Mike Hamiel: State offers many options besides Yosemite
Re “Yosemite entry fee hikes will keep everyday people out” (Page A9, Nov. 11): Former Modesto Bee editor Sanders LaMont’s impassioned article did not address the various options available. I paid $10 (62 and over) for The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass. That’s $10 for a lifetime pass with no expiration date. Pretty good deal, and I can bring in three other visitors – any age – at no charge.
Those “missing visitors from the San Joaquin Valley (who) struggle to make minimum wage...” can be found at New Melones Lake, Don Pedro Reservoir, The Stanislaus National Forest, Lake McClure, Pinnacles National Park, Yosemite Lake (Merced), Calaveras Big Trees State Park, etc. We’re fortunate that we have so many choices from sea to mountains for “everyday people” to get out and enjoy.
Mike Hamiel, Manteca
This story was originally published November 13, 2014 at 10:31 AM with the headline "Mike Hamiel: State offers many options besides Yosemite."