National Park Service Yosemite National Park U.S. Department of the Interior Tuolumne Planning Workbook

Report on Progress from Fall 2007 to Present Tuolumne River Plan July 2008 Message from the Superintendent The Purpose of this National Park Service U.S. Dept. of the Interior Dear Friends of the Tuolumne River, and how they might be translated into site plans for Tuolumne Meadows. Planning Workbook Much has happened in the past year, since we asked for your comments in For this workbook the planning team has drafted four prelimi- WHEN THE PLANNING FOR THE TUOLUMNE RIVER BEGAN IN 2005, THE the 2007 Tuolumne Planning Workbook. nary site plan concepts for Tuolumne Meadows —one for each National Park Service knew that it would be a complex, multiyear eff ort. The plan- Yosemite National Park The most recent event was the Ninth of the four original management zoning alternatives. These con- ning team was determined not to let a summer season go by without presenting a Circuit Court of Appeals ruling regard- cepts explore how functions and facilities might be organized detailed update on the plan’s progress to the culturally associated Indian tribes, For more information about the ing the Merced River Plan, which is another comprehensive and sited at Tuolumne Meadows to help carry out the intents of interested members of the public, and other stakeholders—and to provide oppor- Tuolumne River Plan, contact the plan for a wild and scenic river that the park staff is conducting the management zoning alternatives. While the planning team tunities for their input along the way. The purpose of this 2008 Tuolumne Planning Yosemite Planning offi ce: simultaneously with the Tuolumne River Plan. This ruling pro- has developed a fi fth, preferred management zoning alterna- Workbook is twofold: (1) to provide a progress report on the planning process, and vided additional guidance for how to conduct wild and scenic tive for the river, a preferred site plan concept for Tuolumne (2) to give people an opportunity to review and comment on the work to date. This Mailing Address river planning. While the case pertained to the Merced River, the Meadows has not yet been developed. Your comments about 2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook revises and builds upon the information pub- Yosemite Planning court’s direction is being applied to the Tuolumne Wild and Sce- the advantages and disadvantages of the site plan concepts Yosemite National Park nic River as well. We believe that the process already underway presented in this workbook will provide important information lished in the July 2007 Tuolumne Planning Workbook. If you do not have a copy of P.O. Box 577 when the court ruling occurred positioned us well to complete a for that more detailed planning. We also invite you to draft your the 2007 workbook, you may access it on line at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/up- Yosemite, CA 95389 Tuolumne River Plan that will satisfy the court’s concerns about own preferred alternative for how functions and facilities might load/trpworkbook-web.pdf. establishing user capacities for the wild and scenic river while be organized and sited in Tuolumne Meadows. Fax evaluating site-specifi c actions at primary use areas. The 2007 and 2008 workbooks consolidate background information, planning tools, 209/379-1294 This coming fall the planning team will consider your comments and preliminary alternatives for managing the Tuolumne River corridor. They repre- A year ago we asked your help in identifying and choos- and develop a site plan concept for the preferred alternative. sent thousands of hours spent since 2005 by the planning team, park staff , culturally Email ing among the reasonable alternative ways of managing the Once we are satisfi ed that we have a full range of reasonable associated Indian tribes, other agencies, gateway community representatives, and [email protected] Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. Many of you shared alternatives, we will complete the Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS, interested members of the public. your ideas about the strengths and weaknesses of four broad which is scheduled for release in summer 2009. Website management approaches suggested by the public involvement As part of the continuing commitment to make public involvement an integral part www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm and analysis we had conducted to date. Based on your respons- For many people, we are entering the most meaningful stage of every step of Tuolumne River planning, this workbook includes a worksheet and es and subsequent consideration and discussion by the planning of planning. Thank you for helping us build a strong foundation The Tuolumne River planning website team, those preliminary approaches have now been revised into for the decisions we will make about future opportunities to mail-back comment form to gather your ideas and concerns about the current step: is continuously updated to contain fi ve alternative management zoning plans, including a preferred experience and enjoy what is outstandingly remarkable about the consideration of specifi c programs and facilities for Tuolumne Meadows. The the most current versions of all the alternative, which are now available for your further review and the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. NPS Tuolumne planning team has begun to develop preliminary site plan concepts plan elements as they evolve through comment. for the Tuolumne Meadows area; however, further discussion and analysis are need- the planning process. Information Sincerely, ed before these concepts can be fully developed and a preferred alternative selected. published in the 2007 and 2008 We hope you will join us now in considering this latest set of This summer will provide the opportunity to hear from you before the planning Tuolumne Planning Workbooks may management zoning alternatives, how they would affect user team takes that step. All the alternatives will be fully analyzed and formally reviewed be superseded by updated informa- capacities within the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River corridor, in the upcoming Draft Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management tion posted to the website. Michael J. Tollefson Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS) scheduled for release in summer 2009. How to Comment This workbook Pages 5-7: Pages 8-12: Pages 13-31: Between Fill out the comment form included at is organized into Overview of Progress Tuolumne River Pages 30-31: the back of this workbook and mail it the following Tuolumne River Report: Fall Management Comment Form or fax it to the addresses shown in the sections: Planning 2007 to Today Alternatives, box to the right. including Write a letter and submit it by e-mail, Preliminary Site mail, or fax. Plan Concepts Attend the Planner-for-a-Day Work- for Tuolumne shop to be scheduled for this summer. Meadows Look for postings in Tuolumne Mead- ows or send us your email address to receive information through the Yo- semite electronic newsletter. Cover photo: Scoured granite cascade in the Tuolumne River above Hetch Hetchy. COMMENTS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 15 All photos in this workbook are by Kristina Bridge along trail to Glen Aulin. Rylands except where otherwise noted.

2 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 3 Overview of Tuolumne River Planning

IN 1984 THE TUOLUMNE WAS DESIGNATED BY CONGRESS both Tuolumne Meadows and Glen Aulin, including specifi c as a national wild and scenic river. In compliance with the Wild facilities, facility capacities, and sites to be restored to natural and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA), the National Park Service must conditions. No separate Tuolumne Meadows Plan will be prepare a comprehensive management plan outlining how it needed or prepared under this revised process, as this level of will protect the river’s free-fl owing condition and the values detail will be incorporated into the range of Tuolumne River that qualifi ed it for designation. The Draft Tuolumne River Plan/ Plan alternatives. EIS will rigorously analyze the range of reasonable approaches for managing the river. When completed, the Tuolumne River These changes to the planning process will not aff ect the plan- Plan will provide long-term guidance for the protection and ning schedule for the Tuolumne River. The Draft Tuolumne enhancement of the 54 miles of the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Plan/EIS is still on schedule to be released for review and River in Yosemite National Park. comment in summer 2009. Planning Process Update Contents of the Tuolumne River Plan The National Park Service had originally designed Tuolumne The Tuolumne River Plan will address all the plan elements River planning as a process containing two distinct plans: a required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Detailed infor- comprehensive management plan for the Tuolumne Wild and mation about the river corridor boundaries, classifi cations, Scenic River (Tuolumne River Plan) and an implementation and outstandingly remarkable values is included in the 2007 plan for Tuolumne Meadows (Tuolumne Meadows Plan). To Tuolumne Planning Workbook and is also posted to the park’s implement the management vision of the Tuolumne River website. Additional information about the work underway to Plan, the Tuolumne Meadows Plan site-planning alternatives zone the corridor and address user capacity is included in this would tier from the preferred alternative of the Tuolumne 2008 workbook. Each of the major elements of the Tuolumne River Plan. Both of these separate plans would be analyzed River Plan is summarized below. together under a single environmental impact statement. RIVER CORRIDOR BOUNDARIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS After considering the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling The wild and scenic river corridor extends ¼ mile on either regarding the Merced River Plan—which ruled, among other side of the river and has been divided into seven segments things, that “the WSRA requires a single, comprehensive plan based on the level of development at the time of designation that collectively addresses…both the ‘kinds’ and ‘amounts’ (wild segments are undeveloped; scenic segments may be of permitted use”—park managers decided to expand the accessible in places by road). The segments illustrated on the scope of the Tuolumne River Plan to include the level of detail map (next page) refl ect a technical correction that was made that had previously been deferred to a Tuolumne Meadows as part of this comprehensive planning process to realign the Plan (the court decision can be viewed online at www.nps. corridor along the true headwaters of the Dana Fork. Hetch gov/yose/parkmgmt/litigation.htm). Under this new approach Hetchy Reservoir was excluded by Congress when it desig- each Tuolumne River Plan alternative will include site plans for nated the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River in 1984. continued on next page

Management Plan Elements Required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act:

River corridor boundaries, defi ning the area to be protected River classifi cations (wild, scenic, recreational), based on the level of development at the time of designation Outstandingly remarkable values (the unique, rare, or exemplary, river-related characteristics that make the river worthy of national wild and scenic river designation) User capacity program Determination process to protect the river’s free-fl owing condition Facing page: Pool in the Grand Canyon of

PHOTO BY RON STORK the Tuolumne River.

4 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 5 Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Overview of Tuolumne River Planning Inyo Het continued from previous page ch chy National Het Reser Segment 4 Segment 2 Forest Segment 5 vo OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES Nationally or regionally signifi cant ir Tuol Segment 6 ad umne Outstandingly remarkable values are de- evidence of historic trade, travel, rec- LEY Ro River OOPENAUT fi ned by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act reation, and early conservation activ- P VAL OF TUOL hy N YON THE tc CA as the characteristics that make a river ism GRAND UM He N Tioga Pass Proposed Technical E Correction worthy of special protection. These val- Magnifi cent scenery with a character Hetch Entrance ! ues drive the entire planning process, as ! YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK unique to the Tuolumne River corri- Hetch Hetchy all actions and considerations contained dor Entrance Segment 3 in the plan must be consistent with the Outstanding opportunities for a diver- PA Road CIFIC Tuolumne Meadows theTuol umne Wild and Scenic Rivers Act’s mandate to sity of experiences characterized by Dog of La ork CREST Tioga Dana F 200 TUOLUMNE protect and enhance river values. To be 9 primitive, unconfi ned recreation MEADOWS L Stanislaus ye NATION l considered outstandingly remarkable, a Outstanding recreational and educa- National l F 8600 Forest o r value must meet two criteria: (1) it must AL LY tional opportunities that are easily ac- 9000 k SCENIC T be river-related or river-dependent; cessible to people of various ages and Lembert o E Pothole Dome f LL RAIL and (2) it must be unique, rare, or ex- abilities at Tuolumne Meadows Dome t Soda Springs s h C Parsons Lodge e A Segment 1 ! Big Oak Flat !( emplary in a regional or national con- Invaluable opportunities to examine McCauley Cabin N Wildernes Wild and Scenic River T Entrance um u YO n o text. The act states that outstandingly natural and cultural resources with Tuol Segment Classifications l e u Ri Store and Grill Dana N Wil Wilderness m remarkable values can include scenery, d TIOGA v er high research value erness Fuel Station Lye n 00 Center Wild Segment 92 e recreation, fi sh and wildlife, geology, Visitor ROAD ll 8800 Center F" B Scenic Segment history, culture, and other similar values. A major component of the Tuolumne oundar Tuolumne Meadows Big y !!!! Campground !! Proposed Dana Fork

TRAIL !!!

Accurately and adequately expressing a Oak !! River Plan will be a system of manage- JOHN MUIR Technical Correction Flat river’s outstandingly remarkable values ment zoning that prescribes desired con- Roa 9000 d 01234 provides a foundation for planning and 9200 ditions for these values in a manner that Miles 9400 ' 960 management. Congress directs that the balances them across the river corridor. 0 9200 M R Tuolumne River Plan must address two general goals: (1) maintain the free-fl ow- DESIRED CONDITIONS AND management will focus on determining conditions and associated visitor expe- and locations will be generally directed the desired conditions and visitor ex- ing condition of the river and (2) protect MANAGEMENT ZONING the actions needed to move from the riences that complement one another by management zoning and refi ned periences at Tuolumne Meadows and and enhance the river’s outstandingly If the outstandingly remarkable values existing to the desired conditions, then (known as management prescriptions), through site planning for Tuolumne Glen Aulin. Site plan alternatives will be remarkable values. are the drivers of the river management maintaining the desired conditions into and (2) apply those prescriptions to Meadows and Glen Aulin. Use levels assessed for Tuolumne Meadows, where plan, the desired conditions are the the future. geographical locations on the map. will be derived from assessments of how the range of possible experiences and The Tuolumne River has been deter- destination. They express the resource These color-coded zones express the much use can be accommodated with- associated facilities warrants this level of mined to have the following outstand- protection and visitor experience goals Management zoning is the mechanism goals for how various areas should be out degrading the river’s outstandingly planning. Site planning for Glen Aulin ingly remarkable values: that the park staff will be committed used by the National Park Service to managed. Diff erent ideas about which remarkable values, consistent with the will address levels of service and the to achieve. Once the plan is approved, map and articulate the appropriate va- resource conditions and visitor experi- sideboards established by the manage- utility upgrades needed to maintain the Exemplary ecosystems providing riety of resource conditions and visitor ences should be emphasized in particu- ment zoning. camp operation without unacceptable habitat for a remarkable diversity of experiences to be achieved and main- lar areas are explored through zoning impacts to resources. species tained in the diff erent areas of a park. alternatives. The process of determining use levels— Some of the most extensive subalpine The Tuolumne River Plan uses this pro- including establishing numerical limits SECTION 7 DETERMINATION PROCESS meadow and riparian complexes in cess to ensure that the entire spectrum Tuolumne planning is currently at the and the management actions required to The Tuolumne River Plan will outline the Sierra Nevada of the river’s outstandingly remarkable step of exploring management zoning enforce those limits—is currently under- a process for determining whether any Exceptionally well-preserved evi- values, which includes qualities that alternatives and comparing their impli- way. This work will be analyzed in the future proposals for water resource dence of glacial processes may not be wholly compatible with one cations for user capacity, management Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS, to be projects in the river corridor would be Exceptional water quality another, is protected and enhanced. Dif- programs, and support facilities. Infor- released next summer. For the purposes appropriate with its wild and scenic river Exemplary diversity of hydrologic fea- ferent zones would place greatest em- mation related to this step is summa- of this workbook, general user capacity status, in compliance with section 7 of tures phasis on diff erent values, with the result rized in this workbook. implications have been outlined for each the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Regionally signifi cant archeological that the desired conditions in a certain alternative. draft process will be reviewed with other evidence of prehistoric travel, trade, location could favor some outstandingly DETERMINATION OF USER CAPACITY plan elements in the Draft Tuolumne and settlement remarkable values over others. In accordance with the Wild and Scenic SITE PLANS FOR TUOLUMNE MEADOWS River Plan/EIS. Prehistoric resources important for Rivers Act, the Tuolumne River Plan will AND GLEN AULIN maintaining the cultural and religious Zoning is generally a two-step process: establish a user capacity for the river The Tuolumne River Plan will include traditions of American Indian people (1) Identify a combination of resource corridor in terms of visitor activities, lo- specifi c proposals for management Tuolumne Falls. cations, and use levels. Visitor activities activities and facilities needed to achieve

6 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 7 Progress Report: Fall 2007 to Today

PLANNING FOR THE TUOLUMNE RIVER BEGAN BY IDENTIFYING THE river’s outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs), including both outstanding natu- Every step of Tuolumne River plan- ral and cultural resources and outstanding opportunities for visitors to experience ning has been informed by intensive them. The next step was to identify the reasonable range of resource conditions and efforts to gather and consider the associated opportunities for visitor use and to explore diff erent possible relation- full range of tribal and public, as ships among those values in particular locations. These steps, which resulted in a set well as NPS manager and staff, inter- of draft management prescriptions and preliminary management zoning maps, were ests and concerns. If you would like to review all of the comments sub- documented in some detail in the July 2007 workbook. This 2008 workbook docu- mitted to date as part of the public ments the steps that have been taken since that time to develop a set of fi ve manage- scoping conducted in 2006 and the ment zoning alternatives, including a preferred alternative, and to begin exploring review of the 2007 Tuolumne Plan- their implications for user capacity and site planning at Tuolumne Meadows. ning Workbook, you can fi nd them on the Tuolumne River planning Continuing the timeline included in the 2007 workbook, the work that occurred in website at: late 2007 through mid 2008 was as follows: www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm Discussions with the Public: Summer-Fall 2007 In keeping with the Tuolumne planning team commitment to capitalize on public involvement opportunities while the high country is accessible to the general public, the National Park Service released the 2007 Tuolumne Planning Workbook in July. This document was made available throughout Tuolumne Meadows, with perhaps Consultation the most popular distribution location being the Tuolumne Meadows Store and Grill. The purpose of the workbook was to provide interested members of the public with Culturally with a progress report on the status of the plan, which was midway through a multi- Associated Tribes year planning process. For the fi rst time in a Yosemite planning process, public com- ments were sought on early versions of alternatives. Park staff asked, “Are we on the Maintaining traditional cultural and religious practices, and passing this right track?” “What do you like/dislike about this preliminary range of alternatives?” knowledge to future generations, “What aspects would you like to see carried over into a preferred alternative?” is important to the American Indian tribes who fi nd a spiritual founda- Throughout the summer, team members met with tribes, the general public, gateway tion for their culture in the land and community groups, and also with Tuolumne staff . Tuolumne interpreters made con- resources that sustained them for tacts with thousands of park visitors at campfi re programs and on ranger-led walks, millennia. informing them of the planning process and encouraging them to submit comments and get involved. The planning team and interested members of the public also trav- The National Park Service consults eled the river corridor through a series of fi eld trips and backpack excursions that with culturally associated Indian took them up the Dana Fork, up Lyell Canyon, to Glen Aulin, through the Grand tribes as part of a government-to- Canyon of the Tuolumne, and to the river above Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. This pro- government relationship. Meetings vided a valuable opportunity to discuss river protection issues in the fi eld. In August with various tribal councils and an annual all tribal meeting in Yosemite a public Planner-for-a-Day Workshop took place at Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne provide opportunities for dialogue Meadows, attended by more than 75 individuals who reviewed, discussed, and com- and information sharing. mented on the preliminary alternative concepts presented in the workbook. Interested tribal members have Upon the closing of the workbook comment period, the planning team reviewed the participated in Tuolumne River plan- hundreds of mail-back forms, emails, faxes, and letters. These comments were then ning workshops, working side-by- used to help inform revisions to management prescriptions and to the range of al- side with park planners to establish ternatives. All comments can be viewed on the park’s website (please see the website river values, desired conditions, and reference in the box on page 9). preliminary alternative concepts. continued on next page

Facing page: Public workshop participants discuss concepts presented in the 2007 Tuolumne Planning Workbook.

