Yosemite Valley Plan SEIS, Volume II, Appendix B

Appendix B — Merced Wild and Scenic River

This appendix contains an overview of the management elements of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement (referred to hereafter as the Merced River Plan). The Merced River Plan is a programmatic plan and, unlike the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS, does not specify detailed actions. The Merced River Plan uses management elements to prescribe future conditions, typical visitor activities and experiences, and permitted park facilities and management activities in the Merced River corridor. By using the management elements, the Merced River Plan applies a consistent set of decision-making criteria and considerations, including: boundaries, classifications, updated Outstandingly Remarkable Values, the Section 7 determination process, the River Protection Overlay, management zones and prescriptions, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) framework.

The Draft Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement was released in January 2000. Over 2,400 public comments were received and responded to in preparation of the Merced River Plan, released in July 2000.

Management Elements of the Merced River Plan

To apply the management element framework to future decisions regarding specific actions, the National Park Service would use the management elements as a set of decision-making criteria with which to evaluate projects in terms of visitor use, facility siting, and design, and other potential actions in the Merced River corridor. For actions that meet these mandatory criteria, the National Park Service would apply additional considerations to further evaluate the actions. All proposed actions would be evaluated against the criteria and considerations. Also, existing facilities in the Merced River corridor would be evaluated when major reconstruction is needed, a facility is no longer of use, or a management initiative occurs (such as those based on planning efforts or new information). In addition, the National Park Service would follow the requirements of other regulatory processes, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

Criteria and Considerations

The following criteria, which integrate the management elements of the Merced River Plan, must be met:

Actions within the boundaries of the river corridor must protect and enhance the Outstandingly Remarkable Values.
Actions must be consistent with the classification of that river segment.
Actions must protect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values, regardless of where an Outstandingly Remarkable Value is located. When Outstandingly Remarkable Values lie within the boundary of the Wild and Scenic River, the Outstandingly Remarkable Value must be protected and enhanced. When Outstandingly Remarkable Values are in conflict with each other, the net effect of the actions to Outstandingly Remarkable Values must be beneficial.
Actions that are considered "water resources projects" under Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (i.e., occurring on the bed or banks of the Merced River) must follow a Section 7 determination process to determine whether they have a direct and adverse impact on the values for which the river was designated Wild and Scenic. Proposed actions outside the river corridor in Merced River tributaries will also undergo Section 7 determination to determine whether they affect the values for which the river was designated Wild and Scenic.
Actions within the River Protection Overlay must comply with the River Protection Overlay conditions.
Actions must be compatible with the appropriate management zone and its prescriptions.
Actions must be compatible with desired visitor experience and resource conditions under the VERP framework.

If a proposed action meets the above criteria, the National Park Service would also make additional considerations to minimize an impact by locating facilities outside the river corridor if there is a feasible alternative; designing facilities or actions to minimize or mitigate impacts to the river; and avoiding, minimizing, or otherwise mitigating negative impacts to visitor experience.

Boundaries

Boundaries define the area to be protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The boundaries of the Merced River corridor vary by segment and have been derived from several sources of data. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act allows for river corridor boundaries that average no more than 320 acres of land per river mile, measured from the ordinary high water mark on both sides of the river. Boundaries, however, do not limit the protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values, which must be protected whether they are inside or outside the corridor boundaries.

Based on the Merced River Plan, a quarter-mile boundary is applied to the entire corridor, except in the El Portal Administrative Site. In the El Portal Administrative Site segment (Segment 4), the boundary is the 100-year floodplain or the extent of the 100-foot River Protection Overlay (whichever is greater) from the park boundary downstream to the administrative site boundary (see Vol. IC, plate G-2). (Note: This applies only for lands under National Park Service jurisdiction. The U.S. Forest Service has not delineated a boundary on lands under its jurisdiction along the El Portal segment of the Merced River.)

Classifications

In the Merced River Plan, east Yosemite Valley (Nevada Fall to Sentinel Beach), El Portal, and Wawona are classified as "recreational." See chapter 3 or 4 under the Wild and Scenic section for a standard sentence to describe scenic or recreational. The recreational classification reflects the current extent of developed areas and facilities in these segments. The impoundment segments (very short segments between Yosemite Valley and the Gorge, and on the South Fork above Swinging Bridge) are classified as recreational due to the presence of small dams that interfere with the free-flowing condition of the river. The west Valley and the Gorge segments are classified as scenic.

In addition, the Merced River Plan allows for the removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam and the Wawona Impoundment. If either of these structures were removed, the classifications of the segments would be changed to reflect surrounding classifications (e.g., from recreational to scenic).

Outstandingly Remarkable Values

Outstandingly Remarkable Values are defined by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act as those characteristics that make the river worthy of special protection. These can include scenery, recreation, fish and wildlife, geology, history, culture, and other similar values, which are to be considered in determining eligibility for Wild and Scenic River designation.

Two vital questions establish the criteria for selection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values:

Is the value river-related or river-dependent?
Is the value rare, unique, or exemplary in a regional or national context?

