Wawona Yosemite

Deer Trail

2007-10-26T17:51:00.001-07:00

Picture 101.jpg
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

That or a trail from visitors going down to the river. The problem is that 7 million people visit the valley each year.

Someday, I think we might love Yosemite to death.

Jim, Morgan and Kenda

2007-10-26T17:50:00.001-07:00

Picture 100.jpg
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Jim was a Geologist. I think he wanted to teach, so Morgan had a continuous earth science class on our trip to the valley.

Not Motel 6

2007-10-26T17:41:00.001-07:00

Picture 169.jpg
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

For those that think a visit to Yosemite too rustic, here is another option.

Ed and Jim Chapman

2007-10-26T17:39:00.001-07:00

Picture 118.jpg
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Jim and I traveled the Wawona trails for most of our childhood. We were able to make one last trip up in 2005. This is at Wawona Point.

I Remember The Firefalls

2007-10-26T17:32:00.001-07:00

Picture 298.jpg
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

This shot reminding me of the old Firefalls. Do you remember when Curry would push hot burning redwood bark off the side of Glacer Point?

Welcome to Wawona: Tell Your Story

2007-09-27T14:59:00.001-07:00

I grew up in Wawona. Went to the one room school house. My family first ran cattle in the park in the late 1800's. My parent's met in the park. To keep the story alive, after high school, I spent time working in the valley. This blog is for those that lived in the Wawona.

Now its time to bring everyone back to a virtual Wawona. Maybe we can one day all meet there in person for a reunion of past residents.

Ed Chapman

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

2007-05-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located in Yosemite National Park in Central California at 4875 feet in elevation and contains Family and Group camp sites. It is 25 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups (a dump station is located in Yosemite Valley, as are showers for a fee). The family campsites can accommodate tents or RVs. The Group Camp is tent-only (no sleeping in vehicles). Pets are not permitted in Group campsites, but are allowed in family sites (they must be on a 6ft leash and may not be left unattended). For more park information call (209)372-0200, or visit www.nps.gov/yose.
Book Now
Services & Amenities:
Within Facility
Campground Host
Comfort Station
Drinking Water
Dumpster
Fire Rings
Fishing
Flush Toilets
Hiking Trail
Interpretive Center
Parking
Picnic Tables
Ranger Station
Sinks in Restroom
Water Drinking
Important Information
If arriving one or more days late, call (209) 379-2123. Your reservation will be forfeited if we do not hear from you within 24hrs of your arrival date.
Bear Habitat. Food storage rules are strictly enforced. Food and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day in food lockers provided in all campsites (45L X 18H X 33W). No food in vehicles. Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters.
Your campsite is reserved for the camping equipment you have chosen. If you arrive to the park with different camping equipment, your site might not be able to accommodate it. No switching of sites.
Road conditions can change at any time. Please check road and weather before arriving at (209)372-0200 for conditions inside Yosemite, and 1-800-427-ROAD for conditions outside the park. Highway 120 over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining and the Glacier Point Road are closed seasonally.
Entrance Fee to the park is $20 per private vehicle.

Wawona Campground

2007-05-01T07:27:00.001-07:00

Wawona Campground is located in Yosemite National Park in Central California at 4000 feet in elevation in the southern part of the park. It contains Family, Group, and Horse camping sites. Wawona Campground is located 27 miles (a 45 minute drive) from Yosemite Valley. There is no electricity, water, or sewer (a dump station is nearby in the summer). The family camp can accommodate tents or RVa??s. The Group Camp is tent-only (no sleeping in vehicles). Pets are not permitted in Group and Horse Campsites, but are allowed in family sites (they must be on a 6a?? leash and may not be left unattended). For more park information call (209)372-0200, or visit www.nps.gov/yose.
Book Now
Services & Amenities:
Within Facility
Amphitheater
Comfort Station
Dumpster
Fire Rings
Fishing
Flush Toilets
Hiking Trail
Interpretive Programs
Parking
Picnic Tables
Ranger Station
Sinks in Restroom
Telephone
Water Drinking
Important InformationIf arriving one or more days late, call (209)375-9535. Your reservation will be forfeited if we do not hear from you within 24hrs of your arrival date. Bear Habitat. Food storage rules are strictly enforced. Food and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day in food lockers provided in all campsites (45a??x18a??x33). No food in vehicles. Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters. Your campsite is reserved for the camping equipment you have chosen. If you arrive to the park with different camping equipment, your site might not be able to accommodate it. No switching of sites. Road conditions can change at any time. Please check road and weather before arriving at (209)372-0200 for conditions inside Yosemite, and 1-800-427-ROAD for conditions outside the park. Highway 120 over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining and the Glacier Point Road are closed seasonally. Entrance Fee to the park is $20 per private vehicle.

Bridalveil Creek Campground

2007-05-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Description:Bridalveil Creek Campground is located in Yosemite National Park in Central California on the Glacier Point Road at 7200 feet in elevation. It contains Family, Group, and Horse camping sites. The Horse Camping sites and Group Camping sites are available by reservation only. All 110 family camping sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bridalveil Creek Campground is located 26 miles (a 45 minute drive) from Yosemite Valley. For more park information call (209)372-0200, or visit www.nps.gov/yose.
Book Now
Services & Amenities:
Within Facility
Drinking Water
Dumpster
Fire Rings
Fishing
Flush Toilets
Hiking Trail
Interpretive Programs
Nature Trails
Parking
Picnic Tables
Restroom
Sinks in Restroom
Swimming
Table
Important InformationIf arriving one or more days late, call (209)375-9535. Your reservation will be forfeited if we do not hear from you within 24hrs of your arrival date. BEAR HABITAT. Food storage rules are strictly enforced. Food and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day in food lockers provided in all campsites (45??A?A?x18??A?A?x33). No food in vehicles. Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters. Your campsite is reserved for the camping equipment you have chosen. If you arrive to the park with different camping equipment, your site might not be able to accommodate it. No switching of sites. Road conditions can change at any time. Please check road and weather before arriving at (209)372-0200 for conditions inside Yosemite, and 1-800-427-ROAD for conditions outside the park. Highway 120 over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining and the Glacier Point Road are closed seasonally. Entrance Fee to the park is $20 per private vehicle.

Tuolumne Planning Workshop in

2007-05-01T07:19:00.001-07:00

Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Tuolumne Planning Workshop in Yosemite Valley
As part of its continuing series, the National Park Service (NPS) will conduct a "Planner for a Day" public workshop on Saturday, April 21 from 9 am to 4 pm at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls in Yosemite Valley. This event will focus on the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan. The workshop will be preceded by an overview slide presentation on planning in Yosemite at 8 am.
Since January, the NPS has hosted this series of interactive workshops to give participants an opportunity to sit at the table with the NPS planning team and work on many of the issues currently being addressed in the Tuolumne planning effort. At previous workshops, participants discovered how public comments and legal mandates help guide the planning process. Participants also provided input that was considered during the creation of desired conditions for the Tuolumne River corridor. The next workshop will focus on assigning those desired conditions to different areas along the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River that flows through Yosemite National Park.
In early July, the NPS will release a newsletter presenting preliminary alternatives for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan. At that time, the public will have an opportunity to review and provide comments on these early alternatives before they are analyzed in the draft environmental impact statement.
To attend the workshop, please RSVP by phone at 209/379-1365, fax 209/379-1294, or email us. For more information on this and other Yosemite projects, visit online at

Final Yosemite Valley Plan

2007-05-01T07:18:00.001-07:00

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This document is the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. It is a revision of the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement that was released for public review in April 2000. It presents and analyzes alternative proposals for managing natural and cultural resources, facilities, and visitor experience in Yosemite Valley. Following a required 30-day period of no action, the Pacific West Regional Director of the National Park Service is expected to sign a Record of Decision. This Record of Decision will represent the conclusion of the planning process and provide guidance for future actions in Yosemite Valley.
Focusing primarily on Yosemite Valley, the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS) would implement many of the provisions found in Yosemite National Park's 1980 General Management Plan. The General Management Plan established the five broad goals listed below to guide the management of Yosemite National Park and to perpetuate its natural splendor:
• Reclaim priceless natural beauty
• Allow natural processes to prevail
• Promote visitor understanding and enjoyment
• Markedly reduce traffic congestion
• Reduce crowding
The General Management Plan recognized that new analyses would be necessary to determine how best to accomplish these goals. Since 1980, additional studies and analyses have been conducted (along with additional planning and public involvement), particularly related to natural processes, transportation, and housing. Information from these analyses has been used in the preparation of this singular, comprehensive planning effort for Yosemite Valley. Because information from these additional analyses has been incorporated into this planning effort, the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would modify some specific provisions while implementing many other provisions of the General Management Plan. Therefore, the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would amend the 1980 General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for Yosemite National Park.
THE MERCED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN
One of the principal results of analyses completed since 1980 is the clear recognition that, along with Yosemite Valley's granite formations and waterfalls, the Merced River is central to the Valley's scenery and ecological processes. In 1987, Congress designated the Merced River a Wild and Scenic River to protect the river's free-flowing condition and protect and enhance its unique values for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
In August 2000, the National Park Service signed the Record of Decision for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/FEIS (Merced River Plan) (NPS 2000c). The Merced River Plan provides direction and guidance on how best to manage Yosemite National Park and El Portal Administrative Site lands within the river corridor for the protection and enhancement of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Merced River Plan will now become a foundation for related implementation plans and provide general direction and guidance for future management decisions. The action alternatives considered in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS are consistent with the Record of Decision for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/FEIS.
PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE ACTION
The purpose of the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS is to present and analyze comprehensive alternatives for Yosemite Valley‹from Happy Isles at the east end of the Valley to the intersection of the El Portal and Big Oak Flat Roads at the west end. It also presents and analyzes actions in adjacent areas of the park and the El Portal Administrative Site that would occur as a result of actions implemented in Yosemite Valley.
Specific purposes of the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS within Yosemite Valley are to:
• Restore, protect, and enhance the resources of Yosemite Valley• Provide opportunities for high-quality, resource-based visitor experiences• Reduce traffic congestion• Provide effective park operations, including employee housing, to meet the mission of the National Park Service
The Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS presents four action alternatives for consideration to enable the National Park Service to move toward meeting the General Management Plan's broad goals for the Valley. Each of the four action alternatives presents a distinct vision for preserving the resources that contribute to Yosemite Valley's splendor and uniqueness while making the resources available to people for their enjoyment, education, and recreation. In conjunction with protecting the Valley's natural and cultural resources and providing for high-quality visitor experiences, there is a need to provide improved facilities and services for people who visit and work in Yosemite Valley.Previous Yosemite Valley Planning Efforts
The 1980 General Management Plan envisioned that additional planning, comprehensive designs for specific areas, and environmental compliance would be needed to evaluate how to best achieve its broad goals. Several major planning efforts relative to Yosemite Valley were initiated to implement aspects of the General Management Plan (1980) as amended by the Concession Services Plan (1992). These include the Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/SEIS (1992 and 1996 addendum), the Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/SEIS (1997), the Yosemite Lodge Development Concept Plan/EA/FONSI (1997, modified 1998), and the Yosemite Falls Project. In response to litigation and public comments requesting a comprehensive plan to examine all of these activities together, the National Park Service consolidated these planning efforts into one single, comprehensive approach. Thus, the Yosemite Valley Plan would incorporate many of the goals of these previous plans and re-evaluate their interactions.Direction for this Planning Effort
PARK PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE
Yosemite National Park was established and is managed in accordance with a series of laws, regulations, and executive orders. Two primary purposes for Yosemite National Park have been established:
To preserve the resources that contribute to Yosemite's splendor and uniqueness, including its exquisite scenic beauty, outstanding wilderness values, and a nearly full diversity of Sierra Nevada environments.
To make the varied resources of Yosemite available to people for their enjoyment, education, and recreation now and in the future.
GOALS
In the mid-1970s, the National Park Service began the comprehensive planning process that was completed in 1980 with approval of the Yosemite National Park General Management Plan. Nearly 60,000 individuals, organizations, and government agencies received planning information during plan development, and 20,000 actively participated in the planning process. The broad goals identified in the General Management Plan and described below have been reaffirmed repeatedly and have guided development of the alternatives evaluated in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.
Reclaim priceless natural beauty
Yosemite Valley is recognized worldwide for its unique, stunning beauty. The proposed alternatives should build on actions already initiated to reduce the amount of administrative functions and commercial services and visual intrusions in Yosemite Valley.
Allow natural processes to prevail
Many of Yosemite Valley's natural processes have been altered, thus affecting the dynamic ecosystem that plays a major role in maintaining the Valley's scenic beauty. The proposed alternatives should restore significantly altered natural systems and protect unaltered systems.
Promote visitor understanding and enjoyment
Yosemite Valley offers visitors opportunities to experience the Valley's scenic, natural, and cultural resources. An appropriate balance of development and use should preserve nature's wonders and keep them from being overshadowed by the intrusions of the human environment. The alternatives should foster these diverse opportunities and resource stewardship through enhanced interpretive programming and effective, high-quality educational facilities.
Markedly reduce traffic congestion
Since 1917, private vehicles have provided increased access to Yosemite Valley. But these vehicles also affect resources and intrude on visitor experiences. The alternatives should seek to reduce traffic and congestion and move toward the General Management Plan's ultimate goal of freeing the Valley of the environmental and experiential degradation caused by thousands of vehicles.
Reduce crowding
Yosemite National Park's popularity continues to grow, and during peak visitation, crowding can diminish the quality of visitors' experiences. The National Park Service proposes to continue studies on the character of the Yosemite visitor experience and effects of crowding, and how best to achieve desired future conditions.
CRITERIA
Criteria were developed to provide guidance for accomplishing the broad goals of the 1980 General Management Plan in Yosemite Valley and the specific purposes of the Yosemite Valley Plan. The four action alternatives were selected based on the degree to which they met, and as appropriate, integrate these criteria:
Protect and enhance natural and cultural resources
Enhance visitor experience
Provide effective operations
Provide appropriate land uses
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Public participation in the planning process helps to ensure that the National Park Service fully understands and considers the public's interest. Through public involvement, the National Park Service shares information about the planning process, issues, and proposed actions.
Scoping
The scope of issues addressed in the environmental analysis of the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS was identified through consideration of concerns and issues expressed by the public about Yosemite Valley planning. Scoping has been ongoing since 1991 as part of the previous planning efforts consolidated into the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. Concerns and issues identified during scoping fell into five topic areas: natural environment, cultural resources, visitor experience, transportation, and social and economic environments. These five topic areas were the basis for formulating a reasonable range of alternatives and guiding the environmental impact analysis.
Public Comment
The public comment period on the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS (April 7 to July 14, 2000) brought forth approximately 10,200 letters, postcards, e-mails, faxes, comment forms, and public hearing testimony. Every comment was read and analyzed by a member of the planning team. After careful consideration of each of the issues and the range of public comment, and consultation with federal agencies and American Indian Tribes, the management/planning team recommended changes to the draft document. See Volume III, Public Comments and Responses, for a complete record of public comments and National Park Service responses.
In addition to written public comment, the National Park Service held 14 public meetings throughout California. Approximately 1,500 people attended the public meetings. Meetings were also held nationwide, in Seattle, Denver, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Concerns and Issues
Concerns identified during the public comment period that were within the scope of the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS helped determine the need to revise the draft. Issues receiving the largest proportion of comments, or presenting difficult choices, included air quality, bridges, historic resources, camping, lodging, regional transportation, development, equity, timing of plans, environmental compliance, community impacts, phasing, and stock use.Issues Beyond the Scope and Direction of this Planning Effort
PREPARING A NEW GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Yosemite Valley Plan would amend the General Management Plan; however, it is not intended to replace it. The scope of the 1980 General Management Plan includes all of Yosemite National Park. The objective of the Yosemite Valley Plan is to provide more specific detail in carrying out the goals and actions that relate to Yosemite Valley.
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
Decisions on development of a regional transportation system will not be made through the Yosemite Valley Plan. Instead they will be made through processes coordinated through the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) or other regional planning efforts. The General Management Plan guides Yosemite National Park in the development of a regional transportation system as a preferred long-term approach for transporting people to the park. The National Park Service does not have authority to create a regional transportation system outside park boundaries. However, park management will continue to work cooperatively with surrounding communities, the State of California, and the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a regional transit system, as called for in the General Management Plan.
Relationship to Other Park Plans and Projects
Yosemite National Park has many other current plans and ongoing planning efforts. Those most directly related to the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS or potentially affected by it are described below.
MERCED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN
In 1987, Congress designated a 122-mile section of the Merced River as a Wild and Scenic River. The National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management administer the Merced Wild and Scenic River in separate segments. In 1999 and 2000, the National Park Service developed a comprehensive management plan for the 81-mile section of the Merced Wild and Scenic River under its jurisdiction. The Draft Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/EIS was reviewed by the public in early 2000 and the Record of Decision was authorized in August 2000. The purpose of the finalized Merced River Plan is to provide direction and guidance on how best to manage National Park Service lands, including the El Portal Administrative Site, within the river corridor to protect and enhance river values. The Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS follows management direction established in the Merced River Plan for actions proposed within the river corridor in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the El Portal Administrative Site (see Vol. 1a, Chapter 3, Merced Wild and Scenic River; Vol. 1b, Chapter 4; and Vol. 1c, plates G-1 through G-3).
CONCESSION SERVICES PLAN
The Concession Services Plan/SEIS, approved in 1992, presented guidance for management of concession services in Yosemite National Park to meet General Management Plan goals. The Concession Services Plan amends the General Management Plan, and provisions of it are incorporated into the action alternatives of the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. The intent of the Yosemite Valley Plan would be to implement the provisions of the Concession Services Plan, unless data on floodplain, geologic hazard, or highly valued resource areas or new operational requirements suggest the need for adjustment. In these instances, the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would modify the Concession Services Plan.
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Resources Management Plan for Yosemite National Park was updated in 1994. It presents an inventory and description of natural and cultural resources; describes and evaluates the current resources management program; and prescribes an action program based on legislative mandates, National Park Service policies, and provisions of related planning documents. Actions within the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS have been developed in harmony with the goals of the Resources Management Plan.
FLOOD RECOVERY PROJECTS
In early January 1997, one of the greatest floods in the park's history occurred. The flood came just as the Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan was being prepared for release. This timing increased both the complexity of and opportunities for the planning process.
The January 1997 flood was comparable to three other floods over the last 100 years. It demonstrated the vulnerability of facilities constructed in the floodplain. The flood also allowed visitors to experience Yosemite Valley with reduced development. It presented opportunities and some funding to relocate damaged facilities and to increase restoration of riverside environments. It is these post-flood conditions that are being used as a fresh starting point for the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.
EL PORTAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
The El Portal Road, a main route into Yosemite Valley, was damaged extensively during the January 1997 flood. An environmental assessment was prepared in 1997 to propose repairs and safety improvements, including widening travel lanes by 1.5 feet, improving drainage, and constructing guardwalls to meet crash-test standards. Litigation was brought against this project; the resultant court ruling allowed 6 miles of road to be reconstructed, but enjoined work on the remaining 1.1 miles (from the intersection of the El Portal and Big Oak Flat Roads east to Pohono Bridge) pending further compliance. Reconstruction of the 6 miles of road was completed in the fall of 2000. The removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam, safety improvements at the intersection of the El Portal and Big Oak Flat Roads, and the final 1.1-mile segment of the El Portal Road have been delayed until further environmental analysis can be completed.
ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
Four comprehensive alternatives were developed for the management and use of Yosemite Valley. Each of these four action alternatives meets the General Management Plan goals to a varying degree. The action alternatives incorporate information from three previous Yosemite Valley planning documents and from public comments received during scoping and the public review period. Each of these alternatives, as well as the No Action Alternative, has been analyzed and evaluated against specific environmental, economical, and operational criteria to identify the preferred alternative.
Changes Between the Draft and Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS
Public and agency comments received on the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS assisted park management and planners in identifying substantive concerns, new analyses, and applicable laws and policies. These comments were considered in developing the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. Major changes that were made as the planning process moved from draft to final are identified in Chapter 2 and shown in Table A.
Changes include making each of the action alternatives comply with the Preferred Alternative and Record of Decision for the Merced River Plan/FEIS. Several notable changes occur in the Preferred Alternative as a result of public comment.
Lodging was re-evaluated and the range of cost options was shifted toward lower-cost units.
A greater number of Housekeeping Camp units would be retained and the historic integrity of Curry Village would be retained and rehabilitated.
The number of higher-cost Yosemite Lodge units would be reduced, while Yosemite Lodge guests' connections with the park environment would be enhanced.
Campsite numbers would be increased.
The National Park Service would take a phased approach to the removal of historic bridges, re-evaluating its actions based on ecological and hydrologic monitoring findings.
Out-of-Valley parking along the Big Oak Flat Road would be located on a privately owned parcel known as Hazel Green, or alternatively, at Foresta.
The medical clinic would continue in its present location.
Development Considerations and Resource Stewardship
In narrow Yosemite Valley, both the cliffs and river present potential hazards to visitors, staff, and facilities. The National Park Service has identified those areas of the Valley better suited for providing the services and facilities necessary to meet the goals of this planning process. Additionally, the National Park Service has determined that particular natural and cultural resources in Yosemite Valley have the highest priority for protection and restoration, based on their sensitivity, biological productivity and diversity, and cultural value. The highly valued natural resources are the Merced River ecosystem, wetlands, riparian communities, meadows, California black oak woodlands, sensitive wildlife habitat, and rich soil areas. The highly valued cultural resources are cultural landscapes, National Historic Landmarks, archeological sites, and burial sites.The Process of Formulating Alternatives
The action alternatives considered in the Draft and Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS were developed over the last 9 years. Issues raised during several public comment periods, beginning with scoping on the 1992 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/SEIS and including the public comment period on the Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/SEIS (1997), were carried forward into the scoping for the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. A range of reasonable approaches to address these issues and achieve the goals of this plan was discussed, and alternative concepts were developed. Through an internal review process, including a Choosing by Advantage workshop, four comprehensive action alternatives were refined to form the alternatives considered in the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.
After the scoping period for the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS closed, comments were analyzed and a scoping comment analysis report was prepared (USFS 1999b). Public concerns from the report were combined with a re-analysis of comments received on the 1992 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/SEIS (and its 1996 supplement, the 1997 Draft Yosemite Lodge Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment) and the 1997 Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/SEIS. As discussed previously, most of the concerns identified for the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS fell within five main issue categories: natural environment, cultural resources, visitor experience, transportation, and social and economic environment (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 1, Issues and Concerns). These issues, along with other approaches, were evaluated as to whether they were reasonable and/or feasible.
