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Staff members at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal laws to make a diligent effort to involve the public in decisions and actions of the agency. The public plays an essential role in taking care of our national parks. Decision making in parks is vastly improved when the diverse perspectives and ideas from the public are considered. Our planners need and want to hear from you ... One comment can make a difference. Why is Commenting Important? Public participation in planning is solicited through a number of avenues. Press releases are issued, notices are posted in local newspapers, and in some cases, press conferences or media events may be held. Public comment most frequently comes to the parks via letters and statements received during public meetings. Public comments on planning efforts can be made online using the National Park Service's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) system. Please Note: PEPC is intended as a clearinghouse for information and public comments on PLANNING efforts. Comments regarding operations in our parks should not be submitted via PEPC. Alternatively, to submit written comments or questions, please send correspondence to: Superintendent How to Stay Involved
Transcript
Transcript of Virtual Public Meeting held on April 27, 2021 for the Proposed Action to Rehabilitate 15.29 Miles of Mineral King Road English Translation
WEBVTT 00:15:09.450 --> 00:15:11.280 Hello everyone. 00:15:12.370 --> 00:15:15.830 Good afternoon, welcome to our virtual public 00:15:15.830 --> 00:15:18.840 meeting on a proposal to rehabilitate the mineral King 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:21.850 Rd within Sequoia National Park. My name is 00:15:21.850 --> 00:15:24.920 Elly Boerke and I'm the program manager for planning and 00:15:24.920 --> 00:15:28.540 compliance here at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and also the 00:15:28.540 --> 00:15:31.640 NEPA planner, otherwise known as an environmental 00:15:31.640 --> 00:15:33.560 Protection specialist on this proposed project. 00:15:34.520 --> 00:15:37.790 Before handing the meeting over to our Superintendent 00:15:37.790 --> 00:15:40.950 Clay Jordan for an overall welcome I just wanted 00:15:40.950 --> 00:15:45.690 to quickly share a few pieces of information about the use of 00:15:45.690 --> 00:15:49.260 teams. First we shared an announcement with you in the 00:15:49.260 --> 00:15:52.780 question and answer section of teams. Otherwise those 00:15:52.780 --> 00:15:55.960 two little chat box is one with a question mark 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:59.030 in your upper right hand corner of your screen and just 00:15:59.030 --> 00:16:02.480 want to draw your attention to that in case you missed it. So first we 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:05.670 are recording this presentation and will post the recording on 00:16:05.670 --> 00:16:06.220 the project website. 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:09.240 Following the meeting, the other note for you 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:12.260 is that closed captioning is available to you during 00:16:12.260 --> 00:16:15.850 this meeting, but you need to actually activate this 00:16:15.850 --> 00:16:19.130 option and so to do so, please click on the CC 00:16:19.130 --> 00:16:22.180 next to the gear in the bottom right hand corner of your 00:16:22.180 --> 00:16:25.210 screen and depending how your screen is displayed, you may 00:16:25.210 --> 00:16:26.900 also find that under the settings or the gear itself. 00:16:27.610 --> 00:16:30.720 As we will get to in just a moment, we'll also 00:16:30.720 --> 00:16:33.880 be taking questions from you following a 00:16:33.880 --> 00:16:37.020 presentation. You may have noticed that as an attendee, you are 00:16:37.020 --> 00:16:40.110 muted, but that doesn't mean we don't want to hear from you, so to 00:16:40.110 --> 00:16:43.180 submit a question, please click on that question mark icon 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:47.050 in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Type your question into the 00:16:47.050 --> 00:16:50.310 field and click the arrow on the right hand side. 00:16:50.310 --> 00:16:53.610 Your question will not automatically be posted to the chat for everyone to see, but 00:16:53.610 --> 00:16:57.260 we will be publishing your questions for 00:16:57.260 --> 00:16:59.150 everyone as we answer them following the presentation. 00:17:00.130 --> 00:17:03.190 And just in case we don't get to all the questions today (I 00:17:03.190 --> 00:17:06.300 realized my presentation is a little bit lengthy), we 00:17:06.300 --> 00:17:09.840 will still respond to those questions and we'll post our answers 00:17:09.840 --> 00:17:12.080 to the public website following the presentation today. 00:17:12.690 --> 00:17:16.100 And yes, you can submit your questions at anytime anonymously 00:17:16.100 --> 00:17:19.240 or not and will respond during the question and answer period. 00:17:20.990 --> 00:17:22.280 And so with that. 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:25.360 Clay Jordan our Superintendent. 00:17:27.760 --> 00:17:31.790 Thanks so much, Elly and good afternoon 00:17:31.790 --> 00:17:35.100 My name is Clay Jordan, the Superintendent of 00:17:35.100 --> 00:17:38.240 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and I would like 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:41.490 to welcome you to this public forum on a 00:17:41.490 --> 00:17:45.530 project we're developing to rehabilitate the mineral King 00:17:45.530 --> 00:17:48.920 Rd within Sequoia National Park. 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:52.010 So it is certainly not unusual for us to have a public 00:17:52.010 --> 00:17:55.150 meeting to solicit feedback from the 00:17:55.150 --> 00:17:57.760 public. What is unusual though is that we're doing this 00:17:57.760 --> 00:18:00.940 On line and not in 00:18:00.940 --> 00:18:04.250 person, but I suppose during a pandemic we all need 00:18:04.250 --> 00:18:07.410 to improvise and so we hope that you'll bear with us 00:18:07.410 --> 00:18:10.500 as we try to have a dialogue in 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:14.950 this somewhat less personal format. But the key is 00:18:14.950 --> 00:18:17.960 to please still engaged us as it is really important 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:20.980 that we hear from you. As 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:24.170 many of you know, we are in the midst of 00:18:24.170 --> 00:18:27.620 a 30 day public review period on this 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:27.800 planning effort. 00:18:27.800 --> 00:18:31.580 Which is really an opportunity for the Park Service 00:18:31.580 --> 00:18:35.470 to number one, share with you early on 00:18:35.470 --> 00:18:39.150 Our plans for rehabilitation of this roadway 00:18:39.150 --> 00:18:42.270 To understand any suggestions or concerns 00:18:42.270 --> 00:18:46.050 you may have about the proposal, and 00:18:46.050 --> 00:18:49.150 three specifically for this proposal, get input on 00:18:49.150 --> 00:18:52.320 how you, as a public stakeholder 00:18:52.320 --> 00:18:55.490 would like us to balance public 00:18:55.490 --> 00:18:58.410 access enclosures throughout the length of the project. 00:18:58.410 --> 00:19:01.660 We understand that this project will 00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:05.720 impact access for recreational visitors as well 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:10.660 as cabin owners and small commercial businesses 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:13.710 so I would like to thank you for your 00:19:13.710 --> 00:19:17.340 interest in this project and for taking the time 00:19:17.340 --> 00:19:20.630 to join us today. And with that I'll turn 00:19:20.630 --> 00:19:24.080 it back over to Elly who will introduce 00:19:24.080 --> 00:19:27.400 our planning team and walk us through the 00:19:27.400 --> 00:19:29.450 agenda and get started for the. 00:19:29.450 --> 00:19:31.670 For the next hour, Elly. 00:19:32.780 --> 00:19:36.080 Thank you Clay; so what is our 00:19:36.080 --> 00:19:40.030 agenda? Very simply, I'll start with a walkthrough of the proposed 00:19:40.030 --> 00:19:43.220 action, specifically why we think action is needed, what we're proposing 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:46.480 to do, resources we are concerned about, 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:49.680 and where we're at in the planning process and then we'll open the floor 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:53.550 up to you for questions. Before we jump into the 00:19:53.550 --> 00:19:57.030 proposed action, I do want to take the opportunity to introduce members of our planning 00:19:57.030 --> 00:20:00.190 team who are on the phone with us today, so I'm just going 00:20:00.190 --> 00:20:03.480 to run through these folks. You may see their faces later during the 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.170 question and answer period, but. 00:20:04.170 --> 00:20:07.510 We have Nicole Mason, civil engineer and 00:20:07.510 --> 00:20:10.630 Brian Horton, landscape architect, who are the 00:20:10.630 --> 00:20:14.060 National Park Services liaisons with the Federal Highway Administration 00:20:14.060 --> 00:20:17.080 On this project you can really think of them as the experts on the 00:20:17.080 --> 00:20:20.250 proposed action and on the designs, and Nicole is also 00:20:20.250 --> 00:20:23.250 our acting chief for facilities maintenance and construction. 