Yosemite Valley Plan SEIS, Volume IB Part 2, Chapter 4: Alternative 5

Yosemite National Park Volume IA

California Black Oak Habitat

Approximately 4 acres of existing California black oak woodland habitat would be developed under this alternative, and approximately 15 acres would be restored to this highly valued resource habitat. The beneficial impacts to California black oak woodland habitats would primarily be the result of increased habitat size and connectivity with other habitats as well as enhancement of habitat structure. The adverse impacts to California black oak woodland habitat would occur primarily as a result of habitat loss.

Beneficial and adverse impacts under Alternative 5 would generally be the same as described under Alternative 2. The primary differences in actions from those described in Alternative 2 are discussed below. A summary of actions and impact intensities for Alternative 5 are provided in table 4-121. Beneficial impacts on California black oak woodland habitat would have corresponding beneficial effects on many species, including mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, squirrels, mice, great-horned owls, and a variety of small birds.

The former gas station site would be restored to California black oak woodland, providing a minor, beneficial impact. However, this area represents a relatively small portion of this habitat type in the Valley and would receive continued impact from human activities at Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground), which would reduce its value as wildlife habitat. The former bank building (now the Art Activity Center) would remain.

Riparian and Meadow Habitats

Approximately 12 acres of existing meadow and riparian habitat would be developed under Alternative 5, and approximately 151 acres 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 enhancement of habitat structure. The adverse impacts to meadow and riparian habitat would occur primarily as a result of habitat loss.

Beneficial and adverse impacts to meadow and riparian habitats would generally be similar to those described under Alternative 2. In Alternative 5, Stoneman and Ahwahnee Meadows would not be fully restored, there would be less restoration at North Pines Campground, and Stoneman Bridge would not be removed. A summary of actions and impact intensities for Alternative 5 is provided in table 4-121.

Ahwahnee Row houses would be removed and the area restored to riparian and some meadow habitat. The meadow edge would be restored, providing high-value transitional habitat for wildlife. Flows from Indian Creek could be allowed to follow a more natural course, leading to improved meadow habitat and the formation of riparian habitats (both highly valued resources). Impacts from domestic pets and non-native plants associated with current housing would be reduced. This restoration would have a moderate, beneficial effect, because the restored habitat would be a relatively thin strip, and continued high levels of human use in adjacent areas would limit the value of this restoration to wildlife by causing disturbance in the area.
Removal of Stoneman and Ahwahnee Bridges would restore natural hydrology and natural cycles of riparian habitat formation. This would have a major, beneficial effect on wildlife by helping to restore the contiguity of this highly valued resource habitat.
Outside the River Protection Overlay, the re-establishment of campsites in North Pines Campground (70 sites) and the increase in campsites at Upper Pines (22 sites) would reduce the area of highly valued resource habitats restored relative to Alternative 2. Because these increases in campsites all occur in the same general area, the adverse effect on the extent and contiguity of habitats would be substantial, but would be moderate and adverse in the context of habitat restoration that would occur elsewhere in the Valley. Removal of development from the River Protection Overlay and restoration of natural habitats would still have a major, beneficial impact, but the effect would be diminished by this expansion in the number of campsites.
Roads through Stoneman and Ahwahnee Meadows would remain, continuing to cause disruption of natural hydrology through the meadows and fragmenting these highly valued resource habitats. No new impacts would occur, because this is the existing condition.

Curry Orchard would remain and be maintained. This would not allow restoration of the meadow habitat that it occupies, as would occur under Alternative 2. No new impact would occur, since this is the existing condition.

OUT-OF-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. However, some restoration would occur in El Portal as part of local projects.

The out-of-Valley impacts would generally be related to the development of parking facilities at Henness Ridge, Foresta, and El Portal that would remove habitat, causing radiating human impacts. More visitor use in these areas would increase exposure of wildlife to human food. Cars parked at these facilities, especially in the early mornings and late evenings, could be damaged by bears (which could become conditioned to this human food source). Standard mitigation measures, such as fencing and signs to keep people out of sensitive habitats, adequate garbage receptacles and collection, and enforcement of regulations regarding wildlife access to human food, would be incorporated into project design to minimize wildlife impacts (see Chapter 2, Alternatives, Mitigation Measures Common to All Action Alternatives).

El Portal

Impacts on wildlife and habitat in this location would be the same as under Alternative 2, except approximately 35 fewer parking spaces would be developed in the Middle Road area, for a total of approximately 335 spaces. Impacts of development in El Portal would remain the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate, adverse) because the area spared development would be relatively small, and the Middle Road area is between two roads and has existing habitat degradation.

Wawona

Impacts in this area on wildlife and habitat would be the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate, adverse) because employee housing would be constructed in an area already affected by adjacent development.

Foresta

Impacts in this location would be essentially the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate, adverse), in which a day-visitor parking facility would be developed in Foresta (if an agreement cannot be reached to develop parking at Hazel Green). Under Alternative 5, however, Foresta is the only option considered for parking along this transportation corridor; Hazel Green is not considered.

Henness Ridge

Development of a parking area for up to 370 spaces would remove an area of Sierra mixed conifer habitats, resulting in moderate, adverse impacts. Radiating impacts from increased visitor concentration are likely to affect surrounding habitats, although proximity to a heavily traveled road and the nearby development of housing and lodging at Yosemite West have likely already degraded these habitats. This development would increase local disturbance of wildlife in adjacent habitats due to traffic flow through the area, increased light and noise, and increased human presence. Trampling and human presence could affect small mammals and ground-nesting birds, and hazard tree management could impact cavity-nesting birds and roosting bats. Availability of human food could lead to conditioning of wildlife. Species potentially affected by habitat alteration include the pileated woodpecker, hermit thrush, northern goshawk, and marten.

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 a 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 high-valued habitat types in the area, and signs, fencing, and visitor education would be used to minimize impact to adjacent sensitive habitats.

CONCLUSION

Overall impacts on wildlife and habitat under Alternative 5 would be minor and beneficial. Implementation of the River Protection Overlay would enable the restoration of extensive areas of meadow, riparian, and wetland habitats along the Merced River and reduce habitat fragmentation of these highly valued resource types. But increased numbers of campsites relative to Alternative 2 would be developed in potential highly valued resource areas, and roads would be allowed to remain in meadows under Alternative 5. This would substantially affect the overall benefit of habitat restoration to wildlife in the Valley by perpetuating habitat fragmentation and occupation of sensitive habitats by development in some areas. Similar effects would occur from the development of Yellow Pine Campground for groups and volunteers, extending human disturbance westward in the Valley. The use of Northside Drive by motor vehicles would continue adverse effects on wildlife from noise, light, roadway mortality, and habitat fragmentation.

