Supervisor Kaiser seeks board support for intercounty letter on DOI park‑government communication framework

Supervisor Kaiser told the Board of Supervisors on July 15 that four counties have collaborated on a letter supporting a Department of the Interior policy framework that will formalize communication between Yosemite National Park and gateway county governments, and she asked Mariposa County to join the letter promptly.

Kaiser said she and supervisors from three other counties have worked with Ray McPadden, the park superintendent, and other regional partners since his April appointment to improve cross‑agency communication. "Access matters. Communication matters," Kaiser said, describing the superintendent's consistent messaging and interest in sustaining healthy relationships with gateway communities that depend on Yosemite for economic activity.

Kaiser said the recruitment for a related position had closed and that regional congressional and Interior staff urged immediate action to submit the endorsement. She asked the board for support to move the letter through the county signatory process quickly.

Board members expressed appreciation for the outreach and indicated willingness to coordinate scheduling for follow‑up meetings with the superintendent; Supervisor Poe noted the superintendent will be in the county on Aug. 12 and suggested setting up a meeting or a lunch.

The board did not take a formal vote on the letter during the July 15 meeting; Kaiser presented the item as part of the consent agenda comment and asked for procedural approval so the county could be listed among intercounty supporters.