Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment
Yosemite National Park
This Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) documents
the decision of the National Park Service to adopt the preferred alternative
for the proposed Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment and the determination that
no previously undisclosed significant impacts on the human environment are
associated with that decision. In accordance with the General Management Plan and Yosemite
Valley Plan Record of Decision, the National Park Service is undertaking a
comprehensive redevelopment of the Yosemite Lodge area, including redevelopment
of Yosemite Lodge, redesign of Camp 4 walk-in campground, and relocation of Northside
Drive. In addition, the National Park Service in
partnership with the American Indian Council of Mariposa County (aka Southern
Sierra Miwuk Nation) is developing the Indian
Cultural Center.
In accordance with the General
Management Plan and a 1997 agreement, the National Park Service, in partnership with the American
Indian Council of Mariposa County (aka Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation), is
undertaking the planning, design, and compliance necessary to establish the
Indian Cultural Center at the site of the last historically occupied American
Indian village in Yosemite Valley. The Indian Cultural Center will provide a
place for the American Indian Council of Mariposa County to continue traditions
in Yosemite Valley and to enhance the meaning and sacred nature of Yosemite, as
identified in the General Management
Plan. The American Indian Council of Mariposa County will be responsible
for the construction and operation of the Indian
Cultural Center
and for conducting cultural and educational activities at the center.
At Yosemite Lodge, the Final
Yosemite Valley Plan and its Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (referred to hereafter as the Yosemite Valley Plan) called for the
provision of 251 lodging units and overnight parking spaces at Yosemite Lodge
and the relocation of Northside Drive south of the Lodge to reduce conflicts
between vehicles and pedestrians and to provide safer pedestrian access between
the Lodge and the Lower Yosemite Fall area. The Yosemite Valley Plan called for the expansion and improvement of
the campground at Camp 4 as part of an effort to relocate campgrounds outside
of highly valued natural resource areas, the Merced River
floodplain, and rockfall zones. The Yosemite
Valley Plan also identified the removal of the five sites west of the
intermittent creek at the western end of Camp 4 to provide a buffer for the
proposed Indian Cultural
Center.
The Yosemite Valley
Plan identified and analyzed the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment at a
programmatic level, with the exception of the Indian
Cultural Center,
which was analyzed as a cumulative project. However, as indicated in the Yosemite Valley Plan, as individual
actions are implemented, the National Park Service would, in certain
circumstances, complete additional National Environmental Policy Act compliance. The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment is
tiered from the Yosemite Valley Plan and
analyzes the environmental impacts of the project alternatives at a
site-specific level of detail.
The purpose of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment is to
implement the actions called for in the General
Management Plan and Yosemite Valley
Plan for the project area. The specific purposes of the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment reflect the purposes of the Yosemite
Valley Plan to:
§
Restore, protect, and enhance the resources of Yosemite
Valley by:
-
Improving connections between Yosemite Lodge and
the natural resources of Yosemite Valley, including
enhancing connections between interior spaces and the outdoors
-
Siting lodging and camping facilities outside of
the 100-year floodplain, River Protection Overlay, and rockfall zone
-
Designing Camp 4 campsites to fit within the
natural landscape
-
Providing a traditional tribal presence for the
American Indian Council of Mariposa County (aka Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation) to
continue their traditions in Yosemite Valley and to enhance the meaning and
sacred nature of Yosemite, as identified in the General Management Plan
§
Provide opportunities for high-quality,
resource-based visitor experiences by:
-
Changing the character of Yosemite Lodge from a
motel-type experience to one more connected to a national park lodge experience
and Yosemite Valley
-
Providing more economy lodging and campsites in Yosemite
Valley
-
Expanding camping opportunities in Yosemite
Valley
-
Improving wayfinding on the project site,
including to the Yosemite Falls
trailhead
§
Reduce traffic congestion by:
-
Improving the vehicle and pedestrian interface
between Yosemite Lodge and Lower Yosemite Fall
§
Provide effective park operations to meet the
mission of the National Park Service by:
-
Improving existing maintenance and common
facilities and utilities at Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4
-
Providing adequate parking for Yosemite Lodge
and Camp 4 guests consistent with the Yosemite
Valley Plan
The need for the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment parallels the
need for the Yosemite Valley Plan to provide improved facilities and
services for people who visit Yosemite Valley. Improved facilities and services are needed to:
§
Replace some of the overnight accommodations at
Yosemite Lodge that were lost during the 1997 flood and remove some lodging
units that remain within the 100-year floodplain
§
Replace some of the campsites in Yosemite
Valley that were lost in the 1997 flood
§
Provide a national park lodge experience at
Yosemite Lodge instead of the existing motel-type experience
§
Reduce traffic congestion on Northside
Drive in the vicinity of Yosemite Lodge and Lower
Yosemite Fall and improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing Northside
Drive between the Lodge and Lower Yosemite Fall
area
§
Provide for a traditional tribal presence in Yosemite
Valley
The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment was developed to
achieve these goals. A complete description of the plan and its environmental
consequences are contained in the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment
Environmental Assessment.
The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental
Assessment analyzed three alternatives, Alternative 1: No Action;
Alternative 2: Preferred Alternative; and Alternative 3. These alternatives were developed by the
National Park Service based on the project purpose and need, issues raised
during scoping, and other public comment. The Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Environmental Assessment disclosed the potential
environmental consequences that may result from implementation of each
alternative. Comments received during the public review of the Yosemite
Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment were considered
throughout the decision-making process.
The No Action Alternative maintains the status quo for the
Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment site. It provides a baseline from which to
compare the action alternatives, to evaluate the magnitude of proposed changes,
and to measure the environmental effects of those changes. This no action
concept follows the guidance of the Council on Environmental Quality, which
describes the No Action Alternative as representing no change from the existing
management direction or level of management intensity.
Under the No Action Alternative, the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment site would remain in its existing condition, with 245 lodging
units and 464 vehicle and 15 overnight bus parking spaces at Yosemite Lodge and
37 campsites and 111 vehicle parking spaces at Camp 4. Necessary maintenance
and repairs would continue, but no major undertakings (e.g., removal of
existing buildings or construction of new buildings) would occur.
The No Action Alternative would not provide the proposed
new facilities and restoration activities identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan, and the proposed Indian
Cultural Center
would not be developed. This would adversely affect the National Park Service
purpose and need 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 to
meet the mission of the National Park Service; and provide improved facilities
and services for people who visit Yosemite Valley. The No Action Alternative
would limit the park’s ability to implement actions called for in the Yosemite Valley Plan.
The Selected Alternative will implement approved Yosemite Valley Plan actions for the
Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment, including providing 251 lodging units and
251 overnight vehicle parking spaces at Yosemite Lodge. In addition, the
National Park Service will provide 20 parking spaces for early and late shift
employees, 15 parking spaces for maintenance vehicles, an appropriate number of
disabled-access parking spaces, and 75 overlap parking spaces for former
overnight guests, because some guests continue to park their cars at the Lodge
and tour Yosemite Valley after they check out of their rooms (overnight parking
will not be allowed in these spaces). At Yosemite Lodge, the National Park
Service will also provide 40 loading/unloading temporary parking spaces for use
by Yosemite Lodge guests while registering for their rooms or carrying personal
belongings to their lodging units. The loading/unloading spaces near the
lodging units will be designed to make the transport of personal belongings to
lodging rooms more convenient and to encourage visitors to remove all items
from their vehicles that could attract bears, consistent with the park’s bear
management guidelines. Overnight parking will not be allowed in the
loading/unloading parking spaces. Approximately 15 overnight tour bus parking
spaces would be provided at Yosemite Lodge.
The Selected Alternative will provide 65 campsites and 195
parking spaces at Camp 4, relocate Northside
Drive south of the Lodge, and convert existing Northside
Drive to a multi-use paved trail in the vicinity
of Yosemite Lodge. Consistent with the General
Management Plan, the
National Park Service in partnership with the American Indian Council of
Mariposa County (aka Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation) will develop the Indian
Cultural Center
at the site of the last-occupied Indian village in Yosemite Valley,
west of Camp 4. The Selected Alternative was not changed or modified based on
public comment from the preferred alternative described in the environmental
assessment.
Yosemite Lodge
The layout of the Lodge site under the Selected
Alternative will group together lodging units of similar types and will feature
centralized parking. The one-story cabin units will be clustered in the center
of the Lodge site, and the two-story cottages will be interspersed with
existing two-story buildings. The National Park Service will provide two
small-scale viewing plazas along the proposed promenade, and the amphitheater
will be relocated and the capacity expanded to accommodate 300 to 350
individuals.
Camp 4
At Camp 4, the Selected Alternative will provide a
free-standing climbing display building, a cooking pavilion, gear storage
lockers, and shared fire rings. The west portion of Camp 4 will feature a
renovated restroom building. A new restroom building will be located in the
eastern area of Camp 4, and a new restroom and shower building will be located
near Camp 4 parking.
Indian Cultural Center
The
National Park Service in partnership with the American Indian Council of
Mariposa County (aka Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation) will develop the Indian
Cultural Center
at the site of the last-occupied American Indian village in Yosemite
Valley and return to the site the last remaining cabin from the
historic village for adaptive reuse. The Indian
Cultural Center
will include a ceremonial roundhouse, sweatlodge, 15 cedar-bark umachas
(houses), a community building, and shade structures. The Indian
Cultural Center
will provide opportunities for cultural continuity in Yosemite
Valley.
Northside Drive
Northside Drive
will be rerouted around the south side of Yosemite Lodge to reduce conflicts
between vehicles and pedestrians on Northside Drive
and to provide safer pedestrian access between the Lodge and Lower Yosemite
Fall. The Selected Alternative reroutes Northside
Drive into the Merced River
100-year floodplain. Realigned Northside Drive
will continue to cross Yosemite Creek at the historic Yosemite
Creek Bridge.
West of Yosemite Creek Bridge, Northside
Drive will be routed through a roundabout to
direct traffic south of the Lodge site.
Restoration and Revegetation
Three areas on the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment site
will be restored to approximate natural conditions, including the area between
the proposed realignment of Northside Drive at Yosemite Lodge and the Merced
River (the site of former Yosemite Lodge cabins, Pine cottage, and employee
housing), the area between the cabins and parking area on the Lodge site, and
an area between Camp 4 and the Indian Cultural Center. Approximately 37.89
acres will be restored to natural conditions under the Selected Alternative.