Both of the above criteria must be satisfied in order for a characteristic to be included as an Outstandingly Remarkable Value. Table B-1 lists Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced River as identified in the Merced River Plan.

Table B-1 The Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced River (Main Stem and South Fork)
Segment Number and Name	Outstandingly Remarkable Values (by category)
Main Stem Merced River	Scientific — These segments of the river corridor constitute a highly significant scientific resource because the watershed is largely within designated Wilderness in Yosemite National Park.
1) Wilderness	Scenic — This segment includes views from the river and its banks of the glaciated river canyon, exposed bedrock riverbed, Merced Lake and Washburn Lake, the Bunnell Cascades, the confluence of tributaries, a large concentration of granite domes, and the Clark and Cathedral Ranges. Geologic Processes/Conditions — This segment traverses a U-shaped, glacially carved canyon separated by cascades and soda springs below Washburn Lake. Recreation — This segment provides outstanding opportunities for solitude along the river, with primitive and unconfined recreation. There is a spectrum of levels of recreational use. River-related recreational opportunities include day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and packing, camping, and enjoyment of natural river sounds. Untrailed tributaries provide enhanced opportunities for solitude. Biological — This segment includes a nearly full range of intact Sierran riverine environments, high-quality riparian, meadow, and aquatic habitats (such as the meadow at Washburn Lake), and special-status species such as mountain yellow-legged frog. Cultural — This segment includes portions of a prehistoric trans-Sierra route in use for thousands of years and many prehistoric sites. There are many historic resources such as homestead sites, trails, river crossings, High Sierra Camp sites, and structures. Hydrologic Processes — The segment is characterized by a free-flowing river and excellent water quality. The river gradient drops from 13,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation. There are examples of natural conditions, including glacial remnants, a logjam in Little Yosemite Valley that is hundreds of years old, and numerous cascades.
2) Valley	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. 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). 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. Biological — Riparian areas and low-elevation meadows are the most productive communities in Yosemite Valley. The high quality and large extent of 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. Cultural — This segment contains evidence of thousands of years of human occupation reflected in a 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. Hydrologic Processes — This segment is characterized by a meandering river, world-renowned waterfalls, an active flood regime, oxbows, unique wetlands, and fluvial processes.
3a) Impoundment (would become part of Segment 3b, Gorge — classified as "scenic," if Cascades Diversion Dam were removed)	Geologic Processes/Conditions — This segment contains the dramatic transition from the U-shaped, glaciated Yosemite Valley to the V-shaped river gorge. Biological — This segment contains rich riparian habitat.
3b) Gorge	Scenic — This segment provides views from the river and its banks of the Cascades, spectacular rapids among giant boulders, Wildcat Fall, Tamarack Creek Fall, the Rostrum, and Elephant Rock. Geologic Processes/Conditions — This segment is characterized by a classic V-shaped river gorge with a continuous steep gradient. Recreation — This segment provides a spectrum of river-related recreational opportunities, such as picnicking, fishing, photography, and sightseeing. Biological — This segment is characterized by diverse riparian areas and associated special-status species that are largely intact and almost entirely undisturbed by humans. Cultural — This segment contains cultural resources, including prehistoric sites and historic sites and structures such as those relating to historic engineering projects. Hydrologic Processes — This segment is characterized by exceptionally steep gradients (2,000-foot elevation drop in approximately six miles).
4) El Portal	Geologic Processes/Conditions — This segment contains a transition from igneous to metasedimentary rocks (metasedimentary rocks are among the oldest in the Sierra Nevada). Recreation — This segment provides a range of river-related recreational opportunities, in particular white-water rafting and kayaking (class III to V) and fishing. Biological — This segment contains riverine habitats such as riparian woodlands and associated federal and state special-status species, including Tompkin’s sedge and Valley elderberry longhorn beetle and its critical habitat (elderberry shrub). Expanses of north-facing habitat allow unlimited access to the riparian zone for wildlife species. Cultural — This segment contains some of the oldest archeological sites in the Yosemite area, as well as many historic Indian villages and traditional gathering places. River-related historic resources include structures related to early tourism and industrial development. Hydrologic Processes — This segment is characterized by continuous rapids.
South Fork Merced River	Scientific — These segments of the river corridor constitute a highly significant scientific resource because the watershed is largely within designated Wilderness in Yosemite National Park.
5) Wilderness	Scenic — This segment provides views from the river and its banks of unique river features, including large pothole pools within slick rock cascades, old growth forest, and meadows. Geologic Processes/Conditions — This segment is characterized by glaciated valleys in the high country and V-shaped canyons above Wawona. Moraine meadows and soda springs above Gravelly Ford are also unique, river-related geologic features. Recreation — This segment provides outstanding opportunities for river-related solitude, enjoyment of natural river sounds, and primitive and unconfined recreation. This segment of the river is predominantly without trails, with the exception of four bridgeless trail crossings in the upper reaches of the segment. Biological — This segment includes a nearly full range of riverine environments typical of the Sierra Nevada. Examples of river-related federal and state special-status species include Wawona riffle beetle and mountain yellow-legged frog.
	Cultural — This segment includes river-related prehistoric sites and resources and reflects historic stock use and cavalry activities. Hydrologic Processes — This segment is characterized by a free-flowing river and excellent water quality.
6) Impoundment (would become part of segment 7 Wawona if an alternative water source were secured and impoundment were removed)	Scenic — This segment provides views from the river and its banks of the river and Wawona Dome. Hydrologic Processes — This segment has excellent water quality.
7) Wawona	Scenic — This segment provides views from the river and its banks of Wawona Dome. Recreation — This segment offers opportunities to experience a spectrum of river-related recreational activities, from nature study and photography to hiking. Biological — This segment contains a diversity of river-related species, wetlands, and riparian habitats. There are federal and state special-status species in this segment, including Wawona riffle beetle. Cultural — This segment contains evidence of thousands of years of human occupation, including numerous prehistoric and historic Indian villages, historic sites, structures, and landscape features related to tourism, early Army and National Park Service administration, and homesteading.
8) Below Wawona	Scenic — This segment provides views from the river and its banks of continual white-water cascades in the deep and narrow river canyon in a untrailed, undisturbed environment. Geologic Processes/Conditions — This segment contains a transition from Paleozoic Era igneous to Cretaceous Period metasedimentary rocks (metasedimentary rocks are among the oldest in the Sierra Nevada). Recreation — This segment provides outstanding opportunities for river-related solitude, enjoyment of natural river sounds, and primitive and unconfined recreation in an untrailed, undisturbed environment. River-related recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, and white-water kayaking. Biological — This segment is characterized by diverse riparian areas that are intact and largely undisturbed by humans. River-related federal and state special-status species in this segment include Wawona riffle beetle. Cultural — This segment contains archeological sites and historic resources such as trail segments representing early cavalry activity. Hydrologic Processes — This segment is characterized by a free-flowing river with continual white-water cascades.

