Park Planning

 

Foundation Document Overview

The 2015 John Muir National Historic Site Foundation Document provides a comprehensive framework for preserving and interpreting the home and legacy of John Muir. This document outlines the key purposes, significance, fundamental resources, and interpretive themes that guide the management and planning of the site.

Download the Foundation Document Overview

Purpose

The John Muir National Historic Site preserves and protects the home and portions of the Alhambra Valley agricultural estate where John Muir lived, worked, and is buried. It memorializes and connects people with Muir’s global legacy as an influential naturalist, writer, and champion for protecting national parks and wild lands.

Significance

1. Muir's Home: The site preserves the home where John Muir lived for 24 years and wrote many of his most influential works, encouraging U.S. policies protecting wilderness and establishing the national park system.
2. Leadership and Accomplishments: Acknowledges John Muir's leadership, including his founding of the Sierra Club and his influence in protecting Yosemite and other national parks.
3. Historical Continuum: Reflects the continuum of California land use and settlement from Native American times through the contrasting landscapes of the 19th-century adobe, the Victorian home, agricultural lands, and Mount Wanda.

Fundamental Resources and Values

The following features are essential to achieving the park's purpose and maintaining its significance:

• Muir House: The Victorian house where Muir lived and worked.
• Cultural Landscape: The surrounding orchards, vineyards, and gardens.
• Mount Wanda: A 326-acre natural area for recreation and education.
• Strentzel-Muir Gravesite: The final resting place of John Muir and his family.
• Museum Collections: Artifacts, documents, and personal items of the Muir family.
• John Muir’s Legacy: The enduring influence of Muir’s environmental advocacy.

Interpretive Themes

These key stories and concepts define the most important ideas communicated to visitors:

1. Early Conservation Movement: John Muir’s pivotal role in launching the conservation movement in America.
2. Home and Family Life: The personal and professional aspects of Muir’s life.
3. Layers of History: The complex history of land use in the Alhambra Valley.
4. Muir’s Conservation Legacy: Ongoing influence on environmental stewardship efforts.
5. National Park System Inclusion: The impact of societal biases on the development of the national park system.

Description

The John Muir National Historic Site comprises portions of the 2,600-acre ranch where John Muir lived, farmed, wrote, and advocated for environmental conservation. The main 9-acre site includes the 1882 Italianate Victorian house, surrounded by orchards and the carriage barn, reflecting the landscape of Muir’s time. Visitors can explore the house and learn about the Strentzel-Muir family through self-guided or ranger-led tours. The site also includes:

• Martinez Adobe: Constructed in 1849, this adobe provides insights into the way of life in the valley prior to the Strentzel’s settlement.
• Mount Wanda: A natural area offering trails and programs like bird, wildflower, and full moon walks.
• Strentzel-Muir Gravesite: The resting place of John Muir and his family, located 2 miles south of the main site.

 

Previous Planning Information

Over the years, the John Muir National Historic Site has engaged in various planning efforts to ensure the preservation and interpretation of John Muir's legacy. These plans have guided the site's development, management, and educational initiatives, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate and learn from this significant historical landmark.

 

Mt. Wanda Planning

Comprehensive Site Management Plan (2023)

The National Park Service (NPS) has completed a comprehensive site management plan for the Mt. Wanda unit of John Muir National Historic Site. Mt. Wanda is a 370-acre part of the historic Martinez ranch where John Muir lived. At Mt. Wanda, visitors can walk in John Muir’s footsteps as they explore, research, and appreciate the wildness of this inspirational landscape. The plan for Mt. Wanda identifies new visitor opportunities and functions, facility needs and resource management strategies, while improving the connectivity of Mt. Wanda to other areas of the park and the broader community.

For more information and to download planning documents, visit the plan webpage.

Finding of No Significant Impact (11/20/2023)

After thorough consideration of the potential for environmental impacts and the comments received, the NPS determined a full environmental impact statement (EIS) was not needed and has released the plan with an associated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The NPS selected alternative B from the CSMP/EA for implementation.

Many decisions are deferred to more detailed implementation planning, which will follow the broad, comprehensive planning presented in this CSMP/EA. The plan will be implemented over time, as funding allows. The public’s continued input throughout the implementation of the plan will be valued and appreciated.

Comprehensive Site Management Plan (CSMP)/Environmental Assessment (EA) (5/12/2023 – 6/11/2023)

The NPS completed a 30-day public review period for the CSMP/EA which invited comment on the NPS preferred alternative and environmental impact analysis. The CSMP/EA was developed by the interdisciplinary planning team following their review of public scoping comments and other data gathered during the planning process. The preferred alternative was based on concepts explored in the 2018 Preliminary Alternatives and was similar to the 2022 Proposed Action, but public comment and further exploration of NPS goals and needs resulted in some key changes.

As part of the public engagement effort, the NPS hosted two informational hikes in May and June 2023 to allow members of the public to experience portions of the West Hills Farm parcel and Strentzel Creek watershed that are not normally accessible. Access to the area will remain restricted until initial public safety improvements can be made.

Public Scoping (3/16/2022 - 4/15/2022)

The NPS completed a 30-day public scoping period which invited comment on the proposed action, as described in an electronic newsletter, to help refine a vision for the future of Mt. Wanda and soon to be acquired adjacent lands.

As part of the scoping effort, the NPS hosted two informational hikes in April of 2022 to allow members of the public to experience portions of the West Hills Farm parcel and Strentzel Creek watershed that are not normally accessible. Access to the area will remain restricted until the plan is completed and initial public safety improvements can be made.

Watch a Youtube video on the Mt. Wanda Comprehensive Site Management Plan. [Transcript]

 

Strentzel-Muir Gravesite Plan

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (2017)

Click here to view a web version of the FONSI.

For more information about the FONSI document, contact: [e-mail] or [phone] or write to: Superintendent, John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553.