The restoration effort will remove the revetment and diversion dam in the
overflow channels near Yosemite Creek to restore overland flow across the Merced
River floodplain. The landscape of the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment site will be revegetated based upon the principles described in
the Comprehensive Landscape and
Revegetation Plan for Yosemite Lodge. Existing and historic vegetation
communities will be re-established and enhanced within the project area. The
site design will provide communal outdoor spaces that encourage visitors to
experience the out-of-doors.
Alternative 3 would implement approved Yosemite Valley Plan actions
for the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment, including providing 251 lodging
units and corresponding overnight parking spaces at Yosemite Lodge, providing
65 campsites and 195 parking spaces at Camp 4, relocating Northside
Drive south of the Lodge, and converting existing Northside
Drive to a multi-use paved trail in the Yosemite
Lodge area. Consistent with the General
Management Plan, the
National Park Service in partnership with the American Indian Council of
Mariposa County (aka Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation) would develop the Indian
Cultural Center
at the site of the last-occupied American Indian village in Yosemite
Valley, west of Camp 4.
The relocation of Northside Drive,
development of the Indian Cultural
Center, and revegetation activities
would be the same as proposed under the Selected Alternative. Approximately
37.31 acres would be restored under this alternative. Alternative 3
differs from the Selected Alternative primarily in Lodge site layout and the
provision and location of Lodge and Camp 4 community facilities.
Yosemite Lodge
Under Alternative 3, new one- and two-story buildings
would be interspersed throughout the Lodge site. Alternative 3 would
feature a remote parking configuration, with the largest Lodge parking lot
located at the western end of the site.
Alternative 3 would provide one large-scale viewing plaza
along the proposed promenade. The amphitheater would be renovated in its
current location and would retain its existing capacity (accommodating 150 to
200 individuals). Alternative 3 would provide changeable interior display space
at the Lodge instead of a climbing display building at Camp 4, as proposed
under the Selected Alternative.
Camp 4
Individual fire rings would be provided at Camp 4. The
west portion of Camp 4 would feature a renovated restroom building. New
restroom and shower buildings would be located near the Camp 4 parking lot and
in the eastern area of the campground.
For the Yosemite Lodge
Area Redevelopment, a reasonable range of alternatives was considered in the Yosemite Valley Plan. It was not the
objective of the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Environmental Assessment to revisit the range of alternatives
in the Yosemite Valley Plan for the
project area. During the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment planning process,
alternative actions were eliminated from detailed study for any one or a
combination of the following reasons:
§
Does not implement the decisions of the Yosemite Valley Plan for the project
area
§
Does not satisfy guidance criteria, meet project
goals, or resolve park planning needs in Yosemite Valley
§
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, scenic,
visitor experience, or operational impacts would be caused
§
Is not technically or economically feasible
Those alternative actions
considered but eliminated from detailed study are described below.
Short-term Maximization of Lodging Units During Project Construction
The National Park Service considered maximizing the number
of lodging units at Yosemite Lodge during project construction in response to
public requests to increase the number of lodging units at Yosemite Lodge.
Under this action, the 128 existing lodging units planned for demolition would
not be removed until the end of the construction period, resulting in a
temporary increase of lodging units. This alternative action was considered but
dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Does not implement the decisions of the Yosemite Valley Plan for the project
area. As approved in the Yosemite Valley
Plan, the ultimate buildout for Yosemite Lodge is specified as 251 lodging
units.
§
Is not technically or economically feasible.
Temporarily maximizing the number of lodging units was not technically feasible
due to the site constraints associated with project construction. The area
occupied by the existing lodging units slated for demolition was needed early
in the construction phasing process so that Northside
Drive could be relocated.
Provide Lodge Guest Parking near Aspen,
Dogwood, and Tamarack Lodging Units
The National Park Service considered providing Lodge guest
parking near the Aspen, Dogwood,
and Tamarack lodging units. This alternative action was considered but
dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Does not satisfy guidance criteria, meet project
goals, or resolve park planning needs in Yosemite Valley.
Providing guest parking near the Aspen,
Dogwood, and Tamarack lodging units would have required an additional roadway
accessing Northside Drive west
of the proposed roundabout. This option was rejected due to the reductions in
traffic level of service on Northside Drive
associated with this additional access roadway.
Provide Permanent Lodge Guest Parking near Cottonwood
and Elderberry Lodging Units
The National Park Service considered providing permanent
Lodge guest parking near the Cottonwood and Elderberry
lodging units. This alternative action was considered but dismissed for the
following reasons:
§
Does not satisfy guidance criteria, meet project
goals, or resolve park planning needs in Yosemite Valley.
Providing permanent guest parking near the Cottonwood
and Elderberry lodging units was dismissed because placing permanent parking
spaces along the northeastern perimeter of the Lodge site would have detracted
from the pedestrian focus. The National Park Service decided to avoid placing
permanent parking along the new multi-use paved trail in this location, and
also avoid the extensive tree removal that would be required in this area to
accommodate a parking lot.
Provide Subterranean Parking Structure at Yosemite
Lodge Site
In an effort to reduce the size of the footprint required
for Lodge guest parking, the National Park Service considered developing a
subterranean parking structure at the Yosemite Lodge site. This alternative
action was considered but dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Does not satisfy guidance criteria, meet project
goals, or resolve park planning needs in Yosemite Valley.
The design of the parking structure would require considerable interior space
for access ramps and circulation roadways and would not substantially reduce
the footprint of the parking area on the Lodge site.
Consolidate Camp 4 Campsites
The National Park Service considered consolidating 65 Camp
4 campsites in the western end of Camp 4 to reduce the developed footprint of
the campground. This alternative action was considered but dismissed for the
following reasons:
§
Does not implement the decisions of the Yosemite Valley Plan for the project
area. The approved Yosemite Valley Plan called
for utilizing the eastern portion of the Camp 4 campground when it identified
increasing the capacity of the campground from 37 to 65 campsites.
§
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, scenic,
visitor experience, or operational impacts would be caused. Consolidating the
65 campsites into half the space identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan would result in increased campsite densities
that would adversely affect the overall camping experience.
Relocate Search and Rescue Site
The National Park Service considered relocating the search
and rescue site from the western end of Camp 4 to a location near the Camp 4
parking lot. This alternative action was considered but dismissed for the following
reasons:
§
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, scenic,
visitor experience, or operational impacts would be caused. Relocating the
search and rescue site would have unacceptable operational impacts. Relocating
the search and rescue site near the parking lot would place the volunteers near
higher activity areas, which is not conducive to rest and recuperation after a
search and rescue mission.
Provide Propane Group Campfires
The National Park Service considered providing propane
group campfires at Camp 4 to reduce air quality impacts associated with wood
fires. This alternative action was considered but dismissed for the following
reasons:
§
Is not technically or economically feasible.
Propane group campfires would be cost-prohibitive with respect to installation
and maintenance.
Provide Dispersed Gear Storage Lockers Throughout Camp 4
The National Park Service considered providing up to 65
gear storage lockers throughout the Camp 4 area. This alternative action was
considered but dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, scenic,
visitor experience, or operational impacts would be caused. Dispersing up to 65
gear storage lockers throughout the Camp 4 area would substantially increase
the built features scattered throughout the site and would create visual
intrusions into the natural Camp 4 landscape.
§
Is not technically or economically feasible.
Dispersed gear storage lockers would be more difficult to maintain and monitor
for security purposes than centralized gear storage lockers, as proposed under
the Selected Alternative.
Provide Shuttle Bus Stop at Indian Cultural Center
The National Park Service considered providing a shuttle
bus stop at the Indian Cultural
Center. This alternative action was
considered but dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, scenic,
visitor experience, or operational impacts would be caused. Providing a shuttle
bus stop at the Indian Cultural
Center would have unacceptable
cultural impacts, as it would disrupt the semiprivate nature of the facility
during religious ceremonies. In addition, provision of a shuttle bus stop at
the Indian Cultural
Center is not necessary, because
the Camp 4 shuttle bus stop would be located within 1,000 feet of the Indian
Cultural Center.
Do Not Relocate Northside Drive
During the public scoping process for this environmental
assessment, it was suggested that Northside Drive
not be relocated south of the Lodge, as identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan. This alternative action was
considered but dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Does not implement the decisions of the Yosemite Valley Plan for the project
area. As approved in the Yosemite Valley
Plan, the current alignment of Northside Drive
would be relocated south of the Lodge to reduce conflicts between vehicles and
pedestrians and to provide safer pedestrian access between the Lodge and Lower
Yosemite Fall area.
§
Does not satisfy guidance criteria, meet project
goals, or resolve park planning needs in Yosemite Valley.
If Northside Drive were not
relocated, project goals to reduce traffic congestion by improving the vehicle
and pedestrian interface between Yosemite Lodge and Lower Yosemite Fall would
not be met.
Terminate Northside Drive
at Yosemite Lodge Site
The National Park Service considered including in the
Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment the termination of Northside
Drive at Yosemite Lodge, as identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan. This alternative action was
considered but dismissed for the following reasons:
§
Is not technically or economically feasible. The
termination of Northside Drive
is identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan,
and the National Park Service intends to terminate Northside
Drive at Yosemite Lodge as part of the traveler
information and traffic management system planning effort. The National Park
Service decided that including the termination of Northside
Drive at the Lodge site as part of the Yosemite
Lodge Area Redevelopment project was technically infeasible. The termination of
Northside Drive is closely
tied with the larger Yosemite Valley transportation
planning issues, including consolidating day-visitor parking in Yosemite
Valley and three out-of-Valley parking areas, expanding shuttle
bus operation, and making Southside Drive
a two-way road. The traveler information and traffic management system project
identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan
will address these Valleywide transportation planning issues, and the
termination of Northside Drive
at Yosemite Lodge will be included among them.
Construct a New Motor Vehicle
Bridge Across Yosemite Creek and
Remove the Yosemite Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge
The National Park Service considered including in the
Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment the construction of a new motor vehicle
bridge across Yosemite Creek and the removal of the Yosemite Creek
Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge, as identified in the Yosemite Valley
Plan. This alternative action was considered but dismissed for the
following reasons:
§
The National Park Service received new
information regarding the presence of an American Indian traditional use site
east of Yosemite Creek that would be affected by the proposed bridge roadway
approach. The National Park Service determined that additional study was needed
to ascertain the significance of the traditional gathering site and is
currently conducting a Valleywide traditional use study. Northside
Drive would be safely realigned through the
inclusion of a roundabout on the west side of Yosemite Creek. In the absence of
a new bridge across Yosemite Creek, the Yosemite Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle
Bridge continued to be needed to convey pedestrians and bicyclists across the
creek in this area. The National Park Service will determine whether
construction of a new bridge across Yosemite Creek and removal of the Yosemite
Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge is appropriate as part of the traveler
information and traffic management system planning effort.
