Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS

APPENDIX J 

NHPA ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT FOR SITE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-1 

APPENDIX J 

NHPA COMPLIANCE REPORT 

Appendix J is intended to provide a complete record of compliance with Section 106 of the National 

Historic Preservation Act. This includes how consultation was conducted, properties identified in the 

area of potential effects, and an assessment of effect on historic properties in more detail than that 

provided in the EIS. This document includes a list of all historic properties and the determination of 

effect anticipated under the preferred alternative (Alternative 5). Resolution of adverse effects would 

be addressed consistent with 36 CFR Part 800.6 and 800.11, and would require continued consultation 

with SHPO, ACHP and traditionally-associated American Indian tribes and groups. 

36 CFR PART 800.3 INITIATION OF THE SECTION 106 PROCESS 

Planning for the Merced Wild and Scenic River has been carried out in consultation with state, federal, 

and local agencies; the public; and tribes and groups associated with the Merced Wild and Scenic River 

corridor. Consistent with 36 CFR Part 800.3(b) and 36 CFR Part 800.8, the review process for Section 

106 of the NHPA is being conducted in coordination with the NEPA review process for the Merced 

River Plan/DEIS. Public involvement will continue throughout the planning process. Please read 

Chapter 10 of Volume 2b for further details on consultation and coordination. 

Culturally Associated American Indian Tribes and Groups 

The NPS is consulting with traditionally associated American Indian tribes and groups throughout the 

development of the Merced River Plan/DEIS. Yosemite National Park currently maintains consultation 

relationships with seven American Indian tribes and groups that claim traditional cultural association 

with park lands and resources. This includes five federally recognized American Indian tribes 

(Bridgeport Paiute Indian Colony of California, Bishop Paiute Tribe, North Fork Rancheria of Mono 

Indians of California, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and the Tuolumne Band of MeWuk Indians), and two American Indian groups (American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc. 

[also known as the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation] and the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa

). Consultation 

with federally-recognized American Indian tribes takes place on a government-to-government basis. 

In December 2009, Yosemite requested tribal participation in the Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan. 

The NPS formally requested information from culturally associated tribes and groups for the 

protection of traditional cultural resources and historic properties with traditional cultural or religious 

significance. Tribal consultation included regularly scheduled and special meetings, as well as tribal 

site visits. Comments received from traditionally associated American Indian tribes and groups have 

been considered throughout the planning process. Yosemite officials will continue to consult with 

culturally associated tribes and groups throughout the EIS implementation process and will work 

directly with appropriate tribal government officials when plans or activities could have direct or 

indirect effects on traditional cultural resources, tribal interests, practices, traditional use areas and/or 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-2 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

sacred sites. Table J-1 outlines tribal consultation meetings for the Merced River Plan/DEIS since July 

2007. 

The Yosemite National Park American Indian Consultation Program facilitates regulatory compliance 

with the National Historic Preservation Act; the National Environmental Policy Act; the Native 

American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; and other statutes, policies, and guidance related to 

American Indian resources, issues, and concerns. The NPS will continue to conduct formal and 

informal consultations with traditionally-associated American Indian tribes and groups about 

proposed NPS plans and actions that have the potential to affect the treatment, use, and access to 

cultural and natural resources with documented or potential cultural meaning for those groups. 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-3 

TABLE J- 1. TRIBAL CONSULTATION MEETINGS THROUGH DEC. 1, 2012 

Merced Wild & Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/EIS 

Tribal Consultation Meetings (as of Dec. 1, 2012) 

Date Meeting Location Participants with the NPS 

July 2007 Annual All Tribes 

Meeting 

Tuolumne Lodge, 

Yosemite 

Bishop Paiute Tribe, Mono Lake Kudzadikaa, American 

Indian Council of Mariposa County (AICMC), Picayune 

Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Tuolumne Band of MeWuk Indians 

July 2008 

Annual All Tribes 

Meeting 

Wawona Hotel 

Sunroom, Yosemite 

Bishop Paiute Tribe, Mono Lake Kudzadikaa, AICMC, 

Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Tuolumne 

Band of Me-Wuk Indians 

July 2009 

Annual All Tribes 

Meeting 

Tuolumne Lodge, 

Yosemite 

Bishop Paiute Tribe, Mono Lake Kudzadikaa, AICMC, 

Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Tuolumne 

Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Bridgeport Indian Colony, North 

Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California 

July 2010 

Annual All Tribes 

Meeting 

Yosemite Lodge, 

Yosemite 

Bishop Paiute Tribe, Mono Lake Kudzadikaa, AICMC, 

Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Tuolumne 

Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Bridgeport Indian Colony, North 

Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California 

February 2011 Quarterly Consultation 

Meeting 

Tuolumne Band of 

Me-Wuk, Rancheria Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Cultural Committee 

