From his address to the U.S. House of Representatives, August 1, 2013:
Mr. Speaker: Yosemite Valley is a national treasure that was set aside in 1864 with the promise it would be preserved for the express purpose of “Public Use, Resort and Recreation.” Ever since, Americans have enjoyed a host of recreational opportunities and amenities as they have come to celebrate the splendor of the Valley. Now, the National Parks Service, at the urging of leftist environmental groups, is proposing eliminating many of those amenities, including bicycle and raft rentals, horseback riding rentals, gift shops, snack facilities, swimming pools, and iconic facilities including the Ice Skating Rink at Curry Village, the art center and historic stone bridges that date back to the 1920’s.
For generations, these facilities have enhanced the enjoyment of the park for millions of visitors, adding a rich variety of recreational activities amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Yosemite. But today, the very nature and purpose of Yosemite is being changed from its original promise of “Public Use, Resort, and Recreation,” to an exclusionary agenda that can best be described as, “Look, but don’t touch.”
Geocaching is introducing Gear Up for Geocaching in a BIG way this August with a pretty terrific contest. According to Geocaching.com, they’ve put together some excellent prize packages that includes treasure from Greenlayer, Camp Chef and others.
The California State Parks Foundation is hosting a Park Champion event this August at the top of Mount San Jacinto.
Suzy Johnson at the California Association of 4WD Clubs has posted an Access Alert related to the National Giant Sequoia Monument, and I’m forwarding the information on along to you guys. If you’re at all concerned about access to California’s public lands, it’s important that you get involved.
On this day in 1864 President Lincoln signed a bill drafted by both houses of the 38th Congress of the United States officially creating the Yosemite Grant. While Yellowstone ultimately became the first National Park, this was the first instance of park land being set aside for preservation and public use by the federal government. The grant was the result of citizens like Galen Clark and Senator John Conness advocating heavily for protection of the area. John Muir later led a successful movement to establish a larger national park encompassing not just the Yosemite Valley, but surrounding mountains and forests as well.