Section 7 Determination Process

"Water resources projects," that is, those that are within the bed or banks of the Merced River and therefore affect the river’s free-flowing condition, are subject to Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 USC 1278). As the designated "river manager" for the Merced River for the segments addressed by the Merced River Plan, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the values for which the river was designated.

The National Park Service is responsible for making the final determination as to whether a proposed water resources project would have a direct and adverse impact to the values for which the river was designated Wild and Scenic. The agency should coordinate its evaluation process with other agencies that are required to review and comment on the project. Depending on the type and location of the project, this may include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Review of Section 7 projects would also be coordinated with other environmental review processes, such as those required by the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, as appropriate.

The National Park Service would undertake the following steps as part of its Section 7 determination process for nonemergency projects. In emergency situations (e.g., a broken sewer pipe in or near the river), a Section 7 determination must be carried out as soon as possible after the project is completed. Changes to mitigate impacts from an emergency project should be implemented, when necessary, based on the findings of the Section 7 analysis.

Within the River Protection Overlay, future actions shall be consistent with the following conditions:

The specific areas included with the River Protection Overlay may shift over time to follow the movement of the river channel itself. The width of the River Protection Overlay is determined by site topography and vegetation and includes the area needed to encompass riparian and adjacent upland vegetation and habitat. The River Protection Overlay, in areas above 3,800 feet, includes the river channel itself and extends 150 feet on both sides of the river measured from the ordinary high water mark; and in areas below 3,800 feet includes 100 feet on both sides of the river measured from the ordinary high water mark. Generally, a wider band is required along the river in the flatter, open valleys, while a narrower buffer provides adequate protection in the steeper, V-shaped river gorges of the lower elevations. This transition occurs approximately at the 3,800-foot elevation mark, in the gorge area below Yosemite Valley on the main stem of the Merced River, and downstream of Wawona on the South Fork. Approximately 70 miles of the river would have a 150-foot River Protection Overlay, including Yosemite Valley and Wawona. Approximately 11 miles of the river would have a 100-foot River Protection Overlay, including the El Portal Administrative Site. (For a graphic representation of the River Protection Overlay, see Vol. IC, Plates G-1, G-2, and G-3).

This section defines the management zones used for the Merced River corridor. Management zoning is a technique used by the National Park Service to classify park areas and prescribe future desired resource conditions, visitor activities, and facilities. A management zone is defined in the National Park Service’s Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) framework as:

Management zoning is one of the elements in the Merced River Plan that helps protect and enhance Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Management zoning prescribes certain uses and facilities that are not allowed in an area. In the absence of zoning, additional development and higher-intensity uses could impact Outstandingly Remarkable Values over the long term. Management zoning also provides opportunities for restoration of Outstandingly Remarkable Values in areas where lower use and facility levels are prescribed. Management zoning protects the spectrum of recreational opportunities (an Outstandingly Remarkable Value) by allowing for visitor access and use of facilities in more resilient locations, and different intensities of use along the corridor.

Management zones are schematically represented on plates G-1, G-2, and G-3 in Vol. IC.

