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  Environment

  Mount Rainier's chubby snowbird is now a threatened species

  A chubby bird that lives year-round in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most pristine habitats has been added to the nation’s roster of threatened species.

  • John Ryan
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  Government

  Mount Rainier visitors react to new timed entrance reservation policy

  If you want to visit Mount Rainier this summer, the time to plan your trip is now. That’s because for the first time, the park’s most popular entrances will require timed reservations. KUOW spoke to park visitors to hear what they think about the new rule.

  • Joshua McNichols
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  Environment

  Still a chance to restore grizzly bears in Washington state

  The National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced the reopening considerations for how to help grizzly bears in the region.

  • Courtney Flatt
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  Environment

  Hudson Canyon, a giant underwater chasm, could be the newest national marine sanctuary

  The site — comparable in size to the Grand Canyon — is about a hundred miles off the coast of New York City. It's home to a number of sensitive species including sperm whales and sea turtles.

  • Eric McDaniel
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  Health

  A new program in Canada gives doctors the option of prescribing national park visits

  And the best part? The annual passes are free.

  • Sharon Pruitt-Young
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  National

  An Explosion In Visitors Is Threatening The Very Things National Parks Try To Protect

  Ever-growing crowds at America's National Parks have prompted some to allow entry by reserved tickets only. Arches National Park in Utah may be next, and there's renewed controversy over that.

  • Kirk Siegler
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  Politics

  Unexpected Ways The Government Shutdown Might Affect You

  In the second week of the federal shutdown, consumers might notice fallout in unexpected places, from poop in national parks to closed museums.

  • Cat Schuknecht
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  Politics

  National Parks? Many Are Open During The Shutdown. Their Bathrooms? Not So Much

  Some state governments and tourism boards have been using their own funds to keep the parks open. Elsewhere, open but unstaffed parks have become something of a free-for-all.

  • Laurel Wamsley
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  Politics

  How The Partial Government Shutdown Could Affect You

  Mail service and Social Security checks won't be interrupted, but national parks and small business loans will see some temporary changes.

  • Shannon Van Sant