"Obama Gets Personal With Yosemite In Speech, Long Hike"

"YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK -- President Barack Obama mixed business with pleasure here Saturday, touting the importance of national parks and then seeing one up close for himself as he took in the sights at what is arguably the crown jewel of the national park system.

After an early morning workout, Obama was joined by first lady Michelle Obama for a photo op with youngsters near the base of Yosemite Falls. In the afternoon, the first family visited Glacier Point and hiked from there back to the Yosemite Valley floor.

In between, Obama made a 13-minute speech – which comes two months ahead of the National Park Service’s centennial anniversary – in which he touted his administration’s work in protecting and expanding federal lands, but he also cautioned of dangers faced, primarily from climate change that he said already is being felt – including in Yosemite."

John Ellis reports for the Sacramento Bee June 19, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Obama At Yosemite Warns Of Climate Change Threats To Parks" (Reuters)

"In Yosemite, Obama presses climate change during pitch for national parks" (Washington Post)

"Obama Touts The Wonders Of Yosemite And National Parks, Plus The Realities Of Climate Change" (Los Angeles Times)

"Obama’s Yosemite Trip Comes Amid Park Service Controversies" (McClatchy)

"Obama’s Yosemite Visit A Call To Preserve National Park System" (Fresno Bee)

"Fact Sheet: Obama Administration Recognizes the 100th Anniversary and Economic Benefits of America's National Parks" (White House)

"Obama at Yosemite Attacks 'Lip Service' To Natural Beauty Amid Climate Inaction" (Guardian)