Yosemite Valley Plan SEIS, Volume IB, Chapter 4: Alternative 2

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

Yosemite Valley

Natural Systems and Features

Under Alternative 2, the general pattern of development throughout the Valley and the historic relationship between the natural and built environment would be retained. Large portions of the natural landscape, which has influenced the physical development in Yosemite Valley, would be rehabilitated and restored to natural conditions. The major focus of this effort would be the long-term restoration of the Merced River corridor and the rehabilitation of eight meadows that are historically significant and contribute to the Valleywide cultural landscape. California black oak woodlands would be rehabilitated and restored to natural conditions, and general environmental restoration would enhance the historic vegetative mosaic of coniferous forest, oak woodlands, and open meadows. These actions would collectively result in a long-term, beneficial impact to the cultural landscape of the Valley.

Historic Land Use Patterns

Historic land use patterns concentrating visitor services and administration in the east Valley would continue. The National Register Historic Districts and properties of Camp Curry, Yosemite Village, The Ahwahnee, and others would remain and continue to function as they did historically. While camping would remain in the Upper Pines and Lower Pines Campgrounds and Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), removing other Valley campgrounds currently situated along the Merced River would be a change in historic land use patterns, resulting in a permanent, minor, adverse impact.

Historic Circulation Systems

Proposed changes to circulation systems throughout Yosemite Valley would result in removal of one historic road segment, realignment of a portion of Northside Drive, and realignment and widening of a portion of Southside Drive. All three of these historic roads are contributing structures to the proposed Yosemite Valley Cultural Landscape Historic District. The historic road segment currently bisecting Upper and Lower River Campgrounds would be removed. A segment of Northside Drive at Yosemite Lodge would be realigned, and the segment between Yosemite Lodge and El Captain crossover would be closed to motor vehicles. While the latter would significantly alter the way in which visitors experience this historic loop circulation pattern through the Valley, it would not result in any physical changes to this segment of Northside Drive itself. A portion of Southside Drive would be widened to accommodate two-way traffic, and the segment near the Yosemite Chapel would be realigned, changing the physical structure of this contributing element. Other changes in the circulation system consist of adding new multi-use paved trails; rehabilitating or realigning existing multi-use paved trails; and constructing a traffic check station near El Capitan crossover. Collectively, these changes would result in a long-term, moderate, adverse impact to historic circulation systems that contribute to the cultural landscape. Removal or alteration of historic road segments would be mitigated by documentation as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement, thus preserving a historical record (although the resource would be changed or would cease to exist). Addition of new (and modification of existing) multi-use paved trails and addition of a traffic check station would be mitigated by the use of compatible design. Thus, the intensity of these adverse impacts would be reduced from moderate to minor. Removing non-contributing roads from Ahwahnee and Stoneman Meadows would have a minor, beneficial, and permanent impact.

In general, changes to physical features and addition of new structures and facilities within the Valleywide cultural landscape would follow design guidelines consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation (USDOI 1983). In this manner, the potential for impacts resulting from addition of non-historic facilities would be reduced.

Historic Structures

Restoration of the Merced River would result in the phased removal of Sugar Pine and Stoneman Bridges, both listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Sugar Pine Bridge would be removed first, and Stoneman Bridge would be removed if ecological monitoring, as described in Chapter 2, does not indicate an improvement in river hydrology. This would result in the loss of up to two individually significant historic structures; a permanent, major, adverse impact. Although the physical structures would be lost, these impacts would be mitigated through documentation and salvage of historic materials, thus reducing the intensity of adverse impacts from major to moderate. Documentation of Sugar Pine and Stoneman Bridges has been completed, thus preserving a historical record of the resources.

The individually significant Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) and its associated garage would be relocated to the housing area in the Yosemite Village Historic District. When compared with Alternative 1, this action would result in the retention of the historic structure (a beneficial impact); however, the net result may still be the loss of National Register eligibility due to the change in location and setting. Relocation would be planned with consultation, according to stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement, which could result in possible retention of its National Register status, constituting a major, beneficial impact. The structures and their setting have already been documented; thus, a historical record of this resource has been preserved.

Other historic structures that are not individually significant but contribute to the Valleywide cultural landscape would be removed. These structures consist of the concessioner stable and its associated structures, two pedestrian bridges at Lower Yosemite Fall, riprap, and wing and check dams along the Merced River and its tributaries. In addition, four pedestrian bridges at Lower Yosemite Fall would be rehabilitated or rebuilt. These actions would result in the loss or change in contributing elements of the Valleywide landscape; a permanent, moderate, adverse impact. Although the physical structures would be lost or changed, these impacts would be mitigated through documentation, thus reducing the intensity of adverse impacts from moderate to minor. In addition, consideration would be given to moving the concessioner stable and some of the associated structures to McCauley Ranch, depending on the results of a wilderness suitability analysis and the feasibility of such relocation.

Actions at Yosemite Lodge and Housekeeping Camp would not result in the loss of any historic structures, as there are no historic structures in either of these developed areas.

Historic Districts and Developed Areas

Yosemite Village

The historic design and spatial organization of the Yosemite Village area would be rehabilitated, resulting in the preservation of many historic structures, and redevelopment of non-contributing areas within the district. Many non-contributing structures would be removed or redesigned to be more compatible with the historic character of Yosemite Village, based on design guidelines developed in keeping with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation (USDOI 1983). This would result in a permanent, moderate, beneficial impact. Some existing land uses would change (e.g., removing National Park Service stable and park-wide administration), but the types of land use historically associated with the village, such as visitor services, education, museum, and employee housing, would remain. In addition, the re-establishment of historic viewsheds from within the village and the protection of the California black oak woodland would enhance the historic character of the developed area, resulting in a permanent, minor, beneficial impact.

Construction of day-visitor parking, a transit center, a fire station, and a new visitor center would introduce non-historic facilities adjacent to the Yosemite Village Historic District, and would require the removal of historic structures (Concessioner Headquarter Building, Village Garage and associated apartment, and three historic shop buildings) that contribute to the cultural landscape. Constructing new dormitory facilities would require the removal of the two "Hospital Row apartment buildings." These actions would result in the loss of historic structures and introduction of non-historic facilities, a permanent, moderate, adverse impact to the cultural landscape and the adjacent Yosemite Village Historic District. The loss of the historic structures would be mitigated by documentation, and salvage of historic materials as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement. In this manner, a historical record would be preserved even though the structures themselves would cease to exist. In cases where historic structures would be lost, the National Park Service would first consider the possibility of relocation and adaptive reuse in another location within the park. In this manner, the intensity of adverse impacts would be reduced from moderate to minor. The potential impacts associated with introducing non-historic facilities would be reduced or avoided through the use of compatible design, scale, massing and material, and appropriate screening.

Actions at the National Park Service maintenance area would result in either the loss or rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the National Park Service Operations Building (Fort Yosemite) and thirteen additional historic structures that contribute to the cultural landscape. Decisions on removal or adaptive reuse of all or part of these structures would depend on final operations needs and the feasibility of such reuse. If the structures were removed, a permanent, moderate, adverse impact on the Valleywide landscape would result which would be mitigated through documentation and salvage of historic materials, as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement. Thus, although the structures themselves would cease to exist, a historical record would be preserved, reducing the intensity of adverse impacts from moderate to minor. In cases where historic structures would be lost, the National Park Service would first consider the possibility of relocation and adaptive reuse in another location within the park.

In the Yosemite Village Historic District, individually contributing structures would be retained, and some would be rehabilitated for adaptive reuse. The National Park Service Administration Building would be rehabilitated for a new use supporting interpretive and education operations. The Museum/Valley District Building would be rehabilitated for use solely as a museum. Rehabilitation of these structures would follow the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983), and thus would have negligible impacts on the historic structures and the district itself. Depending on the feasibility of adaptive reuse, the visitor center and auditoriums would be rehabilitated for use as part of the educational function in Yosemite Village (partly to house the Yosemite Museum collection, including the research library and archives). If it proved infeasible to adaptively reuse these buildings, new structures would be built to be compatible with the historic district; however, the National Park Service would first evaluate the potential historic significance of the Visitor Center within the context of National Park Service Mission 66 development. A new structure, also designed to be compatible with the historic district, would be constructed adjacent to the auditoriums to house part of the museum collections. Relocating the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) adjacent to the historic housing area within the historic district would have a permanent, minor, adverse impact on the district. However, this relocation would be planned with consultation, as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement, and the building would be sited in a manner compatible with the adjacent development. In this manner, the intensity of adverse impact to the historic district would be reduced from minor to negligible (impacts to the structure itself are discussed above).

Curry Village and the Camp Curry Historic District

Actions proposed for the Curry Village developed area and the Camp Curry Historic District would result in the loss of historic structures; construction of new facilities within the historic district; and construction of an employee housing area adjacent to the historic district. Collectively, these actions would result in a permanent, major, adverse impact that would be reduced in intensity as described below.

The historic Curry Orchard, the Curry Orchard parking area, 253 historic guest tent cabins, and some historic restrooms would be removed, resulting in a permanent, major, adverse impact on the historic district. The intensity of this impact would be reduced through site design, and by retaining the general configuration of the remaining 174 tent cabins around the central core of the village in keeping with the historic design and extent of Camp Curry. The intensity of this impact would also be reduced by documentation of historic structures as described in the Programmatic Agreement. In this manner, although the physical structures would be lost, a historical record would be preserved; thus the resultant intensity of these adverse impacts would be moderate.

Other actions in the Camp Curry Historic District would result in the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of several individual historic structures. These structures consist of Mother Curry Bungalow, the Tresidder Residence, Huff House, Stoneman Lodge, the 48 cabins-with-bath, Cabin 90 A/B, Cottage 819, the Lounge, and the Registration Building. Rehabilitation would be accomplished in keeping with the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983); thus, there would be negligible impact on historic structures.

Construction of 108 new lodging units (bungalows), a cafeteria, and two new parking areas (one at the west end to serve the bungalows, and one at the east end to serve the tent cabins) would add non-historic facilities within the historic district, resulting in a permanent, major, adverse impact. This impact would be mitigated through the use of compatible design, retention of original Camp Curry cluster arrangement, and use of compatible materials, thus reducing the intensity of adverse impacts from major to moderate. Construction of employee housing facilities and the campground check station and recreational vehicle dump station would introduce non-historic facilities adjacent to the historic district, potentially resulting in a permanent, moderate, adverse impact. This impact would be mitigated through use of compatible design and appropriate screening, thus reducing the intensity of the impact from moderate to minor.

