DINO Journal: Juneteenth

White-tailed Prairie Dog giving me the side eye

It's Juneteenth, a federal holiday, and here in Dinosaur National Monument, and all other National Parks and Historic Sites, admission is free. 

As I made my way up to the Quarry Exhibit Hall this morning on my morning walk, I couldn't help but notice people were coming into the Monument apace to take advantage of the opportunity. 

Approaching the Summer Solstice in a few days means days are longer and getting hotter in the high desert.  Today we may reach the 100 degree F mark with the humidity currently at 9%.  There's a Red Flag Warning posted by the National Weather Service starting this morning through midnight on Friday. Hot and dry with afternoon winds at 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, means very dry fuel for potential fires.

Life in the high desert in late Spring.

I think it's a good time to mention all the hard work Melanie has been putting in since we got here. She's had to learn all the workings of the Monument Visitor Center and Quarry Exhibit Hall including research into the geology and paleontology of the area. She's put together a Ranger Talk that is uniquely hers which she presents at least once a week for visitors outside the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Her audience of visitors usually numbers between 30-40.

To say I'm proud to be here in support of the work Melanie is doing is understatement. We are both more grateful than ever for having discovered what it means to be of service in promoting and protecting our precious natural resources.

In light of what's going on the the United States Congress with the policy bill currently being debated which include massive cuts to the NPS budget, you may want to become familiar with Alt National Park Service on Facebook. They are the resistance.

Here's a sample post from yesterday:

With everything else going on, the Senate sent the Big Bill back to the House, and made some changes. Here’s one:
The Senate added a provision that would force anyone trying to block the federal government in court to pay a massive upfront bond, no exceptions, no matter your income. Judges wouldn’t be allowed to lower or waive it, even if someone’s rights are being violated.
This would make it nearly impossible for regular people, civil rights groups, or nonprofits to challenge the government. The only ones left with the money to sue? Billionaires and big corporations.
Let’s look into the details:
If you want a judge to block a harmful government action, whether it’s cutting off medical access, gutting environmental protections, or violating your civil rights, you’d now have to post a financial bond first.
- The court must set a bond amount based on the potential cost or harm to the government if it loses.
- Judges are explicitly banned from considering:
- Whether you’re poor
- Whether you’re a nonprofit
- Whether your rights are being violated
Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups
Environmental watchdogs often operate on limited budgets. A required bond, even $50,000 or $100,000, could bankrupt them before their case even begins.
Example: An environmental group sues to stop the federal government from opening a protected national park to oil drilling. Under this bill, they’d have to front possibly millions just to get a judge to pause the project while the case is heard. Even with a strong case, the price tag alone could shut them down.
Everyday Citizens
Individual citizens, like a whistleblower, disabled veteran, or grieving parent, couldn’t realistically afford a bond in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Imagine a family sues to stop a dangerous chemical plant expansion near their home. They’d be told: “Pay up first.” Even if they’re right, they can’t get the court’s help without cash.
It’s a paywall on justice, shielding government overreach by pricing the public out of court.

There are also provisions in the bill that will require a massive sell-off of public lands out west.

In light of these developments and layoffs of park service employees this year, I thought it an appropriate time to query ChatGPT:  

In what ways do our National Park Service Rangers help preserve our natural treasures and promote the common good?

National Park Service (NPS) Rangers play a vital role in preserving the natural, cultural, and historical treasures of the United States while also promoting the common good. Their contributions span environmental stewardship, public education, community engagement, and the protection of public resources. Here's how they fulfill this mission:
1. Environmental Protection and Resource Management

• Conservation of ecosystems: Rangers monitor and protect wildlife, manage endangered species, and help prevent habitat destruction from invasive species or human interference.
• Fire management and restoration: They use science-based techniques to manage wildfires and restore natural landscapes.
• Pollution and waste control: Rangers enforce environmental regulations to prevent littering, illegal dumping, and pollution, preserving the land and water for future generations.

2. Law Enforcement and Safety

• Enforcing laws and regulations: NPS Rangers act as law enforcement officers to protect park resources and ensure visitor safety.
• Search and rescue operations: They conduct lifesaving missions for lost, injured, or stranded park visitors.
• Disaster response: Rangers assist in responding to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and storms that affect parklands.

3. Public Education and Interpretation

• Guided tours and educational programs: Rangers teach visitors about the ecological, geological, and cultural significance of parks, building public understanding and appreciation.
• Youth engagement: Through programs like Junior Ranger and Every Kid Outdoors, they inspire environmental stewardship among young people.
• Cultural preservation: They interpret and protect Indigenous sites, historic landmarks, and cultural artifacts, fostering respect for the nation's diverse heritage.

4. Promotion of the Common Good

• Equal access to public lands: By maintaining open, protected natural spaces, rangers help ensure that all Americans—regardless of income, background, or location—have access to the physical and mental health benefits of nature.
• Sustainability advocacy: Rangers encourage responsible recreation, "Leave No Trace" practices, and sustainable tourism that support both ecological balance and local economies.
• Community partnerships: NPS collaborates with local governments, tribes, scientists, and volunteers to improve environmental outcomes and civic engagement.

In sum, NPS Rangers are frontline guardians of America's shared natural and cultural legacy. Their work not only preserves irreplaceable landscapes and histories but also reinforces democratic values by ensuring public access to these resources and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for their care.
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Only you can prevent the loss of "America's best idea." Stay informed, speak up, write or call your legislators. Watch this space.