Thursday, July 31, 2025

Volunteers needed for revegetation work in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this on their social media the other day:
Want to get your hands dirty? Join us for a group volunteer event!

Throughout the month of August, several workdays are planned for revegetation work in Glacier Basin Campground. Spend the day helping restore Rocky's native vegetation by hand-planting native seedlings!

The project will involve moving seedlings from trucks to the work site, kneeling, digging with hand tools, and careful attention to planting techniques. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate, and advanced registration is required. Participants may sign up for one workday or multiple; learn more about dates and register by visiting www.rmconservancy.org/volunteer/.




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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Manhunt underway for man who murdered two hikers in Arkansas State Park

A couple who was killed at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, was hiking with their two daughters when they were attacked. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.

The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state.

At about 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) was notified of a double homicide at the park, located in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Brink were found dead on a walking trail. ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is handing the suspected homicide.

Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect. They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage.The area of the park where the incident occurred remains cordoned off and secured by law enforcement. The park is located in a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service.

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, ASP issued an updated description of the suspect. After receiving additional information, investigators now believe he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with sleeves rolled up, rather than a tank top as originally reported. The suspect is an unknown white male with a medium build. He was wearing dark pants, a dark ballcap and sunglasses. The suspect had a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves. He was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan.

The suspect’s vehicle may be a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape. It may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.

Anyone with images of the suspect, information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Investigators urge anyone with photos or video to not post footage on social media, as this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation. State police just released these images of the suspect. More info here.




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Sunday, July 27, 2025

North Rim of Black Canyon to open

Park staff will open the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the public on July 30, 2025. Visitors will be able to access trails, overlooks, and the North Rim Campground.

Park staff will be available at the ranger station 10:00am to 3:00pm daily for information, permits, and to answer questions. The 13-site North Rim Campground will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. The small campground is limited to vehicles less than 22 feet (6.7 m) long. The South Rim of the park remains closed due to firefighting activity.

The South Rim Fire started on July 10, 2025, and remains active. Information on the fire can be found at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cobcp-south-rim.



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Friday, July 25, 2025

Lighting Strike Tree Causes Small Fire South of the Lawn Lake Area of Rocky Mountain National Park

At approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, Rocky Mountain National Park received a report of a potential lightning strike fire seen from Rainbow Curve on the east side of the park. Fire managers confirmed a small, single white plume in steep terrain approximately ¼ mile below treeline, in a remote location in the Lawn Lake area. There was high humidity and a mix of heavy and light rain in the park.

Early this morning park fire staff hiked to the steep, remote area. No values are at risk. The Roaring River Fire is currently a single smoldering tree, .01 acre, and is located south of the Lawn Lake area. Park fire staff have accessed the fire with the intent to contain it.

Fire restrictions reminder:

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, which means that campfires are prohibited except within designated campfire rings inside picnic areas and drive-in campgrounds. The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed. Fireworks are always prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Use caution and vigilance when having a fire. Never leave a campfire unattended. When done with a fire, use the drown and stir method to put it out. Pour water on the fire, use a shovel or stick to stir the coals, add more water and repeat until the coals are cool to touch.



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Thursday, July 24, 2025

South Rim Fire response update

The South Rim Wildfire, which was ignited by lightning strikes on July 10, 2025, remains active within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park is coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to manage fire activity and to assess potential post-fire impacts. The park remains closed to visitors until further notice.

At this time, drinking water supplies have not been directly impacted by the fire. Starting July 21, a team of Department of the Interior and US Forest Service hydrologists and soil scientists began conducting rapid assessments to evaluate risks such as sedimentation and debris flow that could impact water quality.

Once conditions allow, a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team will be deployed to evaluate post-fire threats including flooding, debris flows, hazardous materials, cultural and historic sites, and hazard trees, as well as impacts to vegetation, wildlife, and recreation. The BAER team includes specialists from the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Weather Service, and U.S. Forest Service. The National Park Service will share findings and any recommended treatments as they become available.

For updates on fire activity and response efforts, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cobcp-south-rim. For updates on park operations, visit www.nps.gov/blca.



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Monday, July 21, 2025

Moraine Park Campground Additional Release of Campsite Reservations From July 23 through September 9

Rocky Mountain National Park will be releasing additional campsite reservations at Moraine Park Campground beginning on Tuesday, July 22 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, for reservations for July 23 through September 9. Reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov.