00:20:24.330 --> 00:20:28.560 We also have our Chief of Interpretation, Colleen 00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:31.650 Bathe, our Sequoia District interpreter, Andrew 00:20:31.650 --> 00:20:35.020 Carl, and our transportation program manager Josh 00:20:35.020 --> 00:20:37.870 h handle, as well as our Public Affairs Officer Sintia Kawasaki Z. 00:20:38.830 --> 00:20:42.670 Dave Fox, the district Ranger for the Mineral King area 00:20:42.670 --> 00:20:45.970 and much broader than that, is also on the line as well 00:20:45.970 --> 00:20:49.250 l as our Chief of Resource Management and Science, Christy 00:20:49.250 --> 00:20:51.020 Brigham, Anar, plant Ecologist and Hoover. 00:20:51.870 --> 00:20:55.200 Finally, Teresa Furino, another environmental 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:58.600 Protection specialist like myself with Sequoia Kings Canyon, is on the 00:20:58.600 --> 00:21:01.640 line helping us navigate this technology and she'll be helping 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:04.290 to facilitate the question and answer period at the end of the presentation. 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:07.880 And so with that. 00:21:09.090 --> 00:21:12.190 You should see a map 00:21:12.190 --> 00:21:15.900 of the project area and so as many of the mineral King 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:18.920 Rd originates in Three Rivers, California and 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:22.180 d climbs approximately 6500 feet within 25 miles 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.840 to the roads terminus of the Mineral King Valley. 00:21:24.360 --> 00:21:27.470 About 15 point. Three of these 25 miles 00:21:27.470 --> 00:21:30.740 is within Sequoia National Park, where the road provides access 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:33.770 to hundreds of miles of wilderness trails as well as 00:21:33.770 --> 00:21:37.550 two front country campgrounds. The Silver City 00:21:37.550 --> 00:21:39.200 Resort and the small community of Mineral King. 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:43.090 Every year the NPS alone issues wilderness permits 00:21:43.090 --> 00:21:46.210 to close to 4500 people to access 00:21:46.210 --> 00:21:49.260 trails starting from the Mineral King Valley, and we certainly 00:21:49.260 --> 00:21:52.580 understand usage is in that area is much higher given our 00:21:52.580 --> 00:21:55.660 day users, frontcountry campers and those who live in 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:57.820 the Mineral King Cabin community and who stay at the Silver City Resort. 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:04.430 As for current conditions of the mineral King 00:22:04.430 --> 00:22:07.490 Rd, the robot is largely largely remains 00:22:07.490 --> 00:22:11.320 as it was originally constructed in the 18 00:22:11.320 --> 00:22:14.360 70s, meaning that it does not have the stable subsurface 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:16.450 material that supports much of the infrastructure we drive on today. 00:22:17.370 --> 00:22:20.530 For this reason, the road is particularly susceptible to damage 00:22:20.530 --> 00:22:24.060 from root systems and freeze thoughts that lead to 00:22:24.060 --> 00:22:28.090 poor and difficult to maintain surface. If you've traveled this 00:22:28.090 --> 00:22:31.230 road, you have experience. I'm sure you've experienced the 00:22:31.230 --> 00:22:34.550 potholes and uneven surface. As you can see in the photo in the upper right hand 00:22:34.550 --> 00:22:35.660 corner of your of your screen. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:40.530 On top of that, the road is also within a pretty dynamic environment 00:22:40.530 --> 00:22:43.920 Much of the road traverses steep hillsides and 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:47.050 d significant rockfall occurs during the winter season and occasionally in the summer as well. 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:51.080 Failing wins an erosion have resulted in 00:22:51.080 --> 00:22:54.660 several 1000 feet of pavement cracking on the outside edge of 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:57.700 the roadway, which is narode already tight with the 00:22:57.700 --> 00:23:00.840 road. You can see those loose. You can see those loose hillsides 00:23:00.840 --> 00:23:03.900 also in the photo in the upper right hand corner of your 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:07.260 screen. The decomposed granite that you see here sheds essentially upon 00:23:07.260 --> 00:23:07.340 touching it. 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:11.980 Old and undersized culverts along the entire length of 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:15.210 the road have also resulted in poor drainage, namely 00:23:15.210 --> 00:23:18.350 sheet flow on the roadway during high runoff or precipitation 00:23:18.350 --> 00:23:21.470 events and shedding of water on the 00:23:21.470 --> 00:23:24.490 outside edge of the road which contributes to erosion at undermining of the slope 00:23:24.490 --> 00:23:28.950 below the road and you can see in the lower right hand 00:23:28.950 --> 00:23:31.710 photo how erosion is so poor in some location that is undermining the outer edge of the roadway. 00:23:33.100 --> 00:23:36.210 For all of these reasons, MPs is concerned that 00:23:36.210 --> 00:23:39.330 in action in the long term, in other words 00:23:39.330 --> 00:23:42.760 no rehabilitation increases the risk that this road could 00:23:42.760 --> 00:23:45.960 experience catastrophic failure, at which point not only is public 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:49.340 private access cutoff, but we would expect impacts of the natural and 00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:51.490 l resources surrounding that failure as well. 00:23:52.380 --> 00:23:55.480 So there are three points I want to make before getting 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:58.640 to the purpose and need for action. Although I just walked 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:01.730 us through the road conditions from a pure maintenance standpoint. 00:24:02.250 --> 00:24:06.020 Almost all of the features along Mineral King Rd or 00:24:06.020 --> 00:24:09.690 within within an contribute to the Mineral King Rd Historic 00:24:09.690 --> 00:24:13.280 District, meaning their poor condition is also a threat to the historic property as well 00:24:13.280 --> 00:24:16.560 and therefore an important part of our need for action is simply to rehabilitate 00:24:16.560 --> 00:24:19.500 and thereby protect the integrity of the historic district itself. 00:24:20.570 --> 00:24:23.710 The other two points I would like to make 00:24:23.710 --> 00:24:27.010 sure that parking areas near the end of the road remain 00:24:27.010 --> 00:24:30.480 unpaved and as informally expanded, overtime and encroaching 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:33.570 upon natural and cultural resources in the process 00:24:33.570 --> 00:24:36.760 and this is particularly true on really crowded busy 00:24:36.760 --> 00:24:38.380 access days or cars park wherever they can find room. 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:42.820 Finally, the NPS does not currently provide a lot 00:24:42.820 --> 00:24:44.950 of access for those with any physical disabilities. 00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:49.770 For example, although the restroom near the end of the road is iaccessible 00:24:49.770 --> 00:24:53.220 there's actually no signed accessible parking adjacent to the 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:56.430 facility, and there's also no access to the Ranger station for 00:24:56.430 --> 00:24:57.410 those requiring use of a wheelchair. 