in this issue
	Yosemite Birding Festival Planned! Is There a Carrying Capacity for Yosemite Valley? Bargain Price on Fine Printing of Olmsted Report Special Lodging & Dining Offer for YA Members Lots of Volunteer Opportunities in Yosemite in 2004

Is There a Carrying Capacity for Yosemite Valley?

The National Park Service, environmentalists, visitors, and businesses around Yosemite have discussed the familiar Yosemite question for decades: How many people can visit this national park without ruining the experience for one another? A federal appeals court told the Park Service the time has come to answer. Last fall, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Yosemite officials must figure out how many people can use the Merced River, part of which runs through the heart of Yosemite Valley. Park planners must come up with a "carrying capacity" for visitors at the Merced. The capacity may involve the 7-square-mile valley as well, since the river is the central feature in this glacial valley. But no matter what limits are set, somebody is bound to argue about them. Lawsuits and political battles have greeted every significant turn of Yosemite park planning for many decades. Researchers say they can help the Park Service by establishing people's preferences while determining how much protection nature needs. The approach has worked at Acadia National Park in Maine and Arches National Park in Utah. "It's part science, part art," says Robert Manning, a University of Vermont professor who specializes in studying visitorship at national parks, including Yosemite. "What kind of experience should Yosemite be providing?" To learn more about the process of determining Yosemite's carrying capacity... »

Bargain Price on Fine Printing of Olmsted Report

When Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove were set aside as a public reserve by the federal government in 1864, the State of California was charged with creating a commission to administer the new grant. Frederick Law Olmsted was delegated the job of preparing a report and the policy which should govern the management of the grant. This limited edition, finely printed version of the classic and seminal Yosemite work published by the Yosemite Association was the first edition of the report made available to the public for over 100 years. The book was printed letterpress on Rives Heavyweight paper, illustrated with three specially-commissioned drawings by Wayne Thiebaud, and hand bound in paper over boards with a linen spine. The edition was limited to 400 copies, 150 of which were signed by Ms. Ranney and Mr. Thiebaud. Only 70 unsigned copies are now available. This collector quality edition originally sold for $85 and is being offered this winter for only for $50. No membership discount applies. This a great opportunity to pick up this important and beautiful volume at a bargain price. To purchase the finely-printed Olmsted report... »

Special Lodging & Dining Offer for YA Members

Our friends at DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite are offering YA members a special that's good from now until March 31. Book a two-night stay between January 30 and March 31, 2004 at either The Ahwahnee ($499) or Yosemite Lodge ($229) and get a complimentary dinner for two at The Ahwahnee Dining Room or The Mountain Room Restaurant. The complimentary dinner for two features your choice of soup or salad, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Choose from a broad selection of chefs specialities and Yosemite favorites. Dinner location is dependent upon your lodging selection. This complimentary dinner offer is valid for this package only. When booking use special offer code: APPRECIATION. Offer subject to availability and is not valid for Saturday night stays or February 15 through 20, 2004. Price is inclusive of dinner gratuities, but does not include local occupancy tax. To book this special offer, call the DNC reservation office at (559) 253-5684. Don't forget to use the special code to receive this exclusive offer. For more information about DNC lodging and dining... »

Lots of Volunteer Opportunities in Yosemite in 2004

You can help make a difference in Yosemite this year by volunteering your time. The Yosemite Association offers its members unique volunteer opportunities in a number of different areas. YA work groups have conducted rare plant surveys and restored wilderness areas on week-long service trips. Some of our volunteers spend a month greeting visitors at the Yosemite Museum, introducing the visitor center orientation film, and helping visitors plan their trips at information stations in the park. Volunteering in the park allows you to give something back to Yosemite while experiencing its grandeur. Last year, more than 100 YA volunteers contributed thousands of hours of service to crucial projects and programs. With the decline of visitation and sales revenues in the park, the role of volunteers has become even greater in the park and with our organization. This year there are volunteer programs for a month or more in Wawona, Yosemite Valley, and Tuolumne Meadows, volunteer positions with the National Park Service, help needed at Big Oak Flat Visitor Center and the Fresno Airport store, and five full volunteer work weeks. It's your chance to help us help Yosemite. For more info and volunteer applications... »