Yosemite Valley Plan SEIS, Volume IB, Chapter 4: Alternative 1

This assessment is based on the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement (Merced River Plan), and the management elements of the Merced River Plan. The applicable Merced Wild and Scenic River segments are 2 (Yosemite Valley), 3A and 3B (Impoundment and Gorge), 4 (El Portal), and 7 (Wawona). See Vol. Ia, Chapter 3, Affected Environment, for further discussion on the management elements of the Merced River Plan.

Alternatives have been assessed within a river segment with regard to their: (1) impacts on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values, values for which the river was designated by Congress; (2) compatibility with classifications; (3) compatibility with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 determination process; (4) consistency with the River Protection Overlay; and (5) consistency with management zoning. The Merced River Plan, which established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 determination process, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework (within the wild and scenic river boundaries), is discussed as a cumulative project.

Consistency of the alternatives with the Wild and Scenic River boundaries are analyzed through the analysis of Final Yosemite Valley Plan/SEIS consistency with the Merced River Plan management zoning.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values for this segment are scenic, geologic processes/conditions, recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes. A description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for each segment can be found in Vol. II, Appendix B. Potential impacts of the No Action Alternative are shown in table 4-14.

The No Action Alternative adopts the River Protection Overlay, but does not prescribe any actions to implement it. However, the continuation of existing trends to restore riparian areas and the preclusion of future development incompatible with the River Protection Overlay would have beneficial effects on the scenic, biological, and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values for this segment.

The existing conditions at campgrounds have both beneficial and adverse impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values in the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley. There is an adverse impact to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because campsites displace and impact river-related vegetation. There is an adverse impact to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because campsites interfere with natural processes such as flooding, and river meandering. There is an adverse impact on the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value because campsites are clearly visible from the river and riverbank and visually interrupt the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest. Maintenance of camping opportunities protects the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

The existing conditions at Housekeeping Camp have both beneficial and adverse impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values. There is an adverse impact to the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values because Housekeeping units displace and impact river-related vegetation, and impede the 100-year flood flow. The scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value is adversely impacted because campsites are clearly visible from the river and riverbank, and visually interrupt the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest. Maintenance of lodging opportunities protects the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Existing conditions at Yosemite Lodge, both inside and outside of the Merced Wild and Scenic River boundary, have both beneficial and adverse impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Inside the boundary, the passive restoration of the former cabins area and the area between Yosemite Lodge and the Merced River would have a beneficial impact on the biological and hydrologic Outstandingly Remarkable Values. However, a few facilities, parking, and lodging units (including the Maple, Juniper, Laurel, Hemlock, and Alder Units) associated with the Lodge remain within the wild and scenic river boundary and in the 100-year floodplain.

