2010 Autumn Winter -Yosemite Insider- Neubacher

Q&A WITH A YOSEMITE INSIDER: Superintendent Neubacher Autumn . Winter 2010 Issue 1

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

– DON NEUBACHER Superintendent Yosemite National Park

Q&A

WITH YOSEMITE INSIDER

Don Neubacher was named Yosemite National Park’s new superintendent in February.

Neubacher has been superintendent of Point 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 ranger at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.

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

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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 staff and visitors, and also view some of the most spectacular scenery on a daily basis. Could life be better? The 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 staff 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.

YOSEMITE INSIDER

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

A:: The 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. The 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:: The 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 first cooperating associations in the National Park Service. The Conservancy was founded in order to raise funds to build the first museum and research library in Yosemite. The organization expanded under name of The Yosemite Fund, which was responsible for funding 300 projects totaling over $60 million in support for the park. These 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 staff and volunteers working alongside the National Park Service, can enhance a park’s visitor experience?

A:: Yosemite Conservancy staff 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 Theater. 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 office prioritize which projects 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. The park creates the proposed projects list by issuing a call for proposals to all staff in the summer. For example, in 2010 the park received close to 70 proposals. The projects are vetted by Division Chiefs and then sent to the Park’s Leadership Team for final 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.

This year about 30 of these projects will receive some level of funding. These projects provide the park with a “margin of excellence” that would not be achieved without 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:: This year, the park is launching a major planning effort for the 150th Anniversary of the setting aside of the first 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.

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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. The 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 magnificent 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.

The 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. The 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 financial donations. With your help, the beauty and splendor of Yosemite will remain pristine for all visitors and future generations. Your individual help will make a difference. Giving back to such a magical park is also good for the spirit and soul.

PHOTO: Š KEITH WALKLET

Leave a Legacy 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 Society Legacy Giving Program 800.469.7275 info@yosemiteconservancy.org

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