Appendix C: User Capacity Alternative Assumptions

Table C-1
Alternative 1: No Action Alternative

Segment Name

Estimated Daily Visitor Capacity

ENTIRE CORRIDOR

Corridorwide

· Average annual park visitation level since 1980 = 3.39 milliona

· Current existing total for overall employee housing within the corridor (does not address existing employee housing deficiencies) = 1,683 bedsb

· Average daily employee commuters into river corridor = 606 peoplec

MAIN STEM

Wilderness

Yosemite Valley

Gorge

El Portal

Wilderness

Wawona (includes below Wawona and impoundment)

NOTES:

a  Information obtained from NPS Public Use Statistics (NPS 2005b). This information reflects parkwide visitation and is the annual average from 1980 to 2004. Visitation data specifically for the river corridor are not available.

b  Current housing distribution for the NPS, the primary concessioner and other concessioners includes the following allocation of 1,683 beds: Yosemite Valley - 1,241 beds (NPS - 97; primary concessioner - 1,107; other concessioners - 37); El Portal 290 beds (NPS - 177; primary concessioner - 65, other concessioner - 48 ); Gorge 7 beds (NPS - 7); and Wawona 145 beds (NPS - 73, primary concessioner - 72) [Sources: Personal communication between Brandon Flint (NPS) and Cindy Baker (NPS Housing) and Yolanda Cheley (DNC Housing) and YVP Table 2-9, pg. 2-40].

c  In 2004, an average of 606 commuters per day potentially entered the river corridor during peak summer months. This number reflects an increase of 10% to the base number (551 commuters + 55 commuters) to account for other potential park partner commuters entering the river corridor who are not accounted for in the discussion below. The number of NPS and primary concessioner commuters was estimated by determining the difference between the number of NPS and primary concessioner employees working in the corridor (2,459) [1,875 concessioner + 584 NPS Employees (784 park wide total NPS employees - 200 NPS employees working outside the river corridor in Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, and Hodgdon Meadows) = 2,459 employees] and the number of NPS and concessioner employees housed in the corridor (354 NPS beds + 1,244 primary concessioner beds + 85 other concessioner beds = 1,683) [2,459 employees - 1,683 employees housed = 776 employees potentially commuting into the corridor]. Due to the weekly distribution of employee work shifts, it is estimated that an average of 71% of employees (5 days / 7 days per week = 0.71) potentially commute each day. Therefore 551 employees could potentially commute into the corridor each day (776 ‚àö√≥ 0.71 = 551).

d  The current Wilderness Trailhead Quota System allows for 1,280 people per night. Only a portion of these wilderness users would be within the Merced River corridor in the Wilderness segments (See Table II-1, Entry/Exit Trailhead Quota, per day).

e  Combined average visitation associated with personal vehicles, commercial buses and transit buses in Yosemite Valley is 14,944 people per day (13,666 + 1,278).
The average day use associated with personal vehicles is 13,666 people per day. Specifically, visitation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. represents two-thirds of the total daily visitation (NPS 1980a, Table A-1). Therefore, average visitor use occurring between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. equals 9,111 [based on 2,197 parking spaces √ó (6 hours / 4.2 hour average length of stay = 1.43 cars per space per 6 hours) √ó 2.9 people per car]. The remaining average daily visitation occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. is 4,543, which accounts for the remaining one-third of daily visitation (9,111 / 2 = 4,555). [9,111 + 4,555 = 13,666].
Overall, average day use associated with commercial and tour buses is 1,278 persons per day (based on 1,189 commercial bus riders in east Valley + 89 transit bus riders = 1,278). Commercial bus visitor day use (August 2004) is 1,189 people per day for east Valley (based upon 41 buses per day with an average of 29 people per bus). Average visitor day use associated with transit buses is 89 people per day (August 2004).

