The idea that an individual could just toss their trash out the window of a moving car is incomprehensible to the type of person who aspires to be a park ranger.  This lack of understanding of motive is compounded exponentially when that littering occurs within a National Park.

A moment that makes any park ranger’s day is when they actually catch a litterer red handed in the act.  A park ranger hears some outrageous reactions from these violators.

One night while working at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park I backed my patrol car into the entrance of a picnic area on Lee Drive.  I was sitting there with my dome light on filling out some paperwork on a violation notice I had issued earlier when I saw a vehicle coming down Lee Drive at a high rate of speed.  The vehicle started to slow as it approached and I assumed that they saw my car.  As the vehicle passed the driver tossed a half gallon wine bottle out the window striking the front bumper on my car.  I immediately pulled out with my emergency lights on and stopped the vehicle.  I approached the driver and asked him if he knew why I had stopped him.  He said he had no idea why. 

I then asked him if he threw a wine bottle from his car.

His answer shocked me, “Yea I did.  So what’s the big deal? Someone will pick it up.”

No matter how I tried, I could not convince him that he had done something wrong and that it was a violation of the law to litter.  He left with several violation notices, angry for being hassled.  I cannot remember if he ever paid his fines.

Through my career I was surprised to find the response I heard that night to be a common theme among litterers.  Numerous times I was told by people I witnessed throwing out trash in parks that it was not important because, “Someone will pick it up.”  They resented being charged with what they considered no violation of the law.

Just another example of the interesting types of people a park ranger gets to meet during their career.

Many wildflowers and plants are threatened by man.  Not only does air quality and disappearing habitat destroy plant populations, the greed of man also shares the responsibility.  Many plants in the Southern Appalachian Mountains are collected by people ranging from well meaning visitors who want a few flowers for their table to professional plant poachers stealing plants to sell for profit.

For the occasional visitor who picks wildflowers they do not understand that they are being greedy not leaving the display for others to enjoy.  When flowers in bloom are taken, they do not have the opportunity to leave seed to establish future generations of blooms.  In a park like the Blue Ridge Parkway – the most visited National Park Service unit in the system – where more than 16 million people visit per year, casual flower picking can have a devastating impact on plant populations.  Many times this explains why visitors return one or more years later trying to recapture the excitement of finding a wildflower display at a certain location and it is no longer there.

As you visit the parks of the Southern Appalachians this year, be part of the solution and help to protect our native plants.

• Do not pick wildflowers – Take photos and leave the plants where they can continue to grow and produce seed
• If you see others digging or removing plants within the park – notify a Park Ranger as soon as possible – on the Blue Ridge Parkway you can call  800-PARKWATCH to make a report
• Educate your friends and family members to leave plants where they observe them

Help the National Park Service to preserve and protect our natural heritage for future generations.

You can learn more about the problems with commercial theft of plants in the Southern Appalachians in my book A Park Ranger’s Life: Thirty Two Years Protecting Our National Parks.

Motorcycle Warning Sign

The Blue Ridge Parkway has consistently been described in motorcycle media as one of the best rides in the country if not the world.  Although not a motorcyclist myself, I do not doubt this judgment for the views, lack of large commercial trucks, and interesting curves are not to be found anywhere else.

Unfortunately the increase in motorcycle traffic is accompanied by a significant number of serious motorcycle crashes.  A number of years ago Park Rangers became concerned about the significant increase in motorcycle crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.  Statistical research of crash scenes and drivers was conducted and several theories were developed as to the causes. 

One consistent condition was found to be a factor in many crashes.  They were occurring in areas where the Parkway had been engineered with descending radius curves.  When the Blue Ridge Parkway was designed the purpose was to adhere it to the land providing for the least destruction of the landscape while providing for the best views.   The 1930’s and 40’s were not times when motorcycles or motor homes were commonly used by the visiting public.  Very few if any roadways in the United States today have descending radius curves and consequently most motorcyclists have never driven through these types of challenges.

A traffic safety program was designed to step up traffic regulation enforcement, educate the public, and to place more aggressive signing at locations of repeated wrecks.  Through these efforts the number of motorcycle crashes sharply decreased.  In the District where I worked in we had a curve that had seen eight motorcycle wrecks in one year.  Once the warning signs were put in place the follow year there were zero wrecks.  However, other duties and constraints of budgets have made the park staff step back from these programs.