Install the Propane Tank Farm Underground
The National Park Service considered installing the
propane tank farms underground to avoid adverse scenic impacts associated with
views of the tanks. This alternative action was considered but dismissed for
the following reasons:
§
Unacceptable environmental, cultural, scenic,
visitor experience, or operational impacts would be caused. The National Park
Service maintenance division indicated that underground propane tanks are
considerably more difficult to maintain.
§
Is not technically or economically feasible. The
installation of below-ground propane tanks would be substantially more
expensive than above-ground propane tanks.
The environmentally preferred alternative is determined by
applying criteria identified in Section 101 of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) to each alternative considered. In accordance with NEPA, the
environmentally preferred alternative will best: (1) fulfill the
responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for
succeeding generations; (2) assure for all generations safe, healthful,
productive, and esthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; (3) attain
the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation,
risk of 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 that supports
diversity and variety of individual choice; (5) achieve a balance between
population and resource use that 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 National Park Service has considered the alternatives
in this analysis in accordance with NEPA and Council on Environmental Quality
regulations (Section 1505.2) and has determined that the Selected Alternative
(Alternative 2) and Alternative 3 as presented in the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Environmental Assessment, are environmentally preferable
based on their furtherance of the following National Environmental Policy Act
goals as evaluated below. The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 have small
differences in their environmental impacts on natural and cultural resources,
however, on balance both alternatives are considered environmentally
preferable.
§
NEPA Section 101 Requirement
1. “Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as
trustee of the environment for succeeding generations.”
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will best
fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment
for succeeding generations by restoring to approximate natural conditions
37.89 acres and 37.31 acres, respectively, of the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment site largely within the Merced River 100-year floodplain and
revegetating the rest of the project area using an applied ecological approach
to revegetation. Alternative 1 would not involve restoration or revegetation
activities, and would not result in the same level of environmental protection
and restoration of natural resources as the Selected Alternative and
Alternative 3. In addition, Alternative 1 would not fulfill the purpose of and
need for the project.
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will place
realigned Northside Drive
and some new parking areas within the Merced River
100-year floodplain. Although Northside Drive
would not be in the 100-year floodplain under Alternative 1, many other Lodge
facilities would continue to be in the 100-year floodplain, including four
motel-type buildings (Maple, Alder, Hemlock, and Juniper), an employee Wellness
Center, Yosemite Lodge housekeeping
facilities and several small structures near Tamarack Cottage.
§
NEPA Section 101 Requirement
2. “Assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive,
and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings.”
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will best
assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and
culturally pleasing surroundings by redesigning Yosemite Lodge to refocus
visitors’ lodging experience from motel-like to one more connected with and
unique to Yosemite National Park, and by redesigning Camp 4 to conform to the
natural landscape. The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will provide new
opportunities to enjoy scenic views through the development of viewing plazas
on the promenade. These alternatives will remedy vehicle and pedestrian
conflicts on Northside Drive
between Yosemite Lodge and the Lower Yosemite Fall area. The Selected
Alternative and Alternative 3 will relocate the Camp 4 search and rescue sites
outside the base of talus zone. Alternative 1 would not fulfill
goal 2 because the alternative would not assure safe surroundings; vehicle
and pedestrian conflicts on Northside Drive
between Yosemite Lodge and the Lower Yosemite Fall area would not be remedied,
and portions of Camp 4 would continue to be located within the base of talus
zone.
§
NEPA Section 101 Requirement
3. “Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the
environment without degradation, risk of health or safety, or other undesirable
and unintended consequences.”
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will fulfill
goal 3 of the national environmental policy
goals by reducing risks to public health and safety by removing structures
(i.e., Alder, Hemlock, Juniper, and Maple) from the Merced River floodplain,
removing the traffic and pedestrian conflict on Northside Drive between
Yosemite Lodge and the Lower Yosemite Fall area, relocating the search and
rescue sites outside the base of talus zone, and constructing new facilities
that comply with current building standards. In addition, both alternatives
will develop the Indian Cultural Center at the site of the last-occupied American Indian village in Yosemite Valley.
The Selected Alternative also will provide a cooking
pavilion at Camp 4, a climbing display building to highlight the importance of
Camp 4’s climbing history, as well as an expanded amphitheater on the Lodge
site. Alternative 3 would provide an interior interpretive display space at
Yosemite Lodge for changing informational exhibits and would renovate the
existing amphitheater at Yosemite Lodge. These actions would provide a range of
beneficial uses in the project area consistent with goal 3. Alternative 1 would
be least effective in attaining goal 3, as described in Section 101, in that it
would have the narrowest range of beneficial uses that could occur without
degradation of natural and cultural resources in the project area.
§
NEPA Section 101 Requirement
4. “Preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of
our national heritage and maintaining, wherever possible, an environment that
supports diversity and variety of individual choice.”
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will fulfill
goal 4 through revegetation and restoration activities, which include removing
a diversion dam and revetments in the overflow channels near Yosemite Creek.
Removal of these structures will restore natural flow in this area of the creek
and return the Merced River 100‑year floodplain to
near-natural, free-flow conditions (with the exception of placement of
realigned Northside Drive
and new parking areas in the 100-year floodplain). In addition, both
alternatives will implement measures to reduce adverse effects on natural and
cultural resources related to construction and operation of the facilities
(e.g., mitigation measures identified in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation
Matrix), as required under goal 4 of the national environmental policy goals.
Under the Selected Alternative, cultural resources will be managed in
accordance with the 1999 Programmatic Agreement. Under Alternative 3, impacts
to one archeological site would be reduced compared to the Selected
Alternative. Because of existing natural resource impacts that would not be
remedied, Alternative 1 does not best fulfill goal 4. Although
Alternative 1 would include the least change to cultural resources, it
would not provide opportunities for cultural continuity, since the National
Park Service in partnership with the American Indian Council of Mariposa County
would not build the Indian Cultural
Center.
§
NEPA Section 101 Requirement
5. “Achieve a balance between population and resource use that
will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities.”
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 fulfill goal 5
by increasing the number of campsites, modestly increasing the number of
lodging units, and developing an Indian Cultural Center, while also locating
such facilities outside the Merced Wild and
Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Merced River Plan) River
Protection Overlay and 100-year floodplain of the Merced River as well as
locating visitor overnight facilities outside the base of talus zone. Both
alternatives incorporate revegetation and restoration activities, which include
removing a diversion dam and revetments in the overflow channels near Yosemite
Creek restoring natural flow in this area of the creek and return the Merced
River 100‑year floodplain to near-natural, free-flow conditions (with the
exception of placement of realigned Northside Drive and new parking areas in
the 100-year floodplain). These resource enhancements will achieve a balance
between population and resource use, since the restoration activities will
occur adjacent to Yosemite Lodge, which is among the most intensely developed
sites in Yosemite Valley. Although existing patterns of
visitor use would continue under Alternative 1, traffic congestion and existing
impacts on floodplains, visitor experience, and scenic resources in the project
area would not be remedied.
§
NEPA Section 101 Requirement
6. “Enhance the quality of renewable resources and
approaching the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources.”
The Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 will enhance
the quality of renewable resources and approach maximum attainable recycling of
depletable resources by implementing sustainable technologies designed to
minimize impacts on natural resources, as required by the National Park
Service’s Guiding Principles of
Sustainable Design. Sustainable principles and technologies incorporated
into this alternative include use of recycled materials and installation of energy- and water-efficient
features and utilities. Alternative 1 would retain existing technologies
and utility infrastructure.
In conclusion, upon full consideration of the elements of
Section 101 of NEPA, the Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 represent the
environmentally preferable alternatives for the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment. After review of potential resource and visitor impacts and
developing mitigation for impacts to natural and cultural resources, the
Selected Alternative and Alternative 3 attain the widest range of beneficial
uses of the environment achieving a balance between population and resource
use, while minimizing environmental impacts on natural and cultural resources
and assuring safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally
pleasing surroundings.
The National Park Service analyzed the significance
criteria provided in the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations
(Section 1508.27) to determine if the Selected Alternative would have a
previously undisclosed significant adverse effect on the human environment. The
Selected Alternative results in improvements to visitor serving facilities in
the Yosemite Lodge area as directed by the Yosemite
Valley Plan and its Record of
Decision. Improvements include relocating lodging units outside the Merced
River 100-year floodplain, adding 6 lodging units to partially replace some of
the overnight accommodations at the Lodge that were lost during the 1997 flood,
improving pedestrian and vehicle circulation at the Lodge site, expanding Camp
4 and improving camping-related facilities, developing a climbing display
building, relocating the search and rescue site outside the base of the talus
zone, developing the Indian Cultural Center, relocating Northside Drive south
of the Lodge site to improve the vehicle and pedestrian interface between the
Lodge and Yosemite Falls, and restoring 37.89 acres of the Yosemite Lodge area
to approximate natural conditions. Although there will be short- and long-term
but temporary construction-related adverse effects associated with construction
of the proposed facilities, the long-term ecological and visitor experience
benefits of the Selected Alternative are expected to more than compensate for
the adverse effects of construction, as described in the resource topic
discussion below. The Selected Alternative will result in adverse environmental
impacts associated with construction-related noise. These impacts will occur
intermittently during periods of intensive construction. These noise impacts
were analyzed and disclosed in the Final
Yosemite Valley Plan and its Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement from which the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment is
tiered.
Public health and safety would be protected under the
Selected Alternative. The National Park Service would relocate lodging units
outside the Merced River 100-year floodplain and search
and rescue sites outside the base of talus zone. Traffic control and visitor
protection measures will be employed to protect public health and safety during
construction activity (see table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix).
There are unique characteristics in the Yosemite Lodge
area, as discussed in Chapter III, Affected Environment, of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental
Assessment. The Selected Alternative will not have significant adverse
effects on these unique characteristics as described in discussed in Chapter
IV, Environmental Consequences, of the Yosemite
Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment.
