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Yosemite National Park
News Release Archive

January 23, 2008
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to User Capacity Symposium
Symposium designed to address user capacity issues in national parks and other public lands, including implications for Yosemite National Park's future park planning efforts

January 17, 2008
Yosemite National Park Announces Launch of Oral History Project
Participants sought for recorded sessions to document Yosemite area history currently titled "I Remember Yosemite…"

January 17, 2008
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Open House (January 2008)
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on January 30, 2008 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

January 03, 2008
Yosemite National Park Announces Opening of Public Scoping for  Vogelsang Backcountry Utilities Improvement Project
Project will be accompanied by an Environmental Assessment (EA) that analyzes the environmental effects of a range of project alternatives

December 10, 2007
El Portal Road Reconstruction Hours Announced in Yosemite National Park
The El Portal Road is a park road that begins at the western boundary of Yosemite National Park. It begins at the eastern end of California State Highway 140 and continues 7.5 miles east to the Pohono Bridge.

December 07, 2007
Winter Conditions Close the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road For the Season in Yosemite National Park
Winter conditions bring the opportunity for a variety of cold- weather activities, including snow-shoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, and winter hiking and backcountry use.

November 30, 2007
"Holiday in the National Parks" Celebrated at the White House 
Yosemite National Park Ornament Displayed on the Official White House Christmas Tree

November 14, 2007
Wildland Fires Continue to Expand in Yosemite National Park
Fires are being managed for resource benefit and community safety

November 09, 2007
Photography Exhibit Opening in Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Climbing Association (YCA) and Yosemite National Park are pleased to announce the opening of the photography exhibit “Yosemite in the Sixties: Climbing Life through the Lens of Glen Denny”. The exhibit will open with a reception in the Museum Gallery between 2:30 and 4pm on Friday, November 9, 2007.

November 07, 2007
Lightning-Caused Fires Managed for Public Safety and Resource Benefit in Yosemite National Park
Four fires are currently being managed for resource benefit and public safety in Yosemite National Park. These fires are being closely monitored and contribute to the protection of communities in and around the park.  Allowing smaller fires to expand under moderate conditions prevents fuel build-ups that can contribute to fires of catastrophic proportions, like those seen recently in Southern California and Lake Tahoe.

October 23, 2007
El Portal Market Contract Available in Yosemite National Park
The El Portal Market has been a fixture in the small community of El Portal, California for as long as locals can remember.  Since 1966, the market has been operated by Vaughn, Vaughn and Carter, LLP, and particularly its principal, Hugh Carter, under concession contracts issued by the National Park Service.  Recent grocery and general merchandise revenues, net of taxes, have averaged over $660,000.

October 04, 2007
Half Dome Cables Scheduled to Come Down for Season in Yosemite National Park
The cables on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park are scheduled to be taken down on October 15, 2007, weather permitting.

October 03, 2007
Marijuana Cultivation Sites Eradicated in Merced River Drainage
On the 26th and 27th of September 2007, approximately 30 law enforcement officers from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, the US Forest Service, the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (CAMP), and Yosemite National Park raided four illegal marijuana cultivation sites.

September 26, 2007
Yosemite National Park to Waive Entrance Fee in Celebration of National Public Lands Day
All National Park Service sites, including Yosemite National Park, will offer free visitor admission on September 29, 2007 for National Public Lands Day. 

September 25, 2007
Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest Announce Public Review and Comment Period for Hetch Hetchy Communication System Upgrade Project Environmental Assessment/Initial Study
Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest announce the public comment period for the Environmental Assessment/Initial Study (EA/IS) for the Hetch Hetchy Communication System Upgrade Project. The EA/IS outlines a range of feasible project alternatives, including a no action alternative, and analyzes the environmental effects of each. The public review and comment period for the EA/IS will open from October 2, 2007 to November 2, 2007. Written comments must be postmarked no later than November 2, 2007.

September 21, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Public Review Period for the Tunnel View Overlook Environmental Assessment
The National Park Service (NPS) announces the opening of the public review and comment period for the Tunnel View Overlook Environmental Assessment (EA). The public is invited to review the document and submit written comments from Wednesday October 3, 2007, and closes Friday November 2, 2007.

September 19, 2007
Fourth Annual "Yosemite Facelift" Volunteer Event to be Held in Yosemite National Park September 26-30, 2007
Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Climbing Association invite the public to participate in the "Yosemite Facelift" September 26-30, 2007. This annual event is organized by the Yosemite Climbing Association to help clean up the park after the long and busy summer season. Volunteers are needed to pick up litter at various locations in Yosemite National Park including on roadways, in the river corridor, on trails, near climbing routes, and in parking, camping, and lodging areas. Events and presentations honoring Yosemite's climbing history will be held throughout the weekend.