Curve Warning Sign

Ultimately it is the operator of a motor vehicle that is responsible for their own safety.  If you operate a motorcycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway, observe the following safety tips:

• Observe the speed limits that are posted.  In most areas it is 45mph.  In some developed areas it will drop to 35mph.
• Watch for curve warning signs and take them seriously.  They are few and far between, but mark the most dangerous areas.
• Be aware that even though you may have years of experience operating a motorcycle, you will encounter curves and road surface elevations that you have not experienced before.
• Maintain full attention to your driving at all times.  Many instances in the past operators have been distracted by the view and just that split second of inattention has gotten them in trouble.
• Watch for wildlife in the road.  You are in their neighborhood and they are in the road often.
• Do not pass on the double yellow lines.  There are many blind curves on the Parkway that come up fast.  You never know what is beyond your view; a motor home, a deer, or a car full of kids.

Remember as the Blue Ridge Parkway Traffic Safety Program says:

    ENJOY THE VIEW – WATCH THE ROAD

No longer will there be one set of regulations pertaining to the possession of firearms in National Park Service Areas.  Visitors will need to be aware of the regulations of the state where the park they are visiting is located.  It becomes even more complex when parks are in more than one state or regulations and ordinances are not uniform throughout a state.

An example is the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Virginia has what are considered liberal firearms laws.  By state law you can carry a firearm as long as it is in the open and visible.  To carry one concealed you do need a permit.  Virginia law does allow counties to adopt more restrictive ordinances within their jurisdictions.  Consequently, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia visitors could be permitted to carry loaded rifles and shotguns in their cars except while traveling through sections of the park located in Roanoke County where loaded long guns in vehicles are prohibited.

There are those in the state of Maine that are concerned about firearms in National Parks such as Acadia.  There is a movement to pass a state law that prohibits or limits firearms in parks.  If passed this law would affect enforcement in both state and Federal parks since state law is now the basis for regulating guns in National Parks.

Public Law 111-24, Section 512 also conflicts with existing Federal laws such as those that prohibit the possession of firearms in or on Federal facilities.  This is commonly used to provide protection for Post Offices, Court Houses, military bases, and Federal buildings.  Are not National Park Visitor Centers, Offices, and Concessions buildings federal facilities?   Perhaps even the parks themselves could be considered under this law.

The new law prevents the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior from enforcing any regulations that prohibit the possession of firearms.  Regulations will still be in place that prohibit the carrying and use of firearms.

If you are confused by all this, you are not the only ones.  It will take some time and education to smooth out the rough spots to interpret and enforce this new myriad of laws and regulations.

Answer:
As a general rule the speed limit along the Parkway is 45 mph. In areas of heavy traffic such as Mabry Mill, Cone Manor or visitors centers and at major intersections the speed limit may drop to 35 mph. You should obey posted speed limit signs at all times.

The Parkway has many hairpin and descending radius curves. Traveling at faster than posted speeds might cause you to miss a curve and hit an animal, cyclist or pedestrian.

The National Park Service requires that you report all accidents that occur along the Parkway. If you are in or witness an accident you must report it to a ranger as soon as possible. If a ranger is not in sight, call 1-800-PARKWATCH. Remember, hitting an animal with your vehicle is as much an accident as two vehicles colliding.

Click here for more information on traffic and driving regulations along the Parkway.

Answer:
In most places, picnicking along the road side is legal. This is a long standing Parkway tradition, but you must be pulled completely off the roadway. Avoid soggy areas and ditches after periods of rain.

North of Asheville NC, the Parkway passes through the city watershed and off-road parking is not allowed where indicated by signs.

Answer:
Most Parkway facilities are closed in the winter, although the road itself is open as long as snow or ice do not create dangerous driving conditions. The park information line, (828) 298 0398, is the most up-to-date source for road closures by section and access to Parkway weather reports. Year round facilities include the Peaks of Otter Lodge north of Roanoke, VA, the North Carolina Minerals Museum near Spruce Pine, and in Asheville, NC the Folk Art Center and the Destination Center.

Many of the towns and communities located along the parkway offer shopping, meals, and lodging year round.

Fall and Winter Activities Along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Answer:
The Blue Ridge Parkway like all national parks is managed as a wildlife preserve and hunting is not permitted anywhere within its boundaries.