There has been extensive public involvement on this
project. The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment was first addressed during the
development of the Yosemite Valley Plan
and its Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement. The National Park Service also conducted extensive public
outreach for the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Environmental Assessment through a formal public scoping
period and public scoping meeting, a 30-day public review period and
accompanying Public Open House, as well as approximately monthly informal
Public Open Houses (from June 2002 through October 2003) to disseminate
information and collect informal written comments on the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment and other Yosemite projects.
The environmental impacts of the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment are not highly uncertain nor does the Selected Alternative
involve unique or unknown risks. No elements of precedence for future actions
with significant effects have been identified, and implementation of the
Selected Alternative will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local
environmental protection laws.
Under the Selected Alternative, soil
degradation associated with construction activities will occur through each
project phase and will result in a local, short-term, moderate, adverse impact.
As identified in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, standard mitigation
including erosion controls and native foliage protection will reduce the
construction-related impacts to a negligible to minor intensity. Overall, the
Selected Alternative will have a local, long-term, negligible, beneficial
impact. The beneficial impacts of the Selected Alternative associated with
restoration of highly valued soil resources in the Merced River 100-year
floodplain, other restoration and revegetation activities, improved seismic
safety associated with new building construction, and relocation of essential
facilities outside the base of talus zone will offset the adverse effects
associated with construction impacts, hazards from unavoidable seismic ground
shaking, and continued placement of some facilities within the base of talus
and shadow line zones.
Stormwater runoff from construction sites
will result in a moderate adverse impact to surface water quality.
Implementation of mitigation measures, including development of a comprehensive
stormwater pollution prevention plan (see table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix),
will reduce the intensity of the construction-related impacts to negligible.
The Selected Alternative will improve the condition of the 100-year floodplain
by removing the major flow impediments, including guest lodging and maintenance
buildings. Placement of realigned Northside Drive and new parking areas in the 100-year
floodplain under the Selected Alternative will affect flood flow, but these
developments will not substantially alter the flow path of the flood waters
because they would have low relief and would not be constructed on an
embankment. Overall, the Selected Alternative will have a local, long-term,
minor, beneficial impact on Merced River floodplain and water resources. The beneficial impacts associated
with removal of major flow impediments from the 100-year floodplain of the
Merced River; removal of the diversion dam and revetments in the
overflow channels near Yosemite Creek to return the 100-year
floodplain to near-natural, free-flow conditions; and improvements to the
drainage system will largely offset the adverse effects associated with construction-related
stormwater runoff and increased impervious surface area at the project site.
Construction activities associated with
the Selected Alternative, including installation and removal of utilities and
development of project facilities, will have a moderate adverse impact due to
disturbance of 0.43 acres of wetlands (specifically, riverine intermittent
drainages). With implementation of mitigation measures (including wetland
replacement, erosion control measures, spill prevention and pollution control
measures, and wetland protection and compensation measures, such as installing
protective fencing material to protect wetlands from construction activities,
using silt fencing to reduce erosion, etc.), as described in table 1-1,
Impact/Mitigation Matrix, construction impacts to wetlands will be lessened to
a minor adverse effect.
No long-term adverse impacts to wetlands
will result from the Selected Alternative. Impacts to disturbed wetlands will
be compensated at a minimum of 1-acre for 1-acre basis as part of the Selected
Alternative restoration actions. Restoration (removal of revetments and the
diversion dam) and revegetation (of palustrine and riverine wetlands near the Merced River) under the
Selected Alternative will offset the adverse construction-related impacts and
improve the connectivity, integrity, and value of wetlands in the project area.
The Selected Alternative will result in a net gain of restored wetland area and
functional value. Overall, the Selected Alternative will have a local,
long-term, negligible to minor, beneficial impact on wetlands.
The Selected Alternative will alter the
size, integrity, and continuity of vegetation due to the removal of
approximately 1,200 trees (see Errata for a revised description of tree species
and size classes to be removed) and potential construction-related vegetation
trampling effects, resulting in a local, long-term, minor, adverse impact.
Implementation of biological resource protection measures (such as installing
temporary fencing, controlling and minimizing invasive
non-native species, and implementing revegetation measures to restore disturbed
areas), as described in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, will somewhat
offset this adverse effect although the impact will remain minor.
As part of the restoration effort, oak woodland
rehabilitation will be encouraged through plantings of California
black oak seedlings. The landscape of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment
site will be revegetated based upon the principles described in the Comprehensive Landscape and Revegetation
Plan for Yosemite Lodge. Existing and historic vegetation communities will
be re-established and enhanced within the project area using an applied
ecological approach to revegetation. Revegetation and landscaping at the site
will emulate natural vegetation succession, native community structure, and
species composition. Overall, the Selected Alternative will
have a local, long-term, negligible to minor, beneficial impact because the
restoration and revegetation efforts will offset the adverse
construction-related effect associated with tree removal.
Construction-related activities will have a minor to
moderate adverse effect on wildlife through habitat disturbance (including tree
removal), noise, human presence, and operation of heavy equipment.
Implementation of mitigation measures, such as preconstruction wildlife surveys
and erosion and sedimentation control measures (see table 1-1,
Impact/Mitigation Matrix), will reduce the magnitude of construction-related
adverse effects on wildlife to minor. Moderate, adverse, operation-related
effects on wildlife will occur through habitat fragmentation, increased human
presence, expansion of development into undeveloped areas, and creation of
facilities that could attract black bears to the project site. Food waste
control and other measures developed in coordination with the Bear Management
Council will reduce the severity of this adverse effect. The beneficial effects
on wildlife and highly valued resources due to riparian and meadow habitat
restoration activities, modification of Northside Drive into a multi-use paved
trail, and restoration of the natural hydrology of Yosemite Creek will somewhat
offset but not reduce the intensity of the adverse construction- and
operation-related impacts associated with the Selected Alternative. Overall,
the Selected Alternative will have a local, long-term, moderate, adverse effect
on wildlife.
Special-status species known to occur or
with potential to occur in the immediate vicinity of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment site include bald
eagle, Yosemite Mariposa sideband snail, Sierra pygmy grasshopper, Harlequin
duck, peregrine falcon, white-headed woodpecker, rufous hummingbird, California
spotted owl, golden eagle, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, willow
flycatcher, yellow warbler, 10 species of bats, and 8 special-status plant
species (refer to the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Environmental Assessment for additional information).
Construction-related activities will have a minor to
moderate adverse effect on special-status species through habitat disturbance
(including tree removal), noise, human presence, and operation of heavy
equipment. Implementation of mitigation measures, such as preconstruction
surveys, nest monitoring, and avoidance of special-status species and occupied
habitat wherever feasible (see table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation
Matrix), will reduce the magnitude of the adverse construction-related
effects on special-status species. The beneficial effects to special-status
species and highly valued resources due to riparian and meadow habitat
restoration activities, modification of Northside Drive into a multi-use paved
trail, and restoration of the natural hydrology of Yosemite Creek will offset
the adverse construction- and development-related effects associated with the
Selected Alternative. Overall, the Selected Alternative will have a local,
long-term, negligible, beneficial effect on special-status species.
Construction
activities associated with the Selected Alternative will have a minor to
moderate, adverse effect on air quality. As described in table 1-1,
Impact/Mitigation Matrix, implementation of practices such as watering,
covering stockpiles, and covering haul trucks will reduce the intensity of the
adverse construction-related emissions to negligible to minor. Overall, the
Selected Alternative will have a local, long-term, negligible, beneficial
effect on air quality associated with the substantial decrease in the amount of
vehicle emissions on busy days. The beneficial operational effects will offset
the long-term but temporary adverse effects to air quality associated with
demolition and construction activities and increased nonvehicle operational
emissions.
Noise generated by demolition and
construction activities under the Selected Alternative will have a local,
long-term but temporary, major, adverse effect (as analyzed and disclosed in
the Final Yosemite Valley Plan and
its Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement) on the ambient noise environment during the 13-year construction
period. As noted in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, measures will be
employed to mitigate adverse noise impacts, including implementation of
standard noise abatement measures during construction (such as schedules that
minimize impacts to adjacent noise-sensitive uses), use of best-available noise
control techniques where feasible, use of hydraulically or electrically powered
impact tools when feasible, and siting of stationary noise sources as far from
noise-sensitive uses as possible. Although the mitigation measures will
somewhat reduce construction noise levels, during intense periods of
construction the noise levels will continue to be substantial and highly noticeable.
Overall activity and associated nonvehicle noise levels generated on and near
Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 would increase. The realignment of Northside Drive
and new design of the local circulation and parking system would decrease
ambient noise levels at locations where traffic was the dominant noise source,
particularly near Camp 4. Overall, the Selected Alternative will have a local,
long-term, moderate, adverse effect on the noise environment. The adverse
effects associated with construction noise and increases in nonvehicle
operational noise will be somewhat offset by the beneficial effects associated
with reduced vehicle noise in the vicinity of Camp 4 and the new multi-use
paved trail.
Cultural resources consist of archeological sites,
traditional American Indian resources, and cultural landscapes. Under the
Selected Alternative, construction-related activities will
have a minor to moderate adverse effect on five archeological resources within
the construction and demolition footprint. As identified in table 1-1,
Impact/Mitigation Matrix, mitigation measures will be implemented, including
site design to avoid resources,
archaeological testing and sampling, data recovery during construction
monitoring, and interpretation. With mitigation, the Selected Alternative will have a local,
permanent, minor, adverse effect on archeological resources associated with
construction-related activity and operational disturbances. Site-specific
planning will be conducted in accordance with stipulations in the park’s 1999
Programmatic Agreement.
Construction-related activities will have
a minor to moderate adverse effect on American Indian traditional resources. As
identified in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, mitigation measures will
include project design to avoid resources, construction monitoring by Native
American representatives as appropriate and agreed upon in consultation with
culturally associated Indian Tribes, confining construction activities to the
development footprint, revegetation with traditionally used plants, and
monitoring of plant growth. With mitigation to offset adverse construction
impacts, the Selected Alternative will have an overall local, long-term, minor,
beneficial impact on traditional resources.
The Selected Alternative will alter two
trails and Camp 4, which are eligible for listing or listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. The trails are contributing elements to the
Yosemite Valley Cultural Landscape as circulation systems. These impacts to
cultural landscape resources will be minor and adverse. As identified in
table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, mitigation measures will include
photography, documentation, and interpretation in accordance with the parks
1999 Programmatic Agreement. Overall, the
Selected Alternative will have a local, long-term, minor, adverse impact on
cultural landscape resources.
