National Park Service Yosemite National Park U.S. Department of the Interior

Providing Access and Protecting Resources

Merced Wild and Scenic River

Draft Comprehensive Management Plan

and Environmental Impact Statement

Volume 1: Chapters 1–8

January 2013
Letter to Friends

This will be entered into the document direct from PDF as it will contain a signature 

		

		
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Merced Wild and Scenic River 

Comprehensive Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement 

Yosemite National Park 

Lead Agency: National Park Service 

ABSTRACT 

This Merced Wild and Scenic River Draft Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement is 

intended to guide the management of the Merced Wild and Scenic River within the boundaries of Yosemite 

National Park for the next 20-plus years. The plan and its draft environmental impact statement, which evaluates 

potential impacts and the range of alternatives, are integrated in this document and are referred to collectively as 

the Merced River Plan / DEIS. 

The Merced River Plan /DEIS directs the protection of the river’s free-flowing condition, water quality, and the 

outstandingly remarkable values that make it worthy of designation. The plan will: 

 Establish the boundaries and segment classifications (as wild, scenic, or recreational) of the Merced Wild and 

Scenic River (Chapter 3) and provide a clear process for protection of the river’s free-flowing condition in 

keeping with WSRA Section 7 (Chapter 4). 

 Refine descriptions of the river’s outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs), which are the unique, rare, or 

exemplary river-related characteristics that make the river eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers System and document the conditions of these ORVs, water quality, and free-flowing condition 

of the river (Chapter 5). 

 Identify management objectives for the river, and specific actions and/or programs that will be implemented to 

achieve the objectives and commit ongoing studies and monitoring to ensure that river values are protected 

and enhanced over the life of the plan (Chapter 5). 

 Establish a user-capacity program that addresses the kinds and amounts of public use that the river corridor 

can sustain while protecting and enhancing the river’s ORVs (Chapters 6 and 7). 

 Fulfill the specific direction of the 1987 legislation designating the Merced River as a component of the 

National Wild and Scenic River System (16 U.S.C. Section 1274 (a)(62)(A)) and make appropriate revisions to 

the park’s 1980 General Management Plan for Yosemite National Park. 

The Merced River Plan / DEIS presents and analyzes six alternatives. Alternative 1 (No Action) would continue 

current management and trends in the condition of river values. Action Alternatives 2-6 would protect and 

enhance river values by improving conditions that threaten sensitive meadows, archeological resources, and scenic 

vistas. The action alternatives vary in the degree of restoration and the amount of visitor use accommodated by the 

commensurate level of facilities and services necessary to protect river values under each alternative. 

There will be a 90-day public comment period for the Merced River Plan/DEIS. Comments are due no later than 90 

days after the publication of the EPA notice in the Federal Register. Please refer to the project website, 

www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm, for the exact comment end date. Readers are encouraged to submit 

comments electronically through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) system at 

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/mrp_deis. 

Written comments regarding this document should be postmarked by the end of the review period and directed to: 

Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, ATTN: Merced River Plan, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389. You may 

also fax your comments to 209-379-1294. To request a printed copy or CD of this document (available in limited 

quantity), please email yose_planning@nps.gov.
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Merced Wild and Scenic River 

Draft Comprehensive Management Plan 

and Environmental Impact Statement 

Volume 1: Executive Summary & Chapters 1-8 

January 2013 

Yosemite National Park 

National Park Service 

U.S. Department of the Interior 
 

 

Photo by Christine White Loberg / NPS

 The Merced Wild and Scenic River, shown flowing by the iconic El Capitan 

in Yosemite Valley, meanders 81 miles through Yosemite National Park. 

Photo by Erik Skindrud / NPS

Young campers properly store food at 

their Yosemite Valley campsite in a 

bear box to avoid attracting black 

bears to the campground. 

Photo by Ray Santos / NPS

Julia Parker, an American Indian 

interpreter at Yosemite, patches a 

Mono Indian cooking basket used to 

prepare acorn mush. 

Photo by Catherine Hilfiker / NPS

Sarah Stock, a Yosemite ornithologist, 

demonstrates bird banding 

techniques to members of the 

Yosemite Conservation Corps. 
Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS i

MERCED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER

DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 

Volume 1: Executive Summary and Chapters 1-8 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-1 

The Merced Wild and Scenic River .................................................................................... ES-1 

Purpose and Need for the ‘Merced River Plan’ ................................................................ ES-3 

Overview of the Plan and Alternatives ............................................................................. ES-5 

Environmentally Preferable Alternative ......................................................................... ES-22 

Organization: Draft Plan and Environmental Impact Statement .................................. ES-22 

1. THE MERCED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER 1-1 

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ............................................................................................ 1-2

Regional Setting .................................................................................................................... 1-2 

Goals of the Merced River Plan ........................................................................................... 1-3 

This Document’s Organization ............................................................................................ 1-4 

2. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ‘MERCED RIVER PLAN’ 2-1 

Purpose of and Need for the Plan ....................................................................................... 2-1 

Legal and Policy Framework ................................................................................................ 2-1

Identification of Planning Issues: Public and Internal Scoping ....................................... 2-13 

Issues and Opportunities to be Addressed in the ‘Merced River Plan/DEIS’ ....................... 2-14 

Issues beyond the Scope and Direction of this Plan .......................................................... 2-18 

3. MERCED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER BOUNDARIES AND SEGMENT CLASSIFICATIONS 3-1

River Corridor Boundaries .................................................................................................... 3-1 

Wild and Scenic River Classifications .................................................................................. 3-2 

4. SECTION 7 OF THE WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT – 

DETERMINATION PROCESS FOR WATER RESOURCES PROJECTS 4-1 

The Section 7 Determination Process .................................................................................. 4-2 

Federal Projects Below, Above, or on Tributaries of a Wild and Scenic River....................... 4-2 

Steps in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination Process ........................... 4-3 

Flowcharts to Illustrate WSRA Section 7(a) Determination Process ..................................... 4-3 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS

5. RIVER VALUES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT 5-1 

Mandate to Protect and Enhance River Values .................................................................. 5-1 

The River Values of the Merced Wild and Scenic River ..................................................... 5-1 

Free-Flowing Condition ..................................................................................................... 5-1 

Water Quality .................................................................................................................... 5-2 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) .......................................................................... 5-2 

Protecting and Enhancing River Values .............................................................................. 5-5 

Key Concepts for River Management under WSRA ........................................................... 5-6 

Adverse Effect (WSRA) ...................................................................................................... 5-7 

Degradation ...................................................................................................................... 5-8 

Enhancement .................................................................................................................... 5-8 

Management Standard ...................................................................................................... 5-8 

Management Concern ...................................................................................................... 5-8 

Management Consideration .............................................................................................. 5-9 

Baseline Conditions Assessment ........................................................................................ 5-9 

Monitoring Program ........................................................................................................ 5-10 

Historical Resource Conditions Associated With Development ...................................... 5-10 

Overview of Historic Development Patterns ..................................................................... 5-10 

Historical Resource Conditions by ORV ............................................................................ 5-13 

Conclusion for Historical Resource Conditions by ORV..................................................... 5-15 

River Value Condition, Protection, and Enhancement ..................................................... 5-16 

River Value: Free-flowing Condition................................................................................. 5-16 

River Value: Water Quality ............................................................................................... 5-23

Biological ORVs ................................................................................................................... 5-27 

Biological ORV 1—High-elevation Meadows and Riparian Habitat ................................... 5-28 

Biological ORV 2—Mid-elevation Meadows and Riparian Habitat .................................... 5-42 

Biological ORV 3—Sierra Sweet Bay (Myrica hartwegii) .................................................... 5-62 

Geological and Hydrological ORVs .................................................................................... 5-64 

Geological/Hydrological ORV 4—Glacially carved Canyon in Upper Merced River Canyon .... 5-64 

Geological/Hydrological ORV 5—“Giant Staircase” ......................................................... 5-65 

Geological/Hydrological ORV 6—A Rare, Mid-elevation Alluvial River .............................. 5-66 

Geological/Hydrological ORV 7—Boulder Bar in El Portal ................................................. 5-69 

Cultural ORVs ...................................................................................................................... 5-70 

Cultural ORV 8—Yosemite Valley American Indian Ethnographic Resources .................... 5-72 

Cultural ORV 9—Yosemite Valley Archeological District ................................................... 5-78 

Cultural ORV 10—Yosemite Valley Historic Resources ..................................................... 5-84 

Cultural ORV 11—El Portal Archeological District ............................................................ 5-90 

Cultural ORV 12—Regionally Rare Archeological Features, including Rock Rings ............. 5-92 

Cultural ORV 13—Wawona Archeological District ........................................................... 5-96 

Cultural ORV 14—Wawona Historic Resources .............................................................. 5-100 

Scenic ORVs ....................................................................................................................... 5-105 

Scenic ORV 15—Scenic Views in Wilderness .................................................................. 5-106 

Scenic ORV 16—Iconic Scenic Views in Yosemite Valley ................................................ 5-108 

Scenic ORV 17—Scenic Views in the Merced River Gorge .............................................. 5-114 

Scenic ORV 18—Scenic Wilderness Views along the South Fork Merced River ............... 5-117 

Recreational ORVs ............................................................................................................. 5-118 

Recreational ORV 19—Wilderness Recreation above Nevada Fall ................................... 5-118 

Recreational ORV 20—River-related Recreation in Yosemite Valley ................................ 5-126 

Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 5-135 
Table of Contents- Volume 1 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS iii

6. VISITOR USE AND USER CAPACITY 6-1 

Part I. Introduction and Background ................................................................................... 6-2 

Units of Use ....................................................................................................................... 6-3 

Location ............................................................................................................................ 6-3 

Timing ............................................................................................................................... 6-3 

User Capacities and Visitation ............................................................................................ 6-4 

Part I. Introduction and Background (continued) 

Visitor Use Patterns, Behavior and Impacts ........................................................................ 6-4 

Background on User Capacity ............................................................................................ 6-4 

Frequently Asked Questions About User Capacity .............................................................. 6-5 

Part II. Process to Address User Capacity ............................................................................ 6-8 

Part III. User Capacities ....................................................................................................... 6-12 

7. FACILITIES AND SERVICES ANALYSIS 7-1 

Relationship of this Analysis with other Chapters ............................................................ 7-2 

8. ALTERNATIVES 8-1 

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 8-1 

The Process used to Develop the Alternatives .................................................................... 8-1 

Implementation Plan ......................................................................................................... 8-7 

How the Alternatives are Organized .................................................................................. 8-8 

Alternative 1: No Action Alternative ................................................................................. 8-13 

Overview ......................................................................................................................... 8-13 

Detailed Description of Alternative 1 (No Action) ............................................................. 8-29 

Actions Common to Alternatives 2-6 ................................................................................ 8-53 

Actions to Protect and Enhance River Values ................................................................... 8-53 

User Capacity, Land Use and Facilities Management ........................................................ 8-77 

Analysis of Facilities and Services ..................................................................................... 8-86 

Conceptual Site Drawings ............................................................................................... 8-98 

Alternative 2: Self-Reliant Visitor Experiences and Extensive Floodplain 

Restoration ........................................................................................................................ 8-103 

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8-103 

Detailed Description of Alternative 2 by Segment .......................................................... 8-119 

Analysis of Facilities and Services ................................................................................... 8-129 

Conceptual Site Drawings ............................................................................................. 8-137 

Alternative 3: Dispersed Visitor Experience And Extensive Riverbank Restoration ..... 8-145 

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8-145 

Detailed Description of Alternative 3 by Segment .......................................................... 8-161 

Analysis of Facilities and Services ................................................................................... 8-171 

Conceptual Site Drawings ............................................................................................. 8-179 

Alternative 4: Resource-Based Visitor Experiences and Targeted Riverbank 

Restoration ........................................................................................................................ 8-187 

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8-187 

Detailed Description of Alternative by Segment ............................................................. 8-203 

Analysis of Facilities and Services ................................................................................... 8-213 

Conceptual Site Drawings ............................................................................................. 8-223 

Alternative 5 (Preferred Alternative): Enhanced Visitor Experience and 

Essential River Bank Restoration ..................................................................................... 8-231 

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8-231 

Detailed Description of Alternative 5 by Segment .......................................................... 8-247 

Analysis of Facilities and Services ................................................................................... 8-257 

Conceptual Site Drawings for Potential Project Implementation ..................................... 8-265 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS

Alternative 6: Diversified Visitor Experiences And Selective Riverbank Restoration .... 8-273 

Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8-273 

Detailed Description of Alternative 6 by Segment .......................................................... 8-289 

Analysis of Facilities and Services ................................................................................... 8-300 

Conceptual Site Drawings ............................................................................................. 8-309 

The Environmentally Preferable Alternative .................................................................. 8-317 

Legal Mandates ............................................................................................................. 8-317 

Conformance ................................................................................................................ 8-317 

Actions Considered but Dismissed from Further Analysis ............................................ 8-319 

Issues Described in Chapter 2 ........................................................................................ 8-319 

Cost Comparisons for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive 

Management Plan ............................................................................................................. 8-322 

Anticipated Total Project Costs ...................................................................................... 8-324 

Operational (or non-Facility) Costs ................................................................................. 8-325 

Comprehensive River Value Analysis .............................................................................. 8-331 

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8-331 

Alternative 2 .................................................................................................................. 8-331 

Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................. 8-362 

Alternative 4 .................................................................................................................. 8-392 

Alternative 5 .................................................................................................................. 8-421 

Alternative 6 .................................................................................................................. 8-453 

LIST OF FIGURES 

ES-1 Merced Wild and Scenic River and Vicinity ............................................................................. ES-2 

1-1 Merced Wild and Scenic River Overview Map ........................................................................... 1-1 

1-2 ‘MRP / DEIS’ Document Organization ....................................................................................... 1-4 

3-1 Merced Wild and Scenic River Segment Boundaries and Classifications .................................... 3-2 

4-1 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7(a) Process Flowchart ........................................................ 4-5 

4-2 Section 7(a) Flowchart for a Water Resources Project Within a Wild and Scenic River 

Corridor ................................................................................................................................ 4-7 

4-3 Section 7(a) Flowchart for a Water Resources Project Outside of a Wild and Scenic River 

Corridor ................................................................................................................................ 4-8 

5-1 Informal trails in Stoneman Meadow in 1978 and 2011 ......................................................... 5-36 

5-2 Mean Relative Abundance of Five Riparian Focal Species in 2010-2011 in Relation to 

Percentage of Riparian Habitat ........................................................................................... 5-53

5-3 Summer Visitor Activity Participation .................................................................................... 5-127 

6-1 User Capacity Process Steps ..................................................................................................... 6-8 

6-2 Visitor’s Acceptability Evaluations for Use Levels..................................................................... 6-22 

6-3 Relationship between Daily Use Levels in East Yosemite Valley ............................................... 6-23 

8-1 Creating Alternatives for Merced River Plan ............................................................................. 8-2 

8-2 Facilities in the Merced River Corridor: A Decision Tree ............................................................ 8-5 

8-3 How to Read the MRP Alternatives .......................................................................................... 8-8 

8-4 Alternative Comparison: A Range of Actions ............................................................................ 8-9 

8-5 Components that Equate to an Individual Alternative .............................................................. 8-9 

MAPS 

Alternative 1: No Action: Curry Village and Campgrounds .................................................................. 8-19

Alternative 1: No Action: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp .................................................. 8-21 

Alternative 1: No Action: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ....................................................................... 8-23 

Alternative 1: No Action: El Portal, West Yosemite Valley .................................................................... 8-25 

Alternative 1: No Action: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and Wawona .............................................. 8-27 

Common to All Action Alternatives: Curry Village and Campgrounds ................................................. 8-55 
Table of Contents- Volume 1 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS v

Common to All Action Alternatives: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp ................................. 8-57 

Common to All Action Alternatives: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................... 8-59 

Common to All Action Alternatives: West Yosemite Valley .................................................................. 8-61

Common to All Action Alternatives: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and El Portal ............................... 8-63 

Common to All Action Alternatives: Wawona ..................................................................................... 8-65 

Alternative 2: Curry Village and Campgrounds .................................................................................. 8-109 

Alternative 2: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp ................................................................. 8-111 

Alternative 2: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-113 

Alternative 2: El Portal, West Yosemite Valley ................................................................................... 8-115 

Alternative 2: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and Wawona ............................................................. 8-117 

Alternative 3: Curry Village and Campgrounds .................................................................................. 8-151 

Alternative 3: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp ................................................................. 8-153 

Alternative 3: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-155 

Alternative 3: El Portal, West Yosemite Valley ................................................................................... 8-157 

Alternative 3: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and Wawona ............................................................. 8-159 

Alternative 4: Curry Village and Campgrounds .................................................................................. 8-193 

Alternative 4: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp ................................................................. 8-195 

Alternative 4: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-197 

Alternative 4: El Portal, West Yosemite Valley ................................................................................... 8-199 

Alternative 4: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and Wawona ............................................................. 8-201 

Alternative 5: Curry Village and Campgrounds .................................................................................. 8-237 

Alternative 5: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp ................................................................. 8-239 

Alternative 5: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-241 

Alternative 5: El Portal, West Yosemite Valley ................................................................................... 8-243 

Alternative 5: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and Wawona ............................................................. 8-245 

Alternative 6: Curry Village and Campgrounds .................................................................................. 8-279 

Alternative 6: Yosemite Village and Housekeeping Camp ................................................................. 8-281 