The Parkway offers special permits to individuals who wish to access U.S. Forest Service land for the purpose of hunting. The permit allows access only from certain Parkway overlooks, and the conditions of the permit must be followed exactly. Information on the Hunter Parking Permit program is available at local ranger offices, from rangers in the field, and from park headquarters.

National Park Service regulations state: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Check state regulations for Virginia or North Carolina to make certain of your compliance while in the park. Read more from the NPS.

For more information visit our Blue Ridge Parkway Regulations page.

Answer:
Pets on leashes are allowed on all areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway including parks, campgrounds, picnic areas and trails.

National Park Service regulations state:
“All dogs, cats, and other pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or under physical restraint at all times while in the park. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.”

Visit Blue Ridge Parkway Regulations for more information.

Answer:
Yes you can drive your RV on the Parkway but some commerical vehicles are not allowed. Care and caution should be observed on steep grades and sharp curves.

There are 26 tunnels along the Parkway, one in Virginia and the rest in North Carolina, mostly south of Asheville. To help plan your trip we have a handy reference list of tunnels along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It includes length, height and locations of all Parkway tunnels.

Answer:
Each year, the new hours are usually released at the end of March.  Virtual Blue Ridge usually posts that information within 1-2 business days of receiving the notice in 2 places:

Blue Ridge Parkway facility hours of operations and opening dates

Blue Ridge Parkway concessions hours of operation and opening dates

In years past, the opening days have been within 2 to 3 days of previous year’s dates, so this information may prove very useful to anyone trying to plan a springtime trip during the off-season when current hours may not be updated.

Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel

The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for proposed vista management within high altitude Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel habitats along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BLRI) in North Carolina.

The project area is in four locations at Craggy Gardens, Mt. Pisgah, the Graveyard Fields area to Richland Balsam, and Waterrock Knob. The project proposal is to set forth a long-term management strategy that would best protect and preserve Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (CNFS) while providing for an enjoyable visitor experience of traveling the BLRI. The EA analyzes three alternatives:

1. No action (allowing the overlooks and vistas grow up without any periodic cutting),
2. Historic management methods (cutting every 3 years according to rotating schedule as the Parkway currently prescribes)
3. Developing management guidelines and mitigation objectives utilizing mechanical treatment techniques for each individual vista within potential CNFS habitat to satisfy National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and NPS Management Policies .

The Blue Ridge Parkway is proposing as its third and preferred alternative a very labor intensive approach whereas the landscape architect and resource manager for the Parkway will personally supervise the vista management. This assumes that these individuals will be on site when the cutting of these vistas actually occurs. These contracts will be more expensive as the prescription for these will be from on the ground instructions which would go some thing like this: “cut right here, yep, leave that tree; no, not that one — yes, it is ok to leave that one.”

This is not a model for any efficient and effective program of vista management that I have personally witnessed, the crew simply does there job with regard to exclusive plant species which are left standing. Every three years, presumably, this scene would be repeated and the decisions on the ground will be subjective in park manager’s verbal directions to cutting crews.

Currently, the Parkway does not have the staff to manage the preferred alternative. The preferred alternative states that “Biologists and Landscape Architects in the Resource Planning and Professional Services Division would be responsible for the vista management program with potential CNFS habitat and would determine which trees can be cut at each individual vista and any other mitigation measures that are needed.” The Blue Ridge Parkway does not have a traditional resident landscape architect who has the time commitment to give to this program. There are only two park biologists qualified to serve this requirement and their offices are not even in the districts where the program will be administered.

NPS Management Policies of 2006 has language which states that the Service must protect and strive to recover rare, threatened, or endangered species native to national park system units that are listed under (NEPA), and undertake management programs to inventory, monitor, and restore and maintain listed species’ habitats. It is the opinion of this author that continued vista clearing as prescribed in the Historical Management Method (Alternative 2) does not diminish habitat as the CNFS never had this area as habitat in the first place. NPS / BLRI listing of disadvantages in its 127 page document expresses its own self-doubt in stating that “cyclic maintenance of vistas could have an impact…” and that the “Park Service could be out of compliance…” This author contends that there is a big difference in “could” and “would.”

Documented studies (references are available) have shown that the rate of increase of visits to the Blue Ridge Parkway diminishes when Parkway views are compromised or lost. This factor has a direct impact on local tourism revenues.