The Selected Alternative will have a
local, long-term, minor, beneficial impact on scenic resources. The beneficial
effects associated with the proposed facility design improvements,
pedestrian-focused site layout, revegetation and restoration activities, and
viewshed and forest management efforts will outweigh the adverse effects to
scenic resources associated with construction activities and increased
developed features at the project site.
Analysis of visitor experience includes
consideration of recreation, orientation and interpretation, visitor services,
and night sky. Under the Selected Alternative, construction activities will
disrupt use of and access to recreation opportunities in the project area and
adjacent areas. Traffic control measures, air quality and noise measures, and
implementation of a visitor outreach communication plan, as described in table
1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, will be employed to reduce effects related to
recreation access. Construction-phase activities under the Selected Alternative
will result in a local, long-term but temporary, minor, adverse impact in the
project area. Overall, the Selected Alternative will result in a local,
long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial impact due to the provision of
additional recreation opportunities and improvement of existing recreation
opportunities.
Construction activities under the
Selected Alternative will disrupt orientation and interpretation opportunities
in the project area. A visitor outreach communication plan and construction
phasing, as described in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, will be
implemented to reduce effects related to disruption of orientation and
interpretation opportunities. Facility construction will result in a local,
long-term but temporary, minor, adverse impact to orientation and
interpretation. Overall, the Selected Alternative will result in a local and
regional, long-term, beneficial impact due to the increase in orientation and
interpretation opportunities, particularly at the Indian Cultural Center.
Construction activities will disrupt use
of existing visitor-service facilities. Traffic control measures, a visitor
outreach communication plan, and construction phasing, as described in
table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation Matrix, will be implemented to reduce effects
related to visitor services. Facility construction will result in a local,
long-term but temporary, minor to moderate, adverse impact to visitor services.
Overall, the Selected Alternative will result in a local and regional,
long-term, beneficial impact due to improvements to visitor services in the
project area and provision of the new Indian Cultural Center.
Construction activities under the
Selected Alternative, with mitigation described in table 1-1, Impact/Mitigation
Matrix, will result in a local, long-term but temporary, minor, adverse impact
to the night sky associated with nighttime lighting. While project operation
will require increased exterior lighting, the design of such lighting and the
application of mitigation measures (as described in table 1-1,
Impact/Mitigation Matrix) will result in a local, long-term, negligible,
adverse impact to the night sky.
The combined effect of construction
spending, visitor spending, and changes in employee housing is expected to
result in a long-term, negligible to minor, beneficial impact to the
socioeconomic environment. Impacts associated with construction and visitor
spending will be beneficial to the regional socioeconomic environment, and
impacts associated with employee housing will be beneficial to the local
socioeconomic environment.
The Selected Alternative will cause
local, short-term, minor to moderate, adverse impacts (after mitigation) during
site redevelopment related to temporary increases in traffic volumes on area
roadways and in the number of turning movements between roadways and staging
areas in proximity to the site. Traffic flow conditions will improve resulting
in local, long-term, moderate, beneficial impacts particularly due to level of
service improvements on realigned Northside Drive.
The Selected Alternative will have local, long-term, minor, beneficial effects on
traffic safety/conflicts due to fewer intersections and points of
pedestrian/vehicle conflict on realigned Northside Drive.
Overall, the Selected Alternative will
have a local, long-term, moderate, adverse impact on park operations and
facilities due to additional staff demands associated with the new facilities
and improvements (including restoration and revegetation) in the project area.
The adverse effect on park operations will be partially offset by the
beneficial impacts associated with improvements to the existing utility system.
Construction activities could result in releases of
hazardous materials, resulting in a moderate adverse impact to the environment.
Implementation of mitigation measures, such as a spill prevention and pollution
control program, preconstruction surveys, and compliance with applicable
hazardous materials management regulations, will reduce the magnitude of the
adverse impact to negligible to minor. Overall, the Selected Alternative will
have a local, long-term, negligible, adverse impact on the environment
associated with potential hazardous materials releases. The adverse hazardous
materials impact has been somewhat offset by beneficial impacts of Alternative
2 associated with siting new Camp 4 facilities at a remediated site and removal
of the electrical substation transformers at Camp 4.
The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental
Assessment analyzed cumulative impacts of the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment, and identified four resource topics with major beneficial or
major adverse impacts. All of these significant impacts were analyzed and
disclosed in the Final Yosemite Valley
Plan and its Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement from which the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment is
tiered. Major beneficial cumulative impacts are attributed to wetlands and
transportation improvements. Major adverse cumulative impacts are associated
with construction-related noise effects. Minor to major adverse cumulative
impacts are associated with disturbance of cultural landscape resources.
Based on the analysis provided in the Yosemite Lodge
Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment, the National Park Service
concludes that implementation of the Selected Alternative will not impair a
resource or value whose conservation is:
§
Necessary to fulfill specific purposes
identified in the establishing legislation or proclamation of Yosemite
National Park
§
Key to the natural or cultural integrity of Yosemite
National Park or to opportunities
for enjoyment of the park
§
Identified as a goal in the park’s General
Management Plan or other relevant National Park Service planning documents
The Selected Alternative will cause short-term and
long-term but temporary adverse construction-related impacts, minor adverse
impacts to cultural resources, moderate adverse effects to wildlife, and
overall beneficial impacts to other analyzed resource topics. The adverse effects
on park resources will be primarily localized and the magnitude of these
impacts is not sufficient to impair park resources. Consequently,
implementation of the Selected Alternative will not violate the National Park
Service Organic Act of 1916.
The Selected Alternative is consistent with the Merced
River Plan elements of boundaries, classifications, outstandingly remarkable
values, Section 7 determination process, the River Protection Overlay, and
management zoning. The project will protect and enhance Outstandingly
Remarkable Values by removing buildings from the 100-year floodplain, restoring
approximately 37.89 acres in the project area, undertaking tree management
activities to create a more open landscape similar to Yosemite Valley
conditions before Euro-American settlement, creating new recreational
opportunities and river bank access with a boardwalk between the Lodge and the
Merced River’s north bank sandbar allowing visitors access to the river without
damaging natural resources, and removing revetments and a diversion dam in the
overflow channels near Yosemite Creek. The Selected Alternative does not
include any water resources projects; therefore, a Section 7 determination is
not applicable.
The Selected Alternative will not impair the National Park
Service’s ability to address user capacities within the Merced River
corridor. The goal of the user capacity mandate of the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act is to ensure that the types and levels of use within a river corridor are
protective of the river’s outstandingly remarkable values. The Selected
Alternative will not result in changes in the types of use of the river
corridor, but it will provide for more opportunities to experience the existing
spectrum of recreational opportunities in the park (such as camping, and
improved opportunities to view the river and waterfalls).
The Selected Alternative also will not lead to increases
in the levels of day or overnight use of this segment of the river corridor.
This is because the Selected Alternative is consistent with the Yosemite Valley Plan, which supports a
daily visitation level in the valley (18,241 visitors) approximating that
described in the General Management Plan.
Although the Selected Alternative will provide for an increase in the number of
lodging units by 6 and the number of camping spaces by 28 (including 3 Search
and Rescue camp sites), once the Yosemite
Valley Plan is fully implemented these numbers will be offset on a
segment-wide basis by the reduction in lodging units in other parts of this
segment, such as the reduction of 141 lodging units planned for the Curry
Village area. The project’s reduction in employee housing will also have a
synergistic effect with other Yosemite
Valley Plan projects that reduce employee housing in this segment of the
river corridor. Overall, implementation of the Yosemite Valley Plan will not lead to increases in overnight use on
a segment-wide basis because the Yosemite
Valley Plan prescribes an overall reduction in lodging, employee housing,
and the built environment, and it provides for restoration of highly valued
resource areas in the Valley. Although the Selected Alternative will increase
day use within the project area (largely due to the new Indian Cultural
Center), the Selected Alternative will not cause a segment-wide increase in day
use of this section of the river because the Indian Cultural Center is mostly
located outside the corridor and many of the traditional uses that will occur
at the new center already occur in the Valley The analysis in the environmental
assessment indicates that although there will be increases in use at the
project area (mostly due to increased camping at Camp 4 and the new Indian
Cultural Center); on a segment-wide basis, the actions will not degrade the
outstandingly remarkable values for this recreational river segment of Yosemite
Valley. The Selected Alternative will also not impede established VERP
parameters or the implementation of VERP indicators and standards.
The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment will add 6 new
lodging units to Yosemite Lodge and 28 new campsites at Camp 4. Implementation
of the Selected Alternative will not have growth-inducing impacts in the region
(i.e., Yosemite Valley). The Selected Alternative will
not foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional
housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding region. New
development and restoration activities in Yosemite Valley
are guided by the Merced River Plan and the Final
Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS and its Record
of Decision. The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment, which is tiered from
these plans, will implement Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 related projects that
were identified and analyzed as part of the comprehensive Yosemite
Valley planning process. This implementation project will not
induce new growth in Yosemite Valley.
Because of the project’s small scale, there will be no
meaningful indirect increase in new permanent employment generated by the
Selected Alternative. During the 13-year project construction period,
approximately 65 temporary construction jobs would be created. These positions
will not be growth-inducing because of the small number of jobs and the jobs
would terminate upon completion of construction activities. Since the new
lodging units and campsites will be constructed in an existing developed area
within a national park, no new regional-serving infrastructure will be
developed in previously undeveloped areas that would indirectly induce
population growth in the area. The project will not induce new regional growth
and therefore will have a less than significant growth-inducing impact.