At this point in the process, some actions were considered and dismissed from detailed study. In general, reasons for dismissing these actions included:
Technical or economic infeasibility
Inability to satisfy guidance criteria, meet project goals, or resolve park planning needs in Yosemite Valley
National Park Service staff used the project goals and criteria as well as regulations and policies to combine individual actions and thus develop four concepts for action alternatives. When the alternative concepts had been developed, they were put through a series of evaluations. First, alternative concepts were evaluated within the framework of meeting or, as appropriate, balancing the criteria outlined in Chapter 1, Purpose and Need. This evaluation ascertained whether alternative concepts would need to be modified to better satisfy the guidance criteria for accomplishing the broad goals of the 1980 General Management Plan and the specific purpose and need of the Yosemite Valley Plan. Next, alternative concepts were evaluated against several factors in the process workshop mentioned earlier called Choosing by Advantage. Although the Choosing by Advantage factors were similar to the aforementioned guidance criteria, they were used in a different way‹that is, to evaluate the relative advantages of the alternative concepts. Together, these evaluations enabled the National Park Service to determine where the four alternative concepts required strengthening. The evaluations also assisted the National Park Service in identifying which actions provided the greatest advantage, and how best to combine these alternative concepts to optimize achievement of plan goals.
The Preferred Alternative was chosen after evaluating each alternative based on the following: (1) how well it achieved the goals of the 1980 General Management Plan; (2) how well it protected park resources while providing for a quality visitor experience; and (3) how well it addressed issues and concerns expressed by the public. The planning team recommended Alternative 2 as the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.
Actions Common to All Action Alternatives
As the action alternatives were developed and refined, some elements became common to all action alternatives, including:
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIVER PROTECTION OVERLAY
The River Protection Overlay prescribed in the Merced River Plan would be implemented to provide a buffer area for natural flood flows, channel formation, riparian vegetation, and wildlife habitat while protecting riverbanks from human-caused impacts and associated erosion.
CASCADES DIVERSION DAM PROJECT
As part of implementing the Merced River Plan, all action alternatives propose the removal of the historic Cascades Diversion Dam. The dam removal would be subject to site-specific environmental compliance, including public involvement. The Cascades Diversion Dam is an impediment to the free-flowing character of the Merced Wild and Scenic River.
EL PORTAL ROAD PROJECT
Improvements to El Portal Road are included in each action alternative. Between Pohono Bridge and the intersection of Big Oak Flat Road with El Portal Road, roadway improvements for safety and minimization of roadway failure risk would be undertaken after removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam and stabilization of the river channel following dam removal. The road improvements would be subject to site-specific environmental compliance, including public involvement.
VISITOR USE IN YOSEMITE VALLEY AND LAND MANAGEMENT ZONING
About 70% of all summer visitors to Yosemite National Park travel to Yosemite Valley, which causes recurring problems with traffic congestion and parking during the peak season. The action alternatives provide for day-visitor parking and overnight parking for private vehicles and tour buses sufficient to accommodate this level of visitation. The number of parking spaces varies in each alternative to match the levels of overnight use in the corresponding alternative. (Chapter 2, table 2-1, shows expected visitor use based on overnight and day-visitor parking facilities for each alternative.)
The Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS does not propose specific limits on visitation. The General Management Plan prescribed a maximum daily use (i.e., day and overnight use) level for Yosemite Valley, based on analysis of facilities and vehicles, with no criteria for protection of resources or visitor experience. In the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS, a Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) study and program is to be implemented within 5 years of the Record of Decision for the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.
Based on data obtained during the VERP study, the National Park Service would:
Establish management zoning that complements the management zoning established in the Merced River Plan
Develop indicators to measure visitor experience and resource conditions
Develop standards that define acceptable measurements for each indicator
Develop an assessment program to monitor standards
Develop a decision-making process to be used in identifying management actions necessary to maintain or restore desired conditions
Develop visitor-use level recommendations for each zone
TRAVELER INFORMATION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
To ensure that the number of vehicles entering the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley would not exceed roadways and parking capacities, each action alternative proposes the design and implementation of a traveler information and traffic management system. This system would be designed to improve visitor experience and safety, reduce congestion, and protect natural and cultural resources.
The traveler information and traffic management system would provide visitors with information about where to park private vehicles and the availability of overnight accommodations in Yosemite Valley well before they arrive at the park. The system could provide information and incentives to encourage day visitors to use out-of-Valley parking or (if available) use transit buses during times of peak visitation. If other measures of the system do not sufficiently reduce the number of visitors who travel into the Valley and sufficiently reduce traffic congestion, a traffic check station may be constructed on Southside Drive in the area of the El Capitan crossover.
McCAULEY RANCH STABLE OPERATIONS
The National Park Service proposes removing the National Park Service and concessioner administrative stables operations from Yosemite Valley and relocating them to McCauley Ranch near Foresta. The Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS analyzes potential environmental impacts of this action; however, before any action is taken, a Wilderness suitability or nonsuitability assessment must be prepared.
If McCauley Ranch is suitable for designation as Wilderness, stable operations would be relocated within Yosemite Valley to a site in the vicinity of the historic Curry dump, east of Curry Village. In this case, in all but Alternative 5, Yosemite Valley stables would support only district stock and trails operations.Identification of the Preferred Alternative
Developing a single alternative that takes a maximum-benefit approach to (1) achieving the broad goals established in the General Management Plan; (2) meeting the purpose of this planning process; and (3) meeting the guidance criteria (see Chapter 1) is challenging because of inherent conflicts among the various goals and criteria. In many cases, an alternative that yields a maximum benefit to one project goal or criteria would likely result in reduced benefits in achieving another goal or criteria. Therefore, the alternative that best meets the various goals and their criteria would yield the highest sum of benefits.
The Preferred Alternative was selected based on:
A comparison of the intensity, magnitude, and duration of environmental consequences of alternatives • The alternative's ability to best satisfy the stated purpose and need for action
How well the alternative satisfies the goals and criteria discussed in Chapter 1
Based on the above, Alternative 2 has been identified as the Preferred Alternative for the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. Alternative 2 provides the best approach to demonstrating success at accomplishing the purpose and need for action: to restore, protect, and enhance natural and cultural resources, including the Merced River's Outstandingly Remarkable Values; reduce automobile traffic congestion; provide opportunities for enhanced, high-quality, resource-based visitor experiences; and provide effective park operations.Overview of the Alternatives
Brief descriptions of each of the five alternatives evaluated in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS are presented below. A fully developed, more detailed description is provided in Chapter 2, with an overview summary in Table A. A thorough discussion of the environmental impacts of each of the alternatives is described in Vol. Ib, Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences. Graphical representations of actions presented in the alternatives are included in Vol. Ic, Plates.
ALTERNATIVE 1 (THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE)
This alternative maintains the status quo in Yosemite Valley, as described in Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment. It provides a baseline from which to compare other alternatives, to evaluate the magnitude of proposed changes, and to measure the environmental effects of those changes. There are currently 407 acres of existing development within Yosemite Valley.
No dramatic or comprehensive changes would take place in the management of Yosemite Valley. Primary modes of transportation into Yosemite Valley would be by private vehicle and bus. Access would continue to be controlled by the Restricted Access Plan during periods of high visitation. A combination of scattered parking and formal and informal parking lots would be maintained. Campsites and lodging units would remain at current levels (i.e., the number remaining after the January 1997 flood and its subsequent cleanup). The Valley Visitor Center would remain in its present location in Yosemite Village. A comprehensive approach to restoring highly valued natural communities in Yosemite Valley, such as the Merced River corridor, meadows, and wetlands, would not take place. The west end of Yosemite Valley would remain largely undeveloped.
ALTERNATIVE 2 (PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE)
Yosemite Village and Out-of-Valley Parking (El Portal, Badger Pass, and Hazel Green or Foresta)
Alternative 2 would restore approximately 176 developed and disturbed acres in Yosemite Valley to natural conditions. In addition, 173 acres of developed land would be redeveloped and 73 acres of undeveloped land would be developed to accommodate visitor and employee services such as campgrounds, day-visitor parking, and employee housing. Alternative 2 would consolidate parking for day visitors at Yosemite Village, where a new Valley Visitor Center would be located, and in parking areas outside Yosemite Valley. There would be more campsites and fewer lodging units than there are now. This alternative would result in a major reduction in vehicle travel in the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley during periods of peak visitation. The area of the former Upper River and Lower River Campgrounds would be restored to a mosaic of meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland communities. Roads would be removed from Ahwahnee and Stoneman Meadows, and parking and fruit trees would be removed from Curry Orchard and the area restored to natural conditions. Southside Drive would be converted to two-way traffic from El Capitan crossover to Curry Village, and Northside Drive would be closed to motor vehicles and converted to a multi-use (bicycle and pedestrian) paved trail from El Capitan crossover to Yosemite Lodge. There would be minimal new development west of Yosemite Lodge. The net effect of this alternative would be to reduce development in Yosemite Valley by 71 acres.
ALTERNATIVE 3
Taft Toe Parking (No Out-of-Valley Parking)
Alternative 3 would restore approximately 209 developed and disturbed acres in Yosemite Valley to natural conditions. In addition, 148 acres of developed land would be redeveloped and 99 acres of undeveloped land would be developed to accommodate visitor and employee services. This alternative would consolidate parking for day visitors in the Taft Toe area in mid-Yosemite Valley. A new Valley Visitor Center would be constructed at Taft Toe. There would be fewer campsites and lodging units than there are now. The area of the former Upper and Lower River Campgrounds and the Camp 6 parking area near Yosemite Village would be restored to riparian habitat, roads would be removed from Ahwahnee and Stoneman Meadows, and parking and the historic fruit trees would be removed from Curry Orchard. Northside Drive would be converted to a multi-use paved trail for pedestrians and bicyclists from Yosemite Lodge to El Capitan Bridge. Southside Drive would be converted to two-way traffic from Taft Toe to Curry Village. The net effect of this alternative would be to reduce development in Yosemite Valley by 72 acres.
ALTERNATIVE 4
Taft Toe and Out-of-Valley Parking (El Portal, Badger Pass, and South Landing)
Alternative 4 would restore approximately 194 developed and disturbed acres in Yosemite Valley to natural conditions. In addition, 154 acres of developed land would be redeveloped and 99 acres of undeveloped land would be developed to accommodate visitor and employee services. Parking for day visitors would be consolidated in the Taft Toe area in mid-Yosemite Valley and in three parking areas outside the Valley. A new Valley Visitor Center would be constructed at Taft Toe, and there would be fewer campsites and lodging units than there are now. The area of the former Upper and Lower River Campgrounds and the Camp 6 parking area near Yosemite Village would be restored to riparian communities. Roads would be removed from Ahwahnee and Stoneman Meadows, and parking would be removed from Curry Orchard. Northside Drive would be converted to a multi-use paved trail for hikers and bicyclists from Yosemite Lodge to El Capitan crossover. Southside Drive would be converted to two-way traffic from Taft Toe to Curry Village. The net effect of this alternative would be to reduce development in Yosemite Valley by 66 acres.
ALTERNATIVE 5
Yosemite Village and Out-of-Valley Parking (El Portal, Henness Ridge, and Foresta)
This alternative would restore approximately 157 developed and disturbed acres to natural conditions within Yosemite Valley. In addition, 181 acres of developed land would be redeveloped and 54 acres of undeveloped land would be developed to accommodate visitor and employee services such as campgrounds, day-visitor parking, and employee housing. It would consolidate parking for day visitors at Yosemite Village, where a new transit center would be located, and in parking areas outside of Yosemite Valley. There would be more campsites and fewer lodging units than there are now. The area of the former Upper River and Lower River Campgrounds would be restored to a mosaic of meadow, riparian, and oak woodland communities. Traffic circulation would remain the same as at present; however, one lane of Northside and Southside Drives would be converted to a multi-use paved trail between El Capitan crossover and Yosemite Lodge. There would be minimal new development in the mid-Valley and west Yosemite Valley. The net effect of this alternative would be to reduce development in Yosemite Valley by 63 acres. Mitigation Measures Common To All Action Alternatives
A consistent set of mitigation measures would be applied to actions resulting from this plan to ensure that implementation of the selected action alternative protects natural and cultural resources and the quality of visitor experience. These mitigation measures would also be applied to future actions guided by this plan. The National Park Service would prepare appropriate environmental review for these future actions, and as part of the environmental review, would avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts when practicable.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DURING CONSTRUCTION
Best Management Practices would be implemented, as appropriate, prior to, during, and/or after specific construction. This would include a variety of operational and construction-related measures, such as implementing a compliance-monitoring program, implementing education programs, and developing architectural character guidelines for new construction in or near historic districts. In addition, resource-specific mitigation measures have been developed for the resource topics evaluated in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS (see Vol. Ib Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences). Best management practices and resource-specific mitigation measures are described in detail in Chapter 2. Alternatives Considered But Dismissed
A diverse range of actions were considered for projects or activities taking place within Yosemite Valley. While many of these actions are reasonable, others were eliminated from detailed study based on the following reasons:
Technical or economic infeasibility
Inability to satisfy guidance criteria, meet project goals, or resolve park-planning needs in Yosemite Valley (see Chapter 1, Purpose and Need)
Less environmentally damaging or less expensive options are available
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, or scenic impacts would be caused
Conflicts with the guidance and direction provided in the Merced River Plan for protecting the Merced River¹s Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Alternatives that were considered and dismissed are described in Chapter 2. Many of these dismissed potential actions related to transportation and parking, while others considered housing, visitor services, and recreation.
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
A list of specific resource topics was developed to focus on and compare environmental impacts among the alternatives. These resource topics were selected based on federal law, regulations, executive orders, National Park Service Management Policies, National Park Service subject-matter expertise, and concerns expressed by the public or other agencies during scoping and comment periods. Resources evaluated in the Draft and Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS are listed below:
Natural resources: water resources, floodplains, wetlands, soils, vegetation, wildlife, special-status species, and air quality
Geologic hazards
Scenic resources
Cultural resources: archeological resources, ethnographic resources, cultural landscape resources, museum collection
Merced Wild and Scenic River
Visitor experience
Transportation
Noise
Social and economic environments
Park operations
Energy consumption
The existing environment that could be affected by actions proposed in this Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS is described in Chapter 3. These conditions establish the baseline for the analysis of effects found in Vol. Ib, Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences. Two additional specific resource topics, wilderness and geology, were dismissed from further analysis. None of the alternatives considered in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would appreciably affect these resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
An impact analysis for each of the impact topic areas (listed above) has been completed for each of the five alternatives in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences, describes both beneficial and adverse impacts in detail. A summary of environmental impacts for all five alternatives is included in Table B in Vol. Ia, Chapter 2.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires identification and characterization of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts in the impact analysis for each alternative. Analysis for each impact topic includes identification of impacts of the various actions in each alternative; characterization of the impacts (including duration and intensity); applicable mitigation measures and their effect on reducing impacts; a conclusion; and an assessment of cumulative impacts.
A key tool in analyzing impacts to resources is the graphic portrayal of new development and redevelopment areas (see Vol. Ic, Plates). Direct impacts were analyzed in part by overlaying areas of new development and redevelopment on top of mapped resources and then evaluating the implications. While areas of potential development must often be generalized because precise locations and delineation at the planning stage are unknown, for purposes of this impact analysis, impacts to vegetation, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and other resources were assessed assuming the entire area delineated would be disturbed.
The National Park Service Director¹s Order 12 and its attachment, the NPS-12 Handbook (NPS 1999d) suggest an approach to identifying the intensity (or magnitude) and duration of impacts. That approach has been implemented in this evaluation. Indicators of the intensity of an impact, whether it be negligible, minor, moderate, or major, are included in the impact analysis and specifically defined by topic area. Impact duration is noted as either short-term or long-term. Where duration is not noted in the impact analysis, it is considered to be long-term. Mitigating actions listed in Vol. Ia, Chapter 2 would be taken during implementation of the alternatives. With the exception of the cultural resource analysis, all impacts would be assessed assuming that mitigating measures have been implemented.
Projects within the region surrounding Yosemite National Park with the potential for impacts on related resources were identified. Reasonably foreseeable future projects include planning or development activity currently being implemented or that would be implemented in the reasonably foreseeable future. These actions were evaluated in conjunction with impacts of each alternative to assess whether they have any additive effects on a particular environmental, cultural, or social resource. A comprehensive list of reasonably foreseeable future actions is provided in Vol. II, Appendix H, Considering Cumulative Effects.

Yosemite Falls

2007-05-01T07:17:00.001-07:00

At nearly half a mile in height (2,425 feet), Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the fifth highest in the world. Emerging from the upper reaches of Yosemite Creek, which begins on a slope of Mt. Hoffmann some 10 miles from Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls makes three distinct plunges before reaching the floor of Yosemite Valley: the 1,430-foot Upper Yosemite Fall, an intermediate 675-foot chain of cascades and the 320-foot Lower Yosemite Fall.
Today, the Lower Yosemite Fall area is the most highly visited natural feature in Yosemite National Park. During the summer, long lines form at the restroom, and cars, shuttle buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, and tour buses mix in confusing congestion. Undersized and degraded trails have led to damage of the surrounding forest floor and streamside.
Rehabilitation of the Lower Yosemite Fall area has been a priority of the National Park Service for nearly 10 years, beginning with a workshop held in 1992. Three years later, the National Park Service and The Yosemite Fund, the primary nonprofit fundraising organization for Yosemite National Park, agreed to work jointly on a proposed rehabilitation of the area. Planning for the rehabilitation started in 1997.
Other individual planning efforts, including plans for housing, restoration of areas to natural conditions, transportation, and visitor services, took on even greater urgency following the January 1997 flood in the park. Through both extensive public comment and litigation, questions were raised about the appropriateness of pursuing separate, yet connected planning efforts in Yosemite Valley. As a result, the National Park Service combined four distinct planning projects (including the Lower Yosemite Fall Project) together into one comprehensive planning effort for Yosemite Valley—the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the Lower Yosemite Fall Project is to implement the actions called for in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) (referred to hereafter as the Yosemite Valley Plan1) for the Lower Yosemite Fall area. Actions called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan were guided by the goals of the 1980 General Management Plan and the 2001 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Merced River Plan). The specific purposes of the Yosemite Valley Plan (see Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS, Volume Ia, Chapter 1, page 1-5) within Yosemite Valley are to:
Restore, protect, and enhance the resources of Yosemite Valley
Provide opportunities for high-quality, resource-based visitor experiences
Reduce traffic congestion
Provide effective park operations, including employee housing, to meet the mission of the National Park Service
To implement the purposes listed above, the objectives of the Lower Yosemite Fall Project are as follows:
Restore the area to a more natural state with the removal of the existing parking area and the relocation of the restroom and cars and tour buses from viewing areas and departure points. The visitor would see an environment that is more natural. A more dynamic creek system would be achieved by relocating bridge abutments to upland areas, thereby allowing Yosemite Creek to migrate more freely.
Enhance visitor experience by providing educational interpretive exhibits and better seating areas. Themes related to Yosemite American Indian culture, early pioneers and the birth of the conservation movement, and natural history would be presented in wayside exhibits. Visitors would be able to linger at seating areas where they could sit, listen, and experience not only Yosemite Falls but also the adjacent forest and views.
Improve trails and bridges to better facilitate visitor circulation and access. The overall area, including the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, would be more accessible to people with mobility impairments.
Improve cultural resource areas by reducing human impacts on archeological sites and resource gathering areas.
Improve the visitor experience and protect natural resources by constructing an adequate restroom and adequate site furnishings such as an informal seating area and picnic area, bicycle racks, and drinking fountain. The new restroom would also reduce the current environmental and sanitation problems in the area.
Increase resource protection by more clearly defining visitor trails, thereby minimizing damage to the forest floor and streams from persons traveling off trails.
The purpose of this environmental assessment is to analyze site-specific impacts that would result from the Lower Yosemite Fall Project, including actions that have changed slightly from actions called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan. These slight changes were identified during the development of site designs for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project subsequent to completion of the Yosemite Valley Plan.
The need for an environmental assessment of this project is in direct response to the tiering requirements of the Yosemite Valley Plan, which was published in November 2000. On December 29, 2000, the Yosemite Valley Plan Record of Decision was signed adopting the preferred alternative of the Yosemite Valley Plan. Preliminary site design concepts prepared for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project need to be evaluated as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) if any of the following four criteria are met:
Actions would benefit from further site-specific environmental compliance.
Proposed actions extend beyond the area identified and analyzed in the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Proposed actions involve an appreciable change in function and capacity from that discussed in the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Previously unknown resources are discovered (e.g., an archeological site or any special-status plant or animal species) during the design phase.
Relationship to Other Plans
The 1980 General Management Plan is the overall guiding document for planning in Yosemite National Park. The General Management Plan, Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Merced River Plan), and Yosemite Valley Plan are the guiding documents for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project, portions of which are located within the Wild and Scenic River boundaries of the Merced River.
In designating the Merced as a Wild and Scenic River, Congress authorized the National Park Service to prepare its management plan for the river by making appropriate revisions to the park’s 1980 General Management Plan (16 USC 1274[a][62]). The Merced River Plan, which is a programmatic plan that derives its authority from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, made certain revisions to the General Management Plan to further the protection of the Merced River. The Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS implements many of the Yosemite Valley provisions found in the 1980 General Management Plan and modifies other provisions due to new and more current information. Actions proposed by this project are consistent with guidance set forth by the General Management Plan, the Merced River Plan, and the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Overview of the Alternatives and Environmental Assessment
The Lower Yosemite Fall Project Environmental Assessment presents and analyzes three alternatives. The National Park Service has identified Alternative 2 as the preferred alternative. The alternatives are described briefly below and in detail in Chapter 2, Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives, of this environmental assessment.
Alternative 1 – No Action
Under Alternative 1, the existing conditions and management practices as they currently exist in the Lower Yosemite Fall area would remain. Under Alternative 1, the current restroom, bridges, trails, and parking area at the Lower Yosemite Fall area would be maintained. Alternative 1 provides a baseline from which to compare the action alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3), evaluate the magnitude of proposed changes, and measure potential environmental effects of those changes.
Alternative 1 would involve the following actions for the Lower Yosemite Fall area:
The restroom would remain in its current location and general condition. Currently, it does not contain sufficient fixtures, nor does it meet federal accessibility standards.
The existing parking area would remain. The Lower Yosemite Fall area would continue to lack sufficient seating and picnic facilities.
The shuttle bus stop would remain in its current location.
Tour buses would continue to park at the existing parking area.
The eastern trail north of Bridge #1 would be located near a cultural resource (the millrace feature within the Hutchings sawmill archeological site).
Trails would remain in their existing locations with existing routine maintenance. Stock (e.g., horse) users would share trails with hikers through the Lower Yosemite Fall Area.
Bridges would remain in their current location, alignment, and condition. Bridge #6, which is currently collapsed, would be rebuilt, as would the trails leading to Bridge #6.
Vegetation obscuring identified view corridors would not be removed.
The human-built rock-rubble pile would remain.
Degradation of both archeological and ethnographic resource sites from human trampling would continue.
Alternative 2 – Preferred
Alternative 2 would implement actions approved in the Yosemite Valley Plan for the Lower Yosemite Valley area, including those with slight changes. The actions which represent slight changes from the Yosemite Valley Plan are as follows:
Restroom Relocation. The restroom north of the existing parking area would be removed, and a new restroom would be constructed near what is currently the southeastern edge of the parking lot. The change of location would minimize impacts to an ethnographic resource, keep the restroom out of Yosemite Falls view corridors, and be adjacent to the proposed seating/picnic area. The new restroom would be adequately sized for the expected volume of visitors and would be designed to be accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
Parking Area Removal and Establishment of a Small Seating and Picnic Area. The existing parking area would be removed. Trails would be built to access the western trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, and a small picnic area and an informal seating area with benches, logs, or stones for seating would be created.
New Shuttle Bus Stop. A new shuttle bus stop would be located on the north side of Northside Drive east of the Yosemite Creek Bridge.
Interim Tour Bus Unloading, Loading, and Parking. To address relocation of the tour bus parking area from the Lower Yosemite Fall area, replacement parking spaces would be provided on an interim basis for day tour buses that currently park in this area. Tour buses would unload and load passengers along Northside Drive near Cook’s Meadow using the existing turnout west of Village Drive. Until day tour bus parking can be provided elsewhere, as called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan, day tour buses would park in an existing lane of Northside Drive, extending west of Camp 4. Interim parking for the few overnight tour buses would be provided in existing parking areas associated with lodging facilities in Yosemite Valley.
Trail Alignment, Including Relocation of the Eastern Trail Near Bridge #1. Elevated boardwalks and realigned trails would be placed between Bridges #1 and #2 and northwest of Bridge #1. These actions would minimize impacts to stream hydrology and the millrace feature within Hutchings sawmill site because boardwalks would be placed above the ground. Trail alignments between Bridge #6 and the Hutchings view corridor would be designed to minimize impacts to ethnographic resources.
Rehabilitation of Trails. Pedestrian access to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall would be on either a rehabilitated western trail (the existing main access) or a better-defined and hardened eastern trail. Access to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for visitors with mobility impairments would be via the redesigned and hardened eastern trail. Interpretive exhibits and seating would be added to both the western and eastern trails. Stock (e.g., horse) use on trails would be managed as described in the Yosemite Valley Plan (see Vol. IA, page 2-65).
Rehabilitation, Relocation, and Installation of Bridges. Five of the existing historic bridges along the eastern trail would be rehabilitated to allow wheelchair access throughout the area. Bridge #1 would be relocated to provide a better approach to a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that would pass over the millrace feature within the historic Hutchings sawmill site. Bridge #2 would be rehabilitated as a boardwalk to allow creek hydrology to be restored to a more natural condition. Bridge #3 would be rehabilitated to maintain access to the Muir plaque and Clark bench. Bridge #4 would be removed. Bridges #5 and #6 (closest to the shuttle bus stop) would be rehabilitated to help separate bicyclists from pedestrians, reduce congestion, and improve circulation. A new bridge (Bridge #7) would be constructed to replace a bridge formerly located east of Bridge #3 and complete a loop trail system. Yosemite Falls Bridge, the historic bridge across Yosemite Creek at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, would be rehabilitated and the viewing platform enlarged.
The abutments for rehabilitated bridges would be moved out of the creek channels and located farther up on the banks. One new pier to support a longer span would be placed in the channel at Bridge #3, and two new piers would be placed in the channel at Bridge #6 to support a longer span. Though a small portion of the channel would be blocked by new bridge piers, a larger portion of the channel would be opened and its hydrology would be restored as a result of removal of bridge abutments from the channel. The two piers at the Yosemite Falls Bridge would remain in the same location.
View Corridor Maintenance. Two historic view corridors through the Lower Yosemite Fall area (Western Trail and Hutchings view corridors) would be maintained by selective trimming of brush and branches and selective cutting and removal of trees and vegetation within these view corridors. Removal of trees and vegetation to maintain the view corridors would be preceded by site-specific reconnaissance for cultural resources and natural resources, such as wetland vegetation, bat roost sites, and bird nest sites, so that there would be no potential impact to those resources.
Removal of Human-Built Rock-Rubble Pile. Removal of the rock-rubble pile downstream from the historic Yosemite Falls Bridge would be preceded by studies, thereby ensuring that this action would meet resource objectives while protecting public health and safety.
Alternative 3 – As Evaluated in the Yosemite Valley Plan
Alternative 3 would involve the same actions described above for Alternative 2, but without change from the Yosemite Valley Plan. The Alternative 3 actions are described below.
Restroom Relocation. The restroom north of the existing parking area would be removed and a new restroom would be constructed east of Yosemite Creek and north of Northside Drive, adjacent to the future Lower Yosemite Fall shuttle bus stop.
Parking Area Removal and Establishment of an Informal Seating Area. The existing parking area would be removed, and a portion of the area would be replaced with an informal seating area. The remainder of the area would be restored with locally native vegetation.
New Shuttle Bus Stop. A new shuttle bus stop would be located on the north side of Northside Drive east of the Yosemite Creek Bridge.
Interim Tour Bus Unloading, Loading, and Parking. To address relocation of the tour bus parking area from the Lower Yosemite Fall area, replacement parking spaces would be provided on an interim basis for day tour buses that currently park in this area. Tour buses would unload and load passengers along Northside Drive near Cook’s Meadow using the existing turnout west of Village Drive. Until day tour bus parking can be provided elsewhere, as called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan, day tour buses would park in an existing lane of Northside Drive, extending west of Camp 4. Interim parking for the few overnight tour buses would be provided in existing parking areas associated with nearby lodging facilities in Yosemite Valley.
Trail Alignment, Including Relocation of the Eastern Trail Near Bridge #1. Trail alignment actions would be the same as for Alternative 2. The trail between Bridges #1 and #2 would be rehabilitated, and the trail northwest of Bridge #1 would be relocated to provide wheelchair accessibility to the area. The trail northwest of Bridge #1 would be placed on the millrace feature within the Hutchings sawmill site.
Rehabilitation of Trails. Pedestrian access to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall would be on either a rehabilitated western trail (the existing main access) or a better-defined and hardened eastern trail. Access to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for visitors with mobility impairments would be via the redesigned and hardened eastern trail. Interpretive exhibits and seating would be added to both the western and eastern trails. Stock (e.g., horse) use on trails would be managed as described in the Yosemite Valley Plan (see Vol. IA, page 2-65).
Rehabilitation, Relocation, and Installation of Bridges. Five of the existing historic bridges along the eastern trail would be rehabilitated to allow wheelchair access throughout the area. Bridge #1 would be relocated and an accessible trail would pass through the millrace feature within the historic Hutchings sawmill site. Bridge #2 would be rehabilitated. Bridge #3 would be rehabilitated to maintain access to the Muir plaque and Clark bench. Bridge #4 would be removed. Bridges #5 and #6 (closest to the shuttle bus stop) would be rehabilitated to help separate bicyclists from pedestrians, reduce congestion, and improve circulation. A new bridge (Bridge #7) would be constructed to replace a bridge formerly located east of Bridge #3 and complete a loop trail system. Yosemite Falls Bridge, the historic bridge across Yosemite Creek at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, would be rehabilitated and the viewing platform enlarged.
The abutments for rehabilitated bridges would be moved out of the creek channels and located farther up on the banks. One new pier would be placed in the channel at Bridge #3, and two new piers would be placed in the channel at Bridge #6. Though a small portion of the channel would be blocked by new bridge piers, a larger portion of the channel would be enlarged and its hydrology would be restored as a result of removal of bridge abutments from the channel. The two piers at the Yosemite Falls Bridge would remain in the same location.
View Corridor Maintenance. Two historic view corridors through the Lower Yosemite Fall area (Western Trail and Hutchings view corridors) would be maintained by selective trimming of brush and branches and selective cutting and removal of trees and vegetation within these view corridors. Removal of trees and vegetation to maintain the view corridors would be preceded by site-specific reconnaissance for cultural resources and natural resources, such as wetland vegetation, bat roost sites, and bird nest sites, so that there would be no potential impact to those resources.
Removal of Human-Built Rock-Rubble Pile. The rock-rubble pile would be removed without further study, based on the information presented in the Yosemite Valley Plan
Environmental Consequences of Each Alternative and the Environmentally Preferable Alternative
The Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Park Service NEPA guidelines require that "the alternative or alternatives which were considered to be environmentally preferable" be identified (Council on Environmental Quality Regulations, Section 1505.2). Environmentally preferable is defined as "the alternative that will promote the national environmental policy as expressed in Section 101 of NEPA. Ordinarily, this means the alternative that causes the least damage to the biological and physical environment; it also means the alternative that best protects, preserves, and enhances historic, cultural, and natural resources" (Council on Environmental Quality 1981).
Section 101 of the NEPA states that "… it is the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to … (1) fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations; (2) assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; (3) attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; (4) preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity, and variety of individual choice; (5) achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and (6) enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources." The environmentally preferable alternative for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project Environmental Assessment is based on these national environmental policy goals.
Alternative 1 – No Action
Alternative 1 represents conditions and management practices as they currently exist or as they existed in the recent past for the Lower Yosemite Fall area. The provision of productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings (provision 2 of the national environmental policy goals) would be adversely affected by the location of the existing restroom facility, which encroaches upon an identified view corridor. Alternative 1 would not fulfill provision 3 of the national environmental policy goals because it would route visitors on ill-defined trails in the vicinity of sensitive cultural resources. In addition, Alternative 1 would present risks to public health and safety (provision 3) because the existing restroom is undersized and not in conformance with federal accessibility standards.
Alternative 2 – Preferred
Alternative 2 would relocate the restroom to a less environmentally sensitive area outside of any view corridor and close by the proposed new shuttle bus stop. The application of mitigation measures described in Chapter 2, Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives, would further reduce the potential adverse impacts. The provision of aesthetically pleasing surroundings (provision 2 of the national environmental policy goals) would be improved because of the maintenance and enhancement of view corridors towards Yosemite Falls, as well as revegetation and the replacement of the existing parking area with a seating area and picnic area. Alternative 2 would fulfill provision 3 of the national environmental policy goals by reducing risks to public health and safety through the rehabilitation of existing bridges and better definition of trails (to minimize foot traffic in sensitive cultural resources and wetlands habitat). Alternative 2 would preserve natural and cultural resources as required under provision 4 of the national environmental policy goals. This alternative would implement measures to reduce adverse effects related to demolition and construction activities (for example, Best Management Practices).
Alternative 3 – As Evaluated in the Yosemite Valley Plan
From an environmental perspective, Alternative 3 differs from Alternative 2 primarily through the location of the restroom within an identified ethnographic resource area and the location of a trail through the millrace feature within the Hutchings sawmill site. Therefore, Alternative 3 would be less sensitive than Alternative 2 to provisions (2), (3), and (4) of Section 101 of NEPA, as stated above.
Environmentally Preferable Alternative
The environmentally preferable alternative is Alternative 2 because, of the alternatives considered in detail, it would most fully satisfy the national environmental policy goals, as stated in Section 101 of NEPA. Alternative 2 would (1) provide a high level of protection of natural and cultural resources while concurrently attaining the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation; (2) reduce risks to public health and safety; and (3) provide an aesthetically pleasing surrounding.

