Chapter V: Merced Wild and Scenic River

Introduction

In 1987, the U.S. Congress designated the Merced River a Wild and Scenic River to protect its free-flowing condition and to protect and enhance its unique values for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations (16 United States Code 1271). This designation gives the Merced River special protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and requires the managing agencies to prepare a comprehensive management plan for the river and its immediate environment.

The passage of Public Law 100-149 on November 2, 1987 and Public Law 102-432 on October 23, 1992 placed 122 miles of the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River, including the forks of Red Peak, Merced Peak, Triple Peak, and Lyell, into the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The National Park Service manages 81 miles of the Merced Wild and Scenic River, encompassing both the main stem and the South Fork in Yosemite National Park and the El Portal Administrative Site. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management administer the remaining 41 miles of the designated river.

After reaching a Record of Decision (NPS 2000e) on the final environmental impact statement, the National Park Service released the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Merced River Plan) in February 2001, which outlines how the Merced Wild and Scenic River corridor will be managed. The Merced River Plan applies seven management elements to prescribe desired future conditions, typical visitor activities and experiences, and park facilities and management activities allowed in the river corridor. The management elements include boundaries, classifications, Outstandingly Remarkable Values, the Wild and Scenic River Act Section 7 determination process, the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework.

The National Park Service uses the management elements as a set of decision-making criteria with which to evaluate projects in the Merced River corridor, such as the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment. This chapter evaluates the consistency of the proposed action with the management elements of the Merced River Plan. An overview of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and of the Merced River Plan and its management elements may be found in the Merced River Plan (incorporated by reference) (NPS 2001c).

Methodology

Relationship to the Boundary

Within Yosemite Valley, the Wild and Scenic River corridor boundary extends a quarter-mile from ordinary high water of the Merced River. The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment was assessed to determine whether it was located in the river corridor.

Compatibility with Classifications

Alternative 2 (the preferred alternative and hereinafter referred to as the proposed action) of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment was assessed for its compatibility with the Merced Wild and Scenic River recreational classification.

Protection and Enhancement of Outstandingly Remarkable Values

Section 10(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires that rivers be administered to protect and enhance Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Outstandingly Remarkable Values are the river-related values that make the river segment unique and worthy of special protection. Uses that are consistent with this provision and that do not substantially interfere with public enjoyment and use of these values should not be limited (16 United States Code 1281[a]). Outstandingly Remarkable Values located outside the Wild and Scenic River corridor boundary must also be protected (NPS 2001c).

The Merced Wild and Scenic River segment applicable to the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment is segment 2 (Main Stem, Valley). The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment is located in the east Valley. For the purposes of this analysis of potential effects on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, the proposed action is compared to the No Action Alternative (see Chapter II, Alternatives). The focus of the analysis is on long-term effects (e.g., effects that would be permanent).

Analysis of Outstandingly Remarkable Values is focused on segmentwide effects, rather than site-specific or localized effects. Exceptions to the segmentwide guideline include site-specific activities that could have substantial effects on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, such as degradation of the habitat of a river-related special-status species (a biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value) that is endemic to that location. For the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment, Outstandingly Remarkable Values are evaluated based on effects to such values for the Valley segment of the Merced Wild and Scenic River.

In terms of evaluating potential effects, actions that could degrade Outstandingly Remarkable Values on a segmentwide basis include actions with effects that would be discernible throughout the majority of the river segments, or would be of sufficient magnitude to affect adjacent segments.

For the purposes of this analysis under Section 10 of the act, the following assumptions for each Outstandingly Remarkable Value were made:

Scientific: The analysis considers whether the proposed action would affect the integrity of the Merced Wild and Scenic River as a scientific resource or would degrade the river’s value for research.

Scenic: The analysis considers the specific features that are listed in the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value for the Valley segment; potential effects to views are analyzed from the perspective of a person situated on the riverbank or on the river.

Geologic Processes/Conditions: The analysis gives primary consideration to designated processes and those processes (e.g., U-shaped valley, hanging valleys, evidence of glaciation, etc.) that have been responsible for creating the river’s geologic landscape. Effects related to natural meandering of the Merced River are addressed in the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Recreation: The analysis considers whether opportunities to experience a spectrum of river-related recreational activities would be affected.

Biological: The analysis focuses on effects to riparian areas, wetlands, and other riverine areas that provide rich habitat for a diversity of river-related species.

