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From Yosemite to Antarctica, NC State Professor Examines Tourism Impacts in Protected Areas

Protected Areas and Landscapes

Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance sign in forest.

Feb 27, 2025

Trump’s Mass Federal Layoffs Raise Concerns About the Future of Public Lands

America's national parks, forests and other public lands could be facing an existential crisis as the Trump administration continues to terminate thousands of federal employees.
Gentoo penguins standing on a stony beach with a ship in the background - Antarctica's Tourism Boom Could Be Stressing Out Penguins - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Nov 30, 2022

Antarctica’s Tourism Boom Could Be Stressing Out Penguins

NC State researchers recently found that common tourism behaviors could be disturbing the chinstrap and gentoo penguins of Barrientos Island in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Penguins in Antarctica - Some See Antarctica as ‘Last Chance’ Destination; for Others, It’s a Backdrop - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Apr 15, 2022

Some See Antarctica as ‘Last Chance’ Destination; for Others, It’s a Backdrop

Travel to nature-based destinations to socialize is a growing trend in tourism, and it was a significant pre-pandemic motivator for travel to Antarctica.
Penguins in Antarctica - Some See Antarctica as ‘Last Chance’ Destination; for Others, It’s a Backdrop - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Apr 14, 2022

The COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Research and Tourism, Even in Antarctica

NC State researcher Yu-Fai Leung discusses the pandemic's impact on his work studying how tourists can impact penguins in Antarctica.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Apr 2, 2021

Analysis: Studies of US National Parks Are Trending Down, Focused on Popular Parks

Research conducted in U.S. national parks has focused largely on five iconic parks, an analysis from NC State researchers found.
A picture of a mountain range in Alaska.

Sep 30, 2020

Arctic Drilling: Did the Federal Government Violate NEPA?

The law requires federal agencies to examine the potential environmental impacts of major infrastructure projects.

An image of the trans-alaskan oil pipeline that carries oil from the northern part of Alaska all the way to valdez. this shot is right near the arctic national wildlife refuge.

Aug 26, 2020

How Oil and Gas Drilling Could Disrupt the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

A plan to open the refuge to drilling could negatively impact wildlife and tourist.

Flooding in Venice - Landmarks Facing Climate Threats Could 'Transform, "Expert Says - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Aug 10, 2020

Landmarks Facing Climate Threats Could ‘Transform,’ Expert Says

Researchers are asking whether iconic locations threatened by climate change should be allowed to transform.
A waterfall in the forest - Historic Act Provides Funding for Parks and Conservation - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Aug 5, 2020

Historic Act Provides Funding for Parks and Conservation

A new law will drastically improve parks and open spaces across the United States.
Yu-Fai Leung - From Yosemite to Antarctica, NC State Professor Examines Tourism Impacts in Protected Areas - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University

Apr 7, 2020

From Yosemite to Antarctica, NC State Professor Examines Tourism Impacts in Protected Areas

Parks and other protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation. Dr. Yu-Fai Leung is working to safeguard these special places.