Yosemite National Park Announces Public Meetings Regarding Scoping for Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan

Date: May 27, 2010

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announces that Yosemite National Park is preparing an environmental assessment to plan for the long-term stewardship of the Half Dome Trail. The purpose of this plan is to provide stewardship of wilderness character and also improve visitor safety. Your experience, knowledge, and diverse perspectives are essential to our success.

Public meetings will be held on the following dates at the following locations:

• June 5, 2010 4-8 pm  Fresno REI, 7801 North Blackstone Ave. Fresno, CA
• June 16, 2010 4-8 pm  Berkeley REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA
   

The plan addresses the current conditions on Half Dome and the trail leading to the cables.  Impacts that have been noted include:

• Vegetation damage and soil loss on and near the trail corridor, including many sections that are very wide and deeply eroded.
• Habituation of wildlife along the trail corridor, and particularly at the summit and Subdome, from improper food storage and feeding.
• Threats to a population of the Mt. Lyell Salamander, a California Species of Special Concern.
• Severe crowding on the Subdome, summit and cables, including long lines to use the cables.
• High volume of visitors utilizing the trail and cables.

Public participation is integral for the success of this plan. The public comment period for the Interim Program for the Half Dome Day Use Permits runs from May 26 to June 25, 2010.  To submit comments on this topic, contact the park by any of the following means:
Mail:  Superintendent 
 Attn: Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan EA
 P.O. Box 577
 Yosemite, CA 95389   
Fax: [phone]

Visit the park website and link to PEPC website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/yose