f  Average occupancy of lodging and campsites is 6,285. For lodging: in 1998, the number of visitors estimated to be in overnight lodging units was 4,211 (NPS 2000e, Appendix G, pg. G-2). Of the 4,211 overnight guests 1,064 were at Housekeeping Camp (266 units on average have 4 people per unit) and 3,147 are guests in the 996 rooms at all other lodging facilities (The Ahwahnee @ 123 rooms + Yosemite Lodge @ 245 rooms + Curry Village @ 628 rooms = 996 rooms) which on average have 3.16 per room.
For camping: currently there are 475 campsites in the Valley with an average total capacity of 2,074 people (Upper Pines @ 240 sites with 4 per site = 960 people; Lower Pines @ 76 sites with 4 per site = 304 people, and 2 group sites with 12 per site = 24 people; North Pines @ 86 sites with 4 per site = 344 people; Camp 4 @ 37 sites with 6 per site = 222 people; Backpackers Campground @ 30 sites with 4 per site = 120 people; Yellow Pine Administrative Campground @ 4 sites with 25 per site = 100 people).

g  The average visitor use associated with personal vehicles and commercial bus parking facilities in the gorge is 2,446 people per day.
The average personal vehicle visitor day use is 1,518 people per day. Visitation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. represents two-thirds of the total daily visitation (NPS 1980a, Table A-1). Therefore, average visitor use occurring between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. equals 1,012 people [based on 244 parking spaces √ó (6 hours / 4.2 hour average length of stay = 1.43 cars per space per 6 hours) √ó 2.9 people per car]. The remaining average daily visitation occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. is 506, which accounts for the remaining one-third of daily visitation (1,012 / 2 = 506). [1,012 + 506 = 1,518].
Average day use associated with commercial buses is 928 people per day (based upon 2 bus parking spaces with 16 buses per space per day and 29 people per bus).

h  Average visitor use associated with personal vehicles and commercial rafting operations is 1,083. This was calculated by determining the average number of day users associated with personal vehicle use of 1,044 (360 existing parking spaces [DEA 2004: total westbound SH 140 = 145; eastbound SH 140 = 113; Foresta Road = 86; Redbud launch site = 16] with 1 car per space per day and 2.9 people per car), and the average commercial rafting use of 39 people per day (based on 2004 RIMS data (BLM Folsom) documenting 3,500 users over a 90-day period; 3,500 / 90 = 39 people per day (NPS 2004g).

I  Average visitor day use in Wawona associated with personal vehicles, commercial bus parking facilities and day users who enter the corridor from facilities located outside the corridor is 2,391 people per day [1,325 + 812 + 254 = 2,391].
The average personal vehicle visitor day use is 1,325 people per day. Visitation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. represents two-thirds of the total daily visitation (NPS 1980a, Table A-1). Therefore, average visitor use occurring between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. equals 883 people per day [based on 213 parking spaces √ó (6 hours / 4.2 hour average length of stay = 1.43 cars per space per 6 hours) √ó 2.9 people per car]. The remaining average daily visitation occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. is 442, which accounts for the remaining one-third of daily visitation (883 / 2 = 442). [883 + 442 = 1,325].
Average day use associated with commercial buses is 812 (28 buses per day with 29 people per bus).
Average day use associated adjacent lodging on non-NPS lands in Wawona is 254 (estimate provided by SDA 2004).

j  Based on average occupancy of lodging and campsites. For lodging, the average capacity is 222 people (Wawona Hotel @ 104 rooms at 2.13 people per room. Personal communication between Sue Clark, NPS, and Mike Bruneer, DNC (April 2005) regarding room count and average capacity. For camping, the average capacity is 422 (Wawona Campground @ 98 sites with 4 people per site and 1 group site with 30 people per site).

Segment Name

Interim Limits

ENTIRE CORRIDOR

Corridorwide

Interim Limit: 1,969 employee bedsa

MAIN STEM

Wilderness

Limited to existing facilities.

Yosemite Valley

Day-visitor parking limited to existing levelb

Interim Limit: 2,197 spaces

Commercial/noncommercial buses limited/managed to existing parkingc

Interim Limit: 38 bus parking spaces used to manage 92 buses per day in east Valley

Overnight lodging accommodations limited to existing leveld

Interim Limit: 1,262 units/room

Camping accommodations may increasee

Interim Limit:  638 sites

Gorge

Day-visitor parking limited to existing levelsf

Interim Limit:  244 spaces

Commercial/noncommercial buses limited/managed to existing parking

Interim Limit:  2 spaces

El Portal

Day-visitor parking limited to existing levelg

Interim Limit:  360 spaces

SOUTH FORK

Wilderness

Limited to existing facilities.

