Yosemite Plan

Re “Yosemite Valley Plan Seen as a Quest for Beauty and Balance,” Nov. 15: The “final” management plan for Yosemite National Park is not a wise plan, neither protective of the precious “resource” nor beneficial to the average visitor. Although the National Park Service claims that “impact” will be reduced, in fact, acres of new parking areas, roads, employee housing and upscale lodging will be constructed over a 15-year period at a cost to taxpayers of $441 million.

The new “YARTS” bus system and giant tour buses are now spewing tons of diesel exhaust into Yosemite Valley. Greatly increased air and noise pollution can be expected. Places in Yosemite now peaceful and quiet will be overcome by noise, congestion and traffic fumes if this plan is implemented.

Last month, the NPS celebrated its newly widened and straightened El Portal Road into Yosemite. Hundreds of trees, tons of rock and miles of river habitat were destroyed in its construction. This desecration is a recent example of brutal NPS “planning.”

ANN ABBOTT MATTESON

Yosemite