California IN BRIEF : YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK : Group Seeks Ban on Skiing, Golf, Tennis

A conservation group that wants Yosemite returned to its natural state says downhill skiing, golf and tennis should be banned from the park. The National Parks and Conservation Assn. proposed elimination of the downhill slopes at Badger Pass and the golf and tennis facilities at Wawona in commenting on proposed master plan changes. “Tennis courts and golf courses are simply resort activities that do not belong in our national parks,” said Russ Butcher, the association’s regional director. The conservation group wants the park service to eliminate ski lifts and snow-grooming equipment at Badger Pass because they are not natural parts of the scenery. However, cross-country skiing would be acceptable, Butcher said. One downhill skier at Badger Pass did not like the idea. “If they try to do away with Badger, it’s war,” said Dick Ellett of Merced. “Keeping everything pristine is going to keep a lot of people out.”