Table 4-14 Impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Segment 2 [Yosemite Valley])
Action	Outstandingly Remarkable Value Affected	Impact to Outstandingly Remarkable Value	Impact Duration	Potential Mitigation	Impact Intensity
Adoption of the River Protection Overlay
	Scenic Biological Hydrologic Processes	Continuation of trends to restore riparian areas would improve the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest Trends to restore riparian vegetation and river-related habitat would continue Trends to restore riparian areas would improve fluvial processes	Long-term Long-term Long-term	NA NA NA	Beneficial condition continues Beneficial condition continues Beneficial condition continues
Campgrounds
Upper and Lower River, Group and Lower Pines Campgrounds would be neither restored to natural conditions nor rebuilt Retain North Pines Campground Yellow Pines remains as NPS volunteer group campground	Biological Hydrologic Processes Hydrologic Processes Hydrologic Processes	Existing facilities (some abandoned) would continue to impact riparian areas Some riparian areas of abandoned campgrounds would naturally regenerate Continued use of North Pines would result in loss of riparian vegetation and riverbank erosion, and facilities would impede flood flows; fill deposits would remain in the campgrounds (including abandoned campgrounds) In the abandoned camp areas there would be some improvement to the natural river dynamics and riverbank stability due to riparian area regeneration	Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term	None NA Enforce existing visitor/ resource protection regulations NA	Adverse condition continues Beneficial condition continues Adverse condition continues Beneficial condition continues
Lodging
Retain 264 Housekeeping Units Retain 245 Yosemite Lodge Units Area where Yosemite Lodge cottages were removed is neither restored to natural conditions nor cabins rebuilt	Scenic Biological	Housekeeping Camp and Yosemite Lodge are visible from the river Housekeeping Camp would continue to impact sensitive riparian areas and fragment habitat	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Retain Maple, Juniper, Laurel, Hemlock, and Alder Yosemite Lodge Motel Units in 100-year floodplain Retain 628 Curry Village Units	Biological Biological Biological Hydrologic Processes Hydrologic Processes	Maple, Juniper, Laurel, Hemlock, and Alder units at Yosemite Lodge would continue to contribute to the loss of river-related vegetation through displacement The concentration of visitors at Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, and Housekeeping Camp would continue to result in radiating impacts due to trampling to meadows and riparian communities inside the wild and scenic river boundary There would be natural regeneration of riparian vegetation at the former Yosemite Lodge cottages area Housekeeping Camp would continue to impede flood flows and potential for river to meander Maple, Juniper, Laurel, Hemlock, and Alder units at Yosemite Lodge would continue to impede flood flows	Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None NA None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Beneficial condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
	Hydrologic Processes	The concentration of visitors at Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, and Housekeeping Camp would continue to result in radiating impacts on riverbanks due to trampling, resulting in bank destabilization and unnatural erosion	Long-term	None	Adverse condition continues
Roads
Retain roads at - Southside Drive in the Bridalveil Fall area - Stoneman Meadow - Ahwahnee Meadow - Sentinel Meadow - Cook’s Meadow - El Capitan Meadow	Scenic Biological Hydrologic Processes	Retained roads, and the vehicles on them, are visible from riverbank and river; meadows are specifically identified in the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value, and roads through meadows impact the scenic quality of the meadows Loss of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would continue; roads interfere with water movement Roads and infrastructure in meadows affect flood flow	Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
El Portal Road between Cascades Diversion Dam and Pohono Bridge is not reconstructed
[Note: see Segment 3A for Outstandingly Remarkable Value impacts associated with Cascades Diversion Dam]	Scenic Recreation Biological Hydrologic processes	The road is visible from riverbank and river In the event of failure of this segment of road (which was temporarily repaved after a major failure in spring 1998), recreational opportunities would be severely curtailed Loss of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would continue Riprap that supports portions of this road segment is in the river channel	Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Bridges
Retain the following bridges: - Ahwahnee - Sugar Pine - Stoneman - Sentinel - Housekeeping - Yosemite Creek (multi-use trail) - Yosemite Creek (vehicle)	Biological Hydrologic Processes	Loss of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would continue At Sugar Pine, Stoneman, and Housekeeping Bridges, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Major, adverse condition continues
