Comments Needed by 4/18 on the Future of the Valley and C4!

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Rick A

climber
Boulder, Colorado
Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 13, 2013 - 12:02pm PT
We all love Yosemite National Park; we know its cliffs, nooks, and crannies more intimately than other group, and we spend a lot of time discussing it here. Let’s take some action for the future of the Park instead of just talking about it.

Comments are due on the proposed Merced River Plan by April 18. This plan will govern a lot of major changes in the valley related to conservation, camping, and parking. There are a lot of details involved; we can argue all day about them, and there is an existing thread where the plan can be debated. I do not want to debate it here.

The purpose here is to generate comments and opinions from climbers. We need to demonstrate that we are an important constituency and that our voices will be heard when decisions are made concerning the valley.

The Access Fund has spent a lot of time studying the issues and has its recommendations set out in the form of a letter, a letter that takes less than five minutes to complete. I urge everyone to fill it out and email it in. The more comments received from climbers, the more clout the Access Fund and its constituency—climbers— will have in the process.


http://www.accessfund.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=tmL5KhNWLrH&b=5208267&aid=519623

Here’s the challenge. We need at least 100 comments from ST by April 18. So, send in the comment and then post a reply here confirming you did so.

If you disagree with the Access Fund’s approach, write your own letter in the space provided and that still counts toward the 100.

I just did mine, it took me all of three minutes, so that’s 1.
Outdoorvangelist

Trad climber
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Apr 13, 2013 - 01:13pm PT
Done, thx Rick
drljefe

climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
Apr 13, 2013 - 01:32pm PT
Hey Rick!
Done.
Going climbing now.
DM88T

climber
San Juan Bautista, CA
Apr 13, 2013 - 03:15pm PT
Thanks Rick. I had seen the plan but the Access Fund reminded me of specifics.

Upper Pines April 1, 2011
I should know better but in 1-1/2 feet of snow I couldn't see the drainage path. I shoveled off the tent platform so the sun could begin to dry it while we spent the day elsewhere. That night it warmed up and and it became apparent that it was the low point in the neighborhood. It's nothing to me to adjust to the unexpected but my daughter didn't quite share my spirit. I've seen worse in Camp 4, so I try to get a site on the hill side.
Captain...or Skully

climber
Apr 13, 2013 - 03:18pm PT
On it...Hey, nice April Fools mini flood!
Jingy

climber
Somewhere out there
Apr 13, 2013 - 04:03pm PT
I have taken action.

Thank you rick for bring this to our attention
highcamp

Trad climber
Boulder, CO
Apr 13, 2013 - 04:17pm PT
Done.
Rick A

climber
Boulder, Colorado
Topic Author's Reply - Apr 13, 2013 - 05:37pm PT
The Access Fund's statement about the plan and the need for comments:

We need your help to define the future of Yosemite Valley.

The National Park Service has released its latest draft of the Merced River Plan, which affects many aspects of Yosemite Valley that are important to climbers—especially camping.

While this particular plan does not include new rules regarding specific climbing activities, it will affect everything else climbers do in the Valley, including: camping, transportation/parking, access to amenities, and possibly the ability to enter the Valley during peak visitation. This plan will permanently change how Yosemite looks to both the casual and longtime visitor.

Overall, the draft plan will improve the experience of climbers visiting the Valley; however the Access Fund believes that the Park’s preferred alternative could be improved in a few key areas. Please click through to learn more.

Please submit comments to the NPS to help define the future of the Yosemite experience. Comments are due by Thursday April 18th.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at the Access Fund

Thanks to those who have responded! It's a start, but we need a lot more, so tell a friend about this thread and how easy it is to make a difference for the future of Yosemite. Send a private message out to those you know on ST. Sort of like multi-level marketing, but for a good cause.
Bullwinkle

Boulder climber
Apr 13, 2013 - 05:46pm PT
Done.
jcory86

Big Wall climber
Grass Valley, CA
Apr 13, 2013 - 07:01pm PT
DONE! Gonna be on the Zod next week...fricken love YNP!
Rick A

climber
Boulder, Colorado
Topic Author's Reply - Apr 13, 2013 - 09:26pm PT
One thousand times more posts on the What Song Are You Listening To? thread.
We can do better.
Grippa

Trad climber
Salt Lake City, UT
Apr 13, 2013 - 09:31pm PT
Done
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
the crowd MUST BE MOCKED...Mocked I tell you.
Apr 13, 2013 - 09:52pm PT
done, in particular, I called for something new...


