Legality of Yosemite park expansion disputed
FRESNO, Calif. — A U.S. lawmaker accused Yosemite National Park of breaking federal law by adding 400 acres for a wildlife preserve without clearing it through Congress, but federal park officials said Friday that he’s misinterpreting the law.
The addition of wetlands, grassy meadows and forest on Yosemite’s western boundary marks its largest expansion in nearly 70 years. Any significant amount of land added to a national park needs congressional approval, U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop said in a statement to The Associated Press.
“The Park Service acted outside of its authority, and we will require them to account for their actions,” said the Utah Republican, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, which has oversight of public land.
Bishop’s staff says inquiries have just begun into how Yosemite acquired the land without oversight and what steps Congress will take next.