Outside Yosemite Valley, impacts to wildlife and habitat would remain essentially the same as in Alternative 2.

A decrease of approximately 10% in the number of parking spaces established in El Portal would likely result in less area developed, compared to Alternative 2, but would not appreciably affect the level of impact.

Development of day-visitor parking at Henness Ridge would affect an area of mixed conifer habitat, but the level of impact and the species affected would be similar to what would occur at Hazel Green under Alternative 2.

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 5 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.

Alternative 5 would provide restoration of riparian, meadow, and riverine habitats (highly valued resources) through implementation of the River Protection Overlay. Restoration of the Yosemite Lodge cabin area, part of Camp 6, and much 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 River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). However, beneficial impacts would be less than those under Alternative 2 due to continued use of North Pines Campground. Removal of two bridges would help restore riparian and aquatic habitats along those river reaches. Exposure of wildlife to human food would be reduced in the east Valley to some degree as a result of the replacement of numerous tent cabins with hard-sided cabins at Curry Village.

Other actions associated with Alternative 5 would adversely affect areas of upland habitat and its accompanying wildlife, including establishment of new campgrounds north of Tenaya Creek and east of Curry Village. These 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, that 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 5, development outside of Yosemite Valley would include establishment of additional parking and transit facilities at Henness Ridge, Foresta, and El Portal; employee-related housing at El Portal and Wawona; and visitor centers at or near 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 Henness Ridge, Wawona, and South Entrance (visitor centers) would adversely affect mixed conifer habitats. These effects (habitat loss and degradation) would be in addition to logging and grazing that have occurred over wide areas of mixed conifer habitat outside the park, as well as to proposed projects such as Yosemite West Rezone of 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.

Adverse impacts associated with the development of employee housing and parking facilities at El Portal would combine with impacts from other development projects proposed in the area, including the 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. However, because much of the area of potential development has been previously disturbed, 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.

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 the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration) that are being undertaken to improve ecosystem management over much of the Sierra Nevada. 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 5 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. The impacts identified in this section are generally 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 also are evaluated in this section. 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 of the location. Identification of a location in the "area" column for a species does not necessarily indicate that the species has been documented to occur in that location.

A total of 46 special-status wildlife species are known to occur, have historically occurred, or are likely to occur in the Yosemite Valley or in the general vicinity of out-of-Valley project areas. One is classified as both federal and California endangered, one is federal threatened and California endangered, two are federal threatened, three are California endangered, and three are 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 Services 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. The overall impact intensity for this species would be the same as under Alternative 2. Mitigation required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the abundance of elderberry plants in surrounding areas would result in minor to moderate, adverse impacts, relative to the No Action Alternative.

Limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The overall impact intensity for this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (negligible and adverse). The development in El Portal would not affect suitable habitat, and the occurrence of this species in El Portal is questionable.

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

Status: Federal threatened; California species of special concern. Alternative 5 would have minor, beneficial impacts to this species compared to Alternative 1. Although many actions would be similar to Alternative 2, Alternative 5 would increase occupation of potential habitat by campgrounds and the remaining effect of roads through meadows. Parking established at Foresta could affect red-legged frog habitat, but such habitat would be avoided by development and visitor access would be restricted. Impacts on potential habitat, in El Portal and Wawona would be the same as for Alternative 2.

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Status: Federal threatened; California endangered. The overall impact intensity for this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). Although less highly valued resource habitat, including riparian, would be restored under Alternative 5, implementation of the River Protection Overlay would still provide substantial benefit to bald eagles, although the species does not breed in the Valley and is rarely seen there.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Status: Recently delisted at federal level; California endangered. The overall impact intensity under this alternative would remain the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate and beneficial). Although more campsites would be established in Yosemite Valley under Alternative 5, the remaining areas restored would provide substantial benefit to this species. Even under existing conditions, two nesting pairs of peregrine falcons use the east end of Yosemite Valley, which is a relatively high density.

Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa)

Status: California endangered. Under Alternative 5, the overall impact intensity on great gray owls would be moderate and adverse. Development of parking at Foresta and its impact to great gray owls would be the same as under the Foresta scenario of Alternative 2. The radiating effect of increased human activity on owls using Big Meadow and development of stables at McCauley Ranch would result in moderate, adverse impacts. In Yosemite Valley, roads through meadows would remain, and Northside Drive would continue to be used by motor vehicles. Both of these factors could continue to affect the use of Yosemite Valley by great gray owls. However, the species is seldom seen in this location.

Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)

Status: California endangered. Under Alternative 5, beneficial effects on this species would be minor. Roads would be left in Stoneman and Ahwahnee Meadows under Alternative 5 and would continue to affect the ability of these habitats to provide features necessary for this species (e.g., dense willow shrubs). The continuation of commercial stable operations and trail rides would allow nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds to continue. Implementation of the River Protection Overlay would still allow substantial restoration of suitable habitat for willow flycatchers.

Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The overall impact intensity for this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). Increased development and human disturbance would occur at Tioga Pass. The development of day-visitor parking at Henness Ridge could affect potential habitat, but the impacts would be essentially the same as would occur at Hazel Green under Alternative 2. There would be less development at Foresta and less disturbance at Badger Pass under this alternative compared to Alternative 2, but the occurrence of this species at those locations is questionable. The species is thought to now exist only at higher elevations.

California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California threatened. The overall impact intensity under Alternative 5 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). Minor expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass could affect small areas of upland habitat, and increased visitor presence could lead to greater human disturbance in surrounding habitats, which could affect their use by the wolverine.

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Status: Federal endangered; California endangered. Impacts to this species would remain the same as under Alternative 2: (negligible and adverse). Possible development would occur at Tioga Pass, the only area of potential effect.

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

Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity for Yosemite toads under Alternative 5 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (negligible and adverse) because of potential development and human disturbance at Tioga Pass. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking, thus limiting the possibility of disturbance of Yosemite toads in that area to levels similar to those under the No Action Alternative.

Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylei)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Beneficial impacts to this species would be minor because of increased occupation of potential habitat by campgrounds and the remaining effects of roads through meadows. Parking established at Foresta could affect foothill yellow-legged frog habitat, but such habitat would be avoided by development and visitor access would be restricted. The impacts in other areas of potential habitat, such as El Portal and Wawona, would be the same as under Alternative 2.

Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity for this species under Alternative 5 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor to moderate and beneficial). Potential development and human disturbance at Tioga Pass would be the same between the two alternatives. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking, thus limiting the possibility of disturbance of mountain yellow-legged frogs in that area to a similar level as under the No Action Alternative.

California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Under Alternative 5, the beneficial impact to this species would be negligible. The continued use of Northside Drive by motor vehicles would continue the impacts of light, noise, and road-kills along this stretch of road. Development of day-visitor parking at Henness Ridge would occur in the foraging habitat of California spotted owls, but such impacts would be minor and essentially the same as at Hazel Green under Alternative 2. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking, thus eliminating the possibility of disturbance of spotted owls in that area.