A consistent set of mitigation measures will be applied to
ensure that implementation of the Selected Alternative protects natural and
cultural resources, Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and the quality of the
visitor experience. The National Park Service will avoid, minimize, and
mitigate impacts to the extent practicable. As such, the project shall avoid or
minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources and be designed to work in
harmony with the surroundings. The project shall reduce, minimize, or eliminate
air and water nonpoint source pollution. The project shall be sustainable
whenever practicable by recycling and reusing materials, minimizing materials,
and minimizing energy consumption during the project. The following mitigation
measures (table 1-1) have been incorporated into the project to avoid or reduce
impacts to park resources.
|
Table 1-1
Impact/Mitigation
Matrix
|
|
Mitigation Measure
|
Impact Topic
|
Responsibility
|
Critical Milestones
|
|
Prior to entry into the
park, steam-clean heavy equipment to prevent importation of non-native plant
species, tighten hydraulic fittings, ensure hydraulic hoses are in good
condition and replace if damaged, and repair all petroleum leaks.
|
Construction Mitigation
Measures
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Inspect the project to
ensure that impacts stay within the parameters of the project area and do not
escalate beyond the scope of the environmental assessment, as well as to
ensure that the project conforms with all applicable permits or project
conditions. Store all construction equipment within the delineated work
limits. Confine work areas within creek channels to the smallest area
necessary.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Implement compliance
monitoring to ensure that the project remains within the parameters of
National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act
compliance documents, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permits, etc.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Provide a project
orientation for all construction workers to increase their understanding and
sensitivity to the challenges of the special environment in which they will
be working.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
If deemed necessary,
demolition/construction work on weekends or federal government holidays may
be authorized, with prior written approval of the Superintendent.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager;
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Remove all tools,
equipment, barricades, signs, surplus materials, and rubbish from the project
work limits upon project completion. Repair any asphalt surfaces that are
damaged due to work on the project to original condition. Remove all debris
from the project site, including all visible concrete, timber, and metal
pieces.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Upon completion of
project activities
|
|
Implement the Comprehensive Landscape and Revegetation
Plan for Yosemite Lodge, a revegetation plan that conforms to the
requirements outlined in the park’s Vegetation
Management Plan and Executive Order 13122 – Invasive Species. Specific
components of the plan will include, but not be limited to, the following:
soil salvage/reuse, plant salvage, soil preparation, selection, use, and
treatment of new soil; use of native plants of native genotypes; seeding
mixtures/sources; use of fertilizers; noxious and invasive weed control;
supplemental revegetation if initial revegetation fails; repair/replacement
of damaged trees; and mulching.
|
Revegetation
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Implement a noxious weed
abatement program. Standard measures include the following elements: ensure
construction-related equipment arrives on site free of mud or seed-bearing
material, certify all seeds and straw material as weed-free, identify and
treat areas of noxious weeds prior to construction, and revegetate with appropriate
native species and monitor the restored site annually for three years to
ensure absence of noxious weeds, successful revegetation, plant maintenance,
and replacement of unsuccessful plant materials.
|
Vegetation
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to, concurrent
with and following project activities
|
|
Table
1-1 (Continued)
Impact/Mitigation
Matrix
|
|
Mitigation Measure
|
Impact Topic
|
Responsibility
|
Critical Milestones
|
|
During design, site
buildings, bridges, and trails to minimize impacts to vegetation. Avoid large
trees and hardwood and riparian species, where possible. Primary priority
will be placed on protecting oak species, and secondary priority on
protecting pine species. Retain native trees with a diameter of 20 inches
or greater at breast height throughout the site to the extent feasible. As
identified in the Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Environmental Assessment, approximately 1,200 trees will be
removed.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Select base course and
fill materials for compatibility with native granitic soils to minimize risk
of introducing non-native plant seeds. All imported fill must be from a
park-approved source.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Install temporary
barriers to protect natural surroundings (including trees, plants, and root
zones) from damage. Avoid fastening ropes, cables, or fences to trees.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Install fencing to
minimize use of highly sensitive sites such as creek edges and wetlands, and
install signs as needed to direct use to more appropriate areas.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park, Project
Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Temporarily install post
and rope fencing around the Camp 4 revegetation effort to ensure the success
of the revegetation plantings. Subsequent to the successful establishment of the
vegetative community, the temporary fencing would be removed.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Use native seed mix or
seed-free mulch to minimize surface erosion and the introduction of
non-native plants.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
In site design, define
trails and boundaries of development to confine human use and reduce
radiating impacts.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to project activities
|
|
Comply with the Vegetation Management Plan for yard
care within and around developed areas, including minimizing irrigation
systems and planting native species appropriate to the site.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and upon
completion of project activities
|
|
A qualified botanist
will conduct surveys of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment site during the
appropriate time of year prior to construction to determine whether
special-status plant species will be affected by the proposed action.
|
Special-Status Plant
Species
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
If special-status plant
species are identified within the construction disturbance zone, in
particular within restoration and revegetation areas, avoid special-status
plant populations to the extent feasible during construction activities.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
If
it is not feasible for construction activities to avoid special-status plant
species, species conservation measures will be developed in coordination with
Yosemite National Park natural resources staff.
Measures may include salvage of special-status plants for use in revegetating
disturbed areas and transplantation of special-status plants wherever
possible using methods and monitoring identified in the revegetation plan,
monitoring to ensure successful revegetation, protection of plantings, and
replacement of unsuccessful plant materials if practicable.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Site all facilities to
avoid wetlands or comply with Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands),
the Clean Water Act, and Director’s Order 77-1 (Wetland Protection).
|
Wetlands
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Store equipment and
materials away from all waterways. No debris shall be deposited within
20 meters of Yosemite Creek or within the River Protection Overlay of the
Merced River.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Provide proper and
timely maintenance for vehicles and equipment used during construction to
reduce the potential for mechanical breakdowns. Conduct maintenance and
fueling in an area at least 20 meters away from Yosemite Creek and
outside of the River Protection Overlay for the Merced River.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Complete work activities
in wetlands during periods of low flow.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Obtain full compliance
with all permit conditions contained in the Section 404 Clean Water Act
permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Section 401 water quality
certification or waiver from the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Use silt fencing at the Merced River, Yosemite Creek, and drainages to prevent
construction materials from escaping work areas.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Make every effort to
avoid adversely affecting wetlands during construction activities to the
extent feasible. Use fencing to protect wetlands from damage caused by
construction equipment, erosion, siltation, and other ground-disturbing
activities.
|
|
Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
To compensate for loss
or alteration of wetlands, restore wetland habitat within the restoration
area identified for this action in an area suitable for wetland restoration
at a minimum ratio of 1:1 as part of the restoration program included in
Phase 3 of project development. Wetland compensation will include monitoring
to ensure successful revegetation, maintenance of plantings, and replacement
of unsuccessful plant materials.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to, concurrent
with and following project activities
|
|
Conduct surveys of the
project area to determine the type and number of vulnerable species that may
be affected by construction activities and schedule construction activities
by taking into consideration seasonal concerns and wildlife lifecyles to
minimize effects to wildlife (i.e., after bird nesting seasons, when bats are
neither hibernating nor have young, etc).
|
Wildlife
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Develop and implement a
black bear protection plan for the Camp 4 expansion that includes, but is not
limited to, identification of uses and maintenance procedures for the cooking
pavilion and gear lockers, development of food enforcement measures,
provision of food and waste removal and facility cleaning procedures, and
establishment of performance standards setting thresholds for human/bear
interactions. The plan will be developed in coordination with the Bear
Management Council, and could include a partnership with the American Alpine
Club (or another organization) to address the daily maintenance requirements
of the pavilion. If the
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and upon
completion of project activities
|
|
National Park Service is
not able to avoid adverse human/bear interactions at the proposed cooking
pavilion through the black bear protection plan, the National Park Service
will change management of the pavilion such that use of the pavilion will be
restricted to picnicking only and cooking will be done at individual Camp 4
campsites.
|
|
|
|
|
Limit the effects of
light and noise on adjacent habitat through controls on construction
equipment and through site design of facilities.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Provide adequate
education and enforcement to limit visitor and construction worker activities
that are destructive to wildlife and habitats.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Preserve, where
possible, natural features with obvious high value to wildlife, such as tree
snags.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Maintain routes of
escape from excavated pits and trenches for animals that might fall in. Cover
post holes and other narrow pits with boards. During construction, maintain
vigilance for animals caught in excavations and contact the National Park
Service Wildlife Office to free them.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Prior to tree management
activities, qualified biologists will screen the area for bat roosts, nesting
birds, snags, and other features that are important wildlife habitat.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
The Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment Site provides nesting habitat for special-status species of
birds. Whenever feasible, perform construction-related activities outside the
breeding season (typically from March to August). If construction activities
are expected to take place during the breeding season, a qualified biologist
will conduct preconstruction surveys for individuals no more than two weeks
prior to construction in March through August. If any special-status species
is observed nesting, a determination will be made as to whether or not the
proposed action will affect the active nest or disrupt reproductive behavior.
If it is determined that the action will not affect an active nest or disrupt
breeding behavior, work will proceed without any restriction or mitigation
measure. If it is determined that construction activities will affect an
active nest or disrupt reproductive behavior, then avoidance strategies will
be implemented. Project activities could be delayed until a qualified
biologist determines that the subject birds are not nesting or until any
juvenile birds are no longer using the nest as their primary day and night
roost.
|
Special-Status Species
of Birds
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
A qualified bat
biologist will conduct surveys prior to construction to evaluate whether
trees or other habitat (e.g., crevices, buildings) that will be affected by
the proposed action provide hibernacula or nursery colony roosting habitat
for bat species.
|
Special-Status Species
of Bats
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Building demolition and
tree and snag removal will occur primarily during the period when neither
maternity nor hibernation colonies are likely (generally April through May
and August through October). If demolition and/or tree removal are slated to
occur between November and March or between June and July, a qualified bat
biologist will survey buildings to be demolished, trees and snags to be
removed, and other potential habitat for breeding or hibernating bats prior
to any building demolition and/or tree and snag removal activities.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
If bats are detected
during reproduction or hibernation periods, demolition or tree/snag removal
and disturbance of other potential habitat will be delayed until the bats can
be excluded from the structure in a manner that does not adversely affect
their survival or that of their young.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager, Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
If surveys conducted
immediately prior to construction do not reveal any bat species present
within the project area, then the action will begin within three days to
prevent the destruction of any bats that could move into the area after the
survey.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Snags will not be
removed without prior approval from the National Park Service.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
A qualified biologist
will conduct surveys during the appropriate time of year prior to
construction to determine whether rockslides, talus, riparian, or meadow
habitats that will be affected by the proposed action provide habitat for special-status
species of invertebrates. An appropriate survey window for the Sierra pygmy
grasshopper would be June to August. An appropriate survey window for the
Mariposa sideband snail would be May to June.
|
Special-Status Species
of Invertebrates
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
If surveys reveal the
presence of special-status species of invertebrates in the vicinity of the
proposed action, species conservation measures will be developed in
coordination with Yosemite natural resources staff. Measures may include
avoidance of occupied habitat and the implementation of dust abatement
measures during construction adjacent to occupied habitat.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
The National Park
Service will apply for and comply with all federal and state permits required
for construction-related activities that will include, but not be limited to:
§
U.S Army Corps
of Engineers permits for activities affecting wetlands and the Merced River
§
A technically
conditioned certification issued by the California Regional Water Quality
Control Board for monitoring construction-related activities affecting the
Merced River
§
U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service permits for activities affecting species protected by the
Endangered Species Act
|
Federal and State Permit
Requirements
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
For archeological
resources, mitigation includes avoidance of sites through project design, or
recovery of information that makes sites eligible for inclusion on the
National Register of Historic Places. According to Stipulation VII (C) of the
Programmatic Agreement, impacts to archeological resources are not considered
adverse for purposes of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
if data recovery is carried out in accordance with the Archeological Synthesis and Research Design.