00:24:58.450 --> 00:25:02.490 For these reasons, the purpose of this project has been 00:25:02.490 --> 00:25:05.560 identified. This to fix structural and condition based efficiencies 00:25:05.560 --> 00:25:08.570 along the Mineral King Rd in order to provide ongoing 00:25:08.570 --> 00:25:11.600 safe public access to the Mineral King Valley and surrounding 00:25:11.600 --> 00:25:14.780 wilderness within Sequoia National Park. And to enable 00:25:14.780 --> 00:25:18.160 Rd maintenance efficient Rd maintenance operations into the 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:21.410 future, all while preserving and protecting 00:25:21.410 --> 00:25:22.040 natural and cultural resources within the project area. 00:25:23.320 --> 00:25:27.930 So 00:25:27.930 --> 00:25:31.110 to address this purpose and need the NPS is partnering 00:25:31.110 --> 00:25:34.320 with the Federal Highway Administration to 00:25:34.320 --> 00:25:37.560 rehabilitate 15.29 miles of the Mineral King Rd 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:40.670 in Sequoia National Park. The proposed action includes 00:25:40.670 --> 00:25:44.050 re paving the roadway within its existing width, including 00:25:44.050 --> 00:25:46.120 paving approximately one mile. The road that's not currently paved. 00:25:46.850 --> 00:25:49.920 Stabilizing and reinforcing cut slopes and the 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.670 outside edge of the roadway. 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:53.980 Replacing an enlarging over 200 culverts. 00:25:54.640 --> 00:25:57.750 Paving 6 currently unpaved parking lots 00:25:57.750 --> 00:26:01.090 near the end of the road and adding accessible parking 00:26:01.090 --> 00:26:02.510 and equivalent experiences were feasible. 00:26:03.270 --> 00:26:06.360 Although the NPS is proposing to access 00:26:06.360 --> 00:26:09.460 these last 15 miles of the road, we also know that Tillary County 00:26:09.460 --> 00:26:12.710 is working on plans to provide ongoing access at the 00:26:12.710 --> 00:26:15.720 historic Oak Grove Bridge and is also seeking funding 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:18.820 to rehabilitate several miles of the portion of 00:26:18.820 --> 00:26:20.070 mineral. King Rd is under County jurisdiction. 00:26:21.670 --> 00:26:24.920 So let me speak through some of the specific items you can see on 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:28.280 your slide here about the NPS is 00:26:28.280 --> 00:26:31.640 proposal and so for Rd Surface this 00:26:31.640 --> 00:26:34.750 proposal this project proposes to re pave 13 00:26:34.750 --> 00:26:38.050 91 miles of the Mineral King Rd add existing 00:26:38.050 --> 00:26:41.780 g widths along the roadway and to pave 00:26:41.780 --> 00:26:42.810 1.3 miles of Rd. That's currently unpaved. 00:26:43.430 --> 00:26:46.700 Re paving the Mineral King Rd would require 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:50.340 pulverising and then compacting up to four inches of existing 00:26:50.340 --> 00:26:53.690 asphalt and regrading the road to correct existing drainage. Protect the 00:26:53.690 --> 00:26:54.720 roadway, enhance visitors safety. 00:26:55.670 --> 00:26:58.720 In addition to the primary Rd, all paved 00:26:58.720 --> 00:27:01.850 pullouts along the Mineral King Rd would be re paved under 00:27:01.850 --> 00:27:04.870 this project and I'll pull out that are currently unpaved 00:27:04.870 --> 00:27:05.290 Would remain so. 00:27:05.890 --> 00:27:09.040 Short driveway aprons at intersections 00:27:09.040 --> 00:27:12.580 with secondary gravel roads and campgrounds would also be prepaid would 00:27:12.580 --> 00:27:15.920 d also be paid to protect grades and minimize erosion at 00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:19.030 points of entry and exit. So imagine a gravel Rd meeting a 00:27:19.030 --> 00:27:22.200 paved road and if you have a steep slope there you need that insurance 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:25.580 under the gravel road to also be paid protected 00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:26.280 and minimize erosion. 00:27:27.780 --> 00:27:31.510 For stabilization, because much of the road is that undermined by 00:27:31.510 --> 00:27:34.640 poor drainage, erosion and loose slopes and 00:27:34.640 --> 00:27:34.960 subsurface materials. 00:27:35.600 --> 00:27:39.230 This project would also involve slope stabilization 00:27:39.230 --> 00:27:42.750 along 12 miles of road and this includes installation of 00:27:42.750 --> 00:27:43.730 four special rock indignance. 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:47.470 Two soil nail walls faced with horizontal 00:27:47.470 --> 00:27:50.760 Timbers and two soldier pile walls faced with 00:27:50.760 --> 00:27:54.670 h colored concrete to match the Hue of the surrounding soils 00:27:54.670 --> 00:27:57.750 All of these roads are all of these walls would be installed below 00:27:57.750 --> 00:28:00.830 the road and we therefore believe that not a lot will be visible to 00:28:00.830 --> 00:28:01.420 the average driver. 00:28:03.750 --> 00:28:07.240 For drainage due to the poor condition and minimal 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:08.450 size of existing culverts. 00:28:09.280 --> 00:28:12.730 This project proposes to replace 00:28:12.730 --> 00:28:15.820 all culverts along the Mineral King Rd with corrugated metal metal 00:28:15.820 --> 00:28:19.150 pipes and install approximately 9 new 00:28:19.150 --> 00:28:22.210 culverts for a total of about 214 00:28:22.210 --> 00:28:25.560 At least 170 of these would be upsized by as 00:28:25.560 --> 00:28:28.580 much as 24 inches in diameter to 00:28:28.580 --> 00:28:30.310 accommodate drainage and align with engineering standards. 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:34.990 All culverts could also have some rip rap installed at the 00:28:34.990 --> 00:28:39.650 down slope edge of those culverts to prevent and minimize future 00:28:39.650 --> 00:28:42.980 erosion. All Rip rap would match native material and color and texture 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:46.150 and disturbed areas adjacent to the riff. Raff would also be 00:28:46.150 --> 00:28:48.560 revegetated to reduce visibility of these added features. 00:28:51.010 --> 00:28:54.040 For additional Rd features all 00:28:54.040 --> 00:28:57.590 l non NPS signs such as culvert markers and mileage 00:28:57.590 --> 00:28:59.990 posts would also be removed and replaced with standard markers. 00:29:00.490 --> 00:29:03.950 And two existing Rd gates would also be replaced with standard 00:29:03.950 --> 00:29:07.080 metal gates with improved functionality, and for those of 00:29:07.080 --> 00:29:10.340 you who use these gates, it's something I think the 00:29:10.340 --> 00:29:11.560 e NPS staff are certainly looking forward to. 00:29:12.280 --> 00:29:15.440 One important note to make here is that for all 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:18.470 of these project components, the NPS has 00:29:18.470 --> 00:29:21.620 already and continues to identify mitigations to ensure 00:29:21.620 --> 00:29:25.060 protection of resources such as giant sequoias to 00:29:25.060 --> 00:29:28.230 o avoid impacts to archaeological resources such as 00:29:28.230 --> 00:29:31.760 s ensuring a tribal or archaeological monitors or present during some ground disturbing activities. 00:29:32.370 --> 00:29:35.410 To maintain the excuse me to 00:29:35.410 --> 00:29:38.620 maintain the integrity of the historic district and to 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:41.740 enable wildlife crossings and I'll get to all of these in just a minute, but 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:43.370 just wanted to mention them here as well. 00:29:45.850 --> 00:29:48.960 For parking lots, as you may know there are 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:52.000 e currently one paved and six unpaid or informal 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:55.030 parking lots near the end of Mineral King Rd that are 00:29:55.030 --> 00:29:58.240 used by the public primarily as trailheads or is access to 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:59.990 MPs or partner facilities. 