Cultural: The analysis considers effects to river-related cultural resources that are either eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including archeological sites, which provide evidence of thousands of years of human occupation, and current traditional use sites. The analysis also considers effects on nationally significant historic resources, such as designed landscapes and developed areas, historic buildings, and circulation systems (trails, roads, and bridges) that provide visitor access to the sublime views of natural features that are culturally valuable.

Hydrologic Processes: Consideration is primarily given to designated processes, such as river meandering, world-renowned waterfalls, an active flood regime, oxbows, and fluvial processes. Effects on wetlands are addressed in the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

It is possible for Outstandingly Remarkable Values to be in conflict with each other, or for an action to have beneficial impacts with regard to one Outstandingly Remarkable Value and adverse impacts with regard to other Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Merced River Plan recognizes this possibility, and states (page 32):

Actions must protect all Outstandingly Remarkable Values, regardless of where they are located. When Outstandingly Remarkable Values lie within the boundary of the Wild and Scenic River, the value must be protected and enhanced. When values are in conflict with each other, the net effect to Outstandingly Remarkable Values must be beneficial.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act stipulates that agencies are given discretion to manage a river system with “varying degrees of intensity for its protection and development, based on the special attributes of the area.” For example, there may be conflicts between protecting cultural resources and hydrologic processes, as is the case with a historic bridge that constricts the flow of the river.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination

Section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90-542, as amended, 16 United States Code 1271-1278) states:

…no department or agency of the United States shall assist by loan, grant, license or otherwise in the construction of any water resources project that would have a direct and adverse effect on the values for which such river was established, as determined by the Secretary charged with its administration.

As the designated river manager for the Merced River segments located within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park and the El Portal Administrative Site, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects^[1] to ensure they do not directly and adversely impact the free-flowing condition or the values for which the river was designated.^[2] The redevelopment of Yosemite Lodge does not include any water resources projects; therefore, a Section 7 determination is not applicable.

Consistency with the River Protection Overlay

The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment was assessed for its consistency with the River Protection Overlay prescriptions. The River Protection Overlay includes the Merced Wild and Scenic River channel itself, and extends 150 feet on both sides of the river measured from the ordinary high-water mark, as defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Consistency with Management Zoning

The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment was assessed for its consistency with the Merced River Plan management zoning and the corresponding zoning prescriptions.

Consistency with Management Elements of the Merced River Plan

Relationship to the Boundary

The majority of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment is located within the Merced Wild and Scenic River boundary in Segment 2, Yosemite Valley (NPS 2001c). Most of Yosemite Lodge, Camp 4, and the restoration areas are located within the boundary. The southeast and southwest corners of the proposed Indian Cultural Center site are located within the boundary, although none of the proposed Indian Cultural Center development would be located within the boundary, except the limited-use access road.

Classification Compatibility

The east Valley river segment in which the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment is located is classified as Recreational due to its accessibility and the amount of development within the Merced Wild and Scenic River boundary. The proposed action in the project area is designed to improve visitor use and enjoyment, restore highly valued natural resources as identified in the Yosemite Valley Plan (2000a,b), and establish a cultural center at the site of the last historically occupied Indian village in Yosemite Valley, as identified in the General Management Plan (NPS 1980). Although the proposed action would moderately increase the amount of development in the Merced River corridor due to the proposed expansion of Camp 4, the new development would be the same type as and similar in density to other development in this segment. The new development would be consistent with the Recreational classification as well as the existing development in this segment of the river.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values

The proposed action would redevelop Yosemite Lodge, expand Camp 4, relocate Northside Drive south of the Lodge, restore the area between realigned Northside Drive and the Merced River, and establish an Indian Cultural Center. Table V-1 describes the effects of the proposed action on each of the Yosemite Valley Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

As indicated in table V-1, the proposed action would protect and enhance the scientific, scenic, recreation, biological, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values in the project area; on a segmentwide basis, the proposed action would have no net effect on these Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The proposed action would have no effect on the geologic processes/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Value, and no net effect on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value for the Valley segment. The National Park Service’s ability to protect and enhance the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value would continue.

River Protection Overlay

One of the purposes of the River Protection Overlay is to protect and restore natural and aquatic ecosystem processes within the river corridor. In the vicinity of the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment, the area designated as the River Protection Overlay includes the Merced River channel itself and extends 150 feet from the river, measured from the ordinary high-water mark. The proposed action would restore the majority of the area designated as the River Protection Overlay in the vicinity of Yosemite Lodge. The proposed action is consistent with this management element of the Merced River Plan.