- El Capitan - Clark’s - Happy Isles (vehicle) - Swinging - Superintendent’s - Tenaya Creek - Pohono - Happy Isles (footbridge) [Note: See "Water Resources" section of this chapter for additional information on bridges.]	Hydrologic Processes Hydrologic Processes	At Ahwahnee, Superintendent’s, and Swinging Bridges, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded At Sentinel, Clark’s, Happy Isles (vehicle), El Capitan, Yosemite Creek (vehicle and multi-use trail) and Tenaya Creek Bridges, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Long-term Long-term	None None	Moderate, adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
	Hydrologic Processes	At Pohono Bridge, the river is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling continues; flood flow is impeded	Long-term	None	Adverse condition continues
	Hydrologic Processes	The Happy Isles footbridge is in imminent danger of failure and threatens the river channel	Long-term	None	Adverse condition continues
Lamon Orchard Remains
	Biological Hydrologic Processes	Degradation of meadow and wetland vegetation due to filling and ditching continues Orchard is in floodplain, although impact on flood flow is imperceptible	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Stock Use and Facilities
Concessioner stable remains Private stock use continues Guided trail rides continue	Biological Hydrologic processes	Stock use spreads non-native invasive plant species and contributes to water quality degradation, which impacts riparian vegetation and river-related environments — these impacts would continue; degradation of water quality via introduction of organic matter originating from stock continues Facilities, particularly buildings, interfere with flood flow	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Historic Superintendent’s House (Residence 1) is Retained
	Biological Hydrologic processes	Facility impacts surrounding oak woodland and adjacent meadow Within floodplain, impedes flood flow	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Picnic Areas (East Valley)
Retain: - Swinging Bridge - Sentinel Beach	Scenic Biological	Swinging Bridge and Sentinel Beach picnic areas are visible from the river Degradation of riparian vegetation and river-related habitats would continue	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Parking
Up to 1,662 parking spaces are located throughout Yosemite Valley; most are located within the wild and scenic river boundary Retain roadside turnouts at: - Southside Drive in the Bridalveil Fall area - Northside Drive through El Capitan Meadow - Northside Drive through Cook’s Meadow - Stoneman Meadow Retain parking at: - Yosemite Village - Camp 6 - Sentinel Bridge	Scenic Biological Hydrologic Processes	Parking at Camp 6 and multiple locations will remain visible from river and riverbank Parking at Camp 6 would continue to affect riparian area and fragment habitat Parking at Camp 6 is in floodplain and alters flood flow	Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Yosemite Village
Retain visitor services and National Park Service operations at Yosemite Village Retain Concessioner Headquarters in 100-year floodplain	Biological Hydrologic processes Hydrologic processes	Concentration of visitors in the Yosemite Village area would continue to have radiating impacts on river-related habitats due to trampling Concentration of visitors in the Yosemite Village area would continue to have radiating impacts on the riverbanks due to trampling, resulting in bank de-stabilization and unnatural erosion Concessioner Headquarters is in the 100-year floodplain and impedes flood flow	Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
Trails (East Valley)
Existing trails (foot paths and multi-use paved trails) are retained: - Four Mile Trail - Eastern part of Valley Loop Trail - John Muir Trail - Yosemite Falls Trail - Numerous trails adjacent to developed areas (e.g., Cook’s Meadow, Stoneman Meadow, bicycle path to Mirror Lake, etc.)	Biological Hydrologic Processes	Loss of vegetative cover and habitat fragmentation, although slightly perceptible, continues Segments of trails are within the floodplain, although impact to flood flow is imperceptible	Long-term Long-term	None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues
West Valley Development (West of Yellow Pine)
(see also, Parking and El Portal Road) Trails remain: - Western part of Valley Loop Trail - Trails in vicinity of Bridalveil Fall - Trails in vicinity of El Capitan Roads remain: - Northside Drive - Southside Drive - El Capitan crossover - Wawona Road El Capitan woodyard remains Parking at Bridalveil Fall, Southside Drive in the Bridalveil Fall area, Northside Drive through El Capitan Meadow, and other smaller areas remains Cathedral and El Capitan Picnic Areas remain	Scenic Biological Hydrologic Processes	Some facilities are visible from the river or riverbank Loss or degradation of river-related vegetation continues Some facilities are in 100-year floodplain and impede flooding	Long-term Long-term Long-term	None None None	Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues Adverse condition continues