00:30:00.760 --> 00:30:03.830 This project is proposing to RE pave the 00:30:03.830 --> 00:30:06.920 Ranger Station parking lot into formalized 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:09.980 grade PAVE and partially stripe. All six trailhead parking 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:10.150 lots. 00:30:10.950 --> 00:30:14.330 The final develop footprint of these parking lots would mostly 00:30:14.330 --> 00:30:17.760 align with existing footprints one parking lot 00:30:17.760 --> 00:30:20.850 t would decrease and usable size and another would slightly increase 00:30:20.850 --> 00:30:22.320 in size and I'll get to that in just a minute. 00:30:23.210 --> 00:30:26.220 But broadly speaking, at all of these 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:30.770 parking lots, then PS would use large boulders 00:30:30.770 --> 00:30:33.850 to strategically placed to prohibit encroachment on 00:30:33.850 --> 00:30:36.960 surrounding vegetation, and we would use timber stops 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:40.470 for parking at the parking spots. Bear proof food 00:30:40.470 --> 00:30:44.140 storage boxes and trash recycling containers would also be strategically 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:48.210 placed within the developed footprint or along the perimeters of the parking lots to reduce conflicts 00:30:48.210 --> 00:30:51.320 with wildlife, and we would also install 00:30:51.320 --> 00:30:54.100 up to three metal bike racks within the footprint wrote. 00:30:54.100 --> 00:30:56.050 Again, along the perimeter of the parking lot. 00:30:57.280 --> 00:31:01.060 Also, existing interpretive signage near the Ranger 00:31:01.060 --> 00:31:04.810 station Ann at the parking area for the Eagle Mosquito Trailhead 00:31:04.810 --> 00:31:08.010 would also probably be replaced, potentially relocated and 00:31:08.010 --> 00:31:11.490 some new additional materials installed. We would 00:31:11.490 --> 00:31:14.600 also make the approaches to those displays ABA 00:31:14.600 --> 00:31:14.900 accessible. 00:31:15.910 --> 00:31:19.030 So let's talk about Ranger station parking 00:31:19.030 --> 00:31:20.610 lot in the picnic area parking lot. 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:24.350 The Mineral King Ranger station parking lot would 00:31:24.350 --> 00:31:27.780 be re paved and would remain unstriped to accommodate the maximum 00:31:27.780 --> 00:31:28.890 number of short term users. 00:31:29.910 --> 00:31:32.920 The northern half of the Ranger station picnic area parking 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:36.160 lot so that on the right side of the road as you're driving up 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:39.190 the road. This one, that upper half 00:31:39.190 --> 00:31:42.250 closest to the road will be paved and one ABA parking spot and 00:31:42.250 --> 00:31:43.660 one to two standard parking stops. 00:31:44.170 --> 00:31:47.240 Spots, stripes, and the remaining portion of the 00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:49.820 parking lot would be aggregate, similar to existing conditions. 00:31:50.930 --> 00:31:54.380 As shown in the drawings on this page, the NPS would 00:31:54.380 --> 00:31:57.960 also construct approximately 160 foot 00:31:57.960 --> 00:32:01.540 long ABA Trail to connect the parking lot to the 00:32:01.540 --> 00:32:05.390 existing amphitheater trail and the Ranger Station as well, and we would 00:32:05.390 --> 00:32:07.800 need to install a ramp to connect that trail in the porch of the Ranger station. 00:32:09.990 --> 00:32:13.180 For the target parking lot, the lower portion of 00:32:13.180 --> 00:32:17.070 the target parking lot as shown in the photo on the bottom 00:32:17.070 --> 00:32:20.640 right would be expanded slightly to accommodate approximately 10 00:32:20.640 --> 00:32:23.850 vehicles and the upper portion of this lot, which is truly 00:32:23.850 --> 00:32:27.380 upper. It's a little bit to get to get up there. The slope is a little challenging 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:30.790 That area would be restored and no longer accessible 00:32:30.790 --> 00:32:31.360 for informal parking. 00:32:32.840 --> 00:32:36.100 The sawtooth parking lots would be paved 00:32:36.100 --> 00:32:38.300 with an existing developed footprint of these lots. 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:42.630 The right or South parking 00:32:42.630 --> 00:32:46.350 area would have accommodated approximately 21 parking spaces 00:32:46.350 --> 00:32:49.460 including one vehicle trailer space 00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:53.060 and the southern edge of that would actually not be straight to 00:32:53.060 --> 00:32:56.390 maximize space, and on the northern and the northern 00:32:56.390 --> 00:32:59.940 parking area would be paid to accommodate approximately 12 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:01.400 vehicles, and that's within the existing developed. 00:33:02.250 --> 00:33:05.620 The parking area associated with 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:08.930 ABA restroom near the end of Mineral King Rd and adjacent to the East 00:33:08.930 --> 00:33:12.150 for Korea Bridge River Bridge would be paved and 00:33:12.150 --> 00:33:15.280 striped for one ABA accessible space in one 00:33:15.280 --> 00:33:15.580 standard parking space. 00:33:18.630 --> 00:33:21.890 And finally, the parking area for 00:33:21.890 --> 00:33:23.270 the Eagle Mosquito Trailhead. 00:33:24.010 --> 00:33:27.200 Now, although this area has been used as a public 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:30.230 parking lot and trailhead for 00:33:30.230 --> 00:33:33.250 decades, the areas located out of five April parcel of 00:33:33.250 --> 00:33:33.630 private land. 00:33:34.280 --> 00:33:37.870 Therefore, before the NPS could make any improvements to this 00:33:37.870 --> 00:33:41.140 parking area, we would need to pursue rights to at least a portion of 00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:44.530 the property, such as obtaining a scenic easement for the 00:33:44.530 --> 00:33:46.190 portion of the private parcel that we continue to use by the public. 00:33:46.840 --> 00:33:49.890 Should the MPs obtain some 00:33:49.890 --> 00:33:53.000 rights to this property and have the discretion to do 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:56.100 so, we would look at expanding the parking 00:33:56.100 --> 00:33:59.410 lot by a minimum of 36 by a maximum of 00:33:59.410 --> 00:34:00.160 36 feet to the North. 00:34:00.710 --> 00:34:04.310 And minimally grading and enhancing Accessibility 00:34:04.310 --> 00:34:07.680 and improving the drainage the existing 00:34:07.680 --> 00:34:10.870 right hand entry pull off which is in that lower 00:34:10.870 --> 00:34:13.880 left hand corner of the designs would remain aggregate 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:16.900 and would be signed for trailer parking 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:19.940 Parallel parking would then be formalized along that southern edge of the lot 00:34:19.940 --> 00:34:23.290 and then perpendicular parking would be formalized in the remaining portions 00:34:23.290 --> 00:34:26.320 of the lot for about roughly 45 00:34:26.320 --> 00:34:29.600 parking spaces, including one or two ABA 00:34:29.600 --> 00:34:29.840 parking spaces. 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:33.520 And the proposed layout here would accommodate a medium 00:34:33.520 --> 00:34:36.400 sized vehicle and trailer for turn around within. Maybe this team LA. 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:41.460 To improve visitor experience and enhance Accessibility is 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:45.340 small developed interpretive wayside or picnic area would also be 00:34:45.340 --> 00:34:48.390 constructed adjacent to the northeast portion of the lot near the Eagle Mosquito 00:34:48.390 --> 00:34:51.670 Trail head and a small sign directing visitors to Cold Springs 00:34:51.670 --> 00:34:54.800 Nature Trail. Would it be installed near the entrance of the parking 00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:57.960 area and you can see that small developed wayside 00:34:57.960 --> 00:35:01.070 denoted as the ABA picnic table and the 00:35:01.070 --> 00:35:02.250 lower right hand designs on the slide. 00:35:05.290 --> 00:35:08.350 Now when the NPS looks at projects 00:35:08.350 --> 00:35:12.050 such as these, we also consider a few other 00:35:12.050 --> 00:35:15.260 things in factor this into our decision making such 00:35:15.260 --> 00:35:18.640 as crew size and staging material and 00:35:18.640 --> 00:35:18.800 equipment needs. 