| Table of Contents | Abstract | Executive Summary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 |
| Introduction | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 | Alternative 4 | Alternative 5 | Mitigation |

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CHAPTER 2

ALTERNATIVE 1

No Action Alternative

This alternative maintains the status quo in Yosemite Valley, as described in Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment. It provides a baseline from which to compare other alternatives, to evaluate the magnitude of proposed changes, and to measure the environmental effects of those changes. There are currently 407 acres of existing development within Yosemite Valley. This no action concept follows the guidance of the Council on Environmental Quality, which describes the No Action Alternative as no change from the existing management direction or level of management intensity.

Under this alternative, no dramatic or comprehensive changes would take place in the management of Yosemite Valley. The primary modes of transportation into Yosemite Valley would be by private vehicle and bus. Access would continue to be managed by the Restricted Access Plan during periods of high visitation. A combination of scattered parking and formal and informal parking lots would continue. Campsites and lodging units would remain at current levels (i.e., the number remaining after the 1997 flood and its subsequent cleanup). The Valley Visitor Center would remain in its present location in Yosemite Village. A comprehensive approach to restoring highly valued natural communities in Yosemite Valley, such as the Merced River corridor, meadows, and wetlands, would not take place. The west end of Yosemite Valley would remain largely undeveloped.

For a thorough discussion of the environmental impacts of this alternative, see Vol. Ib, Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences. For graphic representations of actions presented in this alternative, see Vol. Ic, plates 1-1 to 1-8.

Summary of Major Changes in Relation to Existing Conditions

There would be no major changes as a result of actions in this alternative.

Natural Resources

Individual projects that are proposed in the Resources Management Plan (1994) that would not affect existing developed areas and visitor facilities would be undertaken based on opportunity and availability of funding. These actions include:

MERCED RIVER ECOSYSTEM

The River Protection Overlay and zoning prescribed in the 2000 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement (Merced River Plan/ FEIS) would be adopted. However, no removal of human-made structures and obstructions would be initiated. Above 3,800 feet in elevation, the River Protection Overlay is a 150-foot corridor on each bank, measured from ordinary high water (2.33-year floodplain). Below 3,800 feet in elevation, where the river gradient and characteristics change, the overlay is 100 feet on each side of the river, measured from ordinary high water (2.33-year floodplain). The overlay would allow the restoration of degraded riverside vegetation and wildlife habitat, provide a corridor for wildlife movement through the Valley, and protect the riverbank from unnatural erosion on a site-specific basis, except where existing human-made structures and obstructions exist (see Actions Common to All Action Alternatives at the beginning of this chapter; and Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment).

Under this alternative, existing human-built features, such as buildings, bridges, and roads, would continue to be used regardless of their effect on ecological processes. The Merced River ecosystem in the east end of Yosemite Valley would remain degraded and fragmented by development and facilities. The west end of Yosemite Valley would remain largely undeveloped, except for existing picnic areas, roads, associated turnouts, utility corridors, and parking.

The recreational vehicle dump station at Upper Pines Campground would remain in a riparian area. The areas of Upper and Lower River Campgrounds, the west portion of Lower Pines Campground, and Group Campground would be neither restored to natural conditions nor rebuilt as campgrounds. North Pines Campground, the concessioner stable, Housekeeping Camp, Camp 6, Curry Orchard, the Village Store parking lot, parts of Lower Tecoya employee housing complex, and the concession headquarters would remain in potential riparian, meadow, or oak communities. At Yosemite Lodge, the area where lodging units and housing units were removed following the January 1997 flood would be neither restored to natural conditions nor rebuilt. The Art Activity Center (former bank building) and Yellow Pine Campground would remain.

Roads and utilities would continue to bisect Stoneman, Sentinel, Cook's, Ahwahnee, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Meadows. Groundwater and surface water flows that sustain native meadow vegetation and wildlife and that discourage conifer invasion are diverted by these roads. Southside Drive crossing Bridalveil Creek would remain the same. This road acts as a dam, diverting surface and subsurface water flows that fan from the base of Bridalveil Fall.

CALIFORNIA BLACK OAK WOODLAND

The Superintendent's House (Residence 1) adjacent to CookĖs Meadow, and the tennis courts at The Ahwahnee would remain.

