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Rock Plodder

@mtmagog.bsky.social
501 followers 494 following 2.2K posts

Everyday permit science - NPDES & other water quality, streams, wetlands, marine (long ago) - and dealing w contaminated crap people leave behind. Outside is good, wild places better.

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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Source: YouTube share.google/aU2Txgj7z53G...
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Inside the mountain corridor connecting Yellowstone to the Yukon
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#parkchat Yellowstone gets temporary leader amid search for Sholly replacement | Powell Tribune share.google/tGW2bbuoB8Zl...
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Yellowstone gets temporary leader amid search for Sholly replacement - Powell Tribune
As the National Park Service searches for a permanent replacement for outgoing Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly, the agency has tabbed a veteran parks staffer to temporarily fill the role. …
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Season of Scaryanne Denton 🧡🎃 @mariannedenton.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Ready for a hike? Yesterday, we did our “last big” hike of the season. Seemed much longer than it was, and climbed higher than we have all summer.
A hiking trail with mountains in the background. There is a large pine in the center of the photo with a hiking icon on it. A wilderness sign:

DESOLATION
WILDERNESS PERMIT REQUIRED
LAKE TAHOE BASIN MGT. UNIT
FOREST SERVICE
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Jennifer Molidor @jennifermolidor.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Terry Tempest Williams: Citizens & scientists with the @biologicaldiversity.org will request protection for the (eared grebes) under the ESA this winter. The grebe is one of Utah’s local heroes, revered and grieved as it nears the quicksand of extinction www.nytimes.com/2026/09/11/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | What Are We Doing to Our World of Wonder?
What if 50 years from now, having destroyed the habitat for the creatures around us, we are plagued by an inconsolable loneliness?
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Anna Kramer @annackramer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Montanans are singular in their love for public lands. So I went to the state to ask: Can you still feel the aftermath of DOGE on federal lands? I left wondering: Does it matter that the Dem running for Congress is a smokejumper who publicly fought DOGE?
washingtonsun.com
DOGE Upended His Work. Does Montana Care Enough to Vote for Him?
Democrat Sam Forstag was a smokejumper with the Forest Service when Trump took a sledgehammer to the federal workforce.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
#parkchat YNP North Entrance Road Reconstruction Plans Progressing – Sheridan Media share.google/bXnMstlLO9D7...
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YNP North Entrance Road Reconstruction Plans Progressing
The National Park Service (NPS) signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and associated Wetlands/Floodplains Statement of Findings (SOF) to reconstruct the North Entrance Road between Mammoth...
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
oh. #parkchat Yosemite wildfire explodes to over 1,000 acres near iconic waterfall share.google/cgnUeme5qSVy...
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Yosemite wildfire explodes, reaching over 1,000 acres near Wawona
The Dome Fire is burning in deep wilderness with no containment.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Park Visitors let them know how much we value our parks #parkchat www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
theguardian.com
Trump asked Americans to help him whitewash national parks. They revolted instead
The DOI placed QR codes in national parks, inviting visitors to report content deemed ‘negative about either past or living Americans’. Instead, it became a mode of resistance
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘We’re near a breaking point:’ firefighters say US government is failing them amid intense wildfire season
US grapples with federal firefighter shortage as crews say they’re spread thin and lack resources during unrelenting year of fire
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David Shiffman, Ph.D. 🦈 @whysharksmatter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
B.C. salmon are dying from a toxic tire chemical, 6PPD-Q | The Narwhal thenarwhal.ca/bc-coho-salm...
thenarwhal.ca
B.C. salmon are dying from a toxic tire chemical, 6PPD-Q | The Narwhal
B.C. salmon researchers are now testing waterways to look for 6PPD-Q, a chemical used in tires which can be lethal to coho salmon
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Pro-tip: watch those lens caps #parkchat What was found among 20k pieces of trash removed from Yellowstone hydrothermal areas share.google/7iUF0JtzdfvW...
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What was found among 20k pieces of trash removed from Yellowstone hydrothermal areas
What staff find while cleaning out hydrothermal areas at Yellowstone National Park can be surprising, and they shared all of it, from common to funny to just plain weird.
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59nationalparks @59nationalparks.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Attn #ParkChat It’s an all out assault on #publiclands. You know to do. www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
washingtonpost.com
Trump administration blocks $25 million in funding for national parks
The Interior Department did not give approval to more than 130 partnership agreements covering activities like tending to sled dogs and preventing damage to burial mounds.
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Dave Levinthal @davelevinthal.com · 09/09/2026
Donald Trump’s war on … dinosaurs. Read of the day from @annackramer.bsky.social of @washingtonsun.bsky.social. 🦕 washingtonsun.com/climate-envi...
washingtonsun.com
How Trump Unleashed an Existential Fight Over America's Dinosaurs
In Utah, Trump resurfaced a decades-long dispute over how to protect some of the country’s crown jewels.
