Free gift card when buying NY state park pass on Nov. 28 and 29

Give the gift of New York's best green spaces with an Empire Passport, which provides annual unlimited State Park vehicle access or a camping gift card that can be redeemed at a New York State Park-operated campground.

"If you have someone who loves the outdoors on your gift-giving list this holiday season, State Parks has easy and affordable gift ideas," said State Park Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Our gift cards and Empire Passport help outdoor enthusiasts to unwrap adventure at New York's incredible parks and campgrounds."

As a special one-time offer, anyone who purchases the $65 Empire Passport on-line at www.nysparks.com on 'Cyber Monday,' from midnight Nov. 28 to midnight Nov. 29, will receive a free camping gift card worth $25. Gift Cards and Empire Passports may also be purchased anytime by calling 518-474-0458 during regular business hours, or visiting a local state park or regional office. To ensure holiday delivery, phone and website orders must be received by December 15, 2011.

The $65 Empire Passport offers unlimited vehicle access to New York State Parks for all four seasons. Valid through March 31, 2013, Empire Passport holders avoid the daily $6-$10 vehicle entry fee to upwards of 250 state-operated parks, recreation areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and forest preserve sites.

The camping gift card can be used for campsites, cabins or cottages at nearly 70 beautiful State Park campgrounds operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Gift Cards can be purchased for any dollar amount and have no expiration date. The gift card is not available for state campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Bears force closure of campgrounds in Appalachians

"The USDA Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina today announced the closure of four more sites in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest because of human encounters with bears over the past couple days", reports North Carolina's ABC News 13. "Effective immediately, the following sites are closed until Aug. 29, pending a reduction in bear activity: Briar Bottom Campground Black Mountain Campground Forest Service Road 472 (no entry, including hiking and camping) Neals Creek Road."

"A number of bear encounters have been reported this week in Yancey County. To ensure public safety, the Forest Service decided to close certain sites. Today’s announcement follows the Aug. 10 closure of four trails in the Appalachian Ranger District because of increased bear activity. The Aug. 10 closure included the following sites, which are now also closed until Aug. 29: Buncombe Horse Trail - from Forest Service Road 472 to the intersection the Big Tom Gap Trail (TR 1918) Mt. Mitchell Trail - from Black Mountain Campground to Mt. Mitchell State Park Mountain to Sea Trail - From State Hwy. 128 to Black Mountain Campground Higgins Bald Trail (TR 1908) The closures are intended to provide for public safety by reducing human/bear interaction."

To reduce your risk from bears in national forests, experts suggest that you "make noise to avoid surprising a bear. Never approach a bear or other wild animal. Do not hike in the dark. Carry EPA-registered bear pepper spray Keep a clean camp site by properly disposing of food scraps and garbage. Do not leave food or garbage inside fire rings, grills or around your site. Never leave food or coolers unattended, even in developed picnic areas. If bear-proof containers are not available, store food and garbage inside a hard-top vehicle or trailer. Never store food inside a tent. Wipe tabletops clean before vacating a camp or picnic site. If a bear is observed nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately and vacate the area as soon as possible."

For more tips on bear safety go here. For more information on the Forest Service closures, contact the Appalachian Ranger District office at 828-682-6146.

Florida to close 53 state parks

"Florida Division of Recreation and Parks got some bad news Wedneday when the Department of Environmental Protection presented the Legislature an unprecedented list of 53 state parks that will be closed, including Fort Mose in St. Augustine" reported the Historic City News of St. Augustine, Florida.

With the threat of having to reduce their budgets by 15%, the proposed closings will likely become reality.

The News continued, "In a year when the state faces a nearly $4B shortfall, this is apt to be more than just an exercise; and with the high proportion of freshman members, there is less familiarity with the importance of Florida’s environmental programs.

"The selections were made from state parks which garner the least attendance and do not have camping — despite being economic engines in some of Florida’s smallest and most rural communities.

"Wednesday in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee, members seemed concerned but not willing to simply remove these cuts from the table. One suggested these lands should be sold to put them back on county tax rolls. Another suggested enlisting cash-strapped local governments to manage them. A third suggested closing them 'except on weekends'."