Spring 2007 - Yosemite Online

PARK NEWSMerced River Plan Public ScopingThe public scoping period for anew Merced Wild and Scenic RiverComprehensive Management Plan andEnvironmental Impact Statement (MRP/EIS) is open through June 9, 2007. Thepark welcomes all ideas and concernsregarding this planning effort.The NPS completed a Merced MRP/EISin August 2000. Due to ongoing litigation,the US District Court in Fresnohas ordered the NPS to complete a newComprehensive Management Plan forthe Merced River. This new process willtake approximately 33 months, witha final Record of Decision anticipatedin September 2009. Once completed,the Merced River Plan will guide allfuture activities and projects in theriver corridor to ensure the protectionand enhancement of the river’s“Outstandingly Remarkable Values.”The plan will include a user capacitymanagement program, but does notprescribe management of uses andactivities on private land.A public open house will be held onMay 30, 2007 in Yosemite Valley, and theNPS will hold Public Scoping Meetingsin Mariposa on May 16 and in SanFrancisco on May 17. For informationon this and other planning efforts inYosemite NP, go towww.nps.gov/yose/planning or call209-372-0200.If you submitted scoping comments forthe two previous MRP/EIS efforts, yourcomments will be incorporated into thisprocess. You can submit new scopingcomments to the NPS by June 9, 2007:• in person at public meetings;• by fax to 209-379-1294;• by e-mail to yose_planning@nps.gov;• by mail to Superintendent, Attn:Merced River Plan, PO Box 577,Yosemite, CA 95389Park Initiates ImprovedCampground Reservation SystemThe National Park Reservation Serviceand he National Recreation ReservationService (NRRS) recently combined toprovide enhanced reservation services inYosemite National Park for both groupand individual campsites. Campers canuse the www.recreation.gov website orcontact the toll-free NRRS Call Center at877-444-6777 to make reservations up tofive months prior to the date of arrival.Personal checks and money orders areno longer accepted for advance reservations.All payments must be made bycredit card at the time the reservation ismade. Additionally, reservations are nolonger accepted through the mail.BOB CAMPAGNAYOSEMITE ASSOCIATION, SPRING 200719