Latest news with #U.S.NationalParkService
New York Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
Racing to Save California's Elephant Seals From Bird Flu
Visuals by Loren Elliott Text by Emily Anthes In late 2023, bird flu arrived on the rocky shores of the Valdés Peninsula in Argentina, ripping through the local colony of southern elephant seals. More than 17,000 seal pups died. It could take decades for the population to recover, experts announced in April. 'It really hit a whole generation on that colony pretty hard,' said Sarah Codde, a marine ecologist at the U.S. National Park Service. Sea lions, some dead, on beaches of Río Negro province, Argentina, in August 2023. Juan Macri/Associated Press Now, a team of ecologists, epidemiologists and veterinarians is scrambling to keep the same thing from happening to northern elephant seals. The seals, which live along the Pacific Coast of North America, were hunted almost to extinction in the 19th century. Since then, they have staged a remarkable comeback. But the animals face several serious threats, including coastal erosion, extreme weather and warming temperatures. And their low genetic diversity makes them especially vulnerable to an outbreak. 'The concern is that any disease could wipe them out,' Dr. Codde said. Today, the Point Reyes National Seashore in California is home to roughly 4,000 of the marine behemoths. During the breeding season, the beaches become bona fide petri dishes, bringing large numbers of susceptible seals into close contact with one other as well as shorebirds that could be harboring the bird flu virus, known as H5N1. Dr. Codde and her colleagues form one line of defense, venturing onto the beaches multiple times a week to conduct population counts and assessments. It's a task that requires patience, sharp eyesight and the willingness to occasionally approach multi-ton males for a closer look at the numbers on their plastic flipper tags. This breeding season, Dr. Codde also worked with a graduate student at the University of California, Davis, to collect nasal swabs from young seals, which will provide insight into whether any form of influenza is circulating in the colony. While Dr. Codde monitors the population at large, the Marine Mammal Center is keeping a close eye on individual seals that are sick. The center's main hospital, in Sausalito, rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured seals, sea lions and sea otters; last year, it treated more than 1,000 animals. 'Our clinic is a little thimble,' said Dr. Dominic Travis, a wildlife veterinary epidemiologist and the chief programs officer at the Marine Mammal Center. 'We get a sample size out of the ocean. But those things show up to us for a reason, right? They're an unhealthy sample.' During the breeding season, the center sees a lot of underweight, malnourished elephant seal pups, many of which are still too young to fend for themselves or even swim. Sometimes, they also see elephant seals with parasites or traumatic injuries, such as dog bites or blunt force trauma from boat propellers. For the last few years, the Marine Mammal Center has been testing any patients with bird-flu-like symptoms, which include respiratory and neurological problems, for the virus. It has now expanded that testing to every patient; all animals are swabbed when they are admitted. The swabs are then sent to the University of California, Davis, for rapid bird flu testing. So far, none of the hospital's patients have tested positive for the bird flu virus that has been causing mass die-offs in wild animals. But experts know that the situation could change in an instant. 'It's always a risk,' said Dr. Cara Field, the center's director of conservation medicine. 'We don't know what might come our way.' The Marine Mammal Center is also part of a larger local network of programs and organizations working to expand flu surveillance in marine mammals — especially at a time when government funding is uncertain. Given how widespread the virus is in wild birds, and how ubiquitous the birds are on the beaches, there's not much that experts can do to keep the virus entirely at bay. 'So the best that we can do now is be prepared,' Dr. Field said. Elephant seal monitoring activities at Point Reyes National Seashore are authorized under National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Number 27424.
The Hill
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Why would the US government ever refuse the US dollar?