00:35:19.390 --> 00:35:22.430 More detail on all four of these items 00:35:22.430 --> 00:35:25.690 is provided in the scoping document on the project website, and you'll note a 00:35:25.690 --> 00:35:28.820 few additional bullets here, but there are a few things I just want to 00:35:28.820 --> 00:35:32.030 highlight for your attention. But being that first 00:35:32.030 --> 00:35:35.620 and foremost crew size is going to be variable or would be variable 00:35:35.620 --> 00:35:39.400 and established by the contractor to meet all of their needs of the 00:35:39.400 --> 00:35:42.920 contract were estimating at this time that could range anywhere from 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:46.510 one to five people to as many as 100 people distributed 00:35:46.510 --> 00:35:47.360 throughout the project. I didn't get in time. 00:35:48.710 --> 00:35:51.990 Although staging would utilize existing footprints 00:35:51.990 --> 00:35:55.120 like Pullouts, the NPS may need to consider the 00:35:55.120 --> 00:35:58.570 use of one or both campgrounds to enable 00:35:58.570 --> 00:36:01.670 material, equipment, storage and cruise for example 00:36:01.670 --> 00:36:04.790 e, of all crew members need to commute up and down the Mineral King Rd each 00:36:04.790 --> 00:36:07.890 day or night. That potentially adds time 00:36:07.890 --> 00:36:08.950 and cost of the project. 00:36:10.050 --> 00:36:13.090 A full list of anticipated near materials isn't also 00:36:13.090 --> 00:36:16.220 included in the scoping document on the project website, but 00:36:16.220 --> 00:36:19.670 I just want to know that one of our main concerns here is that any 00:36:19.670 --> 00:36:22.850 important any imported material be free of non native 00:36:22.850 --> 00:36:26.140 plant material, so we're not importing non native 00:36:26.140 --> 00:36:29.420 species during the scope of this project 00:36:29.420 --> 00:36:32.550 And finally obviously this is a big project. We're talking about an would require the 00:36:32.550 --> 00:36:35.680 use of heavy machinery along the entire roadway at 00:36:35.680 --> 00:36:35.970 various times. 00:36:39.950 --> 00:36:43.980 So let's talk through the project schedule 00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:47.370 together before we get too detailed on this piece on there just 00:36:47.370 --> 00:36:49.100 st a few things I want to note. So first and foremost. 00:36:49.600 --> 00:36:52.870 This project would be implemented no earlier than 00:36:52.870 --> 00:36:56.040 2023 and could take anywhere 00:36:56.040 --> 00:36:59.310 from two to five years intermittently, depending on the 00:36:59.310 --> 00:36:59.910 funding and phasing. 00:37:00.980 --> 00:37:04.500 A second of all, due to the complexity of the project and the fact 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:07.620 that a large portion of the project occurs in areas influenced 00:37:07.620 --> 00:37:10.940 by snow half the year, we anticipate that closures would 00:37:10.940 --> 00:37:12.570 be necessary throughout the year. 00:37:13.550 --> 00:37:16.750 Now, based on the experience of federal highways and 00:37:16.750 --> 00:37:19.840 the multitude of projects that they oversee across the nation 00:37:19.840 --> 00:37:23.340 they've pulled together a recommended project schedule that's based on 00:37:23.340 --> 00:37:27.520 other projects. With that have similarities to this proposed 00:37:27.520 --> 00:37:30.820 action, specifically in regards to remote Ness and the overall scope of what 00:37:30.820 --> 00:37:33.260 we're proposing, and I'm going to walk us through that schedule. 00:37:33.940 --> 00:37:34.580 But again. 00:37:35.290 --> 00:37:38.400 As I just said a few other things 00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:41.580 I want a few other key points 00:37:41.580 --> 00:37:44.660 I want to make so the schedule first and foremost the schedule I believe is 00:37:44.660 --> 00:37:47.710 pretty optimistic and is subject to it is really 00:37:47.710 --> 00:37:50.860 subject to what happens as implementation moves forward 00:37:50.860 --> 00:37:53.970 So for example, if problems occur, we may 00:37:53.970 --> 00:37:57.000 need to accommodate more closures than what you'll see 00:37:57.000 --> 00:37:57.330 in just a second. 00:37:58.640 --> 00:38:01.660 Secondly, the final construction schedule 00:38:01.660 --> 00:38:04.890 what gets implemented would really be up to the contractor 00:38:04.890 --> 00:38:08.170 to determine about efficiency and where they do what work they're 00:38:08.170 --> 00:38:11.340 doing and when with some 00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:14.430 e general guidance provided by the NPS, the big caveat there 00:38:14.430 --> 00:38:17.410 is that closures are subject to MPs is final approval. 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:21.470 All the 00:38:21.470 --> 00:38:24.730 schedule is all of this said, we assume a 00:38:24.730 --> 00:38:27.920 few key things. Number one the construction 00:38:27.920 --> 00:38:31.520 n schedule would almost certainly include year round work an night 00:38:31.520 --> 00:38:34.810 t work during the summer months, and sectional road closures would 00:38:34.810 --> 00:38:35.830 be absolutely necessary. 00:38:36.580 --> 00:38:40.010 Given the varying elevation and temperatures across 00:38:40.010 --> 00:38:43.230 the 15.3 miles of Rd, most of the 00:38:43.230 --> 00:38:46.650 winter work would occur in the lower half of the road below that 00:38:46.650 --> 00:38:50.220 t second gate. For those of you who know that where that is with higher 00:38:50.220 --> 00:38:53.680 elevation North work at higher elevations occur in as freezing 00:38:53.680 --> 00:38:54.800 temperatures dissipate during the spring and summer. 00:38:55.480 --> 00:38:58.700 A separate from road closures, we also assume 00:38:58.700 --> 00:39:01.870 that entire parking lots would also need to be closed for several weeks at a time. 00:39:02.680 --> 00:39:05.120 During different phases of construction. 00:39:07.160 --> 00:39:10.300 So let's jump in. I got you all excited and now 00:39:10.300 --> 00:39:14.190 it. And then I talked a lot and now we're back at it 00:39:14.190 --> 00:39:17.430 So federal highways as you can see on your screen, federal highways is 00:39:17.430 --> 00:39:19.780 broken up. Potential closures like 3 different seasons. 00:39:20.420 --> 00:39:23.570 And so one being offseason gates 00:39:23.570 --> 00:39:27.090 closed second being summer season that week 00:39:27.090 --> 00:39:31.010 before Memorial Day to Labor Day. And finally that 00:39:31.010 --> 00:39:31.620 fall shoulder season. 00:39:32.150 --> 00:39:35.320 You will also note that between these 00:39:35.320 --> 00:39:36.670 seasons, the proposal at this time is. 00:39:37.280 --> 00:39:40.320 You also know that as you compare seasons and the 00:39:40.320 --> 00:39:42.020 information on your screen. 00:39:43.260 --> 00:39:46.680 The proposal at this time is to prioritize 00:39:46.680 --> 00:39:49.840 access between Memorial Day and through the end of October 00:39:49.840 --> 00:39:52.890 with a higher focus on those high you summer 00:39:52.890 --> 00:39:56.310 months. In other words, in order to maintain access in the summer and 00:39:56.310 --> 00:39:59.520 fall seasons, we would need to allow far greater closures in the 00:39:59.520 --> 00:40:02.610 winter months in order to allow the contractor to conduct heavy 00:40:02.610 --> 00:40:05.690 work such as building along retaining wall that 00:40:05.690 --> 00:40:08.390 includes a lot of excavation or replacing large culverts. 00:40:09.060 --> 00:40:12.110 We are also concerned about balancing public 00:40:12.110 --> 00:40:15.570 access in the winter, with closures noting 00:40:15.570 --> 00:40:18.740 that just a general concern that people could potentially be trapped in the upper 00:40:18.740 --> 00:40:22.270 portions of the road if the closures implemented were out of range 00:40:22.270 --> 00:40:25.260 If people are up there, the closures implemented and they don't know about it. 00:40:26.220 --> 00:40:29.270 As I jump in the details here, one other note 00:40:29.270 --> 00:40:32.590 to make is that emergency access would be would need to be accommodated 00:40:32.590 --> 00:40:33.210 at all times. 00:40:33.720 --> 00:40:37.020 For example, the NPS would look at staging an emergency vehicle 00:40:37.020 --> 00:40:41.530 at the upslope end of construction and has a 00:40:41.530 --> 00:40:44.870 contingency, a helicopter pad near the end of the road that could be utilized as 00:40:44.870 --> 00:40:47.180 well in case of emergency transport is necessary. 