PURPOSE OF THE PARK

There are two purposes for Yosemite National Park. The first is preservation of the resources that contribute to Yosemite's uniqueness and attractiveness - its exquisite scenic beauty; outstanding wilderness values; a nearly full diversity of Sierra Nevada environments, including the very special sequoia groves; the awesome domes, valleys, polished granites, and other evidences of the geologic processes that formed the Sierra Nevada; historic resources, especially those relating to the beginnings of a national conservation ethic; and evidences of the Indians that lived on the land. The second purpose is to make the varied resources of Yosemite available to people for the individual enjoyment, education, and recreation, now and in the future.

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

The National Park Service's mandate to administer Yosemite comes from Congress. Inherent in this mandate are obligations regarding resource management, visitor use, and park operations. These obligations are further defined and established as the management objectives for the general management plan. This plan and all other park management activities are directed toward achieving these basic goals.

Resource Management

Restore and maintain natural terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems so they may operate essentially unimpaired

Conduct continuing research to gather and analyze information necessary for managing natural resources

Restore altered ecosystems as nearly as possible to conditions they would be in today had natural ecological processes not been disturbed

Protect threatened and endangered plant and animal special and reintroduce, where practical, those species eliminated from the natural ecosystems

Identify and perpetuate natural processes in park ecosystems

Permit only those types and levels of use or development that do not significantly impair park natural resources, and direct development and use to environments least vulnerable to deterioration

Limit unnatural sources of air, noise, visual, and water pollution to the greatest degree possible

Preserve, protect, and restore scenic resources

Identify the major scenic resources and the places from which they are viewed

Provide for the preservation or protection of existing scenic resources and viewing stations

Provide for historic views through vista clearing

Permit only those levels and types of use that are compatible with the preservation or protection of the scenic resources and with the quality of the viewing experience

Preserve, restore, or protect significant cultural resources (historic and prehistoric)

Identify, evaluate, and determine the significance of cultural resources, encompassing buildings, structures, sites, and objects

Provide for the preservation, restoration, or protection of these significant cultural resources

Permit only those uses that are compatible with the preservation of significant cultural resources

Visitor Use

Assist all people in understanding, enjoying, and contributing to the preservation of the natural, cultural, and scenic resources

Orient visitors, provide personal assistance, and inform them about opportunities the park provides

Provide interpretive services that relate the natural and cultural significance of Yosemite to visitors with a broad diversity of interests

Provide only for those types and levels of programs and activities that enhance visitor understanding and enjoyment of park resources

Permit only those levels and types of accommodations and services necessary for visitor use and enjoyment of Yosemite

Provide the opportunity for a quality wilderness experience

Provide transportation services that facilitate visitor circulation and enhance preservation and enjoyment of park resources

Park Operations

Maintain a safe, functional, and orderly environment that provides compatible opportunities for resource preservation and enjoyment by visitors and employees

Classify park lands, specifying their management and use, to ensure the achievement of all objectives

Provide facilities for administration, maintenance, and management at appropriate locations

Locate facilities to minimize exposure to natural hazards such as rock slides, flooding, avalanche, and hazard trees

Encourage an appropriate use of structures with historic, architectural, or engineering significance, consistent with the preservation of their historic fabric

Provide facilities and utility systems that conserve energy and comply with all applicable standards and codes

Protect the rights, safety, and security of all visitors and employees

Remove barriers that interfere with use of developed facilities by the handicapped and other special populations, and provide easy access for all visitors whenever feasible

Adjust park boundaries as required to preserve and provide for enjoyment of nationally significant resources, to complete ecological units insofar as possible, and/or to provide for more effective management

Provide, at appropriate locations, services and amenities conducive to a community environment for employees

Support an integrated system of compatible regional land uses providing opportunities for recreation, community development, preservation, and economic utilization of resources

Participate with government agencies and private interest in planning for compatible management and use of scenic, natural. cultural, and recreation resources

Promote visitor services and accommodations at sites more appropriate to the preservation of park values and the public interest through coordinated regional planning and encouragement of private enterprise outside the park