|
Cultural Resources
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Mitigation measures for
cultural landscape resources include measures to avoid impacts, designing new
development to be compatible with surrounding historic resources, and
screening new development from surrounding historic resources. Standard mitigation
measures, as defined in the Programmatic Agreement (VIII.A.1 [b] and
VIII.A.3), include photodocumentation and interpretation.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
The project will strive
to avoid intact deposits through careful project design. If intact deposits
cannot be avoided, all data recovery to retrieve important information will
be conducted in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement. Although not
expected, should previously unknown American Indian burial sites be
discovered during construction, provisions outlined in the Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and its implementing regulations will
be followed.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
A qualified
archeologist, as directed by the Secretary of the Interior and National Park
Service standards, will monitor construction activities identified as having
the potential to affect previously unrecorded cultural resources.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
When previously unknown
cultural resources are encountered during construction, temporarily suspend
work in the immediate area to document discovered resources according to
National Park Service standards.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Continue to consult with
culturally associated American Indian tribes throughout the site-specific
design process and project implementation to avoid or mitigate damage to
American Indian traditional resources.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to, concurrent
with and following project activities
|
|
Mitigate impacts to
American Indian traditional resources through actions developed in
consultation with culturally associated American Indian tribes (i.e.,
continuing to provide access to traditional and spiritual locations and,
where appropriate, screening new development from traditional use areas).
|
|
Yosemite National
Park, Project
Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Precede removal of trees
and vegetation with site-specific reconnaissance to protect and maintain the
view corridors and avoid potential impacts to cultural landscape resources.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Do not locate interim or
permanent bus parking adjacent to the Indian Cultural Center.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent to project
activities
|
|
In order to discourage
visitor trampling of American Indian traditional resources, place barriers
and signs (that have been developed in consultation with associated American
Indian tribes) along the trails, in the restoration areas, and around the Indian Cultural Center.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent to and
following project activities
|
|
Prepare inadvertent
discovery plans in accordance with the Native American Graves and
Repatriation Act for procedures and treatment.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Design all new
construction within historic districts and landscapes or adjacent to historic
sites to be compatible in terms of architectural elements, scale, massing,
materials, and orientation.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Undertake all treatments
within cultural landscapes in keeping with the Secretary of The Interior’s
Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Cover and/or seal truck
beds and stockpiles to minimize blowing dust or loss of debris.
|
Dust Abatement Measures
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent to project
activities
|
|
Limit truck and related
construction equipment speeds in active construction areas to a maximum of 15
miles per hour and strictly adhering to park regulations and posted speed
limits in other areas while inside park boundaries.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent to project
activities
|
|
Maintain adequate dust
suppression equipment and using clean water to control excess airborne
particulates at staging areas, active construction zones, and unpaved roads
leading to/from active construction areas.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Develop an emergency
notification plan that complies with park, federal, and state requirements
and allows contractors to properly notify park, federal, and/or state
personnel in the event of an emergency during construction activities. This
plan will address notification requirements related to fire, personnel,
and/or visitor injury, releases of spilled material, evacuation processes,
etc. The emergency notification plan will be submitted to the park for
review/approval prior to commencement of construction activities.
|
Emergency Notification
Measures
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Notify utilities prior
to construction activities. Identify locations of existing utilities prior to
removal activity to prevent damage to utilities. The Underground Services
Alert and National Park Service maintenance staff will be informed
72 hours prior to any ground disturbance. Construction-related
activities will not proceed until the process of locating existing utilities
is completed (water, wastewater, electric, communications, and telephone
lines). An emergency response plan will be required of the contractor.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Use approved siltation
and sediment control devices in construction areas to reduce erosion and
surface scouring.
|
Erosion Control Measures
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Use approved siltation
and sediment control devices appropriate to the situation in grading areas to
capture eroding soil before discharge to riparian channels.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Use water bars in
temporary access roads to control and reduce surface scouring.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Conserve and salvage
topsoil for reuse. Materials will be reused to the maximum extent possible.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Store and use all
hazardous materials in compliance with federal regulations. All applicable
Materials Safety Data Sheets will be kept on site for inspection.
|
Hazardous Materials
Measures
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Prior to initiation of
any construction-related activities, conduct a reconnaissance of areas with
the potential for underground storage tanks (i.e., the site of the former gas
station near the current Yosemite Lodge kitchen loading dock and the existing
Camp 4 restroom) for above-ground evidence of storage tank appurtenances
(e.g., vents and piping). If no above-ground evidence is found during the
reconnaissance, it will be followed by a focused magnetometer and
ground-penetrating radar survey to determine whether any underground storage
tanks remain in these areas. If an underground storage tank is identified in
this reconnaissance effort or during project excavation or grading, work will
be stopped. The Regional Water Quality Control Board will be notified, the
tank removed, and the site remediated in compliance with current regulatory
requirements
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
and standards. Site
remediation, if necessary, will be completed with oversight by the Regional
Water Quality Control Board.
|
|
|
|
|
Comply with all
applicable regulations and policies during the removal and remediation of
asbestos, lead paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Ensure that all
construction equipment has functional exhaust/muffler systems.
|
Noise Abatement Measures
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Submit a construction
work plan/schedule that minimizes construction-related noise in
noise-sensitive areas to the park for review/approval prior to commencement
of construction activities.
|
|
Contractor
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Use hydraulically or
electrically powered construction equipment, when feasible.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Locate stationary noise
sources as far from sensitive receptors as possible.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Limit the idling of
motors except as necessary (e.g., concrete mixing trucks).
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
To the extent possible,
perform all on-site noisy work above 76 A-weighted decibels (dBA) (such as
the operation of heavy equipment) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to minimize disruption to nearby park users.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Fence construction
staging areas and construction activity areas to visually screen construction
activity and materials.
|
Scenic Resources
Protection Measures
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Consolidate construction
equipment and materials to the staging areas at the end of each work day to
limit the visual intrusion of construction equipment during nonwork hours.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Develop and implement a
comprehensive spill prevention/response plan that complies with federal and
state regulations and addresses all aspects of spill prevention,
notification, emergency spill response strategies for spills occurring on
land and water, reporting requirements, monitoring requirements, personnel
responsibilities, response equipment type and location, and drills and
training requirements. The spill prevention/response plan will be submitted
to the park for review/approval prior to commencement of construction
activities.
|
Spill Prevention/Response
Measures
|
Contractor
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
To minimize the
possibility of hazardous materials seeping into soil or water, check
equipment frequently to identify and repair any leaks. Standard measures
include hazardous materials storage and handling procedures; spill
containment, cleanup, and reporting procedures; and limitation of refueling
and other hazardous activities to upland/nonsensitive sites. Provide an
adequate hydrocarbon spill containment system (e.g., absorption materials, etc.)
on site, in case of unexpected spills in the project area. Ensure equipment
is equipped with a hazardous spill containment kit. Ensure that personnel
trained in
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
the use of hazardous
spill containment kits are on site at all times during construction
activities.
|
|
|
|
|
Develop and implement a
comprehensive stormwater pollution prevention plan for construction
activities that complies with federal and state regulations and addresses all
aspects of stormwater pollution prevention. The stormwater pollution
prevention plan will be submitted to the park for review/approval prior to
construction activities.
|
Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Measures
|
Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
The stormwater pollution
prevention plan will include such measures as, but is not limited to the
following:
§
Take measures to
control erosion, sedimentation, and compaction, and thereby reduce water
pollution and adverse water quality effects on the Merced River and Yosemite Creek. Use silt fences, sedimentation
basins, etc. in construction areas to reduce erosion, surface scouring, and
discharge to water bodies
§
To the extent
possible, schedule the use of mechanical equipment during periods of low
precipitation to reduce the risk of accidental hydrocarbon leaks or spills.
When mechanical equipment is necessary outside of low precipitation periods,
use National Park Service–approved methods to protect soil and water from
contaminants
§
Dispose of
volatile wastes and oils in approved containers for removal from construction
sites to avoid contamination of soils, drainages, and watercourses
§
Inspect
equipment for hydraulic and oil leaks prior to use on construction sites, and
implement inspection schedules to prevent contamination of soil and water
§
Keep absorbent
pads, booms, and other materials on site during projects that use heavy
equipment to contain oil, hydraulic fluid, solvents, and hazardous material
spills
|
|
|
|
|
Develop and implement a
comprehensive traffic control and visitor protection plan for park
review/approval that:
§
Complies with
necessary U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, Part
VI-Traffic Control for Construction and Maintenance Operations, and
California Department of Transportation Standard Spec4ifications, Section 12
§
Provides
procedures for preparing and submitting specific street closure, traffic
control, and detour plans for each specific area of project construction not
less than three weeks before commencement of construction activities in each
area
§
Provides
procedures for managing staging areas to restrict public access and maintain
site safety
§
Ensures that
visitors are safely and efficiently routed around construction areas in the
Valley
§
Outlines
measures to largely offset the potential for public exposure to noxious
materials or contaminants that may be present during construction in the
project area (i.e., by providing established and maintained walkways and
bridges across the site, covering walking paths with clean soil and asphalt,
and providing barrier fencing along trails)
|
Traffic Control and
Visitor Protection Measures
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Provide protective
fencing enclosures around construction areas, including utility trenches, to
protect public health and safety.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Install appropriate
traffic signs.
|
Transportation Measures
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Provide a warning sign
to alert drivers of Northside Drive realignment.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to, concurrent
with and following project activities
|
|
Avoid interrupting
traffic on Northside
Drive and Southside Drive at the same time to limit undue congestion and
adverse visitor experiences.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Locate construction
worker parking outside of Yosemite
Valley, with the exception
of key supervisory personnel (approximately four to seven individuals).
