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A continuing Tradition from John Muir to the Present
"Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society..."- John Muir
![[tree]](images/treesm.gif) Today
Do you see the Yosemite that John Muir saw? --or is Yosemite diminished by too much of the modern world?
The mission of the Sierra Club Yosemite Committee is to contribute to and
participate in plans and actions that preserve and restore Yosemite's intrinsic natural
values.
Tomorrow
The 1980 National Park Service General Management Plan for Yosemite envisions:
- Reduced crowding and traffic congestion
- natural beauty reclaimed
- increased visitor understanding and enjoyment.
As John Muir did 100 years ago, the Sierra Club Yosemite Committee continues to work for the preservation, protection and enjoyment of Yosemite's natural values. The Committee recommends actions for Yosemite and closely follows National Park Service's (NPS) plans
and studies, is active in encouraging public comment on NPS documents, and works with NPS
to help develop and encourage implementation of plans to protect Yosemite.
You have read John Muir's description of his Yosemite of yesterday. But the Yosemite of
today suffers from excessive commercialization and overcrowding. The result is damage to
the Park's natural values, and interference with the visitor's inspirational experience.
The primary focus of a visit to Yosemite is the enjoyment and understanding of its
natural values-- the geology, flowers, trees, birds, and communion with nature at its
grandest. Yosemite is a National Park, not a resort.
Sixty thousand Americans worked with NPS, the Sierra Club and other groups over many
years to develop the 1980 General Management Plan (GMP). It was democracy at its very
best. A Committee goal is to help ensure that the visionary GMP fo Yosemite is fully
implemented as soon as possible.
Expansion of interpretive programs and promotion of increased visitor understanding and
enjoyment of natural values are essential goals. Federal budget cuts have caused major
reductions in these vital programs as well as supporting development of volunteer programs
in partnership with NPS.
Another goal of the GMP is the removal of all non-essential buildings from
the Park. Non-essential NPS and concessionaire housing would be moved to areas
outside the Park. The Committee supports these goals.
In order to reverse the impact of 4.1 million yearly visitors and their vehicles;
short, middle and long-term transportation plans are imperative. The Committee is closely
following the expected release of these plans. Electric shuttle buses, rail systems and
electric monorails operating quietly and cleanl have been discussed.
The Yosemite of tomorrow is tied to yesterday and today. The natural values of
yesterday, unaffected by the great numbers of people and vehicles, is the visio of the
Sierra Club and concerned Americans everywhere. That vision is embodied in the 1980
General Management Plan. The Committee continues to work today on that vision.
"This one
noble park is big enough and rich enough for a whole life of study and aesthetic
enjoyment. None can escape its charms. Its natural beauty cleanses and warms like fire,
and you will be willing to stay forever in one place like a tree." - John Muir
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Photo above courtesy Harold Wood. |
