Category Archives: National Parks

Conservation, National Parks, Wildlife

Yosemite Conservancy launches KeepBearsWild.org

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

In partnership with the National Park Service and Wharton Media, the Yosemite Conservancy has launched KeepBearsWild.org, a website designed to help educate Yosemite National Park visitors about the black bears that live in the park.

The website has an online bear tracker, information to educate the public on what to do when they encounter bears, how to view bears in the wild, how to properly store food, photography and videos on the parks iconic black bears.

“KeepBearsWild.org is an important way to raise awareness, appreciation and respect for Yosemite’s beloved black bears,” said Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Our message is simple: everyone can keep bears wild by driving slowly, storing food properly and staying at a safe distance when you see them.”

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Adventures, National Parks

Devils Postpile Campground Update for 2017

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Due to winter storm and flood damage and prioritization of trail repairs including Rainbow Falls, the monument’s 20 site campground is not anticipated to reopen in 2017. We regret any inconvenience, but this delay will allow the park to ensure the safety of our visitors and necessary preservation/restoration of the park’s natural resources impacted by the storm.

However, within the Reds Meadow Valley, there are another 128 first-come, first-served campsites we encourage visitors to consider visiting. The Minaret Vista Station provides site availability information before you enter the Reds Meadow Valley.

Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Its columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry.

National Parks

Wilderness Stewardship Plan

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Yosemite National Park public scoping process to review and update the current Wilderness Stewardship Plan has begun. The current management plan was  adopted in 1989, and is starting to show it’s age.

The proposed new plan will “provide additional policy direction and address contemporary management challenges.”

From the National Park Service website: “Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of central California, the Yosemite Wilderness area encompasses more than 704,000 acres and accounts for over 94% of the total area of Yosemite National Park. Officially designated by the California Wilderness Act in 1984, the Yosemite Wilderness has long been a place for inspiration, wonder, and discovery.”

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National Forests, National Parks

Welcome to National Public Lands Day!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Today is National Public Lands Day! Entry fees are waived in most of the national parks and national forests, so you won’t have to pay for day use areas – visitor centers, picnic areas, trailheads, etc.

You’ll still get o pay for concessions, camping, rentals, and other services. Check with your local national forest or park for specific information on the park you plan on visiting.

You can find out more about national parks, forests, wildernesses and other areas managed but the National Parks Service HERE.

Get outdoors and enjoy the day!

National Forests, National Parks

Every Kid in a Park Program Launches

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The National Parks Service has launched the “Every Kid in a Park” program, which offers a free annual pass to all fourth grade students and their families to visit more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including America’s national parks.

Beginning today, any currently enrolled fourth grade student can visit www.everykidinapark.gov, finish an activity on the website and get a voucher. Parents and the student can redeem the voucher at any national park for an Every Kid in A Park pass. The pass is valid from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016.

“A primary focus of the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration is to connect young people with national parks and engage the next generation of stewards for America’s treasured places,” stated Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher. “We are excited about this opportunity for students and their families to come to Yosemite and experience their national park.”

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