Date: January 26, 2012
Yosemite National Park announces the signing of The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI records the decision of the National Park Service to adopt a long-term plan for the rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee (described as Alternative 3 in environmental assessment released for public review in July 2011). The FONSI, environmental assessment, and errata sheets are available at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/AhwahneeRehab.
The Selected Action addresses code and standard deficiencies (e.g., fire, seismic, life-safety, health, accessibility) and rehabilitates historic features throughout the National Historic Landmark hotel and cottages. The Selected Action also improves operational and energy and water-use efficiencies to provide a sustainable level of service into the future for both overnight and daytime visitors. The park will implement the comprehensive rehabilitation plan in a long-term, phased approach as funding becomes available.
A public scoping period for The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan occurred from August 13 through September 30, 2009. Targeted scoping to museums, historical societies and preservation groups also occurred in January 2010. Eight public scoping letters were received and considered by park staff. The environmental assessment was released for public review on July 21, 2011, and the National Park Service accepted comments through August 23, 2011. Eight public comment letters were received. All comments on the EA were reviewed by park staff and were considered in the development of the FONSI and errata sheets.
Requests for hardcopies or CD-ROMs of the FONSI, available on a limited basis, can be submitted to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389; or fax (209) 379-1294; or email e-mail us. Hardcopies and CD-ROMs will also be available at the park's monthly Open House on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