8 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 9 Progress Report provide quality visitor experiences and opportunities for peo- ple to connect with the Tuolumne River at Tuolumne Meadows continued from previous page What is a Preferred Alternative? improve park operational effi ciency What We Heard and Changes Made: As part of a planning process conducted under the National Fall-Winter 2007 Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the agency is expected Based on the relatively greater advantages that emerged from to disclose the alternative it has determined best meets its alternatives 3 and 4, the planning team created a fi fth, pre- Informed by the public comments and additional analysis con- mission and the requirements under the law. This preferred ferred management zoning alternative that combined elements ducted over the summer, the planning team fully developed alternative is identifi ed and evaluated in the environmental of those two alternatives. The preferred alternative has been four management zoning alternatives. Each alternative had a impact statement. characterized as distinctive emphasis, primarily related to Tuolumne Meadows and Glen Aulin, characterized as follows: Preferred Management Zoning Alternative 5 (Preferred). Honor the traditions of the Tuolumne while looking to the future. Alternative 1. Manage more of the Tuolumne River as wilder- Alternative: Winter 2007-2008 ness. Lyell Canyon and Mammoth Peak. After changes were made to the alternatives in response to All fi ve action alternatives, together with a no-action alterna- public and staff comments, the planning team and park man- tive, will be analyzed in detail in the upcoming Draft Tuolumne Alternative 2. Expand opportunities for people to discover percentage of day users. The revised draft management pre- agers took part in a process to identify a preferred alternative. River Plan/EIS. and connect with the Tuolumne River. scriptions are summarized on page 13 of this workbook. The The four management zoning alternatives were evaluated in full version, which can be compared in detail to the draft pre- February 2008 to identify which alternative, or which elements Alternative 3. Celebrate the cultural heritage of the Tuolumne scriptions published in the 2007 workbook, has been posted to Preliminary Site Planning from two or more of the alternatives, would best fulfi ll the Concepts for Tuolumne Meadows: River. the Tuolumne River planning website. National Park Service’s mission and statutory responsibilities related to the Tuolumne River. The intent at that time was to Spring-Summer 2008 In March and April 2008 the planning team worked with land- Alternative 4. Facilitate the recovery of healthy ecological In addition to changes made to the management prescriptions, develop a preferred zoning alternative so that a range of site scape architects from the National Park Service Denver Ser- conditions in disturbed meadow and riparian areas. several changes were made to the alternatives in response to planning alternatives for the Tuolumne Meadows Plan could vice Center to translate the range of NPS, tribal, and public in- public comments on the preliminary alternative concepts. For be tiered from a single preferred Tuolumne River Plan zoning terests and concerns into site plan concepts for redesigning— As part of this step, the draft management prescriptions pre- example, in response to comments requesting that the plan alternative. Although the Tuolumne River planning process has including restoring—specifi c sites within Tuolumne Meadows. sented in the 2007 workbook were reevaluated. In response consider whitewater kayaking as a potential new recreational since been revised to develop Tuolumne Meadows site plan The work focused on the desired conditions directed by the to public input, a new prescription, characterized as the high- activity, this has been incorporated into alternative 2. In re- concepts for each of the river management zoning alternatives, management zoning alternatives (which had been informed by country riparian and meadow zone, was created to describe a sponse to comments requesting that the plan consider the the identifi cation of a preferred management zoning alterna- internal and external scoping and analysis of scientifi c data) system of management focused on restoring the structural in- removal of various facilities, including the Glen Aulin High tive remains an important step. Identifying a preferred alter- and how those conditions might best be achieved in terms of tegrity of previously disturbed riparian and meadow areas and Sierra Camp, this has been incorporated into alternative 1. native in the Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS to be released arranging functions and facilities at Tuolumne Meadows. intensively managing visitor use to facilitate their recovery and in summer 2009 will inform the public of the direction the to minimize risks of future use-related impacts. In response In winter 2007 the team further refi ned desired conditions National Park Service is leaning, recognizing that the preferred By the end of April, preliminary site plan concepts had been to public comments, two other prescriptions, remote wilder- for each management zoning alternative and then asked alternative might be revised or changed as a result of further created for the four original management zoning alternatives; ness and day-use wilderness, were combined into a single pre- what are conditions today and how do they compare with the public and agency review. scription, with the caveat that use levels in wilderness would desired conditions? The answers to this question helped iden- however, it was determined that more discussion and analysis would be needed before a preferred site concept could be increase with proximity to roads and associated increases in tify the changes needed to implement each alternative. This The process used to identify a preferred management zoning identifi ed for the preferred management zoning alternative. A step involved a thorough examination alternative for the Tuolumne River is known as Choosing by decision was made to solicit public comments on the fi rst four of resource data including (but not Advantages (CBA). It is a formal value analysis method that concepts and to use that information in the identifi cation of a limited to) locations of archeological allows multiple variables to be compared along a single scale. American Indian Place Names concept for the preferred alternative. sites, fl oodplain and wetlands mapping, In preparation for this value analysis, a preliminary environ- continued on next page Numerous Indian place names, some of which were adapted by the Europeans, suggest the locations of rare plants, and cultural mental impact assessment was conducted to identify and importance of places along the Tuolumne to Miwok, Paiutes, and other Indian tribes. landscape inventories. This analysis was document the environmental impacts of the four management the basis for projecting implications for zoning alternatives. European Place Name Indian Place Name Language Translation management activities, user capacity, Tuolumne Meadows Ta’-niw-wat’-a Washo Long stream of the ta niw and facilities in the river corridor. Both the preliminary impact assessment and the value analysis (Washo word for Miwok) focused on the degree to which the four alternatives would Pa’-ru-bit-tah Paiute Secret place to hunt The four management zoning alterna- protect and enhance all the outstandingly remarkable values of Tuolumne Taulamne Yokuts or Miwok Cluster of stone wigwams tives and a fi fth, preferred management the river corridor. Recognizing that there would be no diff er- High Sierra Kay-o-pha Ahwahneechee “Skye” Mountains zoning alternative (which combines ences among the alternatives in the management of the more Mt. Dana Kuna Paiute Firewood elements from the other four) are pre- than 90 percent of the river corridor that is congressionally Poopenaut Poo-pen-oo Central Miwok sented on pages 14, 18, 22, 26, and 30 of designated wilderness, the relative advantages of the alterna- this workbook. As presented in Davis-King, The Silver Thread: Upper Tuolumne River American Indian Land tives were evaluated for how well they would Use in Yosemite National Park, Ethnographic Context for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, May 2008 (Draft) protect and enhance natural resources in Tuolumne Meadows protect and enhance cultural resources in Tuolumne Meadows West Tuolumne Meadows.

10 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 11 Progress Report continued from previous page Assignment: Due September 15 Tuolumne River

A primary purpose of this workbook is to solicit your com- User Capacity Symposium: ments about the advantages and disadvantages of the four Management Alternatives February 2008 preliminary site plan concepts created for alternatives 1-4. In February 2008 the National Park Service conducted a We also invite you to share your ideas about a site plan Including Preliminary Site Plan Concepts for Tuolumne Meadows three-day Yosemite User Capacity Symposium. The purpose concept for the preferred management zoning alternative. of the event was to further the understanding of and explore Using the comment form at the back of this workbook, you Information Included for Each Alternative can create your own concept of how functions and facilities approaches to addressing user capacity in national parks and THE FIVE ALTERNATIVES DEVELOPED tions for each zone are posted on the actions that would be required to move might be arranged within Tuolumne Meadows, consistent other public lands, including Yosemite National Park, by en- for the Tuolumne River Plan are pre- Tuolumne River planning website and from existing conditions to desired with the management zoning in the preferred alternative. gaging public land managers, researchers, elected offi cials, sented in this section. Each alternative are summarized below. conditions. The fi nal component of part tribes, and the general public in an open dialogue. More than contains two parts, the fi rst encompass- two is a preliminary site plan concept for 130 people from around the country participated in the event, other stakeholders to sit around the same table with experts ing the river as a whole, and the second Part two focuses on Tuolumne Mead- Tuolumne Meadows, followed by a sum- representing these various interest groups. Of special note, and land managers to engage in more focused discussions. The focusing specifi cally on Tuolumne ows, starting with a summary of the de- mary of the implications for user capac- more than 50 local residents attended—a testament to the lo- fi nal day involved fi eld trips in Yosemite Valley led by park staff Meadows. sired conditions for that area. Depend- ity. The site plan concepts show what cal interest this topic generates. (Proceedings will be posted to to further discuss user capacity issues as they aff ect Yosemite ing on the alternative zoning, the desired facilities might be provided and where the park’s website.) National Park. Part one describes each alternative’s conditions could be very similar to or they might be located. The concepts also distinct management story, illustrating very diff erent from the existing condi- include proposals to restore previously During the course of the facilitated symposium, experts pre- Directly following the symposium, the Tuolumne planning how the river corridor would be zoned tions in Tuolumne Meadows. The pre- disturbed sites in Tuolumne Meadows. sented diverse viewpoints about user capacity and also real- team conducted a half-day Planner-for-a-Day Workshop to to carry out the goals for that approach. sentation for each alternative includes world, on-the-ground case studies about how user capacity invite the public to help brainstorm potential indicators to be The detailed management prescrip- a brief summary of the management has been addressed across a variety of public lands. Question- considered as part of the Tuolumne River Plan monitoring and-answer sessions allowed participants to air their concerns program. This work fed directly into a planning team work- and ask diffi cult questions in a public venue. Additionally, shop where the discussions continued. The process of identi- roundtable discussions allowed for members of the public and fying indicators and standards for monitoring is ongoing and Summary of Management Prescriptions will be presented as part of the Draft The following management prescriptions were used to develop the management zoning alternatives presented in this workbook. The Tuolumne River Plan/EIS. color key pertains to the colors used on the zoning maps. Included here is a summary of each prescription, which in its full version Tuolumne Planning Schedule and includes detailed statements about desired conditions for natural resources, cultural resources, and visitor experiences, and the kinds Next Steps and levels of management and development that would be appropriate to achieving and maintaining those conditions. The full versions Opportunities for Public Involvement of the most up-to-date prescriptions have been posted to the Tuolumne River planning website. This fall the planning team will review Summer 2008 your comments and develop a range of Summaries of the desired conditions for Tuolumne Meadows are included with the alternatives presented in this workbook and form Public reviews range of Tuolumne River Plan alternatives, including preliminary site detailed site plans for Tuolumne Mead- the bases for the projections about user capacities and the preliminary site plan concepts. plan concepts for Tuolumne Meadows ows and Glen Aulin to guide implemen- Opportunities for Public Involvement: tation of each of the Tuolumne River Wilderness: Areas in this zone are managed to protect High-Country Base Camp: Areas in this zone are managed Public outreach, site visits, and Planner-for-a-Day Workshop Plan management zone alternatives. wilderness values, including natural ecosystem function to provide basic accommodations and services, providing Comments on workbook due to National Park Service by SEPTEMBER 15 In early 2009 these alternatives will be and opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation. All opportunities for visitors to spend a few hours, stay over- Plan updates and all comments posted to park website analyzed and the document will be congressionally designated wilderness must be in this zone, and ar- night, or stage an excursion into the wilderness supported by road prepared for public distribution. When eas adjacent to designated wilderness may also be included if they access, informational and interpretive programs, campgrounds, and Winter 2008-2009 are under consideration for wilderness-like management as part of modest levels of food service and lodging. Administrative needs completed, the Draft Tuolumne River Planning team develops the site plan concepts and prepares Draft Tuolumne River an alternative zoning plan. are met by management facilities, employee housing, access roads, Plan/EIS will analyze fi ve action alterna- Plan/EIS and utility infrastructure. This prescription is reserved for resilient tives, each of which will include a man- Opportunities for Public Involvement: High-Country Riparian and Meadow: Areas in this zone landscapes. Updates posted to park website agement zoning component and a site are managed to preserve the ecological integrity of ripar- Monthly open houses plan component specifi c to Tuolumne ian and meadow areas outside designated wilderness to Tuolumne Heritage: Areas in this zone are managed to Meadows. the maximum extent possible. Management of resources and visitor protect the cultural landscape character of places where Summer 2009 use may be intensive if necessary to restore and protect the integrity historic sites or structures are prominent and can serve as Public reviews Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS Concurrent with the more detailed site of the ecosystem. a platform for visitors to explore how the layering of human experi- Opportunities for Public Involvement: planning for Tuolumne Meadows, the ences over time in the Tuolumne River corridor has contributed in Public outreach, site visits, and multiple meetings and workshops planning team will also consider the spe- High-Country Experience: Areas in this zone are managed signifi cant ways to the American experience. The preservation or Public comments accepted by mail, fax, email, and at public meetings cifi c management activities and facilities to allow visitors to appreciate and learn about undis- enhancement of the integrity of archeological resources, American needed to achieve the desired conditions turbed natural areas and cultural resources, and to enjoy Indian traditional cultural properties and places, and historic sites Fall 2009 / Winter 2009-2010 dispersed, resource-based day-use recreation against a backdrop of and structures is a critical component of this prescription. for Glen Aulin. These detailed alterna- Final Tuolumne River Plan/EIS is released. If approved, a Record of Decision is signed, the rugged High Sierra. planning process ends tives will be presented and assessed in the Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS.

