Cookie Policy

Parkbeacon.org is an independently operated digital news publication. This Cookie Policy is written to be straightforward and honest about how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. It applies to all visitors accessing parkbeacon.org from within the United States.

What Exactly Is a Cookie

A cookie is a small text file that a website saves onto your device when you visit. It helps the site remember certain information about your visit, such as your preferences or browsing behavior, so things work smoothly the next time you return.

Cookies on parkbeacon.org do not identify you personally. They do not store your name, email address, phone number, or any other directly identifying information.

Why parkbeacon.org Uses Cookies

We use cookies for four core reasons, each of which serves a specific and legitimate purpose.

Keeping the Site Running Properly Certain cookies are essential to the basic operation of parkbeacon.org. Without them, core features like page navigation, security protections, and site performance tools may not function correctly. These cookies are not optional and cannot be turned off without affecting your experience on the site.

Understanding How Readers Use the Site We use analytics tools including Google Analytics to learn which stories readers engage with most, how visitors find their way to our site, how long people spend on different pages, and what devices and browsers our audience uses. This information helps Robert Beaudoin make better editorial decisions and improve the overall reading experience. All data collected through analytics is aggregated and anonymous. No individual reader is identified or tracked personally.

Delivering Relevant Advertising parkbeacon.org works with trusted advertising partners including Google AdSense, MGID, and other approved U.S.-based networks. These partners use cookies to serve ads that are relevant to your general interests, limit how many times you see the same advertisement, track whether an ad was clicked or converted, and measure overall ad campaign performance. Advertising cookies may note your device type, browser version, approximate location at city or state level, and content categories you have browsed on our site. They do not collect your name, email, or precise location.

Protecting Against Fraud and Security Threats Some cookies help us identify and block suspicious activity on parkbeacon.org, prevent click fraud on advertisements, and protect the site from bots and cyberattacks. These security cookies help ensure a safe experience for every reader.

Cookies Placed by Third Parties

Not all cookies on parkbeacon.org originate from us. Some are placed directly by third-party services we work with, including advertising networks, analytics providers, embedded social media content, and video or multimedia platforms. These third parties operate under their own cookie and privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies independently. parkbeacon.org does not control how third-party cookies function once they are placed on your device.

How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences

You have full control over cookies and can adjust your settings at any time through the following options.

You can disable all or specific cookies through your browser settings. Most major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge offer detailed cookie controls under their privacy or security menus. You can also use private or incognito browsing mode to prevent cookies from being stored during your session, or clear all stored cookies from your device at any time through your browser’s history or storage settings.

Turning off certain cookies may affect how parkbeacon.org functions. Essential cookies in particular are required for the site to operate correctly. However, disabling non-essential cookies will not prevent you from reading our content.

Opting Out of Interest-Based Advertising

If you prefer not to receive personalized advertisements based on your browsing behavior, you have several opt-out options available.

U.S. AdChoices Program: https://www.aboutads.info/choices

Google Ad Personalization: https://adssettings.google.com

Mobile Device Settings: Visit the privacy or advertising section of your device settings to limit ad tracking on mobile.

Our Position on Do Not Track

Some web browsers include a Do Not Track feature that sends a signal to websites requesting that your activity not be tracked. At this time parkbeacon.org does not alter its data practices in response to Do Not Track signals. This is because no universally accepted technical standard for responding to these signals currently exists, and our advertising partners do not uniformly support them. You may still manage your preferences manually using the cookie and opt-out options described above.

Updates to This Policy

We may revise this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, advertising partnerships, legal requirements, or our own practices. When we do, the Last Updated date on this page will be changed accordingly. Continued use of parkbeacon.org after any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Questions About Cookies

If you have any questions about how parkbeacon.org uses cookies or tracking technologies, please reach out directly.

Email: desk.parkbeacon@gmail.com