Lower Yosemite Fall Project - Table of Contents

Yosemite National Park - National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior

Table of Contents
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Superintendent's Letter

Abstract

Executive Summary

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Chapter 1 Purpose of and Need for Action

Introduction
Purpose of the Action
Need for Action
Regulations, Policies, and Management Goals
   National Park Service Organic Act
   The Prohibition on Impairment of Park Resources and Values
   Management Goals and Criteria
Public Involvement
Organization of this Environmental Assessment

Chapter 2 Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives

Alternatives Development
Overview of the Alternatives
   Alternative 1 (No Action)
   Alternative 2 (Preferred)
   Alternative 3 (As Evaluated in the Yosemite Valley Plan)
Environmentally Preferable Alternative
Actions Considered but Dismissed
   Construct a New Restroom on the South Side of Northside Drive Across from Lower Yosemite Fall Area
   Keep the Existing Restroom and Construct a New Restroom at the Southeast Corner of the Parking Area
   Modify the Existing Parking Area to Accommodate a Shuttle Bus Stop
   Construct the Restroom in the Southwest Corner of the Parking Area or in the Traffic Island in the Middle of the Parking Area
Mitigation Measures Common to All Action Alternatives
   Best Management Practices During Project Construction
   Construction Mitigation Measures
   Resource-Specific Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Consequences

Chapter 3 Affected Environment

Introduction
Regional Setting – Yosemite Valley
Local Setting – Lower Yosemite Fall Area
Topics Considered in this Environmental Assessment
Natural Resources
Cultural Resources
Social Resources
Topics Dismissed from Further Analysis
Night Sky and Wilderness Experience
Land Use
Social and Economic Environments
Environmental Justice
Prime and Unique Agricultural Lands

Chapter 4 Environmental Consequences

Introduction
Methodologies
   Natural Resources
   Cultural Resources
   Social Resources
   Cumulative Impacts
   Impairment
Analysis of Environmental Consequences
   Natural Resources
   Cultural Resources
   Social Resources

Chapter 5 Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan

Introduction
Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Elements
   Boundaries
   Classifications
   Outstandingly Remarkable Values
   Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination
   River Protection Overlay
   Management Zoning
   Visitor Experience and Resource Protection
Methodology
   Boundaries
   Compatibility with Classifications
   Protection and Enhancement of Outstandingly Remarkable Values
   Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination Process
   Consistency with the River Protection Overlay
   Consistency with Management Zoning
Consistency with the Merced River Plan
   Relationship to Boundary
   Classifications
   Outstandingly Remarkable Values
   Section 7 Determination
   River Protection Overlay
   Management Zoning
   Considerations

Chapter 6 Consultation and Coordination

Compliance History
Consultation
Scoping and Public Comment History
   Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Merced River Plan)
   Yosemite Valley Plan
   Lower Yosemite Fall Project
   Results of Scoping/Public Comment Periods
Future Information
List of Agencies, Organizations, and Businesses that Received this Environmental Assessment

Chapter 7 List of Preparers and Reviewers

Chapter 8 Glossary

Chapter 9 Bibliography

Tables

2-1 Summary of Environmental Consequences
4-1 Floodplain Impact Intensity Definitions
5-1 Effects of the Proposed Project on Outstandingly Remarkable Values in the Yosemite Valley Segment of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Corridor

Figures

1-1 Project Location
1-2 Relationship to Yosemite National Park Plans
2-1 Alternative 1 Site Plan (No Action)
2-2 Alternative 2 Site Plan (Preferred)
2-3 Alternative 3 Site Plan (As Evaluated in the Yosemite Valley Plan)

Appendices

A Regulation and Policies
B Special-Status Species Evaluation
C Cumulative Projects