Valley Legacy

Yosemite Valley embodies America's conservation legacy

Yosemite Valley embodies America's conservation legacy, representing the birth of the national park concept and the recognition that certain landscapes possess values that transcend economic considerations. The valley's protection beginning in 1864 established the precedent that natural wonders should be preserved for all people rather than exploited by private interests. This conservation legacy continues to influence environmental policy worldwide and serves as a model for balancing human needs with the preservation of irreplaceable natural heritage for current and future generations.