THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
This fall, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will conduct prescribed burns in two designated areas to support ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk in the park and local communities.
Official NPS source
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will mark the 167th anniversary of John Brown’s 1859 raid on the U.S. Armory with three public programs in October exploring the people, events and consequences of the raid.
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As the nation continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the National Park Service sites across the National Capital Area are inviting visitors to explore the region’s rich military history and the people and events that shaped the country. Throughout September, living history programs, artillery demonstrations, ranger-guided hikes and other events will connect visitors with stories spanning from 1775 through World War II.
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Step into the history as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park commemorates the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Harpers Ferry with four days of special programs from September 12–15, 2026. Programs explore the people and events surrounding the battle, which resulted in the largest surrender of U.S. troops until World War II, as well as the battle’s broader implications.
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Trail Improvements Funded by Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund
Official NPS sourceApplications are open for the 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants supporting enhanced outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The application period runs from Aug. 27 through Nov. 4, 2026. Visit the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways website to learn more about the grants and how to apply.
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The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Official NPS sourceGreat American Outdoors Act funding of $11.8 million will revitalize and improve access to historic park trail
Official NPS source
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival invite the public to a dynamic, free outdoor concert on Friday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m., celebrating two iconic forces in American music. Blending the swing innovations of Don Redman with the timeless brilliance of George Gershwin, festival musicians and the Howard Burns Quartet will bring an energetic fusion of jazz and classical traditions to the historic Storer College lawn as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities.
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On Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the park will host “Harpers Ferry’s Impact on the Civil War,” a special day that connects visitors to the people and events that shaped the outcome of the Civil War and the nation’s long journey toward freedom.
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) invites you to join “John Brown and Frederick Douglass: A Legacy of Freedom” on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Discover the powerful connection between Harpers Ferry and two influential abolitionists who shared a commitment to ending slavery, but pursued different paths in their fight for freedom in the United States.
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites visitors to join our 250th anniversary program, Defend and Protect: Arming the American Soldier on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This special event explores the weapons and technology produced at the Harpers Ferry Armory from the 1790s to 1861 and how these innovations shaped the nation and the world.
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The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking ideas for potential uses of historic Cook Hall. The NPS invites individuals, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to share their ideas by responding to a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI).
Official NPS sourceIn 2026, the park, the Harpers Ferry Park Association, and partners will host a series of public programs and events that bring these stories to life and connect them to the choices and responsibilities that shape our shared future. We invite you to join us for one event or many and experience how this small town helped shape the course of American history, then and now.
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The National Park Service has completed the Great Falls Area (Maryland) Development Concept Plan, a major milestone that sets the long-term direction for stewardship, visitor experiences and education at one of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s most visited places.
Official NPS sourceUpdate (12/23/25): The Lander Lock Bridge has reopened with a reduced load rating of 5-tons.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will begin construction on a new stairway connecting the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (Byron Bridge) to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath at mile 60.6.
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Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve invite the public to experience the rich musical traditions of Appalachia at a special event on Sunday, September 28, at the Cliffside Amphitheater at Grandview.
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Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Official NPS source
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Official NPS source
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Official NPS source
The Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam on the upper Gauley, will temporarily close for the beginning of ‘Gauley Season’ this year.
Official NPS source
The Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam on the upper Gauley, will temporarily close for the beginning of ‘Gauley Season’ this year.
Official NPS source
Join Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) on Friday, Aug. 8, to celebrate the legacy of jazz legend and Storer College alumnus Don Redman. The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival string musicians will collaborate with the Howard Burns Quartet to perform original arrangements of some of Redman’s most celebrated jazz works. The event begins at 7 p.m. on the lawn by the Mather Training Center.
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The National Park Service announces a decision and release of a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Proposed Demolition of Historic Structures Environmental Assessment.
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The National Park Service (NPS) today celebrated the completion of the stabilization project of a historic drylaid stone wall at Mile 11 with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. This approximately 1,015 linear foot long wall historically called the “Log Wall” plays a critical role in supporting the towpath and the canal prism and protecting them from the waters of the Potomac River. The rehabilitated historic wall ensures future generations will continue to learn and enjoy the C&O Canal in its historical context.
Official NPS sourceUnder the terms of the agreement, Georgetown will donate a parcel of land on the Potomac River to the National Park Service to be added to the boundary of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This parcel includes an easement along the Capital Crescent Trail, which would be extinguished when the land is donated. This will allow for uninterrupted use of the trail by the public.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on their experiences and ideas for the future of the Great Falls (Maryland) area of Chesapeake & Canal National Historical Park. Everyone is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback through July 28.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has awarded $1.2 million in grants supporting 14 community-driven projects that highlight the natural, cultural, recreational, and historical significance of the Chesapeake region. The grants empower a mix of diverse partners, from local Tribes to local nonprofit organizations, to tell untold stories, promote community resilience, and enhance public access to the outdoors across this treasured landscape.