Wawona

(includes below Wawona and impoundment)

Day-visitor parking limited to existing levelh

Interim Limit:  213 spaces

Commercial/noncommercial buses limited/managed to existing parkingi

Interim Limit:  14 bus parking spaces used to manage 28 buses per day

Overnight lodging accommodations limited to existing levelj

Interim Limit:  104 units

Camping accommodations limited to existing levelk

Interim Limit:  99 sites

NOTES:

a  Includes beds in Valley, El Portal, Gorge, and Wawona. This interim number is based on the number of employee beds approved in the General Management Plan (GMP, 1980 - Visitor Use/Park Operations/ Development; pg. 25; 1,790 with a 10% increase (1,790 x 0.10) = 1,969) proposed employee housing capacities in the Valley, El Portal, and Wawona. Specifically, the General Management Plan approved employee beds in Valley (480) + El Portal (880) + Wawona (430). The actual number residents in these areas is higher based on the number of nonemployee residents per employee household (NPS 2000e, Table 1.4). The overall employee housing number was adjusted upward by 10% within corridor to address housing demands associated with changing demographics, operational demands needs and current housing deficiencies.

b  Current distribution of the 2,197 Valley parking includes spaces in the East Valley (1,510 spaces), and West Valley (687 spaces) (DEA 2005c).

c  Current number of bus parking spaces in east Yosemite Valley is 38 (per Dave Henderson, NPS Traffic Management, May 2005) used to manage 92 commercial or transit buses per day (estimate based on historic peak high level of commercial bus use in August 1996 and historic peak high of transit bus use in August 2000; these levels reflect what Yosemite Valley currently and historically accommodated).

d  Interim lodging facility limit based upon existing numbers of rooms at all Yosemite Valley lodging facilities (an itemized analysis can be found in Table C-1, footnote "f").

e  Interim campsite facility limit of 638 sites is based upon the number of existing and other additional campsites that would be allowed by approved Merced River Plan management zoning. This interim number includes existing camp sites (475) plus the Upper Pines expansion (89 sites), Camp 4 expansion (28 sites), Tenaya Creek Walk-in (20 sites), South Camp walk-in (16 sites), and South Camp Group expansions (10 sites).

f  Yosemite National Park Parking Inventory (DEA 2005). Includes 244 auto parking spaces.

g  Yosemite National Park Parking Inventory (DEA 2005). 360 public day-use parking spaces. Includes public day-use parking within the El Portal Administrative Site. Parking inventory does not include residential or employee parking at administrative facilities.

h  Yosemite National Park Parking Inventory (DEA 2005).

i  Yosemite National Park Parking Inventory (DEA 2005).

j  Personal communication between Kim Tucker, NPS and Deborah Price, DNC (December 2004) regarding rooms and occupancy rates for the Wawona Hotel.

k  Personal communication between Brandon Flint, NPS and Melissa Carter, NPS (November 2004) regarding campground capacity and occupancy rates.

Table C-3
Comparison of GMP Visitor Use and Employee Housing Levels (1980) with Existing Conditions (2004) and GMP Proposed Levels at full implementation

Segment Name

Existing GMP Capacity Levels in 1980i

Current Capacity Levelsf
(estimated daily visitor capacity)

Proposed Capacity Levels with
Full Implementation of GMPj

MAIN STEM

Wilderness

No visitor or employee levels listeda

Existing Trailhead Quotab

No visitor or employee levels listed.

Yosemite Valley

 Day visitors:  17,340

 Overnight visitors:  9,066g

 Segment Total:  26,406

 Day visitors:  14,944

 Overnight visitors:  6,285

 Segment Total:  21,229

 Day visitors:  10,530

 Overnight visitors:  7,711h

 Segment Total: 18,241

Gorge

 Day visitors:  360

 Overnight visitors: 0

 Segment Total: 360

 Day visitors: 2,446

 Overnight visitors:  0

 Segment Total:  2,446

 Day visitors:  360

 Overnight visitors: 0

 Segment Total:  360

El Portal

 Day visitors:  540

 Overnight visitors:  0

 Segment Total:  540

 Day visitors:  1,083

 Overnight visitors: 0

 Segment Total:  1,083

 Day visitors:  765

 Overnight visitors:  0

 Segment Total:  765

SOUTH FORK

Wilderness

No visitor or employee levels listed.

No visitor or employee levels listed.

No visitor or employee levels listed.

