Actions On the Ground in Yosemite Valley
| Open
for public comment Curry Village and East Valley Campground Improvements If approved, construction can begin on 10 new guest units in Curry
Village and additional drive-to and walk-in campsites at Upper Pines
Campground. The initial phase of the project is anticipated to begin
early in 2004, with completion by the end of the year. |
Open for public comment Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment |
East Yosemite Valley Utilities Improvement Plan
An environmental assessment on this project was released for public comment
on July 18 and closed on September 2, 2003. Formerly entitled the Yosemite
Valley Integrated Utilities Master Plan, this project will allow the park
to design and construct utility systems in the eastern portion of Yosemite
Valley that provide adequate service to existing facilities, as well as
those called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan. At the same time,
attention will be devoted to minimizing environmental impacts, removing
and rerouting outdated utilities, and allowing for restoration of sensitive
ecological areas.
View
fact sheet >>
View EA
>>
Cascades Diversion Dam Removal
A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed on May 16, 2003,
which determines that the dam removal (as analyzed in its environmental
assessment) will not significantly affect the quality of the Merced Wild
and Scenic River. Removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam will help restore
the hydrologic processes and the free-flowing condition of the Merced
Wild and Scenic River. Demolition is expected to begin in the fall of
2003, with removal completed in the spring of 2004.
View
fact sheet >>
View
EA and FONSI
>>
Improved Shuttle Bus Stops
In order to improve the experience of nearly 2.5 million annual passengers
on Yosemite Valley’s shuttle system, construction of new bus stops
and shelters will begin this October. Stops will eventually include wayfinding
signs, as well as information on interpretive opportunities in the area.
The first stops to be included in this Yosemite Valley Plan project will
be those at the Valley Visitor Center, Sentinel Bridge, Happy Isles, and
Mirror Lake. Later in 2004, the second phase of construction will include
improvements to stops at the Village Store, Degnan’s Complex, LeConte
Memorial Lodge, new Curry Village employee housing area, and The Ahwahnee.
Ecological Restoration and Visitor Experience Report for East
Yosemite Valley
The National Park Service has completed a report refining the goals and
objectives for ecological restoration projects in east Yosemite Valley.
In addition to exploring options for increased recreational opportunities,
scientists from various disciplines contributed to the document. As an
appendix to the report, a preliminary public scoping summary presents
the results of the public scoping period, held during the spring of 2003.
As called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan, this project would restore
to natural conditions the flood-damaged campgrounds at Upper and Lower
River and a portion of Lower Pines. Once restored, these areas would be
ideal sites for visitors to enjoy hiking, nature study, fishing, picnicking,
and experiencing the area’s natural quiet.
View
fact sheet >>
View
report
>>
Yosemite Village Parking Area Improvements
Beginning this summer, the main parking area at Yosemite Village has undergone
several improvements. New pedestrian paths provide safer and more direct
access to and from the parking area. The driving loop of the parking area
was paved to help control dust, and the lot is being expanded to accommodate
up to 80 additional vehicles. During the busy summer months, traffic attendants
have helped guide motorists to parking spaces, and an express shuttle
bus takes visitors directly to the Visitor Center.
View
fact sheet >>
Valley Visitor Center Remodel
Beginning in early October, the Valley Visitor Center information desk
and bookstore will move to the Wilderness Center, located between The
Ansel Adams Gallery and the post office. This temporary relocation will
be in effect while the Visitor Center lobby receives a much-needed facelift.
The improved lobby will be a more functional and pleasant space, with
new orientation exhibits and an accessible information desk. Along with
the lobby remodel, the Yosemite Association bookstore will expand into
the area formerly used as the park’s Dispatch Office. A grand reopening
is expected to take place in spring 2004.
Curry Village Employee Housing
As called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan, a housing area for concession
employees will be constructed in Curry Village. The overall design will
include 28 one-and two-story buildings, which will be in keeping with
the architectural character of the historic Camp Curry area. Compliance
for this project was accomplished with the Yosemite Valley Plan
and design is now underway. Construction on this project is scheduled
to begin
this fall, with completion late in 2004.
View
fact sheet >>
Also
in this newsletter:
- Actions On the Ground in Yosemite Valley