Most of you are aware that after nearly a decade of very hard effort, two grass roots organizations and their tireless attorneys (Friends of Yosemite Valley and Mariposans for the Environment and Responsible Government) prevailed in federal court over a very obstinate and well-funded National Park Service.  I am proud to say that a handful of us citizens were able to stop what had been the imminent construction of a new road and additional buildings on the banks of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. The bogus busing and development--oriented Yosemite Valley Plan has also been rescinded (no longer exists). So, for now, the Wild and Scenic Merced River corridor is protected from greed, corruption, and excessive development . . . 

 As per the settlement agreement for this case, the NPS is required to begin a truly fresh start for Yosemite's future. Though local residents and other knowledgeable citizens involved in past park planning efforts have plenty of reason to be skeptical and suspicious of the National Park Service's sincerity regarding park planning and public processes, I want you to know that some park management has recently retired and/or have moved on to other jobs; there has been a lot of employee turnover recently in YNP and this may actually bode well for this new planning effort. And, this fresh opportunity is the best that can be done in current environmental law to shape a more ethical and transparent public planning process for Yosemite's future.  In other words, this is the real deal. And this process is just beginning. Make your comments now, BEFORE park planners begin work on the draft CMP document·

   Specific actions needed to protect the river
   On-the-ground site planning for El Portal, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona
   (including restoration, location of campgrounds, recreation
   opportunities, and employee housing)
   Strategies for addressing parkwide transportation and other methods for
   dealing with user capacities."