August 2011 

Annual All Tribes 

Meeting 

Wawona Hotel, 

Yosemite 

Mono Lake Kudzadikaa, AICMC, Picayune Rancheria of 

Chukchansi Indians, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, 

North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California 

September 2011 Monthly Tribal Council 

Meeting, AICMC Mariposa AICMC Tribal Council 

December 2011 Consultation Meeting Tuolumne Band of 

Me-Wuk, Rancheria Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Cultural Committee 

January 2012 Monthly Wahhoga 

Meeting Mariposa Wahhoga Committee 

February 2012 Monthly Wahhoga 

Meeting Mariposa Wahhoga Committee 

March 2012 Quarterly Consultation 

Meeting 

Tuolumne Band of 

Me-Wuk, Rancheria Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Cultural Committee 

March 2012 Quarterly Consultation 

Meeting 

North Fork Rancheria 

of Mono Indians of 

California 

North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California Tribal 

Council 

July 13, 2012 

Annual All Tribes 

Meeting Lee Vining 

Bishop Paiute Tribe, Mono Lake Kudzadikaa, AICMC, 

Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Tuolumne 

Band of Me-Wuk, North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians 

of California 

July 17, 2013 Tribal Site Visit Yosemite Valley AICMC, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians 

Aug. 14, 2012 Tribal Site Visit El Portal AICMC, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians 

Aug.27, 2012 Quarterly Consultation 

Meeting 

Tuolumne Band of 

Me-Wuk, Rancheria Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Cultural Committee 

Nov. 7, 2012 Tribal Site Visit Yosemite Valley AICMC 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-4 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

California State Historic Preservation Officer 

The California State Office of Historic Preservation is responsible for administering federal- and statemandated historic preservation programs to protect California's irreplaceable archaeological and 

historical resources. Consultation takes place under the direction of the State Historic Preservation 

Officer, a gubernatorial appointee. The NPS initiated consultation with the State Historic Preservation 

Office regarding the Merced River Plan/DEIS in June 2007. This consultation was initiated under the 

terms of the 1999 Programmatic Agreement among the National Park Service at Yosemite, the California 

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) 

Regarding Planning, Design, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance, Yosemite National Park, 

California (1999 PA). The SHPO requested that consultation regarding the Merced River Plan/DEIS 

occur per the standard four-step process (per 36 CFR Part 800). In August 2012, the park agreed that 

consultation under the standard consultation process outlined in 36 CFR Part 800 would provide a 

more deliberative vehicle to address the plan’s Section 106 compliance. 

Yosemite met with the State Historic Preservation Officer on June 13, 2012, to discuss the planning 

effort, ORVs, and potential properties affected. On July 11, 2012, the SHPO visited the park and select 

historic properties potentially affected by the plan. In September 2012, the SHPO and other consulting 

parties participated in a conference call to discuss draft criteria for the historic resources component 

of the cultural ORV. Comments submitted by SHPO were considered in the development of the 

historic resources component of the cultural ORV. 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

Yosemite initiated consultation with Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in May 2008 

by notifying the agency that the park intended to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to 

comply with NHPA’s Section 106. In August 2012, the NPS received a request from the ACHP to 

participate in the Merced River Plan as a consulting party from that point forward per 36 CFR Part 

800.2(b). Consultation with ACHP will continue throughout the development of the plan-spcific 

programmatic agreemtn, and through implementation of the plan as stipulated in the programmatic 

agreement. 

National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historic Bridges Foundation 

Consistent with 36 CFR Part 800.2(a)(4), the NPS formally initiated consultation with the National 

Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) on August 28, 2012, and the Historic Bridges Foundation 

(HBF) on August 23, 2012 following their requests for consulting party status. The NTHP and HBF 

are included on the project’s mailing list, participated in relevant meetings in June, July, and September 

2012 and were sent hard copies of public review documents and notification of public involvement 

opportunities. Additionally, these representatives from these organizations were included in focused 

discussions regarding the historic resources ORV in June, July, and September 2012. 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-5 

36 CFR PART 800.4: IDENTIFICATION OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES 

The proposed area of potential effects (APE) for the Merced River Plan is larger than the area 

encompassed by the proposed river boundary, to ensure that the effects of all actions are thoroughly 

considered. More specifically, the APE extends out 1.5 miles on each side of the river channel and 

includes those archeological and historic districts that extend beyond the 1⁄4-mile river corridor. 

Table J-2 lists all the listed and eligible properties in the APE. A number of cultural resources in the 

APE have not been evaluated for eligibility to the National Register. These resources are not listed in 

Table J-2 or analyzed in this document as they require evaluation and determination of eligibility, and 

assessment of effect prior to implementation of specific actions associated with the preferred 

alternative. Follow up compliance on particular projects will require phased identification and 

comprehensive evaluation of these resources per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b) and 800.4(c). Specific details of 

this phased process will be described in the plan-specific programmatic agreement which will be 

completed prior to the signing of the final decision document. 