The management zones for the Merced River corridor fall into three general categories: (1) Wilderness zones, (2) Diverse Visitor Experience zones, and (3) Developed zones. For each of these three categories, there are individual management zones that provide for certain levels and types of visitor experiences, resource conditions, facilities, and uses. Existing uses or facilities that are not compatible with the management prescriptions of their zones could be removed, relocated, or modified over time. Management zones generally allow for the repair, maintenance, and reconstruction of established facilities (such as structures, utilities, roads, and bridges) unless specifically noted. All zones also allow for scientific research and monitoring activities, particularly related to the analysis of visitor experience and resource protection of the river corridor.

The River Protection Overlay is applied over the zoning categories throughout the length of the river corridor. In all cases, where the management prescription and the River Protection Overlay are in conflict, the prescription that provides the greater protection and enhancement of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values takes precedence.

Each zone prescribes the maximum level of activities and facilities. In practice, lower levels of visitor use and facilities may be provided than are allowed for in the zoning prescriptions. Typical uses in lower-intensity zones are generally acceptable uses for higher-intensity zones. For example, areas zoned for overnight lodging may be used for less-developed activities such as walk-in camping or could include protected natural areas. These decisions would be based on site-specific conditions as assessed through routine management activities. The zones, delineated conceptually on plates G-1, G-2, and G-3 of Vol. IC, are also fairly broad to allow future managers to direct development within the zone. Within a given zone, there may be some areas used for higher-intensity facilities or activities, while other areas within the same zone are left natural and open.

Uses or activities allowed in a management zone may be subject to limitations over time. If ongoing monitoring (as implemented through the VERP framework) indicates that impacts on the resource or visitor experience are no longer at an acceptable level, previously designated areas may be further restricted. Management zone prescriptions can also be temporarily superceded by contingencies, such as the need to respond to emergencies. For example, trails, roads, and facilities may be temporarily closed because of fire, rockfall, or flood.

Approximately 34 miles of the main stem and 19 miles of the South Fork of the Merced Wild and Scenic River corridors flow through designated Wilderness and are managed under the guidance and requirements of the 1964 Wilderness Act and the California Wilderness Act of 1984. As such, these segments will continue to be managed to preserve an environment in which the natural world, along with the processes and events that shape it, are largely unchanged by human use, and to allow for various forms of exploration in an environment primarily free of modification. Access limits are imposed to control human-induced change, and management actions such as education, regulation, and restoration will occur as appropriate to protect natural and cultural resources and designated Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Visitor use and enjoyment is encouraged as long as such use does not result in levels of human impact that compromise wilderness and river values. Visitors would encounter a variety of opportunities for solitude, primitive and unconfined recreation, and physical challenge. The presence of park staff would be limited, focused on locations of heavy use such as camping areas.

The Wilderness zones would be managed to protect the natural hydrologic and ecologic processes of the Merced River and its immediate environment. Other than trails and designated overnight areas, the Wilderness zones would exhibit natural conditions, with high-quality riparian, meadow, and aquatic habitats. There would be high diversity of native plant and animal species and relatively minimal disturbance and human impact. The Merced River would remain free of impoundments, and natural processes, such as deposits of woody debris into the river, would occur without human interference. Water quality in the area would be very high.

The Untrailed zone would be primarily free of signs of modern human presence, with extremely high opportunity for solitude due to the remoteness of the area and lack of trails. Management activities in this zone would be minimal, allowing resources and natural processes to exist in their most pristine state. The Untrailed zone would be managed with very low tolerance for resource degradation from visitor use, and management action could be taken to change visitor use patterns if such degradation occurred.

Visitor experience would be primarily based on hiking through often difficult terrain. There would be no formal trails or directional markers in this zone. There would be few, if any, human encounters, and wilderness skills and knowledge could be necessary to safely navigate these areas. Natural and cultural resources could be observed, but there would be no formal interpretation or visitor accommodations. This area would provide substantial opportunities for scientific study of natural processes in undisturbed conditions.

The difficulty of access characterized by the Untrailed zone would serve to reduce visitor use, thereby protecting and enhancing biological, geologic, hydrologic, cultural, scenic, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Opportunities for solitude, primitive and unconfined recreation, and enjoyment of natural river sounds are among the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values prominent in this zone.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Trailed Travel zone would be characterized by light to moderate use focused on marked and maintained trails. Opportunities for solitude would range from moderate to high. There would be some management presence to accommodate resource protection and visitor use. The Trailed Travel zone would be managed with very low tolerance for resource degradation from visitor use, and management action could be taken to change visitor use patterns if such degradation occurred.

Most visitors would experience this area by hiking, although a small percentage of visitors have traditionally used pack animals and could continue to do so. Visitor encounters would be infrequent, except in areas common for campsites and at key trail junctions. While there would be opportunities for challenge and adventure, the well-marked and maintained trails would allow visitors with a diversity of hiking abilities to experience the wilderness.

