Expand Yosemite National Park?
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Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite, CA -- A bill is circulating in Washington, DC that would noticeably expand Yosemite National Park.
The legislation which could lead to the purchase of over 1,500 acres in Mariposa County is authored by California Democratic Congressman Jim Costa. It authorizes the National Park Service to expand the western boundary of the park by purchasing several parcels. Around half of the land is owned by the non-profit Pacific Forest Trust. The organization has released a statement in support of the plan, indicating that it has bipartisan support.
"Co-sponsors of the bill come from both sides of the aisle, with Reps. Jeff Denham (R-CA 19th), Mike Thompson (D-CA 1st) and Dan Lungren (R-CA 3rd) all signing on," reads the statement from the organization.
The Pacific Forest Trust purchased the land many years ago with the hope of preventing development near Yosemite.
Many details have not yet been released, and the bill faces plenty of hurdles before it would be implemented. The next step is for the legislation to be heard in a House Subcommittee on national forests, parks and public lands. It is noted that the park is currently just over 761,000 acres.
Congressman Denham has also introduced legislation to purchase 18 acres for a new Yosemite Visitors Center and Administrative facility. To read the earlier article, click here.
Written by BJ Hansen
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