Tag: national park service

NPS Announces New Rules for Horsetail Fall (firefall) event

Posted on by lbschutte

If you’ve ever been you know the Horsetail Fall event, commonly known as the firefall, is one of the most overhyped, overcrowded, overly annoying, events ever to take place in a national park. Traffic congestion, lack of parking, too many people crammed into small areas trampling natural beauty in the hopes of getting the best shot. It’s horrible!

In an effort to make the situation a little better for everyone the National Park Service has started a new pilot program designed to help alleviate the traffic and overcrowding headaches caused by the flood of visitors for the Horsetail Fall event.

During the event, Yosemite National Park is creating an event zone inside Yosemite Valley, from the Yosemite Valley Lodge to El Capitan Crossover. Visitors will be able to enter the event zone and view Horsetail Fall by walking from El Capitan Meadow or the Yosemite Falls Parking Area, taking a naturalist-guided tour, or picking up a permit to park inside the event zone. Within the event zone, the right-hand lane of the road will be converted to event parking for 300 vehicles. To park within the event zone, free parking permits will be required. 250 free permits will be available through online reservations and 50 permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis each day.

Free parking reservations for each day of the event will be available online, beginning on Saturday February 3, 2018 at 9:00 am PST. To book a parking reservation, visit https://2018horsetailfall.eventbrite.com/. 250 parking reservations (a parking reservation is good for a carload of passengers) will be available for each day of the event through EventBrite. 50 first come, first served permits will be available each day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

All online reservation holders will need to bring a printed copy of their reservation confirmation in person to The Ansel Adams Gallery between 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to pick up their vehicle Parking Permit for the event on the day of the reservation. Any permits not picked up by 3:00 pm will be forfeited.

Important Tips for Planning Your Visit to the Horsetail Fall Event:

  • Visitors interested in walking to the event site are encouraged to park in the Yosemite Falls Day Parking Area, park at El Capitan Meadow, or ride the free park shuttle to Shuttle Stop #7 and walk into the event site approximately 1.2 miles one way.
  • Yosemite Hospitality, Inc., the park’s primary concessioner, will be offering naturalist-guided tours each day for a fee to the Horsetail Fall Event. To learn more please visit https://www.travelyosemite.com/.
  • To reduce traffic congestion in the event zone and to ensure easy visitor access to Yosemite Valley, the park will convert Southside Drive to two-way traffic from El Capitan Crossover to Sentinel Bridge. No roadside parking will be permitted while two-way traffic is in place for the safety of both pedestrians and motorists.
  • On Northside Drive, the left-hand traffic lane in the event zone will remain open as an exit route for YARTS buses, commercial buses, and other vehicles exceeding 25’ in length.
  • Visitors who plan to get to Yosemite Valley using the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) should review the YARTS schedule at www.yarts.com to make sure that you do not miss the last bus of the day. The closest YARTS stop to the event is located at Yosemite Valley Lodge. YARTS buses will not be picking up visitors in the event zone.

Mike Reynolds Named Superintendent of Yosemite

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Mike Reynolds, a 31-year NPS veteran and a third-generation NPS employee, will be returning to the park as the new Superintendent announced U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke yesterday.

Reynolds, who grew up in Yosemite, has served as the deputy director for operations of the NPS since 2016, and spent the majority of his tenure serving as NPS acting director. As Yosemite National Park superintendent he will oversee one of the nation’s oldest and most iconic national parks.

“Mike did an incredible job stewarding our parks through 2017,” said Secretary Zinke. “His leadership helping me combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the service as well as his big-thinking ideas to address the maintenance backlog is very much appreciated. I have all the trust in the world that Mike will bring his years of experience in field and in management to Yosemite.”

“When I think about my family’s history in Yosemite, this feels like coming home—it’s an incredible honor that I take very seriously,” said Reynolds. “Times have changed since my grandparents served as 40-year concession employees in the park. However, we should still provide world-class service and experience to visitors in ways that sustain Yosemite into the next century. My focus will be on that, and on supporting our employees, repairing infrastructure and working closely with the communities and people around and associated with the park.”

NPS Proposes New $70 Entrance Fee for Yosemite

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In one of the most ridiculous moves I think I’ve ever seen the National Park Service is proposing upping the entrance fee during busier months to a whopping $70. The justification is that it would help raise revenue to fund improvements throughout the park.

The new fees, which would affect individual and commercial visitors alike, would help raise revenue to repair roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and supplement other visitor services.

Under the proposal, peak-season entrance fees would be established at 17 national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Denali, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Olympic, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks with peak season starting on May 1, 2018; in Acadia, Mount Rainier, Rocky Mountain, and Shenandoah National Parks with peak season starting on June 1, 2018; and in Joshua Tree National Park as soon as practicable in 2018.

Estimates suggest that the peak-season price structure could increase national park revenue by $70 million per year. That is a 34 percent increase over the $200 million collected in Fiscal Year 2016. Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, 80% of an entrance fee remains in the park where it is collected. The other 20% is spent on projects in other national parks.

During the peak season at each park, the entrance fee would be $70 per private, non-commercial vehicle, $50 per motorcycle, and $30 per person on bike or foot. A park-specific annual pass for any of the 17 parks would be available for $75.

The cost of the annual America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which provides entrance to all federal lands, including parks for a one-year period, would remain $80 making it a better value no matter how you look at it.

Now is your chance to be heard. Information and a forum for public comments regarding commercial permit requirements and fees is available October 24, 2017 to November 23, 2017 on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commercialtourrequirements. Written comments can be sent to National Park Service, Recreation Fee Program, 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop: 2346 Washington, DC 20240.

Yosemite Superintendent Neubacher Retiring

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Yosemite Superintendent Don Neubacher announced he is retiring following employee complaints that he created a hostile workplace by allowing bullying, harassment and other misconduct. Neubacher has been the Superintendent of Yosemite since he made the move in early 2010 from Point Reyes National Seashore where he had also held the Superintendent position.

Neubacher will be remembered for having overseen the controversial Wild and Scenic River Plans for both the Merced River and the Tuolumne River, the Mariposa Grove restoration and the addition of Ackerson Meadow which added over 400 acres to Yosemite.

Bring Your 4th Grader to Yosemite and Get in FREE

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My 4th grader in Yosemite
My 4th grader in Yosemite. Photo by author.

Get your child interested in the outdoors with their very own National Parks pass that will get them and your entire family into Yosemite for FREE with the Every Kid in a Park program.

The Every Kid in a Park program is an Administration-wide effort between the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Army, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to inspire the next generation to discover all that our nation’s public lands and waters have to offer, including opportunities to be active, spend time with friends and family, and serve as living classrooms to build critical skills.

As part of the program free entry passes are being given out to all 4th grade students and their families. So how do you get your pass? Go online with your 4th Grader to this page (https://www.everykidinapark.gov/get-your-pass/fourth-grader) and have them fill out their diary of things they’d like to see and do in the park. When they’re done, print the free pass and that’s it! When you get to the park you can trade your paper pass for a more durable pass that’s good for a whole year.

The Every Kid in a Park pass is valid for a full calendar year starting September 1. The pass grants free entry for fourth graders and up to three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in parks) to most federally managed lands and waters, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries.

Be sure to visit the rest of the EveryKidinaPark.gov website as well. The newly expanded Every Kid in a Park website has links to educational activities, trip planning, field trip options, the downloadable pass, and additional information in both English and Spanish.

Stephen Mather: First Director of the National Park Service

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Stephen Mather has long been one of my favorite historical figures in Yosemite ranking right up there with Muir, LeConte and Galen Clark. As the first director of the National Park Service and lover of Yosemite his influence is felt even today in the park. Check out this great video from Yosemite Nature Notes on Stephen Mather and his influence as the first Director of the National Park Service.

