P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
www.nps.gov/yose/news

March 8, 2006
For Immediate Release

Yosemite National Park Announces Public Scoping Comment Period for the Hodgdon Meadow Trailer Replacement Project

Yosemite National Park is considering the construction of a duplex in the Hodgdon Meadow housing area of the park and the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on this proposed project. This project would replace obsolete trailers that were previously removed as they did not meet NPS housing standards. This proposed duplex would provide new housing for two or more park employees. This is one of three residential areas in the Mather Ranger District.
Yosemite National Park identified Hodgdon Meadow as an appropriate area for residential and administrative facilities development in the 1980 General Management Plan. However, this project would not expand housing capacity at Hodgdon Meadow, as the proposal is to replace substandard units that were included in the housing inventory in 1980. The new duplex would be energy-efficient, bear-proof, affordable to maintain, and would match the architectural style of the other Hodgdon Meadow buildings.

Public scoping for this project will occur from March 15, 2006 through April 14, 2006. Scoping is an opportunity early in a planning process for the public, organizations, and other agencies to suggest issues to be considered by the National Park Service in preparing the proposed Environmental Assessment (EA). An EA is proposed to be issued for public review in fall 2006.

Written scoping comments should be postmarked no later than April 14, 2006. To request a hard copy or CD ROM version of the Environmental Assessment and to submit comments:

Mail: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Attn: Hodgdon Meadow Trailer Replacement Project
PO Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389

Fax: 209/379-1294

Email: YOSE_planning@nps.gov

A Public Open House will be held in Yosemite Valley in the Visitor Center Auditorium on March 24, 2006 from 2pm to 5pm. Park staff will be available to discuss this project at that time. For more information, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yose/planning.

-NPS-