Marten (Martes americana)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact intensity for this species under Alternative 5 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). Development of day-visitor parking at Henness Ridge would affect marten habitat, but this impact would essentially be the same as at Hazel Green under Alternative 2. The continued use of Northside Drive by motor vehicles could have an effect on martens, but the relatively low elevation of Yosemite Valley makes it marginal habitat for martens, as reflected by the extreme rarity of observations in this location. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking, thus limiting the possibility disturbance to martens in that area to levels similar to that of the No Action Alternative.

Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity for fishers under Alternative 5 would be moderate and adverse because development at Henness Ridge would occur in an area that is likely prime habitat for the species. Two fishers have been killed on roads near Henness Ridge in the last 10 years. The development would remove foraging habitat and cause increased human disturbance in the area. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking as it would under Alternative 2, thus limiting the possibility of disturbance of fishers in that area to levels similar to those of 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. The overall impact intensity for this snail species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (negligible and adverse). It is unlikely that the small increase in parking spaces that would be developed in El Portal, would affect the moist talus habitat of this species.

Mariposa sideband snail (Monadenia hillebrandi)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact intensity for this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate and beneficial). Beneficial effects would occur primarily from restoration of potential habitat in the talus above Curry Village.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix sierrana)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact intensity for this grasshopper species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (negligible to minor and adverse). Development in El Portal would probably not occur in riparian areas, the favored habitat of the species.

Wawona riffle beetle (Atractelmis wawona)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact intensity for this species would be the same as under Alternative 2 (moderate and beneficial). Large-scale restoration of riparian and wetland habitats would benefit the aquatic habitat of the riffle beetle. The development of additional campsites in Yosemite Valley, which would be the greatest number among the action alternatives, would adversely affect some riparian habitat. However, this additional development would have a negligible effect on the overall impact because campsites would be located outside the River Protection Overlay and not directly affect aquatic habitat.

Bohart’s blue butterfly (Philotiella speciosa bohartorum)

Status: Federal species of concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact intensity for the Bohart’s blue butterfly would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse) because development in El Portal would be essentially the same.

Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)

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

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

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact intensity for this species is expected to be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). The development of additional campsites in Yosemite Valley would affect some riparian habitat, and the retention of roads through Stoneman and Ahwahnee Meadows would continue to affect natural hydrology in these areas. These actions, however, would not change the overall impact on western pond turtles because the actions would have little effect on pond and slow-moving water habitats. These habitats would benefit primarily from implementation of the River Protection Overlay and other restorations of highly valued resource areas. A slightly greater number of parking spaces in Foresta compared to Alternative 2 could increase potential disturbance of breeding and hibernation habitat in upland areas, but the area affected would be relatively small.

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity for harlequin ducks under this alternative would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). Development of additional campsites in Yosemite Valley would affect some areas of riparian habitat, but the area of direct impact would be outside the River Protection Overlay and would be relatively small. Implementation of the River Protection Overlay and other restorations of highly valued resource habitats (e.g., Upper and Lower River Campgrounds) would provide a majority of the benefits to harlequin ducks.

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi)

Status: California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity for Cooper’s hawks under this alternative would be essentially the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). Although development of additional campsites under Alternative 5 would affect some riparian habitat, implementation of the River Protection Overlay, and other highly valued resource habitat restorations (e.g., River Campgrounds), would provide a majority of the benefit to Cooper’s hawks by providing the mix of forested and open habitats favored by this species. Development of parking at Henness Ridge under Alternative 5 would affect an area of forest habitat, but would have essentially the same effect as similar development at Hazel Green under Alternative 2. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking, limiting the possibility of disturbance of Cooper’s hawks in that area to levels similar to that of the No Action Alternative.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. The impact intensity to northern goshawks would be minor and adverse. Development at Henness Ridge would have effects on this species similar to those that would occur at Hazel Green under Alternative 2. Under Alternative 5, Badger Pass would not be used for parking, thus limiting the possibility of disturbance to goshawks in that area to levels similar to the No Action Alternative.

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Status: California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity on sharp-shinned hawks under this alternative would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial.) Development of additional campsites in Yosemite Valley would adversely affect some riparian habitat. Implementation of the River Protection Overlay, and other restorations of highly valued resource habitats, would provide a majority of the benefit to this species by helping to restore the natural mixture of forest and open areas (especially meadows) that are the sharp-shinned hawk’s favored habitat. The development of day-visitor parking at Henness Ridge would remove some forest habitat, but the effect would be similar to that at Hazel Green under Alternative 2.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Status: California species of special concern. Under this alternative, overall impact intensity for golden eagles would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). Primary benefit to this species would come from restoration of open habitat in Yosemite Valley, which would be essentially the same as Alternative 2. Impacts in potential habitat outside Yosemite Valley would also be essentially the same as under Alternative 2.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Status: California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact intensity for merlins would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial). Under Alternative 5, restoration of open habitat in Yosemite Valley would be essentially the same as under Alternative 2.

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Status: California species of special concern. Under this alternative, the overall impact intensity for prairie falcons would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and beneficial), based primarily on restoration of habitats in Yosemite Valley. Parking spaces at Foresta would adversely affect an area of habitat, but the area affected (post-fire regrowth) is not good habitat for the species.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

Status: California species of special concern. Beneficial impacts on long-eared owls under this alternative would be negligible (a lower impact intensity than under Alternative 2). Additional campsites in Yosemite Valley relative to Alternative 2 would occupy some riparian habitat, which could adversely affect long-eared owls. The continuation of motor vehicle traffic on Northside Drive would perpetuate noise and light disturbance in a long stretch of the Valley. Implementation of the River Protection Overlay and other restorations of highly valued resource habitats (e.g., Upper and Lower River Campgrounds) would provide benefit to short-eared owls, and would essentially be the same as in Alternative 2. Effects in other areas of potential habitat would be the same as in Alternative 2.

Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)

Status: California species of special concern. Impacts on yellow warblers under this alternative would be minor to moderate and beneficial. Additional campsites (the greatest number among the action alternatives) would be developed. Some of this development would affect riparian habitats that are favored by yellow warblers. The continuation of commercial stable operations and trail rides would allow nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds to continue. Implementation of the River Protection Overlay and other restorations of highly valued resource habitats (e.g., River Campgrounds) would greatly benefit yellow warblers.

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 and adverse) because development at Tioga Pass would be the same as under Alternative 2, with a minor expansion of entrance station facilities.