Happy Isles footbridge

2007-05-01T07:16:00.002-07:00

Executive Summary
Introduction
The historic Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge (also known as the Happy Isles footbridge), which spans the Merced Wild and Scenic River, is a reinforced-concrete girder bridge that was originally constructed in 1921. The bridge sustained substantial damage due to natural catastrophic events in recent years. A massive rockfall and windblast in the Happy Isles area damaged the bridge in July 1996. A major flood in January 1997 caused extensive damage to human-made structures along the main stem of the Merced River, including the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. The bridge remained in use until it was inspected in July 1997 by representatives of the Federal Highway Administration who recommended its closure. Based on these findings, the National Park Service closed the bridge for safety reasons in July 1997. Since that time, the bridge has continued to deteriorate and is currently showing signs of imminent failure, with a large sinkhole appearing on the river-left abutment. Due to the threat to public health and safety, the bridge needs to be removed before it collapses of its own accord. The river-right abutment of the bridge would be retained in order to protect the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station and streamflow gauge, which is operated by the United States Geological Survey. In the future, the National Park Service may relocate the Happy Isles Gauging Station. This action is described in Appendix A as a reasonably foreseeable future project.
The National Park Service plans to eventually replace the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge as a separate project, an action that was identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project is to:
· Protect visitor health and safety by eliminating the threat posed by the failing concrete bridge.
· Protect park resources from localized flooding that could result from uncontrolled bridge collapse during a high water period.
· Prevent the difficult and potentially dangerous removal of bridge debris from the river that would be required if the bridge collapsed.
· Protect park infrastructure (e.g., the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station and Happy Isles Vehicle Bridge, as well as water supply lines) from possible damage due to uncontrolled bridge collapse by removing the bridge before it collapses of its own accord.
· Protect Happy Isles Gauging Station from gauge calibration distortion caused by an uncontrolled bridge collapse.
· Enhance the free-flowing condition of the Merced River.
The need for the proposed project arose as a result of the 1997 flood damage to the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. Structural damage sustained during the flood, as well as subsequent deterioration and structural failure (including a large sinkhole on the river-left abutment), have resulted in the need to remove the failing bridge. The National Park Service intends to remove the failing structure, which has been closed to the public since 1997.
Relationship to Other Plans
The Yosemite National Park 1980 General Management Plan, Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Merced River Plan), and Yosemite Valley Plan are the guiding documents for the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project, which is located within the Wild and Scenic River boundaries of the Merced River. The 1980 General Management Plan is the overall guiding document for planning in Yosemite National Park. In designating the Merced as a Wild and Scenic River, Congress authorized the National Park Service to prepare its management plan for the river by making appropriate revisions to the park’s 1980 General Management Plan (16 USC 1274[a][62]). The Merced River Plan, which is a programmatic plan that derives its authority from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, made certain revisions to the General Management Plan to further the protection of the Merced River. The Yosemite Valley Plan implements many of the Yosemite Valley provisions found in the 1980 General Management Plan, and modifies other provisions due to new and more current information. Actions proposed by this project are consistent with guidance set forth by the General Management Plan, the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, and the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Overview of the Alternatives and Environmental Assessment
The Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project Environmental Assessment presents and analyzes two alternatives. The National Park Service has identified Alternative 2, Controlled Demolition, as the Preferred Alternative. The alternatives are described briefly below and in detail in Chapter II, Alternatives.
Chapter III, Affected Environment, describes the setting and condition of the areas affected by the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project. Chapter IV, Environmental Consequences, analyzes the environmental impacts associated with each of the alternatives. A summary of the environmental consequences is provided below.
Alternative 1: No Action
The No Action Alternative represents conditions and management practices as they currently exist for the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. It provides the basis for comparison of each action alternative.
Under the No Action Alternative, Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge would continue to degrade and would eventually fail. Bridge collapse would likely occur during high flow conditions. Bridge-related debris would be deposited downstream, possibly damaging the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station and disrupting the validity of measurements from the gauging station pool. Deposition of bridge-related debris would also adversely affect natural, cultural, and scenic resources and recreation. Sudden collapse of the bridge could result in serious injuries and/or fatalities to recreational users of the river. The National Park Service would remove bridge debris from the river as soon as possible following bridge collapse, although the retrieval effort may be delayed by several months, since debris removal activities would need to occur during periods of low flow. Diverted river flows and erosion could result in adverse impacts to vegetation, soils, and cultural resources along the riverbanks. Over the long term, uncontrolled failure of the bridge largely would restore free flow of the Merced River at this location.
Alternative 2: Controlled Demolition
Alternative 2, Controlled Demolition, would partially remove the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. The river-right abutment, which is located on a large boulder on the riverbank, would be retained to protect the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station. Alternative 2 would involve separating the bridge into liftable segments and removing the segments using equipment located on the riverbank. A temporary containment system (e.g., a reinforced tarp, netting, cage, or floating barge) would be installed beneath the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge to catch small amounts of debris during partial bridge removal. This containment system would prevent slurry from concrete saws, as well as small debris, from falling into the Merced River. However, not all demolition debris would be prevented from falling into the river; masonry debris greater than 2 inches in any dimension and all metal debris would be removed from the river. A temporary structural support system (e.g., scaffolding, jacks, or mechanical lifts) may be installed to prevent uncontrolled collapse of the bridge structure during demolition or to anchor the containment system.
Removal of Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge would have short-term demolition-related impacts on natural, cultural, and social resources. Because demolition would occur in a controlled manner (e.g., within a delineated work area, during low-flow conditions, with the application of Best Management Practices), Alternative 2 would avoid the more pronounced adverse effects of uncontrolled bridge failure and debris retrieval activities described under Alternative 1. Demolition-related impacts would be reduced by application of Best Management Practices and resource-specific mitigation measures (refer to Chapter II). Minor regrading and revegetation would increase bank integrity resulting in beneficial effects on soils, water quality, cultural resources, and biological resources. Similar to Alternative 1, controlled bridge removal largely would restore the free-flowing condition of the Merced River and return this portion of the river to a more natural condition, thereby enhancing its biological and hydrologic integrity. Alternative 2 would have a long-term, beneficial effect on natural and scenic resources because it would return a portion of the riverbank to a more natural state (benefiting wetland and aquatic resources), restore the active flood regime and fluvial processes, and improve views from the riverbank. Retention of the river-right abutment would have minimal impacts to river flow because the abutment is anchored on a large boulder that controls the majority of flow around the abutment.
Environmentally Preferable Alternative
The CEQ Regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Park Service NEPA guidelines require that “the alternative or alternatives which were considered to be environmentally preferable” be identified (CEQ Regulations, Section 1505.2). Environmentally preferable is defined as “the alternative that will promote the national environmental policy as expressed in the National Environmental Policy Act’s Section 101. Ordinarily, this means the alternative that causes the least damage to the biological and physical environment; it also means the alternative that best protects, preserves, and enhances historic, cultural, and natural resources” (“Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning Council on Environmental Quality’s [CEQ] National Environmental Policy Act Regulations,” 1981).
Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act states that “… it is the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to … (1) fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations; (2) assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; (3) attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; (4) preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity, and variety of individual choice; (5) achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and (6) enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources.” The environmentally preferable alternative for the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project is based on these national environmental policy goals.
Alternative 1: No Action
The No Action Alternative represents conditions and management practices as they currently exist for the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. The provision of productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings (provision 2 of the national environmental policy goals) would be adversely affected due to uncontrolled collapse of the bridge that would result in visually intrusive bank erosion and debris within the channel of the Merced River, and endanger the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station and other sensitive cultural resources in the vicinity. Alternative 1 would not fulfill provision 3 of the national environmental policy goals because risks to public health and safety would worsen under this alternative due to the uncontrolled failure of the bridge. Alternative 1 would not preserve natural resources as required under provision 4 of the national environmental policy goals. Eventual bridge failure would lead to sudden bank erosion that would affect soils, water quality, and biological resources such as vegetation and special-status species.
Alternative 2: Controlled Demolition
Alternative 2 includes controlled demolition and partial removal of the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. Because demolition would occur in a controlled manner (e.g., within a delineated work area, during low-flow conditions, with the application of Best Management Practices), Alternative 2 would avoid the more pronounced adverse effects of uncontrolled bridge failure and debris retrieval activities described under Alternative 1. The application of mitigation measures described in Chapter II would further reduce the potential adverse impacts. The provision of aesthetically pleasing surroundings (provision 2 of the national environmental policy goals) would be improved because of the inclusion of site restoration. Alternative 2 would fulfill provision 3 of the national environmental policy goals by reducing risks to public health and safety through the controlled demolition of the bridge and application of mitigation measures to reduce hazards to visitors. Alternative 2 would preserve natural and cultural resources as required under provision 4 of the national environmental policy goals. This alternative would implement measures to reduce adverse effects related to demolition activities (e.g., Best Management Practices) and includes site restoration to increase site stability and biological integrity. Alternative 2 also would ensure protection of the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station and other sensitive cultural resources in the vicinity by removing the bridge in a controlled manner and avoiding the adverse effects of bank erosion that would occur under Alternative 1.
Environmentally Preferable Alternative
The environmentally preferable alternative is Alternative 2 because, of the alternatives considered in detail, it most fully satisfies the national environmental policy goals as stated in Section 101. Alternative 2 would (1) provide a high level of protection of natural and cultural resources while concurrently attaining the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation; (2) reduce risks to public health and safety; and (3) provide an aesthetically pleasing surrounding.

Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project

2007-05-01T07:16:00.001-07:00

This Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project Environmental Assessment is intended to guide the future of the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project. The project alternatives and this environmental assessment, which evaluates the potential impacts of the alternatives, are integrated in this document and are referred to collectively as the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project Environmental Assessment. The environmental assessment identifies and analyzes two alternatives: Alternative 1 – the No Action Alternative, and Alternative 2 – Controlled Demolition (the preferred alternative). Alternative 1, the No Action Alternative, represents conditions and management practices as they currently exist at the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. It provides the basis of comparison for the action alternative. The action alternative (Alternative 2) is based on the purpose and need for the project and conforms with the goals of Yosemite National Park’s General Management Plan, the goals and management elements of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, and goals of the Yosemite Valley Plan. Alternative 2, Controlled Demolition, would partially remove the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge. The river-right abutment, which is located on a large boulder on the riverbank, would be retained to protect the historic Happy Isles Gauging Station. Alternative 2 would involve separating the bridge into liftable segments and removing the segments using equipment located on the riverbank. A temporary containment system (e.g., a reinforced tarp, netting, cage, or floating barge) would be installed beneath the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge to catch small amounts of debris during partial bridge removal. This containment system would prevent slurry from concrete saws, as well as small debris, from falling into the Merced River. However, not all demolition debris would be prevented from falling into the river; masonry debris greater than 2 inches in any dimension and all metal debris would be removed from the river. A temporary structural support system (e.g., scaffolding, jacks, or mechanical lifts) may be installed to prevent uncontrolled collapse of the bridge structure during demolition or to anchor the containment system. Once the river-left abutment has been removed, the bank would be shaped and contoured and riparian vegetation would be planted to match conditions of adjacent portions of the riverbank.

