altsm.jpg Draft

Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan

Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

YOSEMITE

National Park

Mariposa, Madera, and Tuolumne Counties

California

This Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan / Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement presents four alternatives for carrying out the provisions of the 1980 General Management Plan (GMP). Those provisions call for the removal of unnecessary structures, restoration and protection of recovered land, relocation of facilities out of sensitive or hazardous areas, and reduction of traffic congestion in Yosemite Valley. This document incorporates the subsequent 1992 Concession Services Plan and 1996 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan with the General Management Plan into a comprehensive implementation plan. Each alternative describes a proposal for the management and use of Yosemite Valley and discusses changes in the valley's developed areas, natural resource management, cultural resource management, interpretation and visitor services, and park operations.

Alternative 2 (the proposed action) would emphasize a comprehensive approach. Implementation of the proposed action would allow for approximately 147 acres in the east end of the valley to be restored to natural conditions, 82 acres redesigned, and 38 acres developed to accommodate relocated facilities or functions. An orientation / transfer facility would be located in the west end of the valley at Taft Toe. Day use visitors and out-of-park transit bus riders would be intercepted there and would use the valley shuttle bus system to access other destinations in Yosemite Valley. Changes to circulation and campgrounds are also proposed. Alternative 2 proposes an increase in interpretive and educational programs through partnerships with supporting organizations. Some cultural resources would be affected by the proposed actions. 

Other alternatives include alternative 1 , no action, which continues implementation of the General Management Plan but without a comprehensive approach. Implementation of alternative 1 would allow for approximately 41 acres to be restored to natural conditions and 15 acres redesigned to accommodate relocated facilities or functions. Alternative 3 is similar to the proposed action but provides an orientation/transfer facility in the west end of the valley at Pohono Quarry. Implementation of alternative 3 would allow for approximately 143 acres to be reclaimed and restored to natural conditions, 93 acres redesigned, and 57 acres developed to accommodate relocated facilities or functions. Alternative 4 (minimum requirements) would provide for implementation of the General Management Plan in a manner more comprehensive than the no-action alternative but with less habitat restoration and fewer improvements than alternatives 2 and 3. Implementation of alternative 4 would allow for approximately 118 acres to be reclaimed and restored to natural conditions, 95 acres redesigned, and 36 acres developed to accommodate relocated facilities or functions.

The public review period for this document will end 60 days after publication of a notice of availability in the Federal Register. Comments or requests for more information should be addressed to:

Superintendent , Attn: VIP Planning

Yosemite National Park

P.O. Box 577

Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

(209) 372-0261

 

Comments may also be submitted through the internet.

 

 

YOSEMITE VALLEY Implementation Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

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Return to Top of Document

Graphics

Summary

Purpose of and Need for the Action

Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Affected Environment

Environmental Consequences

Consultation and Coordination

Appendixes, Bibliography, Preparers, Index

Comments