Create a limited “bivy” opportunity for weekenders who only need a place to park their smaller vehicles and sleep in them. This improves safety in the river corridor because it doesn’t force campers to drive out of the valley when fatigued after a day of recreation. Bears do not bother vehicles with people in them, if proper food storage is otherwise available and left locked away from that same vehicle.
kaholatingtong

Trad climber
Nevada City
Apr 13, 2013 - 10:05pm PT
done.
Charlie D.

Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
Apr 13, 2013 - 10:40pm PT
Done, thanks Rick.
mooser

Trad climber
seattle
Apr 13, 2013 - 10:47pm PT
Done. Thanks for making us aware of this, Rick.
covelocos

Trad climber
Nor Cal
Apr 13, 2013 - 11:12pm PT
And, done.
Rick A

climber
Boulder, Colorado
Topic Author's Reply - Apr 14, 2013 - 12:42am PT
Well Done!
Keep it going.
Brunosafari

Boulder climber
OR
Apr 14, 2013 - 10:12am PT


Yup. thumbs up to you, Rick!
Onewhowalksonrocks

Mountain climber
portland, Maine
Apr 14, 2013 - 10:53am PT
one more and counting
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Apr 14, 2013 - 10:54am PT
hey there say, rick A...

i am so sorry, i really don't know anything about how it is now, or
what the changes could be, etc... so i can't really help...

but i am rooting for you all that DO know,
so keep up the good share...
GhoulweJ

Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
Apr 14, 2013 - 11:05am PT
Done
You made this super easy . Thanks
the Fet

climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
Apr 14, 2013 - 11:16am PT
Done.

I added that I'd like to see a shuttle run all the way around the valley and run 24 hours with limited runs at night (e.g. every 1-2 hours).
Deekaid

climber
Apr 14, 2013 - 12:02pm PT
sent
TheTye

Trad climber
Sacramento CA
Apr 14, 2013 - 12:13pm PT
Done
Hoots

climber
Toyota Tacoma
Apr 14, 2013 - 12:17pm PT
Comments submitted.
Salamanizer

Trad climber
The land of Fruits & Nuts!
Apr 14, 2013 - 01:12pm PT
One more... Done!
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Apr 14, 2013 - 01:28pm PT
another
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Apr 14, 2013 - 02:31pm PT
My friend and first climbing partner, Rick Accomazzo, has taken time away from family and a law practice in Denver to address this pressing concern per the future lay of the land in Yosemite. The recommendations the Access Fund are making are in climber's best interest and we need to rally the troops to respond in kind. It only takes a few minutes to fill out that form letter. No idea how to raise awareness per this issue but with so little time life (18th is the deadline) perhaps a word to friends is in order. Without input, we have no say at all. Spread the word!

Thanks,

John Long
Leggs

Sport climber
Home away from Home
Apr 14, 2013 - 02:42pm PT
Done!

GLee

Social climber
Missoula MT
Apr 14, 2013 - 02:49pm PT
Another comment in! Thanks Rick for the heads up.....

Messages sent to Dave Davis to pass on to the Seattle group, Dave Vaughan to pass on to the Dirty Sox Club email list, and Anders to notify few in Canada, eh...

GLee
10b4me

Ice climber
Happy Boulders
Apr 14, 2013 - 03:56pm PT
Done
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Apr 14, 2013 - 05:22pm PT
Done.

