WELCOME TO WAPPOA

ADVOCATES FOR WAWONA & WAWONA

PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS

ABOUT US

WAWONA AREA PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS ADVOCATES dba “WAPPOA”

WAPPOA is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization created:

To function as advocates for the preservation and protection of Wawona as a private inholding, in dealing with any entity that may affect private property rights.

To provide a forum for the dissemination of pertinent information and discussion of problems common to Wawona private inholders.

To record, preserve and disseminate the history of Wawona.

Examples of What WAPPOA Does:

Worked on the Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan (MRP) from the mid 2000s to 2010 to stop high density housing, to retain the Golf Course, and to get permanent restrooms in the Plan, for Swinging Bridge and Flat Rock.
Helped get a water storage option included in the Yosemite-Mariposa Regional Water Management Plan. This water storage will be used for potable water for Wawona , if necessary, in extreme drought conditions.
Working with the NPS to prioritize and complete an upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant.
Provides strong financial and other support for the Wawona School.
Works closely with our firefighters and NPS to disseminate information on fire safety and problems with clearing all the fallen tress and debris.
Works with Mariposa Co. to keep our roads in good condition, and to have proper trash and recycling. For more information, please go to the Contact page.
Working with Mariposa County Resources Development to secure grants for tree and debris removal from homeowners’ property.
Working with NPS to get the golf course restored to playable condition, after damage due to loss of maintenance during COVID and from damage due to the replacement of the effluent field from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and a new irrigation system.
Does mailings and email blasts to all homeowners on a consistent basis, keeping them informed and involved in our Community.

* WAPPOA (Wawona Area Property Owner’s Association) as an amorphous association did not really have legal standing which raised issues regarding who it was and what it could do. Its name alone did not adequately define its role as an entity dedicated to the preservation of private property rights in Yosemite National Park.

It was decided to restructure the Association as a 501.C.4 not for profit corporation. As such contributions to it would be tax deductible and it would be permitted to lobby governmental agencies such as the National Park Service on behalf of its membership. The name change to WAPPOA (Wawona Area Private Property Ownership Advocates) now better reflects its role and purpose.

WAPPOA has 3 General Meetings each year – mid April, early June and mid October – which are held in the Community Center. All property owners and their guests are welcome to attend. We usually have speakers from the NPS, Mariposa County, NPS Fire, the Wawona School, UC Merced Field Station, the Redwoods and the Wawona Hotel.

WAPPOA has approximately 220 “active” property owners, who pay dues of $40 per year. The dues help support community projects such as the Yosemite Wawona School, the Barn Dances, our Wawona Firefighters (donations to Wildland Firefighters Foundation and any other support they may need), and community events, i.e., our annual picnic in October and our “Roots of Wawona” history sessions.

Welcome to Wawona

We are located inside of Yosemite National Park, at the south entrance of the park, coming north from Fresno and Oakhurst on Highway 41.

Wawona offers so much to do - great hiking from the Meadow Loop Trail (easy) to the Chilnualna Falls Trail (more difficult) , swimming and fishing in the south fork of the Merced River, playing golf at the Wawona 9-hole golf course, horseback riding, and walking around the History Center with its Covered Bridge, The Chinese Laundry, and historical buildings like a blacksmith cabin, bakery, Ranger’s office, and jail.

You can have a meal at the historical Wawona Hotel and listen to piano music in the evenings. Take a class on flora and fauna at the UC Merced Field Station.
Borrow a book at the Wawona library.