Deaths in National Parks

I'm not sure if the "Deaths in National Parks" is a brand new page on the National Park Service website, or if the NPS simply updated the page in recent weeks. Either way, I just discovered it. The page includes an interactive "mortality dashboard", which allows the public to dig through mortality statistics in national parks. Being someone who loves data and statistics, I thought it might be interesting to dig through the numbers to see what kind of trends or revelations might come to light. A few years ago I did a deep dive on fatalities on Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park that revealed some rather interesting trends and statistics.

The data on the mortality dashboard covers fatality statistics in national parks from 2014 through 2019. According to the NPS, the dashboard helps them identify key trends, such as leading causes of deaths, activities that resulted in a death, and populations that are at greater risk of dying. National parks and programs use the data to prioritize safety projects and prevent injuries. Park managers also rely on this information to plan operations and target resources to save lives. Examples of visitor safety projects include:

* High visibility traffic safety enforcement campaigns

* Preventive search and rescue (PSAR) programs

* Injury prevention campaigns such as drowning prevention, heat safety, safe distance from wildlife, etc.

* Life jacket loaner stations

Since the primary topic of this blog is hiking, I wanted to take a closer look at hiking related deaths. Here are several key takeaways:

* A total of 2149 people died in national parks during the six-year time period reported on the dashboard.

* 255 individuals died while hiking (representing 11.9% of all deaths in national parks). Another 75 people died while walking.

* Among those that died while hiking, 73 were the result of a fall, which was the most common cause of death for hikers.

* 50 hikers died as a result of an environmental cause, such as lightning, thermal burns, or exposure to heat or cold.

* Only one person died as a result of a wildlife encounter. The dashboard didn't indicate what type of wildlife was involved, however, this is great news for those with an intense fear of bears. You could argue that this extremely low figure is due to on-going education; meaning, national parks (and others) are doing a great job of promoting ways to avoid surprise encounters and injuries, such as walking in groups, making plenty of noise, and carrying bear spray.

* The overwhelming number of individuals that died while hiking were males (84%). The question that comes to mind, which can't be answered from the dashboard, is what's the ratio between male and female hikers. According to the most recent data I found while researching this topic for my book on the history of hiking, the percent of males (39%) who participate in hiking was significantly higher than females (29.2%). My guess is that this gap has narrowed considerably in recent years. Therefore, the data from the mortality dashboard would seem to suggest that males are significantly more prone to dying while hiking than females. While researching Search and Rescue (SAR) statistics for my book, I found:

The typical victim needing a SAR is primarily a male in his 20s. According to national park data the most common factors that contribute to SAR incidents are fatigue, poor physical condition, insufficient information, error in judgment, and insufficient equipment, clothing or experience. All of these factors would seem to indicate that the majority of individuals needing a SAR are novices. Search and rescue personnel from across the country have noted that many inexperienced hikers are hitting the trail unprepared, and aren’t carrying the ten essentials.

* 121 people who died while hiking were older than 55 (47.5% of all hiking deaths). In a likely related statistic, 106 deaths were due to a medical issue.

* In other related outdoor activities, 62 people died while climbing, 11 while canyoneering, 4 while rock scrambling, and 2 while snowshoeing. Another 13 died while camping.


The following are some of the key findings noted by the NPS:

* Out of 420+ national parks, 177 reported one or more deaths in this six-year period.

* An average of 358 deaths a year were reported in this six-year period, or 7 deaths a week. * In 2019, the NPS mortality rate was 0.11 death per 100,000 recreational visits, which is very low when compared to the 715 deaths per 100,000 people rate of the overall U.S. population.

* Most deaths (79%) occurred among males.

* More than half of all deaths (52%) occurred among people ages 45 and older.

* Half of all reported deaths (50%) are due to unintentional causes.

* Motor vehicle crashes, drownings, and falls are the top three leading causes of unintentional deaths in parks, in that order.

* Half of medical deaths (50%) occurred while the individual was engaged in a physical activity (e.g., hiking, biking, swimming).

* Suicides account for 93% of all reported intentional deaths. Suicides are a national public health concern. The objective of collecting and analyzing suicide data is to support an informed discussion about suicides in national parks.


