The Mercury News published an article by Paul Rogers, titled “Yosemite National Park may ban horse, bike and raft rentals, and remove ice rink and pools.” You can read it HERE.
It’s a good article, and Paul is a good writer, and he lays everything out really well.
Personally, I have issues with the plan; I don’t believe we should be destroying ice rinks or banning bicyclists. I believe that we should, however, draw a line in the sand; take a snapshot of how Yosemite Valley is right now, and look at preserving what we have, and managing it for future generations. Which makes it sound like I’m against the Merced River Plan as drafted by the National Park Service. I kinda am, but I’m also kinda not. I like the idea behind the plan, I just think that – after the years and years of lawsuits, the fake sequestration cuts, and the political posturing by both sides – the plan is too convoluted and open to interpretation to be workable.
What I DO take exception to, however, are the so-called ‘environmentalists’ who seem to think they know better than those that would seek to conserve the land. More often than not, environmentalists are people who never visit the places they seek to ban humans from, never see the damage done to the environment by the invasive alien species of plant and animal life they seek to “protect,” and very rarely stray far from their parent’s basements – unless it’s to use the hybrid car (made with batteries that have destroyed more environment than every Hummer ever made and that will continue to degrade the planet for decades to come) to drive to the mall to pick up cosmetics or sundries tested on innocent animals so they can live a more comfortable, air-conditioned life that is far removed from the true outside world. Continue reading
Color me disappointed. Just got the email today:
The Yosemite Conservancy has announced their line-up of Outdoor Adventures for 2013! There are more dates for popular programs, including backpacking trips to Lyell Glacier, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest. Family Camping Jamborees and Moonbow Photography continue to be popular programs!
While there are up to 300 hikers allowed on the Half Dome cables per day, there are far MORE people who want to hike the route. The permit lottery is now open. If you want to hike Half Dome, sign up at 
On March 16th from 9:00m to 1:00pm the California State Parks Foundation will be teaming up with volunteers at Chino Hills State Park, as they continue to make trail improvements. If you’re 14 or older, come on down and volunteer. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.