January 14, 2025 - For millennia humans have lived in, interacted with, and stewarded the landscapes in what today is known as Yosemite National Park. Tribes’ creation stories are tied to the landscape of Yosemite. The descendants of the first people maintain connections to the landscape through customary activities rooted in the traditions and histories of the tribes, including gathering plants for ceremonial use or sustenance.

We are initiating an opportunity for public comment on developing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for gathering plants and plant parts for traditional purposes by tribal members traditionally associated with Yosemite National Park. This plan will establish a framework for a plant gathering agreement which will help ensure tribes can collect native plant material legally, sustainably and in a traditional manner that protects and enhances tribal cultures and park resources.

Public scoping comments will be accepted from January 13 through February 12, 2025. During the comment period share your insights on what the National Park Service should include in their analysis. Consider the potential effects (both beneficial and negative) from traditionally associated tribal members gathering and tending plants for traditional purposes.

Learn more and submit your comments: https://go.nps.gov/yose-gathering

Source: NPS