Finally, the NPS noted several common hazards that park visitors should be aware of:

* Severe weather like lightning, blizzards, extreme heat, or cold temperatures

* Wildland fires

* Geologic activities like volcanoes, hot springs, rockfalls, geysers

* Water hazards like rip currents, flooding, rapids, cold water temperatures

* Terrain features like steep slopes, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, sinkholes, high elevations

* Condition of walking surface like gravelly, rocky, wet trails or uneven steps in historic structures

To view the dashboard, please click here.





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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Celebrate National Park Week with FREE Admission and Special Events

The National Park Service, in partnership with the National Park Foundation, will be celebrating National Park Week, April 22 through April 30, with free admission and special events nationwide. With more than 400 national parks hosting a mix of special programs, activities and digital experiences, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation invite all to explore and enjoy national parks during this annual event. The week begins this Saturday, April 22, with free entrance to all national parks to kick off the celebration.

“Since Yellowstone National Park was established 150 years ago, over 400 extraordinary places have been added to the National Park System,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Throughout the country, these sites are sources of inspiration, recreation, and education—each one preserving and sharing a part of our national story. I hope National Park Week provides a spark to visit a nearby national park and make some memories.”

With at least one in every state, national parks provide close-to-home opportunities to engage the senses and experience something different during each visit. Every park has remarkable features and lesser-known gems, so consider adding some new places to your bucket list and explore a path less taken! The best place to start any national park trip is with a stop at NPS.gov or the official NPS app. You can search for parks by state, activity, or topic and get the latest updates and details about each park. Involve the kids in planning your next park visit by using the new online Junior Ranger Park Explorer program “Ready, Set, Go” where they can complete activities and print a badge.

“National Park Week is a great time to explore a lesser-known site,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “In 2021, most park visits occurred in just 25 parks. This National Park Week, try something new. There is so much beauty and cultural heritage to experience in your own backyard.”

The overall theme for this year’s National Park Week is “Your Park Story.” Throughout the week individual theme days highlight various ties that can help ensure the enjoyment of national parks for current and future visitors. You can follow NPS stories on social media using #YourParkStory, while sharing your own stories using #MyParkStory. For more information on the individual themes for each day, as well as events scheduled across the country, please click here.

As part of National Park Week I also wanted to let you know that my new book on the history of hiking, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World, will be on sale throughout the entire week. Beginning Saturday, and continuing through April 30th, both the paperback and eBook versions of Ramble On will be on sale at 50% off the regular price!

Also, throughout the week, I will be posting several hiking and national parks related anecdotes associated with each day’s theme on Twitter. You can follow me at @GlacierHiker1



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

The National Park Service Celebrates 100 Years

As America ring's in the new year today, 2016 marks a major milestone in the history of this country. Almost 100 years ago the National Park Service was created. On August 25, 1916, Congress passed the National Park Service Organic Act, which established the NPS to "promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations .... which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

National Park Centennial celebrations will be held throughout the year, beginning with today's Tournament of Roses Parade. The theme for today's parade is “Find Your Adventure”.

The Centennial, however, isn't just about celebrating history. The National Park Foundation notes on their website that:

The Centennial will celebrate the achievements of the past 100 years, but it is really about the future. It’s about kicking off a second century of stewardship for America’s national parks and for communities across the nation.

Below is a video trailer from Finley-Holiday Films' Centennial Edition of "America's National Parks". Maybe this will inspire you to begin plans for a trip to a national park this year:



So, which park(s) will you be visiting this year:

HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

NPS Announces Record of Decision for Winter Use at Yellowstone National Park

National Park Service (NPS) Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels today signed a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Winter Use Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Plan/SEIS).

The ROD officially completes the Plan/SEIS process, which was developed in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and included extensive public involvement, including a number of opportunities for the public to submit comments on the Plan/SEIS.

“This winter use plan is the product of hundreds of hours of public involvement, is based on sound science, and is a different approach to winter use management. The Plan/SEIS and ROD provide mechanisms to make the park cleaner and quieter than ever before authorized, allow greater flexibility for commercial tour operators, reward oversnow vehicle innovations and technologies, and permit increases in visitation,” said Yellowstone superintendent Dan Wenk.

Beginning with the 2014/2015 winter season, a fixed maximum number of vehicles allowed in the park each day will be replaced with a new, more flexible concept of managing vehicle access by transportation events, defined as one snowcoach or a group of up to 10 snowmobiles, averaging seven seasonally.