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Taylor McKinnon @publiccarbon.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Now: The Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation groups filed a lawsuit today challenging the Trump administration's unlawful decimation in July of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Southern Utah. Read more: biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Interview with Tiernan President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. #parkchat www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
pbs.org
National parks under strain from Trump's construction projects and political pressure
Americans continue to flock to the national parks, with more than 320 million visitors in the last year alone. But that broad appeal is facing new political pressures, from orders to revise exhibits t...
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
From our place, a little east of Seattle. The prediction was for clouds, the moon came out just in time #parkchat
Eclipse of the moon, Thursday, Aug 27th from a little east of Seattle, Wa
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Pantrywoman @pantrywoman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
www.upworthy.com/weatherman-h...
upworthy.com
Despondent weatherman goes off-script on live TV to explain why he 'can't' forecast anymore
A veteran meteorologist warns that federal budget cuts are degrading hurricane forecast accuracy.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Pelicans, Astoria Oregon
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
#parkchat www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Trump administration pauses border construction in Big Bend national park
Controversial project has faced bipartisan opposition by critics who say it mars pristine environmental area in Texas
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A win, at least for now. The Trump administration has paused all border construction inside Big Bend National Park following intense bipartisan backlash. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott says he is heading to the park for an on-the-ground evaluation before deciding how to proceed.
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Monica V @classyearlgrey.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Y’all, this is cool!!!
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Chinook Salmon Are Returning to This River After Nearly 50 Years | Sierra Club share.google/EOPEoEEoYVBo...
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Chinook Salmon Are Returning to This River After Nearly 50 Years
Cowlitz Tribe helps reintroduce the largest Pacific salmon species to watershed inside Mount St. Helens monument
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The old pier at the very north end of the Semiahmoo peninsula (Tounge Point) across from Blain, WA is a good place to see Purple Martins up close.
Purple martin on a wood postPurple martins on a wood postPurple martin on a wire feeder
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Access to Sunrise & White River area closed #parkchat Uncontained wildfire near Mount Rainier grows as structures remain threatened | king5.com share.google/UnNkUE8le9Tc...
king5.com
Seattle's Leading Local News: Weather, Traffic, Sports and More | Seattle, Washington | king5.com
Local News and Information for Seattle, Washington and surrounding areas. KING5.com is the official website for KING-TV, your trusted source for breaking news, weather and sports in Seattle, WA. KING5...
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Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance @protectwildutah.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
A really great look into the history and beauty that is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics...
csmonitor.com
In Utah canyons, a clash over federal lands – and the future of the West
The U.S. government is slashing two revered national monuments in Utah. What happens next could determine how vast public lands in the western U.S. are managed – or exploited.
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John Ryan @heyjohnryan.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
The closest big fire to Seattle? It's the Little Giant. You've been breathing it, Seattle. Here's what it's been up to. www.kuow.org/climate/2026...
kuow.org
Little Giant Fire spreads toward cabins, towns in Washington Cascades
More than 650,000 acres have burned in Washington in 2026, making it the state’s worst fire year since 2021, with months still left in the ongoing fire season. The rapidly growing Little Giant Fire mo...
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
USGS Research on post-dam salmon recovery in the Klamath River: The Klamath Dams Are Down: A Closer Look at Juvenile Salmon Migration | U.S. Geological Survey share.google/XJnViomW37uO...
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The Klamath Dams Are Down: A Closer Look at Juvenile Salmon Migration
The Klamath dams have been removed. What will this mean for juvenile salmon on their way to the ocean?
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Sun setting over a smokey sound tonight
Sun setting through a smokey haze over Puget Sound
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Matthew Pfab @matthewpfabwx.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Horrifying radar loop as the #OldTrailsFire begins burning into neighborhoods NW of Spokane. The fire is now 2,000 acres as reports begin of homes fully involved. #wawx #wildfire
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
#parkchat
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
"...parks have lost nearly 25% of their permanent workforce, about 4,000 employees, since January 2025 to early retirements, layoffs and deferred resignations." #parkchat 'Get here early': Crowds form at Mount Rainier as visits boom share.google/3J5NUp7eOEL7...
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'Get here early': Crowds form at Mount Rainier as visits boom
ASHFORD, Wash. – By sunrise Sunday, two-thirds of the roughly 200 parking stalls in the upper parking lot at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park were taken.
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Eva Holland @evaholland.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Happy, happy pub day to the great @hhansman.bsky.social, whose latest, FIERCE COUNTRY, is out today! I can't wait to get my hands on this beauty, "for readers of Pam Houston and David Grann." (✅ on both counts.)
harpercollins.com
Fierce Country
The inspiring, untold story of three incredible women who spearheaded recreation, conservation and resilience in America’s most beloved landscapes, for read...
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Fierce Country by Heather Hansman - to add to the many good books on the #parkchat book club list for next year.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Some wildflowers from a visit to Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park earlier this week (my best stabb at IDs): Columbia Lilly, Oregon sunshine, Alaskan bellflower. #parkchat
Orange Columbia tiger lily and green firBrown butterfly with white spots on Bright yellow Oregon sunshine flowersPurple Alaskan bell flowers View of a steep mountain meadow dotted with wildflowers and backed by dark mountain peaks and blue-gray clouds, Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
I know about the fluffy cows but was surprised by this warning at Olympic National Park; who, this guy? #parkchat
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EJTerren @e-j-terren.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A12. Ready for more chit-chat? Wander over to the #ParkChat book club, as we begin one of the lesser-known works of John Muir--Story of My Boyhood and Youth." We meet on Zoom, 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7 pm Central, 5 pm Pacific. Contact @ocparkbuilder.bsky.social for details.
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Our Public Lands & Waters @publiclandswaters.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Superb guide on how to draft and submit an effective comment on the current (and urgent) Chaco Canyon drilling threat. #protectpubliclands #nationalparks #publiclands #chacocanyon #protectourparks
nationalparkhistory.substack.com
Let me teach you how to defend Chaco's archeological resources from drilling (again)
A second public comment period has opened. It's different from before. Here's how to take action with the best chance of making a difference.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Good video from PBS SoCal about Social Media effects on Joshua Tree NP; applies to many NPS parks. Includes though full interviews with NPS Rangers. Super frustrating, maybe a topic for someone to tackle some time. #parkchat youtu.be/eCRsgoqjUO0?...
youtu.be
How Social Media Tourism Is Changing Joshua Tree | Earth Focus
YouTube video by PBS SoCal
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EJTerren @e-j-terren.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
A9. If you want to get away from people, go to Horicon and Nacedah NWRs. Horicon has more visitation when there's an influx of waterfowl. Autumn in Wisconsin, with its awesome colors, puts some pressure on lodging and campsites. Other than those, you won't experience a line for anything. #ParkChat
A marsh at Nacedah NWR. Green sedges emerge from shallow water, with green, shrubby trees in the foreground. Trees grow on higher land on the horizon. The cloudy sky is made up of multiple blue and white layers.
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EJTerren @e-j-terren.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
A6. In an effort to save the world's most endangered crane, Nacedah NWR was chosen as the place to raise crane chicks, then train them to migrate with ultralight aircraft standing in for parents. It was a fascinating project. Cranes now migrate WI to FL and LA, but recovery is slow. #ParkChat
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EJTerren @e-j-terren.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
A5. Being in Wisconsin, Nacedah and Horicon NWRs are surrounded by interesting places to visit. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is not far away. Or, you can explore Aldo Leopold's farm and walk in the footsteps of John Muir. #ParkChat
The Shack, made famous by Aldo Leopold in his book "A Sand County Almanac." Inside The Shack. On scheduled days it is possible to visit the interior and talk with a docent.
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Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance @protectwildutah.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
This article from @sltrib.com captures the scale of the recent monument reductions. Bears Ears is now 91% smaller, while Grand Staircase-Escalante remains only 10% of what it was. Details and maps can be found here: www.sltrib.com/news/environ...
sltrib.com
What’s left of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante after Trump slashed the monuments’ boundaries? See the new maps.
The Grand Staircase is no longer inside Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Valley of the Gods is now outside Bears Ears. See what else changed after Trump slashed the boundaries of Utah's tw...
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The Salt Lake Tribune @sltrib.com · 16/07/2026
President Donald Trump gutted the Bears Ears National Monument, which was originally proposed by five tribes. He also disbanded the Bears Ears Commission, a model for tribal co-management of federal lands.
sltrib.com
Here’s why tribes say Trump’s Bears Ears order changed more than the map
President Donald Trump gutted the Bears Ears National Monument, which was originally proposed by five tribes. He also disbanded the Bears Ears Commission, a model for tribal co-management of federal lands.
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A11 Everything seemed to work ok in Yosemity but I couldn't help the feel of strained politeness from what must be stressed rangers. I would double (triple?) the number of rangers, change top NPS management & significantly increase ranger pay & bennifits. Next election, everyone! #parkchat
Sunset on Half Dome from dump station at North Pines Campground
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Q11 If you could make one thing about your park better, what would that be? #parkchat
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A10 Yosemity has a full village with restaurants, stores & medical service. We only ate in camp but the store carried everything from most food to drugstore items. Gas only available at Crain Flat on Big Oak Flat entrance rd, top up before you enter! #parkchat
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Q10 Amenities: Are there restaurants/cafes in the park & what's best? Or are there places nearby? Stores? Can you restock - or should you be prepared with everything you need? #parkchat
Campground cuisine - veggie taco bowls with rice, beans, corn, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, avocado, red onion, salsa, tortillas
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A9 (cont.) The reservation system means people overbook but cancel frequently. But they also forget to cancel. I was able to get 2 nights in one site but had to move sites for 3rd night. The site we left was empty the next morning #parkchat
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A9 Res. for lodging a must; open 5 months in advance & go quickly. Everything in the park was booked. @ocparkbuilder.bsky.social told me about apps that watch for cancellations. The apps allowed us to eventally trade up from USFS campground outside the park to 3 nights in the Valley. #parkchat
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Rock Plodder @mtmagog.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Q9 Are the entrance lines long, and/or are reservations for lodging a must? Are they on Rec_gov or a private concessionair?  How early should you check availability? Any other tips? #parkchat
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