Yosemite Park

In response to “Developments at Yosemite Park,” editorial, May 8:

I would agree that a serious reassessment of park policy be a top priority for this national treasure. What are we looking for when visiting this scenic valley? An escape from city congestion and stress? I’ve seen that same atmosphere on a crowded summer weekend at Yosemite. Some pure air and majestic scenery? If you can see through the smog that often hangs in the valley you may realize that the pollutants which are destroying our local San Bernardino forest will work just as well in a Sierra forest.

A chance to “get back to nature?” A questionable request from the visitor booked in at the Ahwahnee Hotel and traveling in air-conditioned, 8-cylinder style. Why must so many people insist on making the environment play by our rules? Instead, Yosemite visitors should be educated and encouraged to adapt to the rules of nature. Let’s camp out, dirty our clothes, shiver during a late April snow flurry, and sweat on a hot August afternoon.

Let’s lose our car keys for a day (as a start!) and introduce our sedentary bodies to other forms of transportation. As the late Edward Abbey said, “A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles.” I think when discussing future policy regarding Yosemite that focusing on the best interests of the environment will ultimately serve all of us best in the quality and longevity of this national park.

JOHN R. PARBST

Tustin