UPLAND COMMUNITIES

The Swinging Bridge and Church Bowl Picnic Areas and associated parking would remain, as would guest lodging at Curry Village and the Ahwahnee Row houses. The site of the former gas station at Yosemite Lodge would not be restored to natural conditions.

Cultural Resources

This alternative would retain the historically significant sites, structures, and landscape features in Yosemite Valley in their existing condition and configuration, with the exception of the construction of the Indian Cultural Center (see Vol. II, Appendix H, Considering Cumulative Effects). Archeological sites and ethnographic resources would be managed and protected through ongoing programs, and traditional uses by culturally associated Indian people would continue to be encouraged. Historic structures and landscape features would continue to be managed, maintained, and protected as they are today. There would be no changes at the Lamon, Hutchings, and Curry Orchards. The Yosemite Museum collections (including research library and archives) would continue to be housed in separate locations in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona.

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

Archeological resources would continue to be managed as they are today. Archeological sites would be preserved in place as much as possible. Known human burials would be protected, but one burial area in Yosemite Village would remain paved over, and one burial area in El Portal would remain covered by an abandoned wastewater treatment plant. Resource monitoring, rehabilitation, and impact mitigation would continue on a project-specific basis, as funding allowed.

ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

Through existing agreements and ongoing consultation with culturally associated American Indian tribes, access to and use of special resources in Yosemite Valley would continue. As prescribed in the General Management Plan, the National Park Service would continue to work with the American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc. (Southern Sierra Miwok) to enable the council to establish an Indian Cultural Center. The cultural center would be established after site-specific planning and compliance. The center would be located west of Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), the site of the last historically occupied Indian village in Yosemite Valley. This center would provide a location for these American Indian people to conduct traditional ceremonies and functions and to practice and teach traditional lifeways. While the center would be open to the public, access may be limited during times of special ceremonies. Some public interpretation would occur, but this cultural center would not replace the primary educational function of the current Indian Village of Ahwahnee at Yosemite Village.

The National Park Service and culturally associated American Indian tribes would continue to develop a gathering plan for traditional plants. Burial areas, where previously identified, would continue to be protected. Access would be provided for American Indian participants in traditional and ceremonial activities. When previously unknown burials are discovered, provisions outlined in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and its implementing regulations would be followed. Other important areas, such as gathering locations, historic American Indian villages, and areas of spiritual or traditional importance, would be protected as much as possible.

The park's Programmatic Agreement for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act also includes provisions for including culturally associated American Indian tribes in the parkĖs planning process. This agreement stipulates that the park and associated American Indian tribes will develop an agreement for government-to-government relations, a protocol for official consultations regarding issues of concern and park actions that may affect traditional resources, and park-specific guidelines for implementing provisions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (see Vol. II, Appendix D).

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE RESOURCES
(INCLUDING INDIVIDUALLY SIGNIFICANT
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES)

Under this alternative, historically significant characteristics of the proposed Yosemite Valley Cultural Landscape Historic District would be retained. The spatial organization and natural systems and features that define and physically structure the landscape of Yosemite Valley would remain as they are today. The historically significant meadows, black oak woodlands, and conifer forests would continue to be managed using prescribed fire, as they are today. Patterns of land use would remain as they are today, within the existing configuration of historic developed areas and circulation systems. Historic structures would neither be removed nor rehabilitated. The historic orchards and individually significant historic sites would remain as they are today. Structures, spatial organization, cluster arrangements, and other landscape characteristics in the historic developed areas would remain as they are today.

Historic sites and structures would be preserved in place as much as possible. National Historic Landmarks–The Ahwahnee, LeConte Memorial Lodge, and the Rangers' Club–would continue to be managed as they are today to protect them from any development or change that would degrade integrity or important historical or architectural characteristics. National Register districts and structures (listed or potentially eligible) would be protected, retained, and adaptively reused as much as possible (e.g., historic stone-arch bridges, Yosemite Village and Camp Curry Historic Districts, Yosemite Chapel, Camp 4 [Sunnyside Campground]). However, the Superintendent's House (Residence 1), inundated by floodwaters in the January 1997 flood and unoccupied since that time, would neither be rehabilitated as a residence nor removed.