Lower Yosemite Fall Project

2007-05-01T07:15:00.001-07:00

Lower Yosemite Fall Project
Environmental Assessment
________________________________________________________________________
Yosemite National Park
Lead Agency: National Park Service
ABSTRACT

This Lower Yosemite Fall Project Environmental Assessment is intended to guide the future of the Lower Yosemite Fall Project. This environmental assessment addresses actions of the Lower Yosemite Fall Project that were approved in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Yosemite Valley Plan), including those that have changed slightly since the time the Yosemite Valley Plan Record of Decision was signed in December 2000. A few of the actions approved by the Yosemite Valley Plan were changed because new information became available as the site design was refined for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project.
Three alternatives for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project are presented in this environmental assessment. Alternative 1 (No Action) represents conditions and management practices as they currently exist, or have existed in the recent past, at the Lower Yosemite Fall area. For example, Bridge #6, currently collapsed, would be rebuilt, and the trails leading to Bridge #6 would be rehabilitated. Alternative 1 provides the basis of comparison for the action alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3). These two action alternatives are based on the purpose and need for the project and conform with the goals of Yosemite National Park’s General Management Plan, the goals and management elements of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, and the goals of the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Alternative 2 (Preferred) would implement the following actions approved in the Yosemite Valley Plan for the Lower Yosemite Fall area, including those with slight changes.
Restroom Relocation. The restroom north of the existing parking area would be removed, and a new restroom would be constructed near what is currently the southeastern edge of the parking area.
Parking Area Removal and Establishment of a Small Seating and Picnic Area. The existing parking area would be removed. Trails would be built to access the western trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, and there would be a small picnic area and informal seating area with benches, logs, or stones for seating. The remainder of the area would be revegetated with locally native plants.
New Shuttle Bus Stop. A new shuttle bus stop would be located on the north side of Northside Drive east of the Yosemite Creek Bridge.
Interim Tour Bus Unloading, Loading, and Parking. To address relocation of the tour bus parking area from the Lower Yosemite Fall area, replacement parking spaces would be provided on an interim basis for tour buses that currently park in this area. In addition, an interim bus passenger loading and unloading zone would be provided along Northside Drive.
Trail Alignment, Including Relocation of the Eastern Trail Near Bridge #1. A realigned trail with elevated boardwalks would be placed between Bridges #1 and #2 and northwest of Bridge #1. This action would minimize impacts to the millrace feature within the Hutchings sawmill site because the boardwalks would be placed above the feature.
Rehabilitation of Trails. Pedestrian access to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall would be on either a rehabilitated western trail (the existing main access) or a better-defined and hardened eastern trail. Access to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for visitors with mobility impairments would be via the redesigned and hardened eastern trail. Stock (e.g., horse) use on the trails would be managed as described in the Yosemite Valley Plan (Vol. IA, page 2-65).
Rehabilitation, Relocation, and Installation of Bridges. Five of the existing historic bridges along the eastern trail would be rehabilitated to allow wheelchair access throughout the area. A sixth bridge, the historic bridge across Yosemite Creek at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, would be rehabilitated and the viewing platform enlarged. A seventh bridge would be constructed to complete a loop trail system. One bridge (#4) would be removed.
View Corridor Maintenance. Two historic view corridors through the Lower Yosemite Fall area (Western Trail view corridor and Hutchings view corridor) would be maintained by selective trimming of brush and branches and by selective cutting and removal of trees and vegetation within these view corridors.
Removal of Human-Built Rock-Rubble Pile. Removal of the human-built rock-rubble pile downstream from the historic Yosemite Falls Bridge would be preceded by studies, while protecting public health and safety, thereby ensuring that the action would meet resource objectives.
Alternative 3 would involve the same actions described for Alternative 2, without change from the Yosemite Valley Plan and as approved in the Yosemite Valley Plan Record of Decision. The Alternative 3 actions that differ from Alternative 2 are described below.
Restroom Relocation. The restroom north of the existing parking area would be removed and a new restroom would be constructed east of Yosemite Creek and north of Northside Drive, adjacent to the future Lower Yosemite Fall shuttle bus stop.
Parking Area Removal and Establishment of an Informal Seating Area. The existing parking area would be removed, and a portion of the area would be replaced with an informal seating area. The remainder of the area would be revegetated with locally native plants.
Removal of Human-Built Rock-Rubble Pile. The human-built rock-rubble pile would be removed without further study, based on the information presented in the Yosemite Valley Plan.
Trail Alignment, Including Relocation of the Eastern Trail Near Bridge #1. Trail alignment actions would be the same as for Alternative 2 with the following differences: the trail between Bridges #1 and #2 would be rehabilitated without a boardwalk, and the trail northwest of Bridge #1 would be relocated to provide wheelchair accessibility to the area. The trail northwest of Bridge #1 would be placed on the millrace feature within the Hutchings sawmill site without a boardwalk.

Yosemite

2007-05-01T07:14:00.001-07:00

Yosemite National Park Invites Public to Open House
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.The public is invited to the Open House to:
Talk to park staff and listen to presentations given throughout the day
Access the latest news on various park projects
Review newly released documents and reports
Submit comments on proposed projects and ongoing implementation efforts
Planning efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House are:
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/Tuolumne Meadows Plan and Environmental Impact Statement: Public scoping comment period open through September 7, 2006!
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Irruption
El Capitan Meadow Restoration Project
Segment D-El Portal Road Improvements
Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Project
Public scoping materials will be available and public comments accepted for the Tuolumne River Plan and Tuolumne Meadows Plan during this Open House. Comments will be accepted through September 7, 2006. Project managers for this plan will be available for questions, and a presentation about this planning effort will also take place throughout the day.
To learn more about ongoing projects, add your name to the park's planning mailing list and receive the Planning Update newsletter as well as other planning-related notices, or submit your email address to receive Yosemite National Park's periodic electronic newsletter.

Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson Named an Honorary Kentucky Colonel

2007-05-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson was named an Honorary Kentucky Colonel, an honor bestowed upon him by Ernie Fletcher, the Governor of Kentucky. Shelton was nominated for this honor by Derrick W. Graham, a Kentucky State Representative.
Johnson, an 18-year veteran of the National Park Service, presents a variety of interpretive programs for park visitors. However, he is most passionate about his work with the Buffalo Soldiers. These soldiers, of African-American descent, were stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. They were sent, by horseback, to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks in 1899, 1903, and 1904 to protect the parks and enforce park rules. They were, in essence, some of the first park rangers in the newly created national parks.
Through research of historical photographs and documents, Shelton has been telling the story of the Buffalo Soldiers to Yosemite National Park visitors. He presents a first-person account of what is was like to live and work as a soldier in Yosemite in 1903 and 1904.
While looking through muster rolls of some of the soldiers, Johnson noticed a Ninth Cavalry Private named George Metcalf from Frankfort, Kentucky. A co-worker, Ranger Larry Montgomery, happened to be from Kentucky, and coincidentally the same town. By a stroke of fate, Ranger Montgomery not only knew this family, but worked with one of the descendants. The family was eventually contacted and confirmed that Pvt. Metcalf was indeed their ancestor. Ultimately, without Johnson’s efforts, the family would have never known of their connection to the early stewardship of Yosemite National Park.
This sparked additional genealogical research, directed by Johnson, which sought other descendants of these soldiers in order to learn more about their history. Shelton’s work has been funded by a grant from the Yosemite Fund. This has since resulted in more discoveries of families of Yosemite buffalo soldiers living in Maryland and Kansas.
It is because of the discovery of the descendants in Kentucky that State Representative Derrick W. Graham nominated Shelton for this honor. Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher signed the certificate that was presented to Ranger Johnson. The award of a Kentucky Colonel is the highest honor awarded by the state of Kentucky . The commissions are presented for contributions to the community, state, or nation and for special achievements of all kinds. Other well-known Colonels include former President Lyndon Johnson, Senator John Glenn, Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Updates

2007-05-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, April 30, 2007
Weather
Yosemite: Today: Sunny. Highs 70 to 80 at 5000 feet...59 to 69 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows 41 to 51 at 5000 feet...30 to 40 at 8000 feet.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Highs 65 to 75 at 5000 feet...52 to 62 at 8000 feet.
Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy. Colder. Lows 36 to 46 at 5000 feet...25 to 35 at 8000 feet.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. Snow level above 8000 feet. Highs 56 to 66 at 5000 feet...43 to 53 at 8000 feet.

El Portal: Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming west southwest.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. West southwest wind at 10 mph becoming northeast.
Tuesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 83. East northeast wind 5 to 14 mph becoming west.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. West southwest wind between 8 and 11 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming southwest between 8 and 11 mph.

Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other events)
Hetch Hetchy summer hours - Hours of operation through Labor Day will be 0700 - 2100. For further information or questions please contact the Hetch Hetchy Ranger Station at 379-1928 or the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station at 379-1922. (C. Rawlings - 4/23/07)
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Starting today 4-30-07 the Yosemite Lodge At The Falls Bike Stand hours of operation are as follows. The stand will be open for 9:00 am till 6:00 PM. The last bike will rent out at 4:45 PM and all bikes need to be in by 5:45 PM. Thank you and we will see you on the bike path!!! (S. Costello/D. Price - 4/30/07)

New Today
SAND CREEK MASSACRE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Newest Unit Of National Park System Dedicated

On Saturday, April 28th, Director Mary Bomar helped dedicate the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site – the 391st unit of the National Park Service – on the site of the massacre, about 180 miles southeast of Denver, near Eads, Colorado.
Joining Bomar under brilliant blue Colorado skies were Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), Representative Marilyn Musgrave (R-C04), Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Darrell Flyingman, Governor of the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Eugene Little Coyote, Chairman of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Richard Brannan, Chairman of the Northern Arapaho Business Council and scores of massacre representatives, tribal elders and other members of the public.
The site commemorates the spot where, on November 28, 1864, an encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho, led by Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Yellow Wolf, Bear Tongue, War Bonnet, Lone Bear and others, was attacked by elements of a Colorado military detachment led by Col. John Chivington. More than 160 people, mostly Indian women, children and elders, were slain in the running battle. Chivington and some of his troops later paraded through the streets of Denver proudly displaying human body parts from the mutilated dead at the massacre.
Efforts to create the park have been ongoing for more than a decade and included three separate pieces of legislative authority. The NPS, in partnership with the four affiliated tribes, will now work to develop interim management and interpretive plans for site. The site will be open on a limited basis until final plans are approved.
NPS law enforcement authorities estimate that more than 2,000 people attended the dedication ceremonies. The Midwest incident management team, headed by Eddie Lopez, coordinated the planning for the event. This unit is the first dedicated under Bomar's tenure as director.
Contact Information
Name: James Doyle, Public Affairs, Intermountain Region (InsideNPS)
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QUILT SHOW COMES TO MARIPOSA
Excitement is running high as Mariposa prepares to host its first ever outdoor quilt show on Saturday, May 5 in conjunction with the Mariposa Butterfly Festival. Vintage to contemporary, king size to miniature, these quilts are sure to delight visitors to the Mariposa History Center, located just off Hwy. 140 at 5119 Jessie St., where more than 100 quilts will transform the grounds into a colorful garden of artistic achievement. The exhibit is sponsored by Mariposa Piece Makers.
In recent years quilt making has enjoyed a major resurgence. Quilt exhibits often include works from throughout the United States and many foreign countries, and quilt shops dot the map from Maine to the Mexican border. Quilt making has evolved since the days of those created by Grandma that included bits of worn shirts, dresses and feed sacks, and were made out of necessity. While favorite old designs are still created by today’s quilt makers, current creations in fabric art often incorporate novel and unexpected techniques.
Organizers of the event will honor both past and present quilt makers, displaying quilts from the 1800’s in the History Center’s Coakley Room, surrounded by gold rush era historical exhibits. Included will be the work of women whose family names are part of the permanent history of Mariposa.
There will be an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a queen size butterfly motif quilt made by local seamstresses. Proceeds benefit Mariposa History Center. For additional information, contact Pat Bauer, 209-966-3805 or Mary Wyly, 209-966-5684 (Sierra Sun Times - 4/30/07)

Construction News
Trails Closure/Lower Yosemite Falls Trail - Surface improvements of the east side of the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (accessibility trial) is scheduled to start April 24th through May 9th. For employee and public safety concerns the segment of trail from the Lower Yosemite Comfort Station to the Main Yosemite Falls Bridge will be closed to all traffic throughout this work period. Please contact Mike Pieper 379-1263 or Jose Lopez 372-0576 for any questions concerning the project. (J. Lopez - 4/24/07)
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Arch Rock Well and Water Treatment Equipment Replacement
Construction will resume on Tuesday, 04/10/07, for the well house and water treatment equipment replacement at Arch Rock. The well was installed last fall/ winter and the new treatment equipment and building replacement remain. The improvements will make the Arch Rock water system potable again. The system has been non-potable since failing to meet CDHS standards beginning winter/ spring of 2006. Portions of the Arch Rock parking lot will be closed while construction is under way. Construction activity is expected to last 5 to 6 weeks. (J. C. Chisum - 4/4/07)
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Southside Drive is open - Southside Drive is 1-lane of one-way traffic heading east bound into Yosemite Valley. One lane of Southside Drive will remain closed as the crews continue working between the El Capitan Crossover area and the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. All the Campgrounds, Picnic Areas, and Trails along Southside Drive will still be accessible. There will also be intermittent delays on Southside Drive between El Capitan Crossover and Swinging Bridge, flaggers will be present to stop traffic when construction equipment is moved across the open lane of traffic. Northside Drive is once again 2-lanes of one-way traffic heading west out of Yosemite Valley. (M. Pieper - 4/2/07)
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HARD HAT ZONE - While the new Resources Management and Science building in El Portal is undergoing final office modifications, please be aware that it is an active construction zone where all CAL/OSHA safety requirements must be adhered to (hard hats, ear protection, eye protection...) Staff needing access to the building in regards to planning for their move can call 379-1277 or 379-1202 for assistance. (S. Quimby - 4/6/07)

Park News
MERCED RIVER PLAN PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS - The public scoping period for a new Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (MRP/EIS) began on March 30, 2007 will run until June 9, 2007.

Meetings will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, from 4-8pm in Mariposa at the Masonic Hall (5145 Jones Street); Thursday, May 17, 2007, from 4-8pm in San Francisco at Fort Mason (Bay & Franklin Streets, 1st Floor Conference Room in Building 201); and, on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at the park's Open House. The park welcomes all ideas and concerns regarding this planning effort.

This new planning process will take approximately 33 months, with a final Record of Decision anticipated in September 2009. Written scoping comments should be postmarked no later than June 9, 2007.

Please contact Elexis Mayer, Project Manager, at 209.379.1377 or elexis_mayer@nps.gov for more information. (E. Mayer - 4/27/07)
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TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
April 25, 2007
Weather: (April 18- April 25)
High temp: 58° (April 24)
Low temp: 10° (April 21)
New Snow: 10” (April 19-21)
Total settled snow depth: 0”

Ski Conditions and Weather: This will be the last update for the Tuolumne area this winter. The snow plows reached Tioga Pass yesterday, so the Tioga Road is now plowed at least one lane wide for its entire distance. This does not mean that the road will open anytime soon, there is still a lot of work to do clearing debris, widening the traffic lanes, and clearing parking lots and side roads before the road can be opened to traffic. There is still snow in the higher elevations and on some of the lower north-facing slopes, but most of the elevations below about 7500 feet are completely melted out. Many of the sunny or flat open areas at the Tuolumne Meadows elevation (about 8500 feet) have only patches of snow remaining, forcing you in many places to take constantly take your skis off to bypass areas of bare ground. The ski hut will remain open to backcountry users until the Tioga Road opens to traffic, at which time the hut will be closed. Remember, you only have two weeks after the road opening to retrieve your food from the winter cache before the cache is cleaned out and all remaining items are either discarded or donated to charity.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: For the latest avalanche advisory for this area go to www.esavalanche.org for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and click on advisory. The ESAC site is updated several times a week and more often during weather events.

Wildlife: There are bears frequenting the area, so anybody doing a backcountry trip should be prepared to use a bear canister for their food storage unless they are staying at the ski hut. Birds seen in the past week include: Bald Eagle, Mallard, Northern Flicker, Mountain Bluebird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Red-winged Balckbird, Common Snipe, Killdeer, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, American Robin, Townsend’s Solitaire, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Dark-eyed Junco, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Siskin, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Red Crossbill, Steller’s Jay, Common Raven, and Clark’s Nutcracker. (Jeff and Kathi, the Tuolumne winter rangers - 4/27/07)
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Tioga Road progress for April 25, 2007
Starting Location:43.9 miles from Crane Flat Gate
Ending Location:46 miles miles from Crane Flat Gate (Tioga Pass Gate)
Distance plowed today: 2.1 miles
Snow depth: 1 - 5 ft.
Road widening and opening of secondary roads and parking lots is ongoing.

Glacier Point Road progress
Plows have made it to the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead, however extremely icy conditions will prevent further progress until weather improves.

There is no estimated opening date for the Tioga Road or the Glacier Point Road.
Once plowing is completed, additional work must be completed before the road can safely be opened. (T. Ludington - 4/26/07)
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Wawona Prescribed Fire Notification
Wawona Northwest Units 3 & 14: Spring 2007
The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire in Wawona to reduce hazard fuels and promote ecosystem health. Weather and air quality permitting, this burn is scheduled for late April or early May and will last approximately 3 days.

This 79 acre prescribed fire is located north of the Chilnualna Falls Road and west of Spelt Road.

This unit is comprised primarily of ponderosa pine and other mixed conifers. The project could begin as early as next week. Fire managers are closely watching the series of storms predicted for the Yosemite area to determine the appropriate time to burn.

Fire has a natural role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in Yosemite. Decades of fire exclusion have altered the park’s natural fire regime. The forests have become dense continuous stands of shrubs and trees increasing the risk of uncontrollable wildland fires. Prescribed fire is designed to thin forests and reduce unnatural fuel loads in areas that are in close proximity to public and private structures as well as visitor use areas. This prescribed fire will help provide important community protection for Wawona as well as create a mosaic of diverse habitats for plants and animals. Fire helps recycle nutrients to the soil which aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis; however smoky conditions may exist for the duration of this project and continue for several days. Smoke impacts to the roadway may occur; all drivers should use extreme caution and abide by posted speed limits.

Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For further information:
· Yosemite’s Fire Information Office: 209/372-0480.
· Yosemite Fire Management Website: www.nps.gov/yose/fire (D. Schweizer - 4/23/07)

Announcements
WEEKLY SAFETY TRAINING: Select the topic of your choice provided in the Weekly Safety Training binder; additional training subjects have been added for the next 26-week period located at the Safety Office website: http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/training.htm. Don't forget to route your Coach's Weekly Safety Meeting Report to the Safety Office in order to receive shop/office training credit. (Y. Radanovich - 4/25/07)
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The Ice Cut section of the John Muir Trail is now open for the season. (R. Lewis - 4/25/07)
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HOUSING BID ANNOUNCEMENT: El Portal; House #874 - 9742 Elderberry Lane; 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms; 1843 sq. ft.; built in 1996; $471.57 biweekly, plus utilities. NPS Perm, Term and Student Career Experience Program employees may bid. Submission Deadline: May 1, 2007 (Close of Business). Please contact the Housing Mgmt. Office for bid forms: 379-1839/1879. (Y. Radanovich - 4/18/07)
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Raymond R. Redding, Maintenance Worker at Yosemite National Park, has been approved to become a leave share recipient under the Department of Interior Leave Donation Program.

Mr. Redding expects to be off work until at least through mid-June 2007, while he provides care and support for his son who recently underwent - and is recuperating from - heart transplant surgery. He has exhausted all sick and annual leave and would appreciate leave donations.

If you are interested in contributing annual leave, please do so by completing a Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient (Within Agency) Under the Leave Transfer Program, OPM Form 630-A. A fillable PDF version of the OPM 630-A may be found at:
http://opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm630a.pdf

Please forward your OPM 630-A to:
Human Resources Office
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 580 - HR
El Portal, CA 95318;
or fax to (209) 379-1800 (T. Hawkins - 4/27/07)
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The following YOSE employees are eligible to participate in the leave sharing program:
Shari Baudoux
Kevin Bowman
Kimberly Cunnigham-Summerfield
Vince Miele
Trish Picardi
April Stowell

If you are interested in contributing annual leave, please do so by completing a Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient (Within Agency) Under the Leave Transfer Program, Optional Form 630-A (OF 639-A). A fillable PDF version of the OF 630-A may be found at:
http://opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm630a.pdf

Please forward your OF 630-A to:
Human Resources Office
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 580 - HR
El Portal, CA 95318;
or fax to (209) 379-1800

ATTN SUPERVISORS: Please ensure your employees are given the time/opportunity to check their email for important information provided to All YOSE Employees and/or that the information is publicized/posted for those who may not have email access. (T. Hawkins - 4/17/07)
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2007 IT Security Awareness Course
It's time once again for the Federal Information System Security Awareness (FISSA) training. Though not much has changed, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. All users of DOI/NPS IT resources must complete the training (or be waived) by June 30, 2006. All users need to registered for this course on the DOI Learn training site. New this year is the use of the Learning Plan option which will send out email notices to employees who have not completed the training. These notices will be sent out 30, 14, 7 and 2 days before the completion due date (June 30, 2006). For non DOI/NPS employees, a record in DOI Learn must be set up. This process should only take 2-3 days (faster than through FPPS for now), so as soon as you know that a contractor, volunteer, or other partner is coming on board, please have their supervisor/COR request a record from InsideNPS: http://mylearning.nps.gov/DOILEARN/accountrequest.cfm. We are waiting for word from Region on how to speed up the process for new NPS employees. If you had an account last year at DOILearn you should still have access. Due to the reporting requirements, the CD version of the test will only be available on a case by case basis.

2. Waivers may be granted for employees without access to any NPS or DOI systems. Please send your list of employees without computer access to the IT office as soon as possible. The deadline for waivers is May 31.

3. This year IT Office is required to keep a copy of your certificate for the Federal Information System Security Awareness (FISSA) training even if you took the training at DOI Learn. Please send them to us in a 'holey'. It will help if you write FISSA on envelope.

The whole process is similar to last year but it should work more smoothly. Employees are encouraged to take the test in their work areas but there are a limited number of computers setup in the IT office where we can help you to take the test. Please call to check on availability. If you have any problems or questions give us a call at 379-1123. We will be contacting supervisors directly when we have more information available about new employees. (Yose IT - 4/13/07)
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Yosemite National Park will be hosting a Resource Advisor (READ) training here, May 22nd and 23rd. This course is intended to provide employees with the background to serve as READs during fire management actions. Resource Advisors generally work with fire managers to convey concerns about natural, cultural and wilderness resources. The course will focus on issues and challenges of the Central Sierra region, but will provide participants with strategies and tools that can be applied anywhere. Information will be presented in sufficient detail to serve as a refresher for present resource advisors and general enough to be useful for those who have never served in this capacity.

Employees that frequently serve as resource advisors include botanists, ecologists, biologists, hydrologists, geologists, foresters, GIS specialists and cultural resource specialists. The local Fire Management Officer (FMO) will determine qualifications for the resource advisor position. A fireline-qualified resource advisor however, will hold a valid Red Card and pass the physical test at the arduous level. The local FMO will authorize the inclusion of "READ" as a qualification on the Red Card. Completion of these tasks is NOT required prior to participating in this course. The course is also valuable for those managing resources on public lands, but with no interest in serving as resource advisors, to become familiar with fire management organization and the types and formats of resources data that benefit the resource advisor during the course of his or her duties.

Please contact Jun Kinoshita at jun_r_kinoshita@nps.gov for a nomination form or for more information. Applications will be accepted through May 4th. Please also feel free to share this announcement with any interested partners or agencies. (J. Kinoshita - 3/22/07)
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Reminder: For all Maintenance repair requests in Yosemite, please contact the Customer Service Center. Maintenance repair requests include: Park Housing, Buildings, Grounds, Utilities, Roads, Trails and Forestry issues. It is especially important to remember to contact the Customer Service Center before any requests for Sign Shop fabrications. You may do so by phone, e-mail or fax.

Please note that the Customer Service Center staff phone numbers have changed:

Phone:
Sunshine Good Morning................379-1065
Katie Brown........................................379-1058
Christy McCarthy...............................379-1008

E-Mail:
YOSE_FMD_Customer_Service_Center@nps.gov

Fax:
(209) 379-1066 (R. Soden - 3/7/07)
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Spring seems to be right around the corner, as the Yosemite National Park helicopter "H-551" will be in service the second week in May. As you probably already know, the park helicopter performs a variety of missions involving several park employees. In addition, there are a few other missions that involve "fixed-wing" small airplane operations within the park. In completing these missions involving aircraft, it is beneficial for the safety of the employees and the organization to have basic aviation knowledge and safety awareness.

For those individuals that may be working with or flying in aircraft, it is recommended that you attend the "Basic Aviation Safety (B-3)" course in a classroom setting at least once in your career. After you have officially attended the "instructor-led class" you can maintain your currency every 3 years on line.

The Basic Aviation Safety (B-3) course is approximately 6 hours long, focusing primarily on aviation safety and awareness. The location will be at the "Cedar Lodge" in El Portal, CA on May 8th, 2007. Starting time will be at 0900 and end at approximately 1630 with a 1 hour lunch break.

To register for this class you must create an Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) profile. There is a limit of 40 students for the May 8th YNP class. Once the limit has been reached, it will not allow any more students. If you feel you need this class and it applies to your work environment, it is suggested that you sign up as soon as possible to assure a slot in the class. The following attachment will walk you through the process of getting signed up and establishing a training profile/history with IAT. Sign up for the "Yosemite CA" class. If you have any questions please contact me at (209) 379-1330 M-F, 0800-1600. (J. Pirog - 3/13/07)
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Fire refresher dates. 2 day fire refresher this year, topics covered will include 10 standard 18 watch outs, video topics, national fire topics and regional fire topics. We will be adding sand table exercises and field exercises as well as the shelter deployments on the second day. This will make for shorter days to accommodate for travel between districts. More detailed course out line will be out in the month March.
Session #2 May 3-4 Crane Flat lookout
Contact Eric Small e-mail or 379-1911 - 10 spots available, Mather and Hetch Hetchy first priority.

Session #3 May 18-19 East Auditorium in the Valley - time will be at 0900
Contact Bernard Spielman e-mail or 379-1903 - 30 spots available

Session #4 June 4-5 El Portal community hall
Contact Bernard Spielman e-mail or 379-1903 - 30 spots available

Pack test will begin in May get with you’re local Fire Captains to schedule. All pack test participants must be cleared by a physical before taking the test.
El Portal Bernard Spielman
Valley Shaun Nau
Wawona Jeff Panetta (B. Spielman - 2/26/07)

HR Corner
DETAIL/TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY - The Division of Administration, Property Branch, El Portal is looking for an interested permanent career or career-conditional Yosemite National Park employee to detail/temporarily promote to the position of Materials Handler, WG-5. This position is responsible for overseeing commissary orders, ordering produce, milk/dairy products, etc. Duties also include: receiving, filling and shipping orders; updating ABECUS inventory system; answering phones, providing customer service and responding to inquiries. Possession of a government purchase card is a plus. For additional information regarding this opportunity, contact Ken Fipps at (209) 379-1106. If interested in being considered, obtain your supervisors approval, and submit your resume to Irma Keheley, Human Resources, El Portal, no later than 05/03/07. (I. Keheley - 4/25/07)
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Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: April 27, 2007
The following is a summary of current vacancy announcements at Yosemite National Park. Most vacancy announcements will be posted on http://www.usajobs.gov. This website is the Office of Personnel Management's USAJOBS internet site. If you have any questions or cannot find the announcement on USAJOBS, please call Yosemite National Park's Human Resources Office at (209) 379-1805.

Links to all NPS fire jobs posted daily on USAJOBS are being copied to the NPS FIRENET web site. This effort will enable folks to view fire vacancies in one place, rather than having to call individual parks. If you want to peek at the web site and jobs posted, click on the following link: http://data2.itc.nps.gov/fire/employment/emp_jobsearch.cfm

PERMANENT - GOVERNMENTWIDE ALL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Position: Lead Forestry Technician (Prescribed Fire Wawona), GS-0462-06
Vacancy Announcement: HRF-07-096F
Closing Date: 05/09/07
This position is located in the Visitor Protection Division, Fire Management Office, Wawona District. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be sent to Human Resources Franchise in Denver CO and must be postmarked by the closing date.
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Position: Lead Forestry Technician (Asst Engine Operator), GS-0462-06
Vacancy Announcement: HRF-07-090F
Closing Date: 05/07/07
This position is located in the Visitor Protection Division, Fire Management Office, Wawona District. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be sent to Human Resources Franchise in Denver CO and must be postmarked by the closing date.
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Position: Human Resources Officer, GS-0201-13
Vacancy Announcement: HRF-07-083
Closing Date: 04/27/07
This position is located in the Office of the Superintendent, Human Resources Office, El Portal. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be sent to the Human Franchise Office, Lakewood, CO. Applications much be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration.

