Originally Posted by
David_Senesac
I wasn't able to view the link because I refuse to be coerced to sign up to such news sites unless they are free. So instead poked around a bit and found the NPS environmental impact report from which I copied the below four brief sections:
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The existing viewing area in the North Lot consists of a narrow five-foot wide sidewalk,
which has not accommodated the level of visitor use of the overlook that has been
established for decades. Routinely, visitors to the overlook are forced into crowds of three to
five people deep (including photographers with tripods) to see the view of Yosemite Valley.
Consequently, visitors inadvertently and unknowingly step off the sidewalk and into the
lanes of the immediately adjacent roadway, and thus into oncoming traffic.
• Vegetation such as ponderosa pine and incense cedar have grown and increasingly obscured
much of the historic view, further limiting views of the valley. The encroaching vegetation
forces visitors to cluster into smaller viewing areas than have existed historically. In turn,
increased crowding and diminished enjoyment could occur."
South Lot Viewing Area
All Action Alternatives would include the establishment of a 560 square foot viewing area on the
north side of the South Lot. Three trees would be removed to restore the historic vista under all
Action Alternatives.
Vista Clearing
All Action Alternatives would include removal of approximately 20 trees ranging from 1-inch to
26-inch dbh to restore the view from the North Lot to its historic condition—completely open
and unobstructed. Three trees ranging from 10-inch to 20-inch dbh would be removed to clear
Alternatives
2-6 Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment
the view from the South Lot. Selective thinning of approximately 5-10 trees (ranging from 1-
inch to 18-inch dbh) would be removed along the Canyon View sidewalk and the Valley View
sidewalk.
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Personally as a photographer and frequent Yosmeite visitor over long years, this is good news to me. During the last couple years I've posted complaints about trees obscuring views at both Tunnel View and Valley View on a few web sites including the obscure Yosemite park site used by locals. As someone with a knack for debate, each time I crafted a reasonable though brief argument why they needed to take action. Invariably most of the respondees, with obvious small minded political correctness sensibilities, would condemn the idea of manipulating nature in any way. Despite the fact such viewing locations were fully built in a manipulated way and intended for general public viewing. However I knew my words would probably be read by some of the more pragmatic lurking park officials. So was later glad to see this project proposed. And I hope this same kind of considerate, reasonable, thinking will spread to other parks like say Great Smoky in the east where people still suffer while park officials hide fearing inane criticisms.
...David Senesac
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