Category Archives: National Parks

Activities, National Parks

Half Dome Cables Day Use Permits Available for Reservation Starting March 1 2014

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Permits Required Seven Days Per Week to Hike Half Dome Cables 

Half Dome cables day use permits for the 2014 hiking season will be available for reservation starting tomorrow, Saturday, March 1, through Monday, March 31, 2014. Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week and reservations will be distributed via a lottery system. Successful parties will be notified in mid-April. A maximum of 300 hikers will be allowed on the Half Dome cables per day.

Reservations for the permits can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

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National Parks

John Muir NHS Celebrates California Arbor Week

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Special Presentation Kicks Off Seasonal Speaker Series 

Celebrate California Arbor Week by attending a special presentation by guest speakers Timmy Womick and Chad Brey of TreeCircus on Sunday, March 9, at 1 PM at the John Muir National Historic Site (NHS) in Martinez, CA. Womick and Brey’s hour-long program, “What Did John Muir Teach Us?”, is the first in a series of presentations by guest speakers exploring John Muir’s modern legacy. The series will continue throughout the spring and summer with special events on select weekends (Separate press releases will follow). Continue reading →

National Parks

Merced Wild and Scenic River Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement has been released

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Comprehensive Management Plan will provide access and protect Merced River resources

Yosemite National Park announces the release of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“This plan will protect the Merced River and its outstandingly remarkable values into perpetuity and provide quality visitor facilities and access,” stated Don Neubacher, Yosemite Superintendent. “The planning process has been a monumental effort and we appreciate all the public input we have received. We now want to move forward with actions in the Plan that are critical to the preservation and enjoyment of this iconic national treasure.”

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National Parks

Yosemite Conservancy 2014 Spring Gathering

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

150 Years of Inspiring Generations

Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2014

The Yosemite Conservancy is planning a Spring Gathering Weekend at the end of March.  It’s a great event, and I’d like to see y’all there!  From the Yosemite Conservancy website:

Please join us for a special Spring Gathering weekend in Yosemite Valley, celebrating the extraordinary gift Americans received 150 years ago. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, setting aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for all of us. The theme for Spring Gathering this year will be 150 Years of Inspiring Generations. Bring the entire family to explore the park and spend time with friends old and new.

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National Parks

Yosemite National Park to Waive Entrance Fees for President’s Day Weekend

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yosemite National Park will waive entrance fees from Saturday, February 15 to Monday, February 17, 2014 in commemoration of President’s Day.

President’s Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, President’s Day is viewed as a day to celebrate all United States presidents, past and present.

Fees being waived for President’s Day weekend include the park entrance only. All other fees associated with camping, lodging, or activities within the park are not waived. The fee waiver is good for Saturday, February 15 through Monday, February 17, 2014 only.

For more information, and to plan your trip, visit www.nps.gov/yose