Also did as was suggested by the Access Fund and personalized my introduction a little bit, to include my history as an employee of Curry Company which exposed me to the perspectives of those folks who lived there and also to the perspectives of the clients whom I guided for YMS.

I stated that in addition to being a climber, I was familiar with the concerns of the two groups listed above in terms of their needs, uses, and wishes concerning Yosemite Valley.

I briefly highlighted my ample exposure to the changes in ecosystem, infrastructure and services over the intervening 35 years.

Proudly, I resisted the temptation to post a list of my accomplishments on thin cracks, hand cracks, wide cracks and walls ... as well as my preference for drinking beer at the deli … All of which required great restraint.
namascar

Trad climber
Pasadena, CA
Apr 14, 2013 - 07:56pm PT
Done
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Apr 14, 2013 - 08:30pm PT
Done!
Reiterated long shuttle hours and deep six the Eaglecreek concept.
Double D

climber
Apr 14, 2013 - 08:35pm PT
45 seconds... done. Thanks Ricky.
Roger Brown

climber
Oceano, California
Apr 14, 2013 - 09:43pm PT
Sent
chusmacha

Trad climber
Bozeman, MT
Apr 14, 2013 - 09:51pm PT
done
Gal

Trad climber
a semi lucid consciousness
Apr 14, 2013 - 09:54pm PT
Done.
couchmaster

climber
pdx
Apr 14, 2013 - 09:57pm PT
Thanks Rick, as an aside to others, this is the current correct link to the NPS site: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm
Roger Breedlove

climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Apr 14, 2013 - 10:03pm PT
Done
LilaBiene

Trad climber
Apr 14, 2013 - 11:21pm PT
Done.

I added this (I hope in a helpful way):

Finally, I support a location near Camp 4 for the YCA's planned Yosemite Climbing Museum, also recommended in the Access Fund's letter. This history and the historical artifacts associated with not just early Yosemite climbing should have a home within the Park, where climbers and other visitors can experience this climbing history while surrounded by the very historical sites which gave rise to the very special history of this Park. A museum that is a part of the Park would take advantage of the ability of the incredible rock faces and other characteristics to capture the imagination of climbers past, present and future. One would only need to set foot outside of the museum...to immediately walk in the footsteps of countless other, similarly inspired climbers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, preservationists...

Thanks, GLEE, for the head's up!
barry ohm

Trad climber
escondido, ca
Apr 14, 2013 - 11:55pm PT
Thanks, I sent a coment, I still believe tearing down the dam at Hetch hetchy and letting that area return to its natural state is where the focus should be.It could take a 100 years to return to wilderness but would be a major feat of the 21 first century.
Yosemite Valley has been developed to far and while climbing is one of my passions Yosemite provides others who might not get the oppurtunity to experienve the beauty of the Valley.
JOEY.F

Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
Apr 14, 2013 - 11:58pm PT
Done.
Thanks RickA!
Fletcher

Trad climber
The great state of advaita
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:47am PT
I'm in too. Thanks for noting this to the Tacosphere.

DM88T reminded me: Back in 2009 (I think), I was in Upper Pines for the 50th Anniversary of the first Nose ascent. This was November and there was a storm with a bunch of rain down low. My tent spot was on high enough ground but the loop road in the campground were were on was a complete lake!

Appreciate the efforts!
Eric
Dave Davis

Social climber
Seattle, WA
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:53am PT
Done-and thanks
Jan

Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:59am PT
Done.
Powder

Trad climber
the outer space
Apr 15, 2013 - 02:32am PT
Done~
weezy

climber
Apr 15, 2013 - 02:47am PT
Done. FYI, if you are using Adblock Plus you need to disable it or you will get a blank page.

thanks. done.
Scott McNamara

climber
Tucson, Arizona
Apr 15, 2013 - 10:35am PT
Done.
Roushski

Mountain climber
Durango, CO
Apr 15, 2013 - 10:38am PT
Done, thanks for getting the word out to the masses, and even us lowly Dirty Sox Club members
mouse from merced

Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
Apr 15, 2013 - 10:54am PT
What are YOU waitng for!
Roxy

Trad climber
CA Central Coast
Apr 15, 2013 - 10:56am PT
done!
le_bruce

climber
Oakland, CA
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:07pm PT
Signed and sent with mods and qualifications - thanks for starting the thread.

