Development Inches Toward National Parks

The AP reports:

An Associated Press review finds the national parks are facing unprecedented pressures inside and outside their borders from population growth, homeland security concerns and Americans' insatiable desires for conveniences such as hotels, restaurants, stores, cell phones and vacation homes.

DEVELOPMENT INSIDE PARKS

Within their boundaries, the parks are generally calm, placid and among the world's most beautiful places. The National Park Service said 95 percent of visitors rate their experience as good or excellent.

Nonetheless, 30 cellular phone towers have been erected inside parks; one is in view of Yellowstone's famed Old Faithful geyser. At Georgia's Kennesaw Mountain, an emergency radio communications tower has been constructed above Civil War cannons.

At Arizona's Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, officials have built an $18 million, 30-mile steel-and-concrete vehicle barrier to slow illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Fifteen sea and lake parks have acquiesced to recreational enthusiasts and are allowing Jet Skis and other personal watercraft, or are expected to do so.

Who said they don't make anymore land?