Chapter V. Environmental Effects

Methods Used to Assess Effects

Assumptions

• The greater the size of a biotic community and the stronger its links to neighboring communities, the more valuable it is to the integrity and maintenance of biotic processes that sustain special-status species. Development limits the size of a community and fragments and disassociates communities from each other.
• The more developed areas become, the less valuable they are as habitat for special-status species. New development would increase human presence and increase the potential for soil, wildlife, and vegetation disturbance. The potential for negative wildlife interactions (such as human injury from wildlife and the introduction of unnatural food sources) also would increase. If development were removed from an area, the value of the habitat for special-status species would increase. In some cases, the dispersal of visitors over a wider area that may follow removal of developed facilities may well have a greater impact than focused visitor use within the well-defined area of development. Human effects can also improve habitat quality for non-native species and unnaturally increase the abundance of some native species, both of which can have an adverse effect on special-status species.
• The presence of humans and the effects of human food on the behavior, distribution, and abundance of wildlife species would continue in existing developments.
• Roads can change water inflow and outflow patterns and may dewater sections of meadow or wetland habitat (USFS 1996). Roads can also cause mortality of wildlife and may form barriers and fragment wildlife habitat.
• Development and effects in riparian zones may influence critical water quality elements such as temperature, suspended sediments, and nutrients. These elements interact in complex ways in aquatic systems and directly and indirectly influence patterns of growth, reproduction, and migration of aquatic organisms.
• Development that has an adverse effect on habitat features that are important to certain special-status species (e.g., particular plant species upon which a species relies, or habitat features that define suitable habitat for a species) can have an acute, negative effect on those species.
• Radiating effects of human use can affect use of habitats adjacent to developed areas by special-status species, even though such habitats are not directly affected by the development.
• Implementation of threatened or endangered species recovery plans and other formal agreements between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service would not be affected by the management direction resulting from the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. The current management direction for special-status species would continue to remain in effect.

Special-Status Plants

The assessment of effects on special-status plants was based on the following:

• The sensitivity of the individual species to effects (based on the rarity, resilience, size of population, and extent of the species throughout the park)
• The location of the species in relation to the Preferred Alternative

Special-Status Wildlife

The assessment of effects on special-status wildlife was based on the following:

• The possibility of a species or its preferred habitat occurring in those areas expected to be affected
• The direct loss of habitat
• The partial loss of habitat from its modification
• The species’ sensitivity to disturbance from human activities that may alter use of habitats in areas adjacent to development

Habitat fragmentation was also a critical component of the analysis. Restored blocks of habitat should be large enough to support viable populations, and intact habitat must not be reduced or affected to the point that it will no longer support viable populations.

Impact Analysis

Actions proposed in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS were evaluated in terms of the context, intensity, and duration of the effects, as defined below, and whether the effects were considered to be beneficial or adverse to the natural environment. Generally, the methodology for natural resource impact assessment follows direction provided in the Council of Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 1508.27.

Context. Certain effects of actions under the Preferred Alternative are dependent upon the setting in which they occur. For instance, actions that could reduce connectivity between habitat types could be minor if such connections are abundant in a given region; they would be moderate or major if they are not. The context of the impact determines whether the impact would be local or regional.

Intensity. The intensity and magnitude of effects are described as negligible, minor, moderate, or major. These designations are used to describe both beneficial and adverse effects. Both short- and long-term effects are relevant to the analysis.

• Negligible effects are imperceptible or not detectable.
• Minor effects are those that are slightly detectable, localized within a relatively small area, and would not effect the overall viability of the species. Without further effects, negative effects would be reversed and the species would recover.
• Moderate effects are those that are sufficient to cause a change in species in terms of abundance, distribution, or habitat quality or quantity, but the change would remain localized. Moderate effects are readily apparent and have the potential to become major effects.
• Major effects are substantial, highly noticeable, and can be permanent.

Impact Duration. The expected duration of effects is described as long term or short term.

• Short-term effects would occur over a period of less than 20 years.
• Long-term effects would occur over a period of 20 years or longer.

Cumulative Analysis

The cumulative analysis in this Biological Assessment is based on the cumulative projects identified in Appendix H of the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. These projects were included in the cumulative analysis process based on observations of natural boundaries, the recognition of potential ecological relationships to Yosemite National Park, and with a general understanding of the common issues to be addressed in the impact analysis.

Federal Endangered Species

Wildlife

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Direct and Indirect Effects

There would be no direct effects on the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep or its preferred habitat.

Habitat for the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep in the Tioga Pass area is located in steep terrain that is relatively inaccessible to casual visitors. Though there would be increased visitor use at Tioga Pass, it is not likely that visitors would often traverse areas used by the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Therefore, there would be negligible effects on the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Federal Threatened Species

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Bald eagles are rarely seen within Yosemite and are not known to nest in the park. However, riparian and meadow areas of Yosemite Valley, Foresta, El Portal, and Wawona may provide foraging habitat for transient eagles. Actions proposed in this plan, such as restoration of at least 135 acres of meadow and riparian habitat and implementation of the River Protection Overlay, would have a moderate, beneficial impact on potential foraging habitat for the bald eagle. Upland habitats are not the primary habitats used by the bald eagle, and the size of the proposed new developments in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta are relatively small in relation to the range of the bald eagle. Therefore, development and fragmentation in upland habitats would have negligible effects on this species. There would be a relatively large amount of restoration of meadow and riparian habitat in relation to development in upland habitats; therefore, the Preferred Alternative would have an overall long-term, minor, beneficial effect on the bald eagle.

Cumulative Effects

Projects associated with the Merced River, such as the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) could adversely affect habitat that is used by transient bald eagles. The River Protection Overlay prescribed in the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) has the potential to benefit eagles by preserving and restoring riparian and meadow habitat.

The overall cumulative effects on the bald eagle would be minor and beneficial because the River Protection Overlay prescribed in the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprenhensive Management Plan/FEIS would benefit transient eagles.

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species is not found in the project area, but likely occurred there at one time. Its absence from suitable habitat in the project area is thought to be a result of habitat loss and change, acid precipitation, chemical pollution, introduced fish and other species, drought, and a combination of factors (Drost and Fellers 1996).

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow and riparian habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling at least 135 acres. Fellers (1999) states that Yosemite Valley is one of two places in the park where it might be possible to re-establish the California red-legged frog provided the non-native bullfrog population is removed. Construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center could directly impact riparian habitat. Overall, there would be a moderate gain in the size of suitable habitat for the California red-legged frog.

The Preferred Alternative would also establish the River Protection Overlay, which would offer increased protection to areas adjacent to the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona. The Preferred Alternative would maintain and restore:

• Riparian microhabitats and microclimates
• Riparian and aquatic vegetation
• Reduced sediment input levels during breeding season
• Surface and subsurface hydrologic processes
• The structural integrity of stream breeding habitats
• The connectivity of riparian habitats

The Preferred Alternative would also support the recruitment of large, woody debris into riparian areas and allow a shifting mosaic of habitats. These actions would have a moderate, beneficial impact on suitable habitat for the species. Development in areas outside of Yosemite Valley where California red-legged frogs could be present (El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta) would have a negligible effect on the species, because such development would occur in upland areas and have no effect on suitable habitat.

There would be a minor to moderate, beneficial effect on the species, due to the large area of suitable habitat that would be restored in relation to the suitable habitat that would be removed. Although California red-legged frogs are no longer present in these areas, preservation of suitable habitat would allow future reintroduction or recolonization of the species.

Cumulative Effects

Projects in the vicinity of Yosemite National Park are unlikely to affect any known existing populations of red-legged frogs. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the California red-legged frog. Overall, these actions have the potential to have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the California red-legged frog include the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); University of California, Merced Campus (Merced Co.), and the City of Merced General Plan. Environmental compliance carried out in association with these projects would result in further surveys to evaluate whether unknown populations of red-legged frogs could be affected.

Overall, cumulative impacts would be minor to moderate and beneficial, based on potential protection of red-legged frog habitat through implementation of plans that cover wide areas. Although this species is nearly extinct in the Sierra Nevada, habitat would be protected for potential reintroduction or recolonization of the species. Projects with a possible negative impact on red-legged frogs would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial effects. These projects could have a major, negative impact if they affected an unknown population of red-legged frogs, which could be among the last in the Sierra Nevada. However, site surveys would be completed in compliance with state and federal regulations to ensure that all populations are known and avoided.

Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Potential Valley elderberry longhorn beetle habitat is defined by the presence or absence of elderberry plants in areas below 3,000 feet in elevation. El Portal is the only part of the project area where potential habitat has been identified. About 124 elderberry plants of a size sufficient to support the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle occur in areas of existing or potential development in El Portal. These plants could be adversely affected by activities such as grading, removal of trailers and infrastructure, and construction of new buildings as proposed in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. However, planning and implementation would strive to avoid or mitigate such effects. Valley elderberry longhorn beetle exit holes which verify beetle activity were found in 11 elderberry plants, though beetle larvae could still be present in elderberry plants without exit holes. Plants retained in developed areas could be subject to future damage from human activities, such as unauthorized pruning and vehicles. Clearance for fire protection around newly developed sites would be accomplished through a combination of selected clearing, perimeter firebreaks (that may overlap with roads), and clearing around individual structures. Clearing would not be necessary beyond the construction boundaries identified in the plan, and therefore would not remove more elderberry plants.

There is an abundance of host plants for the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle in areas that surround proposed development sites in El Portal. Should any of the 124 elderberry plants need to be removed, there would be a minor to moderate, adverse effect on the beetle because of the abundance and wide distribution of elderberry plants outside of development zones. The National Park Service will work with the USFWS to develop mitigation procedures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate effects on the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle. The results of consultation with the USFWS will be incorporated into the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS and planning process.

Cumulative Effects

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle and its habitat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), Yosemite Motels expansion (Mariposa Co.), Mariposa Creek Pedestrian/Bike Path (Mariposa Co.), Univerisity of California, Merced campus (Merced Co.), the City of Merced General Plan, and the Merced River Canyon Trail Acquisition (BLM). These projects would have the potential to damage or destroy elderberry plants and directly affect local Valley elderberry longhorn beetle populations.

Long-term, beneficial effects would be expected from the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) because these planning efforts could lead to greater protection of elderberry plants. Overall, cumulative effects would be minor and beneficial because of potential protection of Valley elderberry longhorn beetle and its habitat through these wide-reaching regional plans. Actions with adverse impacts would potentially affect relatively small numbers of Valley elderberry longhorn beetle and small areas of habitat compared with the regional plans that would protect the beetle.

Federal Species of Concern

Wildlife

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Harlequin ducks breed along large, swift-moving mountain rivers, but are very rarely seen in Yosemite National Park. A pair was seen twice on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley in April 2000. Before these sightings, the most recent record of harlequin ducks in the park was 1980. Records show that harlequin ducks nested in Yosemite Valley at one time and were also present on the Merced River in Wawona and El Portal.

The Preferred Alternative would establish the River Protection Overlay and restore or protect about 100 acres of suitable riparian and aquatic habitat for the harlequin duck in areas adjacent to the Merced River. This would provide a minor benefit with respect to habitat for the harlequin duck.

Construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center could remove habitat suitable for harlequin ducks, which would be a minor effect because of the small size of the areas affected and the existing level of disturbance in these areas. Development in Wawona would not affect river or riparian habitats and therefore would have a negligible effect on harlequin ducks. Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial effect on the harlequin duck, because the amount of riparian habitat lost would be minor in comparison with riparian habitat that would be protected and restored along the Merced River.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the harlequin duck. The Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would restore or protect about 100 acres of suitable riparian and aquatic habitat. These actions could to have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

A foreseeable project that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the harlequin duck is the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS). There are no known populations of harlequin duck in this area. Cumulative projects are thus unlikely to affect any existing population of the harlequin ducks. Overall, there would be a minor beneficial impact on the harlequin duck, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat offered by wide-reaching regional plans.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The northern goshawk is typically found between 5,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation in dense coniferous forests broken by meadows and other openings. Possible development of a parking/transit center and access road at Hazel Green would directly displace an area of forested habitat, possibly affecting the local population of northern goshawks. However, the area is small and surrounded by large areas of suitable goshawk habitat, and a portion has already been affected by previous operations.

New development that is proposed at the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station, the South Entrance Station, and Tioga Pass would cause negligible effects due to the small size of the proposed development. Increased use of Badger Pass in the summer could cause a minor, adverse impact to local goshawks from increased human disturbance in the area. Goshawks are usually seen in Yosemite Valley between November and February, but such observations are rare, and no breeding has been recorded in this area. As such, proposed new development in Yosemite Valley would have a negligible effect on the park’s population of goshawks. Overall, there would be a long-term, minor, adverse impact on the northern goshawk due to the possible development in partially undisturbed upland habitat at Hazel Green.

Cumulative Effects

Projects likely to have a beneficial effect on northern goshawk habitat include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS) and the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS). Projects that could have an adverse effect on northern goshawk habitat include the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) and the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Overall, there would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial cumulative impact on the northern goshawk, primarily from the potential protection of wide areas of habitat through implementation of regional land management plans, compared to adverse effects on small, localized areas of habitat from individual projects.

California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis)

Direct and Indirect Effects

California spotted owl habitat ranges from oak and ponderosa pine forests to lower-elevation red fir forests up to 7,600 feet. Known or occupied habitat for the California spotted owl in Yosemite National Park totals approximately 142,400 acres (van Wagtendonk 2000). Forested areas with greater the 70% canopy closure are potential spotted owl nesting and roosting areas, while areas with greater than 40% closure are potential foraging areas.

The following actions would have beneficial effects on spotted owls:

• The removal of motor vehicle traffic from Northside Drive between Yosemite Lodge and El Capitan
• The removal of cabins at the Terrace in Curry Village

The following actions would have adverse effects on spotted owls:

• Construction of employee housing in El Portal at Hillside East and West and parking in El Portal
• Construction of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green
• New construction at the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and South Entrance
• Rerouting of roads from meadows into upland habitats
• Development of housing in Wawona

There would be losses and gains in the quantity and quality of spotted owl habitat in Yosemite National Park. The removal of motorized traffic from Northside Drive is expected to have the most far-reaching beneficial effects, because disturbance from vehicles most likely extends far beyond the dimensions of the road. Recent surveys indicate that no developments under the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would directly affect spotted owl nesting or roosting areas, but could affect some foraging habitat at South Entrance, Badger Pass, Yosemite Valley, Hazel Green, and Big Oak Flat Entrance. Overall, the actions listed above would have a negligible to minor, beneficial effect on California spotted owls; the area of potential habitat benefit in Yosemite Valley is large, but the beneficial impact would be offset by individual, localized, minor, adverse effects on foraging habitat from various new developments in the park.

Cumulative Effects

Declines of the California spotted owl in the Sierra Nevada have been linked to degradation of its forest habitats from logging, which affects the size of forested tracts as well as tree density and age. Projects likely to have a beneficial effect on spotted owl habitat, through long-term habitat improvements, include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Orange Crush Fuels Treatment Projects (USFS, Stanislaus), A-Rock Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), Rogge-Ackerson Fire Reforestation (Tuolumne Co.), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus). Projects with potentially adverse effects include the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne).

Overall, the cumulative impacts on this species would be moderate and beneficial due primarily to regional plans that would either protect large areas of owl habitat or hasten a return of forested habitat that is more suitable for spotted owls. Projects with negative impacts would affect relatively small areas of local California spotted owl habitat, but would not have far-reaching impacts.

Mount Lyell shrew (Sorex lyelli)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Mount Lyell shrew is found only in California, in a few locations in the vicinity of Mt. Lyell within or near the park (Ingles 1965). Only five individuals have been reported, all prior to 1924.

Any future parking facilities at Tioga Pass could have an adverse effect on habitat for the Mount Lyell shrew. The extent of habitat loss at this time is uncertain. Additional evaluation and compliance would be required to address potential effects on the Mount Lyell shrew.

Increased human use at Tioga Pass could increase foot traffic in meadows and vehicle-polluted runoff from paved areas. Under the Preferred Alternative, human use would be restricted from meadow areas, and parking area runoff would be collected for treatment. This would result in negligible, adverse effects on the Mount Lyell shrew from increased human use.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell shrew. These regional plans would have a long-term, minor, beneficial effect on suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell shrew.

Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species forages in a wide variety of suitable habitats in the park, such as Yosemite Valley, where there are rock crevices in high cliffs and canyons, areas of standing water, and healthy populations of moths and other flying insects. Crevices in rockfaces are used for roosting and reproduction.

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging habitat for spotted bats over a wide area of Yosemite Valley, where the species has been found in relatively high density.

New construction would take place in spotted bat foraging habitat at the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, new stables in Foresta, and campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and along Tenaya Creek. Potential foraging habitat could also be directly affected by construction of a transit and parking facility at Hazel Green. Alternatively, if parking is developed in Foresta, foraging habitat of spotted bats in this location could be affected, causing minor adverse effects.

