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WILDLIFE

A Biological Assessment was prepared, in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, to assess potential impacts to federally endangered and threatened species (see Vol. II, Appendix K). The Biological Assessment presents detailed information on the current status and distribution of special-status species. Specific, action-by-action analysis of impacts on vegetation types and general wildlife habitat is provided in the Vegetation and Wildlife sections, respectively. The effect of these habitat impacts on individual special-status species is described below.

This analysis covers federal and/or California special- status species. Recent correspondence from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates a number of these species are being considered for elevated federal status; these species are also evaluated in this section. Special-status species analyzed are listed in table 3-6 (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3). The "area" column of table 3-6 indicates the locations (e.g., El Portal, Yosemite Valley) that have records of species occurrence or potentially possess the general habitat suitable for each species in the vicinity of that area. Identification of a location in the "area" column for a species does not necessarily indicate that the species has been documented to occur in that location.

In the following evaluations, adverse effects on special-status species from current development and human activities in the park would be long term. This is based upon the assumption that development would remain as is, patterns and trends in visitor use would continue, and park management of wildlife resources would remain the same.

A total of 46 special-status wildlife species are known to occur, have historically occurred, or are likely to occur in the Yosemite Valley or in the general vicinity of out-of-Valley project areas. One is classified as both federal and California endangered, one is federal threatened and California endangered, two are federal threatened, three are California endangered, and three are California threatened. The remaining 36 wildlife species are federal species of concern and/or California species of special concern. Of these lesser-status species, six are being considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for elevated listing to threatened or endangered status. The potential for impacts to these species or their primary habitats as a result of this alternative are described below.

Potential Effects on Federal and California Threatened or Endangered Species

Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)

Status: Federally threatened. Potential Valley elderberry longhorn beetle habitat is defined by the presence of elderberry plants in areas below 3,000 feet in elevation. El Portal is the only part of the project area where potential habitat for the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle has been identified. About 124 elderberry plants of a size sufficient to support this species occur in areas of existing or potential development in El Portal, 11 of which exhibit beetle larvae exit holes. Plants in developed areas are subject to damage from human activities, such as unauthorized pruning and vehicle use. Clearance for fire protection around developed areas has caused previous damage to elderberry plants and has likely adversely affected the species, but current practices limit damage. Alternative 1 would have no additional effect on Valley elderberry longhorn beetle or its habitat.

Limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus)

Status: Federal species of concern. This species is found in mixed chaparral habitats on limestone substrates and appears to be limited to the Briceburg area, about 30 miles west of El Portal. The species has never been collected in El Portal or any other part of the park. Although vegetative habitat appears suitable in El Portal, the absence of limestone outcroppings suggest there is little chance for this species to occur; therefore, no impacts to this species or its habitat are expected under Alternative 1.

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

Status: Federally threatened; California species of concern. This species is thought to be extinct in Yosemite National Park, but once occurred in several lakes in the northern part of the park. Records and specimens do not indicate that it occurred in Yosemite Valley or the out-of-Valley locations included in this analysis, but suitable habitat appears to occur in Yosemite Valley, Foresta, El Portal, and Wawona. Degradation of riparian and wetland habitats in possible areas of occurrence could adversely affect recovery of the species in the park. Under this alternative, no actions are proposed that would further change riparian and meadow habitats or alter the effects of bullfrogs or pesticides; therefore, no additional impacts to this species are expected.

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Status: Federally threatened; California endangered. Bald eagles are rarely sighted within Yosemite and are not known to nest in the Valley. The river, riparian, and meadow areas of the Valley, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta, however, may provide foraging habitat for transient bald eagles, because the species feeds primarily on fish. Degradation of riparian and river habitats in the park could be affecting their use by bald eagles, and these effects would continue under this alternative. This alternative proposes no actions that would have additional adverse impacts to riparian or meadow areas; therefore, additional impacts to the bald eagle are not anticipated.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Status: California endangered. The peregrine falcon was previously listed as federally endangered, but has recently been removed from the endangered species list. There are currently at least four nesting pairs of peregrine falcons in the park, with three of those pairs living in Yosemite Valley for most of the year.

Current impacts on peregrine falcons in Yosemite Valley include disturbance at nest sites by rockclimbers and low-flying aircraft, and human effects that have changed the natural diversity and abundance of different habitat types over which peregrine falcons hunt. Cliff habitat, used for nesting and a large proportion of hunting, is minimally affected by humans. These adverse impacts would continue, but the relatively high density of nesting falcons, even at the east end of Yosemite Valley, suggests such impacts have very limited effect. Data suggest, however, that peregrine falcons continue to be affected by residual levels of DDT. Alternative 1 would not change the existing conditions associated with this species.

Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa)

Status: California endangered. This species is known to nest in the Crane Flat area and in meadows along Glacier Point Road. It also uses the Big Meadow in Foresta, and a meadow near McCauley Ranch as wintering and staging areas. The meadows at Hazel Green appear to be suitable habitat, but their use by great gray owls has not been confirmed. Meadows and ski runs at Badger Pass are also likely used as foraging habitat in summer. Great gray owls are also occasionally seen in Yosemite Valley, which may have been used more frequently by these owls for wintering and staging prior to development. Potential wintering and staging habitat is also present in Wawona Meadow. Existing impacts to great gray owls in the park include human disturbance and reduction in meadow habitat (these impacts would be moderate and adverse). Under Alternative 1, no actions are proposed that would affect current or potential great gray owl habitat; therefore, no additional impacts to this species are expected.

Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)

Status: California endangered. This species is typically found in meadows that contain dense growth of willow shrubs. The willow flycatcher formerly nested in Yosemite Valley, but has not been recorded there in more than 30 years. Its disappearance coincides with a precipitous decline of the species throughout the Sierra Nevada. Likely causes for these declines include habitat destruction and nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds. In Yosemite Valley, riparian habitat has been disturbed, meadows have been altered, and cowbird populations have increased, all possibly contributing to the disappearance of willow flycatchers from this area. Cowbirds are attracted to stables, where they feed on grain that is spilled or is present in droppings. They also frequent campgrounds and residential areas. Habitat loss and cowbird parasitism have had an adverse effect on willow flycatchers and these impacts are expected to continue. Under Alternative 1, however, no changes are proposed in stable and corral locations or uses within the areas considered. No further changes in riparian and meadow habitats would occur, either beneficial or adverse; therefore, additional impacts on willow flycatchers under this alternative are not expected.

Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. This species is typically found in forested habitat above 7,000 feet, although isolated observations and collections of red fox in the park suggest it may, at one time, have ranged over all potential project areas except El Portal. Intense trapping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries appears to be the primary cause for the decline of this species, but habitat fragmentation from logging may be inhibiting its recovery. In Yosemite National Park, human disturbance and a past history of fire suppression may currently adversely affect red foxes (this impact would be minor and adverse). Alternative 1 would have no additional effect on this species or its potential habitat.

California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus)

Status: California threatened. Wolverines typically inhabit semi-open terrain at or above treeline from spring through fall, and then move to lower elevation forests in winter. The most important habitat characteristic appears to be a low level of human disturbance. Wolverines appear to have always been very rare in Yosemite, with all observations and collections of the species occurring over 8,000 feet. Earlier trapping of the wolverines in the Sierra Nevada, and more recent increased human use in wilderness areas may have led to the apparent extreme scarcity of the species. Based upon records, Tioga Pass is the only potential project area that could affect wolverines. Human disturbance in this area may affect the use of habitats in the area by wolverines. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in facilities or human use in this area, so there would be no additional effect on wolverines.

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Status: Federal endangered; California endangered. This species is found in high-elevation meadows that occur close to steep, rocky terrain used to escape predators. Fewer than 200 exist in the entire Sierra Nevada, and only about 20 occur near the park in a reintroduced population, east of Tioga Pass. No current human activities or development in Yosemite National Park affect Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Currently, predation by mountain lions and coyotes, and contact with domestic sheep threaten the remaining bighorns outside the park. Under Alternative 1, there would be no additional impacts on bighorn sheep from within the park.

Potential Effects on Species that Are Being Considered for Elevated Federal Listing

Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. This species is restricted to areas of wet meadows in the central high Sierra Nevada, above 6,400 feet in elevation. The Yosemite toad can be locally common in this habitat, but size and distribution of populations have decreased greatly due to unknown factors. Among the areas covered under this plan, only Badger Pass and Tioga Pass are possible locations for Yosemite toads, with known populations in some nearby wet meadows. The development of the Badger Pass ski area has likely displaced Yosemite toad habitat, and its continued use could be affecting remaining toads. Human disturbance of meadows habitats at Tioga Pass could be affecting Yosemite toads in that location. Under Alternative 1, no additional disturbance or restoration of meadow habitat is proposed; therefore, it would have no additional effects on this species.

Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylei)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. This species has rapidly disappeared from its former range, including Yosemite National Park, prompting its urgent consideration by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for higher listing. Suspected causes of this decline include predation by non-native species, airborne contaminants, and diseases. These factors will likely continue to adversely affect this species in the future. Preferred habitat is rocky streams and rivers up to 6,000 feet in elevation. Although records of this species in Yosemite are fragmentary, suitable habitat appears to occur in El Portal, Foresta, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley. Under Alternative 1, there would be no additional impacts on the foothill yellow-legged frog.

Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Recent surveys have found that this species is much reduced in distribution and numbers throughout its habitat of streams, lakes, and ponds above elevations of 4,500 feet. Much of this decline is probably due to predation by non-native fish that have been planted extensively in the park. These factors will likely continue to adversely affect this species in the future. Only Badger Pass and Tioga Pass have likely habitat for this species, with adjacent meadows supporting mountain yellow-legged frogs. No additional disturbance or restoration of mountain yellow-legged frog habitat would occur under Alternative 1; therefore, it would have no additional effects on this species.

California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. This species is found in densely forested habitats up to roughly 7,500 feet in elevation. Historical records and recent surveys show the presence of this species in all areas covered under this plan, except Foresta and Tioga Pass. Existing adverse impacts in the park include habitat fragmentation from development and roads (especially in Yosemite Valley), and human disturbance. These impacts are expected to continue in the future. Under Alternative 1, no additional disturbance or restoration of forest habitat would occur; therefore, it would have no additional effect on spotted owls.

Marten (Martes americana)

Current Status: Federal species of concern. The marten has been classified as sensitive by the U.S. Forest Service, but widespread population declines of this species across the Sierra Nevada suggest it may be federally listed as threatened or endangered. This species is dependent upon dense, complex, coniferous forests, so any alteration of these habitat characteristics is likely to affect martens. All areas considered in this plan, except El Portal and Foresta, could contain martens, although lower-elevation areas like Yosemite Valley are of marginal habitat quality for this species. Existing development in these areas has undoubtedly had some localized effect on marten habitat. Under Alternative 1, no additional disturbance or restoration of forest habitat is proposed; therefore, it would have no additional effects on the marten.

Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. For unknown reasons, fisher densities in the central Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite National Park, are very low. The species’ preferred habitat is coniferous forests and deciduous riparian with a high percentage of canopy closure, mostly above 6,000 feet in elevation. Alteration of this habitat would have the potential to affect fishers. All areas considered in this plan, except Tioga Pass and El Portal, contain fisher habitat. Existing development in these areas has had some localized adverse effect on fisher habitat. Under Alternative 1, no additional disturbance or restoration of forest and riparian habitats is proposed; therefore, it would have no additional effects on the fisher.

Potential Effects on Federal Species of Concern and California Species of Special Concern

Merced Canyon shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta allynsmithi)

Status: Federal species of concern. Very little is known about the distribution and ecology of this cryptic snail species. Its preferred habitat appears to be stable, moist talus and rockslide slopes with tree or shrub cover. The species has been collected in the Merced River canyon about one-half mile west of El Portal and likely has a very limited distribution. Given this proximity to El Portal, it is possible the snail occurs in parts of that area that would be affected under various alternatives of this plan. Current human-related impacts on this snail are probably very limited, since no development has occurred on talus slopes. Under Alternative 1, there would be no new impacts on the Merced Canyon shoulderband snail or its habitat.

Mariposa sideband snail (Monadenia hillebrandi)

Status: Federal species of concern. Very little is known about the distribution and ecology of the Mariposa sideband snail. It has been collected from locations in and near Yosemite Valley, including Glacier Point, Curry Village, Vernal Fall, and the Merced River canyon west of El Portal. Known habitat includes mossy rockslides with a cover of trees or shrubs. Existing impacts on the species include development at Curry Village on potential habitat, and trails and roads through rockslides. Adverse impacts of these developments on this species would continue in the future. Under Alternative 1, there would be no new or additional impacts on the Mariposa sideband snail.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix sierrana)

Status: Federal species of concern. Very little is known about the distribution and ecology of this grasshopper species. It appears to prefer riparian areas, especially in the spring and summer. The species has been found in only a few locations, including near El Portal. Suitable habitat also appears to exist at South Entrance, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona, although records of this species in those locations are lacking. Existing disturbance of riparian habitat from roads, housing, utilities, and human disturbance, has likely reduced the extent and quality of suitable habitat and would continue to do so in the future. Alternative 1 would cause no change in these existing impacts on the Sierra pygmy grasshopper.

Wawona riffle beetle (Atractelmis wawona)

Status: Federal species of concern. Until recently, this beetle was thought to be limited to the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River, but further surveys have found other locations in northern California and southern Oregon and Idaho. Disturbance of riparian and aquatic habitats in El Portal, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley may have adversely affected this species and would continue to do so in the future. Alternative 1 would cause no change in existing impacts on the Wawona riffle beetle.

Bohart’s blue butterfly (Philotiella speciosa bohartorum)

Status: Federal species of concern. This species appears to have a highly restricted distribution in the Merced River canyon near Briceburg, but further surveys have found populations in other areas, such as Merced, Fresno, and Tulare counties. Its host plant, however, is relatively widely distributed in California, including El Portal. Although the Bohart’s blue butterfly has never been recorded in El Portal, the presence of the host plant raises the possibility of its occurrence in this location. Development in El Portal has likely displaced suitable habitat and would continue to adversely affect the species in the future. Alternative 1 would cause no change in existing impacts on the Bohart’s blue butterfly.

Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. This species occurs on large rock formations between 4,000 and 11,500 feet. Among the areas of potential development under this plan, only Yosemite Valley and Tioga Pass have suitable habitat. There are two records for the Valley: one at the base of Cathedral Rocks and another at the base of Bridalveil Fall. Housing in the talus at Curry Village could be adversely affecting potential habitat for this species. However, Alternative 1 would cause no changes in existing impacts on the Mount Lyell salamander.

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

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. These two subspecies are considered together here because the two intergrade and are indistinguishable in the Yosemite region. The turtles are found in permanent ponds, rivers, and streams that are overgrown with vegetation and have basking areas such as logs, rocks, mats of vegetation, or open mud banks. Such habitat occurs in El Portal, Foresta, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley, although observations of the species in the park are rare. Degradation and loss of riparian, pond, and wetland habitats in these locations have likely affected the species and would continue to do so in the future. Predation by bullfrogs may also be an important and ongoing factor. Alternative 1 would cause no changes in existing impacts on northwestern and southwestern pond turtles.

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. This species is rarely seen in its areas of previous occurrence: Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona. Degradation of riparian habitats and human disturbance along the rivers and streams are likely factors affecting occurrence of harlequin ducks in the park, but adverse effects on river and riparian habitat over much of the Sierra Nevada are the ultimate cause of this species’ scarcity. These adverse effects are expected to continue in the future. Under Alternative 1, no riparian habitat would be restored, and existing patterns of visitor use would continue, causing no additional adverse or beneficial impacts.

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi)

Status: California species of special concern. Except for Tioga Pass, Cooper’s hawks are likely to occur in all locations potentially affected by this plan, where they frequent wooded areas with openings and edges. Existing impacts include past development that has removed or altered habitat, and a past history of fire suppression in the park that has affected forest structure. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in existing impacts, and no additional effect on Cooper’s hawks.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. This species occurs in forested habitat, usually above 5,000 feet. It is, therefore, likely to occur in all potential project areas, except El Portal, Foresta, and Wawona. Transient goshawks are occasionally seen in Yosemite Valley in the fall and winter. Goshawk habitat is relatively intact, and likely supports a near-natural density of birds, although roads, campgrounds, housing areas, and other developments (e.g., Crane Flat gas station) likely have local effects on the species that would continue in the future. Fire suppression in the park has also likely affected goshawks. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effect on northern goshawks.

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Status: California species of special concern. This species favors open coniferous forests and edges of meadows and clearings. Sharp-shinned hawks are expected to occur in all potential project areas except Tioga Pass. Impacts to this species in the park include habitat degradation and fragmentation from development, and alteration in natural forest structure from historic fire suppression. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effect on sharp-shinned hawks.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Status: California species of special concern. Golden eagles occur over a wide range of elevations in the park, but require open terrain for hunting. Such habitat is available in Yosemite Valley, Tioga Pass, and Foresta. Development in the park has likely had a negligible effect on this species, because such areas are small relative to the large home range of this species. Historic fire suppression in the park, however, has likely had an adverse effect on golden eagles by reducing forest openings. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in existing impacts, so there would be no additional effect on golden eagles.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Status: California species of special concern. Merlins are likely to occur at lower elevations in Yosemite, including El Portal, Wawona, Yosemite Valley, and Foresta, although records of this species are sparse. Pesticides have been identified as the main reason for decline in this species, but effects in the park such as development, reduction in meadow habitat, and fire suppression have likely affected the local population of merlins. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in existing impacts, so there would be no additional effects on merlins.

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Status: California species of special concern. This species hunts in grasslands and meadows, and nests on cliffs. Areas in the park where prairie falcons are known or expected to occur include Foresta, Yosemite Valley, and Tioga Pass. Pesticides have been implicated in the statewide decrease in this species. Possible impacts in Yosemite also include reduction in meadow habitat from development of facilities. Under Alternative 1, existing development would remain so there would be no change in existing impacts. Consequently, there would be no additional effects on prairie falcons.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

Status: California species of special concern. Long-eared owls prefer riparian areas or other thickets with low, dense canopies for roosting and nesting. Suitable habitat occurs in El Portal, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley. Development and degradation of riparian habitats and human disturbance could be affecting abundance of this species in the park, and if so would continue in the future. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effects on long-eared owls.

Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)

Status: California species of special concern. This species’ preferred habitat is riparian woodlands, but it also breeds in chaparral, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer habitats where substantial brush occurs. It is known or expected to occur in all areas potentially affected by this plan, except Tioga Pass. In the park, degradation of riparian habitats and nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds are the most likely adverse impacts to this species, and these effects would continue in the future. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effects on yellow warblers.

Mount Lyell shrew (Sorex lyelli)

Status: Federal species of concern. This species is known from only a few collections in the vicinity of Mt. Lyell, but suitable habitat, grass and willows near streams also appear to be present in the Tioga Pass area. If it does occur in this area, it is possible that human disturbance of riparian areas and wet meadows by trampling could have an adverse effect. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional impact on Mount Lyell shrews.

Bat Species

Long-legged myotis bat (Myotis volans)

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)

Status: Federal species of concern. Snowshoe hares prefer habitats with structural diversity, providing a dense understory and edges of forest habitat. Riparian areas are especially preferred. This species is very rare in Yosemite National Park, but records suggest that Badger Pass and Tioga Pass are the most likely areas of occurrence. Given the elevation range of this species, however, its occurrence at Hazel Green, South Entrance, Big Oak Flat Entrance, South Landing, and Henness Ridge is also possible. Existing and ongoing impacts in the park include degradation and destruction of riparian and meadow habitat, and human disturbance in these areas. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effects on Sierra Nevada snowshoe hares.

White-tailed hare (Lepus townsendii)

Status: California species of special concern. White-tailed hares are scarce in Yosemite National Park, but are found in meadows, willow thickets, shrubby ridgetops, and open stands of lodgepole pine. Tioga Pass is the only location among the potential project sites of this plan that white-tailed hares are likely to inhabit. Adverse impacts to this species in Yosemite National Park include human disturbance and past suppression of fire. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effects on white-tailed hares.

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Mountain beavers prefer willow-lined, perennial streams through montane meadows. The only location among potential project sites where suitable habitat occurs, and a known population of mountain beavers exists, is Badger Pass. Existing and ongoing adverse impacts to that population include human disturbance and polluted runoff from the parking lot. Under Alternative 1, there would be no change in these existing impacts, so there would be no additional effects on Sierra Nevada mountain beaver.

Conclusion

No riparian or meadow habitat restoration actions would be implemented under this alternative. Therefore, the quality of this habitat would remain limited by numerous developments. Roads and utilities would continue to fragment meadow habitat and limit its use to species such as great gray owl, bat species, and California red-legged frog. California black oak habitat would not be restored, thus limiting its use by species such as the California spotted owl. The National Park Service and concessioner stables would continue to operate in Yosemite Valley, continuing the presence of brown-headed cowbirds and their nest parasitism on species such as yellow warblers and willow flycatchers.

Existing development and human use in Yosemite Valley and associated areas have adversely affected special-status wildlife species through habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation; human disturbance; and introduction of non-native species. Under Alternative 1, no new actions would be undertaken that would create additional adverse impacts to special-status species, nor would any specific actions be undertaken to restore primary habitats for special-status wildlife species.

Cumulative Impacts

The following sections discuss the potential impacts of other past, present, and foreseeable future projects on special-concern species in conjunction with the impacts of Alternative 1. Appendix H presents other ongoing or future projects in the region that were considered in the cumulative impacts analysis. The analysis assumed that California Environmental Quality Act and Endangered Species Act mitigation requirements would be implemented as part of each foreseeable future project, as applicable.

Potential Cumulative Impacts on Federal and California Threatened or Endangered Species

The federal status of each species is identified in table 3-7 (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment). The following discussion indicates the potential for other reasonably foreseeable future projects (listed in Vol. II, Appendix H) to impact these listed species. Impact analysis assumed that California Environmental Quality Act and Endangered Species Act mitigation requirements would be implemented, as applicable, as part of each foreseeable project. In addition, site-specific mitigation measures would be designed to further minimize short-term and long-term effects.

Potential Cumulative Impacts on Species that are Being Considered for Elevated Federal Listing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that the following species of concern may be listed as federally threatened or endangered in the future. Because these species could be listed before the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS is finalized, the potential impacts to these species are also described.

Potential Cumulative Impacts on Federal Species of Concern and California Species of Special Concern

Cumulative Impacts Conclusion

Overall, foreseeable future projects within the cumulative impact assessment area considered in this plan, in conjunction with Alternative 1, would have a beneficial effect on special-status wildlife species and their habitats in Yosemite National Park. This is due to the potential effects that would derive from implementation of large-scale planning efforts that could protect and restore wildlife habitats over much of the Sierra Nevada. Actual effects of these plans would depend upon the specific alternatives selected and the extent of their implementation over time, but all action alternatives would offer more comprehensive and ecosystem-based management of public lands adjacent to the park.

In contrast, current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on special-status species are relatively small in area, and only local rather than widespread effects are anticipated. These impacts would be further limited by implementation of site-specific surveys and mitigation measures required by the State of California and the federal government to protect special-status species.

Fifty-two special-status plant species are identified within Yosemite Valley and other out-of-Valley areas that could potentially be affected by actions addressed in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. (Note: These plants only include species of concern [federal] and rare [state and park], so "special-status" is more accurate than special-status.) None of these plant species is listed as threatened or endangered at the federal or state level. Refer to table 3-7 (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3) for a list of these plant species; their federal, state, and local status; and their general habitat requirements and locations.

The impacts identified in this section are generally long term, except where noted.

Yosemite Valley

No federal- or state-listed plant species are known to occur in Yosemite Valley. Twelve park rare plant species currently exist in the Valley: sugar stick, round-leaved sundew, stream orchid, fawn-lily, northern bedstraw, Sierra laurel, false pimpernel, azure penstemon, phacelia, wood saxifrage, giant sequoia, and ladies’ tresses. Northern bedstraw, round-leaved sundew, false pimpernel, and ladies’ tresses have been and would continue to be adversely affected because of the historic loss of wet meadows, continuing impacts to remaining wet meadows by existing ditches and drainages, encroachment on habitat by non-native plant species, and trampling of habitat and plants by humans. Sugar stick, Sierra laurel, azure penstemon, and phacelia would also continue to be adversely impacted by occasional human trampling. The stream orchid is limited to concession landscaped areas and would not be impacted under Alternative 1.

The giant sequoia is a non-native species in Yosemite Valley, though it has been planted and established in scattered locations. Some individual trees were planted by significant historic figures including Galen Clark. Currently, there are 39 large (older than 100 years) giant sequoias in the Valley. Most are associated with landscaping and parking areas and are adversely impacted by trampling around the bases of the trees and pavement that covers root systems. These impacts would continue under Alternative 1.

The fawn-lily would continue to be impacted by trampling and picking of its showy flowers. The wood saxifrage typically grows on moist cliffs, and would not be impacted by the actions of this alternative.

Out-of-Valley

El Portal

Currently, one federal plant species of concern (Congdon’s lomatium), four state-listed rare species (Yosemite onion, Tompkin’s sedge, Congdon’s woolly-sunflower, and Congdon’s lewisia), and six park rare plant species (Indian paintbrush, collinsia, pitcher sage, Congdon’s monkeyflower, Palmer’s monkeyflower, and phacelia) occur within the general El Portal area. The Yosemite onion and Congdon’s lomatium would not be impacted by the actions under Alternative 1 associated with radiating human impacts, given that their habitat is on steep slopes associated with poison oak. Impacts from habitat loss and competition for resources (e.g., light, water, and nutrients) occur to most of these special-status species because of a high degree of non-native species encroachment in this area. Occasional impacts also occur as a result of roadside maintenance by the National Park Service, the County of Mariposa, and California Department of Transportation on Tompkin’s sedge, Congdon’s woolly-sunflower, and Congdon’s lewisia. All of these special-status species have also been impacted by years of fire suppression, with associated fuel accumulations causing changes in overall cover, available resources, and habitats. Aside from small-scale fuel management (both mechanical and fire), these impacts would continue to occur under Alternative 1.

Foresta

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur in Foresta. Five park rare species are found within the general Foresta area (snapdragon, Small’s southern clarkia, goldenaster, inconspicuous monkeyflower, and pansy monkeyflower). These species currently receive little impact because of the limited human activity from the small residential population. Impacts have begun to occur as a result of encroachment by non-native species (mainly annual grasses such as cheatgrass and herbaceous weeds including yellow star-thistle and spotted knapweed). These impacts would continue under Alternative 1.

South Landing

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur at South Landing. One park rare species (whitneya) occurs onsite and two other park rare plant species (round-leaved sundew and giant sequoia) occur within walking distance of the site. Impacts occur to the whitneya population from road shoulder work along the road to the Crane Flat Lookout and within South Landing. Impacts would continue to occur from prescribed burning in the area, with possible beneficial effects over the long term. Whitneya is a disturbance-dependent species that thrives with limited soil heating and scarification. The sundew and giant sequoia are subject to impacts from human activity and foot traffic that radiates from the Crane Flat store and gas station, Yosemite Institute campus, and Crane Flat Campground.

Henness Ridge

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur at Henness Ridge. No park rare species are known to occur at Henness Ridge; therefore, no known impacts to federal-, state-, or park-listed species would occur under Alternative 1.

Badger Pass

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur at Badger Pass. The surrounding montane meadow areas are inhabited by one federal species of concern (Bolander’s clover) and two park rare species (dwarf sandwort and Yosemite ivesia). Under Alternative 1, these areas would continue to receive minor, adverse impacts (with short-term impacts on individual plants and populations) from the radiating use of wilderness trails and the Bridalveil Creek Campground.

Hazel Green

One federal species of concern (slender-stemmed monkeyflower) and one park rare species (Small’s southern clarkia) are found in the meadow area at Hazel Green Ranch. No known impacts would occur in the vicinity of the meadow under Alternative 1.

Wawona

One state-listed rare plant species (Yosemite onion) and eight park rare species occur within the Wawona basin (snapdragon, Child’s blue-eyed Mary, round-leaved sundew, Sierra sweet-bay, Bolander’s skullcap, giant sequoia, trillium, and Hall’s wyethia). These species currently receive moderate levels of impact from trampling; management of forests by the National Park Service, concessioner, and private landowners; and construction activities within the Wawona area. Impacts also occur, on a relatively low level, from competition for resources from non-native grasses and forbs. These effects are expected to continue at approximately the same level under Alternative 1.

Big Oak Flat Entrance

No known impacts to federal-, state-, or park-listed plant species would occur, as no special-status plant species are known to occur in the Big Oak Flat Entrance area.

South Entrance

No known federal- or state-listed plant species occur in the South Entrance area. One park rare species (Sierra sweet-bay) is located within the riparian area adjacent to the Wawona road. Current road maintenance activities would continue to provide potential for the introduction of non-native species into the riparian area.

Tioga Pass Entrance

One federal species of concern (Tiehm’s rock-cress) and thirteen park rare species occur within hiking distance of Tioga Pass: Sweetwater Mountains milkvetch, Black and White sedge, Capitate sedge, Congdon’s sedge, Alpine cerastium, Sierra claytonia, Draba, Desert fleabane, Rambling fleabane, Dane’s dwarf gentian, Common juniper, Snow willow, and Groundsel. These species are currently adversely affected by trampling by hikers, which would continue under Alternative 1.

Conclusion

There would be no impacts to federal- or state-listed threatened or endangered plant species under this alternative. Minor adverse impacts to three state-listed rare and six park rare species would occur in the El Portal area as a result of continuing habitat degradation under this alternative. In other areas, negligible impacts would occur because of no change in existing conditions to three other federal species of concern, one other state-listed species, and the remaining park rare species.

Under Alternative 1, no new actions would be undertaken that would create additional adverse impacts on rare plant species, nor would any specific restoration actions be undertaken to enhance or restore habitats for rare plant species.

Cumulative Impacts

Many of the park’s special-status plant species are fairly widespread (they generally extend well beyond park boundaries) but are limited to specific substrates or other restricted habitats. Analysis of the cumulative impacts to these species focuses on identified projects that are or will be occurring on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada in the foreseeable future (see Vol. II, Appendix H).

Although substantial habitat fragmentation currently exists in vegetation communities as a whole because of human development, the relatively discrete populations of rare plants in Yosemite and surrounding areas are only slightly affected by this phenomenon. Rather, the primary effects on rare plants are short-term impacts to habitat, long-term habitat loss, and loss of both the occurrence and frequency of natural processes upon which many of these species depend.

Many of the lower-elevation wet meadows throughout the Sierra Nevada have been altered through channelization of drainages, grazing, encroachment by non-native species, and permanent flooding through the construction of water storage and hydroelectric dams. Rare species dependent on these areas have undergone declines due to permanent loss of habitat (as a result of projects such as Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and O’Shaughnessy Dam).

The development of roads through lower-elevation riparian corridors throughout the Sierra Nevada has also led to a temporary population decline of some species and permanent loss of habitat for others, depending on the magnitude of the project and extent of actual ground disturbance within the critical habitat zone.

Finally, alterations in fire frequency and intensity have led to short-term losses of some species dependent on frequent low-intensity fires. Some of these species may be more resilient than previously recognized, with the ability to lie dormant (in seed form) until conditions are favorable for germination. In Yosemite these include many annual species of monkeyflower.

According to the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project (UC Davis 1996b), of the five habitat types in the Sierra Nevada that contain the most rare and endemic taxa (Jeffrey and ponderosa pine forests, foothill woodlands, subalpine forests, meadows, and chaparral), the foothill woodlands and chaparral are receiving the greatest increase in impacts and fragmentation by urbanization along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. In chaparral vegetation types, the frequency of fire has been altered to protect other resource values such as timber and homes. Taxa that are dependent on fire as a part of their life history and ecology may be adversely impacted by long-term changes in the management of chaparral vegetation. The changes may include a shift from fall to spring burning, mechanical treatments, or alteration of the fire frequency or intensity of burns.

Short-Term Impacts to Habitat

Impacts to some species confined to riparian and lower montane and foothill areas from road construction projects (El Portal Road Improvements and Hetch Hetchy Road Reconstruction projects) within Yosemite National Park have occurred. Mitigation efforts have included protection of rare species within these project sites by salvaging individual plants and replanting them after construction is completed; timing construction activities to periods when annuals have gone to seed; or specifying salvage, treatment, and replacement of soils and materials within known population areas. In addition, construction projects at and in the vicinity of O’Shaughnessy Dam and at Evergreen Road may temporarily affect both annual and perennial park and state rare plant species. Specifically, these actions would result in adverse, short-term impacts to pansy and slender-stemmed monkeyflowers, assuming implementation of the mitigation measures listed above.

Additional impacts would occur to riparian areas outside the park – specifically, actions planned on the main stem of the Merced River. These direct construction actions (Briceburg Bridge Reconstruction and the Merced River Canyon Trail Acquisition) would also cause adverse impacts to rare plant habitat.

Long-Term Habitat Loss

Installation of riprap and permanent loss of riparian vegetation due to the Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), El Portal (Mariposa Co.) project and the Yosemite View parcel land exchange (NPS) would lead to a loss of habitat in the Merced River corridor, with a resulting loss of rare plants growing at those sites. This would be an adverse impact depending on the site and the species affected by each potential project. Projects such as the development of new and additional infrastructure at Evergreen Lodge and Silvertip Resort Village, and fuels treatment projects (including logging in Stanislaus National Forest), would lead to long-term loss of habitat for a variety of rare plant species, resulting in adverse impacts.

Change in Frequency of Natural Processes

The addition of lodging units with the Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.), El Portal (Mariposa Co.); Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Silvertip Resort Village; and other sites could further limit the management of these areas with natural fire, thereby causing reductions in fire-dependent species at these sites (including state rare Tompkin’s sedge and many lower-elevation chaparral species). Construction actions to eliminate the threat of flood damage to infrastructure along the South Fork and main stem of the Merced River outside of Yosemite National Park would also lead to a loss of flood frequency. Floods scour out riparian zones and create new available habitat for species, such as park rare Sierra sweet-bay.

A number of large-scale planning projects would potentially benefit rare plant species through more comprehensive land use management goals, objectives, and strategies. Some of these planning projects and resulting documents include the park’s Fire Management Plan Update, Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus), Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, Tuolumne Meadows Development Concept Plan (NPS), and other wilderness management plans. Therefore, reasonably foreseeable future management and planning projects within the cumulative impact assessment area would have regional beneficial impacts to rare plant species and their habitats. Development projects such as the Yosemite View parcel land exchange (NPS) and Yosemite Motels Expansion (Mariposa Co.), El Portal (Mariposa Co.) would have the potential for localized adverse impacts on rare plant species habitat. With the implementation of site-specific surveys and implementation of state and federally required mitigation measures, these local adverse impacts would be minimized.

The potential for beneficial and adverse impacts to rare plant species would be much greater from other projects occurring within the cumulative impact assessment area than from this alternative. Alternative 1, in conjunction with other regional planning and development activities, would have a negligible to minor adverse cumulative impact on special-status (federal species of concern, state rare, or park rare) plant species; however, this would largely be due to localized project impacts and overall habitat degradation from other projects and actions outside the scope of the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS.

VEHICLE-GENERATED AIR EMISSIONS

Under Alternative 1, visitor and employee vehicle travel in Yosemite Valley would remain unchanged from existing conditions. A summary of the vehicle-related emissions for Alternative 1 is provided in table 4-11. Annual vehicle emission estimates in calendar year 2000 under this alternative are approximately 50 tons per year volatile organic compounds; 570 tons per year carbon monoxide; 85 tons per year nitrogen oxides; 6 tons per year sulfur dioxide; and 3

1. Assumes that in-Valley shuttle buses would be conventional diesel buses that would meet emissions standards in effect in 2000. The park intends to purchase new shuttle buses which may produce lower emissions that those listed here.
2. No ActionNote: Values are expressed in tons per year
CNG = compressed natural gas
FC = Fuel Cell

tons per year particulate matter. An additional 165 tons per year of PM₁₀ road dust are associated with approximately 90 million vehicle miles traveled per year by visitor vehicles; tour and shuttle buses; and National Park Service and Yosemite Concession Services employee, administrative, and maintenance vehicles. Substantial improvements in emissions would result from 2000 to 2015 by replacing older vehicles in the current fleet with newer vehicles, which would have advanced emission standards. By 2015, total vehicle emissions would be reduced to approximately 9 tons per year volatile organic compounds; 190 tons per year carbon monoxide; 40 tons per year nitrogen oxides; 5 tons per year sulfur dioxide; and 2 tons per year particulate matter. This represents approximately 83%, 66%, and 55% reductions in volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides emissions, respectively. This would represent a long-term beneficial impact to local air quality.

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY

Travel levels were modeled to perform carbon monoxide and PM₁₀ hot-spot analyses for Northside Drive from Yosemite Lodge to park headquarters. This road segment was chosen to represent the worst-case level of service classification based on transportation studies for Yosemite Valley. For the inbound peak travel hour, the maximum 1-hour average, carbon monoxide concentration was 2.1 parts per million; the analogous carbon monoxide concentration for the outbound peak travel hour was 3.5 parts per million. When added to a background carbon monoxide concentration of 3 parts per million, the estimated carbon monoxide concentrations of 5.1 and 6.5 parts per million for inbound and outbound traffic scenarios, respectively, do not exceed the federal or California 1-hour carbon monoxide standards of 35 parts per million and 20 parts per million, respectively. For the inbound peak travel hour, the calculated maximum 8-hour average carbon monoxide concentration was 3.57 parts per million, and the maximum analogous 8-hour average carbon monoxide concentration was 4.45 parts per million for the outbound peak travel hour. These carbon monoxide concentrations for Alternative 1 do not exceed the federal or California 8-hour carbon monoxide standard of 9 parts per million, but they were the highest among all alternatives modeled.

For the inbound peak travel hour, the maximum 24-hour average PM₁₀ concentration was 46.2 micrograms per cubic meter (m g/m³), and the analogous PM₁₀ concentration for the outbound peak travel hour was 64.2 m g/m³. Although the PM₁₀ concentration for the inbound peak hour does not exceed the federal standard of 150 m g/m³ or the California standard of 50 m g/m³, the PM₁₀ concentrations for the outbound peak hour does exceed the California standard. As with the carbon monoxide concentrations, the PM₁₀ concentration for Alternative 1 were the highest among all alternatives modeled.

CONSTRUCTION-GENERATED AIR EMISSIONS

Other than ongoing reconstruction to repair damage from the January 1997 flood, no construction activities are proposed under Alternative 1; therefore, there would be no construction-generated air emissions.

CONCLUSION

Assuming that vehicle totals in Yosemite National Park remain constant through 2015, total vehicle traffic-related emissions would decrease relative to current levels because of the transition to fleet vehicles with advanced emission control technologies that meet more stringent emission standards. This would represent a long-term beneficial impact to local air quality.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Air quality in Yosemite National Park is currently affected by internal air pollution sources, such as furnaces, boilers, woodstoves, and campfires. Estimates of air emissions from these sources are provided in table 3-12 (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3). For purposes of this analysis, these air pollution sources would continue in the future, with emission levels remaining relatively similar to existing levels. These emission sources are relatively small compared to vehicle emissions and overall air emissions in the region.

Other actions in the immediate area and greater San Joaquin Valley may have cumulative impacts when viewed in the context of the proposed National Park Service plans. These include implementing a regional transit system, such as the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (inter-agency), which would provide some visitors and commuting employees with an alternative to driving into the Valley and would result in overall lower air emissions. A 2 year demonstration of YARTS began in the summer of 2000. According to Madera County Transportation Commission officials, the planned improvements for Highway 41 Extension (Madera Co.) in both the short term (1999-2000) and long term (2014) are not likely to increase traffic to the Valley because the improvements are directed at relieving congestion, not increasing traffic volume.

Other expansion projects in the Yosemite region would affect air emissions in the Yosemite region. This includes the construction of new housing developments, such as the City of Merced General Plan to accommodate a population expansion from 62,000 to 133,000 by the year 2015. Other new housing includes the Rio Mesa Area Plan on the east side of Highway 41 in Madera County, with 29,000 housing units planned over 100 years and a University of California campus just outside Merced that would accommodate 31,500 residents and 31,600 students. New lodging projects are also planned for the Yosemite region with approximately 725 new guest rooms. Collectively, these developments would result in additional vehicles and associated air emissions in the region, representing a long-term adverse impact to local and regional air quality.

The Merced expansion plans represent an approximately 30% increase in the estimated population of Merced County and an analogous increase in vehicle population and related air emissions. Analogous increases for Madera County are approximately 25%. Alternative 1, however, would have a small incremental effect on the overall cumulative impact resulting from other growth-related projects in the Yosemite region. Thus, the impact of Alternative 1 would remain beneficial at the local level, with lesser significance at the regional level.

A number of facilities throughout the Valley currently within the talus slope zone and the shadow line zone are of concern because of their occupancy category as prescribed in the Yosemite Valley Geologic Hazard Guidelines (see Vol. II, Appendix C). The impact of facilities inside or outside of the talus slope and shadow line zones, including consistency with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines, are discussed below.

This impact analysis was completed only for those areas currently within the talus slope and shadow line zones in the Valley. Rockfall hazards would likely be long term and permanent. The potential for rockfall is ongoing, as this natural process continues to occur in Yosemite Valley. With the exception of the Arch Rock Entrance Station, there are no permanent structures planned for the area between Yosemite Valley and El Portal. Also, traffic along the roadway in this area is considered transitory and not a permanent population. The transitory nature of the traffic allows little exposure at any one time to potential geologic hazards. For these reasons, this area was not included in the analysis of geologic hazards for Yosemite Valley. Other out-of-Valley areas were not included in the analysis. The risk of rockfall in these areas is negligible due to the lack of evidence of past rockfall events.

HOUSEKEEPING CAMP AREA

All of the Housekeeping Camp facilities are within the shadow line zone. The LeConte Memorial Lodge is within the talus slope zone. Under this alternative, the occupancy density and location of these facilities would not change. The LeConte Memorial Lodge, a historic structure, and the Housekeeping Camp are both standard occupancy facilities; thus, the impact would continue to be adverse. Retaining conditions of this type would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines, and risk to life and property would remain as they are today.

CURRY VILLAGE AREA

Numerous visitor and employee facilities are located within Curry Village, including tent cabins and other cabins that would remain within the talus slope zone under this alternative. Tent cabins and cabins are considered standard occupancy facilities; therefore, continuing to expose these facilities to risk would be an adverse impact. All other facilities are within the shadow line zone. These facilities are standard occupancy facilities except the pavilion, which is classified as a special occupancy facility. Potential risks associated with these facilities and occupants would remain adverse; consequently, the current levels of risk from rockfall events would remain unchanged.

CAMPGROUND AREAS

The majority of the existing campgrounds and facilities are located outside both the talus slope and shadow line zones. A small portion of Upper Pines Campground is located in the talus slope zone. Campgrounds are miscellaneous occupancy facilities, and the risks associated with those portions of the campgrounds located in the talus slope and shadow line zones would remain. This is consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Risks to life and property would remain as they are today.

THE AHWAHNEE AREA

The Ahwahnee and associated support facilities, which are special occupancy facilities, are within the shadow line zone. A small portion of the parking lot is within the talus slope zone. Retaining existing conditions would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines; thus, risk to life and property would remain as they are today, and would be adverse.

YOSEMITE VILLAGE AREA

The entire Yosemite Village is within the shadow line zone, and approximately one-half of the area is within the talus slope zone. This area has a number of structures in the talus slope and shadow line zones that are essential facilities (e.g., fire station, law enforcement, jail, court, communication center); special occupancy facilities (visitor center and auditoriums); and one facility in the hazardous facility category (fuel storage). Numerous standard occupancy facilities are within both the talus slope and shadow line zones (e.g., employee housing, maintenance facilities, retail sales, post office). Under this alternative, no changes would be made, and the risk of impact from rockfall would remain. Impacts are considered adverse due to the large concentration of essential, hazardous, and special occupancy facilities within the talus slope zone.

YOSEMITE LODGE AREA

All existing buildings would remain within the shadow line zone, which adheres to the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. All existing buildings are standard occupancy except for the restaurants, which are special occupancy facilities. Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground) is a miscellaneous structure facility located within both the talus slope and shadow line zones. Yosemite Falls facilities (considered miscellaneous) are located in the shadow line zone. Retaining existing conditions would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines; therefore, risk to life and property would remain as they are today and would be adverse.

BRIDALVEIL FALL AREA

The parking lot and turnout area are not within the talus slope or shadow line zones in this area; consequently, there would be no appreciable risk of adverse effects from rockfall.

TAFT TOE AREA

Currently, no facilities are within the talus slope or shadow line zones in this area; thus, there would be no appreciable risk of adverse impact from rockfall.

CONCLUSION

Alternative 1 (the No Action Alternative) does not propose to remove or relocate existing facilities or change occupancy categories; therefore, the level of risk to life and property would remain the same as it is today. Potential impacts from rockfalls would continue to be adverse when people and property are involved. Overall, impacts are considered adverse because of the high concentration of essential, hazardous, and special occupancy facilities that would remain within the talus slope zone.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects could, in combination, cumulatively affect the geologic resources of Yosemite Valley. Explosives used for trail and road improvements could trigger rockfall events. Although the park uses explosives guidelines that would reduce the potential for a rockfall occurrence when applied consistently, the risk of such an event is present. There are not, however, any reasonably foreseeable future projects (see Vol. II, Appendix H) that would impact or change the geologic structure of the granite walls within Yosemite Valley.

Under this alternative, no changes or improvements to the scenic quality of Yosemite Valley would occur. Collectively, there are 406 acres of development within Yosemite Valley. Of the 406 acres of development, 157 acres of scenic impacts are within A Scenic, 219 acres are within B Scenic, and 28 acres are within C Scenic categories (there are approximately three acres in Yosemite Valley that were not analyzed for the 1980 General Management Plan). The majority of the visual intrusions occur within east Valley, primarily the Yosemite Village, Curry Village, campground, and the Yosemite Lodge areas. Of the 157 acres of impacted A Scenic resources, 6 acres are located in west Valley. These impacts include: Bridalveil Fall parking lot, Cathedral Picnic Area, and El Capitan Picnic Area. No development within the Valley is visible from Tunnel View, one of the most popular vantage points of Yosemite Valley.

Table 4-12 lists the existing visual intrusions from each vantage point (vantage points are site-specific locations which are either designed for or provide specific opportunities for visitors to view the scenery). Table 4-13 lists the existing visual intrusions on the 11 most important scenic features within the Valley.

CONCLUSION

The amount of intrusion into Yosemite Valley views would remain the same as it is today. Some scenic features would continue to be obstructed by traffic along roads and other development in the Valley. The degree of obstruction or impacts would continue to depend upon the vantage point of the visitor.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

In the analysis of cumulative impacts on scenic resources, scenic impacts in Yosemite Valley are evaluated as part of the larger set of scenic resources that lie within Yosemite National Park and in immediate proximity of park boundaries. Impacts on scenic resources outside of Yosemite Valley were determined by considering the number, nature, and scale of human developments that would interrupt the natural scene.

The visitor could expect to encounter a considerable number of construction projects when approaching Yosemite Valley by major access roads. These projects would have short-term, construction-related impacts on scenic resources and are not expected to have long-term adverse impacts. There could be long-term adverse impacts on scenic resources outside the park border on major access roads due to proposed construction of new guest lodging and conference facilities.

Projects approved or planned that could impact scenic resources within Yosemite National Park or close to park boundaries include:

Yosemite Valley

• Merced River at Eagle Creek Ecological Restoration Project (NPS)

El Portal to Yosemite Valley

• El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS)

• Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS)

• Construction of Resources Management Building (NPS)

• Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.)

South Entrance to Yosemite Valley

• Mariposa Grove Roadway Improvement and Giant Sequoia Restoration (NPS)

• South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement (NPS)

• Silvertip Resort Village Project (Mariposa Co.)

• Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (NPS)

Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite Valley

• Rush Creek Guest Lodging and Conference Facility (Tuolumne Co.)

Tioga Road Entrance to Crane Flat

• Tuolumne Meadows Water and Wastewater Improvements (NPS)

General

• Fire Management Plan Update (NPS)

• Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS)

• Tuolumne Meadows Development Concept Plan and Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS)

The amount of human development could increase substantially just outside of park borders near entrance stations due to proposed construction of new guest lodging and conference facilities.

In Yosemite Valley, the Merced River at Eagle Creek Ecological Restoration Project would restore degraded riparian habitat. This would be a long-term, beneficial effect on scenic resources in Yosemite Valley.

The El Portal Road Improvement Project would have a short-term, adverse impact on scenic resources between El Portal and Yosemite Valley. This impact is expected to be temporary, because cut-and-fill slopes revegetate.

In El Portal, the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) could result in a loss of undeveloped riverside land. This would be a long-term, adverse effect on scenic resources due to the development of a site that is currently in a natural state. Construction of Resources Management Building (NPS) is expected to have no additional impact on scenic resources, as it would be directly attached to the existing maintenance facility.

The Mariposa Grove Roadway Improvement and Giant Sequoia Restoration (NPS) project, the Tuolumne Meadows Water and Wastewater Improvements (NPS), and the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement (NPS) are expected to have adverse impacts on scenic resources.

Definitive actions in the Merced River Plan, Fire Management Plan Update, Tuolumne Meadows Development Concept Plan, the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, and the Mariposa Grove Roadway Improvement and Giant Sequoia Restoration (NPS) cannot be determined, because it is unclear to what extent these plans would be implemented or impact scenic resources in the park. Actions within these plans are likely to cause long-term, beneficial impacts because these efforts would generally consider scenic values when evaluating a range of alternatives.

ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

The Indian Cultural Center, which includes a traditional roundhouse, a modern restroom facility, and parking and utilities, would be constructed (independent of the proposed alternatives of this Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS) on the site of the Valley’s last historically occupied American Indian village, resulting in the potential to impact prehistoric and historic American Indian archeological resources with high data potential. Any adverse impacts would be mitigated through data recovery, in accordance with the Yosemite Programmatic Agreement (see Vol. II, Appendix D).

Routine maintenance activities and upkeep of existing facilities could adversely impact identified archeological resources by disturbing intact deposits, many of which possess unknown data potential. For example, 57 sites in Yosemite Valley are considered at risk from existing facility development. To mitigate these impacts, the park would either avoid known archeological resources, or implement data recovery to retrieve important information, in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement.

Archeological Resources Conclusion

The construction of the Indian Cultural Center and routine maintenance activities would have the potential to adversely impact archeological resourcesa, but the park would strive to avoid or otherwise mitigate impacts, in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement.

Cumulative Impacts

Archeological resources are subject to damage from development, vandalism, visitor access, and natural processes. Twelve current or reasonably foreseeable future design and construction projects in Yosemite National Park could disturb additional archeological resources. For example, four archeological sites could be disturbed by reconstructing the El Portal Road; three sites could be disturbed by the planned replacement of the Tuolumne Wastewater Treatment plant; and the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement (NPS) at Wawona would disturb one site.

Eight additional projects under the control of surrounding state or federal agencies or communities include the construction of resort lodging (e.g., expansion of Evergreen Lodge) and the improvement of transportation facilities. While these projects could impact archeological resources from extensive grading and ground disturbance in archeologically sensitive areas (such as river valleys and mountain meadows), it is not possible to accurately assess impacts until resource inventory and design information is available. While 11 remote parking facilities have been identified by the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (inter-agency), the impacts on archeological resources cannot be evaluated until resource inventory and design information is available.

If significant sites could not be avoided as part of planning and implementation of actions within Yosemite National Park, the data they possess regarding prehistoric and historic lifeways would be recovered according to stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement. Thus, cumulative, minor, and adverse impacts on archeological resources would continue to occur as a result of current park management actions, in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings.

ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

Establishing the Indian Cultural Center would re-establish an American Indian presence in the Valley and strengthen some traditional uses, which would result in beneficial impacts to ethnographic resources. In addition, visitors would be encouraged to observe, experience, and learn about the traditional practices of American Indians at the existing Indian Village of Ahwahnee and the proposed Indian Cultural Center. These facilities would also enhance non-Indian knowledge and appreciation of American Indian cultures, providing visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Valley’s ethnographic resources, contributing to the long-term resource protection and preservation, and resulting in beneficial impacts to ethnographic resources.

Continuing visitor use and routine maintenance could adversely impact known ethnographic resources by disturbing gathering areas and historic villages, or changing access to traditional use areas. In accordance with the Programmatic Agreement, the park would continue to consult with tribal officials, the State Historic Preservation Officer, and other concerned agencies and individuals to mitigate potential impacts.

Ethnographic Resources Conclusion

Establishing the Indian Cultural Center would result in beneficial impacts to ethnographic resources. While continued visitor use and routine maintenance have the potential to impact ethnographic resources, the park would strive to avoid or otherwise mitigate impacts in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement.

Cumulative Impacts

Ethnographic resources and their traditional cultural associations have been lost or damaged in Yosemite National Park through past development, visitor use, natural events, and widespread disruption of cultural traditions. Nevertheless, Yosemite National Park retains many sites and resources of significance to local and culturally associated American Indians. Six current or reasonably foreseeable future management plans and design/construction projects in Yosemite National Park (e.g., facility redesign, utility replacement, road realignment, and fire management planning) could disturb additional ethnographic resources. For example, replacing electric distribution lines in Yosemite Valley could disturb a historic village site, while implementing the park’s fire management plan could disturb or enhance plant-gathering areas throughout the park.

Additional projects under the control of surrounding state/federal agencies or communities include housing developments in Sierra foothill communities such as the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.), the construction or expansion of resort facilities such as Evergreen Lodge and Hazel Green Ranch, improvement of transportation facilities, and U.S. Forest Service logging and reforestation projects. While any or all of these projects could impact ethnographic resources by damaging gathering sites and historic villages or by restricting access to traditional use places, it is not possible to accurately evaluate the nature of impacts without detailed project information, which is not now available. However, the trend for potential disturbance of resources by these types of undertakings can be expected to continue.

Current park management activities would have cumulative, minor impacts on ethnographic resources in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings. The park would continue to consult concerned tribal officials, other agencies, and individuals as necessary, should unforeseen impacts to ethnographic resources arise. In the event resource avoidance could not be achieved, appropriate mitigation would be implemented, such as incorporating culturally sensitive design measures into project designs and developing formal plant-gathering plans.

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

Yosemite Valley

Natural Systems and Features

Under Alternative1, the general pattern of development throughout the Valley and the historic relationship between the natural and built environment would not change. There would be some protection of the Merced River Corridor (the primary natural system structuring development on the Valley floor) within the River Protection Overlay; however, no existing structures or features would be removed. The meadows, California black oak woodlands, and coniferous forests would continue to be managed as they are today, through prescribed burning and other means. These small-scale natural resource restoration activities would collectively result in a beneficial impact to the natural systems and features that contribute to the Valley-wide cultural landscape.

Historic Land Use Patterns

Historic land use patterns would not change. The historic developed areas of Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and The Ahwahnee would remain, and would continue to function as they do today.

Historic Circulation Systems

No changes would occur to the current, historic circulation systems throughout Yosemite Valley. This system would continue to function as a loop drive along the perimeter of the Valley, and vehicle access would continue to be restricted in the Valley’s east end.

Historic Structures

No historic structures would be removed as a result of actions under this alternative. However, the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1, which was severely damaged during the 1997 flood) would neither be removed nor rehabilitated, but would be allowed to deteriorate. This would result in the eventual loss of this historic structure, resulting in a permanent, major, adverse impact. This impact would be mitigated by standard measures stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement, such as salvage of historic materials (HABS/HAER documentation has already been completed; thus, a historical record of the resource would be preserved). Although the physical structure would be lost, this mitigation would reduce the intensity of the adverse impact from major to moderate.

Historic Districts and Developed Areas

Historic Sites

There would be no actions at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground).

Historic Orchards

No concerted efforts would be made to protect and preserve the Lamon, Curry, and Hutchings Orchards, other than the salvage of cuttings and the establishment of representative plants at an appropriate conservation facility outside the park. The eventual loss of these resources would constitute a moderate, adverse impact to the Valleywide cultural landscape and the Yosemite Village Historic District (since the Hutchings Orchard is a contributing element in this district). However, documenting the orchards according to the stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement would preserve a historical record of the resource, thereby reducing the intensity of adverse impact from moderate to minor.

Out-of-Valley Resources

In accordance with the 1980 General Management Plan, trailer homes would be incrementally removed from the El Portal Trailer Village. There are no historic properties or contributing cultural landscape elements in the area that would be impacted by Alternative 1.

Cultural Landscape Resources Conclusion

Historic properties and contributing cultural landscape features would be managed and protected under current policies. In some cases (as with Superintendent’s House [Residence 1] and the historic orchards), benign neglect would be the management approach. The park would continue to avoid adverse impacts where feasible or would otherwise carry out appropriate mitigation to minimize potential impacts, in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement. In Yosemite Valley, adverse impacts to individual features, such as the eventual loss of Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) and the Lamon, Curry, and Hutchings Orchards, as well as the continued intrusion of non-contributing temporary housing structures, would result in an adverse impact to the overall character of the approximately 2,200-acre Yosemite Valley Cultural Landscape Historic District, a property considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Adverse impacts to individual features would be mitigated according to stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement, including documentation and salvage of materials. Character-defining features of the landscape, such as circulation patterns, patterns of land use, response to natural features, spatial organization, and architectural styles, would remain intact.

Cumulative Impacts

Historic sites, structures, and landscape resources have been lost or damaged in Yosemite National Park through past development of facilities and park infrastructure, visitor use, and natural events. In Yosemite Valley and El Portal, these historic resources include early hotels, bridges, stores, studios, cabins, farms, and railroad features that were associated with the area’s early pioneer settlement and industries. Rapidly disappearing structures and sites in other areas of the park include homestead cabins, barns, road and trail segments, bridges, mining complexes, railroad and logging facilities, blazes on trees, and campsites. These resources are reminders of the area’s ranching, grazing, lumbering, mining history, and early tourist history.

Due to its unique nature and significance, cultural landscape resources in Yosemite Valley are considered separately from landscape resources in the region for the purposes of cumulative impact analysis.

Historically, actions and natural processes in Yosemite Valley have led to loss of and change in cultural landscape resources. Changes in circulation systems over the past several decades have led to the reduction in motor vehicle circulation around the perimeter of the Valley. Recent management of the cultural landscape of Yosemite Valley has included activities such as meadow restoration, prescribed burns to manage vegetation, some restoration of riparian vegetation along the Merced River, preservation of the three historic developed areas, designation of three National Historic Landmarks, and recognition of the potential Valleywide Cultural Landscape Historic District.

There are four current or reasonably foreseeable future actions that have the potential to affect landscape resources in Yosemite Valley. These include implementation of the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (inter-agency), Merced River at Eagle Creek Ecological Restoration (NPS), Yosemite Valley Shuttle Stop Improvements (NPS), and the Yosemite Fire Management Plan Update (NPS). While any or all of these could lead to changes in the natural systems and features within the Valley, introduction of non-historic facilities, or loss of historic resources, it is not possible to accurately determine the nature of impacts without detailed information.

Implementation of this alternative would result in changes to historic structures and sites within the Valley, and would have a cumulative, minor, adverse impact on the proposed Yosemite Valley Cultural Landscape Historic District, in conjunction with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings. However, adverse impacts would be mitigated by documentation of adversely impacted resources as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement. Therefore, the cumulative, adverse impacts that would result from implementing this alternative in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings would be negligible.

Five current or reasonably foreseeable future design and construction projects within Yosemite National Park could adversely impact historic resources, with potential impacts ranging from minor to major in magnitude. For example, the implementation of the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System could disturb historic resources as a result of parking and transit facility construction at several park locations. Some historic features would be disturbed by improvements to El Portal Road. The Mariposa Grove Roadway Improvement and Giant Sequoia Restoration (NPS) could disturb structures and the historic landscape character at the South Entrance Historic District. Two projects under the control of surrounding state or federal agencies or communities involve constructing or expanding facilities in the vicinity (e.g., the Evergreen Lodge Expansion [Tuolumne Co.] and new development at Hazel Green [Mariposa Co.]). The construction of the new University of California, Merced campus (Merced Co.) and the development of regional, high-speed mass-transportation projects (multi-agency, see Appendix H) could result in greater demand for local transit facilities. Any or all of these actions could impact historic resources; however, it is not possible to accurately evaluate the nature of impacts without more detailed, site-specific project information, which is not now available. The trend for potential disturbance of resources by these types of undertakings can be expected to continue.

Current park management activities would have cumulative, minor, adverse impacts on historic structures and landscape resources in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings. Such incremental impacts would result primarily from the continuing visual intrusion of modern, noncontributing housing in or near historic districts, as well as the decision to allow the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) and the historic orchards to deteriorate naturally. The intensity of adverse impacts would be reduced by documenting resources as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement, and by ensuring that designs for new construction were compatible with historic settings and architecture.

MUSEUM COLLECTION (INCLUDING ARCHIVES AND
RESEARCH LIBRARY)

Under current park management practices, the museum collection, archival materials, and the research library would continue to be dispersed between facilities in Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona. The wide separation of facilities, and the resultant widespread distribution of the park’s museum collections and archives, creates logistical and staffing problems that impede effective management. In addition, inadequate curatorial facilities (e.g., buildings with substandard security and fire suppression controls) place the collection at risk from damage, deterioration, and loss. Consequently, it is difficult for the park to comply with the protection and preservation guidelines and standards prescribed by the National Park Service’s Museum Handbook (NPS 1990a) and Director’s Order 28: Cultural Resource Management (NPS 1998l), as well as the Draft Director’s Order 24: Standards for NPS Museum Collections Management (NPS 1999e).

Furthermore, museum objects face impacts from the physical disturbance accompanying removal/transfer to exhibit areas, and from excessive or improper handling by researchers and others. Researchers often have difficulty accessing the collections because materials are dispersed. There is also little available space at the research library for public use, and no access for mobility-impaired individuals. There is no dedicated public research access space within the present museum collection storage area. Overall, continuing current management practices would result in ongoing, minor, adverse impacts on the materials.

Museum Collection Conclusion

The park’s collections and archives would be managed and protected to the extent allowable under current funding and staffing levels. Nevertheless, the materials face potential adverse impacts because of inadequate storage facilities and protection measures. Access to and availability of the materials to researchers and others would remain problematic.

Cumulative Impacts

Museum collections have been damaged in Yosemite through natural deterioration, and at times, inadequate storage and treatment. Collections and archives are currently at some risk of damage and deterioration as a result of being dispersed between several park facilities that lack adequate security and environmental controls. Damage is also possible from improper handling or from the risks associated with transporting fragile materials between facilities. There are no reasonably foreseeable future undertakings that would impact the museum collections, other than the incremental addition of objects through ongoing purchase and archeological excavation. Selection of this alternative would have a cumulative, minor, adverse impact on the Yosemite Museum collections.

SECTION 106 SUMMARY

Under regulations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (36 CFR 800.9) addressing the criteria of effect and adverse effect, the National Park Service finds that the continuation of park management policies under this alternative would result in adverse effects to certain historic properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Making no concerted effort to preserve either the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) or the historic orchards would adversely affect these properties as they slowly deteriorated, and eventually would be lost. The park’s museum collections and archives are adversely affected by the dispersal of materials in facilities lacking adequate environmental and security control systems; thus, a portion of the collection is at risk. No new impacts on ethnographic resources would occur to compound past disturbances.

Some archeological sites may be at risk of disturbance from construction of the Indian Cultural Center and routine maintenance activities. If the archeological sites could not be avoided, data recovery carried out in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement would retrieve important information from the disturbed resources, thereby avoiding adverse impacts.

In accordance with National Park Service policies and procedures, the park would continue to protect cultural resources to the greatest extent allowable under present funding and staffing levels. Disturbance of significant resources would be avoided wherever possible, but in instances where avoidance or preservation could not be achieved, appropriate mitigation would be carried out under provisions of the Programmatic Agreement.

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