Long-Range Interpretive Plan

73 Pages·2012·28.16 MB·English

Long-Range
Interpretive Plan
Yosemite National Park
February 2012
Interpretation in Yosemite:
A Short Photo Essay
ust
Tr
ffrey
© Je
National Park Service Interpretation began in Yosemite in 1920,
and park rangers, like the late Bob Fry, have introduced millions
of visitors to the wonders of this iconic place.
The purpose of Interpretation and Education in
the National Park Service is to provide memorable,
meaningful, and inspirational experiences related
to the parks and strengthen public understanding
of the full meaning and relevance of the nation’s
natural and cultural resources.
NPS Interpretation and Education Business Plan, 2006
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Visitors can learn about early Yosem-
ite residents, geologic processes, and more while in the Exhibit Hall.
Visiting photographers enhance their skills through a class Park partners and staff discuss goals, themes, and outcomes
taught by The Ansel Adams Gallery. of Yosemite Interpretation and Education during a
Comprehensive Interpretive Plan workshop.
Shaping the future of Yosemite Interpretation;
Comprehensive Interpretive Plan development process,
Yosemite Valley, 2008.
The park exists to preserve both the resources and
dynamic processes that contribute to Yosemite’s
attractiveness including its scenic beauty, outstanding
wilderness values, nearly full diversity of Sierra
Nevada environments, evidence of the geologic
processes that formed the Sierra Nevada, and cultural
resources—both historic and prehistoric.
Rangers Sharon Miyako and Gary Wuchner engage
Statement for Management (SFM), 1994
young visitors during National Junior Ranger Day.
Partnering with our neighbors; video production in Bodie
with a focus on archeology.
Yosemite Leadership Program intern Viridiana Marcial A journey through time across the Wawona Covered Bridge in the Pi-
conducts social science research in Wawona. oneer Yosemite History Center with Burrel Maier, NPS Stage Driver.
ociates
Ass
ne
o
Leslie St
©
Deaf Services intern Janelle Butler interprets a Valley Floor
Tram Tour for park visitors (Tunnel View).
A young visitor takes a self-guided tour through the Yosemite Leadership Program intern Billy Mayse
restored Indian Village. at work doing meadow restoration.
Students experience Cook’s Meadow first-hand during a A Yosemite Conservancy educator leads an immersive
Outdoor Adventures program in Yosemite Valley.
class with environmental educators from NatureBridge
(Yosemite Valley).
Visitors explore the past through historic images in the A concession interpreter invites families in Wawona to
Yosemite Museum Gallery, 2010. role play and learn more about Yosemite’s wildlife.
Long-Range
Interpretive Plan
for
Yosemite National Park
PART one:
FoundATion FoR PlAnning

YoSeMiTe nATionAl PARK
FeBRuARY 2012
Table of Contents
Comprehensive Interpretive Planning 17
Introduction to the Long-Range Interpretive Plan 19
Part one: Foundation for Planning 23
Park Purpose 24
Resource Significance 25
Interpretive Themes 28
Management Goals for Interpretation and Education 48
Visitation and Audience Characteristics 57
Audience Experience Goals 72
Employee and Visitor Safety 75
Interpretive Partner Roles and Responsibilities 77
Yosemite’s Interpretive Management Team 83
Appendix A: Core Planning Team and Consultants 79
Appendix B: NPS Interpretation and Education Logic Model 81
Part Two: Recommendations for Yosemite’s Interpretive
and Educational Programming
Yosemite Inspires the World 5
Issues Affecting Interpretation 7
Pattern of Recommendations 14
1. Reaching People in their Home Communities 15
© 2012
2. Reaching People in Gateway Communities 21
Yosemite National Park
3. Reaching People at Park Entrances and Boundaries 28
P.O. Box 577
4. Reaching People at Yosemite’s Key Destinations 31
Yosemite, CA 95389
5. General Operational Recommendations 47
Tom Medema
Chief, Interpretation & Education Part Three: Annual Implementation Plan
DVD: Foundation, Recommendations, and Interpretive Database
Funding for this project has been provided by
the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, an agency of the State of California.
Long RAngE InTERPRETIVE PLAn 17
Comprehensive
Interpretive Planning
The Comprehensive Interpretive Plan (CIP) for Yosemite is a vision for desired
visitor experiences as well as a blueprint for the Division of Interpretation
and Education’s role in resource protection at the park. The CIP is comprised
of three components:
n Long-Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP)
This five-to-ten-year plan is the backbone of the CIP and identifies existing
and desired future conditions for Interpretation and Education in Yosemite.
n Annual Implementation Plan
Following the mandates set forth in the LRIP, this annual implementation
of recommendations fulfills the vision of the long-range plan.
n Interpretive Database
This comprehensive database of planning documents, inventories,
interpretive program outlines, research resources, volunteer program
policies and operational resources and more is a critical resource for
interpretive and educational operations in the park.
The CIP is meant to be a living work plan, used by interpreters, educators, managers,
planners, designers, and anyone else with responsibility for sharing Yosemite’s
stories with the world. The CIP’s foundational purpose is to facilitate people’s
connection with Yosemite and its cultural and natural resources, inspiring a life-
long commitment to their stewardship and preservation. What follows is the
heart of the CIP, the Long-Range Interpretive Plan.
NOTE: The DVD version of this plan contains enhanced content including the
digital Interpretive Database along with audio, video, photographs and more that
are meant to illustrate best practices and inspire creativity and innovation.