Some interesting discussion was had in the halls of our nation’s capital the other day regarding the state of our National Park System.  Tom Kiernan, president of the National Parks Conservation Association, was invited to speak before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about ways we can invest in our national infrastructure and stimulate the economy at the same time.   According to Mr. Kiernan:

"As much as $440 million worth of road projects in our national parks are ready to go to construction, and can rapidly produce as many as 7,000 jobs while also renewing our national heritage and helping to revitalize our national parks for our children and grandchildren."

There have only been two efforts in the past century to significantly build up and protect our National Parks and those efforts “transformed the national park system into one of the most popular vacation destinations for both American families and foreign tourists”.   

Investing in our national parks creates jobs, it brings in additional tourism dollars to the economy and it makes America beautiful.  You could also easily argue that a National Park is one of the great educational resources of our nation, providing the opportunity for millions to learn about the wonders of our planet first hand.   Let’s hope that Tom and the NPCA are successful in getting some of our tax dollars reinvested in the National Park System. 

How About Some Economic Stimulus for the National Park System? | National Parks Traveler

We're proud to announce that Trek Light Gear is partnering up with the great Monolith Music Festival at Red Rocks, the weekend of September 13th & 14th.

There will be hammocks hanging backstage for the artists, in the VIP lounges and a whole lot more!  The Trek Light booth will also be setup at Red Rocks for all the fans so you can take a break after climbing all those Red Rocks steps and chill out in our amazing hammocks.  Don't forget to pick up some Eco Totes so you can bring home your new CDs and T-Shirts from the Merch Booth without wasting plastic! 

(We should also take this time to remind you that Trek Light’s lightweight hammocks can be hung between two cars, RV’s, Jeep’s or wherever you can find to points strong enough to support your weight.  So don’t wait until the festival to buy your hammock, bring them with you and tailgate in style!)

Check out the great lineup on Saturday and Sunday and get your tickets today.  Everyone who purchases a VIP ticket to the event will also get a free Eco Tote in their VIP package along with all the other great benefits (like hanging out in a hammock in the VIP lounge while listening to the show!).  The Monolith festival is in its second year and if last year was any indication this year's festival is bound to be an event you won't want to miss!

The great folks behind the Monolith Festival (along with help from festival partner Esurance) have completely impressed us with their efforts to ensure that this year’s festival is as green as possible.  The event itself will actually use carbon offsets to be a completely carbon neutral festival, and the list goes on to include everything from great carpooling initiatives, biodegradable concession supplies, and even the Monolith Reforestation Project!

We know there’s nothing better than relaxing in a hammock while listening to great music and there’s no argument that Red Rocks is easily one of the most breathtakingly beautiful music venues on the planet.   We’re extremely proud to be partnering up with the Monolith Music Festival this year and whether you live in Colorado or you’re flying out for the event we hope to see you there and show you why every experience can be a little bit better with Trek Light Gear.

As reported by CNN, one of the 'more popular and photographed arches' in Arches National Park collapsed this week.   No one reported seeing it collapse and luckily no one was hurt.  The article also says it was the first collapse of a major arch since Landscape Arch fell in 1991, but I’m pretty sure that Landscape Arch is still standing (I saw it only a few years ago) even if it did drop a few big pieces back in '91.  The Wikipedia page seems to confirm that it is still standing. 

I'm glad that I got to see Wall Arch before it collapsed along with so many of the other great formations at the park.  If you haven't been to Utah or you've got some National Parks on your list that you've been putting off for a long time, hopefully this is a good reminder to get outdoors and see what you can.  The same forces that created so much of our beautiful landscape are certainly capable of changing it at any time. 

While there are still plenty of other arches and interesting rock formations to keep visitors going to Arches for a long time to come, it’s a stark reminder that many of the rock formations that have become iconic parts of our landscape are really not to be taken for granted.  As my father said today: “First the Old Man of the Mountain and now this?”

Some good news for those visiting National Parks this year without an annual pass, there were a number of planned entrance fee rate hikes that won't be happening for the time being:

"National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, in a decision she calls "in the best interest of the NPS," has frozen park entrance fees at 2007 levels. However, some amenity fees, such as the nightly cost of a campsite, are going up as planned."

National Park Entrance Fees Frozen at 2007 Levels [National Parks Traveler]