In a moment of remarkable irony, Toby Stover vs. United States National Park Service may go down in history as the case that put America's legal tender on trial — at the hands of its own government. At its core, this lawsuit challenges the National Park Service's growing refusal to accept cash — U.S. dollars — at dozens of federally funded national parks. One such site is none other than the historic home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in New York's Hyde Park. There, a woman offered to pay her entry fee in U.S. currency, clearly marked 'Legal Tender for All Debts, Public and Private.' Park officials refused. Reflect for a minute on that. The Park Service, a federal agency, is declining to accept money issued by the U.S. Treasury, backed by federal law. And in this instance, it happened at the home of FDR, the very president who, in 1935, ordered the inclusion of the Great Seal of the United States on every dollar bill to bolster confidence during the Great Depression. Today, the federal government refuses to accept those very same bills on the hallowed grounds of his historic residence. According to the plaintiff's May 12 filing in the Washington, D.C., Federal District Court, entrance fees to a national park are bound by the U.S. Treasury's legal tender statute, which states that 'United States coins and currency … are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues.' Refusing to accept cash for public entry fees appears to directly violate this statute. The question at hand is not whether the Park Service prefers digital payments — it is whether federal agencies can legally refuse the nation's own money. This isn't a glitch in the system. It's a symptom of a larger, and dangerous, trend. Scores of parks across the country have implemented or are transitioning to 'cashless' payment systems. This includes iconic places like Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier and Lake Mead. Even our more local Great Falls National Park went cashless in January. As the U.S. National Park Service turns its back on cash, however, other federal institutions are moving in the opposite direction. According to the IRS's chief counsel, Taxpayer Assistance Centers are required to accept cash from taxpayers pursuant to federal law. And in the U.S. Congress, Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) recently reintroduced the Payment Choice Act, a bill with bipartisan support that would require retailers to accept cash for purchases of $500 or less in brick-and-mortar establishments. An increasing number of state and local jurisdictions are passing 'cashless bans' in the absence of a federal law, requiring retailers to accept cash to ensure access and inclusion for all consumers and to guarantee essential commercial continuity in times of disaster. So while these local governments affirm cash as a public right, the U.S. National Park Service is refusing the only form of payment that requires no permission, no technology and no third-party intermediary charging fees to facilitate a simple transaction and/or selling your data to other companies. That contradiction should trouble us all. In the Toby Stover case, the National Park Service argues that if visitors can pay digitally, refusing to do so is a 'self-inflicted' injury. This logic is deeply flawed. The right to engage in commercial transactions should not be contingent on smartphone access or digital literacy. Tendering cash is an exercise of one's basic right to permissionless transactions. There is also a practical vulnerability here. Digital systems depend on power and internet connectivity. What happens when the grid goes down following natural disasters, computer glitches or cyberattacks? At many parks, visitors could be turned away, not because they didn't want to pay but because they brought the one form of payment the U.S. government no longer respects — its own currency! Will history remember Toby Stover vs. U.S. National Park Service as the case that helped rescue the dollar's dignity, or as the beginning of its quiet demise? In a democracy built on laws and liberty, the answer matters. Jeff Thinnes is CEO of JTI, Inc., which supports the Payment Choice Coalition, a group of companies advocating for the right to use cash for reasons of resilience, national security, privacy, fairness, safety and freedom of choice.
Toronto Sun
21-05-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
'Experienced' hiker, 74, dies while attempting 'strenuous' Grand Canyon trek
The North Kaibab Trail near Coconino Overlook at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Photo by Handout / U.S. National Park Service An 'avid and experienced' 74-year-old hiker died while attempting a 'strenuous' rim-to-rim trek at Arizona's Grand Canyon last week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The U.S. National Park Service said in a news release Monday that the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report May 15 of an unresponsive hiker on the North Kaibab Trail, approximately a kilometre below the North Kaibab Trailhead. Dennis Smith, of Olympia, Wash., was pronounced dead at the scene after bystanders and National Park Service personnel tried to resuscitate the hiker. 'Known as an avid and experienced hiker, Smith's cause of death is under investigation by the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office,' the National Park Service said. Park officials urged all visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park to prepare for extreme heat in the coming days where temperatures in the inner canyon are expected to reach 38C by the end of the week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They advised hikers and backpackers avoid trekking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., typically the hottest part of the day. 'Hikers and backpackers attempting rigorous distances, such as rim to rim, through the inner canyon are encouraged to be self-reliant to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders,' the park service said. 'Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, and employee safety requirements.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO They encouraged hikers to keep up to date on current information of conditions in the inner canyon, including heat risk, weather forecasts, water availability and trail hazards. The park service describes the rim-to-rim hike as 'strenuous' and should only be attempted by those who have trained properly, adding the best time to go is between May and October. Read More Canada Canada Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
GO's Globe Trotting Gift Recommendations for Dads
CHICAGO, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What does dad really want for Father's Day? The travel experts at GO Airport Shuttle have some choice gift ideas. Going camping? A quality egg-beater drill might come in handy. No batteries, no cords, just hand power. That might be useful if he needs to hang something from a tree, for example, this personal hammock for relaxing after a long day of hiking, fire-pit building and tent raising to make any outdoor dad a happy camper. For the worldly dad—or dreamer-dad—there's a collection of global scratch-off maps here. He can track all his past excursions as well as plan for the future. Closer to home, the U.S. National Park Service offers maps for every state. Keep dad in style with a personalized carrying case for his passport, all are American made with exceptional workmanship. Or splurge on these foldable travel slippers, crafted from fine leather – both chic and comfortable. Easy to pack, easy to wear. Dad can skip the hotel coffee bar and make his own using local beans and blends with a portable espresso machine. Keep dad caffeinated for a busy day of tours and sightseeing! A family that travels together is always a treat. There are several game options under the Trekking franchise that might be of interest. Trekking the World, Trekking Through History, Trekking the National Parks. Check them out here. Of course, the ultimate travel card game is The World, but get ready for 194 countries plus their flags and their capitals. If this doesn't capture the wishes of a "traveling dad," you might have to buy him his own ticket to fly out of town. Need activity suggestions? Through travel partner GO travelers can book tours and attractions with exclusive discounts in popular destinations across the U.S. directly on the site. A little creativity and curiosity plus a sense of humor is all it takes to find dad the perfect gift. The GO Group LLC is one of the world's largest airport transportation providers, offering shared rides, private vehicles, charters and tours, serving airports and cities in the United States, plus Canada, London, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Media contact:Dyana FlaniganFlanigan Communications, Inc. (312) 213-6233395532@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The GO Group, LLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The science behind the smoke that signals selection of new pope
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways VATICAN CITY – All eyes are on the Sistine Chapel and a chimney installed on the roof that will produce smoke signals at the selection of a pope. Steeped in Catholic tradition, smoke has been used since at least the early 1900s to signify either a successful election or the need for another vote if no one has reached the required votes. The smoke is produced from burning the ballots used by the College of Cardinals during a papal conclave, which is tasked with electing the next pope. VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 02: Firefighters install the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel on May 02, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. The chimney used to communicate the choosing of a new Pope is erected on the roof of the Sistine Chapel today, ahead of Conclave beginning on the 7th May. Cardinals vote for their chosen candidate, and if there is no majority, the ballots are burnt with additives giving off black smoke. Once there is a majority, the votes are burnt without additives, giving off the white smoke signal that a new Pope is chosen. According to the Vatican, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the selection process, and voting can be conducted several times a day. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with a chemical mixture that produces black smoke. When a new pope is elected, a different chemical mixture is used to make the smoke appear white. Milan-cortina Winter Olympics Countdown Smoke is produced because when paper burns, it undergoes what is known as "incomplete combustion." During incomplete combustion, the amount of available oxygen is insufficient to fully oxidize the fuel, releasing chemicals that make the exhaust visible. The process is similar to what happens during a wildfire, though on a much smaller scale, where insufficient oxygen prevents full combustion. According to the U.S. National Park Service, which manages many wildfires, at least 16% oxygen is required in the air for flames to ignite. Human-made materials such as charcoal and coke burn with minimal smoke due to their production in low-oxygen environments, leaving behind carbon-rich solids. The Catholic tradition would not be possible if cardinals used charcoal or a similar substance, as that would result in what's known as "complete combustion." How Is Air Quality Measured? The smoke signals have not always been as black and white as the colors suggest. In past conclaves, confusion sometimes arose over whether the smoke was white or black, prompting Vatican officials to make enhancements. Since the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, two stoves have been used in the Sistine Chapel: one to burn the ballots and another to add chemical compounds that enhance the color of the smoke. "The black smoke was produced by a mixture of potassium perchlorate, sulfur and anthracene, a chemical found in coal tar. The white smoke on the other hand was derived from a mixture of potassium chlorate, lactose, and some pine resin known as Greek pitch," Canada's McGill University detailed in a 2017 explainer. To further eliminate any doubt about the color of the smoke, bells around St. Peter's Basilica are rung at the same time as the appearance of white smoke. Soon after the initial signals, a cardinal appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and announces the famous words "Habemus Papam" - Latin for "We have a pope." Sometimes the selection of a pope is not straightforward. The Vatican reports the longest conclave lasted nearly three years, with the shortest only lasting a few hours. Original article source: The science behind the smoke that signals selection of new pope
