Ackerson Meadow, between Highway 120 and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, is undergoing a rebirth
Yosemite National Park is famous for towering waterfalls, giant sequoia trees and massive granite cliffs. But at an out-of-the-way spot near the park’s western boundary that few visitors ever see, a landmark of a different type is taking shape.
The work, by crews overseen by Yosemite managers, began last year and is scheduled to finish next summer. The goal is to restore natural conditions not seen in the scenic meadow between Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance station and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir since before the 1880s, when cattle grazing, logging, and homesteading began there.
It was included in the original boundaries of the park in 1890, then removed a few years later when Congress made adjustments. Perched on the boundary of Yosemite and Stanislaus National Forest, it remained in private hands for more than a century. That year in an interview with the Associated Press, Robin Wainwright said his family had turned down a higher offer from developers who planned to build a resort there. He said the property bloomed with vibrant wildflowers in the spring, and he often saw bears wandering through the area and owls gliding overhead.
Shaun Crook, a board member of the Tuolumne County Farm Bureau, said in 2016 when Yosemite announced the deal that the property had been used for logging and to fatten beef cattle.Yosemite’s meadows are home to hundreds of plants and animal species. Only 3% of Yosemite is in meadows, but they are the location of one-third of all of the plant species found in the park, according to the National Park Service.
Meadows act as sponges, soaking up water, and allowing plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife to flourish. Cattle grazing, dirt road building, logging and other activities over the years caused the soil to be compacted. That led to erosion, which carved the deep gullies. Those lowered the water table, drying out the property.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lightning sparks fire at Zion National Park, reminders from National Park ServiceA lightning-sparked fire in Zion National Park sent smoke into the skies of Washington County and prompted the closure of a popular trail
Read more »
Yosemite National Park Seeking Final Opinions on New Reservation SystemThe Yosemite National Park officials are looking to the public for final comments on their new reservation system.
Read more »
Missing Hikers in Yosemite National Park Found Safe After Missing for Two DaysTwo hikers that went missing in the Yosemite National Park over the weekend were recently found safe.
Read more »
Missing hikers in Yosemite National Park found alive after 2-day searchMiguel Delgado, 63, and 40-year-old Ana Rodarte were found alive two days after going missing at Yosemite National Park in California, officials said.
Read more »
2 hikers in Yosemite National Park reported missingAna Rodarte, 40, and Miguel Delgado, 63, were reported missing after failing to return from a day hike at California's Yosemite National Park on Saturday.
Read more »
20-year-old woman dies after falling off Half Dome in Yosemite National ParkA grieving father is opening up about the devastating moment his daughter fell from Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and did not survive.
Read more »