Liked:
-Improved public transport.
-Increasing size of Camp 4.
-"Remove/Relocate Infrastructure in the River Corridor."


Disliked:
-Eagle Creek proposal "if" clause. Appreciate the AF being against the proposal itself, which blows, but wish it were a full stop opposition instead of "But if you do it..."
-Call for more camping east of the Ahwahnee.
-"The Access Fund supports Alternative 5’s plan to retain 99% of recreation opportunities in the Valley while only modestly increasing visitor levels." The tacit position here being that only 1% of our energies should be pointed toward changing the Valley's recreational character/infrastructure as we have built them, because we have done an A+ bang-up job (99% right!) of managing development in the park. It'll hurt on levels of convenience, but my vote is for Yosemite Valley proper (not high country) to adopt full Zion-style shuttle only service in high season, removal of some roads, parking lots, structures, etc. That means eliminating more (much more) than 1% of rec opportunities.
le_bruce

climber
Oakland, CA
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:25pm PT
Right on, Khanom. Pragmatism in the spirit of a unified message has its place, big time.

As contrast, here is the Sierra Club's template letter. Not much daylight between the two, but I guess I've thrown my voice in with the SC's position more than the AF's. Bold is mine, and it's where I see the SC taking a prouder stance than the AF, though even the SC stops well short of following the Zion precedent. For what it's worth, I'm a card-carrying member of both groups.

Yosemite National Park is a beloved and iconic national treasure and its natural resources should be protected and restored so that future generations can enjoy them.

In the Merced Wild and Scenic River plan, I urge the Park Service to protect the outstanding remarkable values in the Merced River corridor so that natural resources are restored and will continue to provide a quality visitor experiences for the millions of people who go to Yosemite each year.

I thank the National Park Service for taking action to restore sensitive meadow and riparian habitat through the plan. I support your efforts to reduce vehicle congestion, reduce conflict with vehicles and pedestrians and ensure that Americans have superlative recreation opportunities along the Merced River.

I support the Actions Common to All Alternatives to improve resource protections, and reduce activities and infrastructure that are inappropriate in a National Park. The draft plan ensures the vast majority of traditional recreational uses, such as biking and floating along the river, continue while complying with court-ordered removal of unnecessary development and commercial services including two swimming pools and the lightly-used ice rink in Curry Village. However, I do not support ending bicycle rentals, because bicycles are a good alternative to driving cars in the Valley.

I support the increase in public transit both into the Park and within the Park to provide people with more opportunities and alternatives in travel. I urge the Park Service to implement a voluntary day-use parking reservation system in east Yosemite Valley during peak visitor use periods in the summer so that people who would like to can reserve a parking spot ahead of time to ensure access to the park. I oppose any increase in maximum day-use capacity as it is likely to make crowding worse and any development in the relatively undeveloped West Yosemite Valley, including the proposed Eagle Creek campground.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Yosemite's Merced Wild and Scenic River draft plan and Environmental Impact Statement.
Dave Hough

climber
Keene, NY
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:36pm PT
Sent
Wade Icey

Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:53pm PT
wife and I . Done.
Al_Smith

climber
San Francisco, CA
Apr 15, 2013 - 12:54pm PT
Done. Thanks!
harpo

Trad climber
South Lake Tahoe
Apr 15, 2013 - 01:29pm PT
done...............
JEleazarian

Trad climber
Fresno CA
Apr 15, 2013 - 02:52pm PT
Done, though I'm afraid I may have contradicted le bruce, because I am strongly opposed to any reservation system in the Park. All they've done is create lotteries, and we have too many of them already. Try getting a Half Dome hiking permit, or even a reservation for a regular Valley campsite. Day use reservations would simply take away one more freedom, and make for more regimentation. To me, true wilderness adventure requires spontaneity. Reservations, permits, etc. provide the exact opposite, and remind me of a group tour with every minute planned in advance.