00:40:48.800 --> 00:40:51.880 So this offseason November 00:40:51.880 --> 00:40:55.770 to May with the gates closed full closures 00:40:55.770 --> 00:40:59.120 s. Although we have construction, is expected in the upper portion of 00:40:59.120 --> 00:41:02.440 the road between December and April. The NPS could 00:41:02.440 --> 00:41:05.510 allow full closures during this time based on the 00:41:05.510 --> 00:41:06.230 current proposal at hand. 00:41:07.220 --> 00:41:07.820 00:41:08.860 --> 00:41:12.070 That really is to enable what you'll see 00:41:12.070 --> 00:41:15.630 below in the summer and fall seasons, and so for the summer 00:41:15.630 --> 00:41:18.660 season. That week before Memorial Day to Labor Day 00:41:18.660 --> 00:41:22.190 would be that we would not be anticipating or allowing 00:41:22.190 --> 00:41:25.580 daytime closures and no weekend or Friday daytime 00:41:25.580 --> 00:41:27.910 work would occur along the roadway. 00:41:28.750 --> 00:41:32.010 That said, Friday, Monday through Friday night 00:41:32.010 --> 00:41:35.240 time closures could be allowed and so that would be from 8 00:41:35.240 --> 00:41:38.670 00 PM to about 6:00 AM. Full complete closures 00:41:38.670 --> 00:41:41.680 on Monday through Thursday nights. An open every 00:41:41.680 --> 00:41:45.050 two hours on Friday nights and what this means 00:41:45.050 --> 00:41:48.400 for those seeking to access Mineral King Rd or come down 00:41:48.400 --> 00:41:51.500 from Working Valley is that delays could be 00:41:51.500 --> 00:41:55.300 15 minutes during the daytime Monday through Thursday 00:41:55.300 --> 00:41:58.620 and then two hours at night 00:41:58.620 --> 00:42:00.940 on Friday with note with a full closure from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. 00:42:00.940 --> 00:42:03.060 That Monday through Thursday during the night. 00:42:04.400 --> 00:42:07.430 For the fall shoulder season. So post Labor Day 00:42:07.430 --> 00:42:10.750 to the last weekend in last Wednesday 00:42:10.750 --> 00:42:13.840 in October. Is that full closures could 00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:17.160 be allowed an I'll get to those details in just a second 00:42:17.160 --> 00:42:20.270 with timing considerations and we can work 00:42:20.270 --> 00:42:23.500 Could be authorized just on an as needed basis. So those 00:42:23.500 --> 00:42:25.930 closures, what they would look like. 00:42:25.930 --> 00:42:29.080 Monday through Thursday daytime closures will be 00:42:29.080 --> 00:42:30.750 limited to two hours, three times a day. 00:42:31.310 --> 00:42:34.400 And no, daytime closures would be allowed Friday to Sunday. 00:42:35.380 --> 00:42:38.470 Monday through Sunday night time closures could 00:42:38.470 --> 00:42:41.590 be allowed and similar to the summer season Monday 00:42:41.590 --> 00:42:45.060 through Thursday. Full closures at night from 8:00 PM to 6:00 00:42:45.060 --> 00:42:48.080 AM and then on the weekend you would be allowed 00:42:48.080 --> 00:42:48.820 access every two hours. 00:42:49.660 --> 00:42:53.140 With this ultimately means for you is 00:42:53.140 --> 00:42:56.270 that delays could be 2 hours at a time during the day 00:42:56.270 --> 00:42:59.420 and night, with full closures on Monday through 00:42:59.420 --> 00:43:00.890 Thursday nights from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. 00:43:04.390 --> 00:43:07.800 So based on the initial discussions about 00:43:07.800 --> 00:43:10.900 this proposal, the NPS is identified a couple 00:43:10.900 --> 00:43:14.680 of key resources that we want to note and just be really 00:43:14.680 --> 00:43:17.920 sensitive that in moving forward. So the mineral 00:43:17.920 --> 00:43:20.770 and that being sequoias, the Mineral King, Historic District, and Fisher. 00:43:21.740 --> 00:43:24.890 The Mineral King Rd traverses through a Sequoia 00:43:24.890 --> 00:43:28.060 Grove on its way to the Mineral King Valley and some sequoias 00:43:28.060 --> 00:43:31.550 are so close to the road in each other that at times the road narrows 00:43:31.550 --> 00:43:32.420 to a single Lane Rd. 00:43:33.000 --> 00:43:37.800 Any demolition of existing Rd bad has the potential to damage 00:43:37.800 --> 00:43:41.530 Sequoia Brits and the NPS is therefore carefully surveyed sequoias that 00:43:41.530 --> 00:43:44.890 could potentially be impacted by this proposed 00:43:44.890 --> 00:43:47.550 action and has identified some mitigation measures to avoid such impacts. 00:43:48.080 --> 00:43:51.890 These mitigation measures include, but are not limited 00:43:51.890 --> 00:43:53.510 to, reduced depth polarization. 00:43:54.010 --> 00:43:57.300 Removal of existing asphalt, Bitbucket or other 00:43:57.300 --> 00:44:00.510 non destructive needs around exposed Sequoia roots 00:44:00.510 --> 00:44:03.870 and in some cases elevating the road to avoid disturbance of 00:44:03.870 --> 00:44:06.880 Sequoia roots specifically near Sequoia 00:44:06.880 --> 00:44:10.470 a that are immediately adjacent to roadway A 00:44:10.470 --> 00:44:13.820 sandbridge over Sequoia roots would be installed to reduce soil 00:44:13.820 --> 00:44:14.070 compaction over roots. 00:44:15.650 --> 00:44:18.770 The NPS is also identified. Some mitigation measures to 00:44:18.770 --> 00:44:22.070 reduce the potential for introducing non native seed like I was 00:44:22.070 --> 00:44:25.200 s saying earlier and has developed a revegetation plan 00:44:25.200 --> 00:44:28.510 for areas impacted by construction estimated at about 00:44:28.510 --> 00:44:28.980 t 9 acres. 00:44:29.780 --> 00:44:33.770 The Mineral King Rd. Cultural landscape 00:44:33.770 --> 00:44:37.030 District was listed on the National Register in 2000 00:44:37.030 --> 00:44:40.220 The district boundary generally extends 30 feet on 00:44:40.220 --> 00:44:43.470 either side of the center line and includes all features associated with 00:44:43.470 --> 00:44:46.640 the road. Culverts, rock cuts, turnouts, etc. 00:44:47.280 --> 00:44:50.610 As the road passes through, the mineral King developed areas of 00:44:50.610 --> 00:44:54.310 District expands to include the building structures and associated features of these 00:44:54.310 --> 00:44:55.000 developed areas as well. 00:44:56.390 --> 00:44:59.410 Although alterations to the road surface and features along the 00:44:59.410 --> 00:45:02.550 road such as culverts, have the potential 00:45:02.550 --> 00:45:06.080 to affect the district, the NPS is following the secretary of 00:45:06.080 --> 00:45:09.250 Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties 00:45:09.250 --> 00:45:12.420 to minimize impacts and to retain and protect the integrity 00:45:12.420 --> 00:45:16.240 of the district. This includes, but is not limited to 00:45:16.240 --> 00:45:19.760 again maintaining the existing width of the paved roadway 00:45:19.760 --> 00:45:22.890 using integral colored concrete to reduce the visibility of 00:45:22.890 --> 00:45:25.920 concrete when used and using the same or similar 00:45:25.920 --> 00:45:27.710 materials when replacing headwalls on existing. 00:45:27.710 --> 00:45:28.240 Alright. 00:45:31.030 --> 00:45:34.070 The Sierra Nevada distinct population segment of 00:45:34.070 --> 00:45:37.150 the Fisher was listed as endangered just last year. 00:45:37.700 --> 00:45:40.800 Although critical habitat for this species has not 00:45:40.800 --> 00:45:44.280 been designated, the Mineral King Rd traverses certainly traverses 00:45:44.280 --> 00:45:47.490 through suitable Fisher Denning Habitat, which is really 00:45:47.490 --> 00:45:50.690 that habitat that allows fissures to raise to raise their young. 00:45:51.240 --> 00:45:54.310 Work, it's because roads pose one of the 00:45:54.310 --> 00:45:57.970 greatest threats to the species. This project proposes to 00:45:57.970 --> 00:46:01.120 facilitate under roadway wildlife crossings by adding 00:46:01.120 --> 00:46:04.470 additional culverts and enlarging others beyond what would be required solely to 00:46:04.470 --> 00:46:06.270 meet current highway design standards. 00:46:07.460 --> 00:46:10.950 And finally, although this is not on your screen in front of 00:46:10.950 --> 00:46:14.380 you and not necessarily considered a natural or 00:46:14.380 --> 00:46:17.650 cultural resource, the NPS is certainly concerned about impacts 00:46:17.650 --> 00:46:21.820 to visitor use. An experience along this roadway as I mentioned 00:46:21.820 --> 00:46:24.840 d earlier, Mineral King is one of the primary public access points to the wilderness 00:46:24.840 --> 00:46:28.210 areas, is part of me. 00:46:28.210 --> 00:46:31.410 Mineral King is one of the primary public access points to the 00:46:31.410 --> 00:46:34.680 wilderness areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 00:46:34.680 --> 00:46:38.080 The area has two NPS campgrounds, or Ranger 00:46:38.080 --> 00:46:41.380 station NPS employee housing and trailheads their 00:46:41.380 --> 00:46:44.590 r primary departure point for half of the wilderness areas in Sequoia National Park. 00:46:45.270 --> 00:46:48.290 The road primarily serves park visitors to mineral 00:46:48.290 --> 00:46:51.790 King and Park Wilderness. Clients of Silver City 00:46:51.790 --> 00:46:55.830 Resort, an summer residents within a small cabin community of Mineral King 00:46:55.830 --> 00:46:59.090 Every year we know thousands of visitors are traveling up to this 00:46:59.090 --> 00:47:02.070 Valley for day use. Front country camping and access to the wilderness. 