The presence of lodging units at Curry Village (both inside and outside the wild and scenic river boundary) would continue to result in radiating impacts to meadows and riparian communities outside the wild and scenic river boundary, which has adverse effects on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Existing roads have an adverse impact to the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values because roads displace river-related vegetation communities and interfere with hydrologic processes.

The continued presence of bridges adversely impacts the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values (the degree of impact varies — see the Water Resources section in this chapter for additional information). The bridges have adverse impacts to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because river-related vegetation is lost, and adverse impacts to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of interference with the natural processes of meandering, flooding, etc. The historic bridges are important cultural resources that would remain under this alternative with no effect to the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

The continuation of parking at Camp 6 would have both beneficial and adverse impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Continuation of parking in the area would have adverse impacts to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of continued degradation of river-related habitats, and adverse impacts to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because of interference with natural processes such as flooding. However, the continued use of this area as a parking facility would have a beneficial impact to the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value because it allows day-visitor access to Yosemite Valley.

The continued presence of visitor services and National Park Service operations in the Yosemite Village area, outside of the Merced Wild and Scenic River boundary but in close proximity, would have both beneficial and adverse impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Radiating impacts from the concentration of visitors in the area would have a minor, adverse impact on the biological and hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Values through trampling of river-related habitats. The presence of visitor services would have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value because it supports day and overnight visitor use.

There would continue to be an absence of major development in west Yosemite Valley. Development would be limited to existing roads and parking areas, trails, and a few picnic areas. As a result, very limited adverse effects to Outstandingly Remarkable Values would continue to occur along this segment, including loss of vegetation, intrusion of existing facilities on scenic views, and impeded flood flow due to existing facilities in the 100-year floodplain. The current diversity of river-related recreational opportunities available along this segment would be maintained.

For the actions of this alternative, adverse impacts would continue for the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment, largely due to the presence of existing facilities that displace, degrade, or fragment riparian habitat, impede flood flow, inhibit natural meandering of the river, cause scouring or unnatural channeling of the river, or detract from the scenic interface of river, rock, meadow, and forest. In particular, Sugar Pine, Stoneman, and Housekeeping Bridges would continue to have a long-term, major, adverse impact on the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value because the Merced River is prevented from meandering; scouring and unnatural channeling would continue; and flood flow would be impeded.

Segment-wide, the presence of facilities visible from the river or riverbank that detract from the "scenic interface of river, rock, meadow and forest" would continue to adversely affect the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Segment-wide, there is no impact to the geologic processes/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Value, due to the absence of actions affecting the V-shaped valley, hanging valleys, and moraines of Yosemite Valley. Impacts related to the meandering river are discussed in hydrologic processes.

Segment-wide, the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value would be protected by the maintenance of a diversity of recreational opportunities.

Segment-wide, displacement and degradation of river-related communities by facilities and fragmentation of habitat would continue to adversely affect the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Segment-wide, there is no impact to the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because archeological sites would not be disturbed, and historic structures, including bridges, would remain.

Segment-wide, adverse impacts to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value would continue because of the presence of structures that impede flood flow, inhibit natural meandering, or cause scouring or unnatural channeling of the river.

Impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and reasonably foreseeable future actions (see Vol. II, Appendix H for the list of projects considered in this analysis).

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly affect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

In 1991, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management developed a joint South Fork and Merced Wild and Scenic River Implementation Plan (USFS and BLM) for the segments of the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River that are under their jurisdiction. The plan is a general management plan with many prescriptive goals and few actions. The South Fork and Merced Wild and Scenic River Implementation Plan does not affect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment.

The National Park Service proposes to reconstruct the trail from Happy Isles to Vernal Falls (NPS). This project would have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the provision of an improved trail between Happy Isles and Vernal Falls, which contributes to a spectrum of river-related recreational activities. The net effect of this project would be a long-term, beneficial impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The Eagle Creek Ecological Restoration project (NPS) would restore the confluence of Eagle Creek with the Merced River and remove riprap at the confluence and along the creek. This project would have a long-term, beneficial impact to the hydrologic processes and biological Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the establishment of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework, improved river-related recreational opportunities from Happy Isles to Vernal Falls, and restored riparian habitat and hydrologic processes at the Eagle Creek and Merced River confluence.

The cumulative projects would have a long-term, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the establishment of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework; improved river-related recreation opportunities from Happy Isles to Vernal Falls; and restored riparian habitat and hydrologic processes at the Eagle Creek and Merced River confluence. When the impacts of all past and reasonably foreseeable future actions described above are considered in combination with the expected impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values from this alternative, long-term, adverse effects to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment would likely continue.