The percentage of archeological survey coverage varies by river segment. This coverage ranges from 

70% in Yosemite Valley to 10% of the wild segment above Wawona. Additional subsurface testing for 

archeological resources may be necessary prior to implementation of particular actions. 

Unevaluated or ineligiblesites may have religious and cultural significance not recognized through the 

NHPA process. The plan proposes to determine the eligibility and document the Yosemite Valley as a 

Traditional Cultural Property (or a portion thereof), consisting of traditional use areas, spiritual places 

and historic village sites as a necessary action to protect and enhance the ethnographic component of 

the cultural ORV in this river segment. Consultation with American Indian tribes and groups is 

ongoing and may result in solutions that improve conditions of important places and practices. 

Proposed treatment for all actions that may affect resources which may be of religious and cultural 

significance would involve close consultation with traditionally-associated American Indian tribes and 

groups to ensure these treatments considered their concerns.
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-6 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

TABLE J- 2. LIST OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES WITHIN THE AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS

NATIONAL REGISTER LISTED OR ELIGIBLE 

PROPERTIES 

Property Type NR Status Date

Acting Superintendent's Headquarters (1978000362) Building Listed 06/09/78 

The Ahwahnee Hotel (1977000149: NHLS) Building Listed 02/15/77 

Bagby Stationhouse (1979000316) Building Listed 04/13/79 

Buck Creek Cabin Building Eligible 8/23/04 

Camp 4 (2003000056) Site Listed 2/21/03 

Camp Curry Village Historic District (1979000315) District Listed 11/01/79 

Chris Jorgenson Studio (1979000280) Building Listed 04/13/79 

El Portal Hotel Building Eligible 02/08/99 

El Portal Historic Structures Site Eligible 02/08/99 

El Portal Murchison House Building Eligible 02/08/99 

El Portal Old Schoolhouse Building Listed 02/01/11 

Glacier Point Road Historic District District Eligible 9/27/07 

Glacier Point Trailside Museum (1978000375) Building Listed 04/04/78 

Hetch Hetchy Railroad Engine No. 6 (1978000360) Structure Listed 01/30/78 

Hodgdon Homestead Cabin (1978000356) Structure Listed 06/09/78 

Le Conte Memorial Lodge (197700148: NHLS) Structure Listed 3/8/77 

Mariposa Grove District Eligible 8/25/04 

Mariposa Grove Museum (1978000381) Building Listed 12/01/78 

McCauley Barn (1978000353) Building Listed 06/15/78 

Merced Canyon Travel Corridor Historic District District Eligible 7/97 

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp Historic District District Eligible 8/23/04 

Merced Lake Ranger Station Building Eligible 8/23/04 

National Lead Company Building Eligible 02/08/99 

National Lead Company Residence Bldgs. No. 703 704 705 Building Eligible 02/08/99 

New Big Oak Flat Road Structure Eligible 8/23/04 

Old Big Oak Flat Road Structure Eligible 8/23/04 

Old Coulterville Road and Trail Structure Eligible 03/15/78 

Pioneer Yosemite History Center District Eligible 09/06/11 

Rangers’ Club (1987001414: NHLS) Building Listed 5/28/87 

Substation and Substation Control House No. 1 Building Eligible 3/7/95 

Track Bus No. 19 ( 1978000363) Object Listed 5/22/78 

Wawona Covered Bridge (2006001261) Structure Listed 1/11/07 

Wawona Tunnel Structure Eligible 8/23/04 

Wawona Hotel and Pavilion (1975000223: NHLS) District Listed 10/1/75 

Yosemite Hydroelectric Powerplant Structure Eligible 02/24/82 

Yosemite Transportation Company Office (1978000355) Building Listed 06/09/78 

Yosemite Valley Bridges Historic District (1977000160) District Listed 11/25/77 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-7 

NATIONAL REGISTER LISTED OR ELIGIBLE 

PROPERTIES 

Property Type NR Status Date

Yosemite Valley Chapel (1973000256) Building Listed 12/12/73 

Yosemite Valley Historic District (2004001159) District Listed 12/14/06 

Yosemite Valley Railroad Caboose No. 15 (1978000352) Object Listed 05/22/78 

Yosemite Valley Railroad Residences Structures Eligible 02/08/99 

Yosemite Village Historic District (1978000354) District Listed 3/30/78 

Amended 1/12/95 

NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS Property Type NHL Status Date

The Ahwahnee (1977000149) Building Listed 5/28/87 

LeConte Memorial Lodge (1977000148) Building Listed 5/28/87 

Rangers’ Club (1987001414) Building Listed 5/28/87 

Wawona Hotel and Thomas Hill Studio (1975000223) District Listed 5/28/87 

ARCHEOLOGICAL DISTRICTS Property Type NR Status Date

Eagle Peak Archeological District District Eligible 05/20/80 

El Portal Archeological District (1978000359) District Listed 08/18/78 

Mariposa Grove Archeological District District Eligible 05/20/80 

Wawona Archeological District District Eligible 12/07/78 

Yosemite Valley Archeological District (1978000361) District Listed 01/20/78 

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES (A detailed list of these resources is available upon request.)

Prehistoric 329 sites 

Historic 70 sites 

Both 73 sites 

Total Archeological Sites 472 Sites 

36 CFR PART 800.5: ASSESSMENT OF ADVERSE EFFECTS 

The assessment of effect in this document is organized by property within each river segment so that 

the number and kind of actions that may affect each resource can be assessed. Following 36 CFR Part 

800.5, adverse effects are defined as those that “alter, directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics of 

a historic property that qualify the property for inclusion in the National Register in a manner that 

would diminish the integrity of the property's location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, 

feeling, or association.” 

A complete list of historic properties, proposed actions, and assessment of effect is included in Table J2. The list below highlights potential adverse effects to components of historic properties that are 

proposed for removal or relocation in the preferred alternative: 

Sugar Pine Bridge, 1928 – This bridge is proposed for removal under the preferred alternative in order 

to protect and enhance free-flowing condition of the river. The historic Sugar Pine Bridge is 

constricting the free-flowing condition of the Merced River and causing severe localized impacts to 

hydrologic function. While some other bridges in Yosemite Valley also constrict flow, the severe 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-8 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

impacts of Sugar Pine Bridge are due in part to its location at the upstream reach of an oxbow. This 

bridge is a contributor to the Yosemite Valley Bridges Historic District, the Yosemite Valley Historic 

District, and is a component of the Yosemite Valley Historic Resources ORV. The plan calls for 

documentation of the historic resource prior to removal, and interpretation of the bridge and the 

rationale for its removal. (Alternative 6 proposes to improve riverbank condition at Sugar Pine Bridge 

by increasing channel complexity through construction of constructed log jams, strategic placement of 

large wood, removal of rip rap, and bioengineering of the riverbank. This alternative specifies that if 

subsequent monitoring of riparian condition reveals insufficient protection of the free-flowing 

condition of the river within 10 years of the implementation of these actions, more aggressive 

management action may be initiated, including the possible removal of Sugar Pine Bridge.) 

Ahwahnee Tennis Courts, c. 1930s – The Ahwahnee tennis courts, built after the initial construction of 

the hotel, would be removed in order to restore the earlier historic setting of the Ahwahnee Meadow 

and associated black oak woodland. This action was called for in the 1980 General Management Plan. 

The tennis courts are components of The Ahwahnee National Register nomination, the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District but are not included in The Ahwahnee NHL nomination or the Yosemite 

Valley Historic Resources ORV. The Ahwahnee Meadow is a contributor to the Yosemite Valley 

Historic District. Requirements for documentation and interpretation of the resource and restoration 

of the surrounding area are described in the Ahwahnee Cultural Landscape Report. Additional details 

will be determined through consultation and the plan-specific programmatic agreement. 

Camp Curry Employee Cabins (Boys Town Cabins), 1930 – The 72 historic tent cabins and 14 historic 

cabins without bathrooms in this location are proposed for removal in the preferred alternative in 

order to replace the cabins with 98 hard-sided units with bathrooms. These historic cabins are 

contributors to the Yosemite Valley Historic District but not the Camp Curry Historic District. 

Employee housing in this area would be discontinued, and replaced with permanent housing units in 

the Huff House area. (Huff House is also a contributor to the Yosemite Valley Historic District.) This 

action would provide year-round lodging accommodations in Curry Village. Requirements for 

documentation and interpretation of the resources prior to removal will be determined through 

consultation and detailed in the plan-specific programmatic agreement. 

Concessioner Headquarters Building, 1937-1939 – This building is a contributor to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District but not the Yosemite Village Historic District. The preferred alternative 

proposes to remove the building and its function out of the river corridor. This action would address 

the WSRA requirement to reduce development in the river corridor that is not necessary for major 

public uses, in addition to allowing for the Yosemite Village Day-Use Parking Area to be moved 

northward out of the 150-foot riparian buffer. Requirements for documentation and interpretation of 

the resources prior to removal will be determined through consultation and detailed in the planspecific programmatic agreement. 

Curry Garage (Concessioner Garage) and 4 garages north of Curry Garage, 1920 – These buildings are 

contributors to the Yosemite Valley Historic District but not the Yosemite Village Historic District. 

The preferred alternative proposes to remove the buildings and their functions out of the river 

corridor. This action would address the WSRA requirement to reduce development in the river 

corridor that is not necessary for major public uses, in addition to allowing for the Yosemite Village 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-9 

Day-Use Parking Area to be moved northward out of the 150-foot riparian buffer. Requirements for 

documentation and interpretation of the resources prior to removal will be determined through 

consultation and detailed in the plan-specific programmatic agreement. 

