Yosemite National Park ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin was fired after hanging a large transgender pride flag on El Capitan in protest of policies targeting transgender people under the Trump administration. Park officials are working with the Justice Department to pursue administrative action against several park employees and possible criminal charges against visitors who violated demonstration restrictions. The new restrictions, which prohibit banners larger than 15 square feet in wilderness areas, were put in place shortly after the flag display. Joslin’s supporters claim the firing is unjust, while park officials defend the regulations, stating the priority is the protection of park resources and visitor experience.
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Yosemite National Park fired park ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin in August for participating in a display of a transgender pride flag on El Capitan in May. Park leadership cited Joslin’s “failure to demonstrate acceptable conduct” by participating in the flag display, which the park considers a demonstration. The National Park Service is pursuing administrative action against multiple employees and possible criminal charges against visitors involved, though specific regulations allegedly violated were not disclosed. Joslin, who had previously worked for the park as a wildlife biologist and has now stated their intention to seek legal counsel and fight the termination.
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The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite’s iconic landmark, is facing a full-blown crisis. A recent report paints a grim picture, revealing a cascade of issues that have led to an “unsatisfactory” rating – the lowest possible – for Yosemite Hospitality, the Aramark subsidiary managing the hotel. This is a significant drop from previous years’ “marginal” ratings.
This isn’t just a minor slip-up; it’s a pattern of decline, reflecting a pervasive problem with the management of the hotel. The report highlights numerous issues, including rampant rodent activity, inadequate food storage practices, significant lapses in facility maintenance, and other serious public health concerns. The park service also criticized Yosemite Hospitality for its failure to conduct proper inspections, suggesting a lack of oversight and proactive management.… Continue reading
Laid-off Yosemite National Park employees hung an upside-down U.S. flag from El Capitan to protest recent firings and express concerns about potential privatization of public lands. This action, viewed by some as a sign of national distress, aimed to raise awareness of the issue and the impact of staffing cuts on park maintenance and operations. The Interior Department condemned the flag display as inappropriate, while protesters argued it highlighted the threat to America’s natural resources. The firings, affecting nearly 1000 National Park Service employees, are part of a broader trend of federal land reviews and potential resource extraction increases.
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Yosemite National Park employees protested recent National Park Service job cuts by displaying an upside-down American flag atop El Capitan during the popular “firefall” event. This dramatic action, symbolizing “dire distress,” coincided with the annual spectacle drawing large crowds. The cuts, totaling 1,000 jobs, have raised concerns about compromised park maintenance, safety, and visitor experience. While the administration later announced plans to restore some positions and hire seasonal workers, the protest highlighted the impact of budget reductions on national parks.
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Yosemite National Park, a jewel of the American National Park System, is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. The situation is so dire that many are describing it as “honestly terrifying.” The core issue stems from a confluence of factors, primarily a drastic reduction in park staffing coupled with a simultaneous increase in visitor numbers, creating a recipe for disaster.
This uncontrolled influx of visitors, with fewer rangers and maintenance personnel to manage the crowds and maintain the park’s infrastructure, is leading to a rapid deterioration of the park’s pristine environment. The sheer volume of people is overwhelming the existing resources, resulting in an unsustainable level of trash, damage, and environmental impact.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood