From: Neubacher, Don<don neubacher@nps.

gov>
Date: Wed, Sep 28, 2016 at 5:42 PM
Subject: Retirement of Yosemite Superintendent, Don Neubacher
To: NPS YOSE All Employees <yose all employees@nps.gov>, NPS PWR Directorate
<pwr directorate@nps.gov>, Kristen Kosick <Kristen Kosick@nps.gov>, Natalie Gates
<Natalie Gates@nps.gov>, Sarah Allen <Sarah Allen@nps.gov>, Anne M Tisei
<Anne M Tisei@nps.gov>, Dan Wenk <Dan Wenk@nps.gov>, Chris Lehnertz
<Chris Lehnertz@nps.gov>
Dear Yosemite Colleagues:
Today, during a discussion with the Regional Director, it was determined that new leadership was needed
at Yosemite National Park. I was offered a detail in Denver as a Senior Advisor to Michael Reynolds,
Deputy Director for the National Park Service. Since my home is in California, I have opted to retire
effective November 1, 2016. I will be on leave effective immediately.
Over the course of the last six years, we have done incredible work together. The two controversial Wild
and Scenic River Plans for the Merced River and Tuolumne River have been completed and
approved. Mariposa Grove restoration is nearing completion; it is the culmination of our vision with
incredible collaboration that is fitting for the birthplace of the National Park idea. We also added the 400
acre Ackerson Meadow to Yosemite, a major Centennial gift to the national. And we have restored
western pond turtles, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, and red-legged frogs to Yosemite National Park. For
employees, we started together the Yosemite Leadership Academy and mentoring program. The list of
accomplishments is much longer, but I wanted to keep this message brief.
I regret leaving at this time, but want to do whats best for Yosemite National Park. It is an iconic area
that is world renowned and deserves special attention.
I appreciate all you have done for me, Yosemite and each other. Our employees, our park and our
partners are some of the best in the nation.
Thank you for your past support.
With lasting respect and admiration,
Don Neubacher

--

_______________________________

Don Neubacher
Superintendent
Yosemite National Park
9039 Village Drive
PO Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0201 (Phone); don neubacher@nps.gov

www.nps.gov/yose/anniversary

From: Joss, Laura <laura joss@nps.gov>

Date: Thu, Sep 29, 2016 at 10:34 AM
Subject: Superintendent transition at Yosemite National Park
To: NPS YOSE All Employees <yose all employees@nps.gov>
Cc: NPS PWR Management Team <nps pwr management team@nps.gov>

All: Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher has announced his retirement from the
National Park Service. Id like to recognize Dons 37-year career with the National Park Service which
includes time at the Presidio of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore, Glacier Bay National
Park, and most recently Yosemite National Park.
At this time, I am pleased to let you know that Linda Mazzu, Yosemites Chief, Division of Resource
Management and Science, has agreed to serve as the interim acting superintendent at Yosemite National
Park effective September 29, 2016 and Woody Smeck, Superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks will begin a detail as Acting Yosemite National Park superintendent starting October 17,
2016.
You will hear directly from Linda and Woody, but I wanted to reach out to you. We have a unique mission
and our workforce is the lifeline of our organization. Your dedication to NPS is inspiring and we are
committed to providing you a workplace that promotes our values and is free of discrimination or
harassment. We know how seriously you take your public service and appreciate your continued work on
behalf of the National Park Service.
Sincerely,
Laura
Laura E. Joss
Regional Director
Pacific West Region
National Park Service
333 Bush St., Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104