TERM PROMOTION -YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - PERM EMPLOYEES - to obtain copies of the Parkwide vacancy announcements; please call the Human Resources Office at (209) 379-1805.

Position: *Budget Analyst, GS-0560-09
Vacancy Announcement: YP139066 TP-PW
Closing Date: 05/07/07
This position is located in the Division of Interpretation, Yosemite Valley. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
To obtain a copy follow the intranet link under vacancy announcement.

PERMANENT -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Position: Lead Forestry Technician (Prescribed Fire Wawona), GS-0462-06
Vacancy Announcement: HRF-07-095F
Closing Date: 05/09/07
This position is located in the Visitor Protection Division, Fire Management Office, Wawona District. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be sent to Human Resources Franchise in Denver CO and must be postmarked by the closing date.
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Position: Lead Forestry Technician (Asst Engine Operator), GS-0462-06
Vacancy Announcement: HRF-07-089F
Closing Date: 05/07/07
This position is located in the Visitor Protection Division, Fire Management Office, Wawona District. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be sent to Human Resources Franchise in Denver CO and must be postmarked by the closing date.

TERM -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Position: Archeologist, GS-0193-11
Vacancy Announcement: YP137752
Closing Date: 4/30/07
This position is located in the Resources Management & Sciences Division, Archeology Office, El Portal. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration.

TEMPORARY - STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Position: Traffic Control Aid, GS-0303-04
Vacancy Announcement: YP138913
Closing Date: 05-10-07
This position is located in the Division of Resource and Visitor Protection, Yosemite Valley. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
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Position: Traffic Control Aid Lead, GS-0303-05
Vacancy Announcement: YP138622
Closing Date: 05-10-07
This position is located in the Division of Resource and Visitor Protection, Yosemite Valley. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
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Position: Laborer Leader, WL-3502-02
Vacancy Announcement: YP137329
Closing Date: 4/30/07
This position is located in the Division of Facilities Management, Roads and Trails Branch, supporting Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crews. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
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Position: Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-5716-08
Vacancy Announcement: YP136060
Closing Date: 5/4/07
This position is located in the Division of Facilities Management, Roads and Trails Branch at various park locations. Please obtain a copy of the announcement and follow application procedures. Applications must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to receive consideration. (I. Keheley - 4/27/07)

Community News
The Wellness Center is open! (in Yosemite Valley)
Hours of operation are:
Monday through Friday 6am to 9pm.
Saturday through Sunday 9am to 9pm.
Please be aware that street shoes are not permitted in the gym and Activity Rooms. You will be asked to change your shoes to work out in the gym and Activity Room. The Wellness Center phone number is 372.8803. Call if you have questions. and we'll see you there! Get outside and play! (C. Snow - 4/23/07)
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Yosemite Art and Education Center Up and Running
The Yosemite Art and Education Center opened for the season on March 30th, and our classes are already filling up. We invite you to join us in making this our most successful season so far.

We offer free art classes every day except for Sundays, starting at 10 a.m. and ending around 2 p.m., usually with a lunch break somewhere in between. We aren’t able to provide supplies free of charge, so if you don’t already have your own art supplies, you may purchase them at the Art and Education Center—your purchases support the Yosemite Association and enable us to continue to offer our classes at no charge.
We have a new artist each week sharing their expertise and techniques with their classes. This week - April 30 through May 5 Robert Chapla will teach Acrylic Painting in Yosemite.

For a complete schedule of instructors and classes through late October, or to sign up in advance to attend an art class, please stop by the Art and Education Center. We’re located just past the Sport Shop in the Village Store Complex. We’re open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Arts Center - 4/9/07)
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Yosemite Valley School Tree of Life Community Project
We Want Your Ideas and Artistic Contributions!
What do you think symbolizes Yosemite?
Ask your neighbors, tell your friends!

Community members will be able to live the adage "it takes a community to raise a child," by helping to create a ceramic Tree of Life Mural for the front of our school building. We hope community members from all parts of Yosemite will share their ideas and artistic talents to help us put our mural together.

We still need pieces for our mural! The school will be open from 5 pm-7 pm every Wednesday (starting March 28th) so that you can come by to make a piece. Please call the school at 372-4791 if Wednesday is not a good day for you or you need more information! (C. Soria - 3/20/07)
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ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO LUNCH FUNDRAISER - Please join the Yosemite Valley School for lunch on THURSDAY, MAY 3RD from 11:30am-1:30pm in front of the VISITOR CENTER (or East auditorium if weather dictates). Lunch includes Chicken Fajitas/burritos, Rice & Beans, Drink & Cookie. All this for only $8. Also available for sale will be Aguas Frescas and fruit cups. Students will perform traditional Mexican dances (in costume) at 12noon & 12:20pm. All proceeds to benefit students of the Yosemite Valley School. Special thanks DNC for the generous donation that makes this event possible. (C. Archer - 4/25/07)
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HEALING WORKSHOP FOR SELF, FAMILY & FRIENDS - Sunday, May 6th, 10am-2pm, El Portal Community Hall
Bill Leonard, massage therapist, teacher and counselor will lead a workshop in self-healing techniques, including qi gong, accupressure,
reflexology & other methods. Instruction will be tailored to the needs of participants. Bring your aches, pains, and hang-ups; leave with the
skills needed to send them merrily on their way!
....workshop fee: $25 ($20 with a reservation)........lunch: $5 ($4 with your own bowl, cup & spoon; benefits Fund for the Greater Good)....older kids/teens are encouraged to attend at no charge....for more info. & reservations contact Roxann at 379-2598 or otter59@inreach.com....(Mr. Leonard has a massage therapy practice in Mariposa, California. He has been an instructor at two massage therapy schools, has worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, and has served as Tribal Chair of the Southern Sierra Miwok Nation. He has studied a variety of healing
techniques, both in the U.S. and in China.) (S. Johnson - 4/23/07)
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Save this date....Saturday May 12! There will be a centennial celebration of the first train arrival in El Portal. Simultaneously we will have our second annual El Portal school's Spring Run-Off at 8 a.m. Other fabulous activities will be offered by all of our community clubs and organizations. For instance at 7 a.m. there will be a pancake breakfast by the Yosemite Lions Club at the Carroll Clark Community Hall! Stay tuned for more details and information! Would you like to be involved? please call Sunshine Good Morning 379-2577 or Claudine Ronay 379-2967. (C. Ronay4/11/07)
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Entertainment at The Bug - Live Music Every Saturday:
Wednesday, May 2nd: Full Moon Acoustic Gathering at the Amphitheater campfire.
Saturday, May 5th: BUGFEST CINCO de MAYO!! Jay Rossette Project from Fresno brings his Latin roots and four years experience touring with Latin Band Malo, plus special guests to bring us his excellent acoutic/Latin/soul sounds as well as authentic Latin music, playing from 10-1 am. http://www.myspace.com/5683music Super Lucky Catz from Fresno, acoustic/soul will be playing from 7-10 pm. http://www.myspace.com/superluckycatzslc NO COVER CHARGE! Don’t miss this party! No cover charge unless otherwise stated. All events start at 8:30 pm unless otherwise stated.
Bike and Hike/Swim Tour: $17.00 per person.To book any of our classes please call 1 866 826 7108.
Yosemite Bug 6979A Highway 140, Midpines www.yosemitebug.com www.yosemitebug.com/eventsmusicclasses.html www.myspace.com/yosemitebug (R. Tackaberry - 3/26/07)
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Job Announcement - Fire Safe Project Manager wanted to help Yosemite West become a Fire Safe community through constructing a shaded fuel break, completing the draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and coordinating education and outreach. Excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work closely with local community, and county, state and federal agencies are essential. Demonstrated knowledge of healthy forestry practices, WUI issues, PRC 4291 and CCR 1299, OMB circulars, and federal grant management experience highly desirable. B.A./B.S. in relevant field or equivalent training required. Half-time position available for responsible independent contractor to work approximately six months starting June 2007. Please visit www.yosemitewest.org/grants.htm for further information. Submit CV/resume and letter of interest to: firesafety@yosemitewest.org by April 30.
Yosemite West Property & Homeowners, Inc
Fire Safety Committee
7585 Henness Ridge Road
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389-9108
www.YosemiteWest.org (4/20/07)
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Mariposa Rentals: Mykleoaks Ranch area, Hwy 49 N: One one-bedroom, one bathroom house - $500/month. One three-bedroom, 2 bathroom house - $900/mo. Available now. If interested, please call 209 377-8276 (Mt. Bullion). (Y. Radanovich - 4/18/07)

Acting Designation
Paul DePascale is the Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology & Archeology on Monday, April 30. He can be reached at 379-1211. (L. Kirn - 4/30/07)
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Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and Science on Monday, April 30. (N. Nicholas - 4/30/07)
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Calvin Liu will be acting branch chief for Public Involvement & Outreach until May 9th. (J. Nersesian - 4/30/07)
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Larry Castro will be acting Roads & Trails Facility Manager April 30th - May 3rd while Tim Ludington and Dean Glenn are out of the Park. (C. Waldron - 4/27/07)
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Bill Kuhn will be the Acting Branch Chief for Physical Science and GIS on Monday, April 30. Bill can be reached at 379-1157. (J. Meyer - 4/27/07)
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Roy Jacobs will be Acting Branch Chief of Design and Engineering April 30-May 3, 2007. He can be reached at 379-1044 or you can leave a message with Rhonda Soden at 379-1059. (R. Soden - 4/27/07)
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Kevin Keheley is acting Branch Chief of Buildings & Grounds on Monday, April 30th. He can be reached at 379-1169 or leave a message with Beth Benitag @ 379-1054. (B. Benitag - 4/27/07)
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Lisa Acree will be Acting branch chief of Vegetation and Restoration April 30, she can be reached at 379-1217. (J. Weaser - 4/27/07)
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Mark Butler will be Acting Chief of Project Management 4/30 thru 5/1 and may be reached at 379-1371 or you may leave a message with Chris Geis at 379-1002. Randy Fong will be Acting Chief of Project Management 5/2 thru 5/3 and may be reached at 379-1022 or you may leave a message with Tricia Radmacher at 379-1221. Glen Rothell will be Acting Chief of Project Management 5/4 and may be reached at 372-0429 in the Valley or 379-1139 in El Portal or you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at 379-1202. (D. Harrison - 4/25/07)
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Kristin Ramsey is the Acting Branch Chief for Interpretive Support Services from April 24 through May 5. (M. Kline - 4/24/07)
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Paul Laymon will be Acting Chief of Facilities Management April 30-May 3, 2007. He can be reached at 379-1077 or you can leave a message with Rhonda Soden at 379-1059. (R. Soden - 4/20/07)
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The Monday and online editions of The Daily Report continue as the long version. The Tuesday - Friday email version will be shortened to include only new and "happening today" information. Please plan your submittals accordingly. To view the long version please visit http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/intp/daily.htm (intranet) or http://www.nps.gov/yose/daily2.htm (internet).

We cut and paste submissions and generally do not correct submitted copy. Entries must be in by 7:00am the day of publication. There are no weekend or holiday editions. Submissions: email yose_daily_report@nps.gov

2003

2007-05-01T07:09:00.001-07:00

Before your neighbor begins a construction project, does he or she listen for the presence of migrant songbirds so as not to disturb their breeding season? In Yosemite National Park, wildlife biologists do this and more. As we move into the construction phase on a number of improvement efforts, one aspect is abundantly clear: a national park is not your typical work site. Stringent protection measures are enforced to preserve plants and wildlife, rivers and streams, cultural and archeological sites, and the experience of our visitors.
In this edition of the Yosemite E-Newsletter, you will learn some of the steps park managers take to protect Yosemite’s special values during construction. You will also find out about the latest progress at the Lower Yosemite Fall area, as the visitor experience at this world-renowned destination is transformed. The National Park Service is dedicated to improving the way you enjoy this special place. While construction is underway over the course of the next several years, visitors will continue to have access to all of the park’s major destination areas.
The Yosemite Valley Plan established a vision for the Valley’s future that is becoming a reality today. National parks were set aside so that people will always be able to enjoy the nation’s treasures in ways that will preserve them into the future. The important work outlined in the Yosemite Valley Plan—and throughout the operation of the park—represents a greater choreography of protection, in this place that we are borrowing from the generations to come.

My Name Is Ed

2007-03-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

For those that new me as a child in Wawona, the Carl might be strange. Carl is my first name, but my family called me by my first name, Eddie. Over time this became Ed and in college it became Carl. From middle name to first name.

Ed

Wawona Stories

2007-03-31T11:06:00.002-07:00

It was the summer of 1967 when we moved to the old Baker house on the south side of the Merced River. Wawona was a big place to me. Lots of people meet and places to explore. I was in 2^nd

grade.

The Baker house was in the middle of a trailer park – camp ground area. People from Fresno would show up with their families for a week or two. From one city to another. Trailers were backed up next to each other. It was very crowded, but no ever minded.

Each morning brought excitement. Did any of the new camp trailers contain other kids our age? It was the part of the fun each early morning offered. It was my first summer in Wawona.

Wawona School Reunion

2007-03-31T11:06:00.001-07:00

My goal is to reconnect with those that lived in Wawona. There are not many, but it would be nice to find those few past residents of Wawona. I would like to have a reunion of those that attended Wawona Elementary.

Welcome to Wawona

2007-03-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wawona US. This is where I grew up. Where I lived from 1966 until 1973. It was home and I guess always will be.

Welcome To Wawona

2007-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

My name is Ed Chapman. My brother and I attended until it was closed in 1970. Lets reconnect and plan a pop luck at the old school.