Northside Drive, 1880s – Under the preferred alternative, Northside Drive would be re-routed to the 

south of the Yosemite Village Day-use Parking Area. This segment of roadway contributes as a 

structure and as a component of the circulation pattern in the Yosemite Valley Historic District A 

traffic circle at Northside Drive/Village Drive would be constructed to address traffic congestion and 

pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. This action will allow the Yosemite Village Day-Use Parking Area to be 

moved northward out of the 150-foot riparian buffer.. Requirements for documentation and 

interpretation of the resources prior to removal will be determined through consultation and detailed 

in the plan-specific programmatic agreement. 

Superintendent’s House and Garage (Residence 1), 1911/1929 – The preferred alternative proposes to 

relocate the residence and garage to a new location in the Yosemite Valley NPS housing area. This 

action would address the WSRA requirement to reduce development in the river corridor that is not 

necessary for major public uses, and will protect the historic structure from recurring flooding. This 

action was called for in the 1980 General Management Plan. The residence and the garage were listed 

as contributors to the Yosemite Valley Historic District and Yosemite Village Historic District, and are 

included in the Yosemite Valley Historic Resources ORV. The plan calls for documentation of the 

historic property prior to removal, and interpretation of the property and the rationale for its removal. 

(Alternative 6 proposes to rehabilitate the Superintendent’s House and Garage (Residence 1) per 

Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (NPS 1995) and the 

Historic Structure Report (2012) in its existing location. This will preserve the historic fabric while 

preparing the structure to withstand periodic flooding. Contrary to Alternative 6 which includes 

“selective riverbank restoration”, the preferred alternative removes infrastructure in the 100-year 

floodplain to the maximum extent possible.) 

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of archeological resources, the complete table and the 

determination of effects anticipated under the preferred alternative have been withheld from this 

document. Section 304 of NHPA requires federal agencies, or other public officials receiving grant 

assistance under the NHPA, to “withhold from disclosure to the public, information about the 

location, character, or ownership of a historic resource...” if the agency and the Secretary of the 

Interior agree that its release may (1) cause a significant invasion of privacy, (2) risk harm to the 

historic resource, or (3) impede the use of a traditional religious site by practitioners. In all cases, the 

park will consider effects to archeological resources in planning and avoid and/or mitigate effects 

wherever possible. 

Locations of resources of religious and cultural significance are also protected under Section 304 of 

NHPA and thus the site-specific analysis of effects anticipated under the preferred alternative have 

been withheld from this document. The Yosemite Valley Historic District refers in very general terms 

to resources of religious and cultural significance to traditionally-associated American Indian tribes 

and groups . Beyond these general references, there are currently no listed or eligible historic 

properties within the APE. However, because resources of religious and cultural significance are 

mentioned in the Yosemite Valley Historic District nomination, currently-documented traditional use 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-10 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

areas are analyzed for adverse effects in compliance with NHPA. The plan proposes to determine the 

eligibility document the Yosemite Valley as a Traditional Cultural Property (or a portion thereof), 

consisting of traditional use areas, spiritual places and historic village sites as a necessary action to 

protect and enhance the ethnographic component of the cultural ORV in this river segment. 

Consultation with American Indian tribes and groups is ongoing and may result in solutions that 

improve conditions of important places and practices. 

All River Segments 

TABLE J- 3. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN ALL RIVER SEGMENTS

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Abandoned 

infrastructure 

RES-AS-001 - Removal of abandoned 

underground infrastructure. 

Pending 

additional 

analysis 

Archeological resources 

Confidential site location information withheld.

Traditional Use Areas of Religious and Cultural Significance 

Confidential site location information withheld.

Segment 1 

TABLE J- 4. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 1 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Merced Lake High 

Sierra Camp 

Historic District 

ONA-1-003 - The reduction of the number of 

beds at the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp to 

11 units (of an original 22) 

No 

adverse 

effect 

Reduction of beds will not 

result in the loss of 

contributing resources 

Archeological resources 

None of the archeological sites in Segment 1 are listed, or have been determined to be eligible for the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

Traditional Use Areas with Religious and Cultural Significance 

None have been identified to date. 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-11 

Segment 2 

TABLE J- 5. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 2 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Yosemite Valley 

Historic District 

(2004001159) 

RES-2-151 - Restoring the impacted 

portion of Ahwahnee Meadow to 

natural meadow conditions, through 

removal of tennis courts, irrigation, 

ditches, and restoration of 

topography 

Adverse effect Both the Ahwahnee Meadow 

and tennis courts are 

contributing features to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District. 

Removal of the tennis courts will 

be an adverse effect 

Restoration of the meadow will 

have no adverse effect 

FAC-2-010 - Retaining the existing 

facilities and services at the 

Ahwahnee Hotel, and the removal of 

the swimming pool 

No adverse effect The swimming pool is a non 

contributing features to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District. 

RES-2-008, RES-2-011, RES-2-012, 

RES-2-151, RES-2-153, TRAN-2-013 - 

Ecological restoration of Cook's, 

Sentinel, Ahwahnee, Stoneman 

Meadows 

No adverse effect Cook's, Sentinel, Ahwahnee, 

Stoneman Meadows are 

contributors to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District. 

