"Whatever your Yosemite experience may be, we ask you to feel a sense of ownership and take part in protecting the Valley for the future and for the common good."

Dear Friends of Yosemite:

A VISIT TO YOSEMITE'S HEART -- the Valley -- can be a life-altering experience. For the first-time visitor, the bright vista of the Valley after the darkness of the Wawona Tunnel, or the subtle change in the Merced River from the rocky chaos of the canyon to its gentle meander in the Valley, or the delicate elegance of Bridalveil Fall is enough to cause a breathless, "Wow!" For the returning visitor, these familiar sights give an immediate sense of coming home.

However, a visit to Yosemite has become, at some times of the year, one of frustration over merely finding the Visitor Center, a place to stay, or even just a spot to park. For first-timers, their initial impressions of Yosemite can quickly change to confusion and frustration. Whatever your Yosemite experience may be, we ask you to feel a sense of ownership and take part in protecting the Valley for the future and for the common good. That opportunity is before you today.

This Planning Update shows you how to get directly involved. The Draft Yosemite Valley Plan was released to the public on April 7 and will be open for comments until early July. Check out the schedule and plan to attend a public meeting where you can talk one-on-one with the planning team or present your comments at the public hearing. If you visit the park you may wish to stop by the Visitor Center where presentations will be held daily and comments can be received. Or see our web site at www.nps.gov/yose/planning.

Today, Yosemite's future is in your hands -- literally. Without your scrutiny and thoughtful comments, we simply cannot produce a good plan. With your help we can make this a better plan and begin to move forward on actions that will make your future visits more rewarding.

The choices won't be easy, but ask yourself, "What hard choices am I willing to make for the good of future generations?"

Sincerely,

David A. Mihalic
Park Superintendent

Building a Better Plan
Over 2,500 comments were received during the public involvement period for the Draft Merced River Plan. Issues raised may direct revision of the final plan.

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 David Siegenthaler, Tina Ogawa, Mark Harvey, and John Reynolds.