Through limitations on development and access, the Trailed Travel zone would protect and enhance biological, geologic, hydrologic, cultural, scenic, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Opportunities for solitude, primitive and unconfined recreation, and enjoyment of natural river sounds are among the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values prominent in this zone.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Heavy Use Trail zone would be characterized by high levels of use on marked and maintained trails and associated areas. Due to high use levels, opportunities for solitude at peak times would be more limited on trails in this area. In some locations, sections of paved or rocked trails and fencing could be used to direct visitor use away from sensitive ecosystems. The Heavy Use Trail zone would be managed with a low tolerance for resource degradation due to visitor use, and management action could be taken to redirect use if such degradation occurred.

Most visitors would experience this area by hiking, although a small percentage of visitors have traditionally used pack animals and could continue to do so. Encounters with other visitors could be frequent during certain periods of the day or at key trail junctions, vistas, and other high-use locations. The well-marked and maintained trails would allow for visitors with a diversity of hiking abilities to experience the wilderness.

Through limitations on development, the Heavy Use Trail zone would protect and enhance biological, geologic, hydrologic, cultural, scenic, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values. While opportunities for solitude would be lower than in the less-traveled Untrailed and Trailed Travel zones, this zone would provide ready access to wilderness hiking and backpacking near the Merced River.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Designated Overnight zone would be characterized by the heaviest overnight use of all areas of the Wilderness zones. Designated overnight areas would be centered at destination locations with facilities for resource protection and visitor use, specifically at the Little Yosemite Valley Campground, Moraine Dome Campground, Merced Lake Campground, and the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp (a potential Wilderness addition). Opportunities for solitude would range from low to moderate depending on the season. Social interaction would be common. The presence of National Park Service staff would be moderate to high in order to prevent or mitigate most adverse impacts. The Designated Overnight zone would be managed with a low tolerance for resource degradation due to visitor use. Facilities such as signs and fencing could be used to prevent unacceptable impacts. Campsites would be located away from any sensitive natural or cultural areas, including meadows, streams, lakes, and historic and archeological sites, to minimize impacts.

Most visitors would experience this area by hiking and/or staying overnight. Small percentages use pack animals and could continue to do so. Visitor encounters with others would be frequent during much of the hiking seasons. The well-marked trails and facilities would allow for a diversity of users to experience the wilderness.

The Designated Overnight zone concentrates visitor facilities in a localized area, allowing for higher protection and enhancement of biological, geologic, hydrologic, cultural, scenic, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values outside this zone. This zone also ensures that historic structures such as the High Sierra Camp could remain for continued use or for interpretive purposes. Signs, fencing, and other features could be used to direct visitors away from sensitive biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values, as necessary.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Merced River corridor serves as an important recreational resource, providing opportunities for nature study, hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and other activities for many of the 4 million people who visit Yosemite National Park each year. The Merced River corridor also serves as a continuous visual element of the landscape, setting off significant features such as waterfalls, granite domes, and peaks.

Natural resource management in these zones would strive to protect and enhance the natural functioning of ecological and hydrological systems while accommodating moderate levels of visitor use. The Category 2 zones are designed to protect and enhance biological, hydrologic, geologic, scenic, cultural, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values, as well as the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This would be achieved by maintaining, wherever possible, the integrity of an overall ecological unit (such as a meadow, woodland, or wetland), while allowing for some human alteration of the landscape. Riparian, aquatic, and meadow communities in the river corridor play a particularly critical role in a variety of ecosystem processes and are also contributing cultural landscape resources. Restoration of the ecological and hydrological systems in these areas would focus on enhancing the diversity and stability of natural functions. Resource degradation would be minimized by the careful design and siting of facilities that direct visitor and administrative activities to locations able to withstand heavy use. Monitoring of visitor impacts on natural and cultural resources would help ensure adaptive and timely management responses to potential resource degradation.

The Diverse Visitor Experience zones would be managed to protect and enhance the hydrologic and ecologic processes of the Merced River and its immediate environment. Riparian areas and meadows should remain largely intact, supporting a diversity of native vegetation and wildlife species. However, localized areas could be developed with trails, roads, and parking areas and a greater amount of resource protection features (e.g., fencing and boardwalks) to allow for visitor access. Higher levels of resource impacts (e.g., trampling and soil erosion) and a greater amount of resource protection features might be expected in limited areas within the Day Use and Attraction zones to accommodate high numbers of visitors. The free flow of the river would remain primarily unimpeded. Water quality in the area should be of high quality.

Four management zones are defined for the Diverse Visitor Experience zone category:

The Open Space zone would be characterized by relatively undisturbed natural areas that receive only incidental or casual use. Maintenance of these conditions would allow for the protection and enhancement of the biological, hydrologic, scenic, cultural, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values while providing access to diverse visitor activities.

The visitor experience in this zone would be self-directed, with few visitor or management encounters, which would contribute to the diversity of experiences in the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value. The Open Space zone would be managed with very low tolerance for resource degradation from visitor use to protect and enhance biological, hydrologic, scenic, cultural, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Visitation levels may be controlled by parking limitations and by the lack of shuttle bus stops. These limits on use and facilities would allow natural areas to remain relatively unimpaired and to receive continued protection, restoration, and enhancement.