RES-2-068, RES-2-069, RES-2-070, 

RES-2-072, RES-2-075, RES-2-076, 

RES-2-077, RES-2-079, RES-2-080, 

RES-2-083, RES-2-087, RES-2-088, 

RES-2-091, RES-2-098, RES-2-099, 

RES-2-116, RES-2-117, RES-2-128 - 

Removal of encroaching conifers 

from Ahwahnee, El Capitan, 

Bridalveil, Cook's, and Sentinel 

meadows 

No adverse effect Ahwahnee, Bridalveil, Cook's, El 

Capitan, and Sentinel Meadows 

are contributors to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District. 

TRAN-2-014 - Redesign and formalize 

the existing parking lot at the 

Ahwahnee Hotel 

No Adverse Effect 

TRAN-2-001 - Relocation of parking 

to the north of the road and rerouting Northside Drive south of the 

parking at Camp 6 

Adverse effect Northside Drive is a contributing 

resource to the Yosemite Valley 

Historic District. Rerouting of 

Northside Drive will be an 

adverse effect 

Relocation of parking will have 

no adverse effect 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-12 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Yosemite Valley 

Historic District 

(2004001159) 

continued 

FAC-2-002 - Repurposing the 

Government Utility Building building 

and rehabilitating Buildings 516, 518, 

and 519; six non-historic outbuildings 

would be removed or relocated; Law 

Enforcement operations and Valley 

Utilities would remain; a new roads 

and trails maintenance building 

would be built including four (4) 

vehicle bays with support functions. 

Pending additional 

analysis 

Government Utility building and 

rehabilitating Buildings 516, 

518, and 519 are all 

contributing resources to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District 

Construction of 4 vehicle bays 

would have possible adverse 

effect 

Adapting the for a new use 

would be consistent with the 

Secretary of the Interior’s 

Standards for Rehabilitation to 

the greatest extent possible. This 

could avoid or minimize the 

potential for adverse 

effects.Rehabilitation of 

Buildings 516, 518, and 519 

would have no adverse effect 

ONA-2-004 - Expansion of Camp 4 

eastward to provide 35 walk-in sites 

No adverse effect Camp 4 is a contributing 

resource to the Yosemite Valley 

Historic District. 

TRAN-2-017 and TRAN-2-016 - 

Construction of a Shuttle Bus stop 

near Camp 4, and the establishment 

of a new parking lots for Camp 4 

campground 

No adverse effect Camp 4 is a contributing 

resource to the Yosemite Valley 

Historic District 

FAC-2-012 - In Yosemite Lodge area, 

the removal of the NPS volunteer 

office, Yosemite Lodge housing 

(Thousands Cabins), Housing at 

Highland Court, Yosemite Lodge Post 

Office, Yosemite Lodge Pool and 

Snack Stand 

Pending additional 

analysis 

FAC-2-016 - Replacement of 

temporary employee housing at Huff 

House with 16 permanent buildings 

Possible adverse 

effect 

Huff House is a contributing 

resource to the Yosemite Valley 

Historic District, but not the 

Camp Curry Historic District 

FAC-2-011 - Removal of services at 

the ice skating rink at Curry Village 

No adverse effect The ice skating rink is a noncontributing resource to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District, 

although the associated Camp 

Curry Bike Shop/Skate Rental 

Building is a contributor to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District. 

FAC-2-015, TRAN-2-011, TRAN-2-

021 - Construction of additional 

housing or facilities and redesign or 

repurposing of existing facilities at 

Yosemite Lodge 

No adverse effect Determination of Effect for 

Yosemite Lodge may determine 

adverse effection, pending 

additional analysis 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-13 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Yosemite Valley 

Historic District 

(2004001159) 

continued 

RES-2-009, RES-2-014, RES-2-020, 

RES-2-037 - Restoration of El Captain 

Meadow 

No adverse effect El Captain Meadow is a 

contributor to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District. 

RES-2-005 and RES-2-029 - Rerouting 

the Valley Loop Trail, including the 

construction of boardwalks through 

sensitive habitat in Slaughterhouse 

Meadow 

Possible adverse 

effect 

Valley Loop Trail and 

Slaughterhouse Meadow are 

contributors to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District. 

RES-2-053 - Engineer solutions, such 

as installation of large wood or 

culverts to Northside Drive, would be 

installed at Stoneman Bridge 

No adverse effect Stoneman Bridge is a 

contributor to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District. 

RES-2-052 - Removal of Sugar Pine 

Bridge and restoration to natural 

conditions 

Adverse effect Sugar Pine Bridge is a contributor 

to the Yosemite Valley Historic 

District and Yosemite Valley 

Bridges Historic District. 

FAC-2-018 - Stabilization of 

Residence 1 (the Superintendent’s 

House) and garage per the Secretary 

of the Interior's Standards for the 

Treatment of Historic Properties. Will 

happen in addition to relocation of 

buildings. 

