2010 Autumn Winter -Yosemite Insider- Neubacher

Q&A WITH A YOSEMITE INSIDER:Superintendent Neubacher

Autumn . Winter 2010Issue 1

AUTUMN.WINTER 2010 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG01

Q&A

Don Neubacher was named Yosemite National Park’s new superintendent in February. Neubacher has been superin-tendent o f Po in t Reyes National Seashore where he served for 15 years. He also served as deputy general of the Presidio of San Francisco, chief of visitor services at Point Reyes, and a park r a n g e r a t G l a c i e r B a y National Park in Alaska.

Neubacher shares with us his experience of living and working in Yosemite and the value of nonprofit partnerships.

Q:: You’ve been on your new post for about six months now. What do you like best about living and working in Yosemite National Park?

A:: Yosemite is one of the most precious spots on the planet and inspires countless Americans every day. I believe the setting is so powerful it transforms visitors in a positive way about the importance of saving special places and their role in our quality of life. Also, the history of the park and its role in forming the overall National Park System in the United States and parks across the world is rich and colorful.By living here in a breathtaking setting, I hear a number of passionate stories about the park from sta� and vis i tors , and a l so v i ew some o f the mos t spec t acu l a r scenery on a daily basis. Could life be better? �e park continues to inspire me in many ways and I cannot think of another job in the National Park Service that could be as rewarding as the one I have here. I have also found that Yosemite has a sta� fully dedicated to outstanding public service and preserving the overall health of this park.

On a personal note, I love riding my bike in the evenings around the valley and over to campgrounds to have dinner with Yosemite Conservancy volunteers.

Superintendent Yosemite National Park – DON NEUBACHER

for the spirit and soul.”magical park is also good “Giving back to such a

INSIDER YOSEMITEWITH

AUTUMN.WINTER 2010 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG 02

Q:: How does the National Park Service benefit from a nonprofit partner like Yosemite Conservancy?

A:: �e National Park Service relies on park partners for resources and programs that may be outside the scope of the park service budget but are nonetheless important for preservation, protection, or the visitor experience. Many projects are only possible because of assistance from Yosemite Conservancy, including essential funding for research, ecological restoration, youth education, and wildlife preservation like the current songbird studies; or visitor services such as the new exhibits at the Nature Center at Happy Isles. �e Conservancy also plays a vital role in providing the public with legacy and stewardship opportunities through volunteer and donor programs.

Q:: The Conservancy has been providing support and fundraising for nearly 90 years in Yosemite. What are some of the biggest contributions it has provided for the park

A:: �e Yosemite Conservancy has been dedicated to providing for Yosemite’s future for almost as long as it has been a national park. It was originally known as Yosemite Natural History Association and was among the �rst cooperating associations in the National Park Service. �e Conservancy was founded in order to raise funds to build the �rst museum and research library in Yosemite. �e organization expanded under name of �e Yosemite Fund, which was responsible for funding 300 projects totaling over $60 million in support for the park. �ese projects included the re-introduction of threatened bighorn sheep; reaching tens of thousands of children through junior ranger programs; and restoration of the approach to Yosemite Falls.

Q:: Please describe how a partner like Yosemite Conservancy, which has a sta� and volunteers working alongside the National Park Service, can enhance a park’s visitor experience?

A:: Yosemite Conservancy sta� and volunteers are an integral part of the park’s daily operations and provide

resources for services which would otherwise not exist. For example, the Yosemite Conservancy is responsible for managing volunteer information booths and the performances at Yosemite �eater. Each year, these volunteers inspire and inform thousands of visitors that come to Yosemite. Simply put, these volunteers are a critical component of the park overall team, and I am continually impressed with every volunteer that I meet.

Q:: Yosemite Conservancy provides grants to the park based on requests passed along by National Park Service team members. How does your o�ce prioritize which proj-ects to ask for Conservancy funding each year?

A:: Each year, the Yosemite Conservancy generously provides the park with supplemental funding for critical projects that would never be accomplished with limited federal funding. �e park creates the proposed projects list by issuing a call for proposals to all sta� in the summer. For example, in 2010 the park received close to 70 proposals. �e projects are vetted by Division Chiefs and then sent to the Park’s Leadership Team for �nal prioritization based on the park’s strategic goals. After careful review, the senior team places each project on a priority list based on its importance to the park overall. �is year about 30 of these projects will receive some level of funding. �ese projects provide the park with a “margin of excellence” that would not be achieved with-out Conservancy support.

Q:: There is a major milestone approaching for Yosemite with the sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) of Congress setting aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove. Please share any news about how the park might be celebrating this event.

A:: �is year, the park is launching a major planning e�ort for the 150th Anniversary of the setting aside of the �rst public lands in the nation for preserving scenery for future generations--a watershed moment in the history of our nation. A multi-agency Sesquicentennial Task Force is being formed to plan for and organize this historic event.

YOSEMITE INSIDER

Q:: What advice would you give to a new park visitor so they can best enjoy their visit to Yosemite?

A:: Come to Yosemite in the early spring and fall to see the park in full color and glory. �e waterfalls are sensational in late May and early June. Also, once you arrive, park your car and walk or ride the free shuttle to all the awe-inspiring sites in Yosemite Valley. You should also plan to attend some of the educational programs to learn the in-depth history and secrets of this magni�cent place.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking for a quintessential overnight hike in Yosemite?

A:: Before you come, talk to your friends about their experiences in Yosemite.

�e park has something for everyone and we try to optimize the experience for each visitor. You should choreograph the visit to your personal ucational and recreational needs. My favorites are the overnight hikes from the Tioga Road that lead one into the wildness of Yosemite. �e park has breathtaking backcountry, not seen by many visitors.

Q: What are some of the best ways for an individual to help Yosemite?

A:: If you have a passion about National Parks or for Yosemite, get involved. You can volunteer, engage in park planning, come to an event, or help the Yosemite Conservancy through �nancial donations. With your help, the beauty and splendor of Yosemite will remain pristine for all visitors and future generations. Your indi-vidual help will make a di�erence. Giving back to such a magical park is also good for the spirit and soul.

What better legacy is there than preserving and protecting Yosemite for future generations? Include the Conservancy in your estate planning, and become a member of the Joseph Le Conte Legacy Society.

Members may enjoy considerable tax advantages, and will receive invitations to an annual reception and other special events.

Make Yosemite part of your future plans, and preserve the park for generations to come.

Joseph Le Conte Legacy SocietyLegacy Giving [email protected]

Leave a Legacy

PHO

TO: ©

KEITH W

ALKLET

YOSEMITE INSIDER

AUTUMN.WINTER 2010 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG03