New Rockfall Hazard and Risk Assessment Report Available
Yosemite and USGS scientists, in collaboration with academic geologists, have completed a comprehensive study to quantitatively assess rockfall hazard and risk in Yosemite Valley. This study mapped the cliff and talus slopes, dated ancient rockfalls, and performed computer simulations of potential future rockfalls.
As a result of the study, several high-risk structures within the newly-defined rockfall hazard zone will no longer be occupied, and others will be repurposed or relocated as the policy is implemented. These structures include some concessionaire employee housing and five buildings used for visitor lodging at Curry Village. Although it is not practical to eliminate all rockfall risk, these actions, combined with closures in Curry Village implemented immediately after two October 2008 rockfalls, will reduce the overall risk associated with structures In Yosemite Valley by 95 percent.
To access the full report, Quantitative Rockfall Hazard and Risk Assessment for Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/rockfall.htm. To read the Yosemite National Park press release, visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
New Park Traffic Advisory
The Park is experimenting with a new tool to inform travelers of traffic congestion in the park. A weekly Traffic Forecast is now available at https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/traffic.htm. You can also sign up to receive the forecasts in your email by visiting http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001EaBEdXOGHL-HzTuPITKlLg%3D%3D.
In general, traffic congestion is worst on weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; however in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the Mariposa Grove, heavy traffic can be expected seven days a week between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Regardless of which area of the park you're travelling to, it's best to arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid delays.
Pre-order Hard Copies and CDs of the Tuolumne Rive Plan DEIS
The Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Tuolumne River Plan/DEIS) will be available for a 60-day public review and comment period late summer of 2012. You will be able to review the plan by:
*Available upon request. To conserve resources, we encourage you to review the Tuolumne River Plan electronically. Printed copies of the Tuolumne River Plan/DEIS will also be made available to local libraries throughout the region.
To pre-order a CD-Rom or printed version, PLEASE PRINT your name and address and send by July 6, 2012, via one of the following:
- e-mail us
- fax 209/379-1294
- phone 209/379-1002
- mail to: Superintendent
ATTN: TRP/DEIS Request
PO Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
We will make an effort to fill all requests, but cannot guarantee this service due to limited resources. Make your request by July 6, 2012, to ensure your copy.
The final Tuolumne River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement are expected to be released in 2013.
The Mariposa Grove Presentation, including site plans, is online for review
The May Open House featured an update on the Mariposa Grove Restoration Project and an introduction to the draft concepts. The presentation identified common themes to all concepts including enhancing visitor experience and understanding of the Giant Sequoia ecosystem, hydrology restoration, removal of unnecessary utilities, improving transportation, and maintaining habitat for sensitive species. The complete presentation and video recording of the Open House is available online at https://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mgrove_documents.htm. We will share the full alternatives in a draft environmental impact statement this fall. Join us at our open houses held the last Wednesday of every month for updates on the Mariposa Grove and other plans.
413 public comments regarding the Merced River Plan are up online
We received a total of 413 letters in response to the Merced River Plan spring 2012 public workshops. We have read every letter and posted them online at https://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp_documents.htm. We are revising the draft alternatives and will present them later this fall in the draft environmental impact statement. We would like to thank everyone for their feedback and interest in the Merced River Plan and look forward to seeing you in the fall
Annual Workplan Available for the Scenic Vista Management Plan
Visitors from all over the world come to Yosemite National Park to experience the scenic grandeur. In July 2011, Yosemite National Park completed the Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment in order to document, protect, and reestablish Yosemite's important viewpoints and vistas, consistent with the natural processes and human influences that created them. Work is scheduled to begin this fall. Locations and work plans for the sites to be managed this year are posted and available for review at https://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/sv-info.htm.
