Synopsis of YOSAR:

For over 50 years, YOSAR has answered the call to complex and technical search and rescue emergencies requiring the use of specialized training and equipment. YOSAR is a premier search and rescue team with a solid record of accomplishments and they should never go wanting for the specialized training and equipment clearly needed to carry out their heroic work.

Mission for Existence

Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) is the emergency response team for Yosemite National Park, where each year an average of 200 visitors are lost, injured or die in the rugged environment. Rescues have a long standing history in Yosemite, dating back to the park's establishment in 1890. The SARsite was established in Camp-4 during the 1960s to respond to the increasing number of high-angle emergencies with a volunteer group of highly experienced climbers living in the park. Today the YOSAR response team is composed of Park Rangers and SARsite members who work closely together to ensure visitor safety. As a result of its beginnings and subsequent history, YOSAR is structurally different from other SAR teams, yet in most of its specialties – big wall rescue, emergency medicine, swiftwater rescue and helicopter rescue – YOSAR ranks among the best teams in the world. Despite the high level of professionalism and skill, YOSAR lacks in funding from public sources and is currently in need of your valued partnership in order to maintain its current functions with the best training, equipment and support from all who benefit from their services.

Board of Directors


  • President

    I retired in 2012 from a forty-year career with the Forest Service and National Park Service, including nine years - between 2001 and 2010 - as the chief ranger of Yosemite. From the early 1970s, I maintained an ardent interest in search and rescue, field medicine, climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. Over the last eight years, I studied and taught themes in park management at the University of California. I work on this board because of a recognition that Yosemite functions as an R&D campus for wilderness medicine and search and rescue technology that serves the broader community of rescue providers, worldwide.


  • Member at Large & Logistics

    I transferred from Redwood National and State Park to YNP in December 1992. Beginning in November 1995, I served as the park’s SAR and EMS Program Manager through September 2000. During my acting-assignment as the Deputy Chief Ranger, I continued my association with YOSAR until my departure from the park in June 2002.

    As one of the original advocates to create FOYOSAR, I want to carry on the vision Steve Shackelton, Linda McMillan, and Mike Freeman have for a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting YOSAR’s logistical, training and gear needs.


  • Treasurer

    Mark began his NPS career at Mount Rainier in 1969 where he was involved in his first SAR. He retired 35 years later as Chief Ranger, Pacific West Region. In the 7 years I worked in Yosemite Valley, I took part in numerous searches, rescues, EMS calls, diving and swiftwater related incidents, and served on the fire team during several major arson fires. I continued my involvement in SAR/EMS incidents in all other park assignments, and later in policy and funding decisions related to emergency services at the Regional and National levels.  I retired in 2004 as the Pacific West Region Chief Ranger.

    Being on the board of FOYOSAR provides a way to give back to the Yosemite SAR community.


  • Secretary

    I grew up in Tucson; as an Eagle Scout, went on my first search in 1958, one of the largest in Arizona history.  I spent 35 years with the National Park Service, in 11 parks and was involved with SAR Teams in five of the parks which encompassed 900-1000 operations. I was the Service’s first Emergency Services Coordinator. In my nearly 10 years in Yosemite Valley, I was a Deputy Coroner for seven, and oversaw SAR activities at the Grand Canyon for six years. I have authored five books, four are related to Search and Rescue. I am most proud, however, of my two sons and their families.

    “If I could do it over, I would again choose being a National Park Ranger.”


  • Member at Large & PM

    Paul has worked across the public, private, & non-profit sectors for over 10 years and started his public safety career as a Yosemite National Park Ranger and member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team (YOSAR 2008 – 2012).

    Paul has worked for Esri (Redlands, CA) as the International Disaster Response Program Technical Lead, Eagle Technology as a Public Safety GIS Specialists (Wellington, NZ), and the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation as a Director of Technology Innovation (Non-Profit Organization based in Washington DC). He is also a co-founder of the National Search and Rescue Geospatial Coordination (NSARGC) Group which is dedicated to the successful use of geospatial tools for the search and rescue mission.

    Paul currently supports The National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response Systems as a Geographic Information Specialist professional for FEMA Headquarters and as part of the National US&R Incident Support Team during deployments.

    While Paul has worked around the world supporting public safety agencies, he feels that FOYOSAR was where the foundation for his knowledge and passion was forged. This opportunity would allow him to repay, in part, his debt of gratitude to the people that keep the tradition alive, so that others may live and enjoy wild places for future generations.

FOYOSAR STAFF


  • Executive Administrator

    Christine has been an active member of the Yosemite community since 2012 She has dedicated years to educating park visitors from the Valley floor as a PSAR volunteer, serving as a Family Liaison, and helping with Yosemite’s Interpretive Division in the Visitor Center. In addition to this Christine is currently the Yosemite Valley Library Branch Manager, and has served as FOYOSAR’s Executive Administrator since 2019. Christine and her husband, John, reside year-round in Yosemite.

    “By definition, YOSAR is greater than the sum of their parts. It combines talented seasonal volunteers (SARsite members) in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows with a dedicated and skilled year-around division of workers that focus their attention to keeping park visitors safe. When called upon, YOSAR team members, my neighbors, are committed in their efforts to patrol the trails or to respond to a search and rescue, while knowingly risking their lives for someone in need of emergency care or rescue. This is YOSAR’s mission and I’m honored to support…YOSAR’s courageous work.”


  • Director of Outreach and Digital Content

    Mecia is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and climbing safety, with a deep-rooted connection to Yosemite National Park. Previously, she made significant contributions while working with the Yosemite Climbing Association, where she focused on promoting sustainable climbing practices and preserving the park’s natural beauty. Her efforts included organizing community clean-up events, leading educational programs, and engaging climbers in environmental stewardship.

    Mecia’s work with Friends of YOSAR builds on her extensive experience and deep commitment to protecting Yosemite’s wilderness and the people who explore it. Whether through her advocacy for conservation or her focus on climbing safety, she remains a respected and influential figure in the outdoor community.

 

NPS_SAR_logo_150dpi.jpg