Why did it take so long? The negotiations reflect a careful approach to the escrow arrangement by the Park Service, which is concerned about safeguarding Yosemite’s future. The Park Service and Curry have come under attack from environmentalists, who say the park has become overcommercialized. They cite crowds and a contract that allows Curry to give just 3/4 of 1 percent of revenues to the park. After the concession expires in 1993, the Park Service hopes to enact strict guidelines that may require Curry’s new owner to make major improvements and funnel more revenues to the park. That has made pricing the concession impossible–and rumored bidders, including Sheraton and Disney, are unlikely to vie for it until they know the new rules. Even as the MCA deal goes through, the fate of Curry–and of Yosemite–remains uncertain.