00:47:02.980 --> 00:47:06.140 During construction delays and closures like 00:47:06.140 --> 00:47:09.220 we've talked about would be expected, and we're working with 00:47:09.220 --> 00:47:12.680 the Federal Highway Administration to coordinate and maintain 00:47:12.680 --> 00:47:16.110 emergency and visitor access to the maximum extent practical 00:47:16.110 --> 00:47:19.710 throughout the visit. Are you season? And that is one reason why we are reaching out to you 00:47:19.710 --> 00:47:22.750 Now, to really get your input about what about 00:47:22.750 --> 00:47:24.090 that access is the most critical to you. 00:47:24.910 --> 00:47:28.020 Post rehabilitation the road would 00:47:28.020 --> 00:47:31.240 provide safer public access along the mineral King 00:47:31.240 --> 00:47:33.310 Rd, ultimately preserving that access in the long term. 00:47:33.840 --> 00:47:36.910 The road surface would be smoother as all sections would be 00:47:36.910 --> 00:47:40.530 paved parking and interpreted information would be 00:47:40.530 --> 00:47:44.020 made ABA accessible, and parking would also be formalized 00:47:44.020 --> 00:47:47.050 To avoid parking conflicts and to enable safe 00:47:47.050 --> 00:47:49.990 turnarounds, particularly for larger vehicles such as stock trailers. 00:47:53.260 --> 00:47:56.420 So where are we at in the planning process? If I can, I'd 00:47:56.420 --> 00:47:59.890 like to direct your attention to the right hand portion of your screen 00:47:59.890 --> 00:48:03.460 That planning schedule and so last 00:48:03.460 --> 00:48:06.670 spring we started plans on this project defining our purpose 00:48:06.670 --> 00:48:10.230 and need, starting designs about what our 00:48:10.230 --> 00:48:13.250 preliminary alternatives were are. 00:48:13.270 --> 00:48:16.760 Spring into summer and fall. We identified resources 00:48:16.760 --> 00:48:20.320 of concern and started to refine those alternatives and that 00:48:20.320 --> 00:48:23.520 design, and now we are going out to you going out to the 00:48:23.520 --> 00:48:26.680 public to get your input. We have a more refined idea of what we're 00:48:26.680 --> 00:48:30.280 really looking to accomplish and what we think is practical infeasible 00:48:30.280 --> 00:48:33.830 e an also seeking your input not only on that proposed 00:48:33.830 --> 00:48:37.070 action. Any concerns you have, but also about public 00:48:37.070 --> 00:48:40.250 access and what considerations we need to make 00:48:40.250 --> 00:48:43.520 when determining and finalizing not only designs 00:48:43.520 --> 00:48:44.500 but also the schedule as well. 00:48:45.540 --> 00:48:49.310 We have started, but certainly we're not completely done 00:48:49.310 --> 00:48:52.840 preparing our environmental documentation and conduct, initiating 00:48:52.840 --> 00:48:55.950 and conducting consultation, particularly with the state 00:48:55.950 --> 00:48:59.520 Historic Preservation Officer and the United States 00:48:59.520 --> 00:49:02.620 Fish and Wildlife Service, and we hope to finalize designs and 00:49:02.620 --> 00:49:05.690 prepare decision. Document this 00:49:05.690 --> 00:49:05.700 early this summer. 00:49:06.520 --> 00:49:09.550 If you are at this meeting, I believe you have already 00:49:09.550 --> 00:49:12.870 found our project website. Thank you for checking it out in the 00:49:12.870 --> 00:49:16.670 e information on it you can submit 00:49:16.670 --> 00:49:20.100 not only can you access additional materials about this proposed 00:49:20.100 --> 00:49:23.150 action on the planning website, but you can also 00:49:23.150 --> 00:49:26.650 comment there. You can also submit comments via the 00:49:26.650 --> 00:49:29.740 Question Answer section here and we will note that and 00:49:29.740 --> 00:49:32.870 take that into consideration and you can also email your comments 00:49:32.870 --> 00:49:36.080 to the Superintendent. The addresses here listed on 00:49:36.080 --> 00:49:36.640 your screen. 00:49:36.640 --> 00:49:40.090 Sequoia Kings National Park 4/7 00:49:40.090 --> 00:49:43.470 050 Generals Highway in Three Rivers 00:49:43.470 --> 00:49:46.490 California 93271 you 00:49:46.490 --> 00:49:49.520 u were also obviously at a virtual public meeting again just as a 00:49:49.520 --> 00:49:52.920 a reminder, we are recording this meeting and we will be posting 00:49:52.920 --> 00:49:56.640 this to the project website following this 00:49:56.640 --> 00:49:59.760 s meeting. I have also been talking for a long time. Here we 00:49:59.760 --> 00:50:03.130 we will have enough time to answer all of your questions, but just in case 00:50:03.130 --> 00:50:06.630 case we do not, we will be posting will be writing 00:50:06.630 --> 00:50:07.950 out answers to your questions. 00:50:07.950 --> 00:50:10.040 And posting to the project website as well. 00:50:10.940 --> 00:50:14.070 For next steps, public comments are accepted 00:50:14.070 --> 00:50:15.720 through midnight May 19th. 00:50:16.330 --> 00:50:21.110 And following the public comment period, we 00:50:21.110 --> 00:50:24.420 will be analyzing your comments considering 00:50:24.420 --> 00:50:27.740 g and making any necessary modifications to the proposed 00:50:27.740 --> 00:50:30.750 action will be finalizing consultation and will be preparing 00:50:30.750 --> 00:50:31.340 a decision document. 00:50:32.750 --> 00:50:34.110 And so with that. 00:50:34.950 --> 00:50:38.100 I'd like to open it up to the floor for questions I'm going 00:50:38.100 --> 00:50:41.470 to hand it over to tree to Teresa in just a 00:50:41.470 --> 00:50:44.730 second, but just as a reminder to submit a question you can 00:50:44.730 --> 00:50:48.660 click on the small question Mark icon in the upper right hand corner of 00:50:48.660 --> 00:50:51.680 your screen. Take the question to the field and click on that arrow on the right 00:50:51.680 --> 00:50:54.840 hand side. Again, your question won't be immediately visible 00:50:54.840 --> 00:50:57.960 to everyone, but will be walking through the questions in 00:50:57.960 --> 00:51:01.380 order and publishing them live for 00:51:01.380 --> 00:51:02.320 everyone as we answer them. 00:51:03.640 --> 00:51:06.710 So with that Teresa, do you want to do you 00:51:06.710 --> 00:51:10.790 u have any questions that we can move forward on? 00:51:10.790 --> 00:51:14.070 A couple of the questions have been answered during the presentation 00:51:14.070 --> 00:51:17.420 which is great. We do have a 00:51:17.420 --> 00:51:20.560 question regarding the project website 00:51:20.560 --> 00:51:23.830 and the presentation being posted. 00:51:24.860 --> 00:51:28.430 Or whether the Maps can be posted 00:51:28.430 --> 00:51:31.590 and we of course that said that we would be posting the 00:51:31.590 --> 00:51:36.420 presentation itself. I was unsure if the PowerPoint 00:51:36.420 --> 00:51:39.640 presentation would be posted and what the 00:51:39.640 --> 00:51:42.720 Maps the map availability is, so that would be 00:51:42.720 --> 00:51:43.600 question for you, Elly. 00:51:45.020 --> 00:51:48.260 Certainly thinks think St 00:51:48.260 --> 00:51:53.070 yes we can post that all that information so we'll have the 00:51:53.070 --> 00:51:54.500 presentation posted. 00:51:55.090 --> 00:51:58.190 The actual meeting 00:51:58.190 --> 00:52:01.580 The video of this posted and then the questions as well. So you 00:52:01.580 --> 00:52:04.950 can find those Maps in there. And if there's 00:52:04.950 --> 00:52:08.240 a specific request for a math that you'd like to see 00:52:08.240 --> 00:52:12.640 that is not in this presentation, please just put in the question and answer 00:52:12.640 --> 00:52:16.000 section and we will post that as well. If we have that 00:52:16.000 --> 00:52:16.300 information. 00:52:18.670 --> 00:52:22.780 OK 00:52:22.780 --> 00:52:25.800 so another question that we have is relating 00:52:25.800 --> 00:52:29.070 to the scoping information 00:52:29.070 --> 00:52:32.620 mentioning trailer parking and the question is, does this mean 00:52:32.620 --> 00:52:37.320 that camping or travel trailers will be allowed 00:52:37.320 --> 00:52:40.430 overnight? I believe this is probably a dual question, perhaps perhaps for 00:52:40.430 --> 00:52:43.500 r Dave Fox and Nicole Mason for 00:52:43.500 --> 00:52:45.000 the purpose of those parking areas. 