Bat species

Overall impact intensities for all special-status bat species would remain the same as under Alternative 2, as listed below for each species. The development of more campsites and the continued disturbance of Stoneman and Ahwahnee Meadow by roads under Alternative 5 would affect some areas of highly valued resource habitat types that many bat species depend upon. However, implementation of the River Protection Overlay and other restorations of highly valued resource habitats (e.g., Upper and Lower River Campgrounds) would provide the majority of benefit to bat species. Development of parking at Henness Ridge under Alternative 5 would have similar effects as the development at Hazel Green under Alternative 2.

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)

Status: California species of special concern (moderate, beneficial).

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 (minor, beneficial).

Small-footed myotis bat (Myotis ciliolabrum)

Status: Federal species of concern (minor, beneficial).

Long-eared myotis bat (Myotis evotis)

Status: Federal species of concern (minor, beneficial).

Fringed myotis bat (Myotis thysanodes)

Status: Federal species of concern (minor, benefical).

Long-legged myotis bat (Myotis volans)

Status: Federal species of concern (minor, beneficial).

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).

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)

Status: Federal species of concern. The overall impact intensity for snowshoe hares under Alternative 5 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). Development of parking facilities at Henness Ridge would remove an area of potential habitat and result in radiating human impacts into adjacent areas. Badger Pass would not be used for parking, so no additional impacts would occur there. However, development of parking at Foresta could affect habitat, although the low elevation and questionable suitability of this habitat for snowshoe hares make it doubtful that any snowshoe hares would be affected at this location.

White-tailed hare (Lepus townsendii)

Status: California species of special concern. The overall impact intensity for this species under Alternative 5 would be the same as under Alternative 2 (minor and adverse). The possible minor expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass (the only areas with potential occurrence of this species) would be the same for the two alternatives.

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. Under Alternative 5, adverse effects on mountain beaver would be negligible and adverse. Badger Pass would not be used for transit and parking, which would limit human disturbance and pollution of stream habitat in this area to levels similar to that of the No Action Alternative.

Conclusion

Impacts under Alternative 5 on special-status species would be similar to those under Alternative 2. Some areas of increased development, retention of roads through meadows, and continued use of Northside Drive for motor vehicles would limit overall benefits to special-status species to minor and beneficial. Large blocks of riparian, meadow, and wetland would be restored, thus increasing the size, contiguity, and connections within and among habitat types; this would subsequently 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 5, however, there would be several notable impacts on special-status species. Continued use of Northside Drive by motor vehicles would affect California spotted owls and long-eared owls by perpetuating noise and light disturbance in the north part of the Valley and continuing the risk of road-kills. An increased number of campsites in riparian habitats would have an adverse effect on yellow warblers and long-eared owls. Retention of roads through Stoneman and Ahwahnee Meadows would continue to degrade the hydrology and quality of these habitats, affecting California red-legged frogs, foothill yellow-legged frogs, and willow flycatchers. Retention of the concessioner’s commercial stable and trail rides in Yosemite Valley would continue to support brown-headed cowbirds and affect yellow warblers and willow flycatchers through nest parasitism.

For some special-status wildlife species, the magnitude of benefit provided under this alternative would be 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. Such impacts have affected the abundance of some special-status species inside the park, despite the presence of relatively intact habitats (e.g., willow flycatcher).

Relocation of the concessioner stable to east of Curry Village could increase the abundance of brown-headed cowbirds in that area and intensify the adverse impacts on the yellow warbler and willow flycatcher, although relocating the stable would reduce impacts in its current location.

The adverse effect of this alternative on Henness Ridge, Foresta, and El Portal would be minor due to the loss of small areas of habitat within much larger areas of suitable habitat. Comparing the adverse and beneficial impacts of this alternative to the existing condition, the overall impact on rare species would be minor and beneficial, given the moderate increase in acreage of riparian and meadow habitats that are both highly valued resources and the preferred habitat of many of these rare species. These species would also benefit from the enhanced integrity of these habitats and the improved connectivity with other highly valued resource habitats.

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 5. 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 species of special concern. Projects at elevations below 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 this location with the potential to adversely affect this species 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 by mitigation that would be required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other projects that could have potential adverse effects on Valley elderberry longhorn beetles 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 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 River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) because these plans could lead to greater protection of elderberry plants. The combination of beneficial effects from implementation of regional plans that cover wide areas of the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle range, and adverse impacts that would generally affect relatively small numbers of elderberry plants (including from actions under this alternative), would result in an overall minor, beneficial impact on Valley elderberry longhorn beetles. Adverse impacts would be minimized through 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’s 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 alter 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 potential impacts, but this species has never been found in El Portal. Impact 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. The overall cumulative impact on this species would therefore be negligible.

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

Status: Federal threatened; California endangered. Projects in the vicinity of Yosemite National Park are unlikely to affect any known 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, should reintroduction or recolonization of this species become 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 River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS). These beneficial effects would be augmented by restoration of potential habitat in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. The overall cumulative impact would be beneficial, based on potential protection of red-legged frog habitat through implementation of plans that cover wide areas in combination with restoration of suitable habitat that would occur under this alternative. The intensity of this impact would be minor because this species is almost extinct from the Sierra Nevada region, but habitat should nonetheless 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 state and federal regulations, as applicable, thus minimizing the potential for 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 River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) has the potential to benefit eagles by preserving riparian and riverine habitat through implementation of the River Protection Overlay. These beneficial effects would be enhanced by restoration of riparian and river habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. Overall, the cumulative impact would be minor and beneficial.

Peregrine falcon (falco peregrinus)

Status: California endangered. Because peregrine falcons forage over a wide range of habitat types adjacent to their nesting cliffs, implementation of plans with potential widespread effects would have the greatest impact on this species. These include the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), and the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), which would have minor, beneficial effects. These plans would complement the beneficial effects of this alternative on peregrine falcons in Yosemite, where the concentration of the species is among the highest in the Sierra Nevada. No current or reasonably foreseeable future projects are anticipated to have an adverse impact on peregrine falcons cliff nesting habitat or surrounding foraging habitat. Greater regional effects on peregrine falcons that nest in the Sierra Nevada are due to 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 anticipated from current and foreseeable projects outside the park. The overall cumulative impact on peregrine falcons would be minor and beneficial, based primarily upon the effects of wide-reaching plans on Sierra Nevada habitats, but the benefit would be limited by the continued 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, because of its meadow habitats and proximity to the park, has the greatest potential to impact great gray owls. Past studies and recent surveys, however, indicate the meadows are seldom used by great gray owls and probably only by transient owls moving between wintering and nesting areas (Skiff 1995; Skenfield 1999). Development at Hazel Green Ranch 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 reasonably foreseeable future projects have habitats that are unsuitable for great gray owls or have experienced previous impacts that have rendered 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 the species, by preserving or restoring habitat, include the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), Merced Wild and Scenic River 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, but development of parking and stables at Foresta could cause adverse effects. The overall cumulative impact on great gray owls resulting 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 effects. Adverse effects from development projects would be localized.

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 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 have been seen in recent years 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 in this location during recent surveys, and habitat in the meadows appears to be unsuitable for the species. Regional and parkwide planning efforts such as the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration (USFS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, the Fire Management Plan Update (NPS), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) could improve the size, integrity, and connectivity of suitable habitat for the 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. The overall cumulative impact on willow flycatchers 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 could be related to human activities that disturb habitat, such as logging and fire suppression. 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 red foxes. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending upon the alternatives chosen for implementation and the extent of their implementation over time.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for red foxes include 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 impact on red foxes, primarily through effects on habitat at Tioga Pass and Henness Ridge.

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

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 River 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.

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

The overall cumulative impact on California wolverines would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the implementation of management plans that could protect wide areas of wolverine habitat in the Sierra Nevada, compared to the limited effects of increased human use at Tioga Pass from this alternative.

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Status: Federal endangered; California endangered. Because this species occurs at high elevation, few of the current and reasonably foreseeable future 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 substantial 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 cause adverse effects on 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.

The possible expansion of facilities at Tioga Pass Entrance is the only action under Alternative 5 that could affect bighorn sheep, but this impact would be negligible given the relative inaccessibility of their habitat. The overall cumulative impacts on Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep under this alternative would be moderate and beneficial, 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 could have a 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 could have an 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. 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.

The overall cumulative impact on 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.

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 due to complementary management objectives include the 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 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 impacts include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project and projects at June Lake (Mono Co.). Overall, the cumulative impact on mountain yellow-legged frogs 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).

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) could 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 River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS), U.S. Forest Service plans for adjacent wilderness, and Fire Management Action 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 nonetheless be protected to allow for 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 Merced 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 negative impact if they affected an unknown population of foothill yellow-legged frogs, which could be among the last in the Sierra Nevada. However, site surveys would be completed, where applicable, as required by the Council on Environmental Quality and the Endangered Species Act(s) prior to disturbance to determine whether this species is present.

California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)

Status: Federal species of concern; California species of special concern. 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 improvement 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 outside of Yosemite Valley 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.), the 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 in combination with reforestation projects that would hasten a return of habitat more suitable for spotted owls. Projects with negative impacts would affect relatively small areas, and may impact local owls, but would not have far-ranging impacts on the California spotted owl or habitat restoration that would occur under this alternative.

Marten (Martes americana)

Status: Federal species of concern. This species is dependent upon 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.), the 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 due to development of parking facilities and expansion of entrance stations outside of Yosemite Valley.

Overall, the cumulative impact 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. In addition, 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. 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.), and the Fire Management Action Plan for Wilderness (USFS, Stanislaus). Projects likely to have an adverse effect on fisher habitat include the Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.), the 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 development of parking facilities and expansion of entrance stations outside of Yosemite Valley.

Overall, the cumulative impact on the Pacific fisher 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. In addition, reforestation projects could hasten the return of forest habitats more favorable to fisher. In comparison, projects with potential adverse impacts on 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 impact is expected to be minor because it would occur primarily in previously affected areas. Development that would occur in El Portal under this alternative would cause negligible impacts 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 resulting 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 the potential for 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.). These projects are expected to have a local, minor, adverse effect because they would 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 provided by 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 (Mariposa Co.) project 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.

The overall cumulative impact on the Sierra pygmy grasshopper is expected to be minor and beneficial, based on 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 effect 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, coupled with habitat restoration that would occur under this alternative.

Bohart’s blue butterfly (Philotiella speciosa bohartorum)

Status: Federal species of concern. The documented occurrence of the Wawona riffle beetle closest to the park is near Briceburg, west of El Portal. 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 has the potential to have long-term, minor, beneficial effects on suitable habitat. Further surveys found this species 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 effect on Bohart’s blue butterfly. These effects would be limited in scale in comparison to the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration, which would help protect wide areas of foothill woodland habitat that is declining rapidly. Development of parking, housing, and administrative facilities under this alternative could adversely affect suitable habitat, although the occurrence of the Bohart’s blue butterfly in El Portal is questionable.

The overall cumulative impact on the Bohart’s blue butterfly would be minor and beneficial, based on the potential protection of wide areas of suitable habitat resulting from the Sierra Nevada Framework, as opposed to potential localized 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 River 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, could have long-term, minor, beneficial cumulative effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. No current and reasonably foreseeable future projects are expected to have an adverse effect on Mount Lyell salamanders.

Northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata marmorata) and
Southwestern pond turtle (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 River 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 effect on the western pond turtle. This benefit would largely derive from implementation of regional and parkwide planning that would protect habitat for western pond turtles and 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. Under this alternative, about 100 acres of suitable riparian and aquatic habitat would be restored or protected. These actions could have long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effects on suitable habitat, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse impacts 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 possible adverse impacts 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 Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) would improve 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 provided under this alternative. Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on 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.). In addition, development of parking at Henness Ridge, El Portal, and Foresta would affect an area of potential Cooper’s hawk habitat, as would development of housing at Wawona, and housing, parking, and administrative facilities at El Portal.

The overall cumulative impact 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, compared to localized adverse effects on relatively small areas from individual projects.

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 Henness Ridge under this alternative would adversely affect an area of forest habitat. These projects, however, 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 through implementation of regional land management plans, compared to adverse effects on small, localized areas of habitat from individual projects (including effects from this alternative).

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for 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, including habitat at Henness Ridge, Foresta, Wawona, and El Portal.

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

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have an adverse effect on golden eagles include the Rio Mesa Area Plan (Madera Co.); University of California, Merced Campus (Merced Co.); Buildout of City of Merced, General Plan; and the Tioga Inn, Lee Vining (Mono Co.). Development of parking in Foresta that could occur under this alternative would affect a small area of potential habitat. These projects, in total, would have a minor, adverse impact on golden eagles because of the limited area they would affect.

The 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 under this alternative. The area of effect would be limited for projects that have an adverse impact on golden eagles, including development in some habitat under this alternative.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have an adverse effect on 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, depending on the alternatives chosen and the extent of their implementation over time. Under this alternative, habitat could be adversely affected by development in Foresta, Wawona, and El Portal, but the areas affected would be less suitable habitat.

The overall cumulative effects would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the implementation of land management plans that could affect large areas of the Sierra Nevada in combination 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 have an adverse effect on 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.). The development of parking in Foresta under this alternative could affect prairie falcons, but the area involved is marginal habitat. In total these projects, would have a minor, adverse effect on prairie falcons because of the limited area they would affect.