12 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 13 Alternative 1: Manage More of the Tuolumne River as Wilderness

ALTERNATIVE 1 WOULD MANAGE MOST NONWILDERNESS PORTIONS OF THE Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Management Zones Tuolumne to enhance their wild character, making more of the river corridor “an Management Zoning In summary, Headwaters to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Wilderness ' area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man Tuol Hetch umne † alternative 1 would High-Country Base Camp himself is a visitor who does not remain.” In particular, this alternative would ex- Het chy Res River TUOLUM er OF tend wilderness-like management to signifi cant portions of the Tuolumne Meadows voir Y ON T H E Preserve and sustain wilderness G RAND CAN GLEN 01234Miles area and Glen Aulin. Tuolumne Meadows would remain outside the congressionally NE AULIN character, including natural Inyo National designated wilderness but would be managed as a wild area, emphasizing the preser- Glen Aulin ! Forest ecosystem function and High Sierra Tioga Pass vation of natural systems and processes while providing opportunities for primitive Camp Entrance opportunities for primitive, TUOLUMNE and unconfi ned recreation as articulated in the Wilderness Act. The Glen Aulin High MEADOWS unconfi ned recreation, in the ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White ! !

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White be added to designated wilderness. corridor that is congressionally ork Wolf F designated wilderness. ' Dana Feet 01,000 The Tuolumne Meadows area, perched at the confl uence of the Lyell and Dana Extend wilderness-like Forks, would be the gateway to a diversity of wilderness experiences. Visitors could management beyond designated L y wilderness, to include much of e l L enjoy the unspoiled scenery from the roadside, go for a stroll along the river, picnic l PACI Y Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River E Tuolumne Meadows and Glen F FIC Dog L o on a granite slab, enjoy a day hike to a subalpine lake, or embark on a multiday back- Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River L Management Zoning Lake r Aulin. Management Zoning CREST k packing or stock-packing trip. This wide spectrum of opportunities would allow Below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir NA C Provide a wilderness staging area T I ONAL A people of various ages and abilities to appreciate and form a lasting connection with N and a focal point for High Sierra Y T SC O ad ENI Lembert the Tuolumne wilderness. Wilderness staging facilities and a variety of interpretive CT N o Dome interpretation and education at R Pothole RA y ENAU IL Boun d ar P Dome Soda Springs ss and educational programs would be provided in upland areas beyond the periphery ne Parsons Lodge !( er Tuolumne Meadows. i ld POOVALLEY McCauley Cabin W Tuolumne y lum of the meadows; however, lodging, food service, fuel service, and commercial trail Discontinue most amenities at h Tuo ne Lodge W Riv Store and Grill D ana Wilderness ilderne er r k rides would no longer be available. The meadows themselves would remain wild, Hetc TIOGA Fuel Station Lyell Center F o Tuolumne Meadows. ss Visitor Hetch ROAD Inyo Center F" providing opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned enjoyment of the river and its sur- Remove the Glen Aulin High Sierra B National oun Tuolumne MeadowsForest dar F o y Campground L rk Hetch Hetchy AI roundings. Camp. ! Entrance YOSEMITE VALLEY TR JOHN MUIR Stanislaus National A Forest ' 0123 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 TR The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp would be removed, the site would be naturalized, Miles ' 01234' Mer Rive ced Miles Miles and the area would be designated as wilderness. r

† Quote from the Wilderness Act

What would alternative 1 mean for Tuolumne Meadows?

Tuolumne Meadows includes the following Alternative 1 zoning would commit managers to Achieving the desired conditions would require the outstandingly remarkable values: achieve the following desired conditions for these following management actions:

Natural Resources outstandingly remarkable values: Natural Resource Management Extensive subalpine meadow and riparian complex Subalpine meadow and riparian areas would be largely intact. Natural American Indian traditional cultural practices would be perpetuated and Restore previous disturbances to the ecological integrity of meadow and ripar- ecological processes, such as fl ooding and fi re, would prevail. Meadow and enhanced to the maximum extent possible while protecting wilderness quali- Habitat for a remarkable diversity of species ian areas using the minimum required management activities, consistent with riparian habitats, including the mineral spring habitat at Soda Springs, would ties. wilderness qualities. Exceptional water quality sustain a natural distribution, population composition, and interaction of The Tuolumne Meadows area would provide a diversity of opportunities Remove incompatible nonhistoric structures (notably the wastewater treat- native species, with no decline in special status species. Cultural Resources for primitive, unconfi ned recreation. Because of the proximity to roads and ment ponds) from the wilderness zone. Historic resources representing early conservation activism and recreation Water quality would be excellent. other access points, wilderness at Tuolumne Meadows would be expected to Manage visitor use to protect sensitive meadow and riparian resources. Archeological resources representing prehistoric travel and trade Historic buildings and structures that are compatible with wilderness quali- receive a greater proportion of day use; visitors would expect more frequent ties would be preserved. encounters with others and less opportunity for solitude than in a remote Cultural Resource Management Traditional use sites important to American Indian people wilderness setting. The historic landscape and associated historic vistas might undergo change Remove many of the historic buildings and structures associated with incom- Visitor Experience associated with natural changes in vegetation. Interpretive and educational opportunities would continue, and vehicle- patible amenities (see below). Retain Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin, but Easily accessible recreational and educational opportunities based camping opportunities would remain available. However, most ameni- eliminate vehicle access and utilities. Archeological and American Indian traditional cultural resources would ties would be eliminated to encourage an experience of greater self-reliance Opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation retain their current level of integrity unless threatened by natural ecosystem Manage visitor use to protect sensitive archeological resources. and adventure. Magnifi cent scenery processes or unless an impact was unavoidable to achieve the desired visitor Visitor Use Management experience. Change the character of the visitor experience at Tuolumne Meadows to enhance opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation. Eliminate incom- patible amenities, including overnight lodging, food service, fuel service, and commercial trail rides, and restore the sites.

14 TuolumneTuolumne PlanningPlanning WorWorkbookkbook TuolumneTuolumne PlanninPlanningg WorWorkbookkbook 15 What might Tuolumne Meadows look like under alternative 1? Implications for User Capacity

Alternative 1 Preliminary Site Plan Concept for Tuolumne Meadows: Visitor Use Levels

Reduce amenities and associated development, including park opera- Retain or improve some visitor facilities, maintaining the small-scale, Provide formal parking area and trail connection for Cathedral Lakes west of Visitor use levels would be reduced to provide tions facilities, to enhance wilderness character: dispersed development pattern: existing visitor center parking lot. opportunities for solitude and wilderness experiences in an Remove all Tuolumne Lodge facilities, including the road and employee Retain campground at approximately same capacity, relocating A loop Eliminate social trails around informal trailhead for Parsons Lodge; restore environment that appears undeveloped and pristine. housing; restore natural conditions; convert area to primitive day use. campsites. Improve site delineation and traffi c fl ow; reopen western camp- natural conditions. ground exit. Remove campground A loop road and campsites; restore natural condi- Provide formal parking area near campground entrance. tions; convert area to primitive day use. Retain concessioner stable to serve High Sierra camps outside the river cor- Visitor Activities, Services, and Management Expand Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area. Remove store, grill, fuel station, mountaineering school, and concession ridor (excluding Glen Aulin, which would be closed). Eliminate commercial Opportunities for day use would be generally unconfi ned. employee tent cabins and restore part of sites to natural conditions (some trail rides. Remove parking along access road and restore natural condi- Preserve selected historic buildings and structures: Opportunities for overnight use would be reduced by tions. part would be converted to a picnic area). Add fuel pump at ranger station Preserve Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin, but eliminate vehicle access and eliminating lodging while retaining camping. site to serve administrative fuel needs. Retain Lembert Dome parking area and picnic tables. utilities. Preserve contributing structures at Road Camp housing area; convert the cur- Remove most concessioner housing and restore natural conditions. Provide picnic area at site currently occupied by store and grill. Overall levels of service and facilities would be lowered, rent visitor center building to employee housing. Remove NPS housing from the Ranger Camp and Bug Camp housing Retain ranger station and wilderness center. Relocate visitor center func- and facilities would generally be limited to those areas; restore natural conditions. Consolidate housing for essential em- tion near the wilderness center. Preserve NPS stable. compatible with a self-reliant and adventurous visitor ployees at the Road Camp housing area; relocate nonessential housing to Formalize parking and trails, providing the minimum facilities neces- Lee Vining or another area outside Tuolumne Meadows. experience. sary to protect meadow/riparian, archeological, and scenic values: Remove wastewater treatment ponds and restore natural conditions. Eliminate Tioga Road shoulder parking and social trails; restore natural Replace ponds with new facilities near wastewater treatment plant and re- conditions. Provide scenic pullouts. move sewer line that currently runs beneath meadow from plant to ponds. Provide formal parking area and trail across meadow east of Pothole Dome.

PACIFIC Alternative 1 Management Prescriptions For comparison, the preliminary site plan concept maps C R show existing facilities. Actions pertaining to these E High-Country S T Wilderness areas are captured in the numbered paragraphs below. Base Camp Miles ' 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 NATI ONAL Lembert SCENI CTRAIL Concessioner Dome Pothole Stable Dome 11 !( Gaylor !(19 Pit D Soda Springs a na ndary !( Bou F Wastewater Parsons Lodge o r Treatment k McCauley Cabin !(7 BugCampHousing Ponds !(4 Wilderness ! !(12 !(17 !(18 Tuolumne Lodge !(1 um ! ! n Tuol e !(16 !(15 Ranger Camp Rive !(13 ! Wilderness NPS Housing r Center Stable

Store Dana 2 TIOGA !( 3 Fuel Station and !( !(10 Grill Fo RO r AD Ly k ell Visitor Center !(5 6 Tuolumne Meadows !(14 !( Wastewater !(9 Campground Wilderness Road Camp Treatment !(8 Fork Housing Plant

Boundary

PA CIFIC CREST

AND JOHN MUIR TRAIL (!1 Provide formal parking (!3 Remove informal parking; (!5 Relocate visitor center function. (!7 Preserve Parsons Lodge and (!9 Retain current capacity at (!11 Retain concessioner stable; (!13 Retain historic trail. (!15 Retain ranger station and (!17 Remove NPS housing; (!19 Retain emergency with trail connection to restore natural conditions. Expand housing for essential McCauley Cabin; eliminate campground; improve site eliminate commercial trail wilderness center. Add restore natural conditions. operations, including Pothole Dome. employees; retain maintenance vehicle access and utilities. delineation and traffic flow. rides. Remove road shoulder visitor center function to Expand Dog Lake/JMT parking. helipad. facilities. Provide Cathedral parking. wilderness center. Lakes parking. (!2 Remove all Tioga Road (!4 Remove wastewater treat- (!6 Locate new wastewater (!8 No change. (!10 Remove store and grill, fuel (!12 Retain parking and (!14 Remove A loop road and (!16 Retain NPS stable. (!18 Remove Tuolumne Lodge; shoulder parking and social ment ponds and access road; treatment facilities near station, and mountaineering picnic area. campsites; restore natural restore natural conditions. trails; restore to natural con- restore natural conditions. existing treatment plant. school. Provide picnic area. conditions. ditions. Provide scenic pullouts.

16 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 17 Alternative 2: Expand Opportunities for People to Discover and Connect with the Tuolumne River

ALTERNATIVE 2 WOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR A GREATER DIVER- Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Management Zones sity of day use intended to encourage resource enjoyment and stewardship by a Management Zoning Wilderness In summary, Headwaters to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir ' broad spectrum of visitors, including people discovering the area for the fi rst time. Tuol High-Country Experience alternative 2 would Hetch umne Well-signed trails and interpretive waysides in the high-country experience zone at Het High-Country Base Camp R chy Res iver er OF TUOLUMNE Tuolumne Meadows would invite people unfamiliar with the area to take walks or voi ND Y ON THE Preserve and sustain wilderness r GRA C AN GLEN 01234Miles short hikes to popular features or places along the river. Such opportunities, coupled AULIN character, including natural Inyo National with an expanded off ering of interpretive programs, would encourage people to Glen Aulin ! ecosystem function and High Sierra Tioga Pass Forest forge lasting connections with the Tuolumne and to appreciate the importance of Camp Entrance opportunities for primitive, TUOLUMNE protecting its natural, cultural, and recreational values. Existing opportunities for MEADOWS unconfi ned recreation, in the ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White ! !

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! White food service. The staging of backpacking and stock-packing trips into the wilder- corridor that is congressionally ork Wolf F ness would remain a distinctive activity at Tuolumne Meadows, contributing to the designated wilderness. ' Dana Feet 01,000 character of the area experienced by all visitors. In response to public comment on Facilitate resource enjoyment and the 2007 workbook, recreational kayaking would be allowed on portions of the river, stewardship by a broad spectrum L y of visitors, including people e l L pending a determination that impacts could be maintained within standards that l Y

PACIFIC discovering the area for the fi rst Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River E F L would be established to ensure resource protection. Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Dog o L Management Zoning r Lake k time. Management Zoning CREST BelowBelow Hetch Hetch Hetchy Hetchy Reservoir Reservoir N C Provide more diverse opportunities ATION A

Any potential for changing the natural character of the area or increasing demands N A for day use (including allowing L Y O on river-related habitats would be avoided by clustering development in ecologically UT SCENIC TR Lembert N kayaking on a portion of the NA Road Pothole Dome y Y AIL Boun d ar PE Dome Soda Springs ss resilient uplands away from the river and by limiting additional visitor facilities to Parsons Lodge ne !( er river, pending a determination i ld POOVALLE McCauley Cabin W Tuolumne o lum necessary pathways, picnic areas, and information/staging areas. that impacts could be maintained Tu n Lodge e Dana W R iv Store and Grill Wilderness i lde er rk within established standards). Hetchy rness TIOGA Fuel Station Lyel Center F o Visitor ROAD l Hetch Center F" Inyo As in all alternatives most of the river corridor would be managed as wilderness. The Retain opportunities for overnight Bou National nd Tuolumne MeadowsForest a F o Hetch Hetchy ry Campground L r k Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp would remain open and continue to provide a distinc- use at Tuolumne Meadows and ! YOSEMITE VALLEY TRAI Entrance JOHN MUIR Glen Aulin. Stanislaus tive overnight recreational opportunity. National AIL Forest TR ' 0123 00.250.50.751 Miles ' 01234' Merc R ed ive Miles Miles r

What would alternative 2 mean for Tuolumne Meadows?

Tuolumne Meadows includes the following Alternative 2 zoning would commit managers to Achieving the desired conditions would require the outstandingly remarkable values: achieve the following desired conditions for these following management actions:

Natural Resources outstandingly remarkable values: Natural Resource Management Extensive subalpine meadow and riparian complex Subalpine meadow and riparian areas would be largely intact and sustained American Indian traditional cultural practices would be perpetuated and Restore disturbed meadow and riparian areas. by natural ecological processes, such as fl ooding and fi re. Human activity enhanced to the maximum extent possible while achieving visitor experience Habitat for a remarkable diversity of species Manage visitor use to protect sensitive meadow and riparian resources. might have minor impacts so long as they did not disrupt natural ecologi- goals. Exceptional water quality cal processes. Meadow and riparian habitats, including the mineral spring Visitors would enjoy a diversity of easily accessible day and overnight op- Cultural Resource Management Cultural Resources habitat at Soda Springs, would sustain a natural distribution, population portunities to experience the greater Tuolumne Meadows area in a setting Preserve Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin. Preserve other historic resources Historic resources representing early conservation activism and recreation composition, and interaction of native species, with no decline in special dominated by natural processes and scenery. Recreational opportunities unless removal or redesign was necessary to consolidate facilities and achieve status species. visitor experience goals. Archeological resources representing prehistoric travel and trade could include kayaking or similar boating if impacts could be maintained Water quality would be excellent. within established standards. A full range of interpretive programs and Manage visitor use to protect sensitive archeological resources. Traditional use sites important to American Indian people modest amenities, including food and fuel service and commercial trail Historic, archeological, and American Indian traditional cultural resources Visitor Use Management Visitor Experience rides, would be available. Overnight visitors would have opportunities for would be protected to the maximum extent possible while achieving the visi- Expand recreation and leisure opportunities for visitors to connect with the Easily accessible recreational and educational opportunities tor experience goals. Where appropriate, selected sites could be interpreted. car camping, lodging, and staging of backpacking or stock- packing trips into the wilderness. The level of activity and social interaction at Tuolumne Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River. Opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation The historic landscape and historic vistas in the high-country experience zone Meadows would be relatively high. Magnifi cent scenery might undergo change associated with natural changes in vegetation.

18 TuolumneTuolumne PlanningPlanning WorWorkbookkbook TuolumneTuolumne PlanninPlanningg WorWorkbookkbook 1919 What might Tuolumne Meadows look like under alternative 2? Implications for User Capacity

Alternative 2 Preliminary Site Plan Concept for Tuolumne Meadows: Visitor Use Levels

Improve or add pathways, picnic areas, and informational facilities to Provide a public shower/restroom facility in consolidated visitor service Preserve historic buildings and structures and enhance historic land- Infrastructure improvements and designs might improve encourage interaction with the river: area. scapes: ability to accommodate increased levels of day use in the Provide hike/bike trail connecting facilities along Tioga Road and Great Preserve Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin. Consolidate visitor services to improve effi ciency: Tuolumne Meadows and Glen Aulin areas. Sierra Wagon Road. Consolidate visitor center, store and grill, fuel station, mountaineering Preserve structures at the Road Camp, Bug Camp, and Ranger Camp housing Add designated bridle path for commercial trail rides and public stock us- areas that are contributing elements to the historic district; use for NPS hous- school, and public shower/restroom facility in vicinity of current store and Visitor Activities, Services, and Management ers, to minimize user confl icts. grill; redesign facilities for better operational effi ciency. ing. Remove noncontributing structures and restore sites. Replace removed Add meadow-walk interpretive trail near visitor center. structures with new housing at Gaylor Pit. Opportunities for day use, including picnicking and Formalize parking and trails to protect meadow/riparian, archeologi- interpretive walks, would be expanded. Add picnic area and formal parking east of Pothole Dome. cal, and scenic values: Consolidate park operations facilities to improve effi ciency: Add meadow overlook picnic area with parking at site currently occupied Eliminate Tioga Road shoulder parking and associated social trails; restore Consolidate ranger station and wilderness center functions in vicinity of for- by concessioner stable. natural conditions. Provide scenic pullouts. mer NPS stable. Visitor services would be improved through the Add picnic area with parking on south side of Tioga Road. Provide formal parking area and trail across meadow east of Pothole Consolidate NPS and concessioner stables, including associated housing, in a reorganization and redesign of facilities. new location south of Tioga Road and east of wastewater treatment plant. Expand picnic area at Lembert Dome; replace vault toilets with comfort Dome. station. Provide formal parking area and trail connection for Cathedral Lakes at Move much NPS and concessioner housing to Gaylor Pit; upgrade substan- Visitor fl ow and management would emphasize personal former visitor center site. dard housing; provide utility connections. Extend shuttle service and multiuse freedom. Retain or improve facilities supporting easily accessible overnight hike/bike trail to Gaylor Pit. use: Provide day parking area and trailhead for Parsons Lodge on south side of Consolidate compatible NPS maintenance activities near the Road Camp hous- Retain Tuolumne Lodge; relocate most concessioner housing to Gaylor Pit. Tioga Road. ing area. Convert mess hall building for maintenance operations. Retain campground, relocate some A loop sites to protect sensitive riparian Retain Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area. areas. Improve site delineation and traffi c fl ow; reopen western camp- ground exit.