00:52:47.330 --> 00:52:51.170 Certainly I'd be happy to answer that 00:52:51.170 --> 00:52:54.250 one. We're not looking at allowing travel 00:52:54.250 --> 00:52:57.470 trailers for overnight camping at the end of the 00:52:57.470 --> 00:53:00.560 road, we're actually looking at the future for the 00:53:00.560 --> 00:53:04.050 potential for folks with horse trailers to be able to come 00:53:04.050 --> 00:53:07.300 up and access the wilderness areas that 00:53:07.300 --> 00:53:11.130 are stock iaccessible and have a place to park 00:53:11.130 --> 00:53:12.120 their trailers overnight so that they. 00:53:12.710 --> 00:53:16.320 They don't have to leave them down at the campground or find some place else to 00:53:16.320 --> 00:53:19.620 try and squeeze them in along the roadside 00:53:19.620 --> 00:53:20.960 which we know causes problems. 00:53:28.690 --> 00:53:31.890 So at this 00:53:31.890 --> 00:53:35.040 time, thank you Dave, I do not see any additional questions I 00:53:35.040 --> 00:53:38.510 I know we have quite a few attendees on the line. 00:53:39.560 --> 00:53:42.720 We I know that Eli had a very thorough presentation 00:53:42.720 --> 00:53:45.990 but if you have any other questions you can post those now and we 00:53:45.990 --> 00:53:48.420 can you have opportunity for us to respond at this time. 00:53:53.910 --> 00:54:04.570 Yeah true 00:54:04.570 --> 00:54:07.760 e, so let's just give it another three 00:54:07.760 --> 00:54:11.060 minutes. And for those of you have no additional 00:54:11.060 --> 00:54:14.160 questions, you could hang up, but maybe something juicy will be 00:54:14.160 --> 00:54:16.280 asked by somebody else. 00:54:16.280 --> 00:54:19.300 So feel free to stay on the line and we 00:54:19.300 --> 00:54:22.550 will close it out but just wanna give a little bit of room 00:54:22.550 --> 00:54:25.940 for folks to submit you and just another reminder is that 00:54:25.940 --> 00:54:28.990 we for those of you that may have joined late that 00:54:28.990 --> 00:54:32.880 we, the NPS, cannot hear you as you 00:54:32.880 --> 00:54:33.550 are muted automatically. 00:54:54.240 --> 00:54:57.270 Trees, are you seeing any new? I'm not seeing any new ones 00:54:57.270 --> 00:55:01.510 come in or there are no additional questions coming in at this time. 00:55:02.890 --> 00:55:06.020 Alright, I just found I think I'll 00:55:06.020 --> 00:55:09.110 take the opportunity then to 00:55:09.110 --> 00:55:12.210 again, thank you for joining us for 00:55:12.210 --> 00:55:15.560 your interest like as Clay was mentioning 00:55:15.560 --> 00:55:19.130 earlier. For your interest in this proposed 00:55:19.130 --> 00:55:22.290 action for your taking time out of your precious day 00:55:22.290 --> 00:55:25.720 to meet with us and very much appreciate and look 00:55:25.720 --> 00:55:27.930 forward to hearing from you in your comments. 00:55:28.520 --> 00:55:30.010 On this on this action. 00:55:30.890 --> 00:55:34.010 I do have one question that just 00:55:34.010 --> 00:55:35.510 came in. 00:55:35.510 --> 00:55:38.750 Brock is how will communication be 00:55:38.750 --> 00:55:42.390 passed on to community and visitors regarding Rd 00:55:42.390 --> 00:55:45.660 ad closures? How will we know when the road is closed outside of 00:55:45.660 --> 00:55:48.700 regular planned hours? So that question would be 00:55:48.700 --> 00:55:48.990 for Nicole. 00:56:00.640 --> 00:56:05.280 Hi 00:56:05.280 --> 00:56:07.390 sorry for the delay. 00:56:07.390 --> 00:56:10.550 I was actually hoping that Cynthia 00:56:10.550 --> 00:56:12.740 could maybe help me out there. 00:56:13.610 --> 00:56:18.550 Hi 00:56:18.550 --> 00:56:21.930 I definitely can help our 00:56:21.930 --> 00:56:24.980 delay an Rd closure information is always we always 00:56:24.980 --> 00:56:27.990 s do unusual East to announce when we have a schedule 00:56:27.990 --> 00:56:32.010 and the project is starting up for the construction 00:56:32.010 --> 00:56:36.010 season and then all of that information is then posted on our NPS 00:56:36.010 --> 00:56:39.360 website. Sonps.gov/C key we 00:56:39.360 --> 00:56:42.410 e also do social media posts and 00:56:42.410 --> 00:56:44.500 to give updates if anything changes. 00:56:44.500 --> 00:56:49.230 Through the construction phases 00:56:49.230 --> 00:56:52.420 so most of the information is always available on our 00:56:52.420 --> 00:56:55.640 website. And then there's the schedules will be also printed 00:56:55.640 --> 00:56:58.650 in the park newspaper and 00:56:58.650 --> 00:57:00.190 other areas in the park. 00:57:05.650 --> 00:57:09.330 Thank you Cynthia Ann. We have 00:57:09.330 --> 00:57:10.500 another. It's a congratulatory. 00:57:11.180 --> 00:57:14.230 Post asks how 00:57:14.230 --> 00:57:17.250 you can get other government agencies to be as clear 00:57:17.250 --> 00:57:19.860 and concise as you have been. 00:57:23.170 --> 00:57:26.430 I don't know that one. I think that was 00:57:26.430 --> 00:57:29.480 posted facetiously, so thank you very much 00:57:29.480 --> 00:57:32.780 Yeah, I think that was my mom listening 00:57:32.780 --> 00:57:36.140 in on this. So thanks ma'am. Appreciate it. 00:57:36.710 --> 00:57:48.650 Alright 00:57:48.650 --> 00:57:49.850 with that. 00:57:51.330 --> 00:57:55.410 Those the last question that I see is, I guess we're done. 00:57:55.570 --> 00:57:59.050 From someone else, so thank 00:57:59.050 --> 00:58:03.130 you everyone for joining us Clay. Do you have any words that you would like to 00:58:03.130 --> 00:58:04.510 say at the end here to close this out? 00:58:05.330 --> 00:58:08.730 No, I really appreciate you bearing 00:58:08.730 --> 00:58:12.430 with us and this informed 00:58:12.430 --> 00:58:15.540 they like any use of technology, there's advantages 00:58:15.540 --> 00:58:18.570 and disadvantages, right? It's always 00:58:18.570 --> 00:58:22.130 nice to be in a room to be able to make eye 00:58:22.130 --> 00:58:25.500 contact into an, it just invites 00:58:25.500 --> 00:58:28.560 better communications. We know that to be able to look at some charts 00:58:28.560 --> 00:58:32.020 Anne Anne Anne to do all those 00:58:32.020 --> 00:58:35.670 things. The one benefit, of course, is 00:58:35.670 --> 00:58:36.100 you can. 00:58:36.100 --> 00:58:39.460 You can don't have to leave 00:58:39.460 --> 00:58:42.560 home your work it in you 00:58:42.560 --> 00:58:45.590 u can join us if you are live 00:58:45.590 --> 00:58:48.850 hundreds of miles away, so hopefully in 00:58:48.850 --> 00:58:52.310 the future will learn from all this and maybe do a combination 00:58:52.310 --> 00:58:55.400 of both in person and 00:58:55.400 --> 00:58:58.910 line public meetings as 00:58:58.910 --> 00:59:02.490 we hopefully get covid in our rearview mirror 00:59:02.490 --> 00:59:06.340 at some point, but really appreciate. 00:59:06.620 --> 00:59:10.280 Helping us to learn through this 00:59:10.280 --> 00:59:13.370 approach of providing 00:59:13.370 --> 00:59:16.790 information and this is not a check the box 00:59:16.790 --> 00:59:19.870 x of effort on our part. We really do 00:59:19.870 --> 00:59:23.280 want that engagement 00:59:23.280 --> 00:59:26.690 and we definitely need help in trying to 00:59:26.690 --> 00:59:29.710 get this right so 00:59:29.710 --> 00:59:33.010 o thanks very much for taking the time to join us an 00:59:33.010 --> 00:59:36.090 as you. I digest the materials on line 00:59:36.810 --> 00:59:40.000 As you think about how this 00:59:40.000 --> 00:59:43.820 project might precede, then please feel free 00:59:43.820 --> 00:59:47.130 to reach out anytime and will try to do what 00:59:47.130 --> 00:59:50.480 we can to take those concerns 00:59:50.480 --> 00:59:53.590 into consideration. But other than that 00:59:53.590 --> 00:59:56.890 again, I think we can call it an afternoon and 00:59:56.890 --> 01:00:01.150 again, thank you for joining us and thank you team for 01:00:01.150 --> 01:00:04.350 a present for being on board 01:00:04.350 --> 01:00:06.530 and great job presenting Elly thank you. 01:00:07.580 --> 01:00:25.050
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Presentation and Q&A session about the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration's joint proposal to rehabilitate 15.29 miles of the Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park. The National Park Service will provide a brief presentation on the proposed action and resources of concern and will then open up the meeting for questions from the public.
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Recording of Board Camp Sequoia Grove Restoration Public Meeting, held virtually on March1, 2022. The public comment period for this project ends March 25, 2022. Comments may be submitted to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=342&projectID=107200&documentID=118689, or mailed to Superintendent, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Attn: Board Camp Grove Reforestation, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271. |
Last updated: March 15, 2022