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The National Park Service and partners have published a Visitor Use Management Plan for the Virginia Triple Crown Segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Virginia Triple Crown Segment includes the iconic Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs areas. This plan will guide long term visitor management in this area.
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In a groundbreaking collaboration, Terrain360, the National Park Service’s (NPS) Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and the Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc. is proud to announce a project that aims to map a portion of the Yellowstone River. The mapping will use state-of-the art 360° ultra-high-definition spherical imagery to capture 507 miles of river starting just south of Livingston, Montana to the confluence of the Missouri-Yellowstone Rivers. This monumental endeavor will generate over 1 million ultra-high-resolution images, providing an unparalleled view of this historically significant river.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail has released its 2023 Annual Report. The report documents a year of work with partners across the U.S. to commemorate and protect the 4,900-mile-long historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
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Three national scenic trails have become the country’s newest national parks, raising the total number of existing parks from 425 to 428. The Ice Age, New England, and North Country national scenic trails, all previously established by Congress and administered by the National Park Service as part of the National Trails System, are now also recognized as units of the National Park System.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) awarded $2,367,633.17 in Chesapeake Gateways Grants through the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Office in September to fund 22 projects. Governmental and non-governmental organizations spearhead the projects funded by Chesapeake Gateways grants to bring out familiar, untold, under-appreciated, or yet to be uncovered narratives and to promote resilient communities & landscapes through tourism, sustainability, conservation & local economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These awards are made possible through annual appropriations from Congress.
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National Park Service has selected Ed Clark as the new superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. He is expected to begin his new assignment on October 8.
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The National Park Service (NPS) and its partners co-managing Appalachian National Scenic Trail’s Virginia’s Triple Crown segment near Roanoke, Va., encourage members of the public to comment on a draft Visitor Use Management Plan for Virginia’s Triple Crown segment of the trail. Comments will be gathered August 1 - 31, 2023.
Official NPS sourceMost forests in eastern United States national parks are at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer and crowding by invasive plants, according to a National Park Service (NPS) study published in the journal Ecological Applications.
Official NPS source
NPS Chesapeake is pleased to announce new capacity to support and serve partners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Two new members of the NPS Chesapeake leadership team have joined the office based in Annapolis, Maryland, bringing a wealth of experience: Ian Austin, Director of Administration and Eddie Gonzalez, Director of Partnerships and Grants. Three additional NPS employees have joined NPS Chesapeake office to lead key projects: Brent Everitt, Communications and Visitor Experience Specialist; Aurelia Gracia, Outdoor Recreation Planner; and Cherri Espersen, Partnerships Coordinator.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is pleased to share its 2022 Annual Report. Highlights include a collaborative panoramic mapping project, the National Freeman Tilden Award, Lewis and Clark Trail resource documentation, web and NPS mobile app updates, and the yearly spending and projects report.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Specialist Caitlin Campbell has won the Freeman Tilden Award, the highest award presented to a National Park Service individual to recognize outstanding contributions to the profession of interpretation.
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A variety of National Park Service (NPS) employees, volunteers and partners were honored at a ceremony to Celebrate America’s National Parks and the Dedication of Those Who Serve.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2,187,125 visitors to national parks in West Virginia spent $108.9 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 1,447 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $131 million.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail has released its 2021 Annual Report. The report documents a year of work with partners across the U.S. to commemorate and protect the 4,900-mile-long historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
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Each year, agencies and organizations engaged in public outreach submit publications, videos, digital campaigns, and exhibits for competition in NAI’s media awards. The Lewis and Clark Trail Junior Ranger Activity Journal was awarded first place NAI Media Award in the book category after receiving top marks for thoughtful messaging and innovative online components.
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Mulberry Bend Overlook will be closed temporarily while the park addresses accessibility issues at the overlook. The trail is being redesigned and reconstructed.
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(OMAHA, NE) July 19, 2021 — As travelers seek out more authentic ways to connect with people and places, the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail unveils the ultimate online trip-planning portal, lewisandclark.travel. This website is designed to help visitors learn more about the host communities, local businesses, and attractions located along the 4,900-mile trail that runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Pacific Ocean.
Official NPS source
Omaha, Neb. – Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail will resume indoor visitor services at their visitor center in Omaha, Neb. starting July 1, consistent with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Interior. All services will return to pre-pandemic levels, including issuance of the park passes, access to restroom facilities, and the reopening of Riverfront Books. Some exhibits will be modified or removed to reduce risks associated with COVID-19.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail announces the debut of a trailwide Junior Ranger program, which is now available at more than 30 locations in 13 states across the country.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail will celebrate National Park Week April 17-25, 2021. We encourage you to participate in one of our virtual activities to help you celebrate National Park Week.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail has released its 2020 Annual Report. The report documents a year of partnerships and projects with the common goal of commemorating and protecting the 4,900 mile historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Pacific.
