High Sierra Topix

They've been fired from Crater Lake. Now there are problems at Yosemite;

https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks ... 449430.php

Aren't these the same characters that caused a stink over the Ahwahnee Hotel and changing the name? Or, was it the previous contractor who had sour grapes about losing the contract?

It was Delaware North, the previous concessionaire, who pulled the attempt to trademark the names. While I hated Delaware North, Aramark may be even worse, if that's actually possible. I really wish the NPS would get rid of the concessionaires and take over the facilities as a non-profit corporation and let the employees run the companies. My experiences in all the National Parks has always been that the local employees are extremely helpful and knowledgable (and when they don't know something, they will tell you who you should ask.)

LMBSGV wrote: ↑Fri May 10, 2024 9:29 am It was Delaware North, the previous concessionaire, who pulled the attempt to trademark the names. While I hated Delaware North, Aramark may be even worse, if that's actually possible. I really wish the NPS would get rid of the concessionaires and take over the facilities as a non-profit corporation and let the employees run the companies. My experiences in all the National Parks has always been that the local employees are extremely helpful and knowledgable (and when they don't know something, they will tell you who you should ask.)

Completely agree. I've had the privilege of working for and alongside various nonprofits that prop up national parks. SEKI is actually pretty unique in that the nonprofit Sequoia Parks Conservancy does almost all the interpretation/visitor programs that are more typically associated with NPS (guided hikes, backpacking seminars, cave tours, astronomy programs, living history, etc.) Meanwhile NPS interp rangers primarily work directing traffic at the General Sherman handicap lot, and clerking the visitor centers.

I can't speak for Aramark, but the partnership with Delaware North is a blight on our parks. They treat their employees terribly, house them in what's essentially a company town model, and show little to no interest in providing a good visitor experience. The NPS would be wise to cut off all relations with them.

I wish someone would do a detailed economic analysis of out-sourcing services vs. providing them in-house. This should also include the permit system. I wonder how much is actually saved. Once a true "cost" is determined, then the means to increase NPS-USFS funding could be addressed. I think most people would support more funding for our public lands even if they are not regular users. In our toxic divisive current situation, I think support of public lands is almost universal. I remember as a kid when even the campgrounds in National Parks were free. As a low-income family, public lands were our only option for vacations, which really fostered my love of the outdoors.

This is all a result of slashing budgets and the mistaken belief that privatization solves all problems.

No, it doesn't. The profit motive outweighs service to the public, and we suffer.