Segment 2 is classified scenic in the West Valley and recreational in the East Valley under the Merced River Plan. Pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, segments classified as scenic "have shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads." Segments classified as recreational "are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some past development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past." The Merced River watershed above Cascades Diversion Dam (the western terminus of this segment) is largely wilderness, with the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley being the only major developed area (minor developed areas include Glacier Point and the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp). Currently, the Merced River shoreline in this segment is developed in the campgrounds and Housekeeping Camp areas. Current development in the quarter-mile wild and scenic river boundary includes campgrounds, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Lodge, The Ahwahnee, portions of Yosemite Village and Curry Village, day-visitor parking at Camp 6, and the concessioner stables. The river is accessible by vehicles at the following places: Northside Drive at Devils Elbow and Stoneman Bridge; Southside Drive at Pohono Bridge and the vicinity of El Capitan moraine; El Capitan crossover at El Capitan Bridge; Sentinel Crossover at Sentinel Bridge; and the Shuttle Bus Loop Road at Clark’s Bridge and Happy Isles Bridge.

The No Action Alternative in this segment is compatible with the scenic classification in the West Valley and the recreational classification in the East Valley. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would remain essentially unchanged, and accessibility by vehicles would remain essentially unchanged.

Pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for which the river was designated. Projects that are within the bed and banks of the Merced River are subject to the Section 7 process. In the Section 7 process, the National Park Service must evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and ensure that, on balance, the project does not have a direct and adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. To the extent possible, the National Park Service would (1) redesign projects to avoid the bed and banks of the Merced River; and (2) redesign projects to avoid direct and adverse impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This alternative does not propose any water resources projects in this segment that would be subject to the Section 7 determination process.

This alternative does not propose any actions that would be inconsistent with the River Protection Overlay. However, this alternative results in the continuation of several existing non-conforming uses, including the presence of campsites and Housekeeping Camp units within 150 feet of the river. The Merced River Plan does not require removal of such facilities. This alternative does not take any actions to implement the River Protection Overlay; however, it does limit future incompatible development from occurring within the River Protection Overlay.

This alternative does not propose any actions that would be inconsistent with the Merced River Plan management zoning and prescriptions. However, this alternative results in the continuation of several existing non-conforming uses, including continued operation of the concessioner stables (located in a 3A Camping zone), and maintaining Housekeeping Camp units adjacent to the river in a 2C Day Use zone [see Vol. II, Appendix B for a discussion of Merced River Plan management zones and prescriptions].

Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for the recreational-classified impoundment Segment (3A) are geologic processes/conditions and biological. Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for the scenic-classified gorge segment are scenic, geologic processes/conditions, recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes. A description of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values is found in Vol. II, Appendix B. Potential impacts of the No Action Alternative are shown in table 4-15.

The El Portal Road between Pohono Bridge and Cascades Diversion Dam has a beneficial impact to the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value because it provides critical visitor access to Yosemite Valley. The road and dam have adverse impacts to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value in Segments 3A and 3B because they displace riparian vegetation. The road and dam have localized adverse impacts to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value in Segment 3B because riprap supporting the road is partially in the river channel, and the dam impedes the free flow of the river. (There is no hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value for Segment 3A.) In addition, the retention of Cascades Diversion Dam would continue to impact the river downstream (at the plunge pool directly below the dam, and for a few hundred feet downstream) through part of Segment 3B. [Note: This segment of the El Portal Road and the Cascades Diversion Dam span river Segments 2, 3A and 3B.]

For Segment 3B, minor intrusions to the scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value would continue due to the presence of facilities visible from the river or riverbank that detract from the views of waterfalls and rock formations.

For Segments 3A and 3B, there is no impact to the geologic processes/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Values, due to the absence of actions affecting the V-shaped gorge.

For Segment 3B, there is no impact to the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value because current river-related recreational activities would continue without any changes (i.e., maintenance of the diversity of recreational opportunities).

For Segments 3A and 3B, minor disruptions to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Values would continue due to the displacement of river-related vegetation by existing facilities.

For Segment 3A, there is no cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value. For Segment 3B, there is no impact to the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because river-related archeological sites would not be disturbed and river-related historic structures would remain.

For Segment 3A, there is no hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value. For Segment 3B, the presence of Cascades Diversion Dam, which interferes with the free-flowing condition of the river, would continue to substantially impact the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

Impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and present actions (see Vol. II, Appendix H for the list of projects considered in this analysis).

