Electronic Newsletter, September 14, 2011

Merced River Plan Update
In 1987 Congress determined that the Merced River was truly a remarkable and special river worthy of designation as a Wild and Scenic River. This designation recognizes the natural character, free flowing conditions, and unique features of the river; provides an additional layer of legal protection; and requires a management plan to protect and enhance river values. The National Park Service is developing, in consultation with tribes and participation from stakeholders, a comprehensive management plan to guide the care and protection of the Merced River and the South Fork of the Merced River for the next 15-20 years.

Throughout the development of the plan we have checked in with you to let you know where we are in the process, to share what we've learned, and to get your ideas. In the Spring 2011 Merced River Plan Workshops and Science Forum, we shared with you what we were learning about the condition of the river and its Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs).

Since then we've been working on developing some options for addressing the management considerations identified in the Draft Baseline Condition Report and public comment. We are identifying some of the most significant issues to share with you this fall through a series of public workshops and a workbook. These workshops will be an opportunity to let us know what you think of the options we've identified and help us start laying the foundations for feasible alternatives. So mark your calendar and join us at one of the Alternatives Development Workshops!

Merced River Plan Alternatives Development Workshops

In addition to these public forums there will be two online opportunities via webinar to interact with the planning team and contribute to the development of the plan. We will announce the specific times and dates for the webinars soon.

For more information about the Merced River Plan visit www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm.

Open House, September 28, 2011
Join park staff on September 28, 2011, for Yosemite National Park's monthly open house. The open house will feature informational posters, fact sheets, an opportunity to interact with park staff, and an update on current plans and projects.

Presentations will begin at 2 pm and will last approximately half an hour. The presentations will feature:

• Mariposa Grove - A history of the Grove
• 2014, 2015,and 2016 Anniversaries

In addition to presentations there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The presentations will be available online via webinar at yose.webex.com.

The open house is from 1 to 4 pm in the Valley Visitor Center. Park Entrance fees are waived for attendees.

Decision Document for Invasive Plant Management Plan Update Available
The Invasive Plant Management Plan Update Environmental Assessment (IPMP Update) Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is now available. The decision of the National Park Service (NPS) to adopt a plan for protecting park natural and cultural resources from non-native invasive species is described in the Selected Action of the FONSI.

Implementation of the 2010 Update will begin in September of 2011. Work plans, which notify the public about the times, locations, methods and tools for planned management efforts, will be posted for public review before the start of each treatment season. These plans are available on the Invasive Plant Management Program web page at https://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/invasive-plant-management.htm.

More information about the Invasive Plant Management Plan Update and an electronic copy of the FONSI are available at https://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/invasive.htm. Printed copies of the FONSI are also available, and requests can be submitted by mail to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attention: Invasive Plant Management Plan Update, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389; or fax (209) 379-1294.