At Petrified Forest National Park, a strange phenomenon has persisted for decades: people from all over the world mailing back pieces of petrified wood they stole—along with heartfelt apology notes. These “conscience letters” speak of bad luck, misfortune, and regret. But is the so-called curse real, or just a product of guilt?

In this episode of Parkography, we explore the fascinating history behind the curse of the Petrified Forest and the power of a national park to stir the conscience.

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In this episode, we cover the Trump administration's reorganization of the Department of Agriculture and its impact on the US Forest Service, as well as ongoing wildfires, including the Dragon Bravo fire at the Grand Canyon, and debunk myths about animals fleeing Yellowstone. We'll also discuss significant land acquisitions in Texas that will lead to the establishment of new state parks, a tragic incident at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas, a Netflix series set in Yosemite, and much more.

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00:00 Introduction 00:08 US Forest Service Reorganization 01:49 Interior Department Job Cuts 02:57 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 03:36 Muir Woods Exhibit Removal 04:17 Bear Incidents and Safety 05:13 Yellowstone Animal Rumors 07:15 Lake Powell Water Levels 07:40 New Shark Species Discovery 08:02 Wildfire Updates 11:05 Texas State Parks Expansion 11:56 Arkansas Hiking Tragedy 12:35 Netflix Show Set in Yosemite 13:33 Conclusion and Farewell

In Michigan, the country’s second National Park would be established in 1875, only to be redesignated just twenty years later as the state’s first State Park. Likewise, a cave named for its position overlooking the trail of Lewis and Clark would begin its protected life as an early National Monument before later joining a growing number of State Parks in the United States. And in Oklahoma, a former National Park remains preserved under the jurisdiction of the Park Service, providing key insight into the conversation of how and why we protect the places that we do for generations to come.

Join us as we explore three parks you won’t find in your National Park Service Passport: Mackinac National Park, Lewis and Clark Cavern National Monument, and Platt National Park.

Written by Lizzie Tesch Hosted by Jason Epperson

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