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

The El Portal Road Improvement Project (NPS) involves the reconstruction of 7.5 miles of El Portal Road through Segments 3A and 3B. This project is entirely within the wild and scenic river boundary along the north bank of the river. Road reconstruction would result in adverse impacts to the hydrologic process Outstandingly Remarkable Value through the introduction of bank stabilization materials. Short-term construction-related impacts include riparian vegetation removal in many areas. The project’s riparian revegetation plan would substantially mitigate this adverse impact to biological Outstandingly Remarkable Values, although some vegetation would be permanently lost. This project would have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because the road provides a critical visitor access to Yosemite Valley and river-related recreation on the Merced River. This project would have a net long-term, adverse impact on Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The past and present projects would have a long-term, adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values largely due to the introduction of stabilization materials and loss of riparian vegetation associated with the road reconstruction project. This adverse impact was somewhat offset by the beneficial effects associated with the implementation of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process.

For the actions of this alternative, a long-term, adverse impact is described for the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of these segments. The adverse impacts are largely due to the presence of the Cascades Diversion Dam and the associated continued loss of riparian vegetation and habitat; interference with movement of aquatic wildlife (including rainbow trout); and interference with the free-flowing condition of the river. The cumulative projects would have localized, long-term, adverse impact, largely through introduction of stabilization materials and loss of riparian vegetation. However, road reconstruction would have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value. When the impacts of all past and present actions described above are considered in combination with the anticipated impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values from this alternative, long-term, adverse impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of these segments would likely result.

Segment 3A is classified recreational under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Segments classified as recreational "are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past."

This segment was designated recreational due to the presence of the Cascades Diversion Dam. The Merced River watershed above Cascades Diversion Dam is largely wilderness, with the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley being the only major developed area (minor developed areas include Glacier Point and the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp). In this segment, the Merced River shoreline is undeveloped, with the exception of the El Portal Road and the Cascades Diversion Dam.

The No Action Alternative in this segment is compatible with the recreational classification of Segment 3A. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be essentially unchanged, and accessibility by vehicles would be essentially unchanged.

Segment 3B is classified scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Segments classified as scenic "have shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads." The Merced River watershed above the park boundary (the terminus of this segment) is largely wilderness, with the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley being the only major developed area (minor developed areas include Glacier Point, the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, the Cascades area, and Badger Pass via Grouse Creek). In this segment, the Merced River shoreline is undeveloped, with the exception of the El Portal Road along the north side of the river, a few structures at Cascades, and the picnic area and housing at the Arch Rock Entrance Station.

The No Action Alternative in this segment is compatible with the scenic classification of Segment 3B. The aggregate amount of development in the watershed would remain essentially unchanged, and the watershed would remain largely primitive. The aggregate amount of shoreline development would be essentially unchanged, and accessibility by vehicles would be essentially unchanged.

Pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Park Service must carry out a Section 7 determination on all proposed water resources projects to ensure that they do not directly and adversely impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for which the river was designated. Projects that are within the bed and banks of the Merced River are subject to the Section 7 process. In the Section 7 process, the National Park Service must evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and ensure that, on balance, the project does not have a direct and adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values. To the extent possible, the National Park Service would (1) redesign projects to avoid the bed and banks of the Merced River; and (2) redesign projects to avoid direct and adverse impacts to Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This alternative does not propose any water resources projects in these segments that would be subject to the Section 7 determination process.

This alternative does not propose any actions that would be inconsistent with the River Protection Overlay; however, this alternative results in the continuation of several existing non-conforming facilities, including the Cascades Diversion Dam. The Merced River Plan does not require removal of such facilities. The No Action Alternative does not take any actions to implement the River Protection Overlay; however, it does limit future incompatible development from occurring within the River Protection Overlay.

This alternative does not propose any actions that would be inconsistent with the Merced River Plan management zoning and prescriptions.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values identified for this segment are geologic processes/conditions, recreation, biological, cultural, and hydrologic processes. Potential impacts of the No Action Alternative are shown in table 4-16.