Development of housing and parking in El Portal and housing in Wawona could result in a loss of spotted bat foraging habitat. Minor expansion of facilities at Big Oak Flat Entrance, South Entrance, and Tioga Pass could cause disturbance of small areas of potential habitat adjacent to existing development. Because use of Badger Pass for parking would not result in additional habitat disturbance, this action would have a negligible effect. These effects, in total, would be minor and adverse because of the limited area of impact, the existing human disturbance in the area, and the large area of suitable, unaffected habitat that would continue to exist in surrounding areas.

The Preferred Alternative would not impact rockface habitat in the park. Therefore, roosting and breeding habitat would not be affected.

Data collected in 1993 (Pierson and Rainey) suggest that the spotted bat forages primarily in meadow and wetland habitats. There would be localized, minor, direct, adverse effects on bat foraging habitat from new development in upland habitats, which is less favored by spotted bats. Overall, the Preferred Alternative would have a moderate, beneficial impact on the spotted bat, because a large tract of meadow and riparian habitat would be restored in relation to upland habitat that would be removed.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the spotted bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the spotted bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), which would be expected to have a minor, adverse effect on spotted bats, based upon their limited areas of effect. In total, there would be a moderate, beneficial impact on the spotted bat, due primarily to the protection of suitable habitat that could occur under wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the spotted bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Small-footed myotis bat (Myotis ciliolabrum)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The small-footed myotis bat is primarily found in wooded and brushy habitats up to about 8,800 feet in elevation near water.

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging habitat for the small-footed myotis bat, although this species also forages in forest habitats.

Actions that could have an adverse effect on forest habitat include new campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and north of Tenaya Creek, as would construction of employee housing near Huff House at Curry Village. The widening of Southside Drive and a parallel pedestrian/bicycle path and the establishment of a traffic check station at El Capitan crossover could result in removal of trees from small areas. Development of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green, and parking and housing at El Portal and possible minor expansion of facilities at South Entrance and Big Oak Flat Entrance would result in removal of some forested habitat. If parking is established in Foresta instead of Hazel Green, a similar amount of foraging habitat would be affected in this location. In either area, development would require hazard tree mitigation, which could affect some bat roost sites, causing minor, adverse effects.

In total, the impact of these actions on small-footed myotis bats is expected to be minor and adverse, due to restoration of large areas of foraging habitat in Yosemite Valley, offset by localized adverse effects on forest habitats in the Valley and out-of-Valley areas from development.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station), the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the small-footed myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the small-footed myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). These projects would primarily affect forest habitat, except for the El Portal Road project, which affects mostly riparian areas.

In total, cumulative impacts on the small-footed myotis bat would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on implementation of large-scale regional land management plans that could protect wide areas of habitat, compared to the small areas of adverse effects from individual projects.

Long-eared myotis bat (Myotis evotis)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The long-eared myotis bat is found primarily in forested habitat, especially coniferous, where it forages among trees and over shrubs and water, especially favoring riparian edges. Long-eared myotis bats tend to roost in snags and lightning-scarred trees and are especially dependent upon oaks for roost sites.

Therefore, actions that affect forest habitats are most likely to affect this species. Adverse effects could result from the development of new campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and north of Tenaya Creek. The widening of Southside Drive and a parallel foot/bike path and the establishment of a traffic check station at El Capitan crossover could result in removal of trees from small areas. Development of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green, parking and housing at El Portal, and possible minor expansion of facilities at South Entrance and Big Oak Flat Entrance would result in removal of some forested habitat. If parking is established at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, a similar amount of foraging habitat would be affected in this location. In either area, development would require hazard tree mitigation, which could affect some bat roost sites and cause minor, adverse effects. Development of employee housing near Huff House at Curry Village is likely to result in the removal of trees, including some oaks.

Restoration of approximately 160 acres of black oak, riparian, and meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley would beneficially affect long-eared myotis, especially where oak roosting habitat and riparian foraging habitat are restored.

In total, effects under the Preferred Alternative would be minor and beneficial, due to restoration of large areas of highly suitable roosting and foraging habitat, offset by scattered new development in forest habitats, where large areas of suitable habitat adjacent to project areas would remain undisturbed.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the long-eared myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the long-eared myotis bat include the the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). These projects would primarily affect forest habitat, except for the El Portal Road project, which affects mostly riparian areas.

In total, cumulative impact on the long-eared myotis bat would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on implementation of large-scale regional land management plans that could protect wide areas of habitat, compared the small areas of adverse effects caused by individual projects.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial cumulative impact on long-eared myotis bats. This is based on the potential protection of suitable habitat resulting from implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the long-eared myotis bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Fringed myotis bat (Myotis thysanodes)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The fringed myotis bat is found in the Sierra Nevada in deciduous/mixed conifer habitats up to at least 6,400 feet in elevation. Foraging occurs over a variety of habitats, but the fringed myotis bat prefers forest edges and canopies. Fringed myotis bats roost in caves, mines, buildings, and trees.

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging and roosting habitat for the fringed myotis bat.

New construction would take place in fringed myotis bat habitat at the parking site at the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover (if necessary), new stables in Foresta, and campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and along Tenaya Creek. Most of this construction would take place in upland habitats. Southside Drive would be widened from El Capitan crossover to Curry Village. This would directly displace habitat and increase the need for hazard tree reduction, slightly reducing the availability of trees for roosting and reproduction. These actions would have minor, direct, adverse effects on primarily upland habitat.

Development of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green, parking and housing at El Portal, and possible minor expansion of facilities at South Entrance and Big Oak Flat Entrance would result in removal of some forested habitat, although development in these areas already displaces a substantial area of potential habitat. The development of employee housing in Wawona would also affect forest habitat.

Overall, the Preferred Alternative would have a minor, beneficial impact on the fringed myotis bat, because a large area of bat foraging habitat would be restored in relation to the upland habitat displaced by new construction. If parking is established at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, a similar amount of foraging habitat would be affected in this location. In either area, development would require hazard tree mitigation, which could affect some bat roost sites and cause minor, adverse effects.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green eco-tourism project (guest rooms, food services, University of California Research Station), the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration, Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Yosemite National Park Fire Management Plan Update, and the Merced River Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the fringed myotis bat. These actions have the potential to have long-term moderate to major beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation, and the extent of their implementation over time.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for fringed myotis bats include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). These projects would primarily affect forest habitat, except for the El Portal Road project, which affects mostly riparian areas.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial cumulative impact on the fringed myotis bat. This is based on the potential protection of suitable habitat resulting from wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the fringed myotis bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Long-legged myotis bat (Myotis volans)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species is found up to high elevations in the Sierra Nevada in montane coniferous habitats. It forages over water, close to trees and cliffs, and in forest openings such as meadows. It roosts primarily in large-diameter snags.

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging and roosting habitat for the long-legged myotis bat.

New construction would take place in suitable habitat for the long-legged myotis bat at the parking site at the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, new stables in Foresta, and campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and along Tenaya Creek. Most of this construction would take place in upland habitats. Southside Drive would be widened from El Capitan crossover to Curry Village. This would directly displace habitat and increase the need for hazard tree reduction, slightly reducing the availability of trees for roosting and reproduction. Development of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green, parking and housing at El Portal, and housing at Wawona would affect areas of forest habitat. Possible minor expansion of facilities at South Entrance, Big Oak Flat Entrance, and Tioga Pass would likely result in removal of small areas of forest habitat. If parking is established at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, a similar amount of foraging habitat would be affected in this location. In either area, development would require hazard tree mitigation, which could affect some bat roost sites and cause minor, adverse effects.

Overall, the Preferred Alternative would have a minor, beneficial impact on the long-legged myotis bat from restoration of a large area of potential bat foraging habitat in relation to the new construction that would displace primarily upland habitat.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the long-legged myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the long-legged myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). These projects would primarily affect forest habitat, except for the El Portal Road project, which affects mostly riparian areas.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial cumulative impact on the long-legged myotis bat due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat through implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the spotted bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Yuma myotis bat (Myotis yumanensis)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Yuma myotis bat is found in a variety of habitats in the Sierra Nevada, but appears to prefer forested areas near open water, where it feeds primarily on emergent aquatic insects.

The Preferred Alternative would restore large areas of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. Restoration of natural river and meadow hydrology would improve quality of foraging habitat for the Yuma myotis bat.

New development that would occur in suitable habitat for the Yuma myotis bat includes the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, and campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and north of Tenaya Creek. Development of parking and housing at El Portal, and housing at Wawona and at Huff House near Curry Village could affect Yuma myotis habitat, because these areas are relatively close to water. Other out-of-Valley areas of potential development, such as a transit center and parking at Hazel Green, possible minor expansion of facilities at South Entrance and Big Oak Flat Entrance, and development of stables at Foresta, would be expected to have minimal effect on Yuma myotis bats, because the preferred foraging habitat over open water does not occur near these sites. Likewise, development of parking at Foresta instead of Hazel Green would affect some upland habitat, but not preferred foraging habitat of Yuma myotis bats. In either area, development would require hazard tree mitigation, which could affect some bat roost sites, which would be a minor, adverse effect.

The Yuma myotis is a bat species that commonly uses buildings and bridges for roosting, maternity colonies, and hibernation. Actions that would remove these structures could therefore have a detrimental effect on the species. The buildings and three bridges that would be removed in Yosemite Valley would be surveyed for bats prior to their deconstruction. Should bats be found, deconstruction would not occur during reproduction or hibernation, and bats would be excluded from these structures prior to deconstruction. This would minimize the impact on Yuma myotis bats from these actions.

In total, the Preferred Alternative would have a moderate, beneficial effect on Yuma myotis bats, due primarily to the restoration of large areas of foraging habitat, which is sparse in comparison to the forested habitat that would be adversely affected, but is more abundant.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Yuma myotis bat. These actions have the potential to have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the Yuma myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). These projects would primarily affect forest habitat, except for the El Portal Road project, which affects mostly riparian areas.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial cumulative impact on the Yuma myotis bat due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat from implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on Yuma myotis bats would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Greater western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The greater western mastiff bat forages in a variety of suitable habitats in the park where there are rock crevices in cliff faces for roosting and healthy populations of flying insects in adjacent habitats. Trees are also occasionally used for roosting. The greater western mastiff bat is detected most often over meadows and other open areas, but will also feed above the forest canopy.

The Preferred Alternative would restore large areas of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging habitat for the greater western mastiff bat. This restoration would also reduce the need for hazard tree removal in the area, which would improve the availability of roosting sites.

New construction would take place in suitable foraging habitat for the greater western mastiff bat at the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, new stables in Foresta, and campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and along Tenaya Creek. Most of this construction would take place in upland habitats. Southside Drive would be widened from El Capitan crossover to Curry Village. This would directly displace habitat and increase the need for hazard tree reduction, slightly reducing the availability of trees for roosting and reproduction. These actions would have a minor, direct, adverse effect on bat foraging habitat in upland habitats.

Under this alternative, potential habitat would also be directly impacted by construction of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green. This would be a minor, adverse impact because of the limited area involved, the existing human disturbance in the area, and the large area of suitable, unaffected habitat that would continue to exist in surrounding areas. If parking is established at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, a similar amount of foraging habitat would be affected in this location. In either area, development would require hazard tree mitigation, which could affect some bat roost sites; this would be a negligible, adverse effect, since trees are not the preferred roost sites of mastiff bats.

Development of new housing and parking in El Portal and housing in Wawona could result in a loss of bat foraging habitat, causing a minor, adverse effect.

The Preferred Alternative would not affect rockface habitat in the park. Therefore, primary roosting and breeding habitat would not be affected.

Overall, the Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would have a moderate, beneficial impact on the greater western mastiff bat, because large areas of mastiff bat foraging habitat in meadows and riparian areas would be restored relative to primarily upland habitat that would be displaced.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the greater western mastiff bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the greater western mastiff bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). These projects would primarily affect forest habitat, except for the El Portal Road project which affects mostly riparian areas.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial cumulative impact on the greater western mastiff bat due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat from implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the greater western mastiff bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species is generally found between 4,500 feet and 8,000 feet (Williams 1986) in a variety of habitats. It prefers montane riparian areas with thickets of deciduous trees such as willow and alder. It also is found in young conifer stands that are interspersed with chaparral (Williams 1986; Zeiner et al. 1990).

Under this alternative, potential snowshoe hare habitat would be directly impacted by construction of parking at Hazel Green, and minor expansion of facilities at Big Oak Flat Entrance and South Entrance. This would be a minor, adverse impact because of the limited area that is impacted, the existing human disturbance in the area, and the large area of suitable habitat that would remain unaffected in surrounding areas. If parking is developed at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, a similar amount of potential habitat would be removed; but would have a negligible effect on snowshoe hares since Foresta is at the lower end of the elevation range for this species and few, if any, snowshoe hare are likely to be present.

There would be potential indirect effects on the snowshoe hares from increased human disturbance at Badger Pass. This indirect impact is expected to be minor and adverse because human use would be restricted in adjacent habitats. Overall, there would be a minor adverse impact on the Sierra Nevada showshoe hare.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for snowshoe hares. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

A foreseeable project that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for snowshoe hares includes Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). This project would primarily affect forest habitat.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial impact on snowshoe hares due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat from implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on snowshoe hares would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Increased human use at Badger Pass as a result of new parking facilities in the area would have an adverse effect on the Sierra Nevada mountain beaver through increased foot traffic in meadows and increased vehicle-polluted runoff from paved areas. Under the Preferred Alternative, human use would be restricted from meadow areas, and parking area runoff would be collected for treatment. This would result in long-term, minor, adverse impact on the mountain beaver.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the mountain beaver. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on suitable habitat for the mountain beaver.

Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This very rare species is typically found in upland forests above 7,000 feet, but the collection of a pair of red foxes at Big Meadow in Foresta suggests that the species may rarely occur at elevations as low as 4,500 feet. Records indicate, however, that the area around Tioga Pass offers the best habitat.

Given this distribution, the possible minor expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass has the greatest chance of affecting Sierra Nevada red foxes, although such impact would be minor because of the existing level of development and human disturbance in the area, and the expected limited area of expansion. Increased summer use of Badger Pass could affect red foxes by causing increased human disturbance in the area, but such impact would be expected to be minor, given the large area of potential habitat in the area that would remain unaffected. If the low elevation record of this species is taken as a valid reflection of its range, the transit and parking facility at Hazel Green or Foresta and minor expansion of facilities at Big Oak Flat Entrance and South Entrance could affect red foxes; however, the existing development, the expected limited area affected, and the apparent scarcity of the species at these elevations would result in minor, adverse effects.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for red foxes. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

A foreseeable project that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for red foxes includes the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). This project would primarily affect forest habitat.

Overall, there would be a minor beneficial impact on Sierra Nevada red foxes due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat with implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on red foxes would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impact.

California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Wolverines typically inhabit semi-open terrain at or above the timberline from spring through fall, and then move to lower-elevation forests in winter. They have been seen in a variety of habitats, including treeless barrens, alpine meadows, and mixed coniferous forests (Thelander et al. 1994). The most important habitat characteristic appears to be a low level of human disturbance (Thelander et al. 1994).

Tioga Pass is the only project location likely to contain wolverine habitat. Minor expansion of the existing facilities would remove a small area of potential habitat. Increased human presence in this area could cause greater disturbance, especially since wolverines avoid contact with humans. However, given the existing level of development and disturbance, and the apparent scarcity of wolverines in the Sierra Nevada, development at Tioga Pass would be expected to cause minor, adverse impact to the species.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for wolverines. These actions have the potential for long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Given the high-elevation occurrence of wolverines and their aversion to human contact, no foreseeable projects would have an effect on this species.

Cumulative effects on wolverines would be minor and beneficial due to the potential for protection of habitat through implementation of wide-ranging land management plans.

American pine marten (Martes americana)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The American pine marten is dependent upon dense, complex coniferous forests with large trees and snags. A habitat with structural complexity near the ground appears to be especially important, as it provides cover from predators, foraging areas, and thermal cover during winter. Logging and land management practices that change these forest characteristics would have the most effect on martens.

Under this alternative, a transit center and parking at Hazel Green would cause direct impacts to potential marten habitat. This would be a minor, adverse impact because of the limited area involved, the existing human disturbance in the area, and the large area of suitable, unaffected habitat that would continue to exist in surrounding areas. If parking is developed at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, the resulting effect on martens would be negligible; habitat for martens at Foresta is marginal, because of its relatively low elevation and open canopy from the 1990 A-Rock Fire.