September 18, 2007
Missing Hiker Found in Yosemite National Park
Ronald Hoggard, 58, from Corcoran, California, was located by ground searchers Monday morning at around 8:30 am. Searchers found Mr. Hoggard mildly dehydrated but otherwise uninjured in the area of Taft Point near Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park.

September 18, 2007
Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House (September 2007)
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

September 16, 2007
Search Underway for Missing Hiker in Yosemite National Park
A large-scale search is underway in Yosemite National Park for Ronald Hoggard, 58, from Corcoran, California. Hoggard was last heard from on September 14, 2007 via cell phone while driving to the Sentinel Dome/ Taft Point area near Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park.

September 05, 2007
Bald and Babcock Wildland Fire Use Fires Grow in Yosemite National Park
The Bald and Babcock Fires are the largest and most active of the several lightning-caused fires currently burning in Yosemite National Park.

August 14, 2007
Marijuana Gardens Raided in Yosemite National Park
On Monday, August 13, 2007, Yosemite National Park Rangers located and seized 7,428 mature marijuana plants from three gardens in the park related to the same growing operation. The value of the marijuana plants is estimated at about $22 million.

August 14, 2007
Missing Woman Found Dead in Yosemite National Park
The search for a missing woman in Yosemite National Park ended on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 when her body was located in the Echo Creek drainage, a rugged wilderness area southwest of Tuolumne Meadows.

August 08, 2007
Yosemite National Park Welcomes Ford Transportation Interns
Tomoko Tamagawa, 23, and Kelley Sterle, 22, are spending three months in Yosemite National Park as interns this summer, teaching visitors about the history of transportation in Yosemite and the use of alternative technology in transportation as well as about the natural, cultural, and historical resources in Yosemite National Park. They are participating in the Proud Partner Transportation Interpreter Program, which is made possible through a partnership between the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service, the Student Conservation Association, and the Ford Motor Company.

August 06, 2007
Ottorina Bonaventura Search Incident Update
Effective Monday, August 6, 2007, the search efforts for lost backpacker Ottorina Bonaventura transitioned to a limited continuous search strategy involving local ground searchers and an investigations unit.

August 04, 2007
Search Continuing into the Weekend for Missing Hiker
The search continues today for a missing backpacker in the wilderness area east of Merced Lake in Yosemite National Park.

August 03, 2007
Additional Resources in Place as Search Continues for Missing Backpacker in Yosemite National Park
The search continues today for a missing backpacker in the wilderness area east of Merced Lake in Yosemite National Park.

August 02, 2007
Search Continues for Missing Backpacker in Yosemite National Park
The search continues today for a missing backpacker in the wilderness area east of Merced Lake in Yosemite National Park.

August 01, 2007
Search Underway for Missing Backpacker in Yosemite National Park
A large-scale search is underway in Yosemite National Park for Ottorrina “Terrina” Bonaventura, 80, from Schererville, Indiana.

July 26, 2007
Yosemite National Park Mourns Passing of Long-Time Volunteer Kathie Orr
Kathie Orr, a Yosemite volunteer and former Yosemite Association board member, died of natural causes in her trailer at North Pines Campground on July 23, 2007. She was 72.

July 23, 2007
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Open House July 25, 2007
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

July 16, 2007
Tuolumne Planning Workbook Available in Yosemite National Park
The Tuolumne Planning Workbook, a compilation of all work completed to date for both the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Tuolumne River Plan) and the Tuolumne Meadows Plan, is available to the public for comment as of July 11, 2007

July 16, 2007
USGS Botanists Help Identify a New Orchid, the Yosemite Bog-Orchid
An orchid so elusive, 70 years elapsed after George Henry Grinnell collected the first specimens in 1923 before a new generation of botanists rediscovered its location in 1993. But the plant’s identity remained a challenge to taxonomists. Now, two U.S. Geological Survey botanists and a colleague at the New York State Museum have identified the orchid as a new species, the Yosemite bog-orchid (Platanthera yosemitensis), according to a recent publication in the journal of the California Botanical Society, Madroño.

July 12, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Public Review and Comment Period for Hodgdon Meadow Housing Area Trailer Replacement and Utilities Improvement Project Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment  (EA) will be released on July 16, 2007

June 18, 2007
Hiker Dies on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Hirofumi Nohara, 37, slipped and fell while ascending the Half Dome cables on June 16, 2007 at around 2:30pm.

June 14, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Public Review and Comment Period for Glacier Point Road Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment
Yosemite National Park is announcing the public comment period for the Glacier Point Road Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA outlines a range of feasible project alternatives, including a no action alternative, and analyzes the environmental effects of each.