The Ahwahnee

Removal of the historic Ahwahnee tennis courts and restoration of the California black oak woodland in this area would result in the loss of a contributing element of The Ahwahnee national register property, a permanent, minor, adverse impact. This would be mitigated by documentation as specified in the Programmatic Agreement, thus reducing the intensity of impact from minor to negligible. Redevelopment of the existing parking lot would result in a negligible impact. Rehabilitation of the employee dormitory would be carried out in keeping with the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983), resulting in a negligible impact.

Historic Sites

Actions at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground) would result in the loss of five contributing campsites and the addition of 33 new campsites adjacent to the historic site; a permanent, moderate, adverse impact. These impacts would be mitigated through documentation of resources to be removed, and design of the additional campsites to be compatible with the existing historic site in terms of scale, massing, materials, and orientation. These measures would reduce the intensity of adverse impacts from moderate to minor.

Historic Orchards

Hutchings Orchard would be managed through benign neglect, which would eventually lead to the loss of this resource over the long term. The removal of Curry Orchard would result in the loss of this resource. The loss of these resources would be mitigated through initiation of a genetic conservation program and documentation of the orchards; thus, a historical record and representative plants would be preserved, although the orchards would cease to exist. In Alternative 1, these resources would eventually be lost. Therefore, these actions would not result in an additional adverse impact. However, the removal of Curry Orchard would result in an immediate loss rather than an eventual loss. Maintaining Lamon Orchard would result in a long-term, minor, beneficial impact to the Valleywide cultural landscape.

Out-of-Valley

El Portal

The impact analysis presented below is based on general land-use planning actions for El Portal. The National Park Service would undertake site-specific design studies and environmental review to evaluate options for new housing and administrative facilities in El Portal. The National Park Service would initiate further consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, culturally associated American Indian tribes, and the public, as provided for in the Programmatic Agreement. A complete and detailed assessment of impacts to historic properties would be presented as part of that review.

Constructing single-family homes in Old El Portal would not impact any historic structures or landscape resources. Constructing housing and a day care center at Rancheria Flat would not impact any existing historic resources (the three historic National Lead Company residences would be retained).

Constructing apartments at Hillside East and West would not impact any historic resources; structures built adjacent to El Portal Chapel (the old school) would be designed to be compatible with the historical setting. Constructing high-density housing and support facilities at Hennessey’s Ranch would not impact any historic structures. Prior to design, the National Park Service would inventory and evaluate the significance of potential cultural landscape features at this location, including remnants of Hennessey’s farming operation. If any significant resources could not be avoided in site design, further environmental review and impact mitigation would be undertaken prior to construction, in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement.

Constructing employee and day-visitor parking in the Middle Road area, as well as administrative facilities for the National Park Service and concessioner at Railroad Flat, and a multi-use trail between Rancheria Flat and Village Center (through Hennessey’s Ranch), would not impact any historic structures.

Constructing other community and commercial facilities, at El Portal Village Center could impact historic resources (such as the existing El Portal Market, the Railroad residences, the former El Portal Store [now a private residence], and El Portal Hotel). The precise nature of impacts on historic resources is unknown, pending the siting and design of the facilities, which would be the subject of future, tiered, site-specific environmental compliance. Every effort would be made to avoid or otherwise mitigate adverse impacts (e.g., through sensitive, compatible design and the screening of modern development from historic structures). If avoidance or adverse impacts were impossible, documentation and other measures stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement would reduce the intensity of the adverse impacts.

The historic El Portal Hotel would be adaptively rehabilitated or removed. Adaptive rehabilitation would be undertaken in accordance with the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983). Removal of this individually significant historic structure would be a permanent, major, adverse impact. Documentation and salvage of historic materials, as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement, would mitigate this impact, reducing the intensity of the adverse impact from major to moderate.

Foresta and McCauley Ranch

At Foresta, there would be no impact on historic structures as a result of constructing single-family homes, rehabilitating the Foresta Campground, or possibly constructing day-visitor parking (if not feasible at Hazel Green). Access improvements through Foresta to McCauley Ranch, with possible replacement of the Crane Creek Bridge, could (depending upon location and design) adversely impact potential historic structures (e.g., Foresta Road and Crane Creek Bridge) through loss or significant alteration. Constructing a concessioner and National Park Service stable, as well as National Park Service trail maintenance facilities at McCauley Ranch, would have unknown impacts on landscape resources. The National Park Service would conduct inventory and evaluation studies to identify any significant landscape resources. The National Park Service would avoid adverse impacts to the extent possible, and any potential adverse impacts would be mitigated according to the Programmatic Agreement.

Merced River Gorge

Actions in the Merced River gorge would result in the loss of historic structures, contributing elements of the Yosemite Hydroelectric Power Plant historic property. The diversion dam, screenhouse, and four Cascades residences and associated garages would be removed. This would result in a permanent, major, adverse impact on the historic property and could result in its being removed from the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service would treat these structures in accordance with standard mitigation measures stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement. The dam and screenhouse have been documented to Historic Architectural Building Survey/Historic Architectural and Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) standards. The Cascades residences would be similarly documented, and historic materials would be salvaged. In this manner, while the structures themselves would cease to exist, a historical record would be preserved. These measures would reduce the intensity of this adverse impact from major to moderate.

Reconstructing the easternmost segment of the El Portal Road would involve removing features associated with the historic road, a contributing element of the Merced Canyon Travel Corridor historic property. However, the National Park Service would mitigate these impacts by documenting historic features that would be lost and would retain important character-defining aspects of this property in the design for the reconstructed roadway. The National Park Service has consulted with the State Historic Preservation Office, who concurred in a determination of no adverse effect for this reconstruction.

Other Areas

Constructing new visitor centers at park entrance stations would have an unknown impact on historic resources. These areas would be inventoried for historic structures and landscape resources, according to stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement. The National Park Service would avoid adverse impacts to the extent possible, and would mitigate any potential adverse impacts according to the stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement.

At Hazel Green, establishing a day-visitor parking facility and associated amenities would have unknown impacts on historic resources. These areas would be inventoried for historic structures and landscape resources, according to stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement. The National Park Service would avoid adverse impacts to the extent possible, and would mitigate any potential adverse impacts according to stipulations in the Programmatic Agreement.

At Badger Pass, establishing day-visitor parking and associated amenities would have no impacts on historic resources. The National Park Service has evaluated the ski lodge complex and found that it has been altered and lacks the integrity necessary for it to be considered eligible for listing in the National Record of Historic Places (NPS 1987a).

At Wawona, the construction of single-family homes would have no impacts on historic resources. There are no historic structures or sites in the area proposed for housing construction.

Cultural Landscape Resources Conclusion

Undertakings in Alternative 2 would have both beneficial and adverse impacts on the cultural landscape and historic structural resources in Yosemite Valley. Major, adverse impacts would result from the removal of many historic structures, or from the introduction of modern facilities and development either within or adjacent to historic districts. However, new facilities would be designed to be compatible with historic structures and districts.

Many of the actions proposed in this alternative would result in an overall beneficial impact to the large-scale natural systems that historically defined the Valley floor, the Merced River Corridor, and the pattern of open meadows, California black oak woodlands and coniferous forests. Beneficial impacts would also result from the rehabilitation of existing developed areas, particularly through rehabilitation of the Yosemite Village Historic District. This rehabilitation would incorporate adaptive use of historic structures, removal of non-contributing structures, and new development based on design guidelines to ensure compatibility with the historic district. In general, adaptively using historic buildings would enhance their long-term preservation, and would be carried out in accordance with the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983).

There would be minor, adverse impacts to the Valleywide historic land use patterns as a result of changes such as relocating the river-related campgrounds from the Merced River corridor to Upper Pines and Lower Pines Campgrounds, and changes within the two historic districts.

Changes proposed to the historic circulation system in the Valley would result in a moderate adverse impact to the cultural landscape. Closing a portion of Northside Drive to motor vehicle traffic; removing or realigning contributing road segments; and widening Southside Drive would alter the integrity of these contributing resources and significantly change the visitor experience of the loop drive in Yosemite Valley. However, the intensity of this impact would be reduced by the use of design guidelines for compatible treatment, based on the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983).

The loss of individually significant historic structures, historic structures that contribute to the significance of the Valleywide cultural landscape, and elements of the Yosemite Hydroelectric Power System historic property, would result in permanent, major, adverse impacts. Carrying out standard mitigation measures (e.g., HABS/HAER documentation and salvage of historic materials) under the Programmatic Agreement would reduce the intensity of adverse impacts. In addition, in cases where historic structures would be removed, the National Park Service would first consider relocation and adaptive reuse in another location within the park.

For some project areas, the impacts on historic properties are unknown until further site-specific historic resource studies have been undertaken, and project designs have been more fully developed. In these instances, the park would carry out any necessary inventories and evaluations of National Register significance; consultation with the SHPO and culturally associated American Indian tribes and the public; and treatment/mitigation as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement prior to any construction disturbance.

Cumulative Impacts

Historic structures and cultural landscape resources have been lost or damaged in Yosemite National Park through past development, visitor use, and natural events. In wilderness areas, these include remnants of early stock grazing, trails, and work camps. In Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and El Portal, these historic resources include early hotels, bridges, stores, studios, cabins, farms, and railroad structures that were associated with the area’s early Euro-American pioneer settlement and industries. In the Merced River gorge, these resources include segments of the early wagon road and structures associated with hydropower generation. Rapidly disappearing structures and sites in other areas include homestead cabins, barns, road and trail segments, bridges, mining complexes, railroad and logging facilities, blazes, and campsites. These resources are reminders of the area’s ranching, grazing, lumbering, mining history, and early tourist destination.

Due to their 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 circulations 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 impact landscape resources in Yosemite Valley. These include implementation of the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (inter-agency); Merced River at Eagle Creek Ecological Restoration Project, Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus Stop Improvements (NPS) and the 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 the circulation systems and historic structures within Yosemite Valley, and would have moderate, cumulative, adverse impacts on the proposed Yosemite Valley Cultural Landscape Historic District, in conjunction with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings. However, adverse impacts would be mitigation through sensitive and compatible designs for new construction, and by documentation of adversely impacted resources as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement. Therefore, minor, cumulative, adverse impacts would result from implementing this alternative in conjunction with out past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings.

Five current or reasonably foreseeable future design and construction projects within Yosemite National Park could impact historic structures and cultural landscape resources. The implementation of the YARTS, for example, could disturb historic resources as a result of parking and transit facility construction at several park locations. The Mariposa Grove Roadway Improvement and Giant Sequoia Restoration (NPS) could entail disturbance of structures and the historic landscape character at the South Entrance Historic District and in the Mariposa Grove. Three projects under the control of surrounding state and federal agencies or communities involve the construction or expansion of residential and resort facilities (e.g., the Evergreen Lodge Expansion [Tuolumne Co.], the Hazel Green Ranch [Mariposa Co.] proposal, and the Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres [Mariposa Co.]). These have the potential to result in the loss of historic structures and cultural landscape resources, including circa 1870s transportation routes, railroad logging structures, sites, and facilities. The construction of the new University of California, Merced Campus (Merced Co.) and high-speed transportation projects are expected to increase overnight wilderness use and day visitation to Yosemite Valley, which might result in greater demands for local transit facilities. While any or all of these actions could impact historic resources, it is not possible to accurately determine the nature of impacts without detailed project information; however, the trend for potential disturbance of resources by these types of undertakings can be expected to continue.

The implementation of this alternative would add to the loss or degradation of historic structures and cultural landscape resources in the region by disturbing historic sites, structures, and cultural landscape features. Adverse impacts would be mitigated through sensitive and compatible designs for new construction, and by documentation of adversely impacted resources as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement. Therefore, minor, cumulative, adverse impacts on historic resources would result from implementing this alternative in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings.

MUSEUM COLLECTION
(INCLUDING ARCHIVES AND RESEARCH LIBRARY)

Under this alternative, the existing Valley Visitor Center (including both auditoriums) would be rehabilitated, if feasible, to serve as the central repository for the park’s museum collection and archives. The research library would also be moved to the former visitor center. Facility rehabilitation, including the installation of environmental and security control systems, would have beneficial impacts on the collections and materials. If it proved infeasible to rehabilitate the existing facilities to meet park needs, a new collection storage facility would be constructed adjacent to the Visitor Center complex. Impacts associated with this action would be identical to those resulting from use of existing facilities. Eliminating or reducing the need to transport materials from outlying facilities (which often raises the risk of handling or in-transit damage) would further enhance resource protection. Facility rehabilitation designs would include all appropriate measures to ensure compliance with National Park Service standards and guidelines for museum collections and archival materials.

Housing materials in a centralized facility near the park museums would permit more effective management by park staff, facilitating their ability to monitor and maintain the collections and exhibits. This action would also maintain the historic association between the collection and the Yosemite Museum, the first museum in the National Park System. It would also allow park staff to better assist researchers and other staff. Public and research access space would be improved, enhancing the visitor experience. Implementing these measures would have overall long-term, moderate to major, beneficial impacts on the materials.

Museum Collection Conclusion

Housing the collection and archival materials in a central rehabilitated facility would have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial impacts on the materials, and it would significantly improve the park’s effectiveness in managing and protecting these resources. Access to the materials would be enhanced for researchers and others, with ample space to carry out research and other activities. The park would be able to comply with the protection and preservation guidelines and standards prescribed by the National Park Service 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 National Park Service Museum Collections Management (NPS 1999e).

Cumulative Impacts

Implementing this alternative would have minor, cumulative, beneficial impacts on the museum collection and archival materials, in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future undertakings. Housing the resources in a central, rehabilitated facility with adequate environmental and security control systems would assist their protection and long-term preservation. No adverse impacts to the resources would be expected. It is not reasonable to compare the Yosemite Museum collection with that of other repositories or sites, because of the extent and unique nature of these collections. Facility upgrades and improved management of museum collections and archives within the park would incrementally add to the overall effectiveness of regional curation efforts.

SECTION 106 SUMMARY

Under regulations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (36 CFR 800.9) addressing the criteria of effect and adverse effect, actions proposed under this alternative would have the potential to adversely affect significant historic properties. Ethnographic resources would be disturbed or destroyed by construction occurring in traditional plant-gathering areas, historic village sites, and/or places holding special sacred and spiritual significance to American Indians. Historic sites, structures, districts, and cultural landscape features would also be adversely affected by undertakings entailing substantial facility alteration or removal, or the introduction of modern non-contributing development within or in proximity to historic districts and sensitive landscape areas. To mitigate adverse effects, the park would utilize compatible design principles carry out Historic Architectural Building Survey/Historic Architectural and Engineering Record documentation, salvage historic materials, develop cooperative agreement provisions for traditional plant gathering, or other suitable mitigation in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement.

Many archeological resources having varied potential to yield prehistoric and historic information would be affected by ground-disturbing activities. To avoid adverse effects to archeological resources, the park would carry out data recovery to retrieve important information, in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement.

No adverse effects to the park’s museum collection and archives would result from housing materials in a central rehabilitated facility with adequate environmental and security controls. The rehabilitation and adaptive use of historic buildings, the restoration of vegetation contributing to historic settings and the cultural landscape, and the removal of non-contributing structures and landscape elements also would have no adverse effect on historic properties. Rehabilitation would be carried out in accordance with the Secretary’s Standards (USDOI 1983).

For project areas lacking sufficient cultural resource data or design information to adequately assess effects, the park would carry out inventories, evaluate identified resources for national register significance, consult according to the stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement and recommend avoidance or appropriate treatment/standard mitigation measures prior to construction disturbance.

Merced Wild and Scenic River

This assessment is based on the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/FEIS (Merced River Plan), and the management elements of the Merced River Plan. The applicable Merced Wild and Scenic River segments are 2 (Yosemite Valley), 3A and 3B (Impoundment and Gorge), 4 (El Portal), and 7 (Wawona). See Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment, for further discussion on the management elements of the Merced River Plan.

Alternatives have been assessed within a river segment with regard to their: (1) impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values, values for which the river was designated by Congress; (2) compatibility with classifications; (3) compatibility with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 determination process; (4) consistency with the River Protection Overlay; and (5) consistency with management zoning. The Merced River Plan, which established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 determination process, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework (within the wild and scenic river boundaries), is discussed as a cumulative project.

Consistency of the Yosemite Valley Plan alternatives with the wild and scenic river boundaries are analyzed indirectly through the analysis of Yosemite Valley Plan consistency with the Merced River Plan management zoning.

YOSEMITE VALLEY (SEGMENT 2)

Outstandingly Remarkable Values Impacts

Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for this scenic river segment are scenic, geologic processes/conditions, recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes. A description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values can be found in Vol. II, Appendix B. Potential impacts of this alternative to these Outstandingly Remarkable Values are shown in table 4-39 below.

Actions to implement the River Protection Overlay would have beneficial impacts to the scenic, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The River Protection Overlay prescription would be an important parameter in implementing the actions listed in table 4-39.

The campground-related actions would have an overall beneficial effect on the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to restoration of areas visible from the river. These actions would not adversely impact the recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Value because camping opportunities would be retained. The campground-related actions would have an overall beneficial impact on the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values, because restoration of riparian areas and campsites would be removed from highly valued resources and close proximity to the river.

The Housekeeping Camp-related actions would have a long-term, beneficial effect on the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to restoration of areas visible from the river. Removal of Housekeeping Camp units could have an adverse effect on cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to potential disturbance of river-related archeological resources. The actions at Housekeeping Camp would have a beneficial impact to the biological and hydrologic process Outstandingly Remarkable Values because of restoration of riparian areas, and because Housekeeping Camp lodging units would be removed from close proximity to the river. These actions would not adversely impact the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because some Housekeeping Camp lodging units would be retained.

Table 4-39 Impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values for Segment 2 (Yosemite Valley)
Action	ORV Affected	Impact to Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Impact Duration	Potential Mitigation	Impact Magnitude and Type (with mitigation)
Actions to Implement River Protection Overlay
Remove Sugar Pine, Stoneman, and Yosemite Creek (pedestrian) bridges, and Happy Isles footbridge.	Scenic	Potentially improves view of waterfalls, cliffs, and forest/meadow interface from the river by encouraging restoration	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
Remove campsites, and campground infrastructure from River Protection Overlay at Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Upper River, Lower River, and Backpacker’s campgrounds	Biological	Condition of river-related habitats (e.g., riparian areas and meadows) would be monitored and visitor use managed; restoration of damaged habitat is encouraged	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
Remove Housekeeping Units from River Protection Overlay Remove parking from River Protection Overlay at Camp 6 Remove former Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) from River Protection Overlay Remove picnic area at Swinging Bridge Restore areas where development is removed from the River Protection Overlay Restore River Protection Overlay near Yosemite Lodge	Hydrologic Processes	Contributes to restoration of natural flood regime, limits unnatural erosion, stabilizes banks (where applicable), allows for the main channel to link with backwater areas, tributaries, and groundwater systems, and allows river to meander more freely (where applicable) by limiting and potentially removing facilities	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
Campgrounds
Upper and Lower River, North Pines, Yellow Pines, and a portion of Lower Pines Campgrounds would be removed and restored Former Group Campground and Backpackers Campground (currently abandoned) restored New walk-in sites at Upper Pines, Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), Tenaya Creek, Backpackers/South Camp Campgrounds New drive-in sites at Upper Pines Campground	Scenic Scenic Scenic Biological	Removal of facilities (i.e., construction equipment) would be visible from river Some new walk-in and drive-in sites would be visible from the river Restoration of these areas to natural conditions enhances scenic interface of river, meadow, and forest Restoration of riparian, meadow, wetland, and river-related vegetation where campgrounds and facilities are removed; visitor use of river originating from campgrounds would decrease, resulting in less trampling of riparian habitat	Short-term Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None NA NA	Minor, adverse Minor, adverse Moderate, beneficial Moderate, beneficial
	Biological	Removal of facilities (restrooms, lateral sewer lines, etc.) would result in disturbance to vegetation communities	Short-term	Revegetation, trenching guidelines	Negligible, adverse
	Biological	River-related vegetation at new campsites would be degraded; impacts associated with visitor use/travel would radiate from new campsites	Long-term	Fencing to protect sensitive areas, campsite definition, path definition	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Construction of new campground facilities could result in damage to river-related archeological resources	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Removal of Upper and Lower River Campgrounds could improve conditions for traditional gathering	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
	Cultural	Construction of campground facilities could damage traditional use areas	Long-term	Consultation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Removal and restoration of campgrounds would allow the river to meander more freely; removal of facilities would contribute to restoration of the flood regime	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
	Hydrologic Processes	Some new walk-in sites and pathways at Upper Pines would be in floodplain	Long-term	Pathways and campsites designed to minimally affect flood flow	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Concentrations of visitors at new campsites would have radiating impacts on the riverbanks due to trampling, resulting in bank destabilization and unnatural erosion	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas, campsite definition, path definition	Minor, adverse
Lodging
Remove Housekeeping Camp units in River Protection Overlay and restore area Redevelop Yosemite Lodge area Remove Maple, Juniper, Laurel, Hemlock, and Alder units at Yosemite Lodge from the 100-year floodplain	Scenic Scenic	Construction and de-construction at Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, and Housekeeping Camp would be visible from the river Restored area at Housekeeping Camp and near Yosemite Lodge would be visible from the river, providing enhanced views of interface of river, meadow, and forest	Short-term Long-term	None NA	Minor, adverse Moderate, beneficial
Area where Yosemite Lodge cabins were removed is restored to natural conditions Redevelop Curry Village area, including new lodging, housing, and parking areas	Biological	Removal of Housekeeping Camp from the River Protection Overlay would allow restoration of riparian vegetation; visitor use of river originating from Housekeeping Camp would decrease, resulting in less trampling of riparian habitat	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
[Note: see parking actions for discussion of overnight parking for guests at Yosemite Lodge]	Biological	There would be restoration of river-related vegetation at Yosemite Lodge	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
	Biological	Construction of lodging units would have radiating impacts (associated with visitor use) to the meadow and riparian communities nearby	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas; direct use to more resilient areas	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Construction and demolition activities at Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Lodge, and Curry Village could result in damage to archeological resources	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Removal of Yosemite Lodge units from the floodplain would contribute to the restoration of the natural flood regime	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
	Hydrologic Processes	Construction of lodging units would have radiating impacts (associated with visitor use) to the riverbanks nearby, including bank destabilization and unnatural erosion	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas; direct use to more resilient areas	Minor, adverse
Roads
Remove roads and restore at: - Stoneman Meadow - South Ahwahnee Meadow Close Northside Drive to motor vehicles from Yosemite Lodge to El Capitan crossover and convert to multi-use trail Northside Drive rerouted south of Yosemite Lodge, closed to vehicles and converted to multi-use trail west of Yosemite Lodge Retain roads at: - Southside Drive in the Bridalveil Fall area - Sentinel Meadow - Cook’s Meadow - El Capitan Meadow	Scenic Scenic Biological Biological	Removal of traffic from Ahwahnee and Stoneman Meadows improve scenic views of the meadows Conversion of segment of Northside Drive to multi-use trail improves scenic views from the river due to removal of automobile traffic Construction associated with road relocation and conversion to multi-use trails would result in disturbance to river-related vegetation communities Restoration of riparian, meadow, wetland, and river-related vegetation would occur at Stoneman and south Ahwahnee Meadows. Visitor use of river originating from roads and turnouts would decrease, resulting in less loss of vegetative cover	Long-term Long-term Short-term Long-term	NA NA Revegetation NA	Major, beneficial Minor, beneficial Minor, adverse Major, beneficial
	Biological	Where roads remain, loss of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would continue; roads interfere with water movement	Long-term	None	Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue
	Cultural	Removal of roads from meadows restores open character of meadows, an important feature of the cultural landscape	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
	Cultural	Road relocation and multi-use trail conversion could disrupt archeological resources	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic processes	Removal of impediments to flood flows from Stoneman and south Ahwahnee Meadows would contribute to the restoration of the natural flood regime	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
	Hydrologic processes	Re-routed Northside Drive at Yosemite Lodge would be in 100-year floodplain and would slightly impede flood flows (see water resources section of this chapter for more information)	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
El Portal Road between Cascades Diversion Dam and Pohono Bridge reconstructed
[Note: see segment 3A/3B for Outstandingly Remarkable Value impacts associated with removal of Cascades Diversion Dam]	Scenic	Construction activities would be visible from the river	Short-term	None	Major, adverse
	Recreation	Improvement of the El Portal Road would decrease the possibility of its failure, and the loss of recreational opportunity that would result from road failure.	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
	Recreation	During construction, approximately 1 mile of the river would be closed to recreational use	Short-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Biological	Retention of this road would continue loss of river-related vegetation	Long-term	None	Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue
	Biological	Construction activities would result in a temporary loss of vegetation at staging areas	Short-term	Revegetation of staging areas	Minor, adverse
	Biological	Bank stabilization to protect road could result in permanent loss of river-related vegetation	Long-term	Sustainable design that allows riparian vegetation to become largely re-established	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Reconstruction would result in loss of historic features associated with the El Portal Road, and would potentially result in damage to archeological resources	Long-term	Documentation of features and archeological excavation; pursue designs that maintain road’s historic character	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Bank stabilization materials that support portions of this road segment are currently in the river channel and interfere with the free-flowing condition of the river, and would remain in the river channel after the road is reconstructed	Long-term	Pursue designs that minimize impacts to the free flowing condition of the river	Negligible to major, adverse, depending on design
	Hydrologic Processes	Construction activities may result in temporary impediments to river and/or flood flow	Short-term	Construction occurs during low flow; banks are stabilized	Negligible to major, adverse, depending on design
Bridges
Remove the following bridges: - Sugar Pine - Stoneman - Pedestrian/bicycle bridge north of and parallel to the current Yosemite Creek Bridge Retain the following bridges: - Ahwahnee - El Capitan - Clark’s - Happy Isles (vehicle) - Housekeeping - Superintendent’s	Biological Biological Biological	Where bridges are retained, loss of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would continue At Sugar Pine and Stoneman Bridges, river-related environments and habitats would be restored At the pedestrian/bicycle bridge north of and parallel to the current Yosemite Creek Bridge, river-related environments and habitats would be restored	Long-term Long-term Long-term	None NA NA	Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue Moderate, beneficial Minor, beneficial
- Tenaya Creek - Pohono - Sentinel Widen or reconstruct Swinging Bridge Construct new vehicle bridge at Yosemite Creek (south of existing bridge) Convert Yosemite Creek vehicle bridge to a multi-use path bridge	Biological Cultural Cultural Hydrologic Processes	Displacement of riparian vegetation would occur during construction, but riparian vegetation would be restored Removal of Sugar Pine and Stoneman Bridges would result in loss of important historic structures and change in historic circulation patterns Removal of Sugar Pine Bridge may result in damage to archeological resources At Ahwahnee and Superintendent’s Bridges, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Short-term Long-term Long-term Long-term	NA Structures would be documented Archeological documentation None	Negligible, beneficial Moderate, adverse Minor, adverse Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue
[Note: See "Water Resources" section of this chapter for additional information on bridges]	Hydrologic Processes	At Sentinel, Clark’s, Happy Isles (vehicle), El Capitan, Yosemite Creek (vehicle) and Tenaya Creek Bridges, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Long-term	None	Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue
	Hydrologic Processes	At Pohono Bridge, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Long-term	None	Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue
	Hydrologic Processes	At Housekeeping Bridge, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Long-term	None	Adverse impacts described in No Action Alternative continue
	Hydrologic Processes	Removal of Sugar Pine and Stoneman Bridges, and conversion of Yosemite Creek vehicle bridge to a multi-use trail bridge contributes to the restoration of the natural flood regime, reduces scouring, and allows the river to more freely meander	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
	Hydrologic Processes	A new bridge across Yosemite Creek could impact the creek bank and could impede flood flow	Long-term	Design would minimize hydrologic impacts	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	During bridge removal or construction, river flows would be affected	Short-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Reconstruction of Swinging Bridge would improve the hydrologic function at the river by decreasing the footprint in the river of the bridge abutments and pilings	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
	Hydrologic Processes	The removal of the Happy Isles footbridge before its imminent failure would protect the river channel, and the newly designed bridge would have a smaller footprint in the river channel and accommodate flood flow	Long-term	None	Moderate, beneficial
Lamon Orchard Remains, is Maintained as a Historic Orchard
	Cultural	Rehabilitates and maintains important historic site	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
Stock Use and Facilities
Concessioner stable removed Private stock use continues; guided trail rides eliminated	Biological	Stock use spreads non-native invasive plant species and contributes to water quality degradation, which affects riparian vegetation and river-related environments; these impacts would be reduced	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
	Cultural	Removal of stable would result in a loss of historic structure	Long-term	Structures would be documented	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Stable facilities would be removed, contributing to the restoration of the natural flood regime	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
Historic Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) Relocated and Area Restored
	Biological	Removal of buildings and restoration of site would benefit adjacent riparian vegetation and meadow	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
	Cultural	Relocation away from the river would affect the culturally significant setting of this important historic structure	Long-term	Structures would be documented	Moderate, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Removal of buildings would contribute to restoration of flood regime	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
Picnic Areas (East Yosemite Valley)
Retain picnic area at Sentinel and construct group picnic area	Scenic	Expanded Sentinel Picnic Area would be visible from the river	Long-term	None	Negligible, adverse
Remove picnic areas at Swinging Bridge Construct new picnic area at Yosemite Village	Biological	Degradation of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would occur at Sentinel Beach, group picnic area	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Biological	Construction of new picnic areas at Yosemite Village and Sentinel Beach may result in loss of vegetation and radiating impacts (social trails, etc.)	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas; direct use to more resilient areas	Minor, adverse
	Biological	Removal and restoration of Swinging Bridge Picnic Area would benefit river-related environments and habitats	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
	Hydrologic Processes	Removal and restoration of Swinging Bridge Picnic Area would stabilize river bank and restore hydrologic processes by allowing restoration of riparian vegetation	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
Parking (East Yosemite Valley)
550 parking spaces are located at Yosemite Village (Camp 6), and area within River Protection Overlay restored to natural conditions	Scenic	New parking at Yosemite Village would be visible from the river	Long-term	Design would minimize visual impacts	Negligible to minor, adverse, depending on design
Retain administrative parking at Sentinel Bridge	Scenic	All parking would be removed from the River Protection Overlay at Yosemite Village	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
Parking for Yosemite Lodge guests constructed in previously disturbed area in floodplain	Biological	Some parking at Yosemite Village would be removed from the River Protection Overlay, allowing for restoration of a riparian area	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
	Cultural	New parking at Yosemite Lodge would disturb traditional gathering areas	Long-term	Consultation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	New Yosemite Village parking would be in 100-year floodplain and would slightly alter flood flow	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Some new parking at Yosemite Lodge would be in 100-year floodplain and would slightly alter flood flow	Long-term	None	Negligible, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Removal of Yosemite Village parking from the close proximity to river would benefit river processes: meandering, and bank stabilization (through restoration of riparian vegetation)	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
Yosemite Village
Construct new visitor center Redevelop substantial portion of Yosemite Village	Scenic	Construction activities at Yosemite Village would be visible from the river	Short-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Biological	As a center of visitor activity, there would be radiating impacts to river-related habitats from visitor use	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas; direct use to more resilient areas	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Construction of new visitor center and redevelopment of Yosemite Village could disturb river-related archeological resources	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	In the portion of Yosemite Village closest to Camp 6, structures in the floodplain would be removed (e.g., concessioner headquarters and Indian Creek apartments), although the area would remain as a developed parking/transit facility	Long-term	None	Minor, beneficial
Trails
Construct/realign trails: - along Southside Drive between Swinging Bridge and El Capitan crossover	Biological	Loss of vegetative cover and habitat fragmentation associated with new/realigned trails	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
- along Merced River between Ahwahnee Bridge and bicycle path to Mirror Lake - from The Ahwahnee to bicycle path to Mirror Lake	Biological	Construction of new bicycle path could result in loss of river-related vegetation; increase in habitat fragmentation would be slight given the proximity of Southside Drive	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
- between Ahwahnee Bridge and Upper Pines Campground - in Upper and Lower River Campgrounds area	Cultural	Grading for multi-use trail would disturb archeological deposits	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Segments of the new multi-use paved trail would be within the floodplain near Sentinel Creek, although impact to flood flow would be imperceptible	Long-term	None	Negligible, adverse
West Valley Development (west of Yellow Pine)
(see also, Parking, Trails, Traveler Information and Traffic Management System, Check Station, and El Portal Road) El Capitan woodyard remains Parking at Bridalveil Fall	Biological	Redevelopment of Cathedral Picnic Area could disturb riparian vegetation	Long-term	Revegetate	Negligible, adverse
Southside Drive in the Bridalveil Fall area Northside Drive through El Capitan Meadow, and other smaller areas discontinued	Biological	Loss or degradation of river-related vegetative cover increases at some designated trails, social trails, roads (i.e., radiating impacts)	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas; direct use to more resilient areas	Minor, adverse
Cathedral and El Capitan Picnic Areas redeveloped; new picnic area constructed at base of El Capitan in the vicinity of the North American Wall	Cultural	Constructing picnic area at North American Wall could disturb river-related archeological deposits and historic American Indian village	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
Traveler Information and Traffic Management System Developed
Multi-lane traffic check station constructed on Southside Drive near El Capitan crossover, only if required	Biological	Construction of traffic check station would result in loss of river-related vegetation	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Construction of traffic check station would damage river-related archeological deposits and gathering areas	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Moderate, adverse

Actions at Yosemite Lodge have beneficial and adverse impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The removal of Yosemite Lodge units, and restoration of the former cabins area and the area between Yosemite Lodge and the Merced River would have a beneficial impact on the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The relocation of Northside Drive and construction of parking would have a minor, adverse impact on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values because they would be placed in the 100-year floodplain and would alter 100-year flood events, but also an indirect, beneficial impact because lodging units (which impede flood flow more than roads and parking lots) can be constructed outside of the boundary. As described in the Water Resources section, impacts to hydrologic processes would be minimal because flood flow in this area is low velocity, and is not appreciably affected by parking areas or roads. The construction of lodging units would result in minor, adverse radiating impacts on the meadow and riparian communities inside the boundary.

At Curry Village, cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values could be adversely affected due to potential disturbance of river-related archeological resources during Curry Village redevelopment. There would be no impact on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because Curry Village is located outside of the floodplain. In the wild and scenic river corridor, there would be minor, radiating adverse impacts on river-related vegetation due to trampling.

The road-related actions would have an overall beneficial effect on scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the removal of roads from South Ahwahnee and Stoneman Meadows, and improvements to scenic views from the river due to the conversion of a segment of Northside Drive to a multi-use trail. The road-related actions (the rerouting of Northside Drive in the Yosemite Lodge area is covered above) would have an overall beneficial impact on the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values, because some roads would be removed from highly valued resources, and their removal would contribute to the restoration of the natural flood regime. These actions also beneficially impact the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value because they contribute to the restoration of the cultural landscape.

Reconstruction of the El Portal Road between Pohono Bridge and Cascades Diversion Dam and removal of Cascades Diversion Dam would have both beneficial and adverse impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values (see discussion of dam removal in Segment 3A/3B). The existing road has localized adverse impacts on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because it displaces river-related vegetation, and to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because riprap that supports the road is partially in the river channel. However, since this road segment provides a critical visitor access link, its reconstruction would also be beneficial to the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value by maintaining access to Yosemite Valley. [Note: these two actions span river Segments 2, 3A, and 3B.]

Removal of bridges would have both beneficial and adverse impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This action would have beneficial impacts on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because the riverbank can be restored, and substantial beneficial impacts on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because the free-flowing condition of the river would be improved and the river would have increased ability to meander. This action would have adverse impacts on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because it would result in the loss of important historic structures, and would change historic circulation patterns.

The continuation of parking at Camp 6 would have both beneficial and adverse impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Removal of parking from close proximity to the river would result in a beneficial impact on the scenic, biological, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Expansion of parking would have adverse impacts on the scenic and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

Actions at Yosemite Village would have adverse effects on scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Values because redevelopment activities would be visible from the river. Hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values would be adversely affected due to redevelopment of a small area of Yosemite Village (not including Camp 6) in the 100-year floodplain. In the wild and scenic river corridor, there would be adverse radiating impacts to river-related vegetation due to density of visitor use in the area.

Development of a traffic check station at Taft Toe would have adverse impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Construction of a traffic check station would have an adverse effect on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, since it would damage river-related archeological deposits and traditional gathering areas.

There would continue to be an absence of major development in west Yosemite Valley. Development would be limited to existing roads and parking areas, trails, and a few picnic areas. As a result, very limited adverse effects on Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur in this area, including loss of vegetation and intrusion of new facilities on scenic views and potential disturbance of river-related cultural resources.

Yosemite Valley (Segment 2) Conclusion

Segment-wide, this alternative would be a long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial impact on the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of the removal of many facilities visible from the river or riverbank, and improvement of the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest via restoration, campground removal, road and traffic removal/relocation. However, for facilities that are to remain or be redeveloped, some adverse scenic impacts would continue, although at a lesser degree than under the No Action Alternative.

Segment-wide, there are no impacts on the geologic process/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because of the absence of actions affecting the U-shaped valley, and moraines of Yosemite Valley. Impacts related to the meandering river are discussed in the Water Resources section of this chapter.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value because the improvement of the El Portal Road would decrease the possibility of a loss of recreational opportunity in the event of the failure of this road.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of the reduction of facilities in general, and the restoration of riparian areas and meadows in particular. Although construction of several new facilities (e.g., campsites, roads, multi-use paths, and picnic areas) would pose some short-term and long-term, adverse, localized impacts on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value, these impacts are outweighed by the substantial restoration actions that would take place throughout this segment.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, minor to moderate, adverse impact on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of the removal of river-related historic structures and potential disturbance of river-related archeological resources. The historic structures that are being removed, particularly bridges, adversely affect the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value, and their removal would have major, long-term, beneficial impacts on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value and contribute substantially to the restoration of the free-flowing condition of the river.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of the removal of structures that impede flood flow or inhibit the natural meandering of the river, and the restoration of areas in the Merced River corridor. Removal of structures would contribute substantially to the restoration of the free-flowing condition of the river, and would further the policy established by Congress in the Wild and Scenic River Act to preserve designated rivers in their free-flowing condition. New facilities within the floodplain would have minimal, adverse impacts on the flood regime.

The National Park Service would exert its best efforts to design and reconstruct the El Portal Road between Cascades Diversion Dam and Pohono Bridge with few, if any, additional impacts on the free-flowing condition of the river. If it proves infeasible to design and construct the road in a manner that would avoid direct and adverse impacts to the values for which the river was designated, the National Park Service would report to Congress in accordance with Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. In either case, further site-specific environmental compliance, including compliance with Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, would be undertaken for this project.

Cumulative Impacts

Impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and reasonably foreseeable future actions (see Vol. II, Appendix H for the list of cumulative projects considered in this analysis).

Past Actions

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

In 1991, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management developed a joint South Fork and Merced Wild and Scenic River Implementation Plan (USFS and BLM) for the segments of the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River that are under their jurisdiction. The plan is a general management plan with many prescriptive goals and few actions. The South Fork and Merced Wild and Scenic River Implementation Plan does not affect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

The National Park Service proposes to reconstruct the trail from Happy Isles to Vernal Falls (NPS). This project would have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the provision of an improved trail between Happy Isles and Vernal Falls, which contributes to a spectrum of river-related recreational activities. The net effect of this project would be a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The Merced River at Eagle Creek Ecological Restoration project (NPS) would restore the confluence of Eagle Creek with the Merced River and remove riprap at the confluence and along the creek. This project would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on the hydrologic processes and biological Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the establishment of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework; improved river-related recreational opportunities from Happy Isles to Vernal Falls; and restored riparian habitat and hydrologic processes at the Eagle Creek and Merced River confluence.

For the actions of this alternative, a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact is described for the Outstandingly Remarkable Values, largely due to the removal of facilities that impede flood flow and inhibit the natural meandering of the river; the restoration of substantial areas of highly valued resources in the River Protection Overlay and Merced River corridor; the improvement of the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest; and the maintenance of the diversity of river-related recreational opportunities. The cumulative projects would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the establishment of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework; improved river-related recreational opportunities from Happy Isles to Vernal Falls; and restored riparian habitat and hydrologic processes at the Eagle Creek and Merced River confluence. When the impacts of all of the past and reasonably foreseeable future actions described above are considered in combination with the expected impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values from this alternative, long-term, moderate beneficial effects on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment would likely result.

Consistency with the Merced River Plan

Classification Compatibility

Segment 2 is classified scenic in the West Valley and recreational in the East Valley under the Merced River Plan. Segments classified as scenic "have shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads." Segments classified as recreational "are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some past development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past." The Merced River watershed above Cascades Diversion Dam (the western terminus of this segment) is largely undeveloped wilderness, with the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley being the only major developed area (minor developed areas include the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp). Currently, the Merced River shoreline in this segment is developed in the campgrounds and Housekeeping Camp areas. Current development in the quarter-mile wild and scenic river boundary includes campgrounds, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Lodge, The Ahwahnee, portions of Yosemite Village and Curry Village, day-visitor parking at Camp 6, and the concessioner stable. The river is accessible by vehicles at the following places: Northside Drive at Devils Elbow and Stoneman Bridge; Southside Drive at Pohono Bridge and the vicinity of El Capitan moraine; El Capitan crossover at El Capitan Bridge; Sentinel crossover at Sentinel Bridge; and the Shuttle Bus Loop Road at Clark’s Bridge and Happy Isles Bridge.

The actions of this alternative in this segment are compatible with the scenic and recreational classifications. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be reduced through the reduction of campsites and Housekeeping Camp units, and the accessibility by vehicles would be reduced through the removal of Stoneman Bridge. In the east Valley, although the total number of campsites in the quarter-mile Merced River corridor would slightly increase under this alternative, the total number of lodging units would decrease. In addition, existing development would be relocated away from the shoreline and outside of the River Protection Overlay, and new development would be located outside of the River Protection Overlay as well. In the West Valley, redevelopment would be limited to two picnic areas, and new development would include a picnic area and possibly a traffic check station at Taft Toe. In addition, there would be no new development along the shoreline in the western end of Yosemite Valley. The area where facilities are removed would be restored, and campsites and Housekeeping Camp units would be located further from the river, and would be less visible to a person on the river or riverbank. Under this alternative, shorelines in Segment 2 would remain largely undeveloped.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination Process

Pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for which the river was designated. Projects that are within the bed and banks of the Merced River are subject to the Section 7 process. Examples of projects in this segment that may undergo a Section 7 determination include the reconstruction of El Portal Road between Cascades Diversion Dam and Pohono Bridge, the removal of Sugar Pine Bridge and restoration of areas in the River Protection Overlay. In the Section 7 process, the National Park Service must evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and ensure that, on balance, the project does not have a direct and adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. To the extent possible, the National Park Service would (1) redesign projects to avoid the bed and banks of the Merced River; and (2) redesign projects to avoid direct and adverse impacts on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

River Protection Overlay

This alternative largely removes existing facilities and developments from the River Protection Overlay in Yosemite Valley, including the removal of Sugar Pine Bridge and Stoneman Bridge, and proposes extensive restoration in the River Protection Overlay. In terms of developed areas, this alternative has three areas of existing development in the River Protection Overlay, including the Sentinel Bridge viewing area, and portions of Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach picnic areas. In addition, segments of a new multi-use trail would be located within the River Protection Overlay in certain areas of the Valley (e.g., in the vicinity of Stoneman Meadow, Camp 6, and the El Capitan crossover). Each of these developments would be consistent with the River Protection Overlay.

The Sentinel Bridge viewing area is an existing nonessential facility that meets the applicable criteria of the River Protection Overlay, since it is required for access to this segment of the river, and it is impractical to locate it outside the River Protection Overlay.

Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach picnic areas are existing nonessential facilities that are being redesigned within the River Protection Overlay to continue to provide access to the Merced River at more resilient locations, but to largely remove built facilities (restrooms, etc.) from the River Protection Overlay.

The new multi-use trail would be a new nonessential facility that is required for access to the river and is located in the River Protection Overlay only when it is impractical to locate the trail outside the River Protection Overlay. The multi-use trail is consistent with the River Protection Overlay because it does not materially impair the natural function of the river, and would not have a net direct and adverse impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

Management Zoning

All actions proposed in Yosemite Valley under this alternative are compatible with the Merced River Plan management zoning and prescriptions. Some actions, such as the removal of infrastructure at Rivers Campgrounds, remove existing uses or facilities that do not conform with the corresponding management zone prescription.

IMPOUNDMENT (SEGMENT 3A) AND
GORGE (SEGMENT 3B)

Outstandingly Remarkable Values Impacts

Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for the recreational impoundment river segment are geologic processes/conditions and biological. Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for the scenic gorge river segment are scenic, geologic processes/conditions, recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes. A description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values is found in Vol. II, Appendix B. Potential impacts of this alternative on these Outstandingly Remarkable Values are shown in table 4-40.

Removal of Cascades Diversion Dam and reconstruction of the El Portal Road between Pohono Bridge and Cascades Diversion Dam would have both beneficial and adverse impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The road reconstruction would cause localized, adverse impacts on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because it displaces river-related vegetation, and to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because riprap that supports the road is partially in the river channel. However, since this road segment provides a critical visitor access link, its reconstruction would also be beneficial to the recreation

Outstandingly Remarkable Value by maintaining access to Yosemite Valley. Removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam would be a major, beneficial impact on the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value; would contribute significantly to the restoration of the free-flowing condition of the river; and would further the policy established by Congress in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve designated rivers in their free-flowing condition. [Note: these two actions span river Segments 2, 3A and 3B.]

Impoundment (Segment 3A) and Gorge (Segment 3B) Conclusion

This alternative would have a long-term, moderate to major, beneficial impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, largely because the removal of Cascades Diversion Dam and implementation of the River Protection Overlay would substantially improve the free-flowing condition of the river; enhance riparian habitat and rainbow trout movement; and improve views of waterfalls and cliffs. This beneficial impact is somewhat offset by adverse impacts on cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values associated with the removal of the Cascades Houses.

Table 4-40 Impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values for Segment 3A (Impoundment) and 3B (Gorge)
Action	ORV Affected	Impact to Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Impact Duration	Potential Mitigation	Impact Magnitude and Type (with mitigation)
Actions to Implement River Protection Overlay
	Scenic Biological Cultural	Potentially improves view of waterfalls and cliffs from the river by encouraging restoration Condition of sensitive river-related habitats would be monitored and visitor use managed; restoration of damaged habitat is encouraged River Protection Overlay specifically accommodates preservation and protection of river-related cultural resources, including prehistoric and historic sites	Long-term Long-term Long-term	NA NA NA	Minor, beneficial Moderate, beneficial Minor, beneficial
Cascades Diversion Dam is Removed
[Note: see Segment 2 for Outstandingly Remarkable Value impacts associated with the El Portal Road between Pohono Bridge and Cascades Diversion Dam]	Scenic Biological	The deteriorating dam would no longer be visible from the gorge segment of the river Removal of dam would enhance riparian habitat and rainbow trout movement	Long-term Long-term	NA NA	Moderate, beneficial Major, beneficial
	Segment 3A Hydrologic Processes	NA — because of the presence of the dam when Merced Wild and Scenic River was designated, there are no hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value for this segment of river; if the dam is removed, Segment, 3A and Segment 3B would merge and become Segment 3, adopting the classification and Outstandingly Remarkable Values of Segment 3B	NA	NA	NA
	Segment 3B Hydrologic Processes	Removal of the dam (immediately upstream of segment 3B) would substantially improve the free-flowing condition of the river	Long-term	NA	Major, beneficial
Cascades Houses Removed (4 Beds)
	Scenic Cultural Biological Hydrologic Processes	The structures would no longer be visible from the river and would not be in the foreground of views of falls and cliffs Removal of structures would result in loss of important historic structures River-related vegetation restored One structure is within the 100-year floodplain, but is above normal high water and would not impact Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Long-term Long-term Long-term NA	NA Document NA NA	Minor, beneficial Minor, adverse Minor, beneficial NA

NA = Not Applicable

Segment-wide, there would be beneficial impacts on the scenic, biological, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values from the removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam and implementation of the River Protection Overlay. However, these improvements could not be achieved without the removal of the historic dam. The removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam would contribute substantially to the restoration of the free-flowing condition of the river.

For Segment 3B, there would be a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the removal of facilities (e.g., facilities at Cascades) visible from the river or riverbank, which detract from the views of specific waterfall and rock formations.

For Segments 3A and 3B, there would be no impact on the geologic processes/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Values, due to the absence of actions affecting the V-shaped gorge.

For Segment 3B, there would be no impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because maintenance of the diversity of recreational opportunities would be maintained.

For Segments 3A and 3B, there would be a major, beneficial impact on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the removal of the dam; restoration of riparian habitat; and enhanced rainbow trout movement.

For Segment 3A, there is no cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value. For Segment 3B, there would be a minor, adverse impact on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because the historic houses at Cascades would be removed.

For Segment 3A, there is no hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value. For Segment 3B, there would be a moderate to major, beneficial impact on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because the removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam would substantially improve the free-flowing condition of the river, and the implementation of the River Protection Overlay would contribute to the protection of the exceptionally steep gradients of this segment of the river.

Cumulative Impacts

Impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and present actions (see Vol. II, Appendix H for the list of cumulative projects considered in this analysis).

Past Actions

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, minor, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

In 1991, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management developed a joint South Fork and Merced Wild and Scenic River Implementation Plan (USFS and BLM) for the segments of the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River that are under their jurisdiction. The plan is a general management plan with many prescriptive goals and few actions. The South Fork and Merced Wild and Scenic River Implementation Plan does not affect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment.

Present Actions

The El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS) involves the reconstruction of 7.5 miles of El Portal Road through Segments 3A and 3B. This project is entirely within the wild and scenic river boundary along the north bank of the river. Road reconstruction would result in adverse impacts on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value through the introduction of bank stabilization materials. Short-term construction-related impacts include riparian vegetation removal in many areas. The project’s riparian revegetation plan would substantially mitigate this adverse impact on biological Outstandingly Remarkable Values, although some vegetation would be permanently lost. This project would have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because the road provides a critical visitor access to Yosemite Valley and river-related recreation on the Merced River. This project would have a net long-term, moderate, adverse impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The past and present projects would have a long-term, minor, adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values largely due to the introduction of stabilization materials and loss of riparian vegetation. This adverse impact was somewhat offset by the beneficial effects associated with the implementation of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process.

For the actions of this alternative, a long-term, moderate to major, beneficial impact is described for these Outstandingly Remarkable Values, largely because the removal of Cascades Diversion Dam and implementation of the River Protection Overlay would substantially improve the free-flowing condition of the river; enhance riparian habitat and rainbow trout movement; and improve views of waterfalls and cliffs. The cumulative projects would have a long-term, minor, adverse impact, largely through introduction of stabilization materials and loss of riparian vegetation. When the impacts of all of the past and present actions described above are considered in combination with the expected impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values from this alternative, long-term, moderate, beneficial effects on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of these segments would likely result.

Consistency with the Merced River Plan

Classification Compatibility

Segment 3A is classified recreational under Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Segments classified as recreational "are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past."

This segment was designated recreational due to the presence of the Cascades Diversion Dam. The Merced River watershed above Cascades Diversion Dam is largely wilderness, with the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley being the only major developed area (minor developed areas include Glacier Point and the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp). In this segment, the Merced River shoreline is undeveloped, with the exception of the El Portal Road and the Cascades Diversion Dam.

The actions of this alternative in this segment are compatible with the current recreational classification of this segment. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be essentially unchanged, and accessibility by vehicles would be essentially unchanged.

In addition, the removal of the Cascades Diversion Dam would allow for the classification of this segment to be changed to scenic. A scenic classification would be appropriate following dam removal because the watershed would remain largely primitive; shoreline development would decrease; the free-flowing condition of the river would be substantially improved; and road access would remain limited.

Segment 3B is classified scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Segments classified as scenic "have shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads." The Merced River watershed above the park boundary (the terminus of this segment) is largely wilderness, with the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley being the only major developed area (minor developed areas include Glacier Point, the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, the Cascades area, and Badger Pass via Grouse Creek). In this segment, the Merced River shoreline is largely undeveloped, with the exception of the El Portal Road along the north side of the river, a few structures at Cascades, and the picnic area and housing at the Arch Rock Entrance Station.

The actions of this alternative in this segment are compatible with the scenic classification. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be essentially unchanged, and accessibility by vehicles would be essentially unchanged.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination Process

Pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for which the river was designated. Projects that are within the bed and banks of the Merced River are subject to the Section 7 process. An example of a project in these segments that may undergo a Section 7 determination is the removal of Cascades Diversion Dam. In the Section 7 process, the National Park Service must evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and ensure that, on balance, the project does not have a direct and adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. To the extent possible, the National Park Service would redesign projects to avoid direct and adverse impacts on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

River Protection Overlay

This alternative would implement the River Protection Overlay in the Impoundment and Gorge segments by removing Cascades Diversion Dam and the Cascades houses, encouraging restoration of damaged riparian habitat. The actions proposed in the Impoundment and Gorge segments under this alternative are consistent with the River Protection Overlay.

Management Zoning

All actions proposed in the Impoundment and Gorge segments under this alternative are compatible with the Merced River Plan management zoning and prescriptions.

EL PORTAL (SEGMENT 4)

Outstandingly Remarkable Values Impacts

Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for this recreational river segment are geologic processes/conditions, recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes. A description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values are found in Appendix B. Potential impacts of this alternative on these Outstandingly Remarkable Values are shown in table 4-41.

Actions to implement the River Protection Overlay would have beneficial impacts on the recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The River Protection Overlay prescription would be an important parameter in implementing the actions listed in table 4-41 below.

Relocation of National Park Service headquarters to Railroad Flat would have negligible adverse effects on the biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values, since the new development would be located in a currently disturbed area.

New community support facilities and employee housing developments proposed for El Portal Village Center would have adverse effects on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the removal of El Portal Market and Hotel, and possible disturbance of archeological deposits. In addition, the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value would be adversely affected due to disturbance of riparian vegetation.

Extending and raising the floodwall in El Portal would adversely affect riparian vegetation in this area. This impact would be minor, however, because the floodwall is in a currently disturbed area.

Construction of new employee housing at Hennessey’s Ranch would have a beneficial effect on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the restoration of riparian vegetation within the River Protection Overlay. New employee housing at Hennessey’s Ranch, Hillside East, Hillside West, and Rancheria Flat would have an adverse effect on the cultural resource Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the potential disturbance of archeological deposits.

Table 4-41 Impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values for Segment 4 (El Portal)
Action	Outstandingly Remarkable Value Affected	Impact to Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Impact Duration	Potential Mitigation	Impact Magnitude and Type (with mitigation)
Actions to Implement River Protection Overlay
	Biological Cultural Hydrologic Processes	Condition of sensitive habitats (e.g., riparian) would be monitored and visitor use managed; restoration of damaged habitat is encouraged River Protection Overlay specifically accommodates preservation and protection of significant archeological sites, ethnographic resources, historic structures, and landscape features Contributes to the protection of the continuous rapids of this river segment	Long-term Long-term Long-term	NA NA NA	Minor, beneficial Minor, beneficial Minor, beneficial
Railroad Flat
Existing facilities at warehouse complex remain in floodplain National Park Service headquarters constructed at Railroad Flat	Biological Hydrologic Processes Cultural	New structures would be constructed in currently disturbed area, and may result in loss of riparian vegetation Existing and new facilities would be above normal high water and would not impact Outstandingly Remarkable Values Construction of new facilities could impact archeological deposits and traditional use areas	Long-term NA Long-term	Revegetate NA Archeological excavation; consultation	Negligible, adverse NA Negligible, adverse
Sand Pit Restored to Natural Conditions
	Biological	Riparian vegetation and river-related habitat would be restored	Long-term	NA	Moderate, beneficial
Village Center
Community support facilities would be constructed outside of the River Protection Overlay: - enlarged grocery store/deli - laundry - recreational facilities - gas station	Biological	Vegetation is currently impacted in area; however, there could be additional loss of river-related environments and habitats	Long-term	Replace sensitive species and critical habitats in accordance with mitigation plan requirements	Minor, adverse
New employee housing would be constructed outside the River Protection Overlay	Cultural	Could result in removal of El Portal Market and Hotel, historic structures	Long-term	Structures would be documented	Moderate, adverse
	Cultural	Could result in disturbance to archeological deposits	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Housing and community support facilities would not affect the continuous rapids component of this Outstandingly Remarkable Value	NA	NA	NA
Floodwall Extended and Raised
	Biological	Vegetation is currently impacted in area; however, there would be limited additional loss of riparian vegetation and river-related environments and habitats	Long-term	Replace sensitive species and critical habitats in accordance with mitigation plan requirements	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic processes	Floodwall is designed to protect the structures from the 100-year flood, but is above normal high water and does not affect the continuous rapids component of this Outstandingly Remarkable Value	NA	NA	NA
Housing
Closure of Trailer Village continues Apartment, studios, and dorms would be constructed at Hennessey’s Ranch outside of the River Protection Overlay New employee housing would be constructed at Hillside East, Hillside West, and Rancheria Flat outside of the wild and scenic river boundary	Biological Biological Cultural	Riparian vegetation within the River Protection Overlay would be restored at Hennessey’s Ranch Riparian vegetation is currently impacted at Hennessey’s Ranch; however, there would be additional loss of river-related environments and habitats New employee housing construction at Hennessey’s Ranch, Hillside East, Hillside West, and Rancheria Flat could result in disturbance to archeological deposits	Long-term Long-term Long-term	NA Replace sensitive species and critical habitats in accordance with mitigation plan requirements Archeological excavation	Moderate, beneficial Minor, adverse Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	New housing at Hennessey’s Ranch would be located within the 100-year floodplain, but is above normal high water and would not affect the continuous rapids component of this Outstandingly Remarkable Value	NA	NA	NA
Parking
New spaces for day visitors would be constructed near Middle Road and Village Center	Biological	There would be loss of riparian vegetation and river-related environments and habitats	Long-term	Replace sensitive species and critical habitats in accordance with mitigation plan requirements; impacts to water quality would be minimized through appropriate facility design	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Could result in disturbance to archeological deposits	Long-term	Archeological excavation	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Parking would be located within the 100-year floodplain, but is above normal high water and would not affect the continuous rapids component of this Outstandingly Remarkable Value	NA	NA	NA
Trails
A multi-use trail would be constructed from Village Center to Hennessey’s Ranch and from Hennessey’s Ranch to Rancheria Flat; two river crossings would be required	Biological	Construction of multi-use trails would result in loss of riparian vegetative cover and habitat fragmentation	Long-term	Replace sensitive species and critical habitats in accordance with mitigation plan requirements	Minor, adverse
	Cultural	Could result in depositing fill on archeological deposits	Long-term	None	Minor, adverse
	Hydrologic Processes	Segments of the multi-use trail and portions of the bridge abutments could be within normal high water, although impact to flood flow would be imperceptible	Long-term	Design river crossings to minimize impacts to continuous rapids	Negligible, adverse

NA = Not Applicable

Construction of a new multi-use trail from Village Center to Hennessey’s Ranch to Rancheria Flat (with two new river crossings) would beneficially affect the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to enhancing the diversity of river-related recreational opportunities through the addition of a multi-use trail along and across the Merced River. Trail construction, however, would adversely affect the biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

El Portal (Segment 4) Conclusion

Segment-wide, there would be no impact on the geologic process/condition Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of the absence of actions affecting the igneous and meta-sedimentary bedrock.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value because hiking opportunities along the river would be greatly improved by the new multi-use trail between Rancheria Flat and Village Center via Hennessey’s Ranch.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because implementation of the River Protection Overlay would protect and restore sensitive vegetation communities in the River Protection Overlay, notwithstanding the adverse impacts on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value of localized actions.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, minor, adverse impact on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of possible disturbance of archeological sites and possible loss of historic structures. These adverse impacts would be the result of transferring facilities and functions out of Yosemite Valley to the El Portal Administrative Site. The adverse effect would be somewhat offset by beneficial effects resulting from the protection of cultural resources pursuant to the implementation of the River Protection Overlay.

Segment-wide, there would be a long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial impact on the hydrologic process Outstandingly Remarkable Value because the implementation of the River Protection Overlay would limit development on the riverbank (i.e., below normal high water), contribute to the restoration of the natural flood regime, and protect the continuous rapids of this river segment. The beneficial effect would be somewhat offset by adverse effects of flood flow from the proposed river crossings.

Cumulative Impacts

Impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and reasonably foreseeable future actions (see Vol. II, Appendix H for the list of cumulative projects considered in this analysis).

Past Actions

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, minor, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

The Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) would exchange National Park Service lands that are in and immediately adjacent to the wild and scenic river boundary with privately held lands that are immediately adjacent to the river. The privately held lands are in US Forest Service jurisdiction, and the wild and scenic river boundary and classification have not been established for the short stretch of river between the boundary of the El Portal Administrative Site and the Yosemite National Park boundary. The precise boundaries of the land exchange have not been finalized, but the land exchange could include National Park Service lands that are in the River Protection Overlay and contain river-related vegetation (both riparian and wetland), as well as privately held lands that are in very close proximity to the river and contain river-related vegetation. This project could result in adverse impacts associated with motel development in close proximity to the river; potential exchange of National Park Service lands in the River Protection Overlay; and loss of riparian vegetation and wetlands. In addition, the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange may possibly result in the loss of an archeological site, and impacts on traditional gathering areas. This project would have a long-term, moderate, adverse impact on the biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The Yosemite Motels Expansion in El Portal (Mariposa Co.) on the north side of Highway 140 is outside of the wild and scenic river boundary and would not have an impact on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this river segment.

The Trailer Village Closure Plan would result in the removal of the trailers in the El Portal Trailer Village. Because the closure is part of the current management trend, the beneficial impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative.

The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, minor, adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the adverse impacts on biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values resulting from the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange. These adverse impacts include: motel development in close proximity to the river; potential exchange of National Park Service lands in the River Protection Overlay; loss of river-related vegetation; and possible loss of an archeological site and degradation of traditional gathering areas. This adverse impact has been somewhat offset by the beneficial effects resulting from the establishment of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework.

For the actions of this alternative, a long-term, minor, beneficial impact is described for the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment, largely because implementation of the River Protection Overlay would limit development on the riverbank, and contribute to the restoration of sensitive riparian vegetation communities (e.g., at Hennessey’s Ranch). In addition, the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value would be beneficially affected by improved hiking opportunities along the river. The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, minor, adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the adverse impacts on biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values resulting from the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange, largely due to motel construction in close proximity to the river. The adverse impacts resulting from the loss of riparian vegetation associated with the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange would outweigh the potential beneficial impact of this alternative resulting from the enhancement/restoration of existing (albeit degraded) riparian habitat in the River Protection Overlay. Consequently, when the impacts of all of the past and reasonably foreseeable future actions described above are considered in combination with the anticipated impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values from this alternative, long-term, negligible, adverse effects on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment would likely result.

Consistency with the Merced River Plan

Classification Compatibility

Segment 4 is classified recreational under the Merced River Plan. Segments classified as recreational "are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past." The Merced River watershed above the Foresta Bridge (the terminus of this segment) is partially wilderness, with Yosemite Valley, Yosemite West, and Foresta being the only moderate/major developed areas (minor developed areas include Glacier Point, the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, the Cascades area, and Badger Pass via Grouse Creek). In this segment, the Merced River shoreline is somewhat undeveloped, with the exception of El Portal Road, the Old El Portal area, the Trailer Village, and National Park Service operations at Railroad Flat. Under this alternative, new facilities would be constructed in currently developed areas inside the Wild and Scenic River boundary, and in locations outside the boundary. The river is accessible by vehicles for virtually the entire length of the segment.

The actions of this alternative in this segment would be compatible with the recreational classification. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be essentially unchanged, although development in this segment would increase, and accessibility by vehicles would be essentially unchanged.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination Process

Pursuant to Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for which the river was designated. Projects that are within the bed and banks of the Merced River are subject to the Section 7 process. Examples of projects in this segment that would likely undergo a Section 7 determination include construction of the two river crossings required for the multi-use trail and restoration of the sand pit. In the Section 7 process, the National Park Service must evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and ensure that, on balance, the project does not have a direct and adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. To the extent possible, the National Park Service would (1) redesign projects to avoid the bed and banks of the Merced River; and (2) redesign projects to avoid direct and adverse impacts on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

River Protection Overlay

This alternative proposes to restore to natural conditions areas in the River Protection Overlay that are currently degraded. This alternative proposes two actions within the River Protection Overlay: extending and raising the floodwall, and constructing two new river crossings for the multi-use trail. These developments would be consistent with the River Protection Overlay.

The floodwall is an existing nonessential facility that would be extended and raised within the River Protection Overlay to continue to protect structures at Hennessey’s Ranch from 100-year flood hazards. The floodwall meets the criteria of the River Protection Overlay in that it is required for health and safety purposes, and it is impractical to locate the floodwall outside the River Protection Overlay.

The new multi-use trail (and two new river crossings) would be a new nonessential facility that is required for access to and across the river, and would be located in the River Protection Overlay only when it is impractical to locate the trail outside the River Protection Overlay. The multi-use trail is consistent with the River Protection Overlay because it would not materially impair the natural function of the river, and would not have a net direct and adverse impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

Management Zoning

All actions proposed in El Portal under this alternative are compatible with the Merced River Plan management zoning and prescriptions. Some actions, such as restoration of the sand pit, remove existing facilities, or uses that do not conform with the corresponding management zone prescription.

WAWONA (SEGMENT 7)

Outstandingly Remarkable Values Impacts

Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for this scenic river segment are scenic, recreation, biological, and cultural. A description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values are found in Vol. II, Appendix B. Potential impacts of this alternative to these Outstandingly Remarkable Values are shown in table 4-42 below.

Actions to implement the River Protection Overlay would have beneficial impacts to the recreation, biological, and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

Radiating impacts from the addition of housing outside the River Protection Overlay would have a negligible, adverse impact on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value through trampling of river-related habitats (the expected level of use of the social trails is anticipated to be lower than similar situations in Yosemite Valley because there are fewer residents and visitors in Wawona). In addition, construction of new employee housing could disturb archeological resources, which would adversely affect the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Wawona (Segment 7) Conclusion

Segment-wide, the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value would be beneficially affected due to improved views of Wawona Dome from the river as a result of implementation of the River Protection Overlay.

Segment-wide, there would be a net beneficial impact to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to restoration of damaged riparian habitat as a result of the implementation of the River Protection Overlay. This beneficial effect would be somewhat offset by the adverse impacts on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value associated with radiating impacts to riparian vegetation due to trampling as a result of the new employee housing proposed.

Segment-wide, there would be a beneficial effect on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the protection of cultural resources as a result of implementation of the River Protection Overlay.

Table 4-42 Impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values for Segment 7 (Wawona)
Action	Outstandingly Remarkable Value Affected	Impact to Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Impact Duration	Potential Mitigation	Impact Magnitude and Type (with mitigation)
Housing
New employee housing would be constructed outside the River Protection Overlay	Biological	Concentration of housing in this area could have radiating impacts to riparian vegetation due to trampling of river-related habitats	Long-term	Fence sensitive areas; direct use to more resilient areas	Minor, adverse
Adoption of River Protection Overlay
	Scenic	Potentially improves views from the river and its banks of Wawona Dome	Long-term	NA	Minor, beneficial
	Biological Cultural	Condition of sensitive habitats (e.g., riparian) would be monitored and visitor use managed; restoration of damaged habitat is encouraged River Protection Overlay specifically accommodates preservation and protection of significant archeological sites, ethnographic resources, historic structures, and landscape features	Long-term Long-term	NA NA	Moderate, beneficial Minor, beneficial

NA = Not Applicable

Cumulative Impacts

Impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and reasonably foreseeable future actions (see Appendix H for the list of cumulative projects considered in this analysis).

Past Actions

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, minor, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

The South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement (NPS) would replace the existing two bridges crossing the South Fork on Wawona Road with one single-span bridge. This would have a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the reduction of development on the riverbank and the restoration of riparian habitat.

The Wawona Campground Rehabilitation (NPS) would have a beneficial effect on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to maintaining the diversity of river-related recreational activities, and enhancing the camping experience by providing increased privacy and shade at the campground. The Wawona Campground Rehabilitation would have a beneficial effect on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because it would relocate campsites outside the River Protection Overlay, and would initiate a vegetation management plan that would include shoreline protection. This beneficial effect on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value would be somewhat offset by radiating impacts to riparian vegetation due to trampling of river-related habitats resulting from the density of camping in this area (this adverse effect would be negligible, since camping is an existing use at this location). The campground rehabilitation could have an adverse effect on the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, should the rehabilitation of the campground disturb archeological resources. Overall, the Wawona Campground Rehabilitation would have a long-term, negligible, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment due to the implementation of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework, the reduction of development on the riverbank and restoration of habitat associated with the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement (NPS); and the relocation of campsites outside the River Protection Overlay and maintenance of a diversity of river-related recreational activities associated with the Wawona Campground Rehabilitation. The beneficial effects on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been somewhat offset by adverse effects associated with moderately impaired views of Wawona Dome from the river at the Wawona Campground, and the potential disturbance of archeological resources during campground rehabilitation.

For the actions of this alternative, a long-term, minor, beneficial impact would result for the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment due to the beneficial effects of implementing the River Protection Overlay, including restoration of damaged riparian habitat; improvement of scenic views of Wawona Dome from the river; enhanced public enjoyment of restored resources; and protection of cultural resources. The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment due to the implementation of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework; the reduction of development on the riverbank and restoration of habitat associated with the South Fork Merced River Bridge Replacement; and the relocation of campsites outside the River Protection Overlay and maintenance of a diversity of river-related recreational activities associated with the Wawona Campground Rehabilitation. When the impacts of all of the past and reasonably foreseeable future actions described above are considered in combination with the anticipated impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values from this alternative, a long-term, minor, beneficial impact on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would result.

Consistency with the Merced River Plan

Classification Compatibility

The actions of this alternative in this segment would be compatible with the scenic classification. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be essentially unchanged and accessibility by vehicles would be essentially unchanged.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination Process

Pursuant to Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for which the river was designated. Projects that are within the bed and banks of the Merced River are subject to the Section 7 process. In the Section 7 process, the National Park Service must evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and ensure that, on balance, the project does not have a direct and adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. To the extent possible, the National Park Service would redesign projects to avoid direct and adverse impacts on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. No actions are proposed in this segment that would be subject to the Section 7 determination process.

River Protection Overlay

This alternative would implement the River Protection Overlay in the Wawona segment by encouraging restoration of damaged riparian habitat and protecting cultural resources. The actions proposed in the Wawona segment under this alternative are consistent with the River Protection Overlay.

Management Zoning

All actions proposed in the Wawona segment under this alternative are compatible with the Merced River Plan management zoning and prescriptions.

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