Free Entrance August 25-28 to Celebrate 100 Years of Our National Parks

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If you’re looking for something to do next weekend look no farther. Yosemite National Park will be celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service on August 25, 2016 and to honor of this historic occasion, all park entrance fees will be waived for that weekend.

From Thursday August 25 through Sunday August 28, 2016 all entrance fees into the park will be waived. Camping fees and all other fees will still be apply. There will also be many special Centennial programs throughout the park on August 25.

Special Centennial events include: a hike to the Top of Lembert Dome, a program on Stephen T. Mather and the Founding of the National Park Service, Horse-Drawn Stage Rides, and Tours of Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

For more information about all of the Centennial events in the park, please visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm .

Youth Programs Inspire Future Generations in Yosemite

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A group of high school students from across California, who dubbed themselves “The Triumphant Turtles” for their slow and steady approach to achieving goals, credit the Adventure Risk Challenge program in Yosemite National Park for fueling a passion for conservation, improved leadership and literacy skills, and forging trails of opportunity to higher education. 

“The magic happens every time one of us wants to give up, but no matter how steep that hill is we express words of encouragement for our team. We have built trust, kindness and integrity, and together we have overcome many challenges,” said Salvador Meza Lemus, one of 12 high school youth to participate in Adventure Risk Challenge’s (ARC) 40-day immersion program in Yosemite’s backcountry in 2014. 

“Youth programs in the park provide opportunities to teach life skills that participants can apply to the rest of their lives, including a formidable focus on conserving our public lands,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher. “Yosemite Conservancy donors help to make these programs possible.” 

In 2014, a total of 13 Youth in Yosemite programs received $1.4 million given by Yosemite Conservancy donors to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and improve park resources. Among the many programs to receive funding were the Junior Ranger program that involved over 25,000 kids who learned about nature, the Parks in Focus photography program that used photography to teach inner city kids about the wilderness, and the Yosemite Leadership Program where college interns worked side-by-side with park staff to gain practical, field-based experience. Also, participants in the California Conservation Corps and Student Conservation Association spent their summers restoring the park’s trails, campgrounds and habitat, and learning leadership skills. 

“Youth in Yosemite programs that our donors help to fund have a lasting impact for youth of all ages,” said Mike Tollefson, president, Yosemite Conservancy. “Through these life changing programs, park personnel instill with the participants a passion for the outdoors and the principles of park stewardship.” 

WildLink and WildLink Bridge are programs for diverse and underserved teens that also receive funding from Yosemite Conservancy donors. Students in WildLink are given a first introduction to Yosemite during a five-day expedition where they explore topics ranging from cultural and natural history to environmental conservation and stewardship. WildLink Bridge provides WildLink alumni with an opportunity to spend two weeks in Yosemite participating in an intense hands-on orientation program that inspires them to consider careers in the park. The program includes meeting with more than 30 professionals who work and live in Yosemite, as well as participating in restoration field projects and completing a wilderness patrol. 

ARC’s benefits also extend beyond the park. As of 2013, 97 percent of its 230 program graduates had passed the California High School Exit Exam and 82 percent attend college. Eleven of the 12 Triumphant Turtles —from Fresno, Planada, Dos Palos,

Richmond, San Francisco, Napa, Santa Rosa and Truckee —said they began the summer unconcerned about protecting nature. After backpacking 60 miles in Yosemite’s wilderness, writing poetry and learning leadership skills, all were convinced of the program’s importance.

Through the support of donors, Yosemite Conservancy provides grants and support to Yosemite National Park to help preserve and protect Yosemite today and for future generations. The work funded by Yosemite Conservancy is visible throughout the park, from trail rehabilitation to wildlife protection and habitat restoration. The Conservancy is dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience and providing a deeper connection to the park through outdoor programs, volunteering and wilderness services. Thanks to dedicated supporters, the Conservancy has provided more than $81 million in grants to Yosemite National Park. Learn more at www.yosemiteconservancy.org or call 1-800-469-7275