Yeah, if the Forest Service were strong in asserting their leading role, and mandated that all local initiatives had to be guided by the goals of protecting natural resources and wilderness qualities that would be one thing. However we know that the present administration is itching to privatize and profitize many functions of the National Parks, and no doubt of the National Forests as well. One would hope that Mammoth et al would want to protect the qualities that draw us to the mountains near there, but there is a lot more money to be made from people eating out, bike rentals, ski lifts and what not than there is from backpackers.
One issue that I am concerned about is the the road to Devil's Postpile. Mammoth really wants a new road built into that valley. It has always been narrow and steep and often opens late in the season and the road is in poor shape. I admit,it is kind of a pain taking the shuttle in during daytime hours but after having spent a month last summer in the area going in and out from Mammoth to do various backpacking trips and visit my partner working at the Postpile, I have to say that I appreciate how much (relatively) quieter and less crowded it makes that corridor from Agnew to Red's. A new road without vehicle restrictions is going to really change the local character for the worse.