Visitor Access Management Plan - Virtual Public Meeting

On January 17, 2023, Yosemite hosted the first public meeting for the Visitor Access Management Plan. This is a recording of the meeting in which the public was able to learn about the plan and how to get involved in the planning process.

[stevevallotton]

I am a local resident in Groveland CA. In my opinion the reservation system last summer was a total disaster for local people trying to travel over highway 120. I have enjoyed going over Highway 120 to explore the communities in and around the high Sierras for fifty years. the money I spend along the route helps to support local economies. I pay fuel tax, local and state taxes that help operate and maintain the rest of the roads connecting to the highways through Yosemite National park. As a U.S. citizen I also help to support YNP with federal taxes.I should be able to pass through my local area without having to have a reservation. Locals going through Yosemite over highway 120 would have an absolute minimal impact on traffic on that road. YNP belongs to local people too and it’s always about how YNP can find a way to squeeze another nickel out of you while always catering to the international community that doesn’t spend a dime on local, state or federal income tax. It would be helpful to have the rangers at the gates to ALL HAVE THE SAME STORY on if and when we can travel across the road. I have finally retired and have my Senior pass card but have been told that if it’s lost I have to pay full price to replace it! That is totally ridiculous in todays world. Seems like another way to milk a few bucks out of elderly people who have been supporting the National park system throughout their entire careers. I worked and payed taxes for well over forty years. Increase the fees for foreigners as they pay none of the other taxes. Let Americans enjoy these national parks as WE HAVE PAID FOR THEM AND OWN THEM!. You people own no more of it than I do so please stop acting like it belongs to park rangers, it doesn’t.

[bustinwheels]

I am a frequent visitor of YNP. I've been going to Yosemite for 42 years, every year and now volunteer in the park with both NPS and YC. I have seen many changes and the crowding is the most significant along with the line of cars. We have a lot of people on this earth and I don't think that will ever change, so we will keep getting more and more visitors. I'm from Southern California where we keep adding more lanes to our freeways, but that's only because our population of 45 + million people living in this state and tourists keep coming. That's good, but I think more roads, more campgrounds, more hiking trails, and honestly, adding bike trails would be extremely helpful to get people out of their cars. Also, adding cellphone towers for emergencies would be a good idea too. I will voice my ideas and opinion before 2-3-2023, officially. Thank you for inviting the public! Sincerely, a Yosemite fanatic!