PACIFIC Alternative 2 Management Prescriptions For comparison, the preliminary site plan concept maps C R High-Country High-Country show existing facilities. Actions pertaining to these E S Wilderness T Experience Base Camp areas are captured in the numbered paragraphs below. Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 NATI ONAL ' Lembert SCENI CTRAIL Concessioner Dome Pothole Stable Dome 11 !( Gaylor !(19 Pit D Soda Springs a na ndary Wastewater !( Bou F Parsons Lodge o r Treatment k McCauley Cabin !(7 BugCampHousing Ponds !(4 Wilderness ! !(12 !(17 !(18 Tuolumne Lodge !(1 lum ! ! n Tuo e !(16 !(15 Ranger Camp Rive !(13 ! Wilderness NPS Housing r Center Stable

Store Dana 2 TIOGA !( 3 Fuel Station and !( !(10 Grill Fo RO r AD Ly k ell Visitor 14 Center !(5 6 9 Tuolumne Meadows !( !( Wastewater !( Campground W ilderness Road Camp Treatment !(8 Fork Housing Plant Boundary

PA CIFIC CREST

AND JOHN MUIR TRAIL (!1 Provide formal parking (!3 Remove informal parking; (!5 Relocate visitor center function. (!7 Preserve Parsons Lodge (!9 Retain current capacity at (!11 Relocate concessioner stable. (!13 Provide hike/bike trail along (!15 Relocate ranger station and (!17 Retain some NPS housing; other- (!19 Provide housing. Retain and picnic area with trail restore natural conditions. Retain housing. Consolidate and McCauley Cabin. campground; improve site Provide meadow overlook Tioga Road and historic wilderness center; restore wise restore natural conditions. emergency operations, connection to Pothole Dome. most NPS maintenance oper- delineation and traffic flow. picnic area and parking. Great Sierra Wagon Road. natural conditions. Relocate maintenace functions. including helipad. ations. Provide Cathedral Lakes Retain Dog Lake/JMT parking. parking. Consolidate visitor center, (!2 Remove all Tioga Road (!4 Retain wastewater treatment (!6 Consolidate stables east (!8 Provide formal day parking (!10 store and grill, fuel station, (!12 Redesign parking and (!14 Relocate A loop campsites (!16 Relocate NPS stable. Con- (!18 Retain Tuolumne Lodge visitor shoulder parking and social ponds and access road. of wastewater treatment plant; and picnic area. Formalize andmountaineeringschool; expand picnic area; away from riparian areas. solidate ranger station and facilities; remove housing trails; restore to natural con- add bridle path. trail to Parsons Lodge. provide showers/restrooms. upgrade comfort station. wilderness center at former and restore natural conditions. ditions. Provide scenic pullouts. Add meadow interpretive trail. stable site.

20 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 21 Alternative 3: Celebrate the Cultural Heritage of the Tuolumne River

ALTERNATIVE 3 WOULD FOCUS ON PRESERVING AND PERPETUATING THE Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Management Zones cultural values of Tuolumne Meadows and Glen Aulin—including the scenic river- Management Zoning Wilderness In summary, Headwaters to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir ' dominated landscapes, the historic buildings and structures, the archeological Tu Tuolumne Heritage He olu alternative 3 would tch mne resources, and the continuing traditional cultural practices by associated American Het High-Country Base Camp chy Res River TUOLUMNE Indian tribes—to serve as a platform for celebrating the relationships people have er ON OF vo RAND Y T HE 01234Miles Preserve and sustain wilderness ir G CAN GLEN had with the Tuolumne River over thousands of years. AULIN character, including natural Inyo National ecosystem function and Glen Aulin ! Forest High Sierra Tioga Pass Many of the visitor facilities at Tuolumne Meadows and Glen Aulin date from a Camp Entrance opportunities for primitive, TUOLUMNE time when a trip to the Tuolumne was a rigorous journey and amenities were few. unconfi ned recreation, in the MEADOWS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White ! ! ! !

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ence, with opportunities to enjoy ranger-guided walks, interpretive programs, public corridor that is congressionally White ork Wolf F forums at Parsons Lodge, commercial and private horseback riding, camping, and designated wilderness. ' Dana Feet rustic lodging in a historic setting. Many visitors have developed deep personal con- Celebrate the cultural heritage 01,000 nections with these areas through repeated experiences shared among generations. of the Tuolumne River corridor L y by perpetuating American Indian e These cultural landscapes also remain important to American Indian people for l L l PACIF Y traditional cultural practices, Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River E Dog F L maintaining traditional cultural and religious practices and passing this knowledge IC Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River o Lake L Management Zoning r C interpreting prehistoric and Management Zoning R k to future generations. Below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir EST Below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir N ATI historic uses, and preserving the C ONA A

N opportunity for a classic national L Y

T SCE O In giving primacy to the cultural landscape, this alternative would not endorse ad NIC T Lembert park experience. o Pothole Dome N R RA y IL Bound ar EY Dome Soda Springs ss perpetuating past patterns of use that proved to be unsustainable, like unmanaged L Parsons Lodge ne Preserve and perpetuate the !( er ild POOPENAUVAL McCauley Cabin W Tuolumne camping in the meadows. The desire to maintain strong, tangible ties with the past o lum historic landscape character of Tu ne Lodge R Store and Grill Dana etchy Wil iver Wilderness k H de TIOGA o r would be balanced with lessons from the past, and problems associated with road- the Tuolumne Meadows and Glen rness Fuel Station Lyell Center F Visitor Hetch ROAD Inyo Center F" side parking, aging utilities, and substandard housing would be resolved. As in all the Aulin Historic Districts, including Bound National Tuolumne MeadowsForest a F o Hetch Hetchy ry Campground L r k the expansive, open meadows at RAI alternatives the vast majority of the river corridor would be managed as wilderness, ! Entrance YOSEMITE VALLEY T JOHN MUIR and the natural environment would continue to be valued as the most critical com- Tuolumne Meadows. Stanislaus National Forest TRA Retain opportunities for overnight 0123 00.250.50.751 ponent of the landscape. ' 01234 Miles ' ' Merce Miles d Riv Miles use at Tuolumne Meadows and e r Glen Aulin.

What would alternative 3 mean for Tuolumne Meadows?

Tuolumne Meadows includes the following Alternative 3 zoning would commit managers to Achieving the desired conditions would require the outstandingly remarkable values: achieve the following desired conditions for these following management actions:

Natural Resources outstandingly remarkable values: Natural Resource Management Extensive subalpine meadow and riparian complex Subalpine meadow and riparian areas would be managed to preserve the Archeological and American Indian traditional cultural resources would re- Manage lodgepole pines to protect the cultural landscape. Habitat for a remarkable diversity of species distinctive or iconic natural features of the historic landscape. Cultural tain their current levels of integrity. Where appropriate, selected sites might Manage visitor use to protect sensitive meadow and riparian resources. resource management activities and concentrated human activity and be interpreted. Exceptional water quality infrastructure might have localized effects on natural ecological processes, American Indian traditional cultural practices would be perpetuated and en- Cultural Resource Management Cultural Resources so long as they did not disrupt ecological processes in adjacent wilderness hanced to the maximum extent possible while achieving resource manage- Preserve or restore historic buildings and other cultural landscape elements, Historic resources representing early conservation activism and recreation zones or result in a decline in special status species. Natural processes would ment and visitor experience goals. Visitors would be invited to learn about including patterns of development and vegetation. be allowed to prevail to the greatest extent possible while protecting cultural Archeological resources representing prehistoric travel and trade American Indian traditional cultural practices in designated areas. Manage visitor use to protect sensitive archeological resources. landscape values. Traditional use sites important to American Indian people Visitors would enjoy opportunities for a diversity of easily accessible day and Visitor Use Management Water quality would be excellent. overnight experiences in settings that evoke images, understanding, and Manage visitor use to enhance traditional park experiences. Visitor Experience The Tuolumne Meadows and the Soda Springs Historic Districts would be other perceptions of the past. Families and groups with strong traditional Easily accessible recreational and educational opportunities preserved or restored to an earlier historic condition. Preservation or restora- ties to the area could share their experiences with future generations. The Opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation tion would be applied to all historic landscape elements, including historic level of activity and social interaction would be relatively high. vistas, vegetation patterns, trails, buildings, and other structures, such as Magnifi cent scenery bridges.

22 TuolumneTuolumne PlanningPlanning WorWorkbookkbook TuolumneTuolumne PlanninPlanningg WorWorkbookkbook 2323 What might Tuolumne Meadows look like under alternative 3? Implications for User Capacity

Alternative 3 Preliminary Site Plan Concept for Tuolumne Meadows: Visitor Use Levels

Keep the cultural landscape intact for traditional uses: Preserve and enhance historic landscape at the Bug Camp and Ranger Formalize parking and trails to protect meadow/riparian, archeological, Use levels at crowded attraction sites and along associated Preserve Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin; restore bridge structure to its Camp housing areas and continue to use for NPS housing; consolidate and scenic values: trail segments would be reduced to enhance traditional historic appearance. employee parking. Eliminate Tioga Road shoulder parking and associated social trails; restore park experiences. Retain concessioner stable. Preserve NPS stable. natural conditions. Provide scenic pullouts. Eliminate the informal parking area east of Pothole Dome and restore natural Preserve Tuolumne Lodge; relocate those concessioner employee tent Upgrade façade of wilderness center to be compatible with historic land- Visitor Activities, Services, and Management cabins that are not contributing elements of the historic district away from scape character. conditions. the river. Move the Cathedral Lakes trailhead to the visitor center parking area and Traditional outdoor recreation activities, such as guided Improve or add pathways, picnic areas, and exhibits or signs to facili- provide a formal trail connection. hikes and overnight camping, would be emphasized. Preserve all campground loops; modify exterior of newer restrooms to tate day use: enhance rustic character; improve campsite delineation. Add picnic areas near visitor center and near store and grill. Retain the Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area. Preserve store and grill and fuel station. Remove concessioner employee Retain Lembert Dome picnic area and parking; redesign comfort station; Provide satellite parking with waterless toilet at Gaylor Pit. Extend shuttle Levels of service and facility improvements and redesigns tent cabins and move nonhistoric restroom building to a new location better identify trail. service to Gaylor Pit. would be constrained by protection of cultural landscape southeast of store. Restore and interpret Great Sierra Wagon Road as a designated trail con- Consolidate park operations facilities to improve effi ciency: values. Preserve visitor center at its existing location; expand parking to accommo- necting sites throughout the Tuolumne Meadows area, including Parsons Move the NPS maintenance yard and operations offi ce to the vicinity of the date trailhead for Cathedral Lakes. Lodge, Lembert Dome, and Tuolumne Lodge. existing wastewater treatment plant. Accommodate essential roads and trails Preserve Road Camp housing area. operations at this location.