There would be limited trails and interpretive facilities. These would direct visitors away from hazardous areas and sensitive Outstandingly Remarkable Values, such as unique wetlands, and promote understanding of natural processes. These areas would be generally quiet with limited facilities. The areas could be relatively easy to access or could require considerable walking and skill to access. Though not directly accessible by vehicles or from parking areas, noise from nearby vehicles could affect visitor experiences in this zone.

Resource protection activities in this zone would include preservation of cultural resources and restoration of natural processes impacted by contemporary development, restoration of natural flood cycles and river channel dynamics to sustain native plant and wildlife species, and use of fire management practices called for in the Fire Management Plan to enhance biological and hydrologic Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This zone also encourages the protection and enhancement of cultural resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values, including archeological sites, by limiting development and access. Restoration of natural resources such as wetlands and meadows would also contribute to the restoration of the cultural landscape.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Undeveloped Open Space zone would be managed as de facto wilderness, primarily free from signs of human presence due to its inaccessibility. This zone would be used to protect those areas outside designated Wilderness that have limited or no trail access, such as the area west of the Wawona Campground along the South Fork. While Undeveloped Open Space areas would remain in pristine condition, visitors could experience some human influence due to noise from nearby roads. Typical activities would be hiking, rock climbing, swimming, nature study, and fishing. Access would require considerable effort because there are no trails.

This zone would be managed in a similar manner as the Untrailed zone (1A), protecting and enhancing biological, geologic, hydrologic, cultural, scenic, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values through limitations on development and access. The following facilities normally allowed in the Open Space zone (2A) would not be allowed in this zone. Other prescriptions from the Open Space zone would apply.

The Discovery zone would be characterized by relatively quiet natural areas where visitor encounters are low to moderate, which would contribute to the diversity of experiences in the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value. However, during high-use periods, some concentrated use and more frequent visitor encounters could occur on trails that link destination points through the Discovery zone. The Discovery zone would be managed with low tolerance for resource degradation from visitor use, emphasizing the protection and enhancement of biological, hydrologic, scenic, cultural, and scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values as well as emphasizing low-intensity types of use in recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Limits on use and facilities would allow natural areas to remain relatively unimpaired, when they are not close to one of the few access roads. There would likely be trail access and interpretive signs at principal features and gathering areas, but the visitor experience would be largely self-directed. Areas in the Discovery zone could be used by individuals or smaller organized groups. Access to these areas could require a moderate level of physical exertion, although some locations would be served by an access road and parking turnouts.

Within the Discovery zone, visitors would be likely to experience a variety of resources, including distant and close-range scenic views as well as opportunities to wade, swim, or fish in the river and to observe wildlife and plants. If use levels impacted resources, resource protection measures could be used, such as fencing and signs to direct travel from sensitive resources, well-marked trails and boardwalks, recycling and trash containers, relocation of shuttle bus stops in this or adjacent zones, or other measures as needed.

Resource protection activities in this zone would include restoration of natural processes impacted by past or current human use, restoration of natural flood cycles and river channel dynamics to sustain native plant and wildlife species, and use of fire management practices called for in the Fire Management Plan to enhance biological and hydrologic Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This zone also encourages the protection and enhancement of cultural resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values, including archeological sites, by limiting development and access. Restoration of natural resources such as wetlands and meadows would also contribute to the restoration of the cultural landscape.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Day Use zone is intended to be applied to popular park destinations, where visitors could spend significant periods of time enjoying the park resources in a relatively accessible setting. The Day Use zone enhances opportunities for visitors to enjoy more intensive recreational activities near the Merced River and could support a range of active recreational opportunities such as swimming, picnicking, and rafting, which would contribute to the diversity of experiences in the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value. Visitors would expect moderate to high numbers of encounters with other park users and crowding on certain peak days. Large groups could use these areas. Day Use areas could be accessible by automobile, shuttle bus, and by bicycle, with interpretive trails or other marked trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, and scenic views. In order to accommodate heavier and more concentrated activity, facilities such as parking areas, restrooms, fencing of sensitive areas, picnic tables, and recycling and trash receptacles would be allowed.

Resource protection activities in this zone would be comparable to those described in zones 2A and 2B. However, due to the larger volume of visitors, the Day Use zone would be managed with moderate tolerance for resource degradation from visitor use in specified areas. To protect and enhance cultural, biological, and hydrologic Outstandingly Remarkable Values, more extensive resource protection measures could be needed to direct visitor use away from sensitive resources. Examples could include boardwalks adjacent to meadows or fencing to prevent trampling and overuse. By encouraging higher levels of visitor use in the Day Use zone, adjacent Open Space and Discovery zones would experience the desired lower levels of visitor use for these areas. Some Day Use areas also protect historic resources, such as continued use of the Wawona Golf Course.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Attraction zone would be applied to main park features that attract large numbers of visitors, such as viewing areas for Bridalveil Fall. Due to the large number of visitors, this zone would be managed with moderate tolerance for resource degradation in specified areas, not to exceed established standards. The visitor experience in this zone would be highly structured, with well-marked and often paved trails or other trails to guide visitors, which would contribute to the diversity of experiences in the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value. Visitors could expect a high level of encounters with other visitors in these moderately to very busy areas. Attraction areas could be accessible by automobile, shuttle bus, bicycle, and/or trail.

