Debate Over Yosemite’s Future
Bill Stall’s article, “Refocusing the Debate Over Yosemite’s Future” (Opinion, March 4)offered a thoughtful perspective on the challenges of automobile congestion and urbanization in Yosemite Valley.
We are pleased to see Yosemite National Park’s committed and talented superintendent, Michael V. Finley, cast in such a positive light. We agree that if anyone in his post can now effectively apply the needed leadership, vision, and practical management skills that can help really resolve these tough issues and concerns, Mike is the one to do so. We agree, also, that the concessionaire, Yosemite Park and Curry Co., while obviously motivated in substantial measure by profit-making, is among the most environmentally sensitive of the national park concession companies--even having employed a capable environmental consultant on its staff for the past few years.
As for Stall’s characterization of the “debate . . . currently raging over the future of the Yosemite National Park,” we would suggest that this is, for the most part, an exaggeration. There is presently an open and healthy process of ongoing, constructive dialogue, meetings, and field touring among representatives of the environmental organizations, the National Park Service, and the Curry Co. This process is being carried out in a generally low-key, candid, constructive, and even a cordial manner that is aimed at truly striving to come to grips with the issues and needs, and to devise solutions within the visionary context of the National Park Service’s 1980 General Management Plan for the park. This does not mean that this process is an easy one or that consensus building toward achievable and meaningful solutions will be easily obtained. But it does mean there’s a lot of genuine caring and commitment that is an integral part of a process that should not be described as a debate “raging,” as if there were a war going on.
Out of it all, we hope the long-term welfare of Yosemite will be enhanced and the quality of visitor experience will consequently be heightened. The collective best thoughts of everyone who cares will be required to bring about this worthy scenario.
RUSSELL D. BUTCHER
Southwest and California Representative
National Parks and Conservative Assn.
Cottonwood, Ariz.
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