Electronic Newsletter, January 13, 2012

Open House January 25, 2012
Join park staff on Wednesday, January 5, 2012, to talk about ongoing plans and projects. Representatives from the Mariposa Grove Restoration Project, Half Dome, Merced River Plan, and others will be on hand to provide updates. Wilderness Rangers will also answer questions about the 2012 Interim Permit Program for the Half Dome Cables.

The open house is from 1 to 4 pm in the Auditorium located behind the Valley Visitor Center. Park Entrance fees are waived for attendees.

2012 Interim Permit Program for the Half Dome Cables
Yosemite National Park will require day-use permits seven days per week for climbing the Half Dome cables during the summer 2012 season. This is an extension of the interim permit system that was implemented beginning in 2010 to address crowding and safety issues on the cables.

Applications for permits will be available from March 1 through March 31. The park will allocate permits through a preseason lottery, a two-day in advance lottery, and as part of the Wilderness Permit process. Details regarding the lotteries and the wilderness process can be found at the park's website at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm. The lottery will be conducted through www.recreation.gov.

The park is expecting to release the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) later this winter. This document will address use on the trail and the cables and provide alternatives on a permanent management plan for the Half Dome cables. The park strongly encourages public comment on the plan during the formal comment period.

Yosemite National Park will provide more detailed information regarding the Day Use Permit lotteries and other pertinent information about the Half Dome Trail soon.