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Park Service deliberates as rock slides threaten visitors |
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Written by TRACIE CONE, AP/MSNBC.com
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Tuesday, 18 November 2008 |
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A 3,000-foot granite cliff hanging over a tourist village in Yosemite National Park is susceptible to dangerous rock slides. But despite being aware of the danger for more than a decade, the National Park Service has continually repaired and rebuilt the lodgings rather than barring visitors from the area.
"To me, that's irresponsible," said Deanna Maschmeyer of Monterey, Calif., who ran with her two children from their cabin during an October rock slide that showered the village with the equivalent of 570 dump trucks of rock. "Now that I've lived through it, I can't believe it's safe. I will not stay there again."
Park officials insist they have been watching the situation and are taking steps to balance the need for safety and the demand for housing in one of the park's most scenic spots. "It's not inaction on our part over the past 10 years," said Scott Gediman, the park's public affairs officer. "It's just us saying we're going to do the scientific studies and make decisions based upon that."
Since 1996, rock slides in Yosemite Valley have killed two people and injured about two dozen. The frequency of the slides has increased in recent years, park reports indicate.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 November 2008 )
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