The Moraine Park Campground and Utility Rehabilitation Project is a critical infrastructure project that is improving water, wastewater and electrical distribution systems that serve not only Moraine Park Campground, but also Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Rocky Mountain National Park’s headquarters area and many other critical park facilities.



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Friday, July 18, 2025

Status of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

On the morning of July 10, 2025, lightning strikes ignited wildfires on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors and staff were safely evacuated, and the park is closed until further notice.

Since the fire is still active and not contained, the park’s total estimated loss is unknown. When the fire is 100% contained, formal damage and safety assessments will begin. Initial assessments have determined that the South Rim Visitor Center, the administration building, and the entrance booth survived the fire. However, the facility management building, the Western National Parks warehouse, the welding shop, several pieces of heavy equipment, the South Rim Campground, and numerous bathrooms and overlooks throughout the park burned and were either destroyed or heavily damaged.

All reservations for the South Rim Campground and for Wilderness Permits are cancelled, with no re-opening date. A reopening date for the park will be considered when the fire is contained, and safety assessments have been completed.

High temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds, and very dry vegetation across the region enhanced the fire’s spread at Black Canyon. Montrose County is currently in a Stage 1 Fire restriction. Fire season brings numerous hazards to the region. Use caution on roadways and watch for wildlife and workers for their safety and yours.

The South Rim fire is being managed by the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3. Check InciWeb for incident updates: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/cobcp-south-rim

Some of the Black Canyon Visitor Center staff have been temporarily relocated to the Public Lands Center located at 2465 South Townsend Ave in Montrose. The visitor center, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. National Park Service rangers are now available to provide visitor services at that location and answer questions by phone at (970) 240-5300. The Black Canyon passport stamp is also available.

Curecanti National Recreation Area is comanaged with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and remains open for boating, hiking, camping, and stargazing. Visitors are cautioned that there is a temporary closure for boating on Blue Mesa Reservoir west of Middle Bridge for air operations related to fire. Displaced Black Canyon Park Rangers will be offering additional astronomy programming at Curecanti. The programs are free and open to the public.



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Thursday, July 17, 2025

Summer conditions take hold on Longs Peak

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this message on their social media yesterday:
Summer conditions have finally taken hold on Longs Peak. The trails are entirely snow free to both Chasm Lake and the Boulderfield and the major summer summit routes can be navigated with no snow travel, including the Keyhole.

Across the upper mountain small ice and snow patches remain in places, and running water exists in several locations as well, creating slippery rock, and still warranting caution and careful travel.

Monsoon season is fully upon us, and afternoon thunderstorms will remain a real threat for the remainder of the summer season. Returning to treeline by noon is prudent to help mitigate exposure to lightning storms.

Remember, your safey is in your hands.

Warm clothes, waterproof layers, extra food and water, a headlamp, personal first aid kit, and a cell phone are all strongly recommended. If you are traveling alone, please tell a friend or family member your plans and take extra care with decision making. Even a minor accident while traveling alone on the mountain can quickly turn into a serious situation.

As always, please be prepared to turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

The Keyhole Route is not a hike. This is a challenging climb that crosses vertical rock faces and requires scrambling. Advanced planning and preparation are critical.

Going to Chasm Lake? The trail between Chasm Junction and Chasm Meadow crosses a steep slope known as Chasm Crossing. This slope is finally free of all meaningful snow for the summer and can be traveled entirely on dry trail. A small snowpatch continues to linger, but has receded enough to expose the trail through this section.




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Sunday, July 13, 2025

Historic Grand Canyon Lodge lost in wildfire

The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion. Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area.

On July 12, at approximately 10:30 p.m., fire activity intensified rapidly, fueled by sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Firefighters made significant efforts overnight to slow the fire’s progression under dangerous and fast-changing conditions.

Aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow fire movement near the Grand Canyon Lodge and Transept Canyon. However, the use of aerial retardant was not feasible due to a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility, which required the evacuation of firefighting personnel from critical zones nearby.

Preliminary assessments indicate that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire’s escalation.
The fire is being managed with an aggressive full suppression strategy. Fire behavior is still very active, driven by hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and continued strong wind gusts. On July 13, fire managers began ordering retardant drops on the east side of the developed area, including the Roaring Springs drainage, as suppression efforts continue.

With continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure, the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Additionally, all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds, and associated areas are closed until further notice, including:

* North Kaibab Trail

* South Kaibab Trail

* Phantom Ranch

* Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens

The primary objectives of current fire operations remain:

* Protecting the lives and safety of firefighting personnel and the public,

* Preserving the remaining structures on the North Rim, and

* Safeguarding cultural and natural resources within Grand Canyon National Park.

