Chapter
VI: Consultation and Coordination Introduction Environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of resources did not exist when the South Fork Bridge was constructed in 1931. An overview of the environmental compliance documents, completed pursuant to National Environmental Protection Act, and which relate to the South Fork Bridge, is presented below in chronological order: §
The Merced Wild and
Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (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 Merced River Plan applies to any project
that is within the Wild and Scenic River boundary, which includes the South
Fork, or would affect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values or free-flowing
condition of the river. Although the Merced River Plan did not specifically
call for the removal of the South Fork Bridge, the zoning designations in the
plan allow for such an action. §
The original Environmental Assessment and Finding of No
Significant Impact, South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project,
Yosemite National Park (1996) was completed prior to passage of the Merced
River Plan, and did not consider impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable
Values or the free-flowing condition of the Merced Wild and Scenic River. The
Finding of No Significant Impact indicated a temporary bypass bridge would be
constructed while the approach to the South Fork Bridge was to be widened, the
bridge itself was to be demolished, and a new bridge was to be constructed.
Construction was expected to last 13 months with mitigation measures designed
to reduce impacts to the lowest possible level. However, several
investigations indicated the South Fork Bridge was failing, and in 1997, a
major flood on the South Fork Merced River forced the bridge to be condemned
and closed. This emergency situation expedited the construction of the
temporary bypass bridge, and since 1998, a temporary Bailey bridge has carried
traffic on Wawona Road across the South Fork Merced River. In 1999, a lawsuit
on the proposed El Portal Road Improvements Project resulted in halting
plans to remove and replace the South Fork Bridge until completion of an
approved, comprehensive management plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River.
A Record of Decision for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive
Management Plan was signed in August 2000 and revised November 2000. Scoping History On September 20, 2002, the Yosemite National Park Superintendent mailed a letter announcing the resumption of the planning process for the removal and replacement of the South Fork Bridge. This letter was sent to individuals and organizations on the Yosemite National Park mailing list, and background, timeline, and public involvement information was published on the park Web site. The letter also detailed the time, location, and purpose of a public meeting for the project. The purpose of the renewed planning process is to identify alternatives for the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project that are consistent with the Merced River Plan. During the planning process, alternatives have been developed that address bridge removal and compliance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, as amended (16 USC 1274[d]). Through scoping and the public comment review process on the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project, the planning process is being conducted in consultation with affected federal agencies, state and local governments, tribal groups, and interested organizations and individuals. Public Involvement Press releases describing the project and soliciting public comment were issued in September 2002. On October 23, 2002, the National Park Service held a public meeting at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, East Auditorium, to discuss several planning projects, including the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project, with interested citizens. The purpose of the meeting was to: (1) provide participants with an overview of existing conditions and the Preferred Alternative, (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. Comments were received until October 26, 2002. Since that time, the project has been included in the monthly open houses held at the park on February 26, 2003 and March 28, 2003 (Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, East Auditorium) to discuss all upcoming park projects and has been included in the quarterly Planning Update newsletters for Yosemite National Park issued in September 2002 and January 2003. Results of Scoping As a result of the scoping effort to date, 10 responses were received. All comments received in response to the scoping notices have been duly considered and will remain in the project record throughout this planning process. A summary and full report on the analysis of the public scoping comments are available to the public and can be obtained through the park (USFS–CAT 2002). Public Comment Period Media announcements initiate the beginning of a formal public comment period on the South Fork Bridge Removal and Replacement Environmental Assessment. All interested agencies, groups, and individuals are invited to review the document and submit comments during the 30-day public comment period. Two National Park Service open houses will take place during the comment period for this document. Project managers and representatives will be on hand to answer questions and accept written comments. Open houses are scheduled for April 23, 2003 and May 21, 2003 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will take place at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center East Auditorium. Coordination U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to the National Park Service in 1996 granting the use of a Nationwide Permit for the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project (USACE 1996). This permit has expired and the National Park Service is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that a current permit is in place before project implementation. Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board The National Park Service is currently coordinating with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board to obtain required Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification. The National Park Service may be required to submit a report of waste discharge, obtain waste discharge requirements, or an individual waiver. Federal Highway Administration The Federal Highway Administration examined the South Fork Bridge on three occasions: once in 1992, once in 1993, and once in 1997, after the January 1997 flood. In 1992, the Federal Highway Administration structural inspection of the South Fork Bridge identified deflection in the steel girders, requiring the park to impose weight restrictions on the bridge. As a result, the bridge was determined to be critically deficient, but was allowed to remain in service with an estimated remaining life of 10 years. A scour hole was discovered under one of the bridge piers in 1993, and a related hydraulic field review resulted in a recommendation to completely reconstruct the South Fork Bridge. The January 1997 flood resulted in additional scouring around piers and abutments, and the Federal Highway Administration condemned and closed the South Fork Bridge in 1998, after the installation of a temporary bypass bridge. The Federal Highway Administration determinations on the South Fork Bridge are on file at Yosemite National Park. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 USC 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. On September 26, 2002, the National Park Service requested a list of federally listed and other sensitive species that may be affected by the project. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service responded in writing on October 2, 2002, and fulfilling the requirements to provide species lists under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act. The National Park Service will continue to coordinate with the agency on the South Fork Bridge Removal and Replacement Environmental Assessment. California State Historic Preservation Office The South Fork Merced River Bridge and surrounding resources have been the subject of previous evaluation and mitigation actions. The bridge is located within the boundaries of both the Wawona Cultural Landscape and the Wawona Archeological District. However, the bridge is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places due to damage and reconstructions since its original construction in 1931 that have compromised its architectural and historic integrity. In 1991, the bridge was documented to HAER standards, which included historical and descriptive data, measured drawings, and archival photographs. In accordance with the protocols agreed upon by Yosemite National Park and the California State Historic Preservation Office on March 20, 1997, the current level of documentation for the South Fork Merced River Bridge was determined sufficient. One archeological site, CA-MRP-171, lies within the proposed project area. Beginning in 1994, the National Park Service initiated formal consultation with the California State Historic Preservation Office regarding this site, in preparation for the proposed removal of the South Fork Bridge. Consequently, the site has been formally determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element of the Wawona Archeological District. Based on the results of test excavations and construction monitoring in 1984, and the subsequent development of an appropriate research approach and scope of work, the California State Historic Preservation Office in 1994 concurred with a data recovery plan to mitigate the adverse effects to the archeological site by the proposed bridge replacement project. Execution of the data recovery plan would result in a determination of no adverse effect for the site. Removal of the South Fork Bridge would comply with the requirements in Appendix H (Historic Preservation Memorandum of Understanding) of the Merced River Plan. This Programmatic Agreement is between the National Park Service at Yosemite, the California State Historic Preservation Office, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regarding planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance activities at Yosemite National Park. One stipulation of removal of the South Fork Bridge remains—obtaining California State Historic Preservation Office consent to the removal of the bridge. This stipulation to coordinate Section 106 (Section 36 CFR Part 800) consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is required under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The National Park Service will request consensus from the agencies upon completion of the environmental assessment. In a 1994 letter, the California State Historic Preservation Office responded to a request from Yosemite National Park for review of the proposed project in compliance with the 1979 Memorandum of Agreement between the two entities. The letter references a report submitted by the National Park Service, which describes the above-mentioned site as being within the area of potential effect for the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project. That report apparently describes test excavations and construction monitoring undertaken in 1984 at the site, which identified the presence of two American Indian components and a historic refuse dump. Based on these results, the California State Historic Preservation Office concurred with the research approach and scope of work necessary to perform data recovery at this National Register of Historic Places-eligible site, under the 1979 Memorandum of Agreement (COHP 1994). Archeological monitoring at the site was undertaken in April 1998, during the installation of the temporary Bailey bridge. In the upper soil stratum, cultural remains were observed that consisted of two obsidian flakes and various historic debris: nondiagnostic bottle glass fragments (amber, clear, and green), cut cow bone fragments, a bullet shell, and unidentified metal fragments. For the north bridge approach, the National Park Service observed obsidian flakes in the upper 10 to 15 cm (4–6 inches) of soil. Also recorded was a historic road culvert and a 1931 brass cap benchmark that were unearthed (the latter collected). No intact prehistoric deposits were encountered during the monitoring (Montague 1998). A report entitled the Archeological Survey of Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, California, was submitted by Yosemite National Park to the California State Historic Preservation Office for review on January 17, 1996 (NPS 1996c). The report presents cultural resource documentation and limited preliminary evaluation in support of a project to rehabilitate Wawona Road, designated Yosemite Package #565. The letter specifically requests concurrence for the current project (replacement of the South Fork Bridge), which is one proposed project within the package. The letter also mentions that the California State Historic Preservation Office has previously been consulted regarding this project (NPS 1996b). In a final consultation letter for the proposed project, the California State Historic Preservation Office states their understanding that archeological sites in the undertaking’s area of potential effect “were subject to data recovery excavations pursuant to the terms of the National Park Service 1979 Memorandum of Agreement” (COHP 1996). This letter was written in response to the receipt of the 1996 environmental assessment for the proposed project from the Federal Highway Administration. The letter further notes that the environmental assessment suggests that data recovery would be implemented prior to project construction and inquires whether the data recovery has been conducted and reported (COHP 1996). The data recovery report (NPS 2000c) states that it “constitutes sufficient mitigation and a finding of no adverse effect for the proposed undertaking.” This is because the data recovery was undertaken within the constructs of the 1979 Memorandum of Agreement. The data recovery document reiterates that an Inadvertent Discovery Plan and archeological monitoring is recommended for the remaining bridge demolition and construction work. American Indian consultation was conducted to determine if culturally associated American Indian communities had any religious or other significant cultural concerns associated with the project area. Associated American Indian organizations interested in the process include the American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc., the North Fork Mono Indian Museum, and the Chukchansi Tribal Government. As a result of these discussions, two American Indian monitors representing the Chukchansi tribal council and the American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc., observed the previously discussed excavations and assisted with fieldwork (NPS 2000c). Native American Consultation American Indian consultation was conducted to determine if culturally associated American Indian communities had any religious or other significant cultural concerns associated with the project area. Associated Native American organizations interested in the process include the American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc., the North Fork Mono Indian Museum, and the Chukchansi Tribal Government. As a result of these discussions, two American Indian monitors representing the Chukchansi Tribal Council of Mariposa County, Inc. observed the previously discussed excavations and assisted with fieldwork (NPS 2000c). Future Information Updated information about various aspects of the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project will be periodically distributed via newsletters, mailings, the Yosemite National Park web site (www.nps.gov/yose/planning), and regional and local news media. Discussion of the project is included in monthly open house meetings held at the park as well as the quarterly Planning Update newsletters available through the park or on the park web site. Interested individuals, organizations, and agencies may also respond to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park ATTN: South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Project PO Box 577 Yosemite, CA 95389
List of Agencies, Organizations, and Businesses that Received the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement Environmental Assessment Acton – Agua Dulce Trails Council ADA Compliance Service Advisory Council on Historic Preservation AIA California Council Alameda County Public Library All Seasons Groveland Inn American Alpine Club American Hiking Society American Indian Council of Mariposa, Inc. American River Club American Whitewater Ansel Adams Gallery Antelope Valley Press Associated Press Automobile Club of Southern California Backcountry Horsemen of California Bakersfield Californian Bassett Memorial Library Biophilia Society Bishop Chamber of Commerce Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Reclamation California Department of Boating and Waterways California Department of Fish and Game California Department of Parks and Recreation California
Department of Justice, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Caltrans, Transportation Planning Branch Caltrans Central Regional Environmental Analysis Office Caltrans District 9 Caltrans District 6 Caltrans Division of Transportation Planning, MS32 Caltrans Environmental Planning Caltrans New Technology and Research Caltrans Planning California Native American Heritage Commission California Office of Historic Preservation California Office of Planning and Research California Regional Water Quality Control Board California State Clearinghouse California State Department of Justice California State Mining and Mineral Museum California State Resources Agency California State Senate California Trade and Commerce Agency California Trout Inc, Sierra Nevada Office California Bicycle Coalition California Preservation Foundation California State Automobile Association California State Library California Wilderness Coalition Californians for Western Wilderness Canyonlands National Park Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center California Native Plant Society Sequoia Chapter Coconino National Forest Coldwell Banker – Dan Blough & Associates Columbia College Library Comfort Inn Congressman George Miller Conservation Study Institute Contra Costa Times Council of Fresno County Governments California State University Fresno, Henry Madden Library California State University Sacramento California State University Stanislaus Cycle California! Magazine David Evans & Associates, Inc. Delaware North Corporation Department of Defense U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Earth First! –Santa Cruz Earth Island Institute Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund East Bay Bicycle Coalition Eastern Madera County Chamber of Commerce ECO News Economic Development Council El Portal Chevron El Portal Homeowners Association El Portal Market El Portal Town Planning Advisory Committee Environment & Natural Resources Environment Now Environmental Defense Fund Environmental Science Associates