June 06, 2007
Chiura Obata Exhibit to Open in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Museum Gallery exhibit to run from June 9, 2007 to October 21, 2007

May 30, 2007
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Community Safety Day
June 1, 2007 event will focus on community health, safety, prevention, and emergency services.

May 30, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Public Review and Comment Period for Reconstructing Critically Eroded Sections of the El Portal Road Environmental Assessment
Public review and comment will be sought on the Environmental Assessment (EA) to be released in June, 2007

May 21, 2007
Half Dome Cables in Place in Yosemite National Park
The cables allowing trail access to hikers to the summit of Half Dome were put in place on May 17, 2007.

May 21, 2007
National Park Officials Urge Visitors to Use Extreme Caution Around Waterways
Currents in rivers, streams, and creeks are still moving too quickly to be safe for water recreation in most places. Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in the Sierra Nevada.

May 18, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announcing Public Scoping for the Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Project
Proposed rehabilitation project addresses safety, sanitation, and accessibility issues.

May 18, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Beginning of Fire Season
Yosemite National Park declares the beginning of fire season for the park on Monday, May 21st.

May 16, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Merced River Plan Public Scoping Meetings
Yosemite National Park managers invite the public to participate in public scoping meetings for the Merced River Plan. Those attending will have the opportunity to interact with park managers and planners and to share their ideas and suggestions for the management of the river.

May 16, 2007
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Open House (May 2007)
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

May 15, 2007
Sister Parks Partnership between Torres del Paine and Yosemite
On May 10, a Sister Parks agreement was signed at the Chile's Foreign Ministry.

May 09, 2007
Tioga Road to Open in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson announced today that the Tioga Road (Highway 120 East through Yosemite National Park) will open for the season on May 11, 2007 at noon.

May 03, 2007
Glacier Point Road to Open in Yosemite National Park
The Glacier Point Road will open to visitors on May 4, 2007 at noon. Glacier Point is located about 30 miles from Yosemite Valley off the Wawona Road, the section of State Highway 41 inside the park.  Limited services are available at Glacier Point, including portable toilets and hand washing stations.

April 17, 2007
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Tuolumne Planning Workshop in Yosemite Valley
As part of its continuing series, the National Park Service (NPS) will conduct a "Planner for a Day" public workshop on Saturday, April 21 from 9am to 4pm at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls in Yosemite Valley. This event will focus on the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan. The workshop will be preceded by an overview slide presentation on planning in Yosemite at 8am.

April 06, 2007
Yosemite National Park Advises Visitors of Quarantined Wood
Park officials concerned about spread of Sudden Oak Death from infested coastal California counties

March 28, 2007
Yosemite National Park Announces Merced River Plan Public Scoping
The public scoping period for a new Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (MRP/EIS) will begin on March 30, 2007 and will run for 60 days from the day the Notice of Intent (NOI) is published in the Federal Register. The park welcomes all ideas and concerns regarding this planning effort.

March 21, 2007
Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House (March 20, 2007)
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Friday, March 30, 2007 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

February 12, 2007
Chinese Rangers Participating in Seven-Week Long Exchange Program in Yosemite National Park
Jiuzhaigo National Park in the western Sichuan Province and Yosemite National Park share ideas and practices about park management

February 01, 2007
Yosemite National Park Managers Invite Public to Tuolumne Planning Events in Yosemite Valley
The National Park Service invites the public to participate in a series of public events as part of management planning for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River and Tuolumne Meadows area.

January 18, 2007
Yosemite National Park Initiates Improved Campground Reservation System
New system highlights improved customer service and easier access to campsite reservations.

November 29, 2006
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Roads Close for the Winter Season in
The Tioga Road and the Glacier Point Road have closed for the winter season due to snow and icy conditions.

November 21, 2006
Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House (November 29, 2006)
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

November 17, 2006
Wildland Fire Season Concludes in Yosemite National Park
With at least an inch of rain falling throughout the park on Tuesday, fire managers have declared the end of the 2006 wildland fire season in Yosemite National Park. However, fire managers will continue to monitor weather patterns and implement additional prescribed fires as conditions permit.

November 15, 2006
Yosemite National Park Announces Opening of Public Scoping for El Portal Road Reconstruction--Pohono Bridge to the Big Oak Flat Road Intersection
Yosemite National Park is announcing public scoping in preparation of the El Portal Road Reconstruction—Pohono Bridge to the Big Oak Flat Road Intersection Project. This project will be accompanied by an Environmental Assessment (EA) that analyzes the environmental effects of a range of project alternatives.

October 24, 2006
Celebration of Life Scheduled for Yosemite Association President Steven P. Medley
A celebration honoring the life of Steven P. Medley will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2006 in Yosemite National Park. Steve was the president of the non-profit Yosemite Association from 1985 until his death in a car accident on October 5, 2006.