Management Zoning

The management zones applicable to the Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment include:

§         Discovery (2B) in the southwestern area of the Lodge site, west of the multi-use paved trail to Swinging Bridge.

§         Day Use (2C) in the southern portion of the Lodge site, west of Yosemite Creek and east of the multi-use paved trail to Swinging Bridge.

§         Camping (3A) on the Camp 4 site. The eastern half of Camp 4 is designated with two management zones: Camping (3A) and Park Operations and Administration (3C).

§         Visitor Base and Lodging (3B) on the Yosemite Lodge site.

§         Park Operations and Administration (3C) on the eastern half of the Camp 4 site. This area is designated with two management zones: Camping (3A) and Park Operations and Administration (3C).

The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment would restore the area zoned as Discovery (2B), which is a permissible activity in this zone. The proposed action would include restoration activities and minor trail surface improvements in the area zoned Day Use (2C), which is consistent with the management zoning. Camp 4 would be expanded and additional camping-related facilities would be added or upgraded, including restrooms, showers, parking, a cooking pavilion, and registration kiosk. These facilities and camping activities would be consistent with the Camping (3A) management zoning. The eastern half of Camp 4, which is zoned both Camping (3A) and Park Operations and Administration (3C), would include activities and facilities for camping purposes only.

Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Effects of the Proposed Action
Scientific – The entire river corridor constitutes a highly significant scientific resource because the river watershed is largely within designated Wilderness in Yosemite National Park. Scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values relate to the Merced River’s value for research. This Outstandingly Remarkable Value applies to all the Merced River segments.	The proposed action would restore areas adjacent to the Merced River in the vicinity of Yosemite Lodge, which would locally enhance the value of the Merced River for scientific research.
Scenic – This segment provides magnificent views from the river and its banks of waterfalls (Nevada, Vernal, Illilouette, Yosemite, Sentinel, Ribbon, Bridalveil, and Silver Strand), rock cliffs (Half Dome, North Dome/Washington Column, Glacier Point, Yosemite Point/Lost Arrow Spire, Sentinel Rock, Three Brothers, Cathedral Rock, and El Capitan), and meadows (Stoneman, Ahwahnee, Cook’s, Sentinel, Leidig, El Capitan, and Bridalveil). There is a scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest throughout the segment.	Although there may be short-term scenic impacts during construction, the proposed action would restore 37.89 acres of the project site, including the area designated as the River Protection Overlay near the Yosemite Lodge, which would locally improve the condition of natural resources and enhance views from the river and its banks of the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest in this segment of Yosemite Valley. Tree management activities would remove 1,059 trees, including 100 trees for view corridor management and 294 trees for forest management. This would create a more open landscape similar to Yosemite Valley conditions before Euro-American settlement. Tree management activities would locally enhance views from the river and its banks of Yosemite Falls, rock cliffs including Cathedral Rock, and Leidig Meadow.
Geologic Processes/Conditions – This segment contains a classic, glaciated, U‑shaped valley, providing important examples of a mature meandering river; hanging valleys such as Yosemite and Bridalveil Creeks; and evidence of glaciation (e.g., moraines below El Capitan and Bridalveil Meadows).	The proposed action would have no effect on the geologic processes/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Value. The effects related to natural meandering of the Merced River are addressed in the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value.
Recreation – This segment offers opportunities to experience a spectrum of river-related recreational activities, from nature study and sightseeing to hiking. Yosemite Valley is one of the premier outdoor recreation areas in the world.	River-related recreational activities would be locally enhanced under the proposed action. Restoration of 37.89 acres of the project site, including the area designated as the River Protection Overlay near Yosemite Lodge, would enhance sightseeing and nature study opportunities of the Merced River and riparian areas compared to Alternative 1. Creation of riverbank access with a boardwalk between Yosemite Lodge and the Merced River’s north bank sandbar would allow visitors access to the river without damaging the floodplain, wetlands, riparian communities, or the riverbanks.
Biological – Riparian areas and low-elevation meadows are the most productive communities in Yosemite Valley. The high-quality, vast riparian, wetland, and other riverine areas provide rich habitat for a diversity of river-related species, including special-status species, neotropical migrant songbirds, and numerous bat species.	The proposed action would restore 37.89 acres of the project site, including the area designated as the River Protection Overlay near Yosemite Lodge. The restoration effort would include removal of revetments and a diversion dam along Yosemite Creek. Removal of the diversion dam would restore overland flow across the Merced River floodplain. The National Park Service would restore native vegetation near the Merced River channel at and downstream of the confluence, eradicate non-native plants, and re-establish a more natural stand of riparian forest and oak woodland on the floodplain. National Park Service staff would conduct low-intensity prescribed burns to discourage conifer invasion and support rehabilitation of oak woodlands and riparian forests. The condition of river-related habitats (e.g., riparian, wetland, and riverine areas) would be locally enhanced through restoration efforts, which would have beneficial effects on river-related special-status species of birds, bats, and plants.
	The restoration effort would include conducting riparian vegetation monitoring to document restoration changes and inform resource management efforts. The National Park Service would protect local river-related natural resources by creating a boardwalk between Yosemite Lodge and the Merced River’s northbank sandbar to allow visitors access to the river without damaging the floodplain, wetlands, riparian communities, or the riverbanks.
	Although there could be temporary adverse impacts during construction, the restoration efforts would improve local river-related species diversity, link riparian and meadow vegetation, increase regeneration of California black oak, reduce conifer encroachment and the spread of non-native species, reduce river-related habitat fragmentation by removing some trails from the floodplain (although realigned Northside Drive and some parking areas would be located in the 100-year floodplain), and reduce human-related effects such as trampling by restricting human activities to more resilient areas that can withstand visitor use.
Cultural – This segment contains evidence of thousands of years of human occupation, reflected in the large number of archeological sites and continuing traditional use today. Nationally significant historic resources are found here, such as designed landscapes and developed areas, historic buildings, and circulation systems (trails, roads, and bridges) that provide visitor access to the sublime views of natural features that are culturally valuable.	There are several river-related cultural resources within the project area that are not intended to divert the free flow of the river and that are either eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including five archeological resources (sites CA‑MRP-240/303/H, CA-MRP-305/H, CA-MRP-748/765/H, CA-MRP-59/H, and CA-MRP-63) and two cultural landscape resources (Yosemite Falls Trail, and Valley Loop Trail). Site CA-MRP-240/303/H is located within Koom-i-ne and site CA-MRP-305/H is within Wah-ho-gah; the status of these historic villages as traditional cultural properties is undetermined, although they are recommended to be contributing elements of a Yosemite Valley historic district.
	The proposed action would result in subsurface disturbance to portions of CA‑MRP‑240/303/H associated with redevelopment of Lodge facilities, redevelopment and realignment of roads and trails, and revegetation activities; portions of CA‑MRP‑305/H associated with development of the Indian Cultural Center and revegetation activities; and portions of CA-MRP-748/765/H associated with redevelopment of Lodge facilities and revegetation activities. At CA-MRP-59/H, redevelopment of lodge facilities, utility corridor, and drainage improvements would disturb result in subsurface disturbance. Redevelopment of Camp 4 would result in subsurface disturbance of CA-MRP-63. Ground-disturbing activies would result in the alteration, loss of integrity, or destruction of identified prehistoric and historic archeological resources. In addition, impacts to these archeological resources associated with visitor use, park maintenance, and natural proceses would continue. The proposed action would be perfomed in accordance with the park’s 1999 Programmatic Agreement and would incorporate mitigation measures including avoidance, construction monitoring, documentation, interpretation, materials salvage, data recovery, and re-evaluation of National Register eligibility, resulting in a minor adverse impact to these resources. Archeological resources included as Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the remainder of the Valley segment would not be affected by the proposed action. Therefore, implementation of the proposed action would have no net effect on archeological resources included as cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the Valley segment.
	Demolition and construction activities associated with the proposed action could alter the current setting of CA-MRP-240/303/H and CA-MRP-59/H within Koom-i-ne and CA-MRP-305/H within Wah-ho-gah. The proposed action would be perfomed in accordance with the park’s 1999 Programmatic Agreement (including consultation with culturally associated American Indian tribes) and would incorporate mitigation measures including avoidance, construction monitoring, documentation, interpretation, materials salvage, data recovery, and re-evaluation of National Register eligibility, resulting in a minor adverse impact to these resources. The proposed action would develop an Indian Cultural Center, enhancing American Indian traditional resources in the project area. American Indian traditional resources included as Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the remainder of the Valley segment would not be affected by the proposed action. Therefore, implementation of the proposed action would have no net effect on American Indian traditional resources included as cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the Valley segment.
	The proposed action  would change or alter the Yosemite Falls Trail near Camp 4 and  the Valley Loop Trail on the northern edge of the project area. The Yosemite Falls Trail and Valley Loop Trail are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places associated with Yosemite Valley circulation systems. Under this alternative, the Valley Loop Trail would be realigned, and the Yosemite Falls Trail would be extended to the proposed Camp 4 shuttle bus stop. These changes would alter the current circulation system of trails in the project area. As identified in Appendix C, Mitigation Measures Common to All Action Alternatives, the proposed action would comply with the park’s 1999 Programmatic Agreement. Mitigation measures would include data recovery and documentation. Overall, the proposed action would have a localized minor, adverse impact on cultural landscape resources. Cultural landscape resources included as Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the remainder of the Valley segment would not be affected by the proposed action.Therefore, implementation of the proposed action would have no net effect on cultural landscape resources included as cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the Valley segment.
	Overall, implementation of the proposed action would preserve the cultural values within the Valley segment and would have no net effect on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value for the Valley segment. The National Park Service’s ability to protect and enhance the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values would continue.
Hydrologic Processes – This segment is characterized by a meandering river, world-renowned waterfalls, an active flood regime, oxbows, unique wetlands, and fluvial processes.	The proposed action would remove guest lodging and Lodge facility buildings from the Merced River 100-year floodplain. Remaining in the floodplain would be the realigned Northside Drive, registration parking lot, a multi-use paved trail, Lodge parking, overnight bus parking, and the sewage lift station. Upon removal of the guest lodging buildings (Hemlock, Maple, Alder, and Juniper), the maintenance buildings, Wellness Center, and miscellaneous buildings, the 100-year floodplain would be restored to near-natural flow conditions because the major obstacles to high flood flow would be removed. The roads and parking lots proposed for this area could negligibly affect flood flow, but these developments would not be expected to substantially alter the flow path of the flood waters because they would have low relief and would not be constructed on an embankment. As a result, the proposed action would locally improve the conditions of the 100-year floodplain by removing the major flow impediments.
	The diversion dam located at the confluence of Yosemite Creek and the Merced River would be removed to restore the natural flood regime the Merced River within this reach. Once removed, high flood flow in the Merced River would be unimpeded to inundate portions of the floodplain not previously possible due to the presence of the diversion dam. Removing the diversion dam would return the affected portion of the floodplain to a more natural flow condition. In addition, the riprap revetment currently in place along Yosemite Creek would be removed to restore the natural flow regime along a short stretch of Yosemite Creek.
	Within the 100-year floodplain, the proposed action would increase impervious surfaces by approximately 94,400 square feet, and semipervious surfaces in the floodplain would decrease by approximately 72,300 square feet. The increase of impervious surface in the floodplain would somewhat reduce natural infiltration and recharge to the shallow water table.
	The proposed action would restore 37.89 acres of the project site, including the area designated as the River Protection Overlay near Yosemite Lodge. Restoration of river-related areas, including the area designated as the River Protection Overlay, would enhance the local, flood regime, limit unnatural erosion, stabilize banks (where applicable), allow the river to meander more freely, and allow for the main channel to link with backwater areas, tributaries, and groundwater systems. The restoration effort would include conducting channel morphology and groundwater monitoring to document restoration changes and inform resource management efforts.

In the Visitor Base and Lodging (3B) zone, Yosemite Lodge would be redeveloped, lodging units and lodging-related facilities would be constructed, some existing lodging units would be removed, Northside Drive would be relocated, a new roundabout would be developed, existing Northside Drive would be converted to a multi-use path, parking areas would be relocated and added, and roads and trails would be realigned to support the planned lodging facilities. These activities and facilities would be consistent with the Visitor Base and Lodging (3B) management zone.

The majority of the Indian Cultural Center site, including the area proposed for development, is located outside the Merced Wild and Scenic River boundary, and therefore management zoning is not applied to the development footprint of the Indian Cultural Center. The southeastern corner of the Indian Cultural Center site has a small area zoned as Camping (3A) and a small area zoned as Visitor Base and Lodging (3B). The southwestern corner of the Indian Cultural Center site has a small area zoned as Discovery (2B). No development is planned for these areas. The Indian Cultural Center would be consistent with this management element of the Merced River Plan.

Visitor Experience and Resource Protection Compatibility

The Yosemite Lodge Area Redevelopment does not include any actions that would be inconsistent with the interim Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework.