‘Not made lightly’: Park rangers on Yosemite’s closure
YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Following their closure announcement for Yosemite National Park due to weather conditions Thursday, park rangers say they have been working to ensure everyone’s safety after what they call a decision not made lightly.
Yosemite National Park to close due to forecast weather
Park rangers say the decision to close the park was not an easy one. They have been working with the weather service for the last few days. They decided to close the park once they learned the storm was predicted to be intense and bring a large amount of snow and rain, which were not safe conditions for visitors at the park.
“At the end of the day, the safety of the park visitors and park employees is the most important thing,” said Scott Gediman, a park ranger.
Gediman says those with hotel reservations staying at the park Thursday were sent emails telling them they could spend the night, but they had to leave in the morning. Campers were talked to in person by rangers and were told the same thing.
Gediman says most visitors, if not all of them, must have left Yosemite on Friday.
Park rangers say Yosemite National Park will be closed through noon on Sunday, March 3. Before opening, however, Gediman says park rangers will evaluate the rock conditions, any possible rockfall, buildings, roads, and other things. Once the park is safe enough, it will be open to the public.
“We don’t want folks on the road just because it is not safe,” he said.
For those who had reservations to stay at the park, Gediman says they will be able to receive refunds. Those who were going to visit the park during the weekend should have also received emails and full refunds.
“It wasn’t a decision that was made lightly, but you know, safety is the most important thing,” said Gediman.
Gediman lives in Yosemite and says around 600 or 700 employees also call the park their home. They have been making sure propane tanks are full, generators are set, and warming centers are working for the employees staying at the park.
“This is our home. We love it, and I’m very privileged to live and work here, and this is just part of life in a national park.”
He says their concession partner Yosemite Hospitality will keep their stores open for employees. Employees are being asked to stack up on food, and water, and make sure that they have generators and provisions.
“We will just do our thing, watch out for each other, and hope for the best.”
Park rangers say they will be doing real-time updates both on their website and their social media platform. Visitors can also call 209-372-0200 for updates.
