OverviewIn spring 2026 the National Park Service (NPS) finalized an environmental assessment (EA) that created a framework for gathering plants and plant parts for traditional purposes by federally recognized Tribal members traditionally associated with Yosemite National Park. The EA evaluated the potential environmental effects associated with traditional plant gathering. Two alternatives were analyzed: Alternative A (No Action), under which plant gathering for traditional purposes would not occur, and Alternative B (Proposed Action), under which the National Park Service would enter into an agreement with the Traditionally Associated Tribes to allow sustainable, limited gathering supported by monitoring and mitigation measures. As of April 2026, Yosemite National Park has reached a finding of no significant impact in the environmental assessment. Next steps include signing agreements with the Traditionally Associated Tribes to issue special use permits for plant gathering within the park. Pursuant to NPS policy, S.O. 3434, and many other authorities, Yosemite National Park consults and conducts co-stewardship with all the Traditionally Associated Tribes. The park recognizes the importance of continuing the Tribes’ long-standing stewardship traditions that have been historically restricted due to government policies and unratified treaties. 
NPS (left) / Jonathan Micon (middle) / Shona Medinas (right) Background and HistoryFor millennia humans have lived in, interacted with, and stewarded the landscapes in what today is known as Yosemite National Park. Tribes’ creation stories are tied to the landscape of Yosemite. The descendants of the first people maintain connections to the landscape through customary activities rooted in the traditions and histories of the Tribes, including gathering plants for ceremonial use or sustenance. Yosemite National Park maintains a long-standing and ongoing relationship with the Traditionally Associated Tribes, regularly engaging in consultation and collaboration, including: Bishop Paiute Tribe, Bridgeport Indian Colony, Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe of California and Nevada, North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation (also known as American Indian Council of Mariposa County), and Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Prior to the creation of this environmental assessment, removal or disturbance of plants or plant parts in the park was prohibited, except where authorized in the Superintendent’s Compendium. The uncertain access to park lands for traditional practices impacted the transfer of cultural practices between generations. Yosemite National Park actively works with the Traditionally Associated Tribes to continue to strengthen relationships and develop collaborative strategies that demonstrate shared interests in managing, conserving, and preserving park resources. In 2016, The National Park Service (NPS) issued regulations (36 CFR 2.6) allowing park units to negotiate and enter into agreements with federally recognized Tribes for the gathering of plants or plant parts. The NPS had to evaluate potential effects from gathering plants by traditional Tribal methods before entering into agreements. Purpose and Need for this PlanThis environmental assessment (EA) establishes a framework through which members of Tribes traditionally associated with Yosemite National Park may gather plants and plant parts for traditional purposes. The plan is needed to protect park resources, ensure cultural continuance in association with Tribal gathering and traditional knowledge, and comply with 36 CFR § 2.6 - Gathering of Plants or Plant Parts by Federally Recognized Indian Tribes. A plant gathering request on behalf of the Tribes traditionally associated with Yosemite National Park was initiated by the Bridgeport Indian Colony in August of 2022. This project lays the groundwork for a plant gathering agreement which will help ensure Tribes can collect native plant material legally, sustainably, and in a traditional manner that protects and enhances Tribal cultures and park resources. As of the writing of this EA, Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation and the Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe of California and Nevada have not been federally recognized. Both non-federally recognized Tribes have made significant contributions to developing this gathering agreement. Yosemite National Park initiated conversations with the Traditionally Associated Tribes to define an alternative avenue for working with non-federally recognized Tribes to help maintain access to traditional gathering practices. The park acknowledges the enduring and significant ties all Traditionally Associated Tribes have with Yosemite and does not intend for this EA to alter existing and ongoing collaboration with non-federally recognized Tribes or diminish Tribal members' access to traditional practices. 
Planning Timeline and Public Outreach for Finalized PlanThe schedule for planning milestones and additional opportunities for public review and input were as follows: Planning Timeline for Finalized Plan
Public Outreach for Finalized PlanEngaging with the public was an important part of this planning process and was essential when exploring management alternatives. Public Engagement During the Planning Process
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Last updated: October 19, 2026