Adverse effect Residence 1 is a contributor to 

the Yosemite Village Historic 

District. 

FAC-2-017, TRAN-2-009, ONA-2-

010, ONA-2-011, ONA-2-005, ONA2-016, ONA-2-012 - Construction of 

additional housing or facilities, 

including actions such as increased 

parking at Lost Arrow and West 

Valley Overflow, and camping at 

Upper Pines and the former Lower 

River Campground 

Pending additional 

analysis 

RES-2-008 and TRAN-2-007 - 

Formalization of the Curry Orchard 

Day Use Parking area 

Adverse effect Curry Orchard Parking area is a 

contributor to the Yosemite 

Valley Historic District. 

ONA-2-021 - Total would be 453 

guest units, including: 290 tents in 

Curry Village retained; 98 hard-sided 

units in Boys Town constructed; 18 

units at Stoneman House retained; 

and 47 cabin-with-bath units in Curry 

Village retained. 

Adverse effect 73 historic employee canvas 

cabins and 14 hard-sided cabins 

at Boys Town are contributors to 

the Yosemite Valley Historic 

District. 

TRAN-2-020 - relocation and 

formalization of the parking to the 

north of the road and re-routing 

Northside Drive south of the parking 

at Yosemite Village Day-use Parking 

Area 

Adverse effect Northside Drive and the 

circulation patterns at this 

location are contributors to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District. 

Yosemite Valley 

Historic District 

(2004001159) 

continued 

TRAN-2-001 - The construction of a 

traffic circle at Northside Drive and 

Village Drive (Yosemite Village Dayuse Parking Area intersection) 

Adverse effect Northside Drive and the 

circulation patterns at this 

location are contributors to the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-14 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

RES-2-150 - Relocation of Residence 

1 (the Superintendent’s House) to the 

NPS housing area 

Adverse effect Residence 1 is a contributor to 

the Yosemite Village Historic 

District; relocation would also 

affect existing housing area, also 

a part of Yosemite Village 

Historic District 

RES-2-023 - Removal of 34 units from 

Housekeeping Camp 

Pending additional 

analysis 

FAC-2-015 - Construction of new 

employee housing or parking in the 

vicinity of Yosemite Lodge 

Pending additional 

analysis 

The Ahwahnee 

Hotel 

(1977000149: 

NHLS) 

RES-2-151 - Restoring the impacted 

portion of Ahwahnee Meadow to 

natural meadow conditions, through 

removal of tennis courts, irrigation, 

ditches, and restoration of 

topography. 

Adverse effect Both the Ahwahnee Meadow 

and tennis courts are 

contributing features to the 

Ahwahnee Hotel NR and the 

Yosemite Valley Historic District. 

The tennis courts are not 

contributors to the NHL. 

Removal of the tennis courts will 

be an adverse effect 

restoration of the meadow will 

have no adverse effect 

FAC-2-010 - Retaining the existing 

facilities and services at the 

Ahwahnee Hotel, and the removal of 

the swimming pool 

No adverse effect The swimming pool is a non 

contributing feature to the 

Ahwahnee Hotel NR and NHL. 

TRAN-2-014 - Redesign and formalize 

the existing parking lot; providing for 

proper drainage. Construct new 50 

parking space lot east of the current 

parking. Follow Ahwahnee Historic 

Structures Report (1997) and 

Ahwahnee Cultural Landscape Report 

(2010) recommendations for parking 

lot configuration and gate house 

restoration 

No adverse effect 

Ditches* RES-2-001 - Fill 2,155' of ditches 

throughout Segment 2 not serving 

current operational needs 

Possible adverse 

effect 

Pending additional analysis 

Camp 4 

(2003000056) 

ONA-2-004 - Expansion of Camp 4 

eastward to provide 35 walk-in sites 

No adverse effect 

TRAN-2-017 and TRAN-2-016 - 

Construction of a Shuttle Bus stop 

near Camp 4, and the establishment 

of a new parking lots for Camp 4 

campground 

No adverse effect 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-15 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

TRAN-2-016 - In place of the old gas 

station, establish a new 41-space 

parking lot for Camp 4 campground. 

Additionally, construct a new 25-

space overflow parking lot on the 

south side of Northside Drive. 

No adverse effect 

Yosemite Lodge* FAC-2-012 - In Yosemite Lodge area, 

the removal of the NPS volunteer 

office, Yosemite Lodge housing 

(Thousands Cabins), Housing at 

Highland Court, Yosemite Lodge Post 

Office, Yosemite Lodge Pool and 

Snack Stand 

Pending additional 

analysis 

FAC-2-015 - Construct two new 

concessioner housing areas housing 

104 employees (26 in each 

structure/double occupancy). 