Ycch!

John
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Apr 15, 2013 - 03:43pm PT
Bump Only 3 days left.
Don Paul

Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
Apr 15, 2013 - 04:36pm PT
I wrote my own letter:

My name is Paul Wolf and I live and practice law in Washington DC. I am also a rock climber and have been climbing in Yosemite starting around 1992.

I urge you to please respect the opinion of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in Friends of Yosemite Valley v Kempthorne, No. 07-15124, which held that the 2005 NPS revised plan did not take into account the actual level of visitor use that would not adversely impact the Merced River. In other words, the NPS' over-development of Yosemite Valley was causing an unacceptable ecological impact on the river.

This is the highest court to ever consider this issue, and is a law that must be followed. In particular, I direct your attention to the following two footnotes which highlight the Court's concerns:

Footnote 5:

To illustrate the level of degradation already experienced in the Merced and maintained under the regime of interim limits proposed by NPS, we need look no further than the dozens of facilities and services operating within the river corridor, including but not limited to, the many swimming pools, tennis courts, mountain sports shops, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, snack stands and other food and beverage services, gift shops, general merchandise stores, an ice-skating rink, an amphitheater, a specialty gift shop, a camp store, an art activity center, rental facilities for bicycles and rafts, skis and other equipment, a golf course and a dining hall accommodating 70 people.

Footnote 6:

Our decision in High Sierra Hikers Ass’n v. Blackwell, 390 F.3d 630 (9th Cir. 2004), highlighted some of the problems with simply maintaining use at current levels. In examining compliance with the Wilderness Act, we stated that “[a]t best, when the Forest Service simply continued preexisting permit levels, it failed to balance the impact that that level of commercial activity was having on the wilderness character of the land. At worst, the Forest Service elevated recreational activity over the long-term preservation of the wilderness character of the land.”

Yosemite should be returned to a more natural state, and the way to do this is to reduce development, traffic, and yes, even the number of visitors who enter the park each year. That's not the metric to use to evaluate the greatness of Yosemite Valley.

Sincerely,
Don Paul

Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
Apr 15, 2013 - 04:45pm PT
This is the link to where the comments are supposed to be posted, if you dont want to use the access fund's form letter. Although they are lobbying for more extensive camp grounds I would prefer to see them tear down all the tourist junk first.

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=50778
ron gomez

Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:01pm PT
Thanks for the information Rick, check, roger, done!
Peace
camtron

Trad climber
OC/Fresno
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:13pm PT
Doneski
Alex McIntyre

climber
Tucson, AZ
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:14pm PT
I have sent my personalized letter via the Access Fund's website.
jaystone

Trad climber
EDH, Ca
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:18pm PT
done
austingardner04

Trad climber
CA
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:25pm PT
Email submitted!
Patrick Sawyer

climber
Originally California now Ireland
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:28pm PT
I have been trying but it does not recognize my Irish phone number, I have tried several different ways. I do not want to use my late mother's old phone number (Saranap/Walnut Creek/Lafayette), nor my late brother's (Napa) nor my other friends and relatives.

There must be a way around it. Advice, anyone?
Patrick Sawyer

climber
Originally California now Ireland
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:32pm PT
Okay, I put in 000 000 0000 for my phone number and it accepted it.
Getch

Mountain climber
Flagstaff, AZ
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:44pm PT
dun.

Thats gotta be getting close to 100, no?

looks like i am #94

to count ctrl+f in browser, put in PT (or abbreviation for your time zone._)
cworlow

Trad climber
Minneapolis, MN
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:52pm PT
Done!
MattF

Trad climber
Bend, Or
Apr 15, 2013 - 05:57pm PT
I want to send a letter, but it appears that the Access Fund Action Center on their website is broken and won't load. Anyone else having this problem? I tried in both Mac Chrome and Mac Firefox... :-(
ScottR

Trad climber
Davis, CA
Apr 15, 2013 - 06:44pm PT
Donzo
JBC

Trad climber
Portland, OR
Apr 15, 2013 - 10:43pm PT
Done!