New development in Yosemite Valley would occur primarily in upland, forested habitat, which could have an adverse effect on martens. Such development, however, would occur primarily in east Yosemite Valley, where prior development would continue to affect habitat quality. In west Yosemite Valley, habitats would remain relatively unaffected, and removal of vehicle traffic from Northside Drive between Yosemite Lodge and El Capitan crossover would improve a broad swath of potential marten habitat. However, martens are quite rare in Yosemite Valley, probably because the Valley is much lower in elevation than prime marten habitat. As a result, changes in potential marten habitat in Yosemite Valley (beneficial and adverse) are expected to have a negligible effect on the species in that location.

Minor expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass, Big Oak Flat Entrance Station, and South Entrance would affect small areas of forest habitat and increase human presence in these areas. Increased use of Badger Pass for parking in summer would likewise increase human disturbance in the area. These effects are expected to be minor and adverse because of the limited areas that would be affected, and because human use would be controlled in adjacent habitats.

Overall, impact to marten under the Preferred Alternative would be minor and adverse due to development in various areas outside of Yosemite Valley.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, Orange Crush Fuels Treatment Projects (USFS, Stanislaus), A-Rock Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), Rogge-Ackerson Fire Reforestation (Tuolumne Co.), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus) could benefit the martens by preserving forest habitat and hastening the post-fire regrowth of forests.

The Evergreen Lodge Expansion Project is likely to have an adverse effect on marten habitat. However, this project would affect relatively small areas of forest.

Overall, the cumulative impact would be moderate and beneficial as a result of regional plans and projects that could protect and hasten regrowth of forest habitats over wide areas of the Sierra Nevada.

Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Fisher habitat is primarily conifer and mixed conifer forests. Development of a transit and parking facility at Hazel Green would have a minor, adverse effect on fishers, because previous fire and logging have affected the quality of forest habitats in this area. If parking is developed at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, the resulting effect on fishers would be negligible, since a severe fire in 1990 destroyed nearly all forest habitat in Foresta. Because roadway accidents are a major cause of unnatural fisher mortality, a parking facility at Hazel Green could minimize such mortality by reducing the amount of traffic between this location and Yosemite Valley. The area around Crane Flat has been identified as prime fisher habitat (Chow 2000). There would be direct and indirect effects on fishers from minor expansion of facilities at Big Oak Flat Entrance and South Entrance, and from the increased human presence around these areas. Increased summer use of Badger Pass for parking would likewise increase human disturbance in that area. These effects are expected to be minor and adverse because of the limited area of forest habitat involved, and because human use would be controlled in adjacent habitats.

Although fishers are very rare at lower elevations, records indicate that the species could also occur in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Foresta. In Yosemite Valley, projects that could adversely affect forest habitats could cause impacts to fishers. Such projects include the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover; campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and north of Tenaya Creek; and relocation of roads out of meadows. These projects would cause minor, adverse effects. However, removal of traffic from Northside Drive, from Yosemite Lodge to El Capitan crossover, could provide minor benefit to fishers by reducing disturbance and the chance of roadway accidents. Development of employee housing at Wawona would affect forest habitat and cause minor, adverse effects on fishers.

Overall, impacts on fishers under the Preferred Alternative would be minor to moderate and adverse.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, Orange Crush Fuels Treatment Projects (USFS, Stanislaus), A-Rock Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), Rogge-Ackerson Fire Reforestation (Tuolumne Co.), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus) could provide benefits to the fisher.

The Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.) project is likely to have an adverse effect on fisher habitat.

Overall, the cumulative impact would be moderate and beneficial as a result of regional plans and projects that could protect and hasten regrowth of forest habitats over wide areas of the Sierra Nevada. Reforestation projects could hasten the return of forest habitats that are more favorable to the fisher. In comparison, projects with the potential for adverse impacts on martens would affect relatively small areas of forest.

Limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

El Portal falls within the elevation range and habitat type of the limestone salamander, but the nearest documented occurrence of this species is approximately 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park, near Briceburg. The limestone substrate that is characteristic of the habitat of limestone salamanders is scarce in El Portal and would be avoided in development sites. Effects on this species would therefore be negligible.

Cumulative Effects

This species is found in a highly restricted and well-defined range near Briceburg, Mariposa County. Its habitat is protected by the 120-acre Limestone Salamander Ecological Reserve and the Bureau of Land Management’s 1,600-acre Limestone Salamander Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Future proposed projects are not likely to impact habitat for the limestone salamander; therefore, cumulative effects on the limestone salamander would be negligible.

Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Mount Lyell salamander is found in wet habitats above 4,000 feet and is associated with granite slabs and boulders at the edge of talus slopes (Stebbins 1985). New development proposed in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS is not expected to take place in suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell salamander. Removal of housing from the Terrace at Curry Village could have a minor, beneficial effect on potential habitat for the species. Although records are lacking for the occurrence of Mount Lyell salamanders at Tioga Pass, suitable rocky habitat appears to occur on the surrounding ridges and mountains. The limited size of any further development at Tioga Pass, and its distance from likely Mount Lyell salamander habitat, indicate that effects on this species would be negligible

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell salamander. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. No foreseeable projects are expected to have an adverse effect on Mount Lyell salamanders.

Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Any future new parking facilities at Tioga Pass could have an adverse effect on Yosemite toads through a direct loss of habitat. The extent of habitat loss at this time is uncertain, but in the event of development at Tioga Pass additional evaluation and compliance would be required to address potential effects on the Yosemite toad.

Increased human use at Tioga Pass could increase foot traffic in meadows and vehicle-polluted runoff from paved areas. Under the Preferred Alternative, human use would be controlled in meadow areas, and parking area runoff would be collected for treatment. This would result in negligible effects on the Yosemite toad at Tioga Pass. Surveys at Badger Pass did not detect Yosemite toads, but the species occurs in nearby meadows. It is possible that activities associated with winter use of the ski area (e.g., movement and compaction of snow) have reduced habitat quality at Badger Pass for Yosemite toads. The lack of detections at this location, combined with control of human use and polluted runoff, would result in negligible effects on Yosemite toads.

The Yosemite toad is regarded as a high-elevation species. There is a single historic record of this species in Yosemite Valley that places it approximately 2,500 feet below its usual range. It is unlikely that this record reflects the sustainable range of Yosemite toads. Meadow restoration in Yosemite Valley would have a negligible benefit to Yosemite toads.

Overall, effect of the Preferred Alternative on Yosemite toads is expected to be negligible.

Cumulative Effects

Projects that have an appreciable effect on high-elevation meadow habitats are most likely to affect the Yosemite toad. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Yosemite toad. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen, and the extent of their implementation over time.

Projects that could have a potentially adverse effect on the Yosemite toad include the Tioga Inn, Lee Vining (Mono Co.); Highlands, June Lake (Mono Co.); and the Double Eagle Resort Construction at June Lake (Mono Co.), though the presence of the Yosemite toad in these areas is unconfirmed.

Overall, cumulative impacts would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the potential for the protection of habitat and populations that would result from implementation of regional and parkwide plans that would affect high-elevation areas. Adverse impacts would affect relatively small areas where the presence of the Yosemite toad is uncertain.

Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylei)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species has virtually disappeared from its range in the Sierra Nevada from unknown causes. However, projects that affect suitable habitat (e.g., wet meadows and rocky streams) may affect reintroduction and/or recolonization of this species. Suitable habitat for this species occurs in Yosemite Valley, Foresta, Wawona, and El Portal.

The Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow and riparian habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling at least 135 acres. This would be potential habitat for the foothill yellow-legged frog, provided that the non-native bullfrog population is removed. The Preferred Alternative would also establish the River Protection Overlay, which would offer increased protection to areas adjacent to the Merced River. These actions under the Preferred Alternative would maintain and restore riparian microhabitats and microclimates; riparian and aquatic vegetation; appropriate sediment input levels during breeding season; surface and subsurface hydrologic processes; the structural integrity of stream breeding habitats; and the connectivity of riparian habitats.

The Preferred Alternative would support the recruitment of large woody debris into riparian areas and allow a shifting mosaic of habitats. The actions under this alternative would have a moderate, beneficial impact on potential habitat for the species.

Construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center could affect riparian and meadow habitat, which could provide suitable habitat for this species. This habitat loss would be minor because of the small size of the impact area in relation to habitat that would be restored. If parking is developed at Foresta, effects on potential foothill yellow-legged frog habitat would be negligible, since such development would be confined to upland areas.

Development of housing and parking in El Portal and housing in Wawona is expected to have a negligible effect on foothill yellow-legged frogs, because the development would not occur in habitat suitable for the species. Given that the foothill yellow-legged frog is no longer known to occur within the project area, but that there would be a relatively large amount of restoration of suitable habitat, the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would have an overall minor to moderate, beneficial effect on the foothill yellow-legged frog.

Cumulative Effects

The impact on the foothill yellow-legged frog is similar to that on the California red-legged frog; because this species is virtually extinct in the Sierra Nevada, projects in its area of former occurrence would not affect any existing populations. However, projects that impact suitable habitat (e.g., wet meadows and rocky streams) may affect reintroduction and/or recolonization of this species.

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the foothill yellow-legged frog. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen, and the extent of their implementation over time. Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the foothill yellow-legged frog include the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); University of California, Merced Campus (Merced Co.); and the City of Merced General Plan.

Overall, the cumulative impact would be beneficial due to the potential for protection of foothill yellow-legged frog habitat through implementation of plans that cover wide areas of the Sierra Nevada. Intensity would be minor, as this species is almost extinct from the Sierra Nevada region, but habitat would be protected for potential reintroduction or recolonization of the species. Projects with a possible negative impact on foothill yellow-legged frogs would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts. These projects could have a major, negative impact if they affected an unknown population of foothill yellow-legged frogs, which could be among the last in the Sierra Nevada. However, site surveys would be completed in compliance with state and federal regulations to ensure that populations are known and avoided.

Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Mountain yellow-legged frog habitat occurs from 4,500 feet to over 12,000 feet in elevation in streams, lakes, and ponds in a variety of vegetation types. The species is known to occur in lakes and ponds at Tioga Pass and has been found in meadows near Badger Pass. Recent surveys at Badger Pass did not indicate the presence of mountain yellow-legged frogs in this location, although suitable habitat appears to be available.

Increased human use at Tioga Pass and Badger Pass as a result of new parking facilities in the area could have an indirect, adverse effect on the mountain yellow-legged frog through increased foot traffic in meadows and increased vehicle-polluted runoff from paved areas. Under the Preferred Alternative, human use would be restricted from meadow areas, and parking area runoff would be collected for treatment. An increase in the presence of ravens could arise from expanded human use in these areas. Ravens are known to prey on adult frogs. Thorough trash collection and maintenance of these proposed new facilities would be performed on a regular basis. Overall, there would be negligible effects on the mountain yellow-legged frog.

Cumulative Effects

The foreseeable projects that would have beneficial impact to the mountain yellow-legged frog include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus).

Overall, the cumulative impact would be long-term, moderate, and beneficial due to the amount of habitat and number of populations that would be affected by the wide-reaching regional plans.

Northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata marmorata) and Southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The increased protection that would occur under the River Protection Overlay and restoration of aquatic and riparian habitat in Yosemite Valley would generally maintain the quality of turtle habitat and enhance shading, water quality, root strength, input of large and small woody debris, and input of organic matter to the river ecosystem. These are important components of western pond turtle habitat. This would constitute a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the western pond turtle.

Construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center could directly impact existing riparian habitat. The increased human population in El Portal could result in additional foot traffic and possible trampling of habitat for this species. Because western pond turtles are also dependent upon upland areas for hibernation and nesting, actions such as increased development in El Portal, construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, and construction of new campsites could have a minor, adverse effect on this species. These habitat losses would have a minor adverse impact on western pond turtles because of the small size of the areas affected. If parking is developed in Foresta, there would be a negligible effect on western pond turtles, because such development would occur outside of the potential habitat for this species (Crane Creek).

Overall, the effect on western pond turtles would be minor and beneficial due to restoration and protection of suitable habitat in Yosemite Valley.

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects that could provide large-scale benefits to western pond turtle habitat include regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). The Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) would directly remove suitable habitat for the western pond turtle. Overall, there would be a minor beneficial effect on the western pond turtle. This benefit would largely derive from implementation of regional and parkwide planning that would protect turtle habitat.

Merced Canyon shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta allynsmithi)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species is a land snail (as opposed to aquatic); thus, development in El Portal that would remove or alter talus could potentially affect habitat quality. However, no such development in El Portal would occur to implement actions in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. Therefore, there would be no effects on likely habitat for the Merced Canyon shoulderband snail.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Merced Canyon shoulderband snail. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, though the proposed management direction has not been finalized.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial cumulative impact on the Merced Canyon shoulderband snail, due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat from wide-reaching regional plans.

Mariposa sideband snail (Monadenia hillebrandi)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The removal of housing from the Terrace at Curry Village could restore potential habitat for the Mariposa sideband snail. This would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact. There are no expected adverse effects on the Mariposa sideband snail.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Mariposa sideband snail. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, although chosen alternatives and the chronology of their implementation have yet to be finalized.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial impact on the Mariposa sideband snail due to the potential for protection of suitable habitat from wide-reaching regional plans.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix sierrana)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Sierra pygmy grasshopper has been found in El Portal. Suitable habitat for the Sierra pygmy grasshopper exists in El Portal, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona. Because this species favors riparian areas, restoration of riparian habitat and the establishment of the River Protection Overlay in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona would have a beneficial effect on suitable habitat for the grasshopper. These benefits are tempered by the loss of suitable habitat at the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center. In El Portal, suitable habitat would be displaced at Hillside East, Hillside West, Rancheria Flat, and Middle Road. Minor expansion of facilities at the South Entrance would have a negligible effect on the Sierra pygmy grasshopper, due to the expected small size of the affected area and the lack of riparian habitat in the area. The increased human population in El Portal could promote additional foot traffic and possible trampling of habitat for this species. This would be a long-term, minor, adverse effect. Overall, the Preferred Alternative could have a long-term, negligible to minor, adverse effect on suitable habitat for the Sierra pygmy grasshopper.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Sierra pygmy grasshopper. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, though the proposed management direction from these plans has not been finalized.

Wawona riffle beetle (Atractelmis wawona)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Because the Wawona riffle beetle spends most of its lifecycle in rapid streams from 2,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation, the increased protection afforded by the River Protection Overlay and restoration of riparian and aquatic habitat (about 100 acres) would protect Wawona riffle beetle habitat. These actions would generally maintain the quality of Wawona riffle beetle habitat and enhance shading, water quality, root strength of riparian vegetation, input of large and small woody debris, and input of organic matter (USFS 1994a). Construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center could have direct impacts to riparian habitat. Potential development in Wawona and El Portal is expected to have a negligible impact on Wawona riffle beetles, because riparian and river habitats would not be affected. Overall, there would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on Wawona riffle beetle habitat due to the large amount of restored habitat in relation to habitat that would be impacted.

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects that could have large-scale benefits to riffle beetle habitat include regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). The Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) would directly remove suitable habitat for the riffle beetle. Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial effect, due largely to regional and parkwide planning that would protect habitat for the riffle beetle.

Bohart’s blue butterfly (Philotiella speciosa bohartorum)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Though the presence or absence of the Bohart’s blue butterfly has not been verified in El Portal, apparently suitable habitat may be found in this location. The construction of new housing at Hillside East and West and Rancheria Flat, and the construction of parking at Middle Road could directly remove suitable habitat. The increased human population in El Portal could promote additional foot traffic and possible trampling of habitat for this species. These actions could have a long-term, minor, adverse effect on the Bohart’s blue butterfly.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Bohart’s blue butterfly. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, though the proposed management direction from these plans has not been finalized.

Plants

Tiehm’s rock cress (Arabis tiehmii)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Tiehm’s rock cress is found on granitic soils in alpine fell-fields on the slopes of Mt. Dana above Tioga Pass. There would be no direct impact on this species. Future development and increased facilities at Tioga Pass could result in indirect effects from increased visitor use. A new or expanded entrance station at Tioga Pass could encourage more day use and associated foot traffic in the area as well as increased hiking on Mt. Dana. The popular hike to the top of Mt. Dana is a cross-country path, without a formal route. Increased use on this route could have a long-term, moderate, adverse impact on Tiehm’s rock cress.

Cumulative effects

There would be no direct effects on the species as a result of potential cumulative projects. Regional and parkwide planning efforts, such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, could provide added protection to potential habitat for Tiehm’s rock cress.

Congdon’s lomatium (Lomatium congdonii)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Habitat for this species occurs in portions of the Merced River gorge and in the El Portal area. There would be no direct effects on this species. There would be negligible, indirect effects from an increased population in El Portal, as the plant is isolated on inaccessible, steep, north-facing slopes south of the river.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no direct impacts on the species as a result of potential cumulative projects.

Slender-stemmed (Hetch Hetchy) monkeyflower (Mimulus filicaulis)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This species could be directly impacted by development of a transit and parking facility at Hazel Green. Plants could also be affected by picnicking and trampling as a result of random use of sites adjacent to parking and proposed lodging. This would result in a minor, adverse impact on this species.

Cumulative Effects

There could be a minor impact on the slender-stemmed monkeyflower from the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station). Plants could also be affected by picnicking and trampling due to random use of areas adjacent to the site. This would result in a minor, adverse impact on this species.

Bolander’s clover (Trifolium bolanderi)

Direct and Indirect Effects

There would be no direct effects on this species.

Summer use of the Badger Pass area would increase as a result of use of the Badger Pass facility as a parking/transit area. This could encourage foot traffic into Bolander’s clover habitat in neighboring meadows. Ratliff and Denton (1993) concluded that Bolander’s clover occurs under varied environmental situations within the meadow environment. Where other environmental minimums are met, soil water is the most important variable in controlling the distribution of Bolander’s clover (Ratliff and Harding 1993). Therefore, to protect the Bolander’s clover, it is most important to preserve the meadow system as a whole, in particular, the consistency of water availability and dispersal throughout the meadow (Allen-Diaz 1991).

The design of the site as out-of-Valley parking would emphasize rapid transport of visitors to and from their vehicles, minimizing effects to neighboring meadows. These indirect effects are not expected to change the consistency of water availability and dispersal in neighboring meadows. Therefore, there would be a negligible adverse impact on Bolander’s clover.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no direct impacts on the species as a result of potential cumulative projects. Regional and parkwide planning efforts, such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration, U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and the Fire Management Plan Update, could provide added protection to potential habitat for the Bolander’s clover.

California State Endangered Species

The overall impact on merlins under the Preferred Alternative would be minor and beneficial, due primarily to the large areas of habitat that would be restored in Yosemite Valley.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the merlin. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the merlin.

Foreseeable projects that could have an adverse effect on merlins include Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange; Rio Mesa Area Plan; Yosemite Motels Expansion; University of California, Merced campus; City of Merced General Plan. These projects would have a minor, adverse effect on merlins.

Overall, cumulative effects would be minor and beneficial, due primarily to the implementation of wide-ranging land management plans that could affect large areas of the Sierra Nevada.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Given the rarity of observations in Yosemite Valley, and the age of the last confirmed nesting there, it is possible that increasing human disturbance has affected use of Valley habitats by long-eared owls, especially in meadow and riparian habitats. The Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would restore about 160 acres of previously developed meadow, riparian, and oak woodland habitat in Yosemite Valley. This could have a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on long-eared owls.

Under the Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS, actions that would have adverse effects on potential long-eared owl habitat include:

• Construction of parking at Hazel Green and El Portal
• Construction of new housing in El Portal and Wawona
• Increased human use at the South Entrance and the Big Oak Flat Entrance

These actions would have a minor, adverse impact because of the limited area that would be involved, the existing human disturbance in the area, and the large area of suitable, unaffected habitat that would continue to exist in surrounding areas.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial impact on the long-eared owl as a result of a substantial amount of restored high-quality habitat in Yosemite Valley, and smaller reduction of lesser-quality habitat in other areas.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for long-eared owls. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on long-eared owls.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for long-eared owls include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange, Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal Road Improvement Project, and the Evergreen Lodge Expansion.

Overall, cumulative effects on long-eared owls would be minor and beneficial, due primarily to the protection of habitat provided by implementation of wide-ranging land management plans that would cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada. There would be a limited area of effect for those projects that have an adverse impacts on long-eared owls.

California spotted owl (see Federal Species of Concern)

Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The yellow warbler prefers riparian woodlands, but also breeds in chaparral, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer habitats with substantial amounts of brush. The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve suitable habitat for the yellow warbler. Removal of stable operations from Yosemite Valley would benefit yellow warblers by reducing the number of brown-headed cowbirds.

New construction would take place at the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center, the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, and campsites east of Curry Village, at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Upper Pines Campground, and along Tenaya Creek. Roads would be moved out of meadows and into upland habitats, and Southside Drive would be widened from El Capitan crossover to Curry Village. These actions would directly displace wooded habitat in Yosemite Valley. In Yosemite Valley, there would be an overall moderate, beneficial impact on the yellow warbler because a relatively large area of highly suitable habitat (e.g., riparian) would be restored relative to the suitable habitat that would be removed (e.g., mixed conifer).

Mixed conifer habitat would be affected by the development of a transit center and parking at Hazel Green. If parking is developed in Foresta rather than Hazel Green, an area of brushy habitat would be removed, possibly having adverse effects on yellow warblers. Such habitat is not optimal and is available in abundance in the surrounding area burned in the A-Rock Fire. This would be a minor, adverse impact because the affected area is marginal habitat for yellow warblers, the affected area is limited, and large areas of suitable, unaffected habitat would continue to exist in surrounding areas.

In El Portal, effects on forest and riparian habitats from development of housing, work places, and parking would have a minor, adverse effect on yellow warblers because the affected area would be relatively small, and existing human effects to these habitats have already degraded their quality.

The moving of concession and National Park Service stables to McCauley Ranch in Foresta would increase the number of brown-headed cowbirds in the area and their parasitism on species such as the yellow warbler, resulting in minor, adverse impact. Development of housing in Wawona and minor expansion of facilities at the South Entrance and Big Oak Flat Entrance would affect forest habitat. The limited size of the affected areas, the existing level of habitat disturbance, and the lack of highly suitable riparian habitat in these areas would limit the impact to minor and adverse. Increased use of Badger Pass in summer would have a negligible effect on yellow warblers because no additional degradation of habitat would occur.

The overall, long-term effect on yellow warblers under the Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would be moderately beneficial, primarily due to the restoration of highly suitable riparian habitat and the reduction of stable operations in Yosemite Valley.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the yellow warbler. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the yellow warbler. The Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station) would effect some yellow warbler habitat. This would be a minor adverse effect because the area affected is marginal habitat for yellow warblers, the affected area is limited, and large areas of suitable, unaffected habitat would continue to exist in surrounding areas.

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging habitat for the pallid bat, resulting in moderate, beneficial effects. If a transit center and parking is developed at Foresta instead of Hazel Green, an area of brushy upland habitat with snags would be affected. Because of the abundance of such habitat in this area, effects on pallid bats would be minor and adverse. This restoration would also reduce the need for hazard tree removal in the area, which would improve the availability of roosting sites.

In Yosemite Valley, new development would occur in pallid bat habitat through construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center and the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, relocation of roads from meadow into forested habitats, widening of Southside Drive between El Capitan crossover and Curry Village, and construction of a bicycle/hiking path adjacent to Southside Drive. These actions would directly affect pallid bat habitat and increase the need for hazard tree reduction in those areas, slightly reducing the availability of trees for roosting and reproduction. In total, effects on forest habitats resulting from these actions would have a minor, adverse effect on pallid bats.

Outside of Yosemite Valley, projects that affect forest habitats could affect pallid bats. These include construction of a transit center and parking at El Portal and Hazel Green, development of new housing at Wawona and El Portal, and minor expansion of facilities at the Big Oak Flat Entrance and South Entrance. Increased use of Badger Pass would have a negligible effect on pallid bats, because no habitat would be affected. In total, the effect of these actions would be limited to minor and adverse because of the development that currently exists in these areas, the relatively small areas that would be affected, and the abundance of suitable habitat that would remain unaffected in adjacent areas.

Bridge removal could have an adverse effect on night roosting habitat of pallid bats. There would, however, continue to be a variety of natural roosting sites for pallid bats (such as rock outcrops and hollow trees). The removal of bridges would have a minor, adverse effect on the pallid bat.

Overall, the Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would have a moderate, beneficial impact on pallid bat by restoring large areas of potential bat foraging habitat in east Yosemite Valley, where an important colony of pallid bats is known to exist (at The Ahwahnee).

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could provide benefits to the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the pallid bat. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the pallid bat.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the pallid bat include the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California Research Station), Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange, Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal Road Improvement Project, and the Evergreen Lodge Expansion.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial cumulative impact on the pallid bat. This conclusion is based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the pallid bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Preferred Alternative would restore a large tract of previously disturbed meadow, riparian, and California black oak woodland habitat in the east end of Yosemite Valley, totaling about 160 acres. This would improve foraging habitat for the Townsend’s big-eared bat, providing moderate beneficial effects on this species.

In Yosemite Valley, new development would occur in Townsend’s big-eared bat habitat through construction of the Yosemite Village Visitor/Transit Center and the traffic check station near El Capitan crossover, relocation of roads from meadow into forested habitats, widening of Southside Drive between El Capitan crossover and Curry Village, and construction of a bicycle/hiking path adjacent to Southside Drive. These actions would directly affect foraging habitat of Townsend’s big-eared bat. In total, the effect on forest habitats resulting from these actions would have a minor, adverse impact on pallid bats.

Outside of Yosemite Valley, projects that affect forest habitats could affect Townsend’s big-eared bats. These include construction of a transit center and parking at El Portal and Hazel Green, development of new housing at Wawona and El Portal, and minor expansion of facilities at the Big Oak Flat Entrance and South Entrance. Increased use of Badger Pass would have a negligible effect on Townsend’s big-eared bats because no habitat would be affected. This species has been confirmed as using the mines in El Portal for roosting and reproduction. Although no actions under this plan would affect the mines, development in forest areas below them would likely affect foraging habitat. In total, the effect of these actions would be limited to minor and adverse because of the development that currently exists in these areas, the relatively small areas involved, and the abundance of suitable habitat that would remain unaffected in adjacent areas.

Because Townsend’s big-eared bats are known to roost in buildings and are highly sensitive to disturbance, structures slated for demolition would be evaluated for bats. If bats are detected during periods of the year when reproduction or hibernation is occurring, demolition would be delayed until the bats could be removed from the structure without adversely affecting their survival or that of their young (generally April and October). With such mitigation, effect on Townsend’s big-eared bats would be negligible.

Overall, the Preferred Alternative in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS would have a minor, beneficial impact on the Townsend’s big-eared bat, primarily by restoring a diversity of foraging habitats in east Yosemite Valley.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Townsend’s big-eared bat. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the Townsend’s big-eared bat.

Foreseeable projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for Townsend’s big-eared bats include the Hazel Green Ranch project (guest rooms, food services, University of California research station), Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange, Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal Road Improvement Project, and the Evergreen Lodge Expansion.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial cumulative impact on Townsend’s big-eared bat. This conclusion is based on the potential protection of suitable habitat through implementation of wide-reaching regional plans. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the Townsend’s big-eared bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts. .

White-tailed hare (Lepus townsendii)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Tioga Road and existing development in this area likely has a minor adverse effect on the local population of white-tailed hares through habitat reduction, mortality caused by vehicle traffic, and the effects of human activity and associated foot traffic. Any additional development in the Tioga Pass area is likely to increase these effects, but the planned limited size of any such development is unlikely to increase the impact beyond minor and adverse, given that a large amount of suitable habitat in the area would remain unaffected.

Cumulative Effects

Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the white-tailed hare. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on the white-tailed hare.

Park Rare Species

Plants

El Portal

There are six park rare species that are found in the El Portal area: Indian paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa), collinsia (Collinsia linearis), pitcher sage (Lepechinia calycina), Congdon’s monkeyflower (Mimulus congdonii), Palmer’s monkeyflower (Mimulus palmeri), and phacelia (Phacelia platyloba). These species would not be directly impacted by actions proposed in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.

There could be indirect effects on these species as a result of the increased human population in El Portal, which could promote additional foot traffic and possible trampling of these species. Non-native plant species would continue to invade undeveloped areas in El Portal. New construction can promote non-native species because it creates conditions that are favored by many non-native plants, such as disturbed soil. An increase in non-native plants could result in habitat loss and a competition for resources (i.e., light, water, and nutrients) for the rare plants in El Portal.

Overall, there would be a minor, adverse effect on these species as a result of an increased population in El Portal and an increase in non-native species as a result of new construction.

Yosemite Valley

Twelve park rare plant species are found in Yosemite Valley: sugar stick (Allotropa virgata), broad-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), stream orchid (Epipactus gigantea), fawn-lily (Erythronium purpurascens), boreal bedstraw (Galium boreale spp. septentrionale), Sierra laurel (Leucothoe davisiae), false pimpernel (Lindernia dubia var. anagallidea), azure penstemon (Penstemon azureus spp. angustissimus), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), wood saxifrage (Saxifraga mertensiana), giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), and ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes porrifolia). Restoration of riparian and meadow habitat would have a moderate, beneficial impact on boreal bedstraw, false pimpernel, and ladies’ tresses.

Removal of tennis courts at The Ahwahnee and relocation of the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) and restoration of these sites to California black oak woodland would have a long-term, major, negative impact on several giant sequoia trees that were planted in the area. Redesign of The Ahwahnee’s parking lot could have adverse effects to additional planted giant sequoia trees, depending on final alignment of parking lots and driveways. There would be a negligible impact on the overall sustainability of giant sequoias, as there are three naturally occurring groves elsewhere in the park that would not be affected by the plan.

The remaining species (sugar stick, azure penstemon, phacelia, and wood saxifrage) would not be affected by actions in the Preferred Alternative.

Foresta

Five park rare plant species occur in the Foresta area: snapdragon (Antirrhinum leptaleum), Small’s southern clarkia (Clarkia australis), goldenaster (Heterotheca sessiliflora ssp. echioides), inconspicuous monkeyflower (Mimulus inconspicuous), pansy monkeyflower (Mimulus pulchellus). These plants would not be directly impacted by construction of 14 beds or establishment of a stables operation in Foresta, but individual plants could be permanently removed by development of a parking facility. Increased levels of human activity in the area due to increased residential, operational, and visitor use could have indirect, adverse effects on all of these species. There could also be adverse effects on rare plant habitat as a result of non-native species encroachment associated with ground disturbance and landscaping activities, and horse trailers and vehicles that could spread non-native seeds in feed and manure. Overall, there would be a long-term, moderate, adverse effect on rare plant species in Foresta.

Hazel Green

One park rare plant species occurs at Hazel Green, Small’s southern clarkia (Clarkia australis). This species, which occurs in open areas, could be directly affected by development of a transit and parking facility at Hazel Green. Plants could also be affected by picnicking, trampling, and random use of sites adjacent to parking and proposed lodging. This would result in a minor, adverse impact on this species.

Badger Pass

Two park rare species are found at Badger Pass: dwarf sandwort (Minuartia pusilla) and Yosemite ivesia (Ivesia unguiculata). There would be no direct effects on these plants, but there could be long-term minor adverse effects from increased visitor use in areas surrounding Badger Pass.

Wawona

Eight park rare species occur within the Wawona basin: snapdragon (Antirrhinum leptaleum), Child’s blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia childii), round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Sierra sweet-bay (Myrica hartwegii), Bolander’s skullcap (Scutellaria bolanderi), giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), trillium (Trillium angustipetalum), and Hall’s wyethia (Wyethia elata). The construction of new housing would result in the direct loss of a portion of the trillium population in this area. This would be a moderate, adverse effect on the trillium population in the area. Increased human use in this area during the spring and summer would have minor, indirect effects on all of the Wawona park rare species.

Big Oak Flat Entrance

There are no rare species in the vicinity of the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station.

South Entrance

One park rare species, Sierra sweet-bay (Myrica hartwegii), is located within the riparian areas adjacent to the current road alignment at the South Entrance. There would be no direct effects on this species as a result of proposed construction. There could be a long-term, minor, adverse effect on this species from increased visitor use in the area and associated foot traffic.

Tioga Pass Entrance

Thirteen park rare species occur within hiking distance of Tioga Pass: Sweetwater Mountains milkvetch (Astragalus kentrophyta var. danaus), black and white sedge (Carex albonigra), capitate sedge (Carex capitata), Congdon’s sedge (Carex congdonii), alpine cerastium (Cerastium beeringianum), Sierra claytonia (Claytonia nevadensis), draba (Draba praelta), desert fleabane (Erigeron linearis), rambling fleabane (Erigeron vagus), Dane’s dwarf gentian (Gentianella tenella ssp. tenella), common juniper (Juniperus communis), snow willow (Salix reticulata), and groundsel (Senecio serra var. serra). One species, the common juniper, could be directly impacted by construction of a new or expanded entrance station at Tioga Pass. There could be indirect effects on all 13 park rare species from increased visitor use and associated foot traffic in the area. There could be increased hiking on Mt. Dana, which is within a day’s hike from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. The popular hike to the top of Mt. Dana is a cross-country path, without a formal route. Increased use on Mt. Dana could have a long-term, moderate, adverse impact on rare plant species on Mt. Dana.

| Table of Contents | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D | Appendix E | Appendix F | Appendix G |
| Appendix H | Appendix I | Appendix J | Appendix K | Appendix L | Appendix M | Appendix N |

| Chapter 1-3 | Chapter 4 Part 1 | Chapter 4 Part 2 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6-8, K-1 |

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