Tuolumne River Plan

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In Tuolumne Meadows, the Tuolumne River sustains the subalpine meadow and riparian habitat.

 

The beauty of the meandering Tuolumne River and its adjacent meadows have attracted park visitors for more than 100 years.

In accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service has prepared the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Draft Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the segments of the Tuolumne River corridor within Yosemite. The plan analyzes a range of approaches for managing the visitor experience, facilities, and natural and cultural resources within the Wild and Scenic River corridor.

The Tuolumne River corridor is rich in natural, cultural, and scenic wonders, as well as outstanding opportunities for recreation. Recognizing the Tuolumne River's exceptional character and seeking to preserve its free-flowing nature, Congress in 1984 included 83 Miles of the river (54 miles in the park) in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River originates high on the crest of the Sierra Nevada. Flowing westward, the river meanders through Tuolumne Meadows, cascades through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and then enters the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The reservoir is not part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Below O'Shaugnessy Dam, the river continues through Poopenaut Valley to the park boundary.

The Tuolumne River Draft Plan:

• Describes existing resource conditions including outstandingly remarkable values, water quality, and free-flowing condition;
• Identifies existing adverse impacts or degradation and describe goals, objectives, and actions for restoring river values;
• Presents a monitoring plan to ensure ongoing protection of river values;
• Presents a variety of alternatives for the current and future management and development of lands and facilities, including transportation, lodging, camping, parking, park facilities, employee housing, and concessions;
• Identifies the kinds and amounts of visitor uses that are appropriate and that also protect river values;
• Addresses instream flow requirements; and
• Reflects a collaborative approach with all stakeholders.

 

Contact Us: The Planning Division, with Tuolumne River Plan Project Manager Mike Yochim, can be contacted at 209/379-1110 for general inquires. Finally, receive updates on the Tuolumne River Plan process on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/YosemiteNPS.

Merced River: Merced Wild and Scenic River Draft Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement is open for public comment through April 18, 2013.

 

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