Wawona (includes impoundment below Wawona)

 Day visitors:  1,689

 Overnight visitors:  644

 Segment Total:  2,333

 Day visitors:  2,391

 Overnight visitors:  644

 Segment Total:  3,035

 Day visitors:  1,689

 Overnight visitors:  1,622

 Segment Total: 3,311

ENTIRE CORRIDOR (All Segments)

Employees/residents

 Existing GMP level: 1,880c

 Existing Level: 1,683d

 Proposed GMP Level:  1,790e

NOTES:

a  The General Management Plan did not address existing or proposed day use in wilderness and noted that overnight use of wilderness areas would be managed under the established Wilderness Trailhead Quota System.

b  The current Parkwide Trailhead Quota for the Wilderness segments is 1,280 people per night. Only a portion of these wilderness users would be within the Merced River corridor in the Wilderness segments.

c  All employee/resident numbers are based on the number of employee beds. Existing General Management Plan levels in 1980 represent the total number of beds in the Valley (1,510) + El Portal (190) + Wawona (180). The actual number of residents in these areas is higher based on the number of nonemployee residents per employee household. (NPS 2000e, Table 1.4).

d  All employee/resident numbers are based on the number of employee beds. Existing employee housing is the total number of beds in the Valley (1,241) + Gorge (7) + El Portal (290) + Wawona (145). The actual number of residents in these areas is higher based on the number of nonemployee residents per employee household.

e  All employee/resident numbers are based on the number of employee beds. The General Management Plan approved employee beds in Valley (480) + El Portal (880) + Wawona (430). The actual number residents in these areas are higher based on the number of nonemployee residents per employee household (NPS 2000e, Table 1.4).

f  See Table C-1 for explanation of all numbers in this column.

g  In 1980 there were 800 auto, 58 walk-in, and 14 group campsites; and 1,528 lodging units (Source: 1980 GMP FEIS, Table A-6, page 230).

h  The GMP proposed at full implementation 684 auto, 58 walk-in, and 14 group campsites; and 1,250 lodging units, resulting in a reduction of 116 auto campsites and 278 lodging units from 1980 levels.

i  Source: General Management Plan 1980 Final Environmental Impact Statement Table A-1 for day use assumptions and Table A-6 for overnight accommodation assumptions.

j  Source: General Management Plan 1980 Final Environmental Impact Statement Table A-1 for day use assumptions and Table A-6 for overnight accommodation assumptions.

Table C-4
Alternative 3: Segment and Corridorwide Limits

Segment Name

Segment Limits (maximum people per day in peak period)

Entire Corridor

· Annual corridorwide visitation limit 5.32 million visitorsa

· Overall employee housing = 1,969 bedsb

· Average daily employee commuters into river corridor = 606 peoplec

MAIN STEM

Wilderness

Existing Trailhead Quota  1,280d

Day use limit to Half Dome 800e

Yosemite Valley

Day visitors 16,680f

Overnight visitors 7,699g

Segment maximum total 24,379

Gorge

Day visitors 2,958h

Overnight visitors 0

Segment maximum total 2,958

El Portal

Day visitors 1,144i

Overnight visitors 0

Segment maximum total 1,144

SOUTH FORK

Wilderness

Existing Trailhead Quota 1,280

Wawona

(includes below Wawona and the impoundment)

Day visitors 2,839j

Overnight visitors 897k

Segment maximum total 3,736

NOTES:

a  The limit of 5.32 million annual visitors in this alternative is based on 0.70 million visitors to the park during the months of June, July and August (0.70 million visitors was based on the annual park attendance for August in 1996 and 1997 as these numbers reflect historic peak monthly attendance since 1980); 0.21 million visitors in January, February and December; 0.28 million visitors in March and November; 0.35 million visitors in April; 0.56 million visitors in May; 0.63 million visitors in September; and 0.49 million visitors in October. Table IV-16 presents monthly visitation from 1980 through 2004.

b  The number of employee beds proposed in the General Management Plan for the Valley, El Portal, Gorge, and Wawona was increased by 10% to account for current housing deficiencies. (See table C-2, footnote (a) for details).

c  In 2004, an average of 606 commuters potentially entered the river corridor per day during peak summer months; however, this number reflects an increase of 10% to the base number (551 commuters + 55 commuters) to account for other potential park partner commuters entering the river corridor that are not accounted for in the discussion to follow.
The number of NPS and primary concessioner commuters was estimated by determining the difference between the number of NPS and primary concessioner employees working in the corridor (2,459) [1,875 concessioner + 584 NPS Employees (784 park wide total NPS employees - 200 NPS employees working outside the river corridor in Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, and Hodgdon Meadows) = 2,459 employees] and the number of NPS and primary concessioner employees housed in the corridor (354 NPS beds + 1,244 primary concessioner beds + 85 other concessioner beds = 1,683) [2,459 employees - 1,683 employees housed = 776 employees potentially commuting into the corridor]. Due to the weekly distribution of employee work shifts, it is estimated that an average of 71% of employees (5 days / 7 days per week = 0.71) potentially commute each day. Therefore 551 employees could potentially commute into the corridor each day (776 √ó 0.71 = 551).

d  The current Wilderness Trailhead Quota System allows for1,280 people per night. Wilderness users in the Merced River corridor account for only a portion of the people in the Wilderness segments of the river.

e  Based on 2004 estimated current maximum daily use per the Wilderness Management Office.

f  Combined visitation associated with average personal vehicle occupancy, maximum peak commercial bus and maximum peak transit bus ridership in Yosemite Valley is 16,680 people per day (13,666 + 2,760 + 254 = 16,680).
The average day use associated with personal vehicles is 13,666 people per day. Visitation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. represents two-thirds of the total daily visitation (NPS, 1980a, Table A-1). Therefore, average visitor use occurring between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. equals 9,111 [based on 2,197 parking spaces √ó (6 hours / 4.2 hour average length of stay = 1.43 cars per space per 6 hours) √ó 2.9 people per car]. The remaining average daily visitation occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. is 4,555, which accounts for the remaining one-third of daily visitation (9,111 / 2 = 4,555). [9,111 + 4,555 = 13,666]
Maximum Commercial Bus visitor day use (August 1996) is 2,760 people per day (based upon 80 buses per day with 52 buses @ 45 people and 28 smaller buses @ 15 people per bus). Assumes a maximum of 254 visitors per day on transit (August 2000, 47% of the seats available are occupied by visitors on 12 bus runs per day with 45 seats per bus).

g  Based on maximum capacity of lodging facilities and campgrounds is 7,699. For lodging, the maximum visitor use is 4,821 visitors per day (based on Yosemite Lodge, 245 rooms with a total of 1,003 pillows; The Ahwahnee, 123 rooms with a total of 435 pillows; Housekeeping Camp, 266 rooms with 1,124 pillows; Curry Village, 628 rooms with 2,259 pillows).
For camping, the maximum visitor day use is 2,878 visitor per day (based on maximum capacity of Upper Pines, 240 sites with 6 per site = 1,440 people; Lower Pines, 76 sites at 6 per site and 2 group sites with 12 per site = 480 people; North Pines, 86 sites with 6 per site = 516 people; Camp 4, 37 sites with 6 per site = 222 people; Backpackers Campground, 30 sites with 4 per site = 120 people; Yellow Pine Administrative Campground, 4 sites with 25 per site = 100).

h  Combined visitor day use in the Gorge associated with average personal vehicles occupancy and maximum commercial bus ridership associated with parking facilities in the Gorge is 2,958 people per day. (1,518 + 1,440 = 2,958).
The average personal vehicle visitor day use is 1,518 people per day. Visitation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. represents two-thirds of the total daily visitation (NPS 1980a, Table A-1). Therefore, average visitor use occurring between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. equals 1,012 people [based on 244 parking spaces √ó (6 hours / 4.2 hour average length of stay = 1.43 cars per space per 6 hours) √ó 2.9 people per car]. The remaining average daily visitation occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. is 506, which accounts for the remaining one-third of daily visitation (1,012 / 2 = 506). [1,012 + 506 = 1,518].
Maximum day use associated with commercial buses is 1,440 people per day (based upon 2 bus parking spaces with16 buses per space per day and 45 people per bus).

i  Visitor use associated with personal vehicles and commercial rafting operations is 1,144. Visitor use associated with personal vehicles is 1,044 (based on 360 parking spaces with 1 car per space per day (based on a 6-hour design day per the General Management Plan) and an occupancy rate of 2.9 people per car). Maximum visitor use associated with commercial rafting operations departing from Red Bud Launch Site is 100 people per day (based on 4 groups launching per day with 25 people per group).