Alternative 6: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-283 

Alternative 6: El Portal, West Yosemite Valley ................................................................................... 8-285 

Alternative 6: Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and Wawona ............................................................. 8-287 

CONCEPTUAL SITE DRAWINGS 

Alternative 1: No Action – Curry Village .............................................................................................. 8-45 

Alternative 1: No Action – Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area ...................................................... 8-47 

Alternative 1: No Action – Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ..................................................................... 8-49

Alternative 1: No Action – Yosemite Valley Maintenance Area ............................................................ 8-51 

Alternatives 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – Yosemite Valley Maintenance Area .......................................................... 8-101 

Alternative 2: Curry Village ............................................................................................................... 8-139 

Alternatives 2 and 3: Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area ............................................................ 8-141 

Alternative 2: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-143 

Alternative 3: Curry Village ............................................................................................................... 8-181 

Alternatives 2 and 3: Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area ............................................................ 8-183 

Alternative 3: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-185 

Alternative 4: Curry Village ............................................................................................................... 8-225 

Alternative 4: Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area ....................................................................... 8-227 

Alternative 4: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-229 

Alternatives 5 and 6: Curry Village .................................................................................................... 8-267 

Alternative 5: Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area ....................................................................... 8-269 

Alternative 5: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-271 

Alternatives 5 and 6: Curry Village .................................................................................................... 8-311 

Alternative 6: Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area ....................................................................... 8-313 

Alternative 6: Yosemite Lodge and Camp 4 ...................................................................................... 8-315 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

vi Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS

LIST OF TABLES 

Executive Summary 

ES-1 Summary of Actions for Protecting and Enhancing River Values –Common to Alts 2–6 ........ ES-17 

ES-2 Yosemite Valley Visitation and User Capacities ..................................................................... ES-21

Chapter 2 

2-1 Elements of the Comprehensive Wild and Scenic River Management Plan ............................. 2-13 

2-2 Issues Identified in Public Scoping .......................................................................................... 2-14 

2-3 Issues Identified in Public Scoping Beyond the Scope of the ‘Merced River Plan/DEIS’ ............. 2-18 

Chapter 3 

3-1 Segment Classifications for the Merced Wild and Scenic River ................................................. 3-3 

Chapter 4 

4-1 Determining the Need for a Section 7 Determination under WSRA .......................................... 4-2 

Chapter 5 

5-1 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) of the Merced Wild and Scenic River in Yosemite ..... 5-3 

5-2 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Free-flowing 

Condition ........................................................................................................................... 5-21 

5-3 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Water Quality ... 5-25 

5-4 Biological ORVs and Associated Indicators .............................................................................. 5-27 

5-5 Bare soil cover values for ecological condition classes among Sierra Nevada Meadow Types .. 5-30 

5-6 Management Actions and Trigger Points To Maintain Desired Conditions for 

High-elevation Meadows (Bare Soil) .................................................................................... 5-32 

5-7 Largest patches index (LPI5) – Yosemite Valley Meadows ........................................................ 5-34 

5-8 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for High-elevation 

Meadows (Meadow Fragmentation) ................................................................................... 5-37 

5-9 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for High-elevation 

Riparian Habitat (Streambank Stability) ............................................................................... 5-40 

5-10 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Mid-elevation 

Meadows (Meadow Fragmentation) ................................................................................... 5-46 

5-11 Management Standards for the Status of Riparian Habitat Indicator ...................................... 5-48 

5-12 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Mid-elevation 

Riparian Habitat (Status of Riparian Habitat) ....................................................................... 5-49 

5-13 Riparian Bird Assemblage in Yosemite Valley Segment and Guild Assignments ...................... 5-51 

5-14 Species Specific Annual Abundances ...................................................................................... 5-53 

5-15 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Mid-elevation 

Riparian Habitat (Riparian Bird Abundance) ........................................................................ 5-56 

5-16 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Sierra Sweet Bay.. 5-63 

5-17 Geological/Hydrological ORVs and Associated Indicators ........................................................ 5-64 

5-18 Cultural ORVs and Associated Indicators ................................................................................ 5-70 

5-19 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for 

Yosemite Valley American Indian Ethnographic Resources (California Black Oak) ................ 5-76 

5-20 Percentage of Yosemite Valley Archeological Sites Free of Current Serious 

Unmitigated Impacts in a Monitored Sample Set ................................................................ 5-81 

5-21 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for the Yosemite 

Valley Archeological District (Condition of District) .............................................................. 5-82 

5-22 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Yosemite 

Valley Historic Resources (List of Classified Structures Condition Assessment) ..................... 5-88 

5-23 Percentage of El Portal Archeological Sites Free of Current Serious Unmitigated Impacts in 

a Monitored Sample Set ..................................................................................................... 5-91 

5-24 Current Site Conditions of Individual Rock Ring Archeological Features ................................. 5-94 
Table of Contents- Volume 1 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS vii

5-25 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Regionally 

Rare Archeological Features (Individual Rock Ring Sites) ...................................................... 5-95 

5-26 Percentage of Sites Free of Current Serious Unmitigated Human Impacts for a Monitored 

Sample Set, Wawona Archeological District, 2007-2011 ..................................................... 5-98 

5-27 Current Condition of Wawona Historic Resources ORV ........................................................ 5-102 

5-28 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for the Wawona 

Historic Resources (List of Classified Structures Condition Assessment) ............................. 5-104 

5-29 Scenic ORVs and Associated Indicators ................................................................................. 5-106 

5-30 Visual Resource Management (VRM) System ........................................................................ 5-110 

5-31 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Iconic Scenic 

Views in Yosemite Valley (Visual Resources Management) ................................................ 5-112 

5-32 Recreational ORVs and Associated Indicators ....................................................................... 5-118 

5-33 Trailhead Quotas Primarily for Merced River Wilderness Access ............................................ 5-119 

5-34 Trail Use above Little Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake (2010) (Wilderness-bound Hiker 

Traffic) .............................................................................................................................. 5-120 

5-35 Average Encounter Rates for Management Standards by Trail Section ................................. 5-122 

5-36 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for Wilderness 

Recreation Above Nevada Fall (Encounter Rates) ............................................................... 5-124 

5-37 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain Desired Conditions for River-related 

Recreation in Yosemite Valley (Vehicles At One Time) ....................................................... 5-130 

5-38 Site-level Standards for the Recreation ORV At-One-Time and Person Density Indicator, 

Comparison Across Alternatives ........................................................................................ 5-132 

5-39 Management Actions and Trigger Points to Maintain desired Conditions for River-related 

Recreation in Yosemite Valley (Visitor Densities) ................................................................ 5-133 

Chapter 6 

6-1 Summary of Key User Capacity Information: Merced Corridor above Nevada Fall ................... 6-14 

6-2 Summary of User Capacities by Alternative: Merced Corridor above Nevada Fall .................... 6-15 

6-3 Summary of Key User Capacity-Relevant Information: Segment 1 .......................................... 6-17 

6-4 Summary of User Capacity-Relevant Indicators and Standards ................................................ 6-20 

6-5 Summary of User Capacities by Alternative: Yosemite Valley .................................................. 6-27 

6-6 Summary of Key User Capacity Management Actions: Yosemite Valley .................................. 6-29 

6-7 Summary of User Capacities by Alternative: Merced Gorge .................................................... 6-34 

6-8 Summary of User Capacities by Alternative: El Portal .............................................................. 6-36 

6-9 Summary of User Capacities for All Alternatives: Merced Corridor above Wawona ................ 6-38 

6-10 Summary of User Capacities by Alternative: Wawona ............................................................ 6-41 

6-11 Summary of Key User Capacity Management Information: Wawona ...................................... 6-42 

Chapter 7 

7-1 Analysis of Local Effects on River Values ................................................................................... 7-3 

Chapter 8: Alternative 1 (No Action) 

8-1 Summary of Actions to Protect and Enhance Biological Values ............................................... 8-13 

8-2 User Capacities by Use Type and Location ............................................................................. 8-15 

8-3 Camping Facilities ................................................................................................................. 8-16 

8-4 Lodging ................................................................................................................................ 8-16 

8-5 Day-use Parking Areas .......................................................................................................... 8-17 

8-6 Wilderness Zone Capacities .................................................................................................... 8-30 

8-7 Transit Options ...................................................................................................................... 8-36 

Chapter 8: Actions Common to Alternatives 2-6 

8-8 Summary of Major Actions for Protecting and Enhancing River Values ................................... 8-53 

8-9 Wilderness Zone Capacities Segment 1 .................................................................................. 8-80 

8-10 Wilderness Zone Capacities Segment 5 .................................................................................. 8-81 

8-11 Necessity of Major Public-use Facilities and Services ............................................................... 8-87
TABLE OF CONTENTS

viii Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS

Chapter 8: Alternative 2 

8-12 Additional Actions to Protect and Enhance River Values ....................................................... 8-104 

8-13 User Capacities by Use Type and Location ............................................................................ 8-104 

8-14 Camping Facilities ................................................................................................................ 8-106 

8-15 Lodging Facilities .................................................................................................................. 8-106 

8-16 Number of Day-use Parking Spaces by Segment................................................................... 8-107 

8-17 Wilderness Zone Capacities .................................................................................................. 8-120 

8-18 Transit Options .................................................................................................................... 8-124 

8-19 Necessity of Major Public-use Facilities and Services ............................................................. 8-130 

Chapter 8: Alternative 3 

8-20 Additional Actions to Protect and Enhance River Values ....................................................... 8-146 

8-21 User Capacities by Use Type and Location ............................................................................ 8-146 

8-22 Camping Facilities ................................................................................................................ 8-148 

8-23 Lodging Facilities .................................................................................................................. 8-148 

8-24 Number of Day-use Parking Spaces in Segments .................................................................. 8-149 

8-25 Wilderness Zone Capacities ................................................................................................. 8-162 

8-26 Transit Options .................................................................................................................... 8-166 

8-27 Necessity of Major Public-use Facilities and Services ............................................................. 8-172 

Chapter 8: Alternative 4 

8-28 Additional Actions to Protect and Enhance River Values ....................................................... 8-188 

8-29 User Capacities by Use Type and Location ............................................................................ 8-188 

8-30 Camping Facilities ............................................................................................................... 8-189 

8-31 Lodging Facilities ................................................................................................................. 8-190 

8-32 Number of Day-use Parking Spaces in Segments .................................................................. 8-191 

8-33 Wilderness Zone Capacities ................................................................................................. 8-204 

8-34 Transit Options ................................................................................................................... 8-208 

8-35 Necessity of Major Public-use Facilities and Services ............................................................ 8-214 

Chapter 8: Alternative 5 

8-36 Additional Actions to Protect and Enhance River Values, ...................................................... 8-232 

8-37 User Capacities by Use Type and Location ............................................................................ 8-232 

8-38 Camping Facilities ................................................................................................................ 8-233 

8-39 Lodging Facilities ................................................................................................................. 8-234 

8-40 Number of Day-use Parking Spaces in Segments ................................................................. 8-235 

8-41 Wilderness Zone Capacities .................................................................................................. 8-248 

8-42 Transit Options .................................................................................................................... 8-253 

8-43 Necessity of Major Public-use Facilities and Services ............................................................. 8-258 

Chapter 8: Alternative 6 

8-44 Additional Actions to Protect and Enhance River Values ....................................................... 8-274 

8-45 User Capacities by Use Type and Location ............................................................................ 8-274 

8-46 Camping Facilities ............................................................................................................... 8-275 

8-47 Lodging Facilities ................................................................................................................. 8-276 

8-48 Number of Day-use Parking Spaces in Segments ................................................................. 8-277 

8-49 Wilderness Zone Capacities .................................................................................................. 8-290 

8-50 Transit Options .................................................................................................................... 8-295 

8-51 Necessity of Major Public-use Facilities and Services ............................................................ 8-301 

Chapter 8: Cost Comparisons 

8-52 Project Costs Common to Alternatives 2-6 ........................................................................... 8-323

8-53 Alternatives Project Costs ..................................................................................................... 8-323 

8-54 Total Project Costs ............................................................................................................... 8-323 

8-55 Additional Operational (non-Facility) Costs ........................................................................... 8-326 
Table of Contents- Volume 1 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS ix

Chapter 8: Comparison of User Capacities and Alternatives Actions 

8-56 Summary of Alternatives Capacities ..................................................................................... 8-327 

8-57 Visitor Day Use Capacities (People) ....................................................................................... 8-328 

8-58 Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan Alternative Summary Comparison Table ........................ 8-329 

Chapter 8: Comprehensive River Value Analysis 

Alternative 2 

8-59 Corridorwide Actions and their Implications for Water Quality ............................................. 8-333 

8-60 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-1 .................................................... 8-335 

8-61 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Scenic ORV-15 ....................................................... 8-336 

8-62 Segment 1 Actions and Implication for Recreation ORV-19 .................................................. 8-338 

8-63 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-2 .................................................... 8-340 

8-64 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Geological/Hydrological ORV-6 .............................. 8-342 

8-65 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Cultural ORV-8 ....................................................... 8-344 

8-66 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-9 ............................................... 8-346 

8-67 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-10 ............................................. 8-350 

