Yosemite National Park sets an high standard for conservation of priceless natural places around the world, but stewardship of the great park is fraught with controversey. Preserving nature's scenery, wildlife, and plants is matched in a tense contest against profit-driven tourism.

Beginning in 1864, when President Abraham Lincoln sought to secure Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias from the worst excesses of human assault, the contest has been underway to the present day. This book takes the reader on a journey from early discovery of the great park to hope that Yosemite will be a superb natural gift for future generations.

Along the way, readers will meet pathfinders and rock climbers, the Queen of England, participate in a high mountain rescue under the most severe conditions, struggle against commercialism and overuse, and witness a superintendent getting fired from his job. The purpose of this book is to persuade all owners of Yosemite -- meaning all U.

S. citizens -- to stand in defense of national parks, and the precious natural world beyond.

This is Your Yosemite. .