The fruit trees in the historic Curry, Lamon, and Hutchings Orchards would not be removed, nor would they be cultivated. Parking would remain in the historic Curry Orchard.

MUSEUM COLLECTION
(INCLUDING ARCHIVES AND RESEARCH LIBRARY)

The museum collection, archives, and research library would continue to be stored in dispersed facilities in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona. Many of these storage facilities do not meet National Park Service standards for museum preservation.

Visitor Experience

Key distinguishing visitor experience elements of this alternative include:

 

Access and parking availability into Yosemite Valley for day visitors on the busiest days would continue to be uncertain and would be managed by the Restricted Access Plan (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment). The Restricted Access Plan temporarily bars access to the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley, and at times to the entire park, when parking spaces are filled and traffic congestion is most problematic. No management zoning would be implemented, other than that established by the Merced River Plan.

Access into and around the Valley would continue as at present. Most visitors would arrive by private vehicle or bus. Visitor use would continue to be focused along Northside and Southside Drives, at Bridalveil Fall, and in the eastern end of the Valley. The existing spectrum of recreational activities and opportunities would be unaltered. Orientation and interpretive services would continue at existing levels, focused in the eastern end of the Valley.

Access by visitors with mobility impairments would remain as at present, with placards available for accessing Happy Isles and Mirror Lake via the Happy Isles Loop Road, and for parking private vehicles in specially marked spaces. The shuttle bus system would continue to be accessible to the extent it is today, with all buses eventually becoming fully accessible as they are replaced.

ORIENTATION AND INTERPRETATION

Orientation would remain as at present. The visitor center–the principal parkwide orientation facility–would remain at Yosemite Village in the eastern end of the Valley. Small visitor contact stations at or near three of four principal park entrances would continue to provide seasonal orientation services.

Interpretive and educational services and facilities (e.g., ranger programs, tours, exhibits, and school programs) provided by the National Park Service, concessioners, and other partners would continue at present levels. The Valley Floor Tour would use both Northside and Southside Drives, and turnouts would remain available for visitors touring by private vehicles and commercial buses.

Yosemite Village would remain a hub of both visitor services and administrative activity. The visitor center would continue as the principal parkwide interpretive and orientation center (seasonal contact stations at Wawona and Big Oak Flat, plus a summer visitor center at Tuolumne Meadows, would continue to provide orientation and minimal interpretation). The Wilderness Center and Art Activity Center would continue to serve their present functions. The NPS Administration Building and Yosemite Museum/Valley District Building would continue to house administrative functions. The Indian Cultural Exhibit and Museum Gallery in the Yosemite Museum/Valley District Building would remain the only places in which the park's extensive museum collection would be exhibited.

Interpretive amphitheaters at lodging areas would remain in their existing locations. In campgrounds, only the existing Lower Pines amphitheater would serve campers; the Lower River Campground amphitheater would be retained for special interpretive events and studied to determine the feasibility of using it for fee interpretive programs, such as Yosemite Theater.

RECREATION

There would be no change to recreational activities in Yosemite Valley.

Trail Use

Walking, Hiking, and Bicycling

Trails would remain unchanged, including the Valley Loop Trail. Trails would connect activity areas (lodging and campgrounds) and provide access to most Valley destinations, including Yosemite Village, picnic areas, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Valley View. There would not be direct access to the John Muir Trail from Happy Isles, as the pedestrian bridge at Happy Isles has been closed since it was damaged in the January 1997 flood.

Bicycling would continue as at present, with use of multi-purpose paved trails in the eastern portion of the Valley, and the sharing of Northside and Southside Drives with motor vehicles west of Yosemite Lodge. Off-pavement bicycle use, because of its adverse environmental consequences and conflicts with other visitors, would continue to be prohibited.

Bicycle rentals would continue to be available at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge.

Lower Yosemite Fall

At Yosemite Falls, access to the base of the falls and restrooms, shuttle bus service, and trails would remain unchanged (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-3). The route to the base of the falls would not meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines. Commercial day-tour buses would continue to use this area for loading and unloading passengers and for parking.

Wilderness Access

Wilderness hiking would continue to originate in Yosemite Valley. Wilderness trailhead permits would continue to be available on both a first-come, first-served basis at the Wilderness Center, or by advance reservation. Pre- and post-trip Valley campsites and parking would still be available for wilderness permit holders.

Climbing

Climbing in Yosemite Valley would continue. There would be no change to climbing access.

Stock Use

Private stock would still share trails with hikers throughout the Valley. Private stock and guided trips would continue. The concessioner stable would remain near North Pines Campground, and private stock users could board their stock there. The kennel operation associated with the stable would remain.

Picnicking

Picnic areas would continue to be available in Yosemite Valley. These include Church Bowl, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Beach, Cathedral Beach, and El Capitan (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-1).

Other Activities

Recreational activities, such as touring the Valley by private vehicles and tennis at The Ahwahnee, would continue. The ice rink would remain at Curry Village. No changes to rafting would take place; rafting would continue to be managed under other park resource-based plans. Swimming at existing lodging pools, as well as swimming and fishing in the Merced River, would continue.

Visitor Services

CAMPING

The 475 existing campsites in Yosemite Valley would be retained at Upper Pines, North Pines, Backpackers, Lower Pines, Yellow Pine (for volunteers), and Camp 4 (Sunnyside) Campgrounds (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-2). Some campsites would remain in highly valued resource areas. Campground conditions and layout would be maintained as at present, and campsite use would continue to be managed with little segregation among user types (recreational vehicles, cars, walk-in campers). Backpacker campsites would continue to be provided. Yellow Pine would continue to be used as a campground for park-sponsored volunteer groups. No utilities would be provided for this administrative campground. No group campsites would be available in the Valley. No utility hookups would be available for recreational vehicles. Campground orientation, parking, and circulation would be the same as at present. Table 2-2 presents the summary of existing campsites to be maintained.

LODGING

A total of 1,260 lodging units would continue to be available in Yosemite Valley (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-2), with accommodations providing a range of styles and prices, including 691 rustic, 181 economy, 265 mid-scale, and 123 deluxe units (see Vol. Ib, Glossary, for definitions of room types; see table 2-3 for room totals by type). The number of units available to commercial tour operators would continue to be capped to ensure access to lodging by independent travelers.

Housekeeping Camp

The 264 existing units at Housekeeping Camp would be retained (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-5).

Curry Village

Curry Village would provide activities and services as at present (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-5). There would be no changes in circulation, facility locations, or number of lodging units. A total of 628 overnight guest accommodations would be retained, including tent cabins, cabins with and without bath, and Stoneman Lodge rooms (see table 2-4).

Yosemite Lodge

Yosemite Lodge would continue to provide activities and services as at present (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-3). There would be no changes in circulation, facility locations, or number of lodging units. A total of 245 motel and cottage rooms with bath would be retained (see table 2-5). No other lodging types would be provided.

The January 1997 flood damaged four motel structures at Yosemite Lodge. Interim repairs were made to these structures (Maple, Juniper, Alder, and Hemlock), and they are still in use. They would receive normal maintenance and repair, but no significant rehabilitation. Motel buildings currently in use at Yosemite Lodge are Cedar, Elderberry, Juniper, Manzanita, Alder, Hemlock, Maple, and Laurel. Buildings that contain cottage rooms are Aspen, Azalea, Cottonwood, Dogwood, Tamarack, Birch, and Willow.

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee would provide activities and services as at present. The Ahwahnee's 123 deluxe lodging rooms (99 hotel rooms and 24 cabin/cottage rooms) would be retained. There would be no change to circulation, facility locations, or number of lodging units.

FOOD AND RETAIL SERVICES

Yosemite Lodge

Food and retail services at Yosemite Lodge would remain as at present, with periodic facility upgrades within the existing footprint. The interconnected buildings at the center of Yosemite Lodge would provide visitor food and retail services. The three restaurants, one gift and grocery shop, main gift and grocery store, and the Mountain Room Bar would remain in their current locations.

The swimming pool, bicycle rental stand, and snack bar would remain. The post office at the lodge would be retained. The Cliff Room and outdoor amphitheater would continue to be used primarily for evening interpretive programs, group meetings, seminars, and other special functions.