To accommodate high levels of visitor use, substantial facilities such as restrooms, parking lots, bus access and parking, and picnic tables could be provided at the entry point of the attraction area or another appropriate site. Facilities would be concentrated within the attraction area to minimize the extent of development and impacts. As a result, many areas within an Attraction zone would have a well-used trail, but minimal developed uses away from the entry "hub" or access point. Trails could be paved, fenced, and well signed to reduce potential resource impacts. Visitor use in sensitive areas would be formalized and concentrated to avoid resource damage.

By encouraging higher levels of visitor use in the Attraction zone, adjacent Open Space and Discovery zones would experience the desired lower levels of visitor use for these areas. This zone also would ensure that visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the park’s most popular features, some of which are designated scenic, recreational, or cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values (e.g., views of granite domes, Wawona Covered Bridge).

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

Carefully designed and located facilities are needed to meet the diverse needs of the many people who visit Yosemite National Park each year. The use of limited Developed zones provides sites for the facilities that enable the park to support its year-round visitor and employee populations and serve the needs of visitors. These include lodging, utilities, housing, and transportation facilities. Most of the developed zones are located in areas that are currently, or that were previously, altered by development.

The purpose of the Developed zones is to direct high-impact activities and facilities to areas better able to withstand heavy use and/or already developed locations in order to further protect and enhance the hydrologic, biological, geologic, cultural, scenic, scientific, and recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Values in other parts of the corridor. The facilities allowed for in the Developed zones, such as campsites, lodging, day-visitor parking, and operational facilities, are necessary to properly manage park visitors, many of whom are coming to experience the scenic, recreational, and other Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced Wild and Scenic River.

While these zones could absorb the most concentrated visitor and administrative use, resource impacts would be minimized through design and siting of facilities, and the application of mitigation and restoration measures. These measures could include temporary or permanent fencing to reduce or exclude use in sensitive resources, revegetation with native species, and/or the prevention of the establishment of non-native species. Visitor use would be managed to reduce the potential impacts of concentrated use.

The Camping zone would provide visitors with opportunities for both vehicle-access camping and walk-in camping. Vehicle-access camping areas would include campsites with adjacent parking, providing convenient access to various facilities. Support facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms would be provided at camping areas. The Camping zone primarily supports the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values by ensuring access to diverse recreational activities near the Merced River. Most areas designated as Camping zones have been previously developed, including historic resources such as Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), which would be preserved under this zone. By concentrating relatively high-impact development to localized areas, this zone helps to protect and enhance natural and cultural resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values in the zone as a whole and in other parts of the river corridor.

Walk-in camping would provide an opportunity for visitors to camp away from vehicles, but retain access to facilities such as restrooms, water, and picnic tables. Campsites would be accessed by relatively short and well-marked trails with directional and informational signs. In walk-in camping areas, visitors would have the opportunity to engage more directly with the natural environment of the Merced River corridor without the visual impacts of entry roads, parking lots, vehicles, or other major facilities.

While the Camping zone would allow for both vehicle-access and walk-in camping, the less-intensive walk-in camping would be directed to more sensitive areas (e.g., North Pines), while vehicle-access camping would be directed to areas better able to withstand heavy use (e.g., Upper Pines). In both vehicle-access and walk-in camping areas, visitor encounters would be moderate to high in the relatively dense clusters of campsites. The Camping zone would be managed with moderate to high tolerance for resource impacts in localized areas. While a certain level of hardening for parking sites and trampling by campers is expected, use would be directed away from sensitive areas. River access would be provided via marked and potentially hardened trails to direct visitors to areas better able to withstand heavy use, such as annually (or regularly) flooded deposition bars.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Visitor Base and Lodging zone includes areas developed for visitor overnight use as well as support facilities and services such as orientation facilities, eating establishments, gift shops, and equipment rental. Most areas designated as Visitor Base and Lodging zones have been previously developed, including historic resources such as The Ahwahnee, Wawona Hotel, and LeConte Memorial Lodge, which would be preserved under this zone. The visitor could expect a bustling atmosphere in these areas, with high incidence of visitor encounters during peak-use times. Facilities and lodging areas would be easily accessible by shuttle bus, automobile, trail, and bicycle.

With its relatively intense level of development, a higher degree of resource impacts may be tolerated in localized areas within the Visitor Base and Lodging zone. Future projects in this zone would be designed to minimize the footprint of developed areas and to protect and restore adjacent natural and cultural resources. River access would be provided via marked and potentially hardened trails to direct visitors to areas most able to withstand heavy use, such as annually (or regularly) flooded deposition bars. Structures such as fences, boardwalks, or walls could be provided to reduce impacts on riparian areas from casual river access generated by nearby lodging facilities.