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Transport construction
personnel into and out of Yosemite
Valley during Phases 1 and
2 approximately 7 to 10 shuttle vans.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Verify utility locations
by contacting the Underground Services Alert prior to the start of
construction.
|
Utility Measures
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Observe California
Department of Health Services standards in designing utility systems.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Promptly reconnect
utility services that are interrupted because of construction activities and
provide advance notification to all residents, concessioners, and others if
utility service will be disrupted.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Develop and implement a
visitor outreach and communication plan that addresses means for effectively
communicating Valley construction and road, trail, recreation uses, and other
visitor facility closure, relocation, and detour schedules to the public.
|
Visitor Experience
Measures
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Schedule construction
activities that will interrupt operations at visitor serving, orientation,
and interpretation facilities (food service, retail, tour/activity desk,
information kiosk, and interpretive programming) during lower visitor-use
periods (late fall and winter), to the extent possible.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Temporarily relocate
interpretive services provided at the amphitheater while the existing
amphitheater is unavailable for use, the information board at Camp 4, and the
Valley tram tour pick up location to nearby locations during construction
activities that interrupt use.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
To the extent possible,
schedule necessary 24-hour construction activities in the immediate vicinity
of campgrounds and lodging units such that they occur during periods when
those areas are closed or not in use.
|
Night Sky Measures
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Direct and shield night
lighting associated with construction equipment to minimize light scatter
effects.
|
|
Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Design interior and
exterior lighting to prevent escaped light.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Prior to and concurrent
with project activities
|
|
Use more intense and
uniform light to promote security where human activity is high, and use lower
light levels to provide wayfinding within developed areas, as needed.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Provide lights in
developed areas for safety where pedestrians cross busy intersections.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Use low-height, lighted
bollards in parking areas in lieu of overhead pole lighting.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Use downward-facing and
unobtrusive luminaries at facilities and building entrances and exits.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Develop and implement a
comprehensive waste management plan that complies with federal and state
regulations and addresses all aspects related to the transportation, storage,
and handling of construction-related hazardous and nonhazardous liquid and
solid wastes and submit the plan to the park for review/approval prior to the
commencement of construction activities.
|
Waste Management
Measures
|
Contractor
|
Prior to project
activities
|
|
Require construction personnel
to adhere to park regulations concerning food storage and refuse management.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager; Contractor
|
Concurrent with project
activities
|
|
Provide bear-proof
containers in the camping and picnic areas.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Provide adequate
cleaning of areas and garbage pickup to limit wildlife access to human food.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
|
Dispose of refuse at
least weekly, and do not burn refuse inside the park.
|
|
Yosemite National
Park,
Project Manager
|
Concurrent with and
following project activities
|
The National Park Service conducted an extensive public scoping
process for the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment. In the summer of 2002 and
winter 2003, the Yosemite Planning Update
newsletter provided information to the public on the plans for the Yosemite
Lodge Area Redevelopment and project status. Letters from the park
superintendent in September 2002 announced the public scoping period for the
Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment and the decision to include the planning and
compliance for the Indian Cultural Center in the environmental assessment. Information on the project was published on the park Web site.
Press releases announcing the availability of the Environmental Assessment,
describing the proposed action, and requesting comments were issued on September
8, 2003.
The National Park Service conducted a formal public scoping
period from September 19, 2002 through October
26, 2002,
including a one-day public scoping meeting at Yosemite Lodge on October
23, 2002.
Two-hundred and sixty-six (266) responses were received through written
correspondence during the formal public scoping comment period.
The National Park Service also held a series of informal Public
Open Houses on the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment and other upcoming park
projects. Public meetings were held approximately monthly from
June 2002 through October 2003. The purpose of these meetings was to:
(1) provide participants with an overview of existing conditions and the
proposed action, (2) ask participants to identify key issues that should
be analyzed during the environmental review and compliance process, and (3)
provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions regarding project
alternatives and the overall environmental review and compliance process.
Approximately 20 to 70 or more individuals attended each of the informal Public
Open Houses. Primary issues raised by the public during the informal Public
Open Houses included:
§
Rebuilding Yosemite Lodge to accommodate the
same number of guests as before the 1997 flood
§
Renovating existing lodging units rather than
building new lodging units
§
Relocating Northside Driver into the 100-year
floodplain
§
Justifying considerable expense to create six
additional lodging units
§
Considering distances between parking lots and
lodging units
§
Providing disabled access
§
Identifying the number of economy lodging units
and when such units would be available
The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment
was released for a 30-day public review period beginning on September
12, 2003, and
closing on October 11, 2003.
The National Park Service
received requests to extend the public review period up to an additional 90
days. The National Park Service declined to extend the public review period
because the agency provided the 30‑day public review period required by Director’s Order 12: Conservation Planning,
Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision-making. It is the discretion of
National Park Service management to determine the public review period for
environmental compliance documents, as long as this review period is
consistent with NEPA and Director’s Order 12.
During the public review period, the National Park Service held a
Public Open House in Yosemite
Valley, East
Auditorium on September 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accept public comment on the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment
Environmental Assessment. Approximately 25 comments on the Yosemite
Lodge Area Redevelopment were received during the Public Open House. Primary
issues raised by the public during the Public Open House were similar to the
issues raised during the informal Public Open Houses, as noted above. In
addition to mailing 533 paper and 85 compact disk copies of the
environmental assessment to individuals on the park’s mailing list, the
National Park Service also posted the environmental assessment on its website
and made copies available at approximately 27 public libraries, including the
California State Library, Groveland Branch Library, Los Angeles City Public
Library, Mariposa County Public Library, Oakhurst Public Library, Sacramento
County Public Library, San Francisco City Public Library, U.S. Department of
the Interior Library, and Yosemite Research Library. In addition, the National
Park Service held regular informal Public Open Houses to disseminate information
and collect informal written comments on the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment
and other projects, as described above.
Comments received during the formal public comment
period consisted of 103 letters, emails, and faxes from individuals and organizations
with a total of 162 public concerns. Issues raised included the nature and
range of alternatives, the assessment of impacts on natural and cultural
resources, concerns about development in Yosemite
Valley, compliance with the Wild and Scenic River Act,
and issues related to visitor experience. None of the comments received
introduced substantive new information nor raised any issues not fully
considered in the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment.
No modifications to the Selected Alternative were made as a result of comments.
Several of the public comments received provided additional nonsubstantive
information or requested additional clarification. The information was fully
considered by the National Park Service in the decision-making process, and has
been documented through the preparation of an Errata Sheet, which is to be
attached to the environmental assessment to comprise a full and complete record
of the environmental impact analysis. The Errata Sheet will be distributed to
all recipients of the environmental assessment with instructions to attach the
Errata to the environmental assessment. All comments that were received
throughout the entire planning process (and their disposition) are contained in
the administrative record, which is maintained at Yosemite National
Park, and is available for public review.
The National Park
Service is currently consulting with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
ensure compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The National
Park Service will obtain a Nationwide Permit for project activities within
waters of the U.S. before project implementation.
The National Park Service is currently consulting with the
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board to ensure compliance with
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The National Park Service will obtain the
appropriate state permits (including Section 401 water quality certification,
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for stormwater discharge,
and the state’s groundwater protection program) as necessary.
In compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit, the National Park Service will oversee development
and implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan for construction
activities to minimize pollutants and sediment in stormwater runoff originating
from construction sites.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 United
States Code 1531 et seq.), requires all federal agencies to consult with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or
carried out by the agency does not jeopardize the continued existence of listed
species or critical habitat. The National Park Service requested a list of
federally listed endangered and threatened species that may be present within
the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment site from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service on September 23, 2002.
The list received from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on September 27, 2002 was used as a
basis for the special-status species analysis in the environmental assessment.
On October 20, 2003, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided the National Park Service with written
concurrence that the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment is not likely to
adversely affect any threatened or endangered species or critical habitat.
A Programmatic Agreement among the National Park Service
at Yosemite, the California State Historic Preservation
Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regarding Planning,
Design, Construction, Operations and Maintenance, in Yosemite
National Park, California was
developed in consultation with Native American tribes having cultural
association with Yosemite National
Park and was executed in October 1999. Pursuant
to Stipulation VI of the Programmatic Agreement, the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, Section 106 review process is integrated with
this NEPA review process. The National Park Service has provided notice of the
project and a copy of the Yosemite Lodge
Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment to the California State
Historic Preservation Office. The National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation
Office will continue consultation regarding avoidance and minimization of
adverse effects to historic properties.
The Selected Alternative is consistent with the National
Historic Preservation Act, as amended, Section 106 requirement to take into
account the effect of an undertaking on any historic properties, including
districts, sites, buildings, structures, objects, and resources to which
associated Native Americans attach traditional cultural and religious
significance. The Selected Alternative will avoid, minimize, or resolve adverse
effects to historic properties including archaeological sites, historic
buildings, structures, cultural landscapes and traditional resources considered
significant to Native American groups associated with Yosemite
National Park. Where practicable,
the Selected Alternative will be designed to avoid historic properties. In
instances where avoidance is not practicable, adverse effects will be resolved
to no adverse effect in accordance with Sections VII and VIII of the 1999
Programmatic Agreement.
National Park Service consultation with culturally
associated American Indian groups occurred throughout the development of
the Yosemite Valley Plan. Yosemite
National Park is consulting with
American Indian tribes having cultural association with Yosemite
Valley, including the American Indian Council of Mariposa County
(aka Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation), the Tuolumne Me-wuk
Tribal Council, and the Mono Lake Kutzadika Paiute Indian Community on proposed
actions under the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment including the Indian
Cultural Center.
Information sharing and project planning has included face to face
consultation sessions with the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation on January 31,
February 27, April 24, May 29, and July 16, 2003. Consultation and partnering will continue
with the Native American Indian tribes throughout the planning and
implementation of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment.
Based on the information contained in the Yosemite
Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment as summarized above, the
nature of comments of agencies and the public, and the incorporation of the
mitigation measures to avoid or reduce potential direct, indirect, and
cumulative impacts, it is the determination of the National Park Service that
the Selected Alternative is not a major federal action significantly affecting
the quality of the human environment. All foreseeable connected actions were
considered in arriving at this determination. The Yosemite Lodge Area
Redevelopment is prescribed in the Final
Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS and its Record
of Decision. No long-term adverse impacts to floodplains or wetlands will
occur from the Selected Alternative. Therefore, the National Park Service finds
the Selected Alternative to be acceptable under Executive Order 11988 for the
protection of floodplains and Executive Order 11990 for the protection of
wetlands. Therefore, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 and regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR
1508.9), an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. The Selected
Alternative as detailed in the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment Environmental
Assessment may be implemented as soon as practicable.
