YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK MAY BE EXPANDING

Congress may enlarge Yosemite National Park

WASHINGTON, D.C.

• Bill would add 1,600 acres on western side
• “Yosemite’s popularity is also its greatest challenge”
Proposed acquisition area

A proposal that would expand Yosemite National Park to include nearly 1,600 acres of land that were originally intended for inclusion has been introduced in Congress by Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and California’s two Democratic Senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.

The “Yosemite National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2013” would adjust the park’s current boundary to protect its western border from potentially problematic and costly development.

“Yosemite is a national treasure and preserving these lands will help maintain the integrity of the park for generations to come,” says Mr. Costa.
“But Yosemite’s popularity is also its greatest challenge,” says Ms. Feinstein. “New development in Yosemite West would increase the threat of fire, habitat fragmentation and degradation of creeks that flow into the park.”

The bill would specifically authorize the voluntary sale of lands within the new boundary to the National Park Service. The legislation does not authorize additional funds for the purchase of the adjacent land in Mariposa County.

Last week, the California state Senate approved a resolution urging the adoption of legislation to add the 1,600 acres to the park.