The operating budget for the Blue Ridge Parkway has only increased one-half of one per cent since 1980. Funding for the National Park Service or the Blue Ridge Parkway is not expected to be increased significantly in the years ahead despite current funding initiatives. A quarter of the permanent work force of the Blue Ridge Parkway has been lost since 2002 and those vacancies still remain unfilled – including the positions of a landscape architect, community planner, and public information officer.

Another twenty-five per cent of the work force is eligible for retirement in the next four years. If the Park Service commits to its preferred alternative, it will more than likely find itself down the road unable to service the highly labor intensive management alternative, give up because it can’t keep up, and then completely abandon any vista clearing management program in the CNFS critical habitat areas. The originally conceived and designed historical views of the Blue Ridge Parkway would (I didn’t say could) be lost forever.

Responses are encouraged as the issues are multi-facetted. Individual questions can be responded to in postings.

For a listing of Blue Ridge Parkway facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitors centers, please visit:

2008 Blue Ridge Parkway facility hours of operations and opening dates

For a listing of Blue Ridge Parkway concessions such as restaurants, gift shops, and lodges, please visit:

2008 Blue Ridge Parkway concessions hours of operation and opening dates

Afraid you might miss the latest news? Sign-up for the Virtual Blue Ridge eNewsletter.

Bike Safely - Be Visible!

Imagine that it is almost dusk, the sun is low and suddenly you are challenged by a form in front of you that looks like a bicyclist, but is it?

Wearing colors that contrast with the surroundings are a must for Parkway riders. If you are one of the lucky ones to ride on the Parkway when the weather is perfect, you are always riding into and out of shadows.

WEAR BRIGHT COLORS TO HELP MOTORISTS IDENTIFY YOU FOR YOU YOU ARE!

One of the best additions to the cyclists armamentarium in recent years is the “blinky”. These LED (light emitting diodes) lights are magical for allowing motorist to see you up the road, even in bright sunlight. They send an instant message even to the near asleep end-to-ender Parkway thru driver that there is danger ahead.

WEAR A BLINKY!

Signal Your Intentions

HAND SIGNALS SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE LEFT HAND BECAUSE THAT IS THE SIDE WHERE DRIVERS EXPECT YOU TO MAKE THEM. The photo to the left does not represent the best practice.

There is another reason, particularly if you are preparing to make a turn. The left hand controls the front brake which has the greatest braking power, but the bicycle becomes very unstable if you are applying hand brake pressure with the handle bars slightly turned. I have seen many riders (and motorcyclists particularly) go down when this technique has been used. Remember, give yourself that extra stopping distance needed by applying right brake pressure (i.e. to the rear wheel).

Safe Bicycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I confess … I feel safe on the Parkway at all times when I am riding my bike. But I have been doing it all my life and rode competively for many years elbow to elbow in pelotons traveling at 35 miles + down hills and in curves. … at my age now I wouldn’t so my advice to you today is for any age and any level of experience …

RIDE IN A GROUP AND IN SINGLE FILE!

Making it nearly impossible for an automobile to pass a string of bikes except in a good visibility situation is best practice. There will remain the daredevils filled with impatience and road rage which will make an unsafe move no matter what size your line. In a group, the biker at the rear of the string has the responsibility of informing those up the line that there is a “car back!” so that all the riders know that there is a vehicle probably wishing to pass. That gives the cyclists the opportunity to move to the right as close to the right as a rider’s skill level will allow.

Overlooks and pullouts should always be used by cyclists to allow automobile traffic to pass. You don’t need to stop in the overlook, only reduce your speed to allow automobiles to saftely pull through.

Answer:
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to have your wedding. There are no facilities that you “rent” on the Parkway, you just pick a spot and then apply for a special use permit through the National Park Service.

To acquire a special park use or event permit:

Activities such as sporting events, pageants, public spectator attractions, entertainment, wedding ceremonies, or large group gatherings require a permit. A $60 application fee is required and an additional $135 administrative fee is due upon issuance of the permit. A $60/hour monitoring permit is also charged during the event. Call park headquarters at (828) 271 4779 ext 246 for more information.

** Fees are subject to change.

If you want to get married on the Parkway and do not wish to have a large ceremony, then you may not need to have a permit. The permits are required for event gatherings of “many” people that would cause interference with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway for other travelers.

Here is a YouTube video of a couple getting married at Groundhog Mountain (milepost 189) near Fancy Gap, VA.