Expanding Yosemite’s Legacy

Resolution Introduced in State Legislature

Environment California

Sacramento- The 150th anniversary of Yosemite’s original land grant—signed by Abraham Lincoln—is next year. Environment California is working to expand Yosemite National Park by 1,600 acres by the time it turns 150 and is sponsoring a resolution in the state Legislature that calls on Congress to use its authority to expand the park. State Senator Tom Berryhill, whose district includes Yosemite, has agreed to author the resolution.

“We look forward to seeing this resolution pass through the state Legislature and thank Sen. Berryhill for authoring this timely piece of legislation,” said Preservation Associate Mac Farrell. “However, it is up to Congress to make the final decision on Yosemite’s expansion and we urge our Congressional delegation to show leadership on this.”

Support for Yosemite’s expansion is widespread throughout the state Legislature and the public, and already 19 senators have joined on as co-authors, along with three assembly members. Environment California has also collected over 10,000 public comments in support of expanding Yosemite National Park.

The proposed 1,600 acre expansion would create an unbroken wildlife corridor between Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. The land was originally part of John Muir’s vision for Yosemite National Park, but was stripped away in the early 1900’s at the behest of the timber and railroad industries. Environment California aims to restore this swath of forest to Yosemite in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the park next year.