October 24, 2006
Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House (October 2006)
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

October 24, 2006
Climber Dies in Yosemite National Park
An experienced rock climber fell to his death Monday, October 23, 2006, while climbing near Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley.

October 12, 2006
Significant Ecological Restoration Projects Completed and Ongoing in Yosemite Valley
Recent projects continue to decrease the overall human footprint in Yosemite Valley while providing for an improved visitor experience.

October 10, 2006
Yosemite National Park's Fall Prescribed Fire Program to Start
Yosemite National Park will begin conducting fall prescribed fire activities to meet the management goals for wildland urban interface protection and ecosystem restoration.

October 05, 2006
Yosemite Association President Dies in Auto Accident
Steven P. Medley, longtime President of the Yosemite Association, died in a single vehicle automobile accident this morning while traveling to work in Yosemite National Park. He was 55 years old.

September 29, 2006
$3.5 Million Donated to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Fund Contribution Goes To Trail Repair, Visitor Service Improvements & Habitat Restoration

September 28, 2006
Yosemite National Park Celebrates National Public Lands Day
Park admission fee will be waived September 30, 2006

September 28, 2006
Yosemite Climbing Association and Yosemite National Park Announce Third Annual Yosemite Facelift
The Yosemite Climbing Association will once again sponsor a park-wide clean up to help restore high use areas after the busy summer season. The clean up effort will include roadways, the river corridor, trails, parking areas, campgrounds, climbing areas, and lodging areas.

September 18, 2006
Firefighters Suppressing Powerhouse Fire in Yosemite National Park
Firefighting efforts are underway in Yosemite National Park to contain the Powerhouse Fire. The fire was discovered today at approximately 5:00 am and is currently 7 acres. The fire is ½ mile west of the Big Oak Flat (Highway 120 in the park)/El Portal Road (Highway 140 in the park) junction.

September 18, 2006
Powerhouse Fire Contained in Yosemite National Park
Firefighters have contained the Powerhouse Fire and mop up operations are underway. The fire was discovered today at approximately 5:00 am. Using GPS, fire managers accurately assessed the fire at 3.5 acres.   The fire is ½ mile west of the Big Oak Flat (Highway 120 in the park)/ El Portal Road (Highway 140 in the park) junction.

September 13, 2006
Hundreds Celebrate Completion of Facelift to Yosemite's Dramatic Olmsted Point Overlook
Hundreds of people gathered atop the polished granite of Olmsted Point overlook in Yosemite National Park Wednesday to celebrate the completion of major renovations to the vista famous for its picture postcard views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake and Cloud's Rest.

August 28, 2006
Public Invited to 9th Annual Bear Awareness Day/Apple Picking
The 9th Annual Apple Picking Event and Bear Awareness Day will be held at the Curry Village Orchard Parking Lot in Yosemite Valley on August 30, 2006 from 10am to 1pm. 

August 26, 2006
Yosemite National Park Takes Fire Management Actions to Reduce Smoke
Fire managers in Yosemite National Park are making efforts to reduce smoke from multiple fires in the park.

August 23, 2006
Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson Named an Honorary Kentucky Colonel
Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson was named an Honorary Kentucky Colonel, an honor bestowed upon him by Ernie Fletcher, the Governor of Kentucky. Shelton was nominated for this honor by Derrick W. Graham, a Kentucky State Representative.

August 22, 2006
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Open House
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, August 30, 2006

August 21, 2006
Interagency Effort to Suppress Fire is Started in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park officials have begun efforts to contain a new fire that started late in the afternoon today, Monday, August 21, 2006. The fire was estimated to be approximately 50 acres at around 3 pm and is located along the Ribbon Creek drainage between El Capitan and Ribbon Creek, above the North Rim of Yosemite Valley.

July 27, 2006
Wildland Fire Use Projects Continue to Burn
Fire officials are continuing to monitor several lightening-caused fires in Yosemite National Park. Approximately nine fires are currently considered active in areas around the park, consisting of about 100 total acres.

July 15, 2006
Missing CCC worker found dead in Yosemite National Park
The search for a missing California Conservation Corps (CCC) trail crew member working in Yosemite National Park ended on Friday, July 14, 2006 when his body was located half-way down the Royal Arches wall north of the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Peaks in Huangshan  

Did You Know?
Yosemite and Huangshan are sister parks. Huangshan, which protects over 77 magnificent granite peaks 3,000 feet (1,000 m) or higher, is one of China's most famous and sacred scenic areas. Countless poems and writings dating back 2,200 years attest to its beauty.
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Last Updated: November 07, 2007 at 19:21 EST