The Visitor Base and Lodging zone primarily supports the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values by providing for visitor uses, facilitated by development such as visitor centers, museums, and lodging, which enable visitors to access the park and learn about its natural and cultural resources. Additionally, by concentrating relatively high-impact development to localized areas, this zone would help to protect and enhance natural and cultural resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values in the zone as a whole and in other parts of the river corridor.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The limited use of the Park Operations and Administration zone would provide locations for facilities that support the efficient functioning of the park. Many areas designated as 3C have been previously developed, including historic resources such as the Chapel in Yosemite Valley, which would be preserved under this zone. The 3C zone would also provide opportunities for the management of private vehicles and public transit in the park, as well as interpretive centers that help visitors learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources. Visitor use and experience of these zones would be limited. These areas would likely be relatively busy, with heavy impacts from vehicles, and would be managed with a high tolerance for resource impacts in localized areas. New facilities would use sustainable design and construction principles to protect adjacent natural and cultural resources, and would be subject to the criteria and considerations (see the beginning of this chapter).

The Park Operations and Administration zone would primarily support access to the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Merced River by providing space for necessary park operations purposes as well as for day-visitor parking. Additionally, by concentrating relatively high-impact development in localized areas, this zone would help to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources in the zone as a whole and in other parts of the river corridor.

The following are examples of facilities that would not be allowed in this zone:

The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) framework is a tool developed by the National Park Service to address user capacities and is adopted by the Merced River Plan to meet the requirements of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The VERP framework protects both park resources and visitor experience from impacts associated with visitor use, and helps managers address visitor use issues. The nine elements of the VERP framework are an ongoing, interactive process of determining desired conditions, selecting and monitoring indicators and standards that reflect these desired conditions, and taking management action when the desired conditions are not being realized. VERP is a decision making framework, but does not diminish management’s role in decision making; in fact, management would have to make crucial decisions in determining desired conditions, choosing appropriate management action, and assessing occasional overlap between protecting park resources and providing for visitor experiences. For the purposes of this plan, the VERP framework would be used as a form of adaptive management. Where uncertainty exists about impacts associated with visitor use, knowledge and understanding of visitor use issues would improve and evolve over time, and management actions would adapt accordingly. Continual hypothesis testing, data collection, and data analysis would likely result in refinement of desired conditions and, accordingly, refinement of indicators and standards. The implementation of the VERP framework for the Merced Wild and Scenic River corridor would focus on protecting the Outstandingly Remarkable Values and would dovetail with future implementation of the VERP framework outside the river corridor.

The VERP framework consists of nine elements, four of which are key: (1) determination of desired conditions, which are part of the management zone prescriptions; (2) selection of indicators and standards that reflect the desired conditions; (3) monitoring of the indicators and standards; and (4) implementation of management action when the desired conditions are violated or when conditions are deteriorating and preventive measures are available. Together, these elements would help park managers make decisions about visitor use and resource protection.

The VERP framework relies on the concept of desired conditions, which are contained in the management zone prescriptions and identify how different areas in the river corridor would be managed. Each management zone prescribes a set of desired resource conditions, desired visitor experiences, and types and levels of uses. The Merced River Plan management zoning is designed to protect and enhance the Outstandingly Remarkable Values and free-flowing condition of the Merced River. Desired conditions would focus on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values and guide the protection and enhancement of those Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and could be refined over time as knowledge and understanding of conditions and issues improve.

A major premise of VERP is that desired conditions, which are qualitative in nature, can be translated into measurable indicators and standards. Indicators and standards reflect desired conditions and enable park management to determine whether or not desired conditions are being realized. "Indicators" which are measurable variables, are determined first; "standards" are the acceptable measurements (i.e., values) for that indicator. Specific indicators and standards would be developed for desired conditions for each combination of management zone and ecological type. Resource indicators measure impacts from visitor use to the cultural, biological, and/or physical resources. Social indicators measure impacts to the visitor experience caused by interactions with other visitors. Indicators should be specific, objective, reliable, related, responsive, nondestructive, sensitive to visitor use, and should address Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Standards should be quantitative, measurable, and feasible.

Detailed monitoring protocols would be developed for each standard to ensure accurate, valid data. Monitoring would begin as soon as a standard is selected and a monitoring protocol is developed.

If monitoring revealed that a standard associated with a indicator were being violated, then desired conditions would not be realized and management action would be initiated. Management action could determine that the violation of the standard was caused by natural variation and that the standard needed to be adjusted or a new indicator and standard selected to better reflect desired conditions. Actions to manage or limit visitor use would be implemented when the standard was violated due to impacts associated with visitor use.

Yosemite National Park began development of the parkwide VERP framework in 1998 and continues to develop desired conditions, indicators, standards, and monitoring protocols. The VERP framework outlined herein for the Merced River corridor will be developed and implemented within five years after the final Record of Decision on the Merced River Plan and would dovetail with the larger, parkwide VERP program.