For the latest fire information and updates, visit the Dragon Bravo Fire InciWeb page.



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Thursday, July 10, 2025

Wildfires close Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

On the morning of July 10, 2025, lightning strikes ignited wildfires on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors and staff have been evacuated and the park is closed until further notice. Updates will be provided when more information is available.

High temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds, and very dry vegetation across the region have led to extreme fire danger at Black Canyon. Montrose County is currently in a Stage 1 Fire restriction. Check InciWeb for incident updates: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/cobcp-south-rim



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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Trail Improvement Work Begins in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Crews will begin several improvement projects in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service’s Brainard Lake Recreation Area this summer. Starting in early July, visitors can expect to encounter delays and safety hazards as crews work to realign and build trails. These projects are being completed as part of the Great American Outdoors Act, which helps fund deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.

Realigning trail segments and new trails will improve year-round visitor access to the entire Brainard area trails system and will remove the need for walking along Brainard Road.

The trail realignment project aims to create intuitive trail junctions and improve the grade on various sections of the Waldrop Trail. Similar work on the Little Raven Trail might also begin this year to connect extensions and reduce the number of confusing intersections. There are no official closures in place this summer, however heavy equipment could pose a safety hazard for visitors on the Waldrop and Little Raven Trails. Visitors might encounter brief delays which allow trail crews to operate heavy equipment safely. Visitors should respect delays and exercise caution around heavy equipment during the weekdays. 

In September, crews will begin work on installing an accessible trail on the southern and western portions of Brainard Lake. Currently, people follow social trails along the southern portion of the lake to access different trailheads. During the early season, when water levels are high, people walk on these social trails and damage the vegetation along the lake. This new trail will provide a sustainable path for people to avoid walking on the roads, improve accessibility, and help prevent resource damage around the lake.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area will continue to undergo construction and improvements in the coming years. Some of these projects, such as reconstruction of the Niwot and Arickaree Picnic Areas and the reconstruction of the Brainard Lake road will require closures or delays in the future. Future communications and project updates will be posted on the Arapaho Roosevelt Pawnee website: www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp.

Click here for a map of the current trails on the Brainard Seasonal Information page.



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From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies:


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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Moraine Park Campground Reopens With Initial Release of Campsite Reservations From July 9 through July 22

Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park will be reopening with an initial limited release of dates over a two-week period. Beginning on Tuesday, July 8 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, reservations will be available for Wednesday, July 9 through Tuesday, July 22. Reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov. Before additional dates are released, out of an abundance of caution, park staff and contractors will be testing the new water and wastewater systems to ensure they are working properly to keep up with expected demand.

The Moraine Park Campground and Utility Rehabilitation Project is a critical infrastructure project that is improving water, wastewater and electrical distribution systems that serve not only Moraine Park Campground, but also Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Rocky Mountain National Park’s headquarters area and many other critical park facilities.



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Monday, July 7, 2025

Roadwork at Black Canyon

Starting July 7, 2025, roadwork will occur at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The project will involve chip sealing, patching, and micro-sealing roadways at several locations in the park. This important project will improve and preserve roadways which benefit the visitor experience. The project is being managed and funded by the Federal Highway Administration. There will be impacts and delays during construction.

The Scenic Drive from the visitor center to High Point will remain open, but with delays up to 30 minutes.The South Rim Campground will remain open to honor established reservations but will have strict daytime closures to vehicles from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the following dates and locations. During these closures, workers will be on the closed roadways making improvements. Limited overflow vehicle parking will be available. Campers with existing reservations will need to plan for this impact, or they may cancel their reservation and request a refund through www.recreation.gov.

Vehicle closures will occur 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the following South Rim Campground loops:

July 8 and 9: Loop A
July 10, and possibly July 14: Loop B
July 21: Loop A
July 22: Loop B
July 23: Loop C

Additionally, the East Portal Campground and its access road will be closed and under repair on July 24 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Foot traffic will be allowed to access the river during this time.Please use caution on roadways and watch for workers. Keep speeds to the posted limit.



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Thursday, July 3, 2025

Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses For Road Maintenance Tuesday, July 15 through Friday, July 18

Beginning Tuesday, July 15, through Friday, July 18, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance Station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead.

The park’s roads crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to address ruts, potholes and help with drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 15 through July 18, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time.

