Frequently Asked Questions Where can I find more information about Mineral King? What is the current status of the cabin leases? Why should the cabins be allowed to remain? Are the cabins available for rent or purchase? Should the valley be returned to its wilderness status? In 1978, when Mineral King was included into Sequoia National Park, didn't the cabin owners agree to future termination of their cabin leases? Shouldn't more people be able to enjoy Mineral King by restoring the valley to full public access? Where can I find more information about Mineral King? Please visit the Mineral King Preservation Society's website at www.mineralking.org. What is the current status of the cabin leases? The latest draft of the General Management Plan was released in September, 2006. For more information about the plan, click here. Why should the cabins be allowed to remain? One of the mandates of the original 1916 National Park Service organic law is that both natural and historic objects be preserved unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Communities are very much a part of our national park scene. Other National Parks in America include many preserved historic communities. The 1997 National Park Service Strategic Plan states, "Historic and prehistoric structures and the events surrounding them are key park cultural resources, forming the basis for 220 park units and are integral to many other parks. Maintaining these structures in good condition responds to the National Park Service Organic Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the cultural resource integrity of the national park system." Unfortunately, because of the Park service policy of demolition of older structures, our nation is experiencing the loss of a heritage that never can be replaced. The Mineral King community, begun in 1872 with its current cabins dating from 1895 to the early 1950s, is linked to the very core of western mountain history and its continuity. It is not just old, it is historic; therefore, its history must be preserved. Are the cabins available for rent or purchase? Federal law prevents the rental or purchase of any of the Mineral King cabins. Two miles down the road from the Mineral King valley is a private land community, the Silver City Resort, where rental cabins are available. Should the valley be returned to its wilderness status? Unlike many historic sites in the high Sierra Nevada, Mineral King never has nor does it now lie within a designated wilderness area. Human impact on the valley's lands began over three thousand years ago with aboriginal summer camps and trading trails. Since then, for well over a century the area has been trapped, hunted, grazed, lumbered, mined and developed into a resort and recreation area. Today, it is used as a campground and trailhead destination and departure point. It is inconceivable that the valley could ever be returned to anything approximating wilderness without the loss of the rich cultural landscape. Further, the resources required to attempt such a transition could not be justified. In 1978, when Mineral King was included into Sequoia National Park, didn't the cabin owners agree to future termination of their cabin leases? There never was an agreement to that effect. Many cabin owners backed park acquisition of the Mineral King lands to help prevent any planned major development of the valley and destruction of the community. It was only when Public Law 95-625 was written and directed through Congress without regard for the requirement for historic preservation, that residents learned their historic community was scheduled to be lost in a few years. Leases then were presented to the cabin owners authorizing occupancy of the structures for no more than the life time of the permittees of record on the date of the law's enactment. If the permittee did not sign the permit agreement as presented, the cabin would have to be vacated. This was not a matter of actual agreement or choice. Fortunately, laws can be, and constantly are, amended or changed. The 1978 bill that passed through Congress without regard for the historic nature of the Mineral King community can and should be amended. Shouldn't more people be able to enjoy Mineral King by restoring the valley to full public access? The historic Mineral King cabin community does not restrict public access. Most of it is settled unobtrusively in the trees away from avalanche hazard. The community has been a part of the valley ecosystem for over 130 years, a time during which public access has been constantly and heavily encouraged and practiced. However, there are restrictions. The difficult road, a vast meadow and riparian ecosystem, harsh winter weather, and a lack of modern facilities restrict public access. But nothing involving the historic living community restricts full public access to the valley.