Volume 13, January 1999

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything in the universe."
     John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra, 1869
 

The tumultuous seven months since our last Planning Update have yielded a new and exciting framework for ushering Yosemite Valley into the 21st century.  In May, the National Park Service will release for public review The Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement reflecting thousands of public comments from the past six years with proposed alternatives from four draft planning documents.  By late 1999, we will finalize this comprehensive vision for Yosemite Valley.

It is impossible to overstate how valuable your participation has been to date, yet in the next year, we will need you more than ever.  We are constantly reminded that despite its awe-inspiring landscape, Yosemite Valley is just a 7 mile by 1 mile sliver of land, much of it resting in floodplain or rockfall zones.  Any planning decisions we make to support and enhance the experience of park visitors and preserve and restore the Valley's natural and cultural resources must weigh the different, and sometimes competing, values within and between these three broad areas of concern.  There are diverse and passionate advocates on many of these issues.  Interests will collide.  In order for us to make wise decisions about the difficult trade-offs and best preserve the

During public discussions on the previous planning documents we heard and incorportated a wide range of concerns on all of the major planning issues.  Nevertheless, before we finish drafting this new comprehensive plan, we wan to ensure we've heard about any issues that yout hink have not already been raised.  Hence there is a brief scoping process until January 15, 1999.  Then, with the release of the draft in May, you will have an additional opportunity to have your voice heard.  What's particularly encouraging is that Congress's support provides the means to take all the words and the work and transform vision into reality.  We urge you to note the key dates highlighted herein and to stay involved.

As always, thank you for your time, your interest, and your efforts.  Rest assured that you continue to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Stan Albright
Superintendent