j  Combined visitor day use in Wawona associated with personal vehicles, maximum commercial bus ridership associated with parking facilities and day users who enter the corridor from facilities located outside the corridor is 2,839 people per day (1,325 + 1,260 + 254 = 2,839).
The average personal vehicle visitor day use is 1,325 people per day. Visitation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. represents two-thirds of the total daily visitation (NPS 1980a, Table A-1). Therefore, average visitor use occurring between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. equals 883 people per day [based on 213 parking spaces √ó (6 hours / 4.2 hour average length of stay = 1.43 cars per space per 6 hours) √ó 2.9 people per car]. The remaining average daily visitation occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. is 442, which accounts for the remaining one-third of daily visitation (883 / 2 = 442). [883 + 442 = 1,325].
Maximum day use associated with commercial buses is 1,260 (28 buses per day with 45 people per bus).
Maximum day use associated adjacent lodging on non-NPS lands in Wawona is 254 (estimate provided by SDA 2004).

k  Based on maximum occupancy of lodging and campsites of 897. The maximum capacity of each hotel room (Wawona Hotel @ 104 rooms with 279 pillows) = 279 people. Includes maximum capacity of each campsite (Wawona 98 sites with 6 people per site and 1 group site with 30 people per site) = 618 people.

WILDERNESS ZONES

1A

Untrailed

Trailhead quota system

Reduce existing trailhead quotas. Increase enforcement.

1B

Trailed Travel

Trailhead quota system

Reduce existing trailhead quotas. Increase enforcement.

1C

Heavy Use Trail

Trailhead quota system

Reduce existing trailhead quotas. Increase enforcement. Require day use permits for hikers through Little Yosemite Valley.

1D

Designated Overnight

Trailhead quota system

Reduce existing trailhead quotas. Increase enforcement. Limit capacity at Merced Lake Sierra High Camp. Reduce or restrict stock use levels.

DIVERSE VISITOR EXPERIENCE ZONES

2A

Open Space

0.83 to 2.5 PAOTb per acre

Limit number of visitors allowed.

Require permits for use of these areas.

Reduce access by removing parking or trails.

2A+

Open Space - Undeveloped

0.01 PAOT per acre

Limit number of visitors allowed.

Require permits for use of these areas.

Reduce access by removing parking or trails.

2B

Discovery

0.83 to 2.5 PAOT per acre

Limit number of visitors allowed.

Reduce access by removing parking, shuttle access, or trails.

Require permits for use of these areas.

2C

Day Use Area

5 to 10 PAOT per acre

Limit number of visitors allowed.

Require permits or reservations for use of these areas.

Reduce access by removing parking or trails.

2D

Attraction Area

20 to 100 PPVc

Limit number of visitors allowed.

Require permits or reservations for use of these areas.

Reduce access by removing parking or trails.

DEVELOPED ZONES

3A

Camping

15 to 20 PAOT per acre

Reduce number of people per campsite.

Reduce number of campsites.

3B

Visitor Base and Lodging

40 to 50 PAOT per acre

Reduce number of people per room.

Reduce number of rooms available.

3C

Park Operations and Administration

25 to 50 PAOT per acre

Reduce employees stationed in zone.

Reduce employees residing in zone.

NOTES:

Capacity limits vary based on the most appropriate measures for each site. For example, Developed Zones are typically located in areas best suited to high use levels, and capacities in these areas are based on their use as either housing or administrative uses. Areas that are more sensitive to development and use levels are managed more in accordance with U.S. Forest Service capacity estimates for recreation areas.

a The 3.27 million annual visitor limit reflected is based on the annual parkwide visitation for 1987, the year the Merced River was designated as Wild and Scenic. (see Table IV-16).

b PAOT = People at one time. For example, the capacity factors proposed for zone 3B - Camping are based on existing facility capacities. The total number of people allowed per campsite (i.e. six for an individual site), multiplied by the total number of campsites in the Valley and Wawona segments (these are the only segments containing 3B zoning) of the river corridor to determine the total number of people that could be present in those zones at any given time. The total number of acres contained within the 3B management zones (as defined in the Merced River Plan) in both the Valley and Wawona segments was divided by the total number of people within those zones.

c PPV = People per view. A view could be a 50-meter section of a popular trail or the viewing area at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.