When the partial government shutdown began Saturday, December 21, 2018, we weren’t sure of how long it would last. Well, 20+ days later, we’re still here. And for the National parks, including Yosemite National Park, that means the staff is limited and it is up to us local residents and visitors alike to care for the park and keep it clean.
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YOU have been voluntarily cleaning up Yosemite during the government shutdown.
From local residents to visitors from across the globe, you all have made great efforts to keep Yosemite clean during the government shutdown. This includes spending their free time picking up garbage, human waste, diapers, and fast food wrappers and bags.
Still, it takes more than good-hearted volunteers to keep Yosemite clean. It requires effort from each and every one of us visiting the park to pick up trash, dispose of our own trash and waste properly, and encourage others to do the same.
How You Can Help Keep Yosemite Clean
Make yourself aware of the conditions before visiting and prepare to the best of your ability. Visiting the park without expectations is the worst thing you can do, especially with the park’s limited resources.
DO NOT expect to use the restrooms
We’re not kidding. Some restrooms are locked, and others are unclean. As Ken Yager, a local and President of the Yosemite Climbing Association, told The Fresno Bee, “People stop at one bathroom, and it’s locked. Then they go to another, and by that time, they can no longer hold it in.” If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot make it to a restroom in time, do us all a favor and dig what is known as a “cat hole”. What is it? It’s a hole that goes at least 6 inches deep, enabling you to use the restroom and then cover it up once you’re done. There are plenty of How-To videos available online, but here is one from Lifehacker to help you out.
Pack your own toilet tissue/sanitizer
If you do find an unlocked restroom, there is no guarantee it will have toilet tissue and/or hand soap. Carry a small bag with your toiletries just as you would while camping so you don’t find yourself stuck.
Bring your own trash bags
Collect and carry all of your trash, including human waste, diapers, and pet waste. The thought of carrying your waste may sound disturbing, but is a small price to pay in order to ensure our beautiful Yosemite remains clean and accessible for years to come.
- Tip: Purchase dog waste bags or diaper waste bags to dispose of your waste. Carry a larger bag (a grocery bag would do just fine!) and dispose of your trash once you’ve gotten home or to your hotel/cabin.
Bring tire chains
There is snow in Yosemite, so having tire chains on hand is a requirement. Furthermore, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of Yosemite without any help.
If you come across trash, pick it up
It may not seem like a big deal, but collecting trash along the way makes a huge difference. Not interested in touching trash with your bare hands? Here’s a solution:
Step 1: Place your hand inside of a clean waste bag (should look like you’re wearing a glove). Pick up the trash item(s).
Step 2: Pull the trash bag inside-out (pull the top of the bag down and past your hand and the trash item).
Step 3: Tie a knot at the end, and throw it in the larger garbage bag with the rest of your trash!
Respect the Park
Yes, staff is limited. Yes, there is more freedom as a result. But under no circumstance is it ever acceptable to cut trees, start fires, or anything else that causes harm or could cause harm to the park. Recently, visitors cut down protected trees in Joshua National Park. Please do not do that at Yosemite or any of the other National parks. If at any point during your visit you question whether something is allowed, assume it is not and don’t do it.
Circumstances change daily, so please follow Yosemite National Park on Twitter and Facebook at @YosemiteNPS for updated during the shutdown.
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