Commercial tour operators will be able to use their allocated transportation events for snowmobiles, snowcoaches, or a mix of both, as long as no more than 50 of the authorized 110 daily transportation events are snowmobile events. By relying upon user demand to determine the best mix of oversnow vehicle (OSV) use and focusing on the impacts of OSV use on park resources, the transportation event concept protects park resources and allows appropriate access.

The plan also allows for one entry a day per entrance for a non-commercially guided group of up to five snowmobiles and will continue to allow for OSV use on the East Entrance road over Sylvan Pass.

The 2013/2014 winter season will be a transition year during which the park will allow OSV under the same conditions in place for the past four winters. The one-season transition period will also allow time for the NPS to advertise and award concession contracts and for commercial tour operators to prepare for the shift to management by transportation events.

Because the Regional Director’s decision will allow OSV use in the park, a regulation must be promulgated before the decision can be implemented. A final regulation is expected to be published in the Federal Register in early fall.

Additional information and an electronic copy of the Plan/SEIS and ROD are available online.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

The National Park Service Turns 97 on August 25th

On Sunday, August 25th, the National Park Service turns 97 years old. To help celebrate, admission to all national parks will be free so that everyone can join in the festivities taking place from coast-to-coast.

“National parks belong to all Americans, and we invite everyone to join us and celebrate this special day,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “From kite-building demonstrations at Wright Brothers National Memorial, to a river paddle at New River Gorge National River or a scenic railroad ride at Steamtown National Historic Site, America’s national parks offer something for the whole family.”

You could also plan a day of hiking at your favorite park, such as in Great Smoky Mountains, Glacier National Park, or Rocky Mountain National Park.

In partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, the NPS has created an online hub to help you plan your own personal National Park Service birthday trip at www.npsbirthday.org. Join the NPS to share birthday wishes or stories, pictures, or video from your latest or favorite national park adventure.

If you can’t make it to a park for the big day there are still many ways you can join the fun. The work of the National Park Service extends beyond park boundaries into communities across the country. The National Park Service works with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. You can visit www.nps.gov/communities/states.htm to see how they help in your community.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Obama's Budget Proposal Slashes National Parks Budget by 13%

The National Park Service announced today that the "President’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget requests $2.6 billion to support the critical conservation, preservation, and recreation mission of the National Park Service."

This request represents a 13% reduction in the amount from the original 2013 NPS budget, which gave total budget authority to the NPS in the amount of $2.99 billion. That figure was recently reduced by 5% as a result of sequestration, which brought the NPS budget down to roughly $2.84 billion for fiscal year 2013. When compared to the revised sequestration budget, the President’s budget is still 8.5% below 2013 levels.

More importantly, the President’s 2014 budget request takes National Park funding back to 2004 levels, when the NPS had $2.56 billion in total budget authority. Indeed, each year since 2010, when total NPS budget authority reached $3.16 billion, the budget for National Parks has decreased.

According to the National Parks Traveler, the President's 2014 budget:

"calls for a reduction of more than 100 full-time employees to an agency that currently has 900 full-time vacancies"

"The budget also calls for a reduction of 92 employees under park operations, and 30 from the construction programs."

"According to a synopsis of the budget provided by the department, the proposal calls for more than $600 million in programmatic reductions to offset spending. It also would sustain current administrative cost reductions in travel, contract services, and supplies and equipment that would save $217 million."

Given that Obama's overall Federal spending remains relatively flat in 2014, versus 2013, the decision to reduce the National Parks budget in the amount he's requesting is extremely disappointing. Are National Parks a lower priority when compared to other government agencies?

For more details on what's in the NPS budget, you can click here to read the NPS press release.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

NPS Releases Final Winter Use Plan For Yellowstone National Park

The National Park Service announced today that is has released a final plan to guide the future of winter use in Yellowstone National Park.

Under the preferred alternative of the Final Winter Use Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), the park would manage oversnow vehicles based on their overall impacts to air quality, soundscapes, wildlife and visitors, rather than focusing on the number of snowmobiles and snowcoaches allowed in the park each day. The park would allow up to 110 "transportation events" a day, initially defined as either one snowcoach or on average a group of seven snowmobiles. No more than 50 transportation events a day would be allocated for groups of snowmobiles.