The overall cumulative impact on prairie falcons would be moderate 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 combined with restoration of Yosemite Valley habitats under this alternative. Projects with an adverse impact on prairie falcons would have a limited area of effect.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on 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.

The overall cumulative effect 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, as well as restoration of large areas of riparian habitat in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. There would be a limited area of effect for projects that have an adverse impact on long-eared owls.

Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects with potential adverse effects on 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, Wawona, and Foresta that would occur under this alternative would affect habitat. These projects would have a minor, adverse impact because the affected area is generally lower-quality habitat for yellow warblers and is limited in size, and because large areas of suitable, unaffected habitat would remain in surrounding areas.

The overall cumulative effects on yellow warblers would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on the protection of high-quality habitat provided by implementation of regional land management plans that would cover large areas of the Sierra Nevada as well as 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 for projects that would have an adverse effect on 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. Development at Tioga Pass, the only area of potential effect, would have a negligible impact on Mount Lyell shrews. No current and reasonably foreseeable future projects are expected to have an adverse effect on this species; therefore, the overall impact would be minor and beneficial.

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the pallid bat include the Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project, Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS), Yosemite Motels Expansion (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 Henness Ridge, Foresta, El Portal, and Wawona under this alternative could affect 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 a possible adverse effect on 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 have adverse effects on 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 Henness Ridge, Wawona, El Portal, and Foresta could affect small areas of suitable habitat.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial cumulative impact on Townsend’s big-eared bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat through implementation of regional plans as well as restoration of Yosemite Valley habitats under this alternative. The projects with a possible adverse impact on 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 River 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 beneficial impacts would be augmented by restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats under this alternative. These habitats are important foraging areas for spotted bats.

Projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for the spotted bat include the Yosemite View parcel land exchange (NPS); El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS); Yosemite Motels Expansion, El Portal (Mariposa Co.); and Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co.); Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.) project; and Yosemite West Rezone for 55 Acres (Mariposa Co.). New development at Henness Ridge, Wawona, El Portal, and Foresta would affect potential habitat. Adverse cumulative impacts on spotted bats would be minor, based on their relatively limited area of effect and the type of habitat affected.

In total, there would be a moderate, beneficial impact on the spotted bat, based primarily on the potential protection of large areas of suitable habitat resulting from regional plans,in combination with restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley that would occur under this alternative. The projects with possible adverse impacts 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 benefit 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 have adverse effects on 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.). New development at Henness Ridge, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta under this alternative could affect foraging habitat.

In total, the cumulative impact on the small-footed myotis bat would be moderate and beneficial, based primarily on implementation of large-scale regional plans that could protect wide areas of habitat, and restoration of important habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. In comparison, projects with potential adverse impacts would affect relatively small areas of 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 benefit 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 have adverse effects on 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 at Henness Ridge, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta under this alternative.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial cumulative impact 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 possible adverse impacts on the long-eared myotis bat would affect a relatively small area of habitat compared to projects with potential beneficial impacts.

Fringed myotis bat (Myotis thysanodes)

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 result from restoration of large areas of riparian and meadow habitats in Yosemite Valley under this alternative. Such areas are important foraging habitat for fringed myotis bats.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on 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 at Henness Ridge, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta under this alternative.

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

Long-legged myotis bat (Myotis volans)

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 have adverse effects on 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 at Henness Ridge, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta under this alternative.

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

Yuma myotis bat (Myotis yumanensis)

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 have adverse effects on 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 at Henness Ridge, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta under this alternative.

Overall, there would be a moderate, beneficial cumulative impact on the Yuma myotis bat, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat 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 benefit would be provided by this alternative through restoration of large areas of meadow and riparian habitats that are important foraging areas for mastiff bats.

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on 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 at Henness Ridge, El Portal, Wawona, and Foresta under this alternative, although no suitable roosting habitat (cliffs) is nearby.

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

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)

Current and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could have adverse effects on suitable habitat for snowshoe hares include Evergreen Lodge Expansion (Tuolumne Co) and Hazel Green Ranch (Mariposa Co.). This project would primarily affect forest habitat. Development of parking on Henness Ridge under this alternative could affect snowshoe hare habitat.

Overall, there would be a minor, beneficial impact on snowshoe hares, based on the potential protection of suitable habitat from implementation of regional plans. The projects with possible adverse impacts on 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 effect on suitable habitat for the mountain beaver. No foreseeable future projects are expected to have an adverse effect on Sierra Nevada mountain beaver, including the increased visitor use at Badger Pass 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 future projects within the cumulative impact assessment area considered in conjunction with the actions under Alternative 5 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 5, adverse impacts would affect some special-status species such as Valley elderberry longhorn beetle, great gray owl, and fisher from new development outside of Yosemite Valley, and California spotted owl, yellow warbler, willow flycatcher, and California red-legged frog from new development in the Valley. Development of parking at Henness Ridge would affect an area of prime fisher habitat. Such impacts would add to the adverse effects of some current and reasonably foreseeable future projects. However, these impacts would 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, beneficial.

VEGETATION

Forty-seven special-status species in Yosemite Valley and other out-of-Valley areas could be affected by Alternative 5 as proposed in the Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS. Refer to table 3-7 (Vol. Ia, Chapter 3) for this list of 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, Foresta, Henness Ridge, and Wawona, 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. Northern bedstraw, false pimpernel, ladies’ tresses, round-leaved sundew, phacelia, and Sierra laurel would experience a moderate, beneficial impact from the restoration of large portions of potentially wet meadows and riparian areas (at Yosemite Lodge, former Upper and Lower River and Lower Pines Campgrounds, and a portion of Housekeeping Camp) and from the removal and ecological restoration of the Ahwahnee Row houses. Development of Camp 6 as parking would only allow for a small zone of increased potential habitat within the River Protection Overlay for these species. The stream orchid would continue to occur within concession landscaped areas, but natural habitat at Happy Isles would be affected by replacement of the snack stand near the restroom. Minor, adverse impacts would be anticipated from installation of a new snack stand, as a relatively small area of habitat would be affected in this high traffic area.

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 to the planted giant sequoias, depending on final alignment of parking lots and driveways. Removal of the Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) and restoration of this 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 sequoias in the park’s three naturally occurring groves, with negligible adverse impacts.

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

Out-of-Valley

This alternative would have no impacts on rare plant species at Hazel Green Ranch, Badger Pass, or South Landing, given that no actions are proposed within these areas.

