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| At Odds Over Yosemite Valley Campsites |
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The National Park Service is planning to relocate
campsites that flooded in 1997 out of Yosemite Valley
and restore the riverside to natural conditions for the
public to visit. But campers want this prime turf
back.
Park officials say campsites can be replaced in other
locations of the park, mostly outside the valley. What's
more important, they say, is that the land nestled in
these oxbows of the Merced River is ripe with natural
significance.
For some campers and some residents of surrounding
communities, the campground issues symbolize decades
of independence, family tradition, and recreation history
that many feel could be unfairly scuttled in the name of
preservation.
The matter has become so political that Rep. George
Radanovich, R-Mariposa, has decided to get involved.
He is asking Congress to authorize new campsites and
more parking in Yosemite Valley, steps that could
circumvent key elements of park plans already in place.
To read about Radanovich's position and proposed
legislation, click here.
To read more about the campsite controversy... »
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| Buffalo Soldier Poster Now Available |
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The Yosemite Association has just issued this
handsome reproduction of a historic photograph
capturing several African-American infantry soldiers of
the U.S. Army, known as buffalo soldiers, in Yosemite,
when the park was still administered by our country's
military. It was this image that inspired Ranger Shelton
Johnson to research and develop his award-winning
buffalo soldier living history program.
From 1891 to 1914, U.S. Army soldiers patrolled the
high country of the Sierra Nevada in Yosemite, Sequoia,
and General Grant (Kings Canyon) National Parks. In
Yosemite, the troops were based in Wawona, near the
southern boundary of the park, and at Sequoia, the
military was stationed just outside the park in Three
Rivers.
This image is part of the photographic holdings of the
Yosemite Museum in Yosemite National Park. The print
is made from the original 5 inch x 7 inch glass negative
taken by Celia Crocker Thompson on June 12, 1899.
The poster is 20 inches x 16 inches and printed in color
using the giclee process.
The new Sierra Buffalo Soldier poster retails for
$15, but with their 15% discount, Yosemite
Association members can purchase it now for only
$12.75!
To purchase the Sierra Buffalo Soldier poster... »
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| Yosemite Association Birthday Party in Fresno! |
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The Yosemite Association invites you to celebrate our
80th Anniversary at a special "historical" birthday
party in Fresno on Sunday, August 17. The
evening at the Fresno Metropolitan Museum will feature
private showings of "The Epic Landscape of California"
exhibition and a selection of Ansel Adams photographs,
and a presentation on the history of the Yosemite
Association by president Steve Medley.
The highlight of the event will be a special "living
history" program by Yosemite park ranger Shelton
Johnson on the "Buffalo Soldiers of the Sierra."
Johnson became interested in these African-American
troopers several years ago when he discovered an 1899
photograph of a group of them on horseback on their
way to serve in Yosemite for the summer.
Johnson became so absorbed by the Buffalo Soldier
story that he has taken on the persona of one of them,
and gives presentations at schools throughout
California. His presentation is part story, part music,
part living history of people he calls "the shadow
soldiers."
The celebration is scheduled for August 17, 2003,
between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Fresno
Metropolitan Museum, 1515 Van Ness Avenue
(for directions visit www.fresnomet.org or call 559-441-
1444). The cost is $20 for Yosemite Association
members and $25 for non-members (including
admission to the museum). Wine, soft drinks, and light
hors
d'oeuvres will be served. Due to space limitations,
only 150 attendees can be accommodated.
To sign up for the party, please call (209) 379-2646
by August 11.
We extend special thanks to our friends at the Fresno
office of Merrill Lynch, whose generous
donation made this event possible.
To read more about Shelton Johnson and the Sierra Buffalo Soldiers... »
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| New Y.A.-Logo Vest Looks Sharp (and It's Warm) |
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The Yosemite Association has just developed a
great new Polartec® vest that's embroidered
with our 80th anniversary logo. Manufactured for us by
Chuck Roast of New Hampshire, the Cascade-
style vest is one of the most versatile items of clothing
for the outdoors, and a great piece for all seasons.
Whether you layer up on the slopes or throw it on over
a T-shirt at the lake, this will prove to be one of your
favorite wardrobe choices - especially with its plush
feel and the colorful Y.A. logo. It's made of Polartec®
200 from Malden Mills in a full zip unisex style with front
hand-warmer pockets.
The vest is navy blue in color with an embroidered logo
that's 2.5 by 3.5 inches, a charcoal gray collar, a
hemmed bottom, and a silver zipper. It is available in S,
M, L, XL, and XXL sizes.
You can help us celebrate our 80 years in Yosemite by
sporting one of these Y.A.-logo vests. As always, Y.A.
members receive a 15% discount and can
purchase this $49.95 vest for only $42.46.
To purchase Y.A.-logo vest... »
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| Y.A. 80th Anniversary Event in Yosemite |
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The Yosemite Association will celebrate 80 years of
service to the park on August 4th of this year with
a special anniversary event in Yosemite Valley to
commemorate the organization's eight decades of
partnership with the National Park Service in Yosemite.
Members and friends are invited to join us at 1
p.m. outside the Yosemite Museum to hear addresses
by representatives of the Yosemite Association board
and staff, the National Park Service, and the Yosemite
community. We also will present anniversary gifts to
the Yosemite Museum, and serve birthday cake!
Yosemite's oldest non-profit support group, originally
known as the Yosemite Museum Association, was
organized as the first cooperating association in the
national park system in 1923. There are now nearly 70
similar organizations, modeled on the association, in
national parks throughout the country.
The Yosemite Association is proud of its
accomplishments over the past 80 years, and looks
forward to making even greater contributions to the
park in the new century. We hope you'll be able to
be with us as we celebrate our achievements on
August 4th. For more information, call (209) 379-2646.
For a news release about Y.A.'s anniversary event...
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