Dear Mr. Dean:
Upon learning of your decision to retire this summer (2024), I felt a wave of disappointment sweep over me considering the broad range of successful projects completed in Yosemite since you have been President and CEO of the Yosemite Conservancy. I am certain that all members of the Conservancy hope that your successor will provide a similar level of leadership and vision that you have displayed.
Thank you for your efforts to steer the Conservancy in a professional manner amidst challenging times unlike any faced by California and the entire nation. Not only have you been able to spearhead the acquisition of funds for many important projects, but you and the Board have prioritized those projects in a way that has produced great impact. Seeing the completion of the Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project must also have been a proud moment for you. Not surprisingly, its popularity prevented me from viewing it during my Memorial Day visit to Yosemite this year (no parking spots), but I will attempt again during my August visit.
I understand the difficulty you had in specifying one of your “proudest accomplishments” during your tenure as president and CEO as noted in the 2024 Spring/Summer issue of the Yosemite Conservancy Magazine (page 23). So much has been successfully achieved within that time period. As for myself, I especially appreciate the revamping of the Mariposa Grove. It‘s the number one destination that I take friends who are visiting the Park for the first time.
The elevated trail where the parking lot once intruded upon the Grove now provides an excellent view of the impact of the improved hydrology. The vibrant greenery supersedes a thousand times the asphalt roadway that once existed. Long gone are the exhaust fumes from the trams that shuttled so many of us visitors around the lower and upper groves. Speaking of fumes, I still remember the crowded vault toilets that visitors did their best to navigate during the summer months. What a remarkable upgrade in comfort the restrooms now provide, both at the Grove and at the Welcome Plaza. Thank you!
As a Conservancy donor, I do have a request that I would like you to consider prior to taking your leave in retirement. I hope you will view it objectively, and, at minimum, make it known to the Board and the next President of the Conservancy for future discussion. I believe the Yosemite Conservancy should move its headquarters out of the city of San Francisco (and surrounding municipalities) that benefit from the O’Shaughnessy Dam.
This request primarily stems from the advocacy that the Yosemite Conservancy does on behalf of the Park. For example, in the 2023 Spring/Summer Issue of the Yosemite Conservancy Magazine, focus is given to the “almost 3,000 meadows” found in the Park. As it states on page 12, even though meadows make up only “3% of the park’s total area . . . They contain 50% of Yosemite’s biodiversity, and half of all the plant and animal species in Yosemite depend on meadows for their survival.”
That’s significant. Additionally, the Conservancy stated in that issue regarding its mission, “We strive to support the restoration of Yosemite and make amends for past wrongs.” (page 13) Although prominent San Francisco politicians continue to deny the existence and magnitude of those “past wrongs” in regard to the desecration of Hetch Hetchy Valley following the construction of O’Shaughnessy Dam on public lands (see Part 1 and Part 2 of the article “Leave No Trace, San Francisco!”), three former Yosemite Superintendents correctly state that the Dam is “the greatest blemish in all our national parks.” – National Park Traveler, 8/20/2017 (Retrieved 6-20-24).
John Muir’s outspokenness against that “wrong” was highlighted when he characterized the San Francisco lobbyists who pushed through the Raker Act in 1913 as prevaricators (and “temple destroyers”), saying, “Few of their statements are even partly true, and all are misleading.” -- John Muir, The Yosemite, Ch. 16 (New York: Century, 1912)
The Conservancy’s presence in San Francisco gives the appearance of being an enabler, or, worse yet, an accessory to the denial of the “past wrongs.” We honor the ongoing work done by those assisting with resources and time to restore Ackerson Meadow. Yet, when will words take shape to defend and restore the “flowery meadows” of Hetch Hetchy where “birds, bees, and, butterflies help the river and waterfalls to stir all the air into music”? -- John Muir, The Yosemite, Ch. 16 (New York: Century, 1912)
I realize the challenge this request brings in regard to donors and the long-standing network and contacts made in the San Francisco area. No doubt you, Mr. Dean, might initially find the notion of leaving San Francisco preposterous. Your roots in the City run deep, having received your undergraduate and graduate degrees from San Francisco State University and from the University of San Francisco, respectively. Your six successful years as superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area are well documented along with your other accomplishments and achievements in the Bay Area.
Nevertheless, my research suggests that the Conservancy’s location in San Francisco stems merely from convenience and influence rather than any forethought. After the San Francisco firm Lavender/Rice Consultants recommended the formation of the Superintendent’s Special Committee in 1986, which later became the Yosemite Foundation (i.e., the Yosemite Fund), Byron Nishkian of San Francisco, a colleague of consultant David Rice, became the chair of the Committee! From that point forward, a cadre of San Franciscans dominated the Yosemite Fund (e.g., Richard Peterson, Mary Lou Edmundson, Susan Singer, Ellie Nishkian, etc.). That probably would not fall under the category of “inclusivity.” Once the Yosemite Foundation was incorporated in 1988, the 155 Montgomery Street address embedded itself in the Conservancy’s culture (was any thought given to leaving the City when moving to the current address?).
As a donor, I believe a change of location is a reasonable request given the Conservancy’s mission of calling for a righting of “past wrongs.” It may take another century for the restoration of Hetch Hetchy to occur, but your contributions to initiating it would likely still be remembered when the Yosemite Conservancy celebrates its second centennial.
I will close by making it clear that I understand that almost all Californians benefit from the Sierra snowpack. The waters of the Tuolumne River have sustained me many times while trekking through the Yosemite wilderness (although always before they reach the reservoir). Drinking the water is not the issue. Desecration of public lands and taking from all and calling it one’s own is. The Conservancy can begin to address these “wrongs” by separating itself from their origin. Perhaps that will initiate the beginning of the restoration of the Hetch Hetchy meadow. Perhaps that will renew hope of hearing again the sound of life in “all the air” get stirred “into music” in “nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” – John Muir, The Yosemite, Ch. 16 (New York: Century, 1912)
Thank you again for your devotion to Yosemite National Park. I wish you the best in your retirement.
Sincerely,
YosemiteMe
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