The base zone designation for the area between the Wawona Impoundment and Squirrel Creek is Discovery (2B), providing self-directed access to the river for swimming, fishing, and nature observation. The relatively low level of development and use prescribed by the Discovery zone protects and enhances the biological, cultural, and scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the segment, which include a diversity of riparian habitat, wetlands, prehistoric and historic archeological sites, and views of Wawona Dome. Support facilities in the 2B zone can include roads, occasional turnouts, and improved trails. The area south of the river between the Wawona Golf Course and Squirrel Creek is zoned Open Space (2A) to protect its relatively undisturbed natural condition. Areas zoned for more intense uses include the Wawona Campground (zoned Camping – 3A), the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (zoned Attraction – 2D), Wawona Picnic Area (zoned Day Use – 2C), and the historic Wawona Hotel (zoned Visitor Base and Lodging – 3B). The historic Wawona Golf Course is zoned Day Use (2C) to allow its continued recreational use. The golf course also serves as a sprayfield for reclaimed water. Both of these uses are permissible under the zoning.

The wastewater treatment plant and maintenance facility is zoned Park Operations and Administration (3C) to allow for continued use of these functions. Maintenance areas within the River Protection Overlay could be removed to restore the immediate riparian area. The vicinity of the Wawona Impoundment is zoned Park Operations and Administration (3C) to allow continued use of the site as a domestic drinking water supply facility. The impoundment may be removed if an alternate water supply can be secured. If removed, the area would revert to its background zoning (2B).

In Section 35 in Wawona, though zoned primarily as 3C, Park Operations and Administration, it is the intent of the National Park Service that any other development for administration or operations in Section 35 north of the South Fork of the Merced River be compatible in character, density, and scale to existing residential and commercial development in Section 35.

For the area zoned jointly 3A/3C on the south side of the South Fork of the Merced River in Section 35, should the National Park Service determine that new, high density housing is not required to be located in this zone, it is the intent of the National Park Service that any development for administration or operations in this zone be compatible in character, density, and scale to existing residential and commercial development in Section 35. The potential use of this zone (as described under management zone 3A) will not change.

Below the Wawona Campground, the river corridor is zoned Undeveloped Open Space (2A+) to protect its relatively undisturbed natural condition. The zoning protects and enhances scenic, biological, recreational, cultural, and hydrologic process Outstandingly Remarkable Values, which include views of the undisturbed river canyon, opportunities for solitude and enjoyment of natural river sounds, diverse riparian areas, and archeological sites. No trails, roads, utilities, signs, or other facilities will be constructed in this zone.

The Wawona Impoundment on the South Fork could be removed if an adequate, feasible, and safe water supply alternative could be implemented. The removal of the Impoundment would improve the free-flowing condition of the river and allow for the segment to be reclassified from a Recreational to a Scenic river. The removal of an impoundment would be considered a water resources project under Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the project must undergo the Section 7 determination process previously outlined. Additional site-specific environmental review would also be conducted for such a project.

All Segments
Historic Bridges. A number of bridges spanning the Merced River in Yosemite Valley are eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As nationally significant, river-related historic structures, these bridges are included as components of cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced River. Some of these bridges have been found to impede the free flow of the river. These bridges, as well as nonhistoric bridges, could be removed under this plan. Such action would not take place without a thorough evaluation of the project to determine whether the adverse impacts to the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value were justified by a significant improvement in the free-flowing condition of the Merced River. Any removal of a historic bridge will require a Wild and Scenic River Section 7 determination and compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Non-Motorized Watercraft. The Merced River Plan does not restrict the use of non-motorized watercraft, such as rafts and kayaks, on any segment of the river. Boating activities, along with all other visitor uses, will be monitored through the VERP process to assure that the free-flowing condition of the river and its Outstandingly Remarkable Values are not degraded. For example, individuals can continue to kayak, by permit, from Sentinel Beach Picnic Area to Pohono Bridge. In addition, kayaking is allowed downstream of Swinging Bridge (South Fork) and from Stoneman to Sentinel Bridges without a permit under specified conditions.

Regulation of non-motorized watercraft use will continue under National Park Service regulations, park policies, and standard operating procedures, as appropriate, to ensure visitor safety and protection of natural river processes. Additionally, as a result of the VERP framework, the National Park Service may manage or restrict use of non-motorized watercraft to address impacts associated with visitor use and achieve desired resource conditions and desired visitor experiences.

Management zoning under the Merced River Plan guides the development of facilities for watercraft launch and removal. Such facilities are allowed only in the Day Use zone (see the Management Zoning Prescriptions).

Private Property. Private property within the river corridor is not zoned by the Merced River Plan. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire lands and interests in lands within the authorized boundaries of the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River under Section 6(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and to use condemnation to acquire easements on lands within the corridor when necessary. However, it is the intent of the National Park Service to work cooperatively with private landowners whenever possible within the corridor to ensure that the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the river segment are protected and enhanced.

Section 10(e) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act allows federal agencies to enter cooperative agreements with state and local governments in the administration of a river segment. While no incorporated cities exist within the corridor, it is the intent of the National Park Service to work with Mariposa County during the development of any future zoning ordinances to ensure that such zoning is consistent with the purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The graphics used in this plan depict the general area of private properties in the corridor, but do not delineate precise parcel boundaries.

Additional Studies. The National Park Service has identified other studies, listed below, that could be conducted to provide updated information to the Merced River Plan and assist in future management.