Electronic Newsletter, May 11, 2011

Tenaya Lake Area Plan FONSI Available
The Tenaya Lake Area Plan Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is now available for public review. This document records the decision of the National Park Service to restore and protect resources while providing opportunities for appropriate high-country visitor experiences at Tenaya Lake, as described under the Selected Alternative (Modified Alternative 2) in the Tenaya Lake Area Plan Environmental Assessment (EA). The FONSI package also contains Errata Sheets, a Floodplain Statement of Findings, and the Tenaya Lake Area Plan Public Comment and Response Report.

The Selected Alternative addresses a wide range of visitor experiences and facility improvements around this spectacular high-country lake. The park will begin the first phase of implementation of actions identified in the FONSI. Restoration of the East Beach area will begin in summer 2011. Future project phases include: additional ecological restoration, picnic area improvements, trailhead and parking improvements, comfort stations, and trails.

The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is available electronically through the National Park Service's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment system (PEPC) at parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=347&projectID=22910&documentID=40891 or www.nps.gov/ yose/parkmgmt/tenaya_information.htm. Hardcopies and CDs of the Tenaya Lake Area Plan FONSI are available on a limited basis, and requests can be submitted by mail to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: Tenaya Lake Area Plan, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389; or fax [phone]; or email: e-mail us.

Merced River Plan Science Forum
This Friday, May 13, we will host a science forum to provide the results of several research projects commissioned by the Merced River Plan. These studies were intended expand the park's existing knowledge of the Merced River's water quality, its free-flowing condition, and its Outstandingly Remarkable Values (those values that merit the river's designation as wild and scenic, pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act). The forum will begin at 9 am and last until 2 pm with an hour break for lunch.

This forum is available by attending in person at the Yosemite Lodge Garden Terrace or online at yose.webex.com. For more information about the studies visit www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp_research.htm.

See What's New on Yosemite's Invasive Plant Web Pages
Did you know that some of the biggest threats to Yosemite's ecosystem health sometimes arrive as hitchhikers on vehicles, pets, clothing, and even camping gear? Find out how you can help protect Yosemite's biodiversity and reduce the spread of invasive plants at www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/invasive-plants.htm.