Yosemite National Park was established on October 1, 1890. Yosemite National Park has a rich history behind it and a bright future ahead. With protection there are many species of plant and wildlife that have been preserved and are thriving in this hallowed area.

The native people of Yosemite developed a complex culture rich in tradition, religion, songs, and political affiliations. Making use of the varied local ecosystems, they used plant and animal resources to the best of their abilities. The pattern of oaks and grassland noted by early visitors to Yosemite Valley is probably a direct result of the intentional burning of underbrush practiced by native people.

Today visitation to Yosemite National Park is around 5 million visitors annually. Visitation exceeded one million in 1954 for the first time, and by 1976 over two million people visited Yosemite. In the early 1970s, the National Park Service established one-way road traffic patterns, eliminated cars in the far east end of the Valley, offered free shuttle bus transportation in the Valley, converted the parking lot in front of the Valley Visitor Center to a pedestrian mall, and generally encouraged visitors to enjoy the park by walking or using public transportation. This is one of the many ways that Yosemite National Park is able to protect the precious commodities it holds.

For more information on YOSEMITE NATIONALl PARK log on to: www.nationalparkreservations.com.