Yosemite’s superintendent did park proud

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Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael Tollefson is leaving his post after six years, and his tenure over the crown jewel of the nation's parks saw many advancements, including millions of dollars worth of improvements in buildings, roads and trails. He connected easily with park visitors and had the diplomatic skills to make Yosemite's case with politicians.

But Tollefson also had to defend the National Park Service against a lawsuit over the $35 million reconstruction of Yosemite Lodge, and that brought criticism of him. The lawsuit still hasn't been resolved.

Running Yosemite, one of the highest-profile parks, isn't easy because it has so many constituencies. Some want more development and more public usage and others want minimal development and reduced public usage. Striking a balance often means angering both sides.

We believe in that balanced approach: Yosemite must remain accessible so the greatest possible number of visitors can share its wonders. And it must be protected from the "human footprint" of several million eager tourists, campers, climbers and back-country hikers.

Tollefson managed to be the longest-serving Yosemite superintendent in four decades. At 61, he now plans to serve as president of The Yosemite Fund, a nonprofit fund-raising organization that underwrites many projects in the park.

He had a 36-year career with the park service and has been superintendent of other parks, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina.

He has had a distinguished career and we wish Tollefson the best in his new endeavor.