The maintenance/housekeeping facility that was damaged by flooding in January 1997 would not be replaced.

The service station would not be replaced. A mobile service truck, designed to deal with minor emergency services and provide gas on the road, would continue to be operated; this service would be expanded as needed. Service stations at other park locations would be retained.

Yosemite Village

Food and retail services in Yosemite Village would remain, with periodic facility upgrades within the existing footprint (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-4). The Village Store, Sport Shop, Grill, Degnan's, recycling, ATM, check cashing, and transportation kiosk would remain in their current locations.

The medical and dental clinics would stay, as would the main Yosemite Village Post Office, The Ansel Adams Gallery, Village Garage, Art Activity Center (in the former bank building), and Wilderness Center.

The Ahwahnee

Food and retail services at The Ahwahnee would remain as at present, with periodic facility upgrades within the existing footprint.

Happy Isles

The modular snack stand that replaced an ice cream/snack stand destroyed by rockfall in 1996 would remain.

Curry Village

Food and retail services at Curry Village would remain as at present, with periodic facility upgrades within the existing footprint. The pool, ice rink, Mountain Shop, bicycle and ski rentals, and outdoor amphitheater would remain in their existing locations. The seasonal post office would remain.

Transportation

This alternative would maintain the existing transportation system and visitor access in Yosemite Valley. All visitors could drive to destinations throughout Yosemite Valley and park in available spaces. Parking for day visitors would continue to be provided in scattered locations and along roadsides. Traffic circulation on Valley roads would remain as at present. When traffic congestion reached unacceptable levels, and when sufficient staff is available for implementation, the Restricted Access Plan would be implemented.

The existing shuttle bus system would continue to serve east Valley destinations. The National Park Service is currently replacing its diesel in-Valley shuttle bus fleet. Low noise, low emissions, cost effectiveness, and use of alternative fuels are the criteria for selecting new vehicles. Additionally, these buses must meet or exceed California air quality standards. Transit and tour bus access would continue.

Nonvehicular modes of transportation and access (hiking, bicycling, and stock use) are described in the Recreation section, above.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

On busy days when unacceptable crowding and congestion occurred, access to the Valley for day visitors would be managed under the Restricted Access Plan. The plan would prohibit visitors in private vehicles from entering the east Valley, and at times the entire park, when parking spaces in the Valley were filled and traffic congestion was problematic.

PARKING

Day-Visitor Parking

Day-visitor parking would remain dispersed throughout Yosemite Valley. Day visitors would continue to park at the locations shown in table 2-6.

Parking throughout the Valley would continue on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 740 to 900 day-visitor parking spaces would remain in parking areas in the east end of the Valley (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-1). These spaces would continue to be used by day visitors, overnight visitors, and employees. Some day-visitor parking spaces would continue to be available at lodging facilities (these are accounted for in table 2-6 as the difference between the total number of spaces in the parking lot and the number allocated for overnight guests). Road shoulders and turnouts would continue to be used for parking; many of these spaces are used for overflow parking during the summer and are not paved or clearly marked. About 654 to 758 spaces would continue to be located west of Yosemite Village along Northside and Southside Drives.

Visitors with mobility impairments would receive placards to be used for parking private vehicles in specially marked spaces.

Commercial tour buses would continue to bring approximately 14% of day visitors and lodging guests to Yosemite Valley in the summer. Tour buses carrying day visitors would park, load, and unload passengers at Lower Yosemite Fall. Overnight tour buses would park at Yosemite Lodge.

National Park Service, concessioner, and other employees living outside the Valley would commute to their job sites by private vehicles, carpools, and transit buses.

Overnight Visitor Parking

Parking for overnight guests' vehicles would remain at lodging, campgrounds, and the wilderness permit-holdersĖ parking lot (see table 2-7).

Employee Parking

Parking for National Park Service, concessioner, and other employees residing in the Valley would be located at or near each residence. Parking for employees commuting from outside the Valley would be near work sites, and in lots and informal parking areas shared with day and overnight visitors.

ROAD CIRCULATION

Existing roads would be maintained (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-1). Southside Drive would remain one-way eastbound from Pohono Bridge to Stoneman Bridge, and two-way from Curry Village through the campgrounds. Northside Drive would remain one-way westbound from Stoneman Bridge to Yosemite Village, two-way from Yosemite Village to Yosemite Lodge, and one-way westbound from Yosemite Lodge to Pohono Bridge. The Happy Isles Loop Road would continue to be open only to shuttle buses, service vehicles, and vehicles carrying visitors with disabilities.

TRANSIT

This alternative would maintain existing transit service to and within the Valley. Shuttle bus service, regional transit, and park tours are described in Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment. No changes are proposed to existing transit operations as part of this alternative.

Park Operations

Both the National Park Service and concessioner would continue to base parkwide administrative functions in Yosemite Valley; National Park Service and concessioner headquarters would remain in their present locations. No other National Park Service or concessioner administrative offices would be relocated from Yosemite Valley to El Portal. The National Park Service and concessioner administrative stables operations would continue in their existing locations. Shuttle bus maintenance would continue at the Village Garage area.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The NPS maintenance area would continue to house its present functions (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-4). The NPS Operations Building (Fort Yosemite) would remain in its present location. The SuperintendentĖs House (Residence 1) at the edge of CookĖs Meadow would be neither rehabilitated nor removed. Yellow Pine Campground, adjacent to the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, would continue to be used as a campground for park-sponsored volunteer groups.

The following National Park Service functions and offices would remain in Yosemite Valley:

CONCESSIONER AND OTHER ENTITIES

The administrative headquarters and warehouse for the park's concessioner would remain in Yosemite Village (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-4). The Village Garage facility would remain.

Employee Housing

This alternative would provide 1,695 total employee beds in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, Cascades/Arch Rock, and Wawona to support Yosemite Valley operations, divided as follows:

There would be no change to the current number, location, or distribution of employee beds (see Vol. Ib, Glossary, for definition of beds). Table 2-8 presents a summary of employee beds dedicated to support Valley employees who serve functions and operations within Yosemite Valley. No employee housing would be removed from Yosemite Valley, and no replacement or additional housing would be provided in El Portal, Wawona, or Foresta. The visitor service level criteria developed in the 1992 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan (Appendix A of that document) would not be adopted. Trailers in the El Portal Trailer Village would be removed, as described in the 1980 General Management Plan and as defined in the 1993 Trailer Village Closure Policy.

Since 1997, temporary concessioner housing (345 beds) has been established at several locations in Yosemite Valley, including Lost Arrow cabins (80 beds) in the Yosemite Village Historic District, Yosemite Lodge Highland Court (82 beds), Curry Village Huff House tents (50 beds), Huff House cabins (104 beds), and Boys Town cabins (29 beds) in the Curry Village Historic District. The temporary modular, cabin, and tent housing units that were established to offset housing lost during the January 1997 flood would remain at their current locations.

YOSEMITE VALLEY HOUSING ACTIONS

In Yosemite Valley, all existing housing (1,277 beds) would remain (see table 2-9). No tents, cabins, or modular housing would be removed or replaced, including the temporary housing constructed after the 1997 flood and the 1999 rockfall, except where required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration housing codes. No Valley employee housing would be relocated outside Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Lodge

The Yosemite Lodge cabins (8 beds) would continue to be used for employee housing. Modular housing (82 beds) in the west Yosemite Lodge parking lot (Highland Court) would remain (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-3).

Yosemite Village

The Ahwahnee Row houses (22 beds), Hospital Row apartments (12 beds), Indian Creek apartments (14 beds), Y Apartments (8 beds), Village Garage apartment (1 bed), and Lower Tecoya dorms and apartments (234 beds) that are adjacent to Ahwahnee Road, Northside Drive, and Ahwahnee Meadow would remain. Housing would remain in the Middle Tecoya area near the Yosemite Medical Clinic (13 beds), at the Upper Tecoya area (26 beds), and in the Yosemite Village area (elementary school Teacherage – 3 beds; post office – 4 beds; The Ansel Adams Gallery – 3 beds); Camp 1 (National Park Service – 3 beds); and Visitor Center house (primary concessioner – 1 bed). The Lost Arrow dorm (36 beds), Lost Arrow manager apartments (3 beds), and the Lost Arrow cabins (80 beds) would remain.

Housing in the Yosemite Village Historic District and at the Rangers' Club (72 beds combined) would remain unchanged (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-4).

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee dorm (43 beds) and three tent cabins (6 beds) adjacent to the dorm would remain.

Concessioner Stable

Two houses (2 beds), seven cabins (14 beds), all ten tent cabins (30 beds), and three apartments (3 beds) at the concessioner stable would remain (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-5).

Curry Village

Cooks' cabins (12 beds), Cooks' tents (8 beds), Huff House studios (4 beds), Huff House trailers (6 beds), and Curry Village manager housing (Cabin 101 – 1 bed; Tresidder Residence – 2 studios; and Mother Curry Bungalow – 4 studios) would remain. Also, employee housing would continue to be located at the Huff House tent cabins (50 beds), the Huff House cabins (104 beds), and the Boys Town tent cabins (178 beds). Employee housing at the Boys Town cabins (29 beds) would remain. The 156 employee beds at the Terrace would remain (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-5).

Housing Support Facilities

No additional housing support facilities would be constructed in Yosemite Valley. The Yosemite Elementary School would continue in its existing function. The Valley Visitor Center auditoriums would continue to be used for community and permitted functions. The Yosemite Chapel would continue in its existing functions. The day care facility would continue to provide services using existing buildings.

Utilities

Domestic water would continue to be supplied from groundwater wells in Yosemite Valley. Sewage from the existing housing facilities in Yosemite Valley would continue to be transported to and treated at the El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant. Electrical and telephone service would continue to be provided using existing facilities.

EL PORTAL HOUSING ACTIONS

All existing housing in El Portal (290 beds), except for that located in the El Portal Trailer Village, would remain where it is (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-6). El Portal housing is currently located at four distinct locations: Trailer Village (and Abbieville, known historically as Hennesse's Ranch), Old El Portal, Rancheria Flat, and Village Center. Housing is distributed among the primary concessioner, National Park Service, and other employers (see table 2-10). The Trailer Village would be closed, as defined in the 1993 Trailer Village Closure Policy, and in accordance with provisions of the 1970 Uniform Relocation Act.

Trailer Village and Abbieville (HennesseyĖs Ranch)

Due to flood-related risks, all existing trailers (68 beds) would be removed, as described in the 1993 Trailer Village Closure Policy. Houses at Abbieville (4 beds) would remain.

Old El Portal

Housing (71 beds) would remain.

Rancheria Flat

The houses, duplexes, and apartments (102 beds) would be retained.

Village Center

Existing houses (9 beds), Motor Inn cabins (24 beds), El Portal Hotel (12 beds), commercial services, and administrative facilities would remain unchanged.

Housing Support Facilities

The El Portal Elementary School would continue in its present function. Some improvements to commercial and retail services in the El Portal Village Center may be necessary. The post office would continue in its present function. The small market would continue in its present function. The day care facility would continue to provide services using the existing building.

Utilities

Domestic water would continue to be supplied from groundwater wells in El Portal. Sewage from housing facilities in El Portal would continue to be treated at the El Portal Wastewater
Treatment Plant. Electrical and telephone service would continue to be provided using existing facilities.

WAWONA HOUSING ACTIONS

There would be no change to the existing number, location, or distribution of employee housing units in Wawona (see table 2-11). Employee housing and other land-use designations would remain subject to provisions of the Wawona Town Plan (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-8).

FORESTA HOUSING ACTIONS

There would be no change to the existing number, location, and distribution of employee housing units in Foresta (see Vol. Ic, plate 1-7).

CASCADES AND ARCH ROCK HOUSING ACTIONS

Four historic houses (4 beds) would remain in the Cascades area. Two buildings with 8 beds would remain at Arch Rock.

Operations Costs

Funding for National Park Service operations in Yosemite National Park in 1999 was $21,205,000. Table 2-12 presents the personnel and budget for the National Park Service by division within the park. It is estimated that there would be no change to staffing or funding levels under this alternative.

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| Table of Contents | Abstract | Executive Summary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 |
| Introduction | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 | Alternative 4 | Alternative 5 | Mitigation |

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