Construct 78 employee parking spaces 

in the vicinity of Yosemite Lodge 

Pending additional 

analysis 

Yosemite Valley 

Bridges Historic 

District 

(1977000160) 

RES-2-053 - Engineer solutions, such 

as installation of large wood or 

culverts to Northside Drive, would be 

installed at Stoneman Bridge, Clark’s 

Bridge, Sentinel Bridge, Sentinel 

Bridge, and Superintendent’s Bridge 

No adverse effect Stoneman Bridge is a 

contributor to the Yosemite 

Valley Bridges Historic District. 

RES-2-052 - Removal of Sugar Pine 

Bridge and restoration to natural 

conditions 

Adverse effect Sugar Pine Bridge is a 

contributor to the Yosemite 

Valley Bridges Historic District. 

Yosemite Village 

Historic District 

TRAN-2-001 - The construction of a 

traffic circle at Northside Drive and 

Village Drive at Camp 6 

Adverse effect Village Drive is a contributor to 

the Yosemite Village Historic 

District 

Merced Canyon 

Travel Corridor 

Historic District 

RES-2-065 - Pave and formalize 5 

roadside pull-outs for river access 

between Pohono Bridge and the 

intersection of the Big Oak Flat 

Road. Install curbing. Completely 

remove one pull-out that is not 

protective of resources. Install 

drainage improvements and head 

walls at 11 locations. 

Pending additional 

analysis 

Archeological resources 

 Confidential site location information withheld.

Traditional Use areas with Religious and Cultural Significance 

Confidential location information withheld.

 
APPENDIX J(CONFIDENTIAL) 

J-16 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS 

Segment 3 

TABLE J- 6. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 3 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Merced Canyon Travel 

Corridor Historic District 

RES-3-001 Remove 

abandoned infrastructure 

including cement block, 

surface concrete and 

asphalt and imported rock. 

Pending additional analysis 

Archeological resources 

Confidential site location information withheld. 

Traditional Use Area with Religious and Cultural Significance

None identified to date. 

Segment 4 

TABLE J- 7. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 4 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

El Portal Historic 

Structures 

FAC-4-004 - construction of additional 

concessioner housing in the Rancheria area of 

El Portal 

Pending additional 

analysis 

El Portal Historic 

Structures 

construction of 12 infill housing units in vacant 

lots in old El Portal 

Pending additional 

analysis 

El Portal Historic 

Structures 

FAC-4-002 - The removal or relocation of 36 

existing private residences in Abbieville or Trailer 

Village areas 

Pending additional 

analysis 

Archeological resources 

Confidential site location information withheld. 

Traditional Use Area with Religious and Cultural Significance 

None identified to date. 

Segment 5 

TABLE J- 8. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 5 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

None identified to date. 

Archeological resources 

Confidential site location information withheld.

Traditional Use Area with Religious and Cultural Significance 

None identified to date. 
Assessment of Effect for Site-Specific Actions on 

Cultural Resources in Alternative 5 (Prefered Alternative) 

Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan / DEIS J-17 

Segment 6 

TABLE J- 9. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 6 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

None identified to date.

Archeological resources 

Confidential site location information withheld.

Traditional Use Areas with Religious and Cultural Significance

None identified to date. 

Segment 7 

TABLE J- 10. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FOR ACTIONS IN SEGMENT 7 

Resources Action Effect Comments 

Historic resources 

Historic Buildings 

in Wawona 

Construct a 4,500 square foot building and 

grounds maintenance facility, a 6,800 square 

foot combined structural and wild land fire 

station, and a 4,000 square foot roads 

maintenance facility, and rehabilitate the existing 

California Conservation Corp (CCC) structures for 

potential re-use 

Pending additional 

analysis 

Community of 

Wawona 

removal of shoulder and off-road parking No adverse effect 

Community of 

Wawona 

redesign of the bus stop at Wawona No adverse effect 

Wawona Hotel 

and Pavillion 

Historic District 

Following the recommendations from the 

Wawona Hotel Historic Structures Report (2012) 

to address contributing elements in “poor” 

condition at Main Hotel, Manager's Cottage, and 

Annex Building, and Clark Cottage to bring the 

building to “good” condition would have no 

adverse effect on historic resources

No adverse effect Action intended to 

protect Historic 

Resources 

Archeological resources 

Confidential site location information withheld. 

Traditional Use Areas with Religious and Cultural Significance 

None identified to date. 

36 CFR 800.6: RESOLUTION OF ADVERSE EFFECT 

To comply with Section 106 under the standard four-step process, the park is working with ACHP, 

SHPO, traditionally-associated American Indian tribes and grous, and other consulting parties to 

develop a plan-specific programmatic agreement regarding the implementation of the Merced River 

Plan/DEIS. This programmatic agreement is being developed concurrently with this plan and will be 

included as an appendix of the final plan. Parties to this agreement include the ACHP, the State 

Historic Preservation Officer, traditionally-associated American Indian tribes and groups, the National 

Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Historic Bridges Foundation. Consultation with these groups 

will continue throughout plan development and implementation.