Business continues at Sequoia National park despite contract controversy in Yosemite

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK. (KFSN) -- A hospitality company is continuing their services in a local national park, despite an ongoing legal battle with neighboring Yosemite.

At the Wuksachi Lodge, in Sequoia National Park, there's relief for people who call the place home.

"It feels good to know the next 10 years are secure, it's a very good feeling for all of us," said Shelly Matlock of the Wuksachi Lodge.

Over 100 Delaware North employees will continue to work and live on the lodge grounds, thanks to an agreement between their employer and Sequoia National Park. The company has operated lodging, dining and other services since 1998 and will do so for the next 10 years.

"We are just entering into our busiest season and we are sold out every night. There's no adjustments to be made in the management and how things have been run in the last thirteen years," said Matlock.

The continued relationship between Sequoia National Park and Delaware North means that current and future projects will move forward.

"We have thoughts of putting on a deck, which would definitely take advantage of the view and that would be off the restaurant bar area. And to improve the employee housing at the lodge," said Matlock.

But the contract hasn't come without controversy. At nearby Yosemite National Park, DNC recently lost the bid to run concessions services to another company. Trademarks disagreements turned into a battle, with Delaware North requesting $50 million for names of landmarks inside Yosemite. But a spokesperson for Sequoia National Park said the issues there had no impact on the selection process at their park.

"The new contract includes a licensing agreement that protects the existing names at Sequoia National Park," said Dana Dierkes of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

At this point, Wuksachi Lodge is a name trademarked by Delaware North. So the park said they are exploring options to change the name as part of a larger marketing plan. "But other names at Sequoia National Park would be protected by the license agreement in the new contract," said Dierkes.

The concessions contract is expected to start this November.