PACIFIC Alternative 3 Management Prescriptions For comparison, the preliminary site plan concept maps C R show existing facilities. Actions pertaining to these E Tuolumne High-Country S T Wilderness areas are captured in the numbered paragraphs below. Heritage Base Camp Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 NATI ONAL ' Lembert SCENI CTRAIL Concessioner Dome Pothole Stable Dome 11 !( Gaylor !(19 Pit D Soda Springs a na ndary !( Bou F Wastewater Parsons Lodge o r Treatment 7 k McCauley Cabin !( BugCampHousing Ponds !(4 Wilderness ! !(12 !(17 !(18 Tuolumne Lodge !(1 um ! ! n Tuol e !(16 !(15 Ranger Camp Rive !(13 ! Wilderness NPS Housing r Center Stable

Store Dana 2 TIOGA !( 3 Fuel Station and !( !(10 Grill Fo RO r AD Ly k ell Visitor 14 Center !(5 6 Tuolumne Meadows !( !( Wastewater !(9 Campground Wilderness Road Camp Treatment !(8 Fork Housing Plant Boundary

PA CIFIC CREST

AND JOHN MUIR TRAIL (!1 Remove informal parking (!3 Remove informal parking; (!5 Retain visitor center function; (!7 Preserve Parsons Lodge (!9 Retain all campground loops; (!11 Retain concessioner stable. (!13 Restore historic Great Sierra (!15 Retain ranger station. Redesign (!17 Enhance historic landscape (!19 Provide satellite parking and social trails; restore restore natural conditions. add picnic area. Retain housing. and McCauley Cabin. improve site delineation. WagonRoadasaninter- wilderness center exterior. and retain housing. Retain and waterless toilet. natural conditions. Relocate maintenance operations. pretive trail. Dog Lake/JMT parking. Extend shuttle service. Provide Cathedral Lakes parking. Retain emergency oper- ations, including helipad. (!2 Remove all Tioga Road (!4 Retain wastewater treat- (!6 Provide NPS maintenance yard (!8 No change. (!10 Retain store and grill, fuel (!12 Retain parking and picnic (!14 No change. (!16 Retain NPS stable. (!18 Retain Tuolumne Lodge; remove shoulder parking and social ment ponds and access road. and operations office near station, and mountaineering area; redesign comfort station. some housing away from river. trails; restore to natural con- wastewater treatment plant. school; provide picnic area. ditions. Provide scenic pullouts. Remove housing.

24 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 25 Alternative 4: Facilitate Recovery of Healthy Ecological Conditions in Disturbed Meadow and Riparian Areas

ALTERNATIVE 4 WOULD PLACE THE GREATEST EMPHASIS ON ENHANCING Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Management Zones Management Zoning and protecting the integrity and connectivity of river-related ecological communities Wilderness In summary, Headwaters to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir ' at Tuolumne Meadows, which are suspected of having been signifi cantly disturbed Tuol High-Country Riparian alternative 4 would Hetch umne and Meadow by historic human uses, including intensive livestock grazing in the late 19th and Het chy Res River High-Country Base Camp T early 20th centuries. The most current scientifi c knowledge would be integrated er OF E UOLUMNE voi RAND YON TH Preserve and sustain wilderness r G CAN GLEN 01234Miles with the knowledge of the American Indian people, who sustainably inhabited the AULIN character, including natural Inyo National landscape for generations, to analyze and identify the conditions necessary for the Glen Aulin ! ecosystem function and High Sierra Tioga Pass Forest ecological recovery and possible expansion of river-related habitats. Natural re- Camp Entrance opportunities for primitive, TUOLUMNE source research and management could be intensive and occasionally highly visible MEADOWS unconfi ned recreation, in the ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White ! !

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White could serve as a global benchmark for studying the eff ects of human activities in corridor that is congressionally ork Wolf F similar environments. designated wilderness. ' Dana Feet Synthesize science-based 01,000 Opportunities for day and overnight use would be maintained. However, activities information and American Indian L y e knowledge of the ecosystem to l L at Tuolumne Meadows would be less dispersed and more confi ned to corridors l PACIFIC Y Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River E identify conditions necessary for F Dog L Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River o and specifi c destinations that would be managed to accommodate use with minimal La L Management Zoning ke r Management Zoning CR k the ecological recovery and long- EST impacts on ecological processes and systems. Commercial trail rides would be dis- BelowBelow Hetch Hetch Hetchy Hetchy Reservoir Reservoir N A C term integrity of river-related TIO A NA continued under this alternative to reduce user confl icts on trails. Interpretive and N habitats at Tuolumne Meadows. L Y SCE O NIC TR Lembert educational programs would help visitors understand the dynamic and fragile eco- N Pothole Dome Support opportunities for day Road A ENAUT IL Bound ary P Dome Soda Springs ss system and the role they play in the long-term enhancement and protection of this ne Parsons Lodge !( er and overnight use at Tuolumne i ld POOVALLEY McCauley Cabin W Tuolumne lum remarkable place. Tuo n Lodge Meadows and Glen Aulin, chy e Wi River Store and Grill Dan l a Wilderness r k focused on understanding and Het derness TIOGA Fuel Station Lyell Center F o Visitor Hetch ROAD Inyo Center F" The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp would remain open and continue to provide a experiencing a largely undisturbed Bou National nda Tuolumne MeadowsForest F o ry Campground L r Hetch Hetchy AI k distinctive overnight recreational opportunity. As in all alternatives the vast majority natural area. ! Entrance YOSEMITE VALLEY TR JOHN MUIR Stanislaus of the river corridor would be managed as wilderness. National Forest TRA ' 0123 00.250.50.751 Miles Merced' 01234' Rive Miles Miles r

What would alternative 4 mean for Tuolumne Meadows?

Tuolumne Meadows includes the following Alternative 4 zoning would commit managers to Achieving the desired conditions would require the outstandingly remarkable values: achieve the following desired conditions for these following management actions:

Natural Resources outstandingly remarkable values: Natural Resource Management Extensive subalpine meadow and riparian complex Subalpine meadow and riparian areas would be intact. Natural ecological American Indian traditional cultural practices would be perpetuated and Restore previous disturbances to the ecological integrity of meadow and ripar- processes, such as fl ooding and fi re, would prevail. Meadow and riparian enhanced to the maximum extent possible while achieving natural resource Habitat for a remarkable diversity of species ian areas through intensive research and management. habitats, including the mineral spring habitat at Soda Springs, would sustain management and visitor experience goals. Protect sensitive riparian habitat and enhance habitat connectivity by pulling Exceptional water quality the natural distribution, population composition, and interaction of native Visitors would enjoy opportunities to learn about and experience ecologi- facilities away from the river at Tuolumne Lodge and the campground A loop, species characteristic of an undisturbed ecosystem. Cultural Resources cally intact meadow and riparian habitats at Tuolumne Meadows. Use would and by removing the wastewater treatment ponds. Historic resources representing early conservation activism and recreation Water quality would be excellent. be directed to corridors and specifi c destinations, where the level of social Manage visitor use to protect sensitive meadow and riparian resources. Archeological resources representing prehistoric travel and trade Historic, archeological, and American Indian traditional cultural resources interaction would be relatively high. Cultural Resource Management Traditional use sites important to American Indian people would be protected to the maximum extent possible while achieving the Overnight camping, lodging, food service, and fuel service would remain natural resource management and visitor experience goals. Restoration of available, but the facilities supporting those activities might be redesigned Preserve Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin. Preserve other historic resources Visitor Experience the ecological integrity of meadow and riparian areas would be expected to and/or relocated to allow for restoration of naturally functioning riparian and unless removal or redesign was necessary to protect meadow and riparian Easily accessible recreational and educational opportunities preserve the historic expansiveness of the meadows and historic vistas. wetland areas and to enhance habitat connectivity. processes and achieve visitor experience goals. Opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation Manage visitor use to protect sensitive archeological resources. Magnifi cent scenery Visitor Use Management Intensively manage visitor use, including possibly excluding use from certain areas undergoing intensive resource management or research, to restore and protect meadow and riparian areas. Eliminate commercial trail rides to reduce user confl icts on trails.

26 TuolumneTuolumne PlanningPlanning WorWorkbookkbook TuolumneTuolumne PlanninPlanningg WorWorkbookkbook 2727 What might Tuolumne Meadows look like under alternative 4? Implications for User Capacity

Alternative 4 Preliminary Site Plan Concept for Tuolumne Meadows: Visitor Use Levels

Consolidate visitor services and reduce the travel distances between Retain facilities supporting easily accessible overnight use, but move Preserve historic buildings and structures: Use levels would not be limited, and use impacts would be them to enhance effi ciency and reduce impacts on habitat: development away from sensitive riparian areas and wildlife cor- Preserve Parsons Lodge and McCauley Cabin. mitigated through intensive management. Relocate ranger station, wilderness center, and mountaineering school ridors: Preserve historic structures at the Ranger Camp and Road Camp housing functions to site currently occupied by the store and grill and the fuel sta- Retain Tuolumne Lodge but relocate dining hall and concessioner housing areas. tion; restore current sites of ranger station, wilderness center, and adjacent away from river edge. Visitor Activities, Services, and Management Consolidate park operations facilities to improve effi ciency and reduce parking to natural conditions. Retain campground and redesign, replacing sites eliminated from the A Opportunities for day use would become more confi ned; impacts on habitat: Consolidate store, grill, and visitor center functions in a new facility in and D loops; improve site delineation and circulation; separate sites by Remove NPS housing from the Bug Camp and Ranger Camp housing areas opportunities for overnight use would be retained. what is now the campground D loop. Eliminate public fuel station (provide type. and consolidate at the Road Camp housing area. Partially restore Bug Camp a fuel pump for administrative use at ranger station). Formalize parking and trails to protect meadow/riparian, archeologi- housing area to natural conditions. Services and facilities would be restricted to resilient sites Remove parking, picnic area, and comfort station near Lembert Dome and cal, and scenic resources: Consolidate concessioner housing at the Ranger Camp housing area; adap- and consolidated within a minimal footprint to reduce restore natural conditions. Eliminate Tioga Road shoulder parking and associated social trails; restore tively use the current ranger station for housing-related purposes. impacts on ecological processes. natural conditions. Improve or add pathways, picnic areas, and exhibits or signs to sup- Consolidate NPS and concessioner stables, including associated housing, at port low-impact day use: Consolidate day and overnight parking near visitor center and store/grill concessioner stable site. Add visitor contact station at new parking area for Cathedral Lakes. (day use only); near wilderness center (overnight parking allowed), and in Remove wastewater treatment ponds and restore site to natural conditions. an expanded Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area (for day and overnight Convert campground A loop road to an interpretive river walk. (Replace ponds with new facilities near wastewater treatment plant and use). Add picnic area near new visitor center, store, and grill. remove sewer line that currently runs beneath meadow from plant to ponds.) Eliminate informal parking area east of Pothole Dome and restore natural Provide hike/bike trail connecting facilities along Tioga Road and the Great conditions. Sierra Wagon Road. Provide formal parking area and trail connection for Cathedral Lakes on Formalize trail loops through main visitor service area. south side of Tioga Road. Add formal connecting trail from visitor center to trail to Parsons Lodge.

PACIFIC Alternative 4 Management Prescriptions For comparison, the preliminary site plan concept maps C R High-Country show existing facilities. Actions pertaining to these E High-Country S T Wilderness Riparian and areas are captured in the numbered paragraphs below. Meadow Base Camp Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 NATI ONAL Lembert ' SCENI CTRAIL Concessioner Dome Pothole Stable Dome 11 !( Gaylor !(19 Pit D Soda Springs a na ndary !( Bou F Wastewater o r Treatment Parsons Lodge k McCauley Cabin !(7 BugCampHousing Ponds !(4 Wilderness ! !(12 !(17 !(18 Tuolumne Lodge !(1 um ! ! n Tuol e !(16 !(15 Ranger Camp Rive !(13 ! Wilderness NPS Housing r Center Stable

Store Dana 2 TIOGA !( 3 Fuel Station and !( !(10 Grill Fo RO r AD Ly k Visitor ell Center !(5 6 Tuolumne Meadows !(14 !( Wastewater !(9 Campground Wilderness Road Camp Treatment !(8 Fork Housing Plant Boundary

PA CIFIC CREST

AND JOHN MUIR TRAIL (!1 Remove informal parking (!3 Provide formal parking with (!5 Relocate visitor center (!7 Preserve Parsons Lodge (!9 Consolidate visitor center, (!11 Consolidate NPS stable (!13 Provide hike/bike trail along (!15 Relocate ranger station (!17 Consolidate concessioner hous- (!19 Retain emergency oper- and social trails; restore visitor contact station and function. Expand housing. and McCauley Cabin. store, and grill at current and concessioner stable. Tioga Road and historic and wilderness center; ing at Ranger Camp. Remove ations, including helipad. natural conditions. trail connections to Cathedral Retain maintenance operations. campground D loop; provide Great Sierra Wagon Road. restore natural conditions. Bug Camp housing. Expand Lakes. picnic area. Retain campsite Dog Lake/JMT parking. numbers through redesign. (!2 Remove all Tioga Road (!4 Remove wastewater treat- (!6 Provide new wastewater (!8 No change. (!10 Consolidate ranger station, (!12 Remove parking and picnic (!14 No change. (!16 Relocate NPS stable; (!18 Retain Tuolumne Lodge; remove shoulder parking and social ment ponds and access road; treatment facilities near wilderness center, and area; restore natural conditions. restore natural conditions. dining hall and housing away trails; restore to natural con- restore natural conditions. existing treatment plant. mountaineering school. from river. ditions. Provide scenic pullouts.

28 Tuolumne Planning Workbook Tuolumne Planning Workbook 29 Alternative 5 (Preferred): Honor the Traditions of the Tuolumne while Looking to the Future

ALTERNATIVE 5 WOULD BUILD UPON A COMMON THEME HEARD FROM Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Management Zones associated tribes and the public: Preserve the traditional Tuolumne experience. The In summary, Management Zoning Wilderness Headwaters to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir High-Country Riparian ' Tuolumne River corridor is a largely pristine, ecologically diverse, and in places Tu and Meadow alternative 5 would Hetch olumne uncommonly productive natural river environment that has been highly valued by Het Tuolumne Heritage chy River Res High-Country Base Camp hundreds of generations of people. It is a place of stunning beauty, a wild place to er OF TUO voi YON THE LUMNE Preserve and sustain wilderness r GRAND CAN GLEN explore, a prehistoric and historic gathering spot, and a center of learning and dis- AULIN 01234Miles character, including natural Inyo covery. These values would be protected and enhanced by balancing the protection National ecosystem function and Glen Aulin ! High Sierra Tioga Pass Forest of wild areas with protection and enhancement of the outstanding ecological values Camp Entrance opportunities for primitive, TUOLUMNE of Tuolumne Meadows and with protection of much of the historic built environ- unconfi ned recreation, in the MEADOWS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White ! !

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! White corridor that is congressionally ork Wolf F Management would focus on the Tuolumne as a place of gathering and learning, designated wilderness. ' Dana Feet where generations return to reconnect with valued elements of their natural and Celebrate the natural and cultural 01,000 cultural heritage. Associated American Indian tribes would continue traditional heritage of the Tuolumne River L y corridor by perpetuating American e l L cultural and religious practices. Visitors would enjoy traditional national park activi- l PACIFIC Y Indian traditional cultural practices Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River E Dog F L ties, such as backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding; family and group camping; Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River o Lake L Management Zoning r and preserving the opportunity Management Zoning CRE k natural and cultural history study; and rustic lodging. In the Tuolumne Meadows Below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir ST Below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir N for a traditional national park A C TIO A area visitor use would be intensively managed and in places confi ned to corridors to NA N

experience in a historic landscape L Y SCE O protect the river and the riparian and meadow habitats along its shoreline. Natural NIC TR Lembert at Tuolumne Meadows and Glen AUT Pothole Dome N Road A IL Bound ary Dome Soda Springs ss resource research and management could be intensive and occasionally highly vis- Parsons Lodge ne Aulin. !( er OOPEN i ld P VALLEY McCauley Cabin W Tuolumne ible in Tuolumne Meadows. o lum Identify conditions necessary for Tu n Lodge e Wi Riv Store and Grill Dan Wilderness l er a k the ecological recovery and long- Hetchy dernes TIOGA Fuel Station Lyell Center F or s Visitor Hetch ROAD Inyo Center F" Much of the historic landscape would be preserved, with some changes to resolve term integrity of river-related Bou National nda Tuolumne MeadowsForest F o Hetch Hetchy ry Campground L r k habitats at Tuolumne Meadows. AI problems such as meadow damage caused by roadside parking, aging wastewater ! Entrance YOSEMITE VALLEY TR JOHN MUIR Improve opportunities for visitors Stanislaus treatment facilities, and substandard employee housing. Modest improvements in National Forest TRA picnicking and walking/day hiking opportunities would encourage all visitors, in- to discover and connect with the ' 0123 00.250.50.751 Miles Me ' 01234' Tuolumne River. rced Rive Miles Miles cluding those who are visiting for the fi rst time, to discover the Tuolumne and forge r connections with this place. The built environment would remain small in scale and compatible with natural and cultural values.

What would alternative 5 mean for Tuolumne Meadows?

Tuolumne Meadows includes the following Alternative 5 zoning would commit managers to Achieving the desired conditions would require the outstandingly remarkable values: achieve the following desired conditions for these following management actions:

Natural Resources outstandingly remarkable values: Natural Resource Management Extensive subalpine meadow and riparian complex Subalpine meadow and riparian areas would be intact. Natural ecological would be in the high-country riparian and meadow zone, where they would Restore previous disturbances to the ecological integrity of meadow and ripar- Habitat for a remarkable diversity of species processes, such as fl ooding and fi re, would prevail. Meadow and riparian be preserved unless threatened by natural ecological processes. ian areas through intensive research and management. habitats, including the mineral spring habitat at Soda Springs, would sustain Exceptional water quality American Indian traditional cultural practices would be perpetuated and Manage visitor use to protect sensitive meadow and riparian resources. the natural distribution, population composition, and interaction of native enhanced to the maximum extent possible while achieving natural resource Cultural Resources species characteristic of an undisturbed ecosystem. management and visitor experience goals. Visitors would be invited to learn Cultural Resource Management Historic resources representing early conservation activism and recreation Water quality would be excellent. about American Indian traditional cultural practices in designated areas. Preserve or restore historic buildings and other cultural landscape elements in the Tuolumne heritage zone. Archeological resources representing prehistoric travel and trade The Soda Springs and portions of the Tuolumne Meadows Historic Districts Visitors would enjoy opportunities for a diversity of easily accessible tradi- Manage visitor use to protect sensitive archeological resources. Traditional use sites important to American Indian people included in the Tuolumne heritage zone would be preserved or restored to tional national park experiences. Activities and interpretive programs in the an earlier historic condition. Other historic resources would be preserved to meadows and along the river would be directed to corridors and specifi c Visitor Use Management Visitor Experience the maximum extent possible while achieving the visitor experience goals. destinations that would be managed to accommodate use with minimal Intensively manage visitor use, including possibly excluding use from certain Easily accessible recreational and educational opportunities Archeological and American Indian traditional cultural resources in the impacts on ecological processes and systems. areas undergoing intensive resource management or research, to restore and Opportunities for primitive, unconfi ned recreation Tuolumne heritage zone would retain their current levels of integrity. Where Families and groups with strong traditional ties to the area could share their protect meadow and riparian areas. Magnifi cent scenery appropriate, selected sites might be interpreted. Most remaining resources experiences with future generations. The level of social interaction would be relatively high.

30 TuolumneTuolumne PlanningPlanning WorWorkbookkbook TuolumneTuolumne PlanninPlanningg WorWorkbookkbook 3131 As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public land and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fi sh, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their Yosemite National Park development is in the best interests of all our people by P.O. Box 577 encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their Yosemite, CA 95389 care. The department also has a major responsibility for www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/planning.htm American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ July 2008 Printed on recycled paper Above: Driftwood, Tuolumne River.