"Moving forward means making hard decisions, which in turn generate controversy. But I believe the public can help us craft strong resolutions for Yosemite's future."

Dear Friends of Yosemite:

AS THE SUMMER CROWDS thin out and the air becomes crisp, autumn descends on Yosemite National Park. It is an exciting season of transition for me as well, as I join a staff known for its dedication and commitment to the National Park Service mission. The National Park Service cares for special places like Yosemite so that all may experience our nation's heritage. Embodied in this ideal are the five goals of Yosemite's 1980 General Management Plan: to reclaim priceless beauty, to markedly reduce traffic congestion, to allow natural processes to prevail, to reduce crowding, and promote visitor understanding and enjoyment. As Yosemite's new superintendent, I invite you to become involved, or continue your involvement in Yosemite's future as we move ahead toward realizing these goals.

Moving forward means making hard decisions, which in turn generate controversy. But I believe the public can help us craft strong resolutions for Yosemite's future. For example, with the help of public input, park staff is making progress on two critical planning efforts: the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and the Yosemite Valley Plan. When completed, these two plans will form major building blocks for the future management of Yosemite National Park.

In this Planning Update, we provide a closer look at the Merced River Plan (see page 4). The Merced is one of Yosemite's most treasured and important resources, and the completion of this plan will provide a comprehensive framework for managing the 81 miles of the river inside Yosemite National Park. Decisions made as part of the Merced River Plan will also feed into other planning efforts throughout the park, most importantly the Yosemite Valley Plan, which will follow shortly thereafter.

We welcome your interest. And, as someone who is new to this park and its issues, I personally encourage your involvement. I've learned that by working together we can forge the best means to achieve the goals established in the General Management Plan. I hope this Planning Update helps you gain a better understanding of the issues and how important your contribution is to helping us chart a roadmap to their resolution.

Sincerely,

David A. Mihalic
Park Superintendent

Introducing YNP Superintendent David Mihalic

In late October, David Mihalic took over leadership of Yosemite National Park after serving as superintendent of Glacier National Park, where he led development of the park's General Management Plan. Mr. Mihalic's National Park Service career spans 28 years and includes leadership roles in Yellowstone National Park, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Alaska, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Mammoth Cave National Park. Mr. Mihalic was the recipient of the Hastings Foundation "Superintendent's Annual Leadership Award" in 1998 for his work with communities and Indian Tribes in the Glacier National Park area. While at Mammoth Cave National Park, he also received the "Superintendent of the Year" award for his partnerships with surrounding communities to leverage funding and build a regional sanitation system to protect park groundwater. Yosemite National Park staff extends a warm welcome to its new superintendent!

The Planning Update is an occasional publication of the National Park Service, Office of the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389.

Kristina Rylands edited this issue with contributions from Martha Lee, David Mihalic, Chip Jenkins, Peter Keller, Russell Galipeau, Sue Beatty, and Henrietta DeGroot.