In a region that has been battered by extreme weather, a new glamping development by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is sparking considerable community pushback in Mariposa. Local resident Kathleen Armstrong recalls the traumatic experience of evacuating her home during the Fourth of July, as smoke billowed on the horizon. “It was traumatizing,” Armstrong shared in a recent interview. “We barely made it through, and it feels like a miracle we are still here.”

Residents are understandably wary as they reflect on their chaotic evacuations and the looming threat of fire. The proposed KOA project, which could host up to a thousand visitors, is located along an important escape route, raising concerns that an influx of tourists could complicate future evacuations.

As more companies eye natural areas for tourism, communities across rural America are grappling with the consequences. Mariposa, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Yosemite National Park, has seen an explosion of tourism promising economic benefits. However, the environment is under strain from both climate change and the increasing number of visitors. Drought and extreme weather are frequent challenges, making locals anxious about how more tourists will impact their water supply and infrastructure.

Residents like Armstrong express a deep-seated fear that the combination of tourism and natural disasters could overwhelm Mariposa. “We aren’t nimbys; we are dimbys — ‘danger in my back yard,'” she declared.

Mariposa’s serene lifestyle, attracting those seeking a peaceful refuge, is threatened. The town, with a population just over 1,060, faces significant challenges, including rising insurance costs and environmental risks. Beth Pratt, a local wildlife advocate, shared her experience of being dropped from her insurance policy despite her efforts to bolster her fire defenses. Now on the state’s last-resort insurance plan, she pays three times more than before.

As the area deals with extreme heat and drought, the community is not only facing potential natural disasters but also the toll tourism may take on local wildlife. “The Mariposa area where I live is ground zero,” Pratt noted, emphasizing the temptation to develop in regions burdened by climate challenges. “You just can’t build everywhere. The planet is trying to tell us something.”

Despite these concerns, tourism in the region continues to thrive, with Yosemite seeing close to 4 million visitors in 2023 alone. This surge has spurred a rise in vacation rentals and accommodations in surrounding communities, prompting a flurry of interest from investors.

KOA’s plans for the Mariposa site—purchased for $5.7 million in 2021—include a campground with RV and tent sites, and luxury glamping options intended to lure more outdoor enthusiasts. However, community members are expressing strong resistance to the proposal, citing fears over wildfire risks, the strain on local resources, and concerns about the changing nature of their rural lifestyle. “As a Mariposa business owner, I just don’t see this as a boon,” remarked Troy Foster, who joined fellow residents in organizing against the development.

The coalition against KOA’s plan has gained traction, with local activists united in their cause. They question not just the practicality of the project but also the manner in which decisions are being made, particularly with regard to political involvement.

KOA, in response to local concerns, has indicated that they are still in the early stages of project assessment and are committed to thorough environmental and infrastructure studies. Company representatives emphasize that the campground may not proceed at all if it isn’t deemed a suitable fit for the area.

Miles Menetrey, chair of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, acknowledged community worries and stressed that the project has not yet entered official consideration. However, residents remain vigilant, ready to advocate for their town’s future amidst ongoing climate challenges and tourism pressures. As Armstrong puts it, fighting for their community means everything to her, stating, “This may be the last hill I plant my flag on — but I am going to do it.”