Federal Emergency Management Association Fish Camp Advisory Council Fish Camp Property Owners Association Foothill Resources Foresta Preservation Association Fresno Chamber of Commerce Fresno County Board of Supervisors Fresno County Planning and Resource Management Fresno County City Planning Department Fresno Flats Historical Library, SHSA Fresno Visitors Bureau Friends of the Earth Friends of the River Friends of the River/American Rivers Friends of Yosemite Valley George Radanovich, Representative Groveland Branch Library Groveland Community Services District Groveland Ranger District Groveland Rotary HA Lewis, Inc Heritage Trails Highway 120 Association Highways Magazine Host Communications Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Inyo County Planning Department Inyo National Forest John T. Doolittle, Representative KCBS-AM Radio KCRA TV KFBK Radio KFIV Radio KGO Radio KMJ Radio KMPH Radio KOVR TV KQED Radio KTVU KUHL/KZSQ Radio KVML, KZSQ, & KKBN KXTV Los Angeles City Public Library Los Angeles Times Madera County Madera County Board of Supervisors Madera County Chuckchansi Tribal Government Madera County North Fork Mono Indian Museum Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce Marin County Public Library Mariposa County Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce Mariposa County Department of Public Works Mariposa County High School Mariposa County Planning Department Mariposa County Public Library Mariposa County Unified School District Mariposa County Visitors Bureau Mariposa Gazette Mariposa Horse Association Mariposa Public Utility District Mariposa Superintendent of Public Schools Mariposa Tribune Merced Conference and Visitor Center Merced County Association of Governments Merced County Planning Commission Merced County Planning Department Merced Irrigation District Merced Sun Star MERG MIG-Berkeley Minarets Ranger District Modesto County City Planning Department Modesto County Planning Department Mono County Board of Supervisors Mono County Bridgeport Paiute Indian Colony Mono County Community Development Department Mono County Mono Lake Indian Community Mono County Planning Department Monograph Acquisition Services Mountain Light Photography National Tour Association National Trust for Historic Preservation Native Habitats Natural Resources Council Natural Resources Defense Council NBC News NBC TV Newsweek North Fork Rancheria Northcoast Environmental Center National Parks and Conservation Association, National Office National Park Service (NPS) NPS – Air Resources Division NPS – Columbia Cascades Seattle Office NPS – Denver Service Center NPS – Pacific West Region NPS – Pacific Great Basin Support Office NPS – Water Resources Division NPS – Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs Oakhurst Public Library Oakland Tribune Office of Assemblyman Dave Cogdill Official Trip Reports SBC Pacific Bell Pacific Gas and Electric Public Affairs Pacific Legal Foundation Planning and Conservation League Pacific Southwest Region Forest and Range Experimental Station Ramada Limited Oakhurst Royston, Hanamoto Alley & Abey Robert Crown Law Library Royal Robbins, Inc. Sacramento County Public Library Salazar Library, Sonoma State University San Bernardino County Public Library San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco City Public Library San Francisco Examiner San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Hetch Hetchy Water & Power San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District San Jose City Public Library San Jose Mercury News Santa Cruz County Library Save-the-Redwoods League Saving Yosemite Scotty’s B&B/Cabin Rentals Service Employees International Union Local 535 Sequoia Alliance Sierra Club Sierra Club Condor Group Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter Sierra Club Merced Group Sierra Club National Office Sierra Club Range of Light, Toiyabe Chapter Sierra Club Tuolumne Group Sierra Club Yosemite Committee Sierra Communications Sierra National Forest Sierra Railroad Company Sierra Star Sierra Telephone Sonoma County Library Sonora Union Democrat Soroptomist International of Groveland Saint Patrick-Saint Vincent High School Stanford University Green Library Stanislaus County Environmental Review Committee Stanislaus Council of Government Stanislaus County Library Stanislaus National Forest State Water Resources Control Board Stockton Record Teamsters 386 The Access Fund The Fresno Bee The Modesto Bee The Mountain Democrat Newspaper The Redwoods in Yosemite The Sacramento Bee The Trust for Public Land Theroux Environmental Tioga Lodge The Nature Conservancy Weed Program Tuolumne County Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce Tuolumne County Community Development Tuolumne County Department of Public Works Tuolumne County Planning Commission Tuolumne County Tuolumne Me-wuk Tribal Council Tuolumne County Visitor Bureau University of California Berkeley Bancroft Library University of California Davis Shields Library University of California Water Resources Center Archives University of California Los Angeles Maps and Government Information Library University of California Los Angeles Young Research Library United States Attorney’s Office University of California Library Tech Services University of Minnesota Forestry Library URS U.S. Congress U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) U.S. Post Office USA Media U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service U.S. Department of the Interior Library USGS Publications Department USGS Water Resources Division, Western Region Via Adventures Wawona Area Property Owners Association Wawona Town Plan Advisory Committee Wild Earth Advocates Wild Wilderness Wilderness Society Wilderness Watch Wildlands Center for Preventing Roads Yosemite Association Board of Trustees Yosemite Area Audubon Yosemite Association Yosemite Bug Hostel Yosemite Campers Association Yosemite Campers Coalition Yosemite Concession Services Yosemite Fund Yosemite Guides Yosemite Institute Yosemite Mobilization Committee Yosemite Motels Yosemite Mountaineering School Yosemite Partners GMP Yosemite Pines Yosemite Research Center Yosemite Research Library Yosemite Restoration Trust Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Yosemite Sightseeing Tours Yosemite Valley Railroad Company Yosemite Valley School Yosemite West Group Yosemite West Home Owners Yosemite West Real Estate
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