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An expedition is only as successful as its preparation. On May 12, 2019, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail was extended to include eastern sites that played vital roles in the planning and supply procurement for the Corps of Discovery expedition. With a new historical trail head at the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Trail now winds 4,900 miles to St. Louis, Missouri, along the Missouri River to the Great Plains, across the Rockies and on to the Pacific Ocean. This week, we celebrate the first anniversary of this 1,200 mile extension.
Official NPS source
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail will celebrate National Park Week April 18-26, 2020. We encourage you to participate in one of our virtual activities to help you celebrate National Park Week while social distancing at home.
Official NPS sourceEffective immediately, the National Park Service is closing all overnight shelters (56 total) and privies (75 total) on land administered by the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Park Office in the states of VA (10 shelters, 12 privies), MD (1 shelter, 2 privies), PA (8 shelters, 6 privies), NJ (1 shelter, 1 privy), NY (5 shelters, 5 privies), CT (7 shelters, 16 privies), MA (1 shelter, 4 privies), and ME (22 shelters, 29 privies). These closures are consistent with and in concurrence of our state and non-profit partners. These modifications to operations are in support of federal, state, and local efforts to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, partners, and local communities. These closures will be in effect until further notice.
Official NPS sourceOmaha, Neb, – The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail visitor center is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 23, 2020 the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail visitor center in Omaha, Nebraska is closed until further notice.
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In partnership with the National Park Service, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association will work with Tribes to develop cultural heritage content and itineraries for the websites LewisAndClark.travel and NativeAmerica.travel.
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National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Wendy O’Sullivan as the superintendent of the Chesapeake Bay Office, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland.
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In the early 19th century, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led an ambitious expedition across the western United States. Lewis and Clark greatly expanded our knowledge of the country’s geography and biological diversity through their specimen collection, mapping of the landscape and detailed journal entries. This year NASA and the National Park Service encourage the public to follow in these explorers’ footsteps through a new citizen science challenge from June 1 to Sept. 2. Use your smart phone and the NASA GLOBE Observer (GO) app to map land cover along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and elsewhere to assist scientists studying environmental changes.
Official NPS sourceOmaha, Neb. –No trip begins without preparation and this is especially true for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. To commemorate the importance of preparation for the expedition, 1,200 miles have just been added to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act signed on March 12, 2019 includes the trail extension, which adds an additional 1,200 miles to the national historic trail starting at the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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American Solar Challenge 2018 is starting from the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Omaha, NE.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce the release of the Environmental Assessment for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail reroute through the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge. The agencies are soliciting comments through July 20, 2018.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service and the Maryland Geocaching Society announce a six-week collaboration designed to introduce geocaching participants to national parks and public lands in Maryland.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service and the Maryland Geocaching Society announce a six-week collaboration designed to introduce geocaching participants to national parks and public lands in Maryland.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service Chesapeake Bay youth program used an Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation for enhancements to a sensory-rich trail experience for people with special needs.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service Chesapeake Bay received an Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation. The funds were used to help build a sensory-rich trail experience for all people at Maryland's Patapsco Valley State Park.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Office is accepting project proposals from Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Trail partners for financial assistance awards. Public water access site development projects that advance the development of designated Gateways water trails, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and/or the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail are the funding priority for fiscal year 2014.
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The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office and partner Chesapeake Conservancy hosted over fifty representatives from federal, state, local agencies and national and regional conservation groups recently at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announces the appointment of 23 members to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Advisory Council.Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to the trail, including trail development, public access, recreation opportunities, and educational programs along the trail route.
Official NPS sourceAdvisory Councils for the John Smith Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner Trail will meet together on October 7, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announced the appointment of 26 members to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Advisory Council. Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to trail management, public access, recreation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation along the trail route.
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The National Park Service Northeast Regional Office has selected Charles E. "Chuck" Hunt as the new superintendent of the NPS Chesapeake Bay office.
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On Friday, June 21, 2013, nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate the protection of Werowocomoco, the principal residence of the secular and spiritual Indian leader Powhatan when Jamestown was settled in 1607.
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The book In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake was recognized yesterday with an award by the Maryland Historical Trust. The book serves as the history and travel guide to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
Official NPS sourceNPS and the Chesapeake Conservancy released a report summarizing the 2-day Large Landscape Conservation Workshop attended by 56 Chesapeake region conservation practitioners in August, 2012.
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The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office invested $1.36M with 21 partners for 24 projects in youth engagement, education, public access, and trail development on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
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On July 30, 2012, the National Park Service officially launched the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in a ceremony recognizing the hard work of partners from all nine regions of the trail.
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Four historic connecting components to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail were designated by DOI Secretary Salazar. Trail partners gathered at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland for the signing ceremony.
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