Less than a decade after he accepted Robert E, Lee’s surrender at Appomatox, Ulysses S. Grant signed a law making Yellowstone the first national park in the United States. In the following decades, more landmarks and wild places were protected by the federal government. In 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Organic Service Act. With that action, the USA now had an agency that would “promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
For fly fishers, it is good that “the wild life therein” includes fish.
Our National Park Service includes locations as diverse as the breadth of our country. Whether it be famous rivers in Yellowstone, brook trout creeks in Great Smoky Mountains, or the wild mangroves along the Everglades, anglers should be heading out to their land.
National Parks are certainly mixed-use resources. Depending on where you go, there may be a lot of other people, However, there are plenty of opportunities to get away from crowds and into hidden treasures. The crowds and infrastructure often translate into better overall enforcement and stewardship. Federally regulated parks generally get more attention, as they are under the scientific and budgetary microscope. Practically, parks provide great access. Maps, parking, and trails are spelled out and approachable for anyone.
More importantly, anyone can enjoy a park. National Park trips are perfect for mixing a little fishing into a family vacation. There are dozens of things for all ages and interests to enjoy. When the angler has a free hour, there is probably a decent spot to cast a fly. The aforementioned resources available also offer a diversity of activities. Hiking, museums, and ranger programs can fill the hot middays or rainy mornings when you don’t want to be on the water.
Make plans to visit a National Park. While there may be other, more premier fly fishing spots in the vicinity, parks provide something unique and special. Enjoy them, because we’re the generation that our forefathers were considering when they established “such means as will leave them unimpaired for (their) enjoyment.”
Want some great National Parks stuff? Check out the following:
Ken Burns’ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
While it sacrifices serving as a comprehensive history for emphasizing specific narratives, Burns’ documentary is excellent. The visuals are epic, combining the director’s unique style with 21st century technological capabilities. Images and descriptions of National Parks from yesterday and today are compelling. This series will lead you on a trail of discovery for more history and your own experience in our Parks.
The volume of information on the National Park Service website is remarkable. In fact, it is almost difficult to navigate. This handy app puts all the important details in a convinient interface. Maps, notices, and helpful links are all intuitively laid out. You’re also able to search and catalog the National Parks and Monuments that you’re interested in.
If you visit two or three National Parks over the course of a year, this pass is absolutely worth $80. You’ll have access to all the parks, and 2,000 other federally managed recreation sites across the country. Whether you live close to a couple of parks, or you’re planning a great western roadtrip, this pass can save you hundreds of dollars.