Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: November 9, 2000

Contact: John Wright 202/208-6416
Scott Gediman 209/372-0248

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Babbitt to Announce Final Plan to
Restore Yosemite Valley

On Tuesday, November 14, 2000, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will travel to Yosemite National Park to announce the Final Yosemite Valley Plan and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The landmark plan focuses on the restoration of Yosemite Valley and provides a high-quality experience for visitors.

"We are making changes that will return Yosemite Valley to a place of breathtaking beauty," said Babbitt. "This plan will ensure that visitors will spend more time enjoying the park while taking steps to preserve Yosemite Valley."

Secretary Babbitt will brief media on the details of the final plan and discuss his vision for the future of Yosemite National Park. The final plan is based on the broad goals of the park's 1980 General Management Plan. The plan provides a framework to restore degraded areas and reduce development within the Merced River ecosystem and gridlock resulting from automobile congestion.

Who: Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt
Superintendent Yosemite National Park, David Mihalic

Park Rangers and subject matter experts

What: Announcement of Final Plan to Restore Yosemite Valley and tour of Yosemite Valley

When: Tuesday, November 14, 2000, 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. (all times local)

Where:Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View parking area, Highway 41

Why: To restore and preserve Yosemite Valley

Editor Note: Interested media will have an opportunity for one-on-one interviews with the Secretary and park officials during the YARTS bus tour of Yosemite Valley. Copies of the final plan and B-roll video footage (Beta format) relating to the plan will be available on site only.

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