The trailhead parking area for the Sandbeach Lake Trail will not be impacted by this closure.



                *******************************************************************************

From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies:


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Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Upcoming Fourth of July Weekend Expected to be Busy at Rocky Mountain National Park

Summer is in full swing in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are planning to visit the park this Fourth of July weekend, plan ahead and pack your patience. Plan Like A Park Ranger – Here are some tips to help you enjoy your visit to RMNP this summer:

Planning to Enter RMNP from one of the East-Side Entrances? Check out the webcams first!

On the east side of RMNP near the Town of Estes Park there are two main entrances: Fall River and Beaver Meadows. Lines can be shorter at one entrance vs the other. To help decide which entrance is best to use, take a few minutes to view the park’s webcams at https://go.nps.gov/romo/webcams

Have the NPS App downloaded on a smart device? A convenient link to the park’s webcams is available on the RMNP homepage within the NPS App. The NPS App is free and available for Android and Apple devices. To learn more, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm

Have Your Park Pass, ID, and Reservation Confirmations Ready Upon Arrival

Help expedite your experience entering Rocky. Before reaching the entrance station, have everything out of your bag and ready to go. Be prepared to either purchase or show your park entrance pass and be prepared to show your government-issued ID. If you have a timed entry or campground reservation, have a printed copy of your reservation confirmation or have a screenshot available on your smart device. Cell connectivity may not be reliable at the entrance station.

Remember Your Timed Entry Reservation

Timed entry reservations are required to enter all areas of RMNP during certain hours of the day. These reservations help to spread visitor use throughout the park and throughout the day. There are two different options available to choose from: Timed Entry or Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road. For details and to make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910

Don’t have a timed entry? That’s ok! You can enter Rocky before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and visit most areas of the park. To visit destinations on Bear Lake Road, Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fire Restrictions Are Always in Place

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, which means that campfires are prohibited except within designated campfire rings inside picnic areas and drive-in campgrounds. The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed.

Use caution and vigilance when having a fire. Never leave a campfire unattended. When done with a fire, use the drown and stir method to put it out. Pour water on the fire, use a shovel or stick to stir the coals, add more water and repeat until the coals are cool to touch. Remember, fireworks are always prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Enjoy Viewing Wildlife from a Distance

Rocky offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. For your safety and the safety of wildlife, keep far away from any wildlife, especially young wildlife. It is illegal to feed, approach, or harass wildlife.

Recreate Responsibly, Park Your Vehicle in Designated Areas, Hike on Designated Trails, and Know Your Limits

RMNP has great hiking and other recreational opportunities available for everyone. When choosing your recreational activities, know and respect your own limits. Plan hikes and other activities within the limits of all members of your party.

Park vehicles in designated parking areas. Do your part to help protect park resources. Do not stop in the middle of the road or pull over onto vegetation. Alpine tundra is fragile. When hiking in areas above treeline, stay on designated hiking trails.

If you are traveling alone, tell a friend or family member your plans and take extra care with decision making. Even a minor accident while traveling alone on the mountain can quickly turn into a serious situation. As always, be prepared to turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

Remember to Hydrate and Check the Weather

Temperatures in RMNP are expected to be in the high 70s to low 80s this holiday weekend. That may not seem very high, but when recreating at high elevations it is easy to experience heat illnesses or altitude sickness. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water.

If recreating at a high elevation and you are not feeling well, go down in elevation.

Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Be prepared for varying weather throughout the day. Weather in the Rockies can change dramatically based on the time of day and what elevation you are at.

Enjoy a fun and safe Independence Day weekend!



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Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Old Fall River Road Closed To All Uses July 2 through July 3 Will Open To Vehicles For The Season on Friday, July 4

Spring opening operations for Old Fall River Road continue. On Tuesday, July 1, the road will be closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2 through Thursday, July 3, the road will be closed to all uses for dust abatement. Old Fall River Road will open for the season to vehicles on Friday morning, July 4. This historic road normally opens to vehicles in early July.

Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which starts next to Endovalley Picnic Area and ends at the top of Fall River Pass and merges with Trail Ridge Road at Alpine Visitor Center. This road follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the narrow and winding nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route is one-way uphill only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited from traveling on Old Fall River Road.

During certain hours of the day, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will need a timed entry reservation. There are two reservation options available: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road. Timed Entry Reservations are required to enter the park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These reservations provide access to areas of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road corridor, including access to Old Fall River Road. To learn more visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/timedentry.



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