El Portal

Currently one federal plant species of concern (Congdon’s lomatium), four state-listed rare species (Yosemite onion, Tompkin’s sedge, Congdon’s woolly-sunflower, and Congdon’s lewisia), and six park rare 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, with the exception of Yosemite onion and Congdon’s lomatium, which grow on steep, inaccessible slopes in association with poison oak. Impacts to the remaining species would be increased from current conditions due to a substantial increase in the residential population. Adverse impacts as a result of habitat loss and competition for resources (e.g., light, water, and nutrients) would continue to adversely effect most species because of the continued high degree of non-native species encroachment expected in this area and the increased potential for new introductions. Potential adverse impacts to Tompkin’s sedge, Indian paintbrush, collinsia, pitcher sage, Palmer’s and Congdon’s monkeyflowers, and phacelia would occur from development of out-of-Valley parking and employee housing. These impacts would be minimized as much as possible through mitigation measures such as avoidance (site selection), plant salvage and replanting, and/or topsoil salvage and reapplication after construction. The restoration of habitat at the old treatment plant at Rancheria Flat and at the sand pit would have moderate beneficial effects on Congdon’s woolly-sunflower. Unavoidable losses of habitat with new development would lead to an overall minor, adverse impact in El Portal, despite mitigation efforts.

Foresta

No federal- or state-listed plant species occur in Foresta. Five park rare species are found within the general Foresta area (snapdragon, Small’s southern clarkia, goldenaster, inconspicuous and pansy monkeyflowers). All five rare species would experience adverse impacts as a result of increased human activity from the reconstruction of 14 houses, as well as potential development of administrative stables operations for the National Park Service and concessioner, and construction of day-visitor parking in Foresta. Goldenaster and both monkeyflower species would experience moderate, long-term, adverse impacts from the construction of out-of-Valley parking due to loss of habitat. Radiating impacts of visitors would be minor in the parking lot area, as the installation of fences, signs, or other measures would be used to direct visitors away from sensitive habitats. There would be potential moderate, adverse impacts to rare plant habitat because of encroachment of non-native species associated with landscaping activities and increased numbers of residential and day-visitor vehicles, resulting in moderate, adverse overall impacts to rare plants in Foresta under Alternative 4.

Henness Ridge

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

Wawona

No federal-listed, one state-listed plant species (Yosemite onion) and eight park rare species occur within the Wawona basin (snapdragon, Child’s blue-eyed Mary, round-leaved sundew, Sierra sweet-bay, Bolander’s skullcap, giant sequoia, trillium, and Hall’s wyethia). New housing development would result in loss of a portion of the trillium population, with a moderate, adverse impact on this species. Increased human use in this area during the spring and summer would have potential radiating impacts, such as trampling on all of the Wawona rare species. However, these impacts would be minor with the implementation of specific mitigation measures, including avoidance of habitat or populations of special-status species through site design.

Big Oak Flat Entrance

No impacts to federal-, state-, or park-listed plant species would occur under Alternative 5 because no special-status species are known to occur at the Big Oak Flat Entrance area.

South Entrance

No 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, which would minimize the potential impact on the Sierra sweet-bay. The impacts of Alternative 5 on this species would be minor and adverse as a result of increased visitor use in the South Entrance area as well as the potential 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 habitat loss 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 and soil compaction in the area. There could be increased hiking on Mt. Dana, which is within a day’s hike from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. The popular hike to the top of Mt. Dana is a cross-country path, without a formal route. Increased hiking 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 could be affected under Alternative 5. The proposed actions of this alternative would include mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts to these species. Radiating impacts from new development (including trampling, picking, and increased non-native plants from increased visitor uses in and out of the Valley) would be limited to negligible to minor by managing uses within these sensitive areas and increasing management efforts to control non-natives.

Adverse impacts as a result of habitat loss would occur in El Portal for two state-listed rare species, for six park rare species, in Wawona for trillium, 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, the retention and reuse of salvaged topsoil at the site to encourage re-establishment, resulting in minor, adverse local impacts.

Moderate beneficial impacts to northern bedstraw, false pimpernel, round-leaved sundew, Sierra laurel, phacelia, and ladies’ tressess would occur because of restoration of riparian and meadow habitat. Alternative 5 would have minor adverse impacts on the stream orchid and no impacts on the fawn-lily or wood saxifrage.

Restoration of riparian habitat at the old treatment plant at Rancheria Flat and the sand pit would have moderate, beneficial effects by increasing potential habitat for Congdon’s woolly-sunflower.

Therefore, the overall impact to park rare or special concern plant species would be minor and adverse, primarily resulting from habitat loss and impacts of trampling in Wawona, Foresta, and El Portal.

Cumulative Impact

The description of the impacts on special-status vegetation from reasonably foreseeable future projects within the cumulative impact assessment area is the same as for Alternative 2. The projects considered in this analysis are listed in Vol. II, Appendix H. These management and planning projects within the cumulative impact assessment area would have regional minor to moderate, beneficial impacts on rare species and their habitats due to 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 effects 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 habitat loss and trampling impacts.

Alternative 5, in conjunction with other regional planning and development activities, would have a minor, adverse cumulative impact on rare plant species, 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 5 is provided in table 4-122. The emissions data noted in table 4-122 reflect emissions from the following four 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 employee 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 in the shuttle bus fleet, volatile organic compounds would decrease by 8%, carbon monoxide would decrease by 36%, nitrogen oxide emissions would increase by 24%, and PM₁₀ would decrease by 36%. A moderate decrease in particulate matter would result from a reduction in vehicle miles traveled and associated road dust.

If compressed natural gas were to be used in the shuttle bus fleet instead of diesel fuel, emissions of carbon monoxide would increase and emissions of all other pollutants would decrease. The use of propane in the shuttle bus fleet would result in increases in emissions of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide and decreases in emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and PM₁₀ compared to the use of diesel fuel. The use of fuel cells in the shuttle bus fleet would reduce emissions of all pollutants compared to the use of diesel fuel.

Table 4-122 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
5	NA	No alternative fuels			19.3	18.7	21.5	NA³	11.0	10.5	13.3	8.4	7.9	7.3	10.1	5.3
CO Emissions
1²	568.2	No alternative fuels			364.1	No alternative fuels			249.2	No alternative fuels			189.8	No alternative fuels
5	NA	No alternative fuels			221.5	241.0	215.2	NA³	155.3	182.5	155.6	142.5	120.9	155.0	126.9	108.1
NO_X Emissions
1²	84.2	No alternative fuels			59.3	No alternative fuels			44.9	No alternative fuels			38.8	No alternative fuels
5	NA	No alternative fuels			60.0	54.3	48.9	NA³	51.6	46.2	40.5	26.6	48.1	43.0	37.0	23.1
SO₂ Emissions
1²	6.3	No alternative fuels			5.8	No alternative fuels			5.6	No alternative fuels			5.4	No alternative fuels
5	NA	No alternative fuels			4.6	3.7	3.7	NA³	4.4	3.6	3.6	3.6	4.3	3.5	3.5	3.5
PM₁₀ Emissions
1²	2.5	No alternative fuels			2.3	No alternative fuels			2.2	No alternative fuels			2.2	No alternative fuels
5	NA	No alternative fuels			1.5	1.5	1.4	NA³	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.3	1.4	1.4	1.3	1.3
PM₁₀ Road Dust
1²	165				165				165				165
5	97				97				97				97

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 could 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 yearCNG = compressed natural gasFC = Fuel Cell

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 1.9 parts per million and a carbon monoxide concentration of 1.9 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 concentration of 4.9 parts per million for both 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. The calculated maximum 8-hour average carbon monoxide concentration was 3.43 parts per million, based on traffic in both the inbound and outbound peak travel hour. The carbon monoxide concentrations under Alternative 5 would not exceed the federal or California 8-hour carbon monoxide standard of 9 parts per million. As shown in table 4-123, these carbon monoxide concentrations would represent minor and moderate reductions in ambient carbon monoxide levels for the inbound and outbound peak hours, respectively, when compared to Alternative 1.

Table 4-123 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
5			4.90	9.5	4.90	45.7
8-Hour Concentration
1	9	9	3.57	NA	4.55	NA
5			3.43	9.5	3.43	45.7

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

For both the inbound and outbound peak travel hour, the maximum 1-hour PM₁₀ concentration would be 43.4 micrograms per cubic meter (m g/m³). 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 4-124, these carbon monoxide concentrations represent minor and moderate reductions in ambient PM₁₀ levels for the inbound and outbound peak hours, respectively, when compared to Alternative 1.

Table 4-124 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
5			43.4	11.1	43.4	48.1

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

CONSTRUCTION-GENERATED AIR EMISSIONS

Air emissions associated with construction activities proposed for Alternative 5 are summarized in table 4-125. 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 represent minor, adverse impacts to air emission in the short term.

CONCLUSION

Compared with Alternative 1, Alternative 5 would produce moderate, adverse impacts for nitrogen oxide emissions; moderate, beneficial impacts for carbon monoxide and PM₁₀ emissions; and minor, beneficial impacts on volatile organic compounds emissions throughout the time periods of interest with the use of diesel fuel in the shuttle bus fleet. In comparison with the use of diesel fuel under Alternative 5, only the fuel cell scenario would be able to produce lower vehicle traffic emissions for all pollutants by 2015. The fuel cell emission reductions also would be the largest among the three alternative fuel options.

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

Table 4-125 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	0.08	0.41	0.40	3.96	0.11
Traffic Management Facility El Capitan crossover	0.02	0.07	0.12	0.39	0.08
Southside/Northside Drives Lane Conversion	0.22	0.37	0.84	6.51	1.10
Out-of-Valley Parking	0.30	0.60	1.20	7.69	1.30
Day Visitor Parking in the Village	0.15	0.31	0.61	3.85	0.68
Transit Facility	0.02	0.09	0.10	0.61	0.03
New El Portal/Wawona Employee Housing	1.39	6.82	7.25	45.19	2.05
NPS/Concessioner Headquarters	0.09	0.39	0.51	1.88	0.15
El Portal Road Improvements	0.15	0.46	0.71	2.50	0.48
Total	2.74	10.89	13.49	76.74	6.47

CO = carbon monoxideNO_x = nitrogen oxidePM₁₀ = particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameterSO₂ = sulfur dioxideVOC = volatile organic compoundsNPS = National Park Service

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Air quality in Yosemite National Park currently is affected by internal air pollution sources, such as furnaces, boilers, woodstoves, and campfires. Estimates of air emissions from these sources are provided in table 3-12 (see Vol. Ia, Chapter 3). For purposes of this analysis, these air pollution sources would continue 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.

Cumulative impacts on air emissions associated with Alternative 5 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 would include overall population increases in the area that are expected to range from 25% to 30% by 2015. The cumulative impacts for Alternative 5 would be the same as those associated with Alternative 2. Considered with the moderate, adverse impact resulting from the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects in the Yosemite region, the impacts resulting from Alternative 5 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 (rockfall), 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 are within the shadow line zone. The LeConte Memorial Lodge is within the talus slope zone. Under this alternative, the density of Housekeeping Camp would be reduced by 164 units. The LeConte Memorial Lodge, a historic structure, and Housekeeping Camp are both standard occupancy facilities, thus the action would be adverse and retain moderate risks. Retaining conditions of this type would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines, and risks would remain moderate.

CURRY VILLAGE AREA

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, which would be a beneficial impact. The redevelopment of the guest parking areas in the talus slope and shadow line zones would also reduce risk to life and property, and adhere to the Geologic Hazard Guidelines because new miscellaneous structures (parking) may be placed in any area. These facilities are standard occupancy facilities, except the pavilion, which is considered special occupancy. Consequently, these actions would be beneficial, and would reduce levels of risk to minor, except at the pavilion, where adverse risks would remain moderate.

CAMPGROUND AREAS

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

THE AHWAHNEE AREA

The Ahwahnee and associated support facilities, which are special occupancy facilities, are within the shadow line zone. A small portion of the 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, and existing risk to life and property would remain adverse and moderate.

YOSEMITE VILLAGE AREA

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

YOSEMITE LODGE AREA

All existing buildings and proposed lodge facilities would remain within the shadow line zone, as delineated in the Geologic Hazard Guidelines. Additionally, an employee housing facility would be constructed within the lodge complex. All existing buildings are standard occupancy except for the restaurants, which are considered special occupancy facilities. Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground) is a miscellaneous structure facility within both the talus slope zone and the shadow line zone. An increase in density within the shadow line zone would be adverse, but risks would remain minor.

Yosemite Falls facilities are also considered miscellaneous and are located in the shadow line zone. Retaining existing conditions would be consistent with the Geologic Hazard Guidelines; thus, risk to life and property would remain as they are currently: adverse and moderate.

BRIDALVEIL FALL AREA

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

CONCLUSION

Alternative 5 does not propose to remove or relocate existing facilities or change occupancy categories, but would increase the density of facilities within the shadow line zone. Thus, the current level of risk to life and property would remain the same. Potential impacts from rockfall would always be adverse when individuals and property are involved. Overall, actions would be considered adverse, and risks would remain major because of the high concentration of essential, hazardous, and special occupancy facilities within the talus slope and shadow line zones.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects could have a cumulative effect, in conjunction with impacts of Alternative 5, 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 Hazards Guidelines. Past and present actions, which at times require the use of explosives for trail maintenance or road work, could trigger rockfall events. This would be an adverse effect. Risk of such effects are evaluated before decisions concerning the type of work to be undertaken is made. There are no reasonably foreseeable future projects (Appendix H, see Vol. II) that would impact or change the geologic structure of the granite walls within Yosemite Valley. The park uses explosives guidelines, and 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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