Re: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - New Shuttle

From today's SF Chronicle:

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
Shuttles will help visitors see sequoias

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/27/BAG40Q2G971.DTL&hw=sequoia&sn=001&sc=1000

"The Memorial Day weekend marks the inauguration of a shuttle system that will carry visitors to the parks' most popular destinations, including the Giant Forest, where dozens of huge sequoia trees reach heights of more than 200 feet. "

Now, do you honestly believe anyone will ride the bus up from Visalia, and if so, will their patronage pay for the expense of having a shuttle?

Right now in the Mammoth area, the shuttle buses and rules squelching day-trippers down to Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow have done OK at keeping traffic down, but those who camp out in the valley have to pay a "use fee" in addition to regular camping fees. Easy way around the fee is arrive early and stay late.

Same for a bus ride from Visalia? I wonder how many rules and additional fees will be forced upon those who choose to drive to the Giant Forest? Stay tuned!

Who says you have to take the bus from Visalia? You just park at the Giant Forest Museum and take the shuttle to see the sights.

It seems to me that it would be at least worthwhile for it to stop at Lodgepole Campground Visitor Center/General Store and at Wolverton; perhaps another bus that would connect these two with either General Sherman or the museum? That would complete the set of important stops, and help to get folks out of their cars.

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Wilderness forever,
Bruce Jensen