The preferred alternative would provide for one entry a day per entrance for a non-commercially guided group of up to five snowmobiles. It would continue to allow for motorized oversnow travel on the East Entrance road over Sylvan Pass.

The winter of 2013/2014 will be a transition year, during which the park will allow motorized oversnow travel under the same conditions in place for the past four winters: up to 318 commercially guided Best Available Technology snowmobiles and up to 78 commercially guided snowcoaches daily.

Additional information and an electronic copy of the Final Winter Use SEIS is available online.

A proposed rule to implement the preferred alternative will be released soon for a 60-day public review and comment period.

You can request a printed copy of the Final SEIS by contacting the National Park Service, Management Assistant's Office, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.

The Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park will use the analysis and recommendations contained in the Final SEIS to make a final recommendation to the National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director regarding the direction of winter use. The Regional Director is expected to issue the Record of Decision (ROD) sometime this spring.

Once the Record of Decision has been issued, a final rule to implement the decision will be published in the Federal Register in order to allow the parks to open for the winter 2013/2014 winter season.


Jeff
Glacier National Park Hiking

America's Wilderness

Simply beautiful! A National Park Service salute to the 1964 Wilderness Act:









Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

NPS Establishes National SAR Academy

The National Park Service has founded a National Search and Rescue Academy (NSARA) to provide comprehensive, standardized Servicewide training in basic search and rescue competencies.

NSARA will be based in Northern Arizona in order to take advantage of the challenging rescue environments available throughout the region. The first training offering, which will be a six-week-long course in California, will be this fall (see the Friday training calendar for particulars).

NSARA will offer a highly structured learning environment. Participants will have to be physically fit and will begin each training day with fitness training and an intensive safety briefing. Training will occur in the classroom setting as well as in various physically challenging technical outdoor environments. Personal preparedness, rescuer safety, and operational leadership principles will be emphasized throughout.

NSARA will provide participants with a venue to efficiently attain field rescuer skills in a single condensed format that would typically require numerous years to obtain, including essential field rescue skills in ground search operations, the incident command system, swiftwater rescue, technical rope rescue, search management, and basic aviation safety.

NSARA will directly lead to improved workplace safety for employees and enhanced SAR response capability for the agency. National Park Service visitors and employees will both directly benefit from this program.






Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

National Park Service Funds Trail Projects in 22 States, including the Lewis & Clark Trail

The National Park Service announced today that nearly one million dollars in trail grants will be awarded to 14 trails in 22 states and Washington DC.

The 2012 Connect Trails to Parks Awards will provide a total of $934,000 to 14 projects where national historic and scenic trails intersect with national parks and other federal facilities. The projects will restore or improve existing trails and trailhead connections, provide better wayside and interpretive services, encourage innovative educational services, support bridge and trailhead designs, and provide planning services for important trail gateways.

Many of the projects reflect National Park Service priorities such as expanding outreach, connecting to youth, enhancing urban recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and upgrading interpretive materials as outlined in the agency’s A Call to Action: Preparing for a Second Century of Stewardship and Engagement. In addition to operating 397 parks across the United States and its territories, the National Park Service plays a vital role in overseeing the 52,000-mile National Trails System.

The Connect Trails to Parks program is designed to increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the nation’s federally-designated system of trails. The years from 2008 to 2018 have been declared "A Decade for the National Trails" ramping up to the trails system's 50th anniversary in 2018. Many of these projects will help specific trails and their related federal facilities to achieve goals associated with this commemorative decade.

One award of note for the Montana region is the $19,552 grant for the "Interpreting Indian Language & Culture on the Lewis & Clark Trail" project.

You can view all of the trail grants by clicking here.

I'll be honest, as I looked over some of these projects I couldn't help but think that this money could've been spent more wisely. $57,200 for a "Children’s TV Program About the Ice Age Trail". Are you serious? This is how we're spending our tax dollars? I don't know, what do you think?


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Free Admission to All National Parks from January 14-16

The National Park Service announced today that all 397 national parks across the country will offer free admission from January 14 through 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Additionally, several parks will be holding special events to honor Dr. King over the three-day weekend.

The National Park Service will also waive admission fees on 14 other days in 2012:

– National Park Week (April 21 to 29)

- Get Outdoors Day (June 9)

- National Public Lands Day (September 29)

- Veterans Day (November 10 to 12)

Please click here to read the entire national park press release.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com