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Letter
From the Superintendent
February
19, 2003
Dear Yosemite Friends:
On behalf of the
National Park Service, I am pleased to present the Cascades Diversion Dam
Removal Project Environmental Assessment. Cascades Diversion Dam is located in Yosemite
National Park on the Merced Wild and Scenic
River near the intersection of El Portal Road and
Big Oak Flat Road. As called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan, the National Park Service proposes to remove
the dam in order to restore the natural free-flowing condition of the Merced River. Additionally, the structure sustained
damage during the flood of 1997 and currently poses a threat of possible
uncontrolled and sudden failure. The dam was constructed in 1917 as part of a
hydroelectric generating facility that was taken off line in 1985, and no
longer serves a useful purpose.
Public and agency participation has been a key
element throughout this planning process. In the winter of 2001, YosemiteNational Park held informal public
scoping to solicit ideas and concerns from park visitors, staff, American
Indian groups, scientists, park partner organizations, and government agencies.
The planning team reviewed public comments and identified a range of issues and
concerns. This information was used to develop the alternatives and analysis in
this Cascades Diversion Dam Removal Project Environmental Assessment.
There will be a
30-day comment period on the environmental assessment. If the environmental
assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact are approved, dam removal is
expected to take place in fall 2003 in order for demolition of the structure to
occur during the period of low water flows.
We appreciate your
interest in this planning effort and welcome your participation. Comments must
be submitted in writing by March 24, 2003 and may be sent to:
Mail: Superintendent,
Yosemite National Park
ATTN.:
Cascades Diversion Dam Removal Project
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite,
California 95389
Fax: 209/379-1294
Email: Yose_Planning@nps.gov
Written comments
will also be accepted at the National Park Service planning open house held on February
26, 2003 (2:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m.) at
the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center East Auditorium. Planning teams will be on
hand to answer questions and provide more information regarding the Cascades
Diversion Dam Removal Project, as well as several other Yosemite
National Park planning efforts.
To request a printed copy, refer to the
information directly above or phone 209/379-1365.
Sincerely,
Michael J.
Tollefson
Superintendent
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