I did not have to enter a phone number, just left it blank.
Big Mike

Trad climber
BC
Apr 16, 2013 - 02:48am PT
Done!
the Fet

climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
Apr 16, 2013 - 06:31am PT
Bump: 11 more needed.
Don Paul

Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
Apr 16, 2013 - 07:30am PT
It's not voting, but it is a legal process and you want to make sure you identify yourself as a US citizen (if true). It's called notice and comment, and is a required step an adminstrative agency must take when it proposes new rules. The agency has to take public comments into account. If there are 100 of the same letter, it doesn't count 100 times. But if you write a letter with a unique idea they are supposed to consider it. The shorter the letter, the stronger the message will be. Remember, the reason for all this is that the NPS' previous plan was struck down in Federal court as illegal because the river is legally protected. If you want more camping space, I'd suggest tying it to environmentalism somehow. Such as, camping has less impact than staying in hotels, campers are better stewards of the park than hotel guests, buses are lower impact than cars, and so on. It's great there is a form letter so people can show support but I think duplicate letters will not be effective. The NPS is not in a position to take a survey and do what the majority wants. They are trying to write a plan that satisfies their bureaucratic objectives (increase budget and staff requirements, make their own lives easier, whatever) and also the Court.
tarallo

Trad climber
italy
Apr 16, 2013 - 11:55am PT
done
Spanky

Social climber
boulder co
Apr 16, 2013 - 12:49pm PT
Done and done!
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Apr 16, 2013 - 01:29pm PT

Doneski
em kn0t

Trad climber
isle of wyde
Apr 16, 2013 - 01:43pm PT
Done, and 4 thumbs up to Mungeclimber's suggestion for bivy camping with bear boxes!
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
Apr 16, 2013 - 10:02pm PT
the deadline for comments has been extended to April 30th

http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm
COMMENT PERIOD: Public comment period extended to April 30, 2013


it's a good thing as I'm grinding through the report before writing my comments... also probably start another thread on some of the findings in that plan...
fat-n-sassy

Social climber
San Francity, CA
Apr 16, 2013 - 10:34pm PT
Done
Patrick Sawyer

climber
Originally California now Ireland
Apr 17, 2013 - 08:08am PT
and you want to make sure you identify yourself as a US citizen

So Don Paul, since I filled out the letter and said I live in Ireland, but nowhere to state that I am a US citizen (of course I am, my father's family has been in the States since 1640, and my mom's emigrated from Ireland in 1840 and Germany 1843), does that mean my email letter is invalid.

Shall I refill the form out? And somehow state I am a Yank living abroad, but a native Californian who climbed a lot in Yo Valley?
Blakey

Trad climber
Sierra Vista
Apr 17, 2013 - 08:43am PT
Done, add one more.

Steve
Edge

Trad climber
New Durham, NH
Apr 17, 2013 - 09:17am PT
Sent for solidarity.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Apr 17, 2013 - 11:48am PT
Bump. Get it done, folks.
JEleazarian

Trad climber
Fresno CA
Apr 17, 2013 - 02:45pm PT
Bump to get this back to page 1. As stated earlier, the deadline was extended to 4/30, so we have even less excuse for keeping silent.

John
karodrinker

Trad climber
San Jose, CA
Apr 17, 2013 - 02:50pm PT
sent.
chalkfree

Trad climber
Claremont, CA
Apr 17, 2013 - 02:51pm PT
Sent.
velvet!

