TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I: Introduction [25 sec]
Purpose of this Document
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Consultation
Species Evaluated
   Federally Listed Species
   Special-Status Species
Species Removed from Further Analysis
Critical Habitat
Previous Environmental Documentation

Chapter II: Current Management Direction [10 sec]
Authorities
Policy and Program Objectives
Desired Conditions

Chapter III: Merced River Plan [105 min]
Background
   Wild and Scenic River Designation
   Recent Events
Purpose of and Need for the Project
   Purpose of the Merced River Plan
   Need for the Merced River Plan
   Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
Planning Context
   Relationship to Yosemite National Park Plans
   Relationship to Other Plans
   Legal Framework
Overview of the Planning Process
   Planning Approach Management Goals
   General Management Plan Goals
   Merced River Plan Goals
Issues and Concerns
   Issues Addressed in the Merced River Plan/FEIS
   Issues Not Addressed in the Merced River Plan/FEIS
Introduction to the Merced River Plan
   Management Elements of the Merced River Plan
Revised Boundaries
Revised Classifications
Revised Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs)
   A Segment-by-Segment Description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced River Corridor
Section 7 Determination Process
River Protection Overlay
Management Zoning Prescriptions
   Zoning Categories
   Relationship to River Protection Overlay
   Application of Management Zoning
   Category 1: Wilderness Zones
   Category 2: Diverse Visitor Experience Zones
   Category 3: Developed Zones
   Summary of Management Zones
Merced Wild and Scenic River Visitor Experience and Resource Protection
   Purpose
   The User Capacity Mandate
   Overview of the VERP Framework
Other Elements
   Wilderness Management
   Wawona Golf Course
   Removal of Impoundments
   Removal of Historic Bridges
   Non-Motorized Watercraft
   Private Property
   Floodplain Management
   Additional Studies
Description of the Merced River Plan Preferred Action
   Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection

Chapter IV: Existing Environment [3 min]
Regional Vegetation and Wildlife
Merced River Vegetation and Wildlife
   Vegetation
   Wildlife
Species Accounts
   Survey Methodologies
   Species Potentially at Risk

Chapter V: Environmental Effects [35 sec]
Assessment Methodology
General Analysis
   Direct Effects
   Indirect Effects

Chapter VI: Determination [1 min]
Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered Species
Federal Species of Concern
State Listed Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Species and Species of Special Concern
Park Rare Species

Chapter VII: Management Recommendations and Mitigation [15 sec]
Avoidance and Protection Measures Common to All Species
   Sustainable Design and Aesthetics
   Best Management Practices
Species-Specific Avoidance and Protection Measures
   Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle
   Special Status Birds
   Special Status Aquatic Species
   Special Status Bats
   Other Special Status Mammals

Chapter VIII: Contributors and References [35 sec]
Contributors
   National Park Service – Yosemite National Park
   Consultant – Environmental Science Associates
References
Map Data

List of Figures

Figure III-1: Regional Map [2 min]

Figure III-2: Existing Boundaries and Classifications [4 min]

Figure III-3: Relationship of Plans

Figure III-4: Management Decision-Making Process

Figure III-5: Application of Management Elements

Figure III-6: Revised Classifications [4 min]

Figure III-7: Revised Outstandingly Remarkable Values [4 min]

Figure III-8: River Protection Overlay Cross-Sections

Figure III-9: VERP Process

Figure III-10: Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection [5 min]

Figure III-11: Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection, Yosemite Valley [2 min]

Figure III-12: Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection, El Portal Administrative Site [2 min]

Figure III-13: Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection, Wawona [2 min]

List of Tables
Table I-1: Species Considered in this Biological Assessment
Table II-1: Desired Conditions for Relevant Plant Communities
Table III-1: Proposed Update to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced River (Main Stem and South Fork)
Table III-2: Visitor Experience/Resource Protection Typical for Each Management Zone
Table III-3: Typical Activities for Each Management Zone
Table III-4: Facilities Allowed for Each Management Zone
Table III-5: Conceptual Structure of Desired Conditions Matrix
Table III-6: Example Indicators and Standards
Table IV-1: Summary of California Wildlife Habitat Relationship Types in the Merced River Corridor
Table IV-2: Species Assessed in this Biological Assessment

Appendices

Appendix A: USFWS Correspondence [15 min]