The No Action Alternative adopts the River Protection Overlay, but does not prescribe any actions to implement it. However, the continuation of existing trends to restore riparian areas and the preclusion of future development incompatible with the River Protection Overlay would have beneficial effects on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value for this segment.

Developed areas in El Portal (including roads, the warehouse complex, the sand pit, and the floodwall) would continue to have an adverse impact on the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to the continued loss or disturbance of riparian vegetation and river-related habitat. This adverse impact would be somewhat offset by the closure of the Trailer Village, which would allow riparian vegetation to naturally regenerate. Highway 140 would continue to have a beneficial impact on the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value, since it provides visitor access to the park and El Portal for river-related recreational opportunities. The No Action Alternative does not proposed any actions that would affect the continuous rapids identified in the hydrologic Outstandingly Remarkable Value for this segment.

For the actions of this alternative, an overall long-term, adverse impact is described for the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment, largely because of the presence of facilities that contribute to the loss or disturbance of riparian vegetation and river-related habitat. This adverse impact is somewhat offset by beneficial impacts to the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value associated with existing roadways providing visitor access for river-related recreational opportunities, and the preclusion of future development incompatible with the River Protection Overlay.

Segment-wide, there is no impact to the geologic processes/conditions Outstandingly Remarkable Value, due to the absence of actions affecting the "transition from igneous to meta-sedimentary rocks."

Segment-wide, the recreation Outstandingly Remarkable Value would be protected by the maintenance of a diversity of river-related recreational opportunities.

Segment-wide, minor disruptions to the biological Outstandingly Remarkable Value would continue because of the displacement of riparian vegetation and river-related habitat by existing structures.

Segment-wide, there is no impact to the cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value, because archeological sites would not be disturbed and historic properties would remain.

Segment-wide, there is no impact to the hydrologic processes Outstandingly Remarkable Value due to an absence of actions affecting the continuous rapids of this segment.

Impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values would occur as a result of other past and reasonably foreseeable future projects (see Appendix H for the list of projects considered in this analysis).

The Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (NPS) established the River Protection Overlay, management zoning, and the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework inside the wild and scenic river boundaries. The River Protection Overlay is implemented through this plan, and its beneficial impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative. This project also establishes management zoning, which does not directly impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection process was designed to protect resources and the visitor experience, and would have a beneficial impact by focusing on protection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework would have a long-term, beneficial effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in this segment.

The Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange (NPS) would exchange National Park Service lands that are in and immediately adjacent to the wild and scenic river boundary with privately held lands that are immediately adjacent to the river. The privately held lands are in U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction, and the wild and scenic river boundary and classification have not been established for the short stretch of river between the boundary of the El Portal Administrative Site and the Yosemite National Park boundary. The precise boundaries of the land exchange have not been finalized, but the land exchange could include National Park Service lands that are in the River Protection Overlay and contain river-related vegetation (both riparian and wetland), as well as privately held lands that are in very close proximity to the river and contain river-related vegetation. This project could result in adverse impacts associated with motel development in close proximity to the river; potential exchange of National Park Service lands in the River Protection Overlay; and loss of riparian vegetation and wetlands. In addition, the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange may possibly result in the loss of an archeological site and impacts to traditional gathering areas. This project would have a long-term, adverse impact on the biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The Yosemite Motels Expansion in El Portal on the north side of Highway 140 is outside of the wild and scenic river boundary and would not have an impact on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this river segment.

The Trailer Village Closure Plan would result in the removal of the trailers in the El Portal Trailer Village. Because the closure is part of the current management trend, the beneficial impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of this segment have been assessed as part of the impacts of this alternative.

The past and reasonably foreseeable future projects would have a long-term, adverse effect on Outstandingly Remarkable Values due to the adverse impacts to biological and cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Values resulting from the Yosemite View Parcel Land Exchange. These adverse impacts include: motel development in close proximity to the river; potential exchange of National Park Service lands in the River Protection Overlay; loss of river-related vegetation; and possible loss of an archeological site and degradation of traditional gathering areas. This adverse impact has been somewhat offset by the beneficial effects resulting from the establishment of the Merced River Plan Visitor Experience and Resource Protection framework.