Executive Summary

The Merced River was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1987. Eighty-one miles of the Merced River, including its headwaters, are within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park and the El Portal Administrative Site, administered by the National Park Service. The designation gives the Merced River special protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and requires the managing agency to prepare a comprehensive management plan for the river and its immediate environment.

Part One: The Merced River Plan

Purpose and Need
Relationship to Other Plans
Issues
Public Involvement
Goals

Part Two: Management Elements of the Merced River Plan

Boundaries
Classifications
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Section 7 Determination Process
River Protection Overlay
Management Zoning
Visitor Experience and Resource Protection Framework

Part Three: Overview of the Alternatives

Alternative 1: No Action
Action Alternatives
Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection
Alternative 3: River Protection Emphasis with Narrow Corridor
Alternative 4: River Protection Emphasis with Wide Corridor
Alternative 5: Visitor Experience Emphasis with Wide Corridor

Part Four: Environmental Impact Statement

Alternative 1: No Action
Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection
Alternative 3: River Protection Emphasis with Narrow Corridor
Alternative 4: River Protection Emphasis with Wide Corridor
Alternative 5: Visitor Experience Emphasis with Wide Corridor

To view an Acrobat PDF file (3.9mb) of this Executive Summary click here.

	Executive Summary

	Introduction The Merced River was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1987. Eighty-one miles of the Merced River, including its headwaters, are within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park and the El Portal Administrative Site, administered by the National Park Service. The designation gives the Merced River special protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and requires the managing agency to prepare a comprehensive management plan for the river and its immediate environment. Part One: The Merced River Plan Purpose and Need Relationship to Other Plans Issues Public Involvement Goals Part Two: Management Elements of the Merced River Plan Boundaries Classifications Outstandingly Remarkable Values Section 7 Determination Process River Protection Overlay Management Zoning Visitor Experience and Resource Protection Framework Part Three: Overview of the Alternatives Alternative 1: No Action Action Alternatives Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection Alternative 3: River Protection Emphasis with Narrow Corridor Alternative 4: River Protection Emphasis with Wide Corridor Alternative 5: Visitor Experience Emphasis with Wide Corridor Part Four: Environmental Impact Statement Alternative 1: No Action Alternative 2: Visitor Experience/River Protection Alternative 3: River Protection Emphasis with Narrow Corridor Alternative 4: River Protection Emphasis with Wide Corridor Alternative 5: Visitor Experience Emphasis with Wide Corridor To view an Acrobat PDF file (3.9mb) of this Executive Summary click here.
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