Laura,
I have been reading the plan and commenting, just not recently. My last comments were against the proposal to remove Merced High Sierra Camp in Segment 1. Maybe you agree that horse and mule impacts are too great resupplying it, but I say leave it alone, it doesn't effect the river. I don't recall seeing any big issues in Segment 2 Yosemite Valley and I didn't think bridge removal would be seriously considered. This section is considered recreational and the river should not be dictating how the Park is managed. The Park should be free to manage floods and provide safe public access to the river as best they can, in my opinion.
It's hard to keep up with each of these issues and the process in general. I had to input my email address to comment, but they didn't bother to let me know about new reports or deadlines for comment periods. I see I missed a comment deadline on April 20th.
It's bothersome to me when a law is abused to achieve someone's idea of a "greater good." I'm all for environmental protection, but the relentless expansion and complicated process is getting crazy. They are using "river protection" for authority to limit access to the National Park. That may be technically legal, but it seems like a major overreach to me.
======================================================
"The plan will state the kinds and amounts of public use which the river can sustain without impact to the values for which it was designated. Studies will be made during preparation of the management plan and periodically thereafter to determine the quantity and mixture of recreation and other public uses which can be permitted without adverse impact on the resource values of the river
area."
Q: Will user capacities limit my access to the river or park?
A: User capacities identify how much use can be accommodated, while protecting and enhancing river values. Capacities for different alternatives are combined with a variety of management strategies and tools, including measures that are designed to prevent use from exceeding capacities. For the alternative that is adopted, if use exceeds capacities, use limits would be needed.
Q: Will establishing user capacity for the Merced River prevent me from being able to drive my vehicle into Yosemite Valley?
A: Options for addressing traffic congestion may include restrictions (such as a day-use reservation system) on private vehicle access to the Valley at times when parking areas are filled to capacity. This is dependent on the supply of parking provided in each alternative. Although a stated goal of the park's 1980 General Management Plan was to eliminate the use of private vehicles from the Valley, the MRP will amend this plan and establish new guidance for public access to the river corridor and Yