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

Yosemite National Park Volume IA

Riparian and Meadow Habitats

Approximately 7 acres of existing meadow and riparian habitat would be developed under this alternative, and approximately 149 acres would be restored to these highly valued resource habitats. The beneficial impacts to meadow and riparian habitats would primarily be the result of increased habitat size and connectivity with other habitats as well as enhanced habitat structure. The adverse impacts to meadow and riparian habitat would occur primarily as a result of habitat loss.

Adverse and beneficial impacts on riparian and meadow habitats are generally the same as under Alternative 2, with the following exceptions:

The removal of 212 units at Housekeeping Camp units would allow extensive restoration of riparian habitats and augment the benefit provided by the River Protection Overlay. This restoration would provide increased habitat contiguity with other restoration actions (e.g., Upper River and Lower River Campgrounds area), thus benefiting species such as hairy woodpecker and various bat species. This would provide a major, beneficial impact to wildlife.
Removal of parking from Camp 6 would allow restoration of this area to riparian, meadow, and upland habitat. This would augment the benefit of adjacent restoration provided by implementation of the River Protection Overlay and increase habitat contiguity with other restoration actions (e.g., Housekeeping Camp and the area of the former Upper River and Lower River Campgrounds). This would benefit species such as Pacific tree frog, western toad, and yellow warbler and would provide a major, beneficial impact to wildlife.
Removal of parking from the Curry Orchard would reduce human/wildlife conflicts in this area, resulting in minor, beneficial effects on wildlife.
Establishment of a picnic area in the vicinity of the Curry Orchard would result in increased human/wildlife conflicts in this area, resulting in minor, adverse effects. Adequate garbage repositories and collection, enforcement of regulations, and restriction of use of the picnic area to daylight hours could minimize this impact.

Ongoing use of Yellow Pine Campground for volunteer groups in forest and riparian habitats could cause radiating impacts into adjacent riparian and wetland areas. Because this is the existing condition, there would be no additional impact.

OUT-OS-VALLEY HABITATS

Parking, housing, and administrative facilities would be developed outside of Yosemite Valley to replace those removed from the Valley under this alternative. This would result in largely adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat in those locations where new facilities are established. Most of this impact would be to upland habitats. Some restoration, however, would occur in El Portal as part of local projects.

The out-of-Valley impacts generally related to the development of parking facilities would occur in Badger Pass, El Portal, and South Landing. More visitor use in these areas would increase exposure of wildlife to human food. If overnight parking is allowed at these facilities, bears are likely to damage cars that contain food, and become conditioned to this source. Standard mitigation measures would be incorporated into project design to minimize wildlife impacts (see Chapter 2, Alternatives, Mitigation Measures Common to All Action Alternatives).

Impacts associated with development outside of Yosemite Valley would remain essentially the same as under Alternative 2, with the exceptions listed below for each area of potential development.

El Portal

There would be no change in impacts to wildlife and habitat from those that would also occur under Alternative 2. Parking, housing, and administrative facilities would be built; the fuel distribution facility would be removed, and the old sewer plant would be removed and restored to riparian habitat. The overall impact to wildlife in El Portal would be moderate and adverse.

Badger Pass

There would be no change in impacts to wildlife and habitat from those that would also occur under Alternative 2. Parking for up to 400 cars would be provided, with minor, adverse impacts to wildlife anticipated from associated utility development, urban runoff and lighting, radiating visitor impacts, and conditioning wildlife to human food.

Wawona

No additional housing or other facilities would be built in Wawona under Alternative 4; therefore, would be no additional impacts to wildlife.

Foresta

Impacts in this area would be the same as under Alternative 2, except there would be no possibility of development of a parking facility. The overall impact in this area would be minor and adverse due to the construction of 14 employee houses and establishment of National Park Service and concessioner administrative stable operations.

South Landing

Development of day-use visitor parking for about 805 vehicles at South Landing would affect primarily mixed conifer habitat and species such as California spotted owl, fisher, and white-headed woodpecker. An existing road and an area that has seen heavy use for staging of construction and road maintenance materials and vehicles have already degraded a portion of the area that would be affected by this development. Radiating impacts from increased visitor use would affect surrounding areas and could extend to meadows at Crane Flat. It is also possible, however, that stopping some day-visitor traffic at South Landing would actually reduce disturbance at Crane Flat, because fewer visitors would stop there en route to Yosemite Valley. Visitor impact to surrounding habitats could also be mitigated by limiting access to sensitive habitats. The relatively small area affected, reduced habitat quality, and the abundance of similar habitat in the area that would remain unaffected would limit the impacts on wildlife to moderate and adverse.

Entrance Stations

As described in more detail in Alternative 2, limited expansion of facilities at South Entrance, Big Oak Flat Entrance, and Tioga Pass Entrance, and the corresponding increase in human presence in these areas would have a minor, adverse effect, both individually and in total, on wildlife and habitat. The additional area of habitat would be relatively small and is already affected by humans due to its proximity to existing developments. Site design of these facilities would likely avoid any highly valued resource habitat types in the area, and signs, fencing, and visitor education would be used to minimize impact to adjacent sensitive habitats.

CONCLUSION

The main difference in impacts to wildlife and habitat under Alternative 4, as compared to Alternative 2, would be the development of a large area of relatively intact habitat in the western portion of Yosemite Valley for day-visitor parking. This would cause a high degree of habitat disturbance and fragmentation in a part of Yosemite Valley that is relatively unaffected by development. Day-visitor parking would also be developed outside of Yosemite Valley at South Landing, El Portal, and Badger Pass, causing local impacts to wildlife.

No day-visitor parking would be developed in Foresta; therefore, no new impacts would occur in that area.

Relative to Alternative 2, additional small areas of riparian and meadow habitats would be restored at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp, and two additional bridges would be removed in Yosemite Valley to help restore hydrology and riparian habitat dynamics.

Although Alternative 4 would result in development of facilities in mid-Yosemite Valley and areas outside the Valley, overall Alternative 4 would have minor to moderate, beneficial impacts to wildlife and habitat relative to the No Action Alternative. This is primarily due to the restoration of large areas of highly valued resource habitats in Yosemite Valley.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

The beneficial and adverse impacts of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects on wildlife are described under cumulative impacts for Alternative 2. When the expected impacts to wildlife from Alternative 4 are considered in combination with these other projects, minor, beneficial cumulative effects on wildlife habitat and populations in the region would likely result over the long term. Adverse cumulative effects would occur primarily from habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as reduced habitat quality from human disturbance. Beneficial cumulative effects would result from habitat restoration, particularly riparian, meadow, and wetland areas. Future land management planning efforts could also lead to beneficial cumulative impacts to wildlife habitat and populations through habitat protection and restoration over wide areas of the Sierra Nevada.

Alternative 4 would provide substantial restoration of riparian, meadow, and wetland habitats through implementation of the River Protection Overlay. Restoration to natural conditions of the Yosemite Lodge cabin area, all of Camp 6, Upper and Lower River Campgrounds, North Pines Campground, most of Lower Pines Campground, and Housekeeping Camp would help re-establish riparian and meadow habitat connectivity in the east Valley, benefiting wildlife by allowing greater natural movement and increasing habitat availability. These actions would be consistent with the basic goals of land management plans such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan. Removal or reconstruction of roads through sensitive habitats would improve habitat connectivity and help restore natural flows of nutrients and water, and removal of four bridges would help restore riparian and aquatic habitats along those river reaches. Exposure of wildlife to human food would be greatly reduced in the east Valley as a result of the removal of numerous tent cabins as well as removal of parking from the orchards.

Other actions associated with Alternative 4 would adversely affect areas of upland habitat and its accompanying wildlife, including redevelopment of the former service station site to camping, establishment of new campgrounds near Tenaya Creek and Curry Village, and the development of multi-use paved trails. In addition, the development of a limited day-visitor parking area and visitor/transit center at Taft Toe would cause long-term, adverse impacts to upland habitat in the west Valley. Forage and cover for species such as California spotted owl, ringtail, and Gilbert’s skink could be affected. Each of the above actions would result in loss of upland habitat, habitat degradation from increased human activity, and additional areas where wildlife could become conditioned to human food. These effects would be in addition to impacts to uplands outside the park from past and present land management practices, such as logging and grazing, which have reduced the availability and quality of food and cover for wildlife. Foreseeable future projects such as the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), Hardin Flat Lodging and Conference Facilities (Tuolumne Co.), and the Evergreen Road Improvements (multi-agency, see Appendix H) would cause similar impacts to upland habitats.

Under Alternative 4, development outside of Yosemite Valley would include establishment of additional parking and transit facilities at Badger Pass, South Landing, and El Portal, employee-related housing at El Portal, relocation of the stables to Foresta, and establishment of visitor centers at park entrances. These actions would result in habitat loss and habitat degradation from human activity and would add to impacts of other actions that affect similar habitats. For example, development at South Landing, Foresta, and the four park entrance stations would adversely affect mixed conifer and other upland habitats. These effects (habitat loss and degradation) would be in addition to logging and grazing that have occurred over wide areas outside the park, as well as proposed projects such as Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (NPS), Silvertip Resort Village Project (Mariposa Co.), and reforestation projects. The proposed Silvertip Resort Village Project in Fish Camp would have the greatest interaction with the South Entrance visitor facilities proposed under this alternative, due to its proximity to the South Entrance and similarity in habitat. Consequently, these projects have an adverse cumulative impact on many of the same wildlife species.

Adverse impacts associated with the development of employee housing, parking, and administrative facilities at El Portal would combine with impacts from other development projects proposed in the area, including Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.), and the El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS), to adversely affect riparian and upland habitats and associated species. Because much of the area of potential development has been previously disturbed, however, the adverse impacts are expected to be minimal. Nevertheless, quality of forage and cover for species such as scrub jay, gray fox, and northern alligator lizard could be adversely affected.

Use of Badger Pass for parking would not contribute appreciably to impacts to wildlife from other projects inside and outside the park, because most impacts would be confined to areas already developed for skier parking in winter. Local impacts to wildlife would occur as a result of increased visitor use and disturbance of habitat adjacent to the parking facility. These impacts would include trampling of vegetation and disturbance of ground-nesting birds such as dark-eyed juncos. In addition, runoff from the parking area could adversely affect nearby aquatic habitats and wildlife by degrading water quality through the addition of vehicle-related pollutants.

The conclusion that cumulative impacts would be minor and beneficial is conservative because it is based on the goals and objectives of ongoing planning efforts (such as Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration) that are being undertaken to improve ecosystem management. However, should substantial or full implementation of the actions included in these plans occur over time, long-term cumulative impacts on wildlife may, on balance, be beneficial to a greater degree.

Special-Status Species

WILDLIFE

A Biological Assessment was prepared, in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, to assess potential impacts to federal endangered and threatened species (see Appendix K). Specific, action-by-action analysis of impacts on vegetation types and general wildlife habitat is provided in the Vegetation and Wildlife sections of this chapter, respectively. The actions of Alternative 4 that would result in potential wildlife habitat impacts are listed in the Wildlife section. The effect of these habitat impacts on individual special-status species is described below. Impacts identified would be long term, except where noted.

This analysis covers federal and/or California special-status species. Recent correspondence from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that a number of these species are being considered for elevated federal status; these species are evaluated in this section in a separate category. Special-status species are listed in table 3-6 (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3). The "area" column of table 3-6 indicates the recorded locations of species occurrence, or areas that may possess suitable habitat for each species in the vicinity. Identification of a location in the area column for a species does not necessarily indicate that the species has been documented in that location.

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

Potential Effects on Federal and California Threatened or Endangered Species

Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)

Status: Federal threatened; California species of special concern. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2. Given the location and concentration of elderberry plants and mitigation measures that would be implemented prior to and during construction, the impact on this species would be minor to moderate and adverse.

Limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (negligible and adverse).

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

Status: Federal threatened; California species of special concern. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 with the following exception. With no parking developed in Foresta under this alternative, impact to potential red-legged frog habitat would be avoided in this location, resulting in minor to moderate beneficial impact under Alternative 4.

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Status: Federal threatened; California endangered. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (minor, beneficial). Additional restoration of riparian habitat in Yosemite Valley could further improve conditions for this species relative to Alternative 2, but the area of additional restoration is relatively small and bald eagles are rare in the Valley. Consequently, Alternative 4 would have a minor, beneficial effect on the bald eagle.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Status: California endangered. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (moderate and beneficial). Development at Taft Toe would occur near a nest site located high on Cathedral Rocks, but would not have an appreciable effect on this site, given that two other peregrine nest sites occur in east Yosemite Valley above more concentrated developments and are successful.

Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa)

Status: California endangered. Impacts to great gray owls under this alternative would be minor and adverse, because no parking would be developed in Foresta. Restoration of meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley and reduction in human disturbance in some parts of the Valley could enable this species to return, but this is uncertain.

Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)

Status: California endangered. The impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (minor to moderate and beneficial).

Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (minor and adverse).

California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. Because this species is likely to occur only around Tioga Pass, overall impacts would be the same as Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). Minor expansion of facilities could affect small areas of upland habitat, and increased visitor presence in the area could lead to greater human disturbance in surrounding habitats, which could adversely affect its use by wolverines.

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Status: Federal endangered; California endangered. Effects on this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (negligible, adverse), since there would be no change from Alternative 2 in potential development at Tioga Pass under Alternative 4.

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

Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (negligible and adverse).

Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylei)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2. The day-visitor parking in Foresta would not occur under Alternative 4, but this would represent a negligible change in impact, since potential habitat in this location would have been avoided. Consequently, minor to moderate and beneficial impacts are anticipated under Alternative 4.

Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (negligible, adverse).

California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Development of the large day-visitor parking and transit center at Taft Toe would have an adverse effect on a known pair of spotted owls. Recent surveys located a pair of spotted owls near the base of Cathedral Spires, which is near the Taft Toe site. The development would not affect nesting or roosting of this pair, since the tree canopy closure on the site is not adequate, but would probably remove an area of foraging habitat from their territory. Human disturbance radiating from the facility could also disturb the pair. Although no development of parking would occur at Hazel Green under this alternative, development of day-visitor parking would occur at South Landing, which is in the foraging area of another pair of spotted owls, according to a recent survey. On balance, habitat restoration in Yosemite Valley together with potential effects of the Taft Toe and South Landing development on a known pairs of spotted owls would result in a negligible, beneficial impact on the species under this alternative.

Marten (Martes americana)

Current Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2. Although no development would occur at Hazel Green or Wawona, as in Alternative 2, development of day-visitor parking at South Landing would have a similar impact on this species by removing suitable habitat and increasing human disturbance in the area. Development at Taft Toe could affect marten habitat, but the low elevation of Yosemite Valley, the relatively open tree canopy, and the lack of habitat complexity of the site indicate it is marginal habitat for martens. Impacts in other areas of marten habitat would be the same as in Alternative 2. The overall impact on martens under Alternative 4 would be minor and adverse.

Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica)

Current Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Development of day-visitor parking at South Landing would occur in an area of prime fisher habitat, as indicated by the forest structure, its ridgetop location, and recent records of fisher sightings. Development at Taft Toe could affect fisher habitat, but the low elevation of Yosemite Valley, the relatively open tree canopy, and the lack of habitat complexity of the site indicate it is marginal habitat for fishers. Impacts in other areas of fisher habitat would be the same as in Alternative 2. The overall impact on fishers under Alternative 4 would be moderate and adverse, compared to the No Action Alternative.

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

Merced Canyon shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta allynsmithi)

Status: Federal species of concern. Development and restoration in El Portal under this alternative would be the same as under Alternative 2. Impacts would be negligible and adverse, since no discernible effect on the habitat of this species (talus) is expected.

Mariposa sideband snail (Monadenia hillebrandi)

Status: Federal species of concern. Impacts on this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate and beneficial), primarily from restoration of potential habitat in the talus above Curry Village.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix sierrana)

Status: Federal species of concern. Development in El Portal would be the same as under Alternative 2. Additional riparian restoration in Yosemite Valley (at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp) and the removal of two additional bridges would provide additional habitat. However, impacts under Alternative 4 would be negligible to minor and adverse due to development in El Portal, the most likely area of occurrence of the Sierra pygmy grasshopper.

Wawona riffle beetle (Atractelmis wawona)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact to this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate and beneficial), primarily from large-scale restoration of riparian and wetland habitats that directly benefit the aquatic habitat of the riffle beetle. Additional restoration of riparian areas in Yosemite Valley (at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp) and the removal of two additional bridges would benefit aquatic habitats. However, Alternative 4 is expected to have a moderate, beneficial effect on the Wawona riffle beetle.

Bohart’s blue butterfly (Philotiella speciosa bohartorum)

Status: Federal species of concern. Under this alternative, development and restoration in El Portal would be the same as Alternative 2. Therefore, impacts would be the same, minor and adverse.

Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The overall impact on this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial), since actions in the most likely habitat, Tioga Pass and Curry Village in Yosemite Valley, would be the same.

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

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact to this species is expected to be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). Additional restoration of riparian areas in Yosemite Valley (at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp) and the removal of two additional bridges would benefit aquatic habitats. Less development in Foresta, compared to Alternative 2, would cause somewhat less risk of human disturbance to potential breeding and hibernation areas in upland habitats. However, the impact to this species would be minor and beneficial under Alternative 4.

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact on the harlequin duck would be the same as under Alternative 2. However, under Alternative 4, there would be additional restoration of riparian habitat (at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp) and removal of two additional bridges. This would improve habitat for harlequin duck. However, as with Alternative 2, Alternative 4 would have minor, beneficial effects on this species.

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi)

Status: California species of special concern. The development of parking at Taft Toe would remove a large area of forest habitat and cause radiating impacts to adjacent areas from human use. Additional forest habitat would be removed at South Landing for parking outside of Yosemite Valley. Both of these developments would cause adverse impacts on Cooper’s hawks. Restoration of habitats in east Yosemite Valley would still be beneficial by providing the mix of forest types and open areas that are good habitat for this species. The combination of these adverse and beneficial impacts would result in an overall impact of minor and adverse for Alternative 4.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Development at South Landing, South Entrance, Tioga Pass, and Big Oak Flat Entrance would displace small areas of forest habitat, possibly affecting local populations of northern goshawks. However, the impact areas are small, and their quality has already been affected by proximity to a heavily traveled highway and adjacent development outside the park. Therefore, the overall impact on northern goshawks would be minor and adverse; the same as under Alternative 2.

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Status: California species of special concern. Construction of the large parking and transit facility at Taft Toe would directly affect sharp-shinned hawk habitat through removal and fragmentation. Development of parking at South Landing also would adversely affect forest habitat of this species. Restoration of habitats in east Yosemite Valley would be beneficial for the species by providing the mix of forest types and open areas that are good habitat for this species. On balance, this would result in an overall negligible, adverse impact on the species, primarily from habitat loss at Taft Toe and South Landing.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Status: California species of special concern. Under this alternative, impact to golden eagles would be the same as under Alternative 2, since the primary benefit to this species would derive from habitat restoration in Yosemite Valley, and impacts outside the Valley would be negligible. The overall effect of Alternative 4 on golden eagles would be minor and beneficial.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Status: California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact to merlins would be the same as under Alternative 2. More Highly Valued Resource habitat would be restored in Yosemite Valley, and less development would occur in Foresta, but such changes would not be substantial enough to change the minor, beneficial level of impact, relative to the No Action Alternative.

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Status: California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact to prairie falcons would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial), based primarily upon restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley. Less development would occur in Foresta compared to Alternative 2, but the area that would be affected (post-fire regrowth) is not very suitable habitat for the species.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

Status: California species of special concern. The overall impact of Alternative 4 on long-eared owls would be the same as that of Alternative 2. A small amount of additional riparian habitat would be restored at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp, and parking would be developed at South Landing. Minor, beneficial effects would result primarily from restoration of large areas of riparian habitat in Yosemite Valley.

Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)

Status: California species of special concern. The overall impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 due to restoration of high-value habitat in Yosemite Valley. Restoration of additional riparian habitat (at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp) and removal of two additional bridges would increase the amount of habitat in these locations. Lack of development at Foresta would protect additional habitat. Development of parking at South Landing would adversely affect an area of forest habitat. However, habitat at both Foresta and South Landing is not high-quality yellow warbler habitat. These effects and restoration of large areas of high-quality habitat (riparian) in Yosemite Valley would result in moderate, beneficial impacts compared to the No Action Alternative.

Mount Lyell Shrew (Sorex lyelli)

Status: Federal species of concern. Under this alternative impacts to this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (negligible, adverse), because development at Tioga Pass would be the same as under Alternative 2, with minor expansion of entrance station facilities.

Bat Species

For all special-status bat species listed below, overall impact intensities under Alternative 4 would be the same as under Alternative 2. No development would occur at Hazel Green and Wawona, and less development would occur in Foresta, but development of parking at South Landing would affect an area of forested habitat. Development of parking at Taft Toe would remove a large area of forest habitat near the west end of Yosemite Valley, but riparian and wetland habitat would be restored near Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp, and adjacent to two additional bridges that would be removed. On balance, however, there would be no appreciable change in impacts to these bat species, which would derive primary benefit from the large area of Highly Valued Resources that would be restored under Alternative 4.

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii)
Status: California species of special concern (minor, beneficial)
Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum)
Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern (moderate, beneficial)
Small-footed myotis bat (Myotis ciliolabrum)
Status: Federal species of concern (minor, beneficial)
Fringed myotis bat (Myotis thysanodes)
Status: Federal species of concern (minor, benefical)
Yuma myotis bat (Myotis yumanensis)
Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern (moderate, beneficial)
Greater western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus)
Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern (moderate, beneficial)

The species listed below are more dependent upon forested habitat than the other bat species for foraging and roosting. The combination of development at Taft Toe and South Landing would affect a greater area of forest habitat for these species. Restoration of Highly Valued Resource habitat types in Yosemite Valley would still be beneficial to these species, which forage in a variety of habitat types.

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)
Status: California species of special concern (minor, beneficial)
Long-eared myotis bat (Myotis evotis)
Status: Federal species of concern (negligible, beneficial)
Long-legged myotis bat (Myotis volans)
Status: Federal species of concern (negligible, beneficial)

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact to snowshoe hares under Alternative 4 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). Development of parking facilities at South Landing would remove an area of potential habitat and would result in radiating human impacts into adjacent areas. Use of Badger Pass for parking could result in increased human disturbance in surrounding areas, which could affect habitat use by snowshoe hares.

White-tailed hare (Lepus townsendii)

Status: California species of special concern. Overall impacts to this species under Alternative 4 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse) because of minor expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass, the only project area with potential occurrence of this species.

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The impact would be the same as described for Alternative 2 (minor and adverse) from the use of Badger Pass for day-visitor parking.

Conclusion

Impacts under Alternative 4 on special-status species would be essentially the same as under Alternative 2. Large blocks of riparian, meadow, and wetland habitat would be restored, increasing the size, contiguity, and connections within and among habitat types, which would in turn increase the availability of food, cover, and reproductive sites for a variety of wildlife species, including special-status species. These restored blocks of habitat would also help insulate wildlife from human impacts radiating from the adjacent development that would remain. Under Alternative 4, slightly more riparian and meadow habitats would be restored at Camp 6 and Housekeeping Camp, which would benefit species that rely on these habitats (e.g., yellow warbler and long-eared owl), but such restoration would not be substantial enough to result in differences in impact intensities relative to the No Action Alternative.

Changes in development patterns in upland, forested habitat would have an adverse effect on some special-status species. California spotted owl, Cooper’s hawk, and sharp-shinned hawk would all experience increased levels of adverse impact under Alternative 4 due to the development of Taft Toe and South Landing; this is especially true for the spotted owl, a pair of which was recently discovered near the Taft Toe site. Three species of bats (pallid, long-legged myotis, long-eared myotis) would be subject to slightly greater impacts from development at these two locations. Impacts to these species would occur due to removal of habitat, increased fragmentation of habitats in west Valley, and human disturbance in surrounding areas associated with visitor use. In other areas outside of Yosemite Valley, great gray owls would not be affected by development of a parking area at Foresta. Fishers, however, would be more greatly impacted by the development of parking at South Landing, an area of prime habitat.

For some special-status wildlife species, the magnitude of benefit provided under this alternative is limited by existing impacts on these species outside of Yosemite National Park that have led to population declines over wide regions of the Sierra Nevada. These ongoing impacts affect the abundance of some species inside the park, despite the presence of relatively intact habitats (e.g., willow flycatcher).

Comparing the adverse and beneficial impacts under Alternative 4 with existing conditions, the overall impact on special-status species of this alternative would be moderate and beneficial.

Cumulative Impacts

The following sections discuss the potential impacts of other past, present, and foreseeable future projects on special-concern species in conjunction with the impacts of Alternative 4. Appendix H presents other ongoing or future projects in the region that were considered in the cumulative impacts analysis. The analysis assumed that California Environmental Quality Act and Endangered Species Act mitigation requirements would be implemented as part of each foreseeable future project, as applicable.

Potential Cumulative Impacts on Federal and California Threatened or Endangered Species

Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)

Status: Federal threatened; California endangered. Projects below elevations of 3,000 feet that could affect the abundance of elderberry plants, the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle’s host plant, would affect this species and could ultimately affect populations in Yosemite National Park. The distribution of Valley elderberry longhorn beetles and their host plant in the park is rather small, with the only suitable habitat occurring in the Merced River Canyon in El Portal. Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects in this location would, therefore, have the greatest potential to affect the park population of Valley elderberry longhorn beetle. Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects in the Merced River Canyon in El Portal with the potential to adversely affect the Valley elderberrry longhorn beetle include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) and the Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.). However, the impact would be limited by the high abundance of elderberry plants in the surrounding area and mitigations that would be required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other projects with the potential to adversely affect the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle include the Mariposa Creek Pedestrian/Bike Path (Mariposa Co.); the Buildout of City of Merced, General Plan; and the Merced River Canyon Trail Acquisition (BLM). Actions under this alternative would also be primarily adverse due to development of housing, parking, and administrative facilities in El Portal.

All of these projects would could damage or destroy elderberry plants, which would directly affect local Valley elderberry longhorn beetle populations. However, mitigation requirements established through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies would limit these impacts to minor and adverse. Minor, beneficial impacts would be expected from the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) because these plans would potentially lead to greater protection of elderberry plants. The combination of beneficial effects, resulting from implementation of regional plans that cover wide areas of the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle range, and adverse impacts, including actions under this alternative that would generally affect relatively small numbers of elderberry plants, would result in an overall minor, beneficial impact on Valley elderberry longhorn beetles. Adverse impacts would be minimized through the implementation of mitigation measures prescribed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the species.

Limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The limestone salamander has a very restricted distribution. Its habitat is protected by the 120-acre Limestone Salamander Ecological Reserve and the Bureau of Land Management 1,600-acre Limestone Salamander Area of Critical Environmental Concern. It is only known to occur in the mixed chaparral habitats of the Merced River and its tributaries, in association with limestone outcrops between 800 and 2,500 feet in elevation. Existing features that affect this species include road cuts and water impoundments that affect its habitat. Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects in El Portal (Yosemite View Land Parcel Exchange [NPS] and Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal [Mariposa Co.]) are the only projects with the potential to impact the limestone salamander, but this species has never been found in El Portal. Impacts to this species would, therefore, be negligible. Likewise, projects in El Portal associated with this alternative are unlikely to cause any effect on limestone salamanders. Overall cumulative impact on this species would, therefore, be negligible.

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

Status: Federal threatened; California species of special concern. Projects in the vicinity of Yosemite National Park are unlikely to affect any known existing populations of red-legged frogs. Environmental compliance carried out in association with these projects would require further surveys to evaluate whether unknown populations of red-legged frogs could be affected. Projects that degrade aquatic habitats, however, are likely to adversely affect suitability of such habitats for red-legged frogs if reintroduction or recolonization of this species becomes possible.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse impacts on aquatic habitats include Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); University of California, Merced Campus (Merced Co.); and the Buildout of City of Merced, General Plan. Beneficial impacts to aquatic habitats may result from the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). These beneficial effects would be augmented by restoration of potential habitat in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. Overall, cumulative impacts would be beneficial, based on potential protection of red-legged frog habitat through the implementation of plans that cover wide areas coupled with restoration of suitable habitat through the implementation of this alternative. The intensity of this impact would be minor because this species is almost extinct from the Sierra Nevada region, but habitat should be protected for potential reintroduction or recolonization of the species. Projects with a possible negative impact on red-legged frogs would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts, but these projects could have a major negative impact if they affected an unknown population of red-legged frogs, which could be among the last in the Sierra Nevada. However, site surveys would be completed in compliance with site and federal regulations as applicable, thus minimizing the potential adverse effects.

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Status: Federal threatened; California endangered. Projects associated with the Merced River could adversely affect habitat that is transiently used by bald eagles, such as at the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS). The Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) has the potential to benefit eagles by preserving riparian and riverine habitat through implementation of the River Protection Overlay. The beneficial effects of this would be enhanced by restoration of riparian and river habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. Overall, the cumulative impact on bald eagles would be minor and beneficial.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Status: California endangered. Because peregrine falcons forage over a broad range of habitat types adjacent to their nesting cliffs, implementation of plans with potential widespread impact would have the greatest impact on this species. These plans include the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), and the Yosemite Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), which would have minor, beneficial effects. These plans are complementary to the beneficial effects of this alternative on peregrine falcons in Yosemite National Park, where the concentration of the species is among the highest in the Sierra Nevada. No current or reasonably foreseeable future projects considered would have an adverse impact on peregrine falcons because these projects are not anticipated to affect cliff nesting habitat or surrounding foraging habitat. Greater regional effects on peregrine falcons that nest in the Sierra come from degradation of seasonally used coastal and wetland habitats and pesticide residues in the peregrine falcon’s food chain.

Restoration of a diversity of habitat types in Yosemite Valley under this alternative would augment regional beneficial impacts from current and reasonably foreseeable future projects outside the park. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would remove an area of forest habitat near a known peregrine nest site but would have a negligible effect on the falcons. Overall cumulative impacts on peregrine falcons would be minor and beneficial, based primarily on the beneficial effects of widespread plans on Sierra Nevada habitats but limited by the continued adverse effects of pesticides.

Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa)

Status: California endangered. The great gray owl nests in mixed conifer and red fir forests near meadows and winters at lower elevations in mixed conifer down to blue oak woodlands. Nearly the entire California population of great gray owls breeds in the Yosemite region, where habitats are relatively intact. Some research suggests that this species is susceptible to human disturbance, which may explain its absence from Yosemite Valley, where great gray owls are rarely seen despite the presence of apparently suitable habitat. The Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project has the greatest potential to affect great gray owls because of this area’s meadow habitats and proximity to the park. Past studies and recent surveys, however, indicate the meadows are seldom used by great gray owls, and then probably only by transient owls moving between wintering and nesting areas (Skiff 1995; Skenfield 1999). The development at Hazel Green Ranch mentioned above would likely avoid meadow habitats, but increased human disturbance in the area could deter owls from using these areas, resulting in minor, adverse effects. Sites of other current and reasonably foreseeable future projects have habitats that are unsuitable for great gray owls, or previous impact at these sites rendered the habitats unsuitable. Current and reasonably foreseeable future development projects are, therefore, expected to have a minor but adverse effect on great gray owls.

Projects that could have a beneficial effect on this species by preserving or restoring habitat include the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Yosemite Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), and Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus). These plans could beneficially affect great gray owls by restoring habitat and limiting future impacts over wide areas of the Sierra Nevada. Under this alternative, restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley would be beneficial to great gray owls. If stables are developed at McCauley Ranch, this could have an adverse effect on the few great gray owls that occasionally use this habitat in winter.

Overall, cumulative impacts on great gray owls from current and reasonably foreseeable future projects, in combination with actions under this alternative, would be moderate and beneficial (based primarily on implementation of regional plans with widespread effect) compared to development projects with localized adverse effects.

Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)

Status: California endangered. The willow flycatcher was formerly a common Sierra Nevada species in meadows with dense growth of willow shrubs. Likely causes for the recent steep declines in populations include destruction of habitat and nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds. Willow flycatchers have not nested in Yosemite Valley for more than 30 years but in recent years have been seen at Wawona Meadow and Hodgdon Meadow. Projects that would cause degradation of meadow habitat or increased abundance of brown-headed cowbirds would adversely affect willow flycatchers through habitat loss and nest parasitism, respectively. The site of the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project contains meadows that could be directly or indirectly affected. No willow flycatchers were found at this site during recent surveys, and habitat in the meadows appears to be unsuitable for this species. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced River Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the willow flycatcher. Implementation of these plans could help restore habitats, control the effects of grazing, and reduce cowbird abundance by reducing fragmentation of forest communities. These regional benefits would be augmented by actions under this alternative that would restore willow flycatcher habitat in Yosemite Valley and reduce cowbird abundance. Overall cumulative impacts on willow flycatchers under Alternative 3 would be minor and beneficial.

Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The Sierra Nevada red fox is found mostly above elevations of 7,000 feet in a wide variety of habitat types. The Sierra Nevada red fox is rare, and its population appears to be declining. The cause of this decline is unknown, but it could be related to human activities that disturb habitat, such as logging and fire suppression. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced River Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for red foxes. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for red foxes include the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.) and the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project. These projects would primarily affect forest habitat. In addition, actions under this alternative would have a minor adverse effect on red foxes, primarily through effects on habitat at Tioga Pass, South Landing, and Badger Pass.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial, cumulative impact on Sierra Nevada red foxes, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat if regional plans are implemented. The projects with a possible adverse effect on red foxes, including the actions under this alternative, would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial effects.

California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus)

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

The possible expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass, and increased visitor use in that area that would occur under this alternative, could have an adverse effect on California wolverines. However, such impact would be minor, given the apparent scarcity of this species in the Sierra Nevada.

Overall cumulative impacts on California wolverines would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily upon the implementation of management plans that have the potential for protecting wide areas of wolverine habitat in the Sierra Nevada, as compared to the limited effects of increased human use at Tioga Pass under this alternative.

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Status: Federal endangered; California endangered. Because this species occurs at high elevation, few of the foreseeable projects would affect it. Implementation of plans that cover wide areas of habitat outside the park, such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and U.S. Forest Service plans for wilderness adjacent to the park, could result in moderate to major beneficial effects on bighorn sheep, depending upon the alternatives selected and the extent of their implementation over time. Such benefit could be major if the plans reduce the area grazed by domestic sheep, which would reduce the threat of disease transmission to bighorns and open more areas for reintroduction of the species.

Only the Tioga Inn, Lee Vining (Mono Co.) project could adversely affect bighorn sheep. Historically, some bighorn sheep probably descended to this area during winter, and the area could be used again if the species recovers in abundance. However, existing development has already affected the quality of habitat in the area.

Possible expansion of facilities at the Tioga Pass Entrance is the only action under Alternative 4 that could affect bighorn sheep, but this impact would be negligible, given the relative inaccessibility of their habitat. This impact, coupled with the effects of current and reasonably foreseeable future projects outside the park, would result in an overall moderate and beneficial cumulative impact on Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep under Alternative 4, based on potential implementation of land management plans that could protect and improve habitat conditions over wide areas of the Sierra Nevada.

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

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

Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Projects that would have an appreciable impact on meadow habitats of this high-elevation species are most likely to affect populations of the Yosemite toad. Projects that would have a potential beneficial impact on the Yosemite toad, due to complementary management objectives, include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness. Projects that would have a potentially adverse impact on the Yosemite toad include the Tioga Inn, Lee Vining (Mono Co.); Highlands, June Lake (Mono Co.); and Double Eagle Resort Construction at June Lake (Mono Co.) projects. Possible actions under this alternative that would expand facilities at Tioga Pass Entrance and lead to increased visitor use of Badger Pass could affect Yosemite toads, but such effects would be negligible.

Overall, cumulative impacts to the Yosemite toad would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the potential for protection of habitat and populations resulting from implementation of plans that would affect large, high-elevation areas. Projects with adverse impacts would affect relatively small areas where the presence of the Yosemite toad is questionable.

Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylei)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The impact on the foothill yellow-legged frog would be similar to that of the California red-legged frog; the foothill yellow-legged frog is virtually extinct in the Sierra Nevada and, therefore, projects in its area of former occurrence would not affect any existing populations. However, projects that affect suitable habitat (e.g., wet meadows and rocky streams) may affect reintroduction or recolonization of this species. Projects that would have beneficial impacts include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and Fire Management Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus).

These beneficial effects would be augmented by restoration of suitable habitat in Yosemite Valley. Overall, the cumulative impact would be minor and beneficial, based on potential protection of foothill yellow-legged frog habitat through implementation of plans that cover wide areas and restoration of potential habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. The intensity of this impact would be minor because this species is almost extinct from the Sierra Nevada, but habitat should be protected for potential reintroduction or recolonization of the species. Projects with a possible adverse impact on foothill yellow-legged frogs such as the Mariposa Creek Pedestrian/Bike Path (Mariposa Co.), Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), and the Merced River Canyon Trail Acquisition (BLM) would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts, but these projects could have a major, adverse impact if they affected an unknown population of foothill yellow-legged frogs, which could be among the last in the Sierra Nevada. However, site surveys would be completed, where applicable, as required by Council on Environmental Quality and Endangered Species Act prior to disturbance to determine whether this species is present.

Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that would have beneficial impacts to aquatic habitats of the mountain yellow-legged frog due to complementary management objectives include the Yosemite Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus). Development that would occur at Badger Pass and Tioga Pass under this alternative would have a negligible effect on mountain yellow-legged frogs and, therefore, would not be a factor in cumulative impacts. Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects with potential adverse effects include the Hazel Green Ranch project, and projects at June Lake (Mono Co.). Overall, the cumulative impact is expected to be moderate and beneficial based on the amount of habitat and number of populations that would be affected by implementation of plans designed to better protect Sierra Nevada ecosystems. Projects with negative impacts could affect small areas and relatively few populations (if present).

California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The decline of the California spotted owl in the Sierra Nevada has been linked to degradation of its forest habitats from logging, which affects the size of forested tracts as well as tree density and age. Projects likely to have a beneficial impact on spotted owl habitat, through long-term habitat improvements plans, include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Orange Crush Fuels Treatment Projects (USFS, Stanislaus), A-Rock Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), Rogge-Ackerson Fire Reforestation (Tuolumne Co.), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus). In addition, actions under this alternative would restore habitats near known spotted owl nest sites in Yosemite Valley, thus providing beneficial effects. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would, however, occur near a known pair of spotted owls, resulting in adverse effects. Development outside of Yosemite Valley, including parking at South Landing, would affect areas of spotted owls foraging habitat, but such areas are distant from known or suspected nesting areas. Projects with potentially adverse impacts include the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project, and Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.).

Overall, the cumulative impact on this species would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on implementation of plans for ecosystem-based management of forest habitats over much of the Sierra Nevada and reforestation projects that would hasten a return of habitat more suitable for spotted owls. Projects with negative impacts would affect relatively small areas, which may impact local owls, but would not have far-ranging impacts on the California spotted owl and habitat restoration that would occur under this alternative.

Marten (Martes americana)

Status: Federal species of concern. The marten is dependent on dense, complex coniferous forests with large trees, snags, and structural complexity near the ground. Projects likely to have a beneficial impact on marten habitat due to complementary management objectives include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Orange Crush Fuels Treatment Projects (USFS, Stanislaus), A-Rock Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), Rogge-Ackerson Fire Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus). Projects likely to have an adverse impact on marten habitat include the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project, and the Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). Effects on martens under this alternative would be primarily adverse from development of parking facilities at South Landing and Badger Pass and expansion of entrance stations outside of Yosemite Valley, although such effects would be negligible.

Overall, the cumulative impact on martens would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on better protection of forest habitats through implementation of plans that could affect wide areas of the Sierra Nevada. Reforestation projects could hasten the return of forest habitats that are more favorable to marten. In comparison, projects with potential adverse impacts on marten, including this alternative, would affect relatively small areas of forest habitat.

Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Pacific fishers in the Sierra Nevada prefer coniferous forests (especially fir) with a high degree of canopy closure and structural complexity. Projects likely to have a beneficial effect on fisher habitat, due to complementary management objectives, include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Orange Crush Fuels Treatment Projects (USFS, Stanislaus), A-Rock Reforestation (USFS, Stanislaus), Rogge-Ackerson Fire Reforestation (Tuolumne Co.), the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus), and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness. Projects likely to have an adverse effect on fisher habitat include the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project, and the Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). Effects on fishers under this alternative would be primarily adverse due to the development of parking facilities at South Landing and Badger Pass and expansion of entrance stations outside of Yosemite Valley, although such effects would be negligible.

Overall, cumulative impacts on the Pacific Fisher would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on better protection of forest habitats provided by implementation of plans that could affect wide areas of the Sierra Nevada. Reforestation projects could also hasten the return of forest habitats more favorable to fishers. In comparison, projects with the potential to adversely impact fishers, including this alternative, would affect relatively small areas of forest.

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

Merced Canyon shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta allynsmithi)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Merced Canyon shoulderband snail. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat. The Incline Road Construction, Foresta Road Bridge to South Fork (Mariposa Co.) project could have a detrimental effect on snail habitat, but this is expected to be minor because it would primarily affect previously impacted areas. Development that would occur in El Portal under this alternative would cause negligible impact to this snail species because no suitable habitat would be affected.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial, cumulative impact on the Merced Canyon shoulderband snail, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from regional plans, whereas actions under this alternative would have a negligible effect.

Mariposa sideband snail (Monadenia hillebrandi)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Mariposa sideband snail. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat. Restoration of potential habitat in Yosemite Valley under this alternative would augment this beneficial effect. Projects with potential adverse effects on this species include the El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); the Incline Road Construction, Foresta Road Bridge to South Fork (Mariposa Co.) project; and Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.). Impacts from these projects are expected to have a local, minor, adverse effect on the species because these projects either occur in areas of previous disturbance, or in areas that do not contain suitable habitat.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial, cumulative impact on the Mariposa sideband snail, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from regional plans and restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix sierrana)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Sierra pygmy grasshopper. These actions could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat. Projects with potential adverse effects include the Incline Road Construction, Foresta Road Bridge to South Fork project (Mariposa Co.) and the Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.). The effects of these projects would be limited to minor and adverse because they would occur in areas that do not contain suitable habitat or in areas of previous disturbance. Under this alternative, restoration of riparian habitats in Yosemite Valley would beneficially affect this species, while developments in El Portal and South Entrance could have a localized, adverse effect on suitable habitat.

Overall, cumulative impacts on the Sierra pygmy grasshopper are expected to be minor and beneficial, based upon the potential protection of large areas of suitable habitat resulting from implementation of regional plans, in combination with mixed effects from this alternative.

Wawona riffle beetle (Atractelmis wawona)

Status: Federal species of concern. Cumulative effects that could have large-scale benefits to Wawona riffle beetle habitat include regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). These beneficial effects would be augmented by restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitat in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative. The Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) could affect aquatic habitat for the riffle beetle in the adjacent reach of the Merced River. Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial, cumulative impact on the riffle beetle. This is largely due to regional and parkwide planning that would protect wide areas of habitat for the Wawona riffle beetle, combined with habitat restoration that would occur under this alternative.

Bohart’s blue butterfly (Philotiella speciosa bohartorum)

Status: Federal species of concern. The nearest documented occurrence of this species to the park is near Briceburg, west of El Portal. Regional planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Bohart’s blue butterfly over a wide area of foothill habitat. This action could have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat. Further surveys conducted for this species have found the Bohart’s blue butterfly in other areas such as Merced, Fresno, and Tulare counties. Projects in those areas, such as the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.) and University of California, Merced Campus (Merced Co.), could have a minor, local, adverse effect on Bohart’s blue butterfly. These effects would be limited in scale, in comparison to the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), which would help protect wide areas of foothill woodland habitat that is declining rapidly. Development of parking, housing, and administrative facilities that would occur under this alternative could adversely affect suitable habitat, although the occurrence of the Bohart’s blue butterfly in El Portal is questionable.

Overall cumulative impacts on the Bohart’s blue butterfly would be minor and beneficial, based on the potential protection of wide areas of suitable habitat from the Sierra Nevada Framework, as opposed to localized potential adverse impacts in El Portal that would occur under this alternative.

Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell salamander over a wide area. These actions, augmented by habitat restoration in Yosemite Valley under this alternative, have the potential for long-term, minor, beneficial, cumulative effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. No current or reasonably foreseeable future projects are expected to have an adverse effect on Mount Lyell salamanders.

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

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Cumulative effects that could have large-scale benefits to western pond turtle habitat include regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS) and the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). These beneficial effects would be augmented by restoration of large areas of riparian and wetland habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. The Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) would directly affect a small area of habitat suitable for the western pond turtle. Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial, cumulative impact on the western pond turtle. This benefit would largely come from implementation of regional and parkwide planning that would protect habitat for western pond turtles as well as restoration of suitable habitat in Yosemite Valley under this alternative.

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the harlequin duck. This alternative would restore or protect about 100 acres of suitable riparian and aquatic habitat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat for harlequin ducks, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the harlequin duck include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) and the Incline Road Construction, Foresta Road Bridge to South Fork (Mariposa Co.) project. There are no known populations of the harlequin duck in these areas.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial, cumulative impact on the harlequin duck, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat offered by regional plans combined with restoration of suitable habitat provided under this alternative. The projects with a possible adverse impact on harlequin duck habitat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi)

Status: California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced River Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) would benefit the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Cooper’s hawk. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effect on the Cooper’s hawk, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. These beneficial effects would be augmented by restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for the Cooper’s hawk include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.); and Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center under this alternative would also cause adverse effects resulting from removal of forest habitat, as would development at El Portal and South Landing.

Overall cumulative impacts on Cooper’s hawks would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on implementation of wide-ranging plans that would protect large areas of the Sierra Nevada, in combination with restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. In comparision, adverse effects from individual projects would be localized in relatively small areas.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Projects likely to have a beneficial effect on northern goshawk habitat include the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Wilderness Management Plan Update (NPS), and U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness. Implementation of these plans would have a moderate to major effect on northern goshawks, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time.

Projects that could have an adverse effect on northern goshawk habitat include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project, Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), and the Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). Development of parking at South Landing under this alternative would adversely affect an area of forest habitat that could affect northern goshawks. However, these projects would affect relatively small areas of habitat.

Overall there would be a long-term, moderate, beneficial, cumulative impact on the northern goshawk, primarily from the potential protection of wide areas of habitat provided by implementation of regional land management plans. In comparison, adverse effects from individual projects including effects from this alternative would be localized in small areas of habitat.

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Status: California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of wide areas of suitable habitat for the sharp-shinned hawk. A mix of habitats favorable to sharp-shinned hawks would be restored in Yosemite Valley under this alternative, but such effects would be diminished by the development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center, which would affect forest habitat. These regional plans, in combination with this alternative, would have a long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial effect on the sharp-shinned hawk, depending upon the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. This effect is of lower intensity than it is for other Accipiter species because sharp-shinned hawks do not commonly nest in the Sierra Nevada.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for the sharp-shinned hawks include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement (NPS); Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.); and Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). Under this alternative, some habitat would be adversely affected by development of parking at Taft Toe and areas of smaller development outside of Yosemite Valley, including South Landing and El Portal.

Overall cumulative impacts on sharp-shinned hawks would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily upon implementation of plans that would protect large areas of the Sierra Nevada and restoration of diverse habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. In comparison adverse effects would be localized in relatively small areas from individual projects.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect golden eagles include the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); University of California, Merced campus (Merced Co.); and Buildout of City of Merced, General Plan; and the Tioga Inn, Lee Vining (Mono Co.). These projects, in total, would have a minor, adverse effect on golden eagles because of the limited area they would affect.

Overall cumulative effects on golden eagles would be minor and beneficial, based primarily on the protection of habitat provided by implementation of land management plans that would cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada in combination with restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley due to this alternative. There would be a limited area of impact caused by projects that have an adverse effect on golden eagles, including development in some habitat under this alternative.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect merlins include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); University of California, Merced campus (Merced Co.); and Buildout of City of Merced, General Plan. These projects would have a minor, adverse effect on merlins. Under this alternative, habitat could be adversely affected by development in Foresta and El Portal, but the areas affected would be less suitable merlin habitat.

Overall cumulative effects on merlins would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the implementation of land management plans that could affect large areas of the Sierra Nevada combined with restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative.

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect prairie falcons include the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); University of California, Merced campus (Merced Co.); Buildout of City of Merced, General Plan; and Tioga Inn, Lee Vining (Mono Co.). These projects, in total, would have a minor, adverse effect on prairie falcons because of the limited area they would affect.

Overall cumulative effects on prairie falcons would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the protection of habitat resulting from implementation of land management plans that would cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada combined with restoration of Yosemite Valley habitats under this alternative. In comparison to the limited area of effect caused by projects that have an adverse effect on prairie falcons would affect a limited area.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for long-eared owls include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Development of parking, housing, and administrative facilities in El Portal under this alternative could affect some areas of potential habitat.

Overall cumulative impacts on long-eared owls would be minor and beneficial, based primarily on the protection of habitat provided by implementation of wide-ranging land management plans that would cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada and restoration of large areas of riparian habitat in Yosemite Valley from implementation of this alternative. A limited area would be affected by projects that have an adverse impact on long-eared owls.

Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects with the potential to adversely affect yellow warblers include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project, Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), and the Yosemite West Rezone of 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). Development in El Portal and Foresta that would occur under this alternative would affect yellow warblers habitat. These projects would have a minor, adverse effect because the affected area is generally lower quality habitat for yellow warblers, the affected area is limited, and large areas of suitable, unaffected habitat would continue to exist in surrounding areas.

Overall cumulative effects on yellow warblers would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the protection of large areas of high-quality habitat resulting from implementation of regional land management plans that would cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada and restoration of large areas of high quality riparian habitat in Yosemite Valley from this alternative. There would be a limited area of impact on lower-quality habitat caused by projects that would adversely affect yellow warblers.

Mount Lyell shrew (Sorex lyelli)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), the Wilderness Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell shrew. These regional plans would have a long-term, minor, beneficial effect on suitable habitat for the Mount Lyell shrew. Possible development at Tioga Pass, the only area of potential effect, would have a negligible impact on Mount Lyell shrews. No reasonably foreseeable projects are expected to have an adverse effect on this species; therefore, overall cumulative impacts from this alternative combined with current and reasonably foreseeable future projects would be minor and beneficial.

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)

Status: California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the pallid bat. These regional plans would have a long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial effect on the pallid bat, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. Restoration of large areas of riparian, meadow, and California black oak habitats that would occur under this alternative would further benefit pallid bats by providing important foraging habitat.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for the pallid bat include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). New development that would occur at El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative could affect pallid bats by a local reduction in habitat. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center under this alternative would affect an area of forest habitat that could be used by pallid bats.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial, cumulative impact on the pallid bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat resulting from regional plans and restoration of diverse habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. The projects with the potential to adversely affect the pallid bat, including new development under this alternative, would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial effects.

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

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for Townsend’s big-eared bats include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.); and Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). New development at Foresta, El Portal, and South Landing could affect small areas of suitable habitat. Development of the Taft Toe Vistor/Transit Center would affect a block of forest habitat that could be used by Townsend’s big-eared bats.

Overall, this alternative would result in minor, beneficial, cumulative impacts on Townsend’s big-eared bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat provided by implementation of regional plans and restoration of Yosemite Valley habitats under this alternative. The projects with the potential to adversely impact the Townsend’s big-eared bat would affect a relatively small area of marginal habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial effects.

Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the spotted bat. These actions have the potential for long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Such benefits would be augmented by restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats that would occur under this alternative. These habitats are important foraging areas for spotted bats.

Projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for the spotted bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; and Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). New development at Foresta, El Portal, and South Landing would affect potential habitat. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would affect an area of forest, but such habitat is not preferred by spotted bats. Cumulative impacts on spotted bats would be minor, based on the relatively limited area of effect and the type of habitat affected.

In total, this alternative would result in moderate, beneficial impacts on the spotted bat, based primarily on the potential protection of large areas of suitable habitat from regional plans, in combination with restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative. The projects with a possible adverse impact on the spotted bat would affect a relatively small area of less suitable habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Small-footed myotis bat (Myotis ciliolabrum)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the small-footed myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Further benefits would occur under this alternative from restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley, which are important foraging habitat for the small-footed myotis bat.

Projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for the small-footed myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Additional adverse impacts would occur from new development in El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would affect an area of forest habitat, although such habitat is less preferred by this species.

In total, cumulative impacts on the small-footed myotis bat would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on implementation of large-scale regional land plans that could protect wide areas of habitat in combination with restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. In comparison, projects with potential adverse impacts would affect relatively small areas of small-footed myotis bat habitat.

Long-eared myotis bat (Myotis evotis)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the long-eared myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Further benefits would occur under this alternative from restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley, which are important foraging areas for long-eared myotis bats.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for the long-eared myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Additional adverse impacts would occur from new development in El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative. Some of the benefits of habitat restoration in Yosemite Valley would be offset by development of parking in forest habitat at Taft Toe.

Overall, this alternative would result in moderate, beneficial, cumulative impacts on long-eared myotis bats, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from implementation of regional plans in combination with restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley. The projects with the potential to adversely impact the long-eared myotis bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Fringed myotis bat (Myotis thysanodes)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the fringed myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Further beneficial effects would be provided by restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative. Such areas are important foraging habitat for fringed myotis bats.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely affect suitable habitat for fringed myotis bats include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Additional adverse impacts would occur from new development in El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would affect an area of forest that could be foraging habitat for fringed myotis bats.

Overall, this alternative would result in moderate, beneficial, cumulative impacts on the fringed myotis bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from wide-reaching regional plans coupled with actions under this alternative that would restore important habitats in Yosemite Valley. The projects with the potential to adversely impact the fringed myotis bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Long-legged myotis bat (Myotis volans)

Status: Federal species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the long-legged myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Further beneficial effects would be provided by restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative. Such areas are important foraging habitat for long-legged myotis bats.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely impact suitable habitat for the long-legged myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Additional adverse impacts would occur from new development in El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would affect an area of forest that could be foraging habitat for long-legged myotis bats.

Overall, this alternative would result in moderate, beneficial, cumulative impacts on the long-legged myotis bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat provided by implementation of regional plans in combination with restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. The projects with the potential to adversely impact the spotted bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Yuma myotis bat (Myotis yumanensis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the Yuma myotis bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Actions under this alternative would provide additional benefit to Yuma myotis bats by restoring large areas of meadow and riparian habitats in Yosemite Valley, which are important foraging areas for this species.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely impact suitable habitat for the Yuma myotis bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Additional adverse impacts would occur from new development in El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative. Development of parking at Taft Toe would affect an area of forest, but such habitat is not preferred by Yuma myotis bats.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial, cumulative impact on the Yuma myotis bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat resulting from implementation of regional plans, augmented by restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. The projects with possible adverse impacts on Yuma myotis bats would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Greater western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of large areas of suitable habitat for the greater western mastiff bat. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat depending on the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time. Further benefits would be provided by this alternative through restoration of large areas of meadow and riparian habitats that are important foraging areas for this bat species.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could adversely impact suitable habitat for the greater western mastiff bat include the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.). Additional adverse impacts would occur from new development in El Portal, Foresta, and South Landing under this alternative, although no suitable roosting habitat (cliffs) is nearby. Development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would remove an area of forest, but such habitat is not preferred by mastiff bats.

Overall, this alternative would result in moderate, beneficial, cumulative impacts on the greater western mastiff bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat provided by implementation of regional plans in combination with restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative. The projects with the potential to adversely impact the greater western mastiff bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse impacts on suitable habitat for snowshoe hares include Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co), and Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project. These projects would primarily affect forest habitat. New development at South Landing, as would occur under this alternative, could affect snowshoe hare habitat, although the apparent scarcity of this species makes this unlikely.

Overall, there would be a minor and beneficial, cumulative impact on snowshoe hares under this alternative, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from implementation of regional plans. The projects with the potential to adversely impact snowshoe hares would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

White-tailed hare (Lepus townsendii)

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the mountain beaver. These regional plans would have a long-term, moderate, beneficial, cumulative impact on suitable habitat for the mountain beaver. No foreseeable projects are expected to adversely affect Sierra Nevada mountain beaver, including increased visitor use at Badger Pass that would occur under this alternative.

Cumulative Impacts Conclusion

Many of the cumulative impact principles given in the conclusion for general wildlife earlier in this alternative also apply to special-status species.

Overall, current and reasonably foreseeable projects within the cumulative impact assessment area considered, in conjunction with the actions under Alternative 4, would have a moderate, beneficial effect on special-status species and their habitats. This is primarily due to the potential effects that would come from implementation of large-scale planning documents that could protect and restore wildlife habitats over much of the Sierra Nevada. These plans would compliment actions under this alternative, which would restore large areas of meadow, riparian, and California black oak habitats that are important to many special-status species.

Under Alternative 4, adverse impacts would affect some special-status species, such as Valley elderberrry longhorn beetle from new development outside of Yosemite Valley, and California spotted owl, Cooper’s hawk, and sharp-shinned hawk, and three bat species from new development in Yosemite Valley. Development of parking at South Landing would affect an area of prime fisher habitat. Such impacts would add to the adverse effects of some current and reasonably foreseeable projects. These impacts would, however, be of limited severity, because of the limited area of habitat affected, and would have little effect on the overall cumulative impacts on special-status species under this alternative, which would be moderate and beneficial.

VEGETATION

Forty-seven special-status plant species within Yosemite Valley and other out-of-Valley areas could be affected by Alternative 4. Refer to table 3-7 (Vol. Ia, Chapter 3) for a list of these plant species; their state, federal, and local status; and their general habitat requirements and locations. The impacts that have been identified in this section are generally long term except where noted.

Out-of-Valley areas affected by this alternative include El Portal, Badger Pass, South Landing, and Foresta, and the park entrances at Big Oak Flat, Tioga Pass, and South Entrance.

Yosemite Valley

No federal- or state-listed plant species are known to occur in Yosemite Valley. Twelve park rare plant species currently exist in the Valley: sugar stick, round-leaved sundew, stream orchid, fawn-lily, northern bedstraw, Sierra laurel, false pimpernel, azure penstemon, phacelia, wood saxifrage, giant sequoia, and ladies’ tresses. Of these twelve park rare plant species, northern bedstraw, false pimpernel, ladies’ tresses, round-leaved sundew, and Sierra laurel would experience a moderate beneficial impact through the restoration of large portions of potentially wet meadows and riparian areas (at former developed areas of Yosemite Lodge, Camp 6, and the former Upper and Lower River Campgrounds, and a portion of Housekeeping Camp), and the removal and ecological restoration of a portion of current Lower Pines and all of North Pines Campgrounds, riparian and highly valued resource portions of Housekeeping Camp, and the Ahwahnee Row houses. Potential increased radiating impacts to El Capitan Meadow by development of the Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center would not affect these four species. Removal of the Happy Isles snack stand would increase the potential for re-establishment of the stream orchid in its natural habitat, with minor, beneficial impacts.

Removal of the Ahwahnee tennis courts would have a long-term, major, adverse impact on the planted giant sequoia trees in this area because these trees would be removed and the site restored to California black oak woodland. Redesign of the Ahwahnee parking lot could have adverse impacts on planted giant sequoias, depending on final alignment of parking lots and driveways. Removal of the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) and development of a picnic area could result in removal of the single planted giant sequoia along the access road. None of these actions would affect overall sustainability of giant sequoia in the park’s three naturally occurring groves, and impacts to the species would be negligible.

The fawn-lily is currently affected by trampling and picking of its showy flowers. This species would not be further impacted under Alternative 4. The wood saxifrage typically grows on moist cliffs and would not be affected by the actions under Alternative 4.

Out-of-Valley

This alternative would have no impacts on rare plant species in Wawona, Henness Ridge, or Hazel Green, given that no actions are proposed in these areas.

El Portal

Currently one federal species of concern (Congdon’s lomatium), four state-listed rare species (Yosemite onion, Tompkin’s sedge, Congdon’s woolly-sunflower, and Congdon’s lewisia), and six park rare species (Indian paintbrush, collinsia, pitcher sage, Congdon’s monkeyflower, Palmer’s monkeyflower, and phacelia) occur within the general El Portal area.

Adverse impacts from trampling would continue to occur to all of these species except for Yosemite onion and Congdon’s lomatium, which occur on steep, inaccessible slopes in association with poison oak. Impacts to the remaining species under Alternative 4 would increase compared to Alternative 1 because of a substantially increased residential population. Habitat loss and competition for resources (e.g., light, water, and nutrients) would continue to adversely affect most species due to the continued high degree of non-native species encroachment expected in this area and the increased potential for new introductions, resulting in minor, adverse impacts. Potential impacts would occur to Tompkin’s sedge, Indian paintbrush, collinsia, pitcher sage, Palmer’s and Congdon’s monkeyflowers, and phacelia from development of out-of-Valley parking and employee housing. These impacts could be mitigated through avoidance (site selection), plant salvage and replanting of perennials (Tompkin’s sedge in particular), and topsoil salvage and reapplication after construction to protect annual species, with minor, adverse effects.

Restoration of habitat at the old treatment plant at Rancheria Flat and at the sand pit, including removal of remaining concrete wing walls and re-establishment of riparian vegetation, would enhance the river corridor and increase potential habitat for Congdon’s woolly-sunflower, a state-listed rare plant. Moderate, beneficial impacts to this species are anticipated.

Overall impacts to these El Portal special-status species would be minor and adverse.

Foresta

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur in Foresta, but five park rare species are found within the general Foresta area (snapdragon, Small’s southern clarkia, goldenaster, inconspicuous monkeyflower, and pansy monkeyflower). These species would experience slightly greater radiating impacts due to increased human activity resulting from the reconstruction of 14 houses and potential relocation of the National Park Service and concessioner administrative stables in Foresta; however, direct loss of individual plants or populations from construction is not expected because these species are not known to occur in the development area. There would be a potential increase in impacts on rare plant habitat by encroachment of non-native species associated with landscaping activities and increased numbers of residential and horse trailer vehicles. Overall impacts to special-status species in Foresta would be negligible and adverse.

Badger Pass

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur at Badger Pass. The surrounding montane meadow areas are inhabited by one federal species of concern (Bolander’s clover) and two park rare species (dwarf sandwort and Yosemite ivesia). These species would experience adverse impacts from visitor activity radiating from the day-visitor parking area at Badger Pass. Impacts would be reduced through design of the Badger Pass parking facility and installation of signs or fencing to direct people away from sensitive areas. Therefore, impacts in this area would be minor and adverse.

South Landing

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur at South Landing. One park rare plant species (whitneya) occurs at South Landing and two other park rare species (giant sequoia and round-leaved sundew) occur within walking distance of South Landing. Whitneya could be directly impacted by proposed construction activities at the site. Impacts could be lessened by salvaging and re-using topsoil at the site to encourage re-establishment of this species in the general area, but there would be a long-term minor, adverse impact on the whitneya population in the park due to habitat loss. There could be minor, indirect effects on the round-leaved sundew and giant sequoia from increased visitor use radiating away from the South Landing parking area. Fences, signs, and other measures would be used to direct visitors away from sensitive habitats. Overall impacts to rare plants at South Landing would be minor and adverse resulting from habitat loss for one species.

Big Oak Flat Entrance

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

South Entrance

No known federal- or state-listed plant species occur in the South Entrance area. One park rare species (Sierra sweet-bay) is located within the riparian areas adjacent to the current road alignment. Expanded parking and visitor center structures in this vicinity would be designed to avoid riparian areas as much as possible, which would minimize the potential impact on the Sierra sweet-bay. The effects of Alternative 4 on this species would be minor and adverse as a result of increased visitor use in the South Entrance area and loss of a small area of habitat.

Tioga Pass Entrance

One federal species of concern (Tiehm’s rock-cress) and thirteen park rare species occur within hiking distance of Tioga Pass. One species, the common juniper, could be directly impacted by construction of a new or expanded entrance/visitor contact station at Tioga Pass. Construction may result in loss of habitat or direct loss of individual plants. There could be indirect effects on Tiehm’s rock-cress and all 13 park rare species from increased foot traffic and associated trampling in the area. There could also be increased hiking on Mt. Dana, which is within a day’s hike from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. The popular hike to the top of Mt. Dana is a cross-country path, without a formal route. Increased use on Mt. Dana could have a long-term, moderate, adverse impact on these rare plant species on Mt. Dana.

Conclusion

Forty-seven special-status plant species would potentially be impacted by actions proposed in Alternative 4. Although the proposed actions would include mitigation measures to minimize radiating adverse impacts on rare plant species. As a result, radiating impacts from development actions, such as trampling, picking, and increased non-native plant species from increased visitor uses in and out of the Valley would be limited to negligible to minor by managing uses in these sensitive areas and increasing management efforts to control non-native plant species.

Adverse impacts as a result of habitat loss would occur in El Portal for two state-listed rare and six park rare species, at South Landing for one park rare species, at Tioga Pass for one park rare species, and in the Valley for the giant sequoia. These impacts would be mitigated by reasonable designs to avoid these species (as identified in site-specific surveys) and for some species, retention and reuse of salvaged topsoil at the site to encourage re-establishment, resulting in minor local adverse impacts.

Moderate beneficial impacts would occur to northern bedstraw, false pimpernel, round-leaved sundew, phacelia, Sierra laurel, and ladies’ tresses because of extensive restoration of riparian and meadow habitats. Moderate beneficial impacts would also occur in El Portal, with restoration of habitat for rare species at the old treatment plant at Rancheria Flat and the sand pit.

Therefore, the overall impact to park rare or special concern plant species would be minor adverse, primarily due to habitat loss at El Portal, South Entrance, and South Landing.

Cumulative Impacts

The description of impacts of reasonably foreseeable future projects within the cumulative impact assessment area is the same as described for Alternative 2. The projects considered in this analysis are listed in Vol. II, Appendix H. Reasonably foreseeable future management and planning projects within the cumulative impact assessment area would have regional minor to moderate, beneficial impacts to rare species and their habitats because of similar management objectives. Development projects such as the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange and Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.) would have the potential for localized minor to moderate adverse impacts on rare species habitat; however, with the implementation of site-specific surveys and state and federal required mitigation measures, these localized adverse impacts would be minor.

As summarized in the conclusions for this alternative, actions proposed under this alternative alone would have minor, adverse impacts on rare species because of the effects of small areas of habitat loss and increased impacts of trampling.

When looking at Alternative 4 in conjunction with other regional planning and development activities, the cumulative impact on park special-status plant species would be minor and adverse, largely due to habitat loss from developments regionally and within the out-of-Valley areas.

Air Quality

VEHICLE-GENERATED EMISSIONS

A summary of the traffic air emissions in Yosemite Valley under Alternative 4 is provided in table 4-93. The emissions data noted in table 4-93 reflect emissions from the following major vehicle fleet categories:

Visitor vehicles
Commercial tour buses
In-Valley and out-of-Valley shuttle buses (four propulsion/fuel technology options including diesel, propane, compressed natural gas, and fuel cell were analyzed)
National Park Service and concessioner employees vehicles
National Park Service and concessioner maintenance and administration road vehicles

National Park Service and concessioner maintenance and administration non-road vehicles

Compared to air emissions under Alternative 1 in 2015, with the use of diesel fuel technology in the shuttle bus fleet, volatile organic compounds emissions would decrease by 12%, carbon monoxide would decrease by about 47%, nitrogen oxides would increase by 30%, and particulate matter (PM₁₀) would decrease by about 45%. A major decrease in PM₁₀ would be caused by the sharp reductions in vehicle miles traveled and associated reductions in road dust.

If compressed natural gas were to be used in the shuttle bus fleet instead of diesel fuel, emissions of all pollutants except carbon monoxide and particulate matter would be reduced under Alternative 4. Compared to the use of diesel fuel, the use of propane would result in a reduction in all emissions except volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. The use of fuel cells in the shuttle bus fleet would result in reductions in all emissions compared to the use of diesel fuel.

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY

Traffic flow was modeled to perform carbon monoxide and PM₁₀ hot-spot analyses for Northside Drive from Yosemite Lodge to park headquarters. For the inbound peak travel hour, the EMFAC model predicted a maximum 1-hour average carbon monoxide concentration of 0.5 parts per million, and a carbon monoxide concentration of 0.6 parts per million for the outbound peak travel hour. When added to a background carbon monoxide concentration of 3.0 parts per million, the estimated carbon monoxide concentrations of 3.5 and 3.6 parts per million for inbound and outbound traffic scenarios, respectively, would not exceed the federal or California 1-hour carbon monoxide standards of 35 parts per million and 20 parts per million. Based on the inbound peak travel hour, the calculated maximum 8-hour average carbon monoxide concentration was 2.45 parts per million, and the maximum 8-hour average carbon monoxide concentration was 2.52 parts per million based on traffic in the outbound peak travel hour. The carbon monoxide concentrations for this alternative would not exceed the federal or California 8-hour carbon monoxide standard of 9 parts per million. As shown in table 4-94, these carbon monoxide concentrations would represent major reductions in ambient carbon monoxide levels when compared to Alternative 1.

Table 4-93 Summary of Annual Air Emissions from Vehicles in Yosemite Valley (Tons/Yr)
Alter- native	2000				2005				2010				2015
	Shuttle Bus Fuel Type				Shuttle Bus Fuel Type				Shuttle Bus Fuel Type				Shuttle Bus Fuel Type
	Diesel	CNG	Propane	FC	Diesel¹	CNG	Propane	FC	Diesel¹	CNG	Propane	FC	Diesel¹	CNG	Propane	FC
VOC Emissions
1²	50.9	No alternative fuels			28.0	No alternative fuels			14.0	No alternative fuels			8.6	No alternative fuels
4	NA	No alternative fuels			16.6	15.9	19.3	NA³	10.1	9.4	12.8	6.9	7.6	6.9	10.3	4.4
CO Emissions
1²	568.2	No alternative fuels			364.1	No alternative fuels			249.2	No alternative fuels			189.8	No alternative fuels
4	NA	No alternative fuels			179.2	203.0	171.6	NA³	127.4	160.7	127.8	111.8	100.6	142.1	108.0	85.0
NO_X Emissions
1²	84.2	No alternative fuels			59.3	No alternative fuels			44.9	No alternative fuels			38.8	No alternative fuels
4	NA	No alternative fuels			60.1	53.2	46.6	NA³	53.4	46.9	39.9	23.0	50.7	44.4	37.2	20.2
SO₂ Emissions
1²	6.3	No alternative fuels			5.8	No alternative fuels			5.6	No alternative fuels			5.4	No alternative fuels
4	NA	No alternative fuels			4.3	3.2	3.2	NA³	4.1	3.1	3.1	3.1	4.0	3.0	3.0	3.0
PM₁₀ Emissions
1²	2.5	No alternative fuels			2.3	No alternative fuels			2.2	No alternative fuels			2.2	No alternative fuels
4	NA	No alternative fuels			1.2	1.2	1.2	NA³	1.2	1.2	1.1	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.1	1.1
PM₁₀ Road Dust
1²	165				165				165				165
4	78				78				78				78

1. Assumes that in-Valley shuttle buses are conventional diesel buses that would meet emissions standards in effect in 2000. Shuttle buses in this alternative would employ advanced technologies to lower emissions.2. No Action3. NA = Not Applicable; fuel cell scenarios were assumed not be available until the year 2010. Note: Values expressed in tons per year.CNG = compressed natural gasFC = Fuel Cell

Table 4-94 Predicted Maximum Carbon Monoxide Concentrations
Alternative	Standard		Inbound Peak Hour		Outbound Peak Hour
	CA	Fed	Maximum (ppm)	Reduction¹ (%)	Maximum (ppm)	Reduction¹ (%)
	(ppm)
1-Hour Concentration
1	20	35	5.10	NA	6.50	NA
4			3.50	76.2	3.60	82.9
8-Hour Concentration
1	9	9	3.57	NA	4.55	NA
4			2.45	76.2	2.52	82.9

1. Based on results without background concentrations and relative to the No Action Alternative NA = Not applicable

For the inbound peak travel hour, the maximum 24-hour PM₁₀ concentration would be 27.8 micrograms per cubic meter (m g/m³), and the analogous PM₁₀ concentration would be 28.2 m g/m³ for the outbound peak travel hour. The estimated PM₁₀ concentrations for the inbound and the outbound peak hours would not exceed the federal standard of 150 m g/m³ or the California standard of 50 m g/m³. As shown in table 4-95, these PM₁₀ concentrations would represent major reductions in ambient PM₁₀ levels for the inbound and outbound peak hours when compared to Alternative 1.

Table 4-95 Predicted Maximum 24-Hour PM₁₀ Concentrations
Alternative	Standard¹		Inbound Peak Hour		Outbound Peak Hour
	CA	Fed	Maximum (m g/m³)	Reduction¹ (%)	Maximum (m g/m³)	Reduction¹ (%)
	(m g/m³)
1	50	150	46.2	NA	64.2	NA
4			27.8	73.0	28.2	83.3

1. Based on results without background concentrations and relative to the No Action Alternative

CONSTRUCTION-GENERATED AIR EMISSIONS

Air emissions associated with construction activities proposed for Alternative 4 are summarized in table 4-96.

A description of construction-related emissions and the approach used for this analysis are included in the Methodologies and Assumptions section of this chapter. These construction-related emissions would cause minor, adverse impacts to air emission in the short term.

Table 4-96 Air Emissions from Construction Activities
Construction Activity	Emissions (tons/yr)
Construction Activity	VOC	CO	NO_x	PM₁₀	SO₂
Yosemite Lodge Redevelopment	0.32	1.37	1.75	4.16	0.49
Yosemite Falls Parking Removal and Trails	0.07	0.38	0.39	3.66	0.11
Meadow Roads Removal	0.01	0.05	0.05	1.76	0.02
Traffic Management Facility at El Capitan crossover	0.02	0.07	0.12	0.39	0.08
Taft Toe Day-Visitor Parking Area	0.23	0.47	0.95	6.41	1.11
Southside Drive Reconstruction	0.31	0.61	1.24	8.85	1.52
Out-of-Valley Parking	0.38	0.93	1.86	11.86	2.43
Transit Facility/Visitor Center	0.03	0.16	0.19	1.23	0.05
El Portal Employee Housing	1.31	6.46	6.87	43.03	1.94
NPS/Concessioner Headquarters	0.09	0.39	0.51	1.88	0.15
El Portal Road Segment D	0.15	0.46	0.71	2.50	0.48
Total	2.92	11.35	14.64	85.73	8.38

CO = carbon monoxide
NO_x = nitrogen oxide
PM₁₀ = particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter
SO₂ = sulfur dioxide
VOC = volatile organic compounds
NPS = National Park Service

CONCLUSION

Compared with Alternative 1, Alternative 4 would produce minor, beneficial impacts on volatile organic compounds emissions; moderate, beneficial impacts on carbon monoxide emissions; minor, beneficial impacts on PM₁₀ emissions; and moderate adverse impacts on nitrogen oxide emissions by 2015 with the use of diesel buses in the shuttle bus fleet. A major reduction in road dust PM₁₀ emissions would be achieved with a reduction in vehicle miles traveled between Alternatives 1 and 4. In comparison with the use of diesel fuel in the shuttle fleet under Alternative 4, the use of fuel cell technology would produce lower vehicle traffic emissions for all pollutants by 2015. Emission reductions from the use of fuel cells would be the largest among the three alternative fuel scenarios for all pollutants.

Air emissions associated with construction and demolition projects would be minor, occur only once, and be generated over a relatively short-term period.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

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

The cumulative impacts on air emissions associated with Alternative 4 would include new housing and lodging developments outside the park. These developments include the construction of new housing in the City of Merced, in the Rio Mesa area in Madera County, and at University of California facilities in Merced. Other factors include overall population increases in the area that are expected to range from 25% to 30% by 2015. These impacts would be the same as those associated with Alternative 2. Considered with the moderate, adverse impact resulting from past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects in the Yosemite region, impacts resulting from Alternative 4 in Yosemite National Park would remain moderate and beneficial.

Geologic Hazards

Impacts are described as levels of risk to human life and property, and are based on the facility categories defined in the Yosemite Valley Geologic Hazard Guidelines, see Vol. II, Appendix C, and the presence or absence of geologic hazards as mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS 1998).

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

HOUSEKEEPING CAMP AREA

All of the Housekeeping Camp facilities and the LeConte Memorial Lodge are within the talus slope zone. Under this alternative, the occupancy category (based on the Geologic Hazard Guidelines) and location of these facilities would not change. The LeConte Memorial Lodge is standard occupancy and a historic structure; thus, the action would have an adverse impact and moderate risks would be retained. Housekeeping Camp (standard occupancy) would be reduced by 212 units, thus reducing the density of individuals and facilities within the shadow line zone. The net impact of this action would be beneficial, but the risks would remain moderate due to the reduction in density of individuals within the shadow line zone.

CURRY VILLAGE AREA

Facilities, specifically tent cabins, are being proposed to be removed from the talus slope zone. Proposed new development and redevelopment would be both within and outside the shadow line zone, and thus are consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines.

Numerous visitor and employee facilities are located within Curry Village. This alternative calls for the removal of most tent cabins and many other cabins from the talus slope zone, a beneficial impact because it would reduce risk. The redevelopment of the guest parking areas in the talus slope and shadow line zones would also reduce risk to life and property, and would adhere to the Geologic Hazard Guidelines because new miscellaneous structures (parking) may be placed in any area. Employee housing proposed for the area would be constructed within the shadow line zone. All temporary employee housing and tent cabin housing would be removed. These facilities are considered standard occupancy, except the pavilion, which is considered special occupancy. Consequently, these actions would be beneficial, and would reduce the level of risk to minor, except at the pavilion, where risks would remain moderate.

CAMPGROUND AREAS

The majority of the existing campgrounds, as well as new campsites and facilities, would be located outside of both the talus slope and shadow line zones. A small portion of Upper Pines Campground would remain in the talus slope zone. Campgrounds are considered miscellaneous structures, and those portions of the campgrounds currently located in the talus slope and shadow line zones would remain. This would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Current risks to life and property would remain adverse and minor.

THE AHWAHNEE AREA

The Ahwahnee and associated support facilities, which are considered to be in the special occupancy category, are within the shadow line zone. A small portion of the hotel parking lot is within the talus slope zone. Retaining existing conditions would be an adverse effect. This action would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Current risks to life and property would remain adverse and moderate.

YOSEMITE VILLAGE AREA

The entire Yosemite Village development is within the shadow line zone, and approximately one-half of the area is within the talus slope zone. This alternative relocates several facilities from the talus slope zone to areas outside the shadow line zone, including essential facilities (fire station, law enforcement, jail, court, communication center); special occupancy facilities (visitor center and auditoriums); and one hazardous facility category (fuel storage). Medical facilities (essential facilities) would remain within the talus slope zone. Numerous standard occupancy facilities would remain within both the talus slope and shadow line zones (employee housing, maintenance facilities, retail sales, and post office), which would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Under this alternative, actions would lower the density of facilities within both the talus slope and shadow line zones. Actions within the Yosemite Village area are considered beneficial, and would reduce risks to moderate.

YOSEMITE LODGE AREA

Existing and proposed new lodge buildings, standard occupancy facilities, would be in the shadow line zone, and their location and functions would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. These actions would be adverse due to the increase in density within the shadow line zone, but risks would remain moderate.

Existing conditions at Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground) and the proposed expansion of the campground are within the shadow line zone, which would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Although the density of individuals within the shadow line zone would increase, the adverse risks would remain minor.

All existing, rebuilt, and/or proposed facilities at Yosemite Falls (i.e., trails, bridges, comfort station, and shuttle bus stop) can be located anywhere; therefore, their location is not a geologic hazard issue. However, the majority of the development would be outside the talus slope and shadow line zones. The parking lot would be removed and the comfort station would be relocated outside the shadow line zone, which will reduce the risk to life and property. Under this alternative, actions would be beneficial, and risk would be minor.

BRIDALVEIL FALL AREA

No facilities are currently located within the talus slope or shadow line zones in this area; consequently, there would be a negligible risk of adverse impacts from rockfall.

TAFT TOE AREA

The Taft Toe Visitor/Transit Center, a special occupancy facility, would be within the shadow line zone. This action is consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines; however, it increases the density of individuals and facilities exposed to risk in this area, and would be adverse. Under this alternative, day-visitor parking would be located within the shadow line zone; consequently, the risk would be minor.

CONCLUSION

As previously stated, regardless of the number of relocations or removal of facilities proposed, there would always be potential for adverse impacts on life and property due to geologic hazards within the Valley. However, under Alternative 4, the level of risk to life and property would be reduced by decreasing the density of standard occupancy structures from the talus slope zone, primarily from the Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp areas. In addition, essential facilities, hazardous facilities, and one special occupancy facility would be relocated out of the talus slope and shadow line zones. The development of the Taft Toe facility within the shadow line zone would result in a minor, adverse impact. Overall, the actions of this alternative would be considered beneficial, as a result of reduction in the density of individuals and facilities in the talus slope. This would reduce the risk from geologic hazards in the Valley from major to moderate.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects could have a cumulative effect, in conjunction with impacts of Alternative 4, if such projects would affect the characteristics of the geologic resource, specifically the steep granite walls and drainage systems within Yosemite Valley. Risks associated with the Indian Cultural Center cannot be evaluated because the occupancy category has not yet been determined; however, it would be located within the shadow line zone. These buildings are likely to be categorized as standard occupancy, and their placement would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Past and present actions, which at times require the use of explosives for trail maintenance or road work, could potentially trigger rockfall events. This would be an adverse impact. Risk of such impacts would be evaluated before decisions would be made concerning the type of work to be undertaken. There are no reasonably foreseeable future projects (see Vol. II, Appendix H) that would impact or change the geologic structure of the granite walls within Yosemite Valley. The park uses explosives guidelines; if these guidelines are applied consistently and effects of blasting are monitored, the cumulative impacts would not increase the level of risk at facilities in the Valley.

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