8-68 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Scenic ORV-16 ............................................... 8-352 

8-69 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Recreational ORV-20 ...................................... 8-354 

8-70 Segment 4 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-11 ............................................. 8-357 

8-71 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Biological ORV-3 ............................................ 8-359 

8-72 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-13 ............................................. 8-360 

8-73 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Wawona Historic Resources ORV-14 .............. 8-361 

Alternative 3 

8-74 Corridorwide Actions and their Implications for Water Quality ............................................. 8-364 

8-75 Segment 1 Actions and Implication for Biological ORV-1 ...................................................... 8-365 

8-76 Segment 1 Actions and Implication for Scenic ORV-15 ......................................................... 8-367 

8-77 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Recreation ORV-19 ................................................. 8-368 

8-78 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-2 .................................................... 8-371 

8-79 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Geological/Hydrological ORV-6 .............................. 8-373 

8-80 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Cultural ORV-8 ....................................................... 8-375 

8-81 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-9 ............................................... 8-378 

8-82 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-10 ............................................. 8-380 

8-83 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Scenic ORV-16 ............................................... 8-382 

8-84 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Recreational ORV-20 ...................................... 8-386 

8-85 Segment 4 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-11 ............................................. 8-387 

8-86 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Biological ORV-3 ............................................ 8-389 

8-87 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-13 ............................................. 8-390 

8-88 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Wawona Historic Resources ORV-14 .............. 8-391 

Alternative 4 

8-89 Corridorwide Actions and their Implications for Water Quality ............................................. 8-394 

8-90 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-1 .................................................... 8-394 

8-91 Segment 1 Actions and Implication for Scenic ORV-15 ......................................................... 8-397 

8-92 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Recreation ORV-19 ................................................. 8-398 

8-93 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-2 .................................................... 8-399 

8-94 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Geological/Hydrological ORV-6 .............................. 8-402 

8-95 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Cultural ORV-8 ....................................................... 8-404 

8-96 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-9 ............................................... 8-406 

8-97 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-10 ............................................. 8-409 

8-98 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Scenic ORV-16 ............................................... 8-411 

8-99 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Recreational ORV-20 ...................................... 8-413 

8-100 Segment 4 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-11 ............................................. 8-416 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

x Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS

8-101 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Biological ORV-3 ............................................ 8-418 

8-102 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-13 ............................................. 8-419 

8-103 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Wawona Historic Resources ORV-14 .............. 8-420 

Alternative 5 (Preferred Alternative) 

8-104 Corridorwide Actions and their Implications for Water Quality ............................................. 8-423 

8-105 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-1 .................................................... 8-425 

8-106 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Scenic ORV-15 ....................................................... 8-426 

8-107 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Recreation ORV-19 ................................................. 8-427 

8-108 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-2 .................................................... 8-430 

8-109 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Geological/Hydrological ORV-6 .............................. 8-432 

8-110 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Cultural ORV-8 ....................................................... 8-435 

8-111 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-9 ............................................... 8-437 

8-112 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-10 ............................................. 8-440 

8-113 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Scenic ORV-16 ............................................... 8-443 

8-114 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Recreational ORV-20 ...................................... 8-444 

8-115 Segment 4 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-11 ............................................. 8-448 

8-116 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Biological ORV-3 ............................................ 8-450 

8-117 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-13 ............................................. 8-451 

8-118 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Wawona Historic Resources ORV-14 .............. 8-452 

Alternative 6 

8-119 Corridorwide Actions and their Implications for Water Quality ............................................. 8-455 

8-120 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-1 .................................................... 8-457 

8-121 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Scenic ORV-15 ....................................................... 8-458 

8-122 Segment 1 Actions and Implications for Recreation ORV-19 ................................................. 8-460 

8-123 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Biological ORV-2 .................................................... 8-462 

8-124 Segment 2 Actions and Implications for Geological/Hydrological ORV-6 .............................. 8-465 

8-125 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-8 ............................................... 8-468 

8-126 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-9 ............................................... 8-470 

8-127 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-10 ............................................. 8-472 

8-128 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Scenic ORV-16 ............................................... 8-474 

8-129 Segment 2 Actions and their Implications for Recreational ORV-20 ...................................... 8-477 

8-130 Segment 4 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-11 ............................................. 8-479 

8-131 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Biological ORV-3 ............................................ 8-481 

8-132 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Cultural ORV-13 ............................................. 8-482 

8-133 Segment 7 Actions and their Implications for Wawona Historic Resources ORV-14 .............. 8-483