Trad climber
La Cochitaville
Apr 17, 2013 - 03:31pm PT
done :)
dylan

Trad climber
Berkeley
Apr 17, 2013 - 03:44pm PT
Done!
Carmel Climber

Mountain climber
Carmel California
Apr 24, 2013 - 02:24pm PT
As much as I love Yosemite, it really does need a Ritz-Carlton
aspendougy

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Apr 24, 2013 - 04:56pm PT
In the High Sierra, there is discussion back and forth about horses and horseback riding, and how they add to pollution, cause degradation of delicate meadow habitats etc. Personally, I don't think we need horseback riding in the Valley. Is this addressed? I am not against using pack animals for some supply needs, but if you see a big train of horses raising a huge dust cloud, can't everyone live without that?
JEleazarian

Trad climber
Fresno CA
Apr 24, 2013 - 05:48pm PT
My values are like yours, aspendougy, but horses have been used historically in the Sierra for more than a century, and I'm not sure that the pollution they generate is as long-lasting as, say, the worn-away lichen that we generate on popular climbs. It doesn't take a particularly sharp eye to spot the whiter lines of Bishop's Terrace, Serenity Crack, Nutcracker or Chingando, to name just a few. Frankly, I find many climbs have much more noticeable lichen scars than even the Firefall.

We need to be careful advocating restrictions on other activities, because sooner or later, someone who doesn't care for climbing will use that logic on us.

John
Don Paul

Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
Apr 25, 2013 - 03:35pm PT



Cool Breeze

Mountain climber
the evergreen state
Apr 26, 2013 - 01:24pm PT
While the Access site is no longer active, the time limit for public comment has been extended to 30 April.
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
Apr 30, 2013 - 12:51am PT
just a reminder that you have until 10:59 pm PDT tomorrow, April 30, to comment on the Merced River Plan...

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=347&projectID=18982&documentID=50778
slidingmike

climber
CA
Apr 30, 2013 - 02:43am PT
Done
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Apr 30, 2013 - 10:25am PT
This one has more impact than the last on me personally so i wrote my own letter.

--------------


Sometimes it is worth the cost of having small areas in a non-natural yet still beautiful condition. Please let us travel freely and enjoy el-cap meadow the way we have for the last many decades. I am not convinced that future generations will be negatively impacted by the current level of activity and trails in the meadow. Infact I would suspect that much more enjoyment will be preserved for all generations by keeping it open.

Decades of climbers and other visitors have spent countless hours gazing up and dreaming from the various vantage points afforded here. For me it is one of the key components to any trip to the Valley. The idea of sitting in the meadow checking out el-cap after another great day of climbing is often a more anticipated moment than the climbing itself. It is in a way the heart of every trip to the valley.

I am quite sure that laying down on a boardwalk where everyone is forced to walk by me will not be the same experience. The value dozens everyday get from settling in a spot away from others or just with friends will disappear. There has not been any other meadow so commonly utilized in this manner by visitors. Not just climbers but families and just about everyone who stops there.
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edit found this

El Capitan Meadow (RES-2-009) – Reroute climber use trails on north side of road from meadow
habitat to an appropriate upland route (a few meters to the east). Remove informal trails through
meadow and oak woodland. Protect re-vegetated areas with fencing or other natural barriers and sign
the area to reduce trampling of sensitive meadow vegetation. As opportunities arise through
maintenance or restoration projects, improve hydrologic flow and meadow connectivity by extending
the permeable road base across the entire segment of Northside Drive through El Capitan Meadow
and add additional box culverts with bottom elevations equal to the meadow surface elevation.
Remove encroaching conifer saplings (< 10 inches diameter at breast height) using loppers, handsaws,
or mowers. Heavy equipment including excavator, skid steer, loader, and dump truck would be used
to remove ditches and recontour natural topography. Work would take place in late summer or fall for
10 weeks.Other restoration treatments at El Capitan Meadow vary depending on alternative.
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JEleazarian

Trad climber
Fresno CA
Apr 30, 2013 - 02:07pm PT
Bump back to front page. Today's the deadline.

John
Rhodo-Router

Gym climber
sawatch choss
Jul 29, 2013 - 09:57am PT
NYT piece has a quick overview but not much detail:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/29/us/plan-for-yosemite-calls-for-scaling-back-human-activity.html?_r=0

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