully paid administrative leave by April 18, continuing to receive their salaries until their official departure date later in the year (September 30 to resign and December 31 to retire). Not everyone is eligible, though. Essential personnel operating the National Critical Infrastructure are excluded unless explicitly approved by senior leadership. The email also mentions exceptions for positions deemed essential to safety and operations, including law enforcement, fire management, emergency response, dispatching and cybersecurity roles. For employees nearing retirement or seeking a career shift, this offer could be the opportunity to exit federal service with full pay and flexibility. You can read the full email here. Before this latest development, the NPCA had already published on March 26 what kind of impact the agency has seen since February. Now, losing over 2,400 staff members will likely worsen the situation. The agency noted that the most visible change is in visitor experience. NPCA warns visitors to anticipate longer wait times, fewer services and a scaled-back experience as parks struggle to operate with less staffing. 1) Entrance stations are closing or operating with delays, while many visitor centers now operate on reduced hours, by appointment only or closed entirely. 2) Campgrounds are also closing or operate with limited facilities. For example, Great Smoky Mountains National Park keeps 6 out of its 10 frontcountry campgrounds closed and only Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont and Deep Creek open. 3) Several buildings housing visitor centers, law enforcement offices or museum collections face lease cancellations. 4) Several parks canceled guided tours and limited access to key recreational facilities, from restrooms to boat ramps. For example, Pinnacle National Park canceled all its ranger programs until further notice. 5) NPCA also noted that fewer staff means less work is done behind the scenes. Important scientific and educational programs—like wildlife research and school visits—are being paused or cut. Denali National Park has already canceled two long-running youth camps for 2025, the Denali Discovery Camps and the Denali Backcountry Adventures, citing safety concerns and staffing gaps following the recent termination of key National Park Service employees. Back in February, protests had already begun—most notably when a group of current and former park employees unfurled a massive upside-down American flag at El Capital, a distress signal over the future of the National Park Service. But how can you help now? Send a letter to Congress. NPCA shared a draft letter again to make taking action easier. Volunteer or take a seasonal job to help with trail maintenance, visitor assistance and conservation work. You can find volunteer opportunities at and seasonal job posts at Support through donations or buying an $80 America the Beautiful Pass, directly funding park services. Advocate for the parks by signing petitions and using your voice on social media. This petition on Action Network still needs almost 300 signatures. Keep your existing park reservations and choose tour operators and local businesses directly supporting the parks through commercial partnerships. Visit responsibly and leave no trace. Staying on trails, picking up trash, and keeping facilities clean will help understaffed national parks with maintenance.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Use Your Wallet Wisely: These Brands Give Back to America's National Parks
America's national parks protect some of our most treasured natural landscapes and historical sites. With hundreds of millions of us enjoying the parks each year, maintaining these pristine environments requires significant resources and support. And now that staff are being cut en masse, funding is vanishing overnight, and politicians are threatening to sell off public lands, 2025—and possibly beyond—is a rough time for "America's best idea." Though it can seem like "we the people" can't do much, we can use our wallets where it counts. Many brands have created programs that allow consumers to contribute to national park conservation efforts through everyday purchases. From specialty spirits to unique glassware, hotel stays to apparel, here's how you can help preserve and protect America's national treasures—at the click of a button. Wyoming's first legal distillery—Wyoming Whiskey, in Kirby, Wyoming—has been forging a connection to the outdoors since 2012. The proof: Their latest release, National Parks No.4 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, honors Wyoming's own Yellowstone National Park and directly benefits Yellowstone Forever, the park's official nonprofit partner. It's the fourth iteration of their National Park series (this one's technically named National Parks No.4 Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Mammoth Hot Springs). This limited-edition bourbon, blended from over 70 barrels and aged for a minimum of five years, offers rich notes of vanilla, candied ginger, crème caramel, and a honeysuckle finish—though your palate may vary. Through this series, Wyoming Whiskey has donated an impressive $150,000 to support efforts to protect, preserve, and enhance America's first national park. And this author can attest: The latest iteration is smooth, caramel-y, and surprisingly sippable. Yellowstone Bourbon stands as one of the National Parks Conservation Association's (NPCA) largest corporate donors: They've contributed $1,000,000 to preserving and protecting national parks. A million dollars! Beyond that, the brand continues to demonstrate its commitment by donating a portion of Yellowstone Select Bourbon sales to the NPCA and has matched donations up to $50,000 for specific relief efforts like the Southwest Montana Relief Fund, too. To further raise awareness, Yellowstone Bourbon releases special edition bottles featuring the NPCA logo, creating collectible items that support a worthy cause. Based in Portland, Oregon, North Drinkware creates landscape-inspired glassware that gives back to local nonprofits. Their Wyoming collection directly supports the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, while other regional collections benefit their respective park organizations, like their Crater Lake collection donating to the Crater Lake Trust. As a proud member of 1% For the Planet, North Drinkware commits to donating 1% of the sales from each glass to selected nonprofits working to protect public lands or improve communities surrounding the mountains featured in their products. The newly reimagined Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa—just beyond Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming—is back in 2025 for its first full summer season. To celebrate, it's offering visitors a chance to support national parks like Grand Teton through their special "National Parks: Explore & Support" package. Available for summer travel from June through September 30, 2025, this package (with a minimum four-night stay) includes: A $150 food and beverage credit to Wild Sage Restaurant A $100 services credit for Body Sage Spa One free annual National Parks Pass (typically $80) A donation to both the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Yellowstone Forever This family-owned hotel demonstrates how even the little guys can play a role in park conservation efforts—and that every dollar and every intention counts! Through 2027, NPCA members staying at participating U.S. Travelodge by Wyndham hotels can receive up to a 20% discount through the designated NPCA rate—the two organizations have partnered up to do good by our parks. For each night booked, Wyndham Hotel Group will donate 5% of the NPCA rate (excluding taxes, gratuities, and other fees) to the National Parks Conservation Association. Since this is through 2027, you can bookmark it for those dream trips you might take next year. Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Alpyn Beauty combines clean clinical ingredients with mountain plants to create vegan, cruelty-free facial products. The company also donates a portion of every purchase to national park restoration efforts, allowing beauty enthusiasts to support conservation through their skincare routines. It's so easy—you can support national parks just by staying beautiful. HOMAGE has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association in a meaningful collaboration: their National Parks Collection. Through April 2026, HOMAGE will donate 5% of the purchase price of each parks collection product sold to the NPCA. What's more, the brand has committed to a minimum guaranteed donation of $10,000, supporting the NPCA's century-long mission of protecting the country's places of unparalleled natural wonder, historical significance, and cultural value. Through May 2026, Conscious Step will donate $1 to the NPCA for each pair of specially-marked "socks that protect" product sold, with an overall minimum guaranteed donation of $1,000. Their sustainably and ethically made socks and sweatshirts are created with Fairtrade, GOTS-organic, and vegan-certified cotton and recycled polyester. Conscious Step allows customers to "shop by cause," too, ensuring that every purchase gives back to one of their 17 nonprofit partners, including those supporting national park conservation. Whether you're enjoying a fine bourbon, booking a hotel stay, or purchasing everyday items like socks, conscious consumer choices can help ensure America's natural treasures remain protected for generations to come.
