Wild and Scenic River News
Merced River Plan KickoffYosemite National Park is opening a new public scoping phase for a new Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, which will include planning and environmental impact analysis. Public scoping comments will be accepted through August 29, 2009. WhyThe NPS completed two Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plans (MRP) in 2000 and 2005. As a result of lawsuits filed against the MRP plans, a mediation process through the 9th District Court has led to a new direction for Wild and Scenic River planning. Yosemite National Park and the Merced River are moving to the forefront of Wild and Scenic River planning, making this an exciting new effort for the Park. ApproachNew approaches to the MRP planning effort will address:
Plan ElementsThe Merced River Plan will be a comprehensive document that considers the restoration, recreational, amenities, opportunities, and operations in Yosemite National Park by assessing the river corridors of the Merced River and South Fork Merced River. New to the plan will be:
The ResultsThe results will include identification of the quantity and mixture of recreation and other public uses, including the maximum number of people who may visit the river. For each river segment, the plan will develop specific measurements that will be used to protect and enhance the Merced River’s outstandingly remarkable values, including the scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values. Your Part in the ProcessThe purpose of reopening scoping is to receive any new public comments about these new elements of the plan and to ensure that we have not missed any related issues and concerns that the public feels should be addressed in the new MRP. The public and interested parties have a variety of ways to provide comments to NPS staff. Our email address is e-mail us). You can obtain up-to-date project information at: www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/mrp.htm, this is a special website dedicated to the MRP planning process. Written comments may be addressed to the Superintendent, Attn: Merced River Plan, Yosemite National Park, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, or faxed to 209/379-1294. Please join us at one of a series of public scoping meetings scheduled in and around Yosemite National Park throughout July and August. With the exception of the Open House scheduled on Wednesday July 29th, which will be open from 1-4 p.m., the rest of the meetings will occur from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Yosemite National Park staff will be at each meeting to answer questions and discuss the new MRP. Please see table below for meeting dates and locations.
The scoping meeting agenda will include separate periods for the open house, presentation, public comment forum, questions and answers session, and close with additional time devoted to the open house for individual questions and comments. For more information please contact our new Merced River Project Manager: Tuolumne River Plan Summer WorkshopsAs part of the continuing public involvement process for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Tuolumne River Plan), all interested members of the public are invited to attend two summer planning workshops. Each will take place at Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows from 11 am-3 pm. Come find out the latest about planning for Tuolumne Meadows and the entire 54-mile river corridor within Yosemite National Park. The Draft Tuolumne River Plan/Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be released for public comment in January 2010. Bring a lunch and be prepared for a 30-minute walk from the parking area to Parsons Lodge. July 17: Hot Topics in the TRPLearn about the latest issues currently being discussed by the planning team and park managers. Share your ideas! August 21: Sneak Peak of the Preferred AlternativeCome and learn about the Tuolumne River Plan's range of draft alternatives, including a sneak peak at the agency's preferred option. High Country Open Houses in Tuolumne MeadowsSave the Saturdays of July 18 and August 22 and come up to Tuolumne Meadows as the NPS hosts two open houses dedicated to planning efforts focused on the high country. Displays will be set up outside the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and project managers will be on hand to answer questions. Each open house will also feature an opportunity for field visits to the various project areas. Additional details will be announced in a future e-newsletter. Projects will include:
For more information about each of these projects, visit online at www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/planning.htm. |
Last updated: January 13, 2026