Natural History Wanderings

A new Yosemite river plan could limit visitor access

In 1987 the Merced River received Wild and Scenic”. The Merced River flows through eighty-one miles of the park.

$65 Millions dollars have been spent over fifteen years but a plan to protect the river and still allow public access has not yet been implemented. Courts rejected two earlier plans. Increased pressure has come from the loss of 400 campsites, 500 lodging rooms and 300 employee cabins from floods and rock fall.  Many of these were inside the half-mile-wide corridor that a new plan must create to allow for the natural ebb and flow of the river.

Yosemite Park reports:

“has put together a dynamic team of professionals to develop this plan. The team brings an enthusiasm and commitment to developing a Merced River Plan that protects the river’s values for present and future generations. Assisting the team is a large group of subject matter experts on the Yosemite Staff; park managers will be utilizing the skills of other experts as well. “

This time park officials are asking the public to make proposals on how to protect the river. The public  suggestions are sought on all aspects of the plan including picnic area placement, intersection configuration, and trail access. The Associated Press reports

“They will hold a series of meetings, including one five hours away in San Francisco Nov. 9, a week later in a webcast, and four others in and near the park. The comments will help shape an environmental report due by June 2013.”

It is possible the plan will decrease the amount of parking and access to the river to protect it.

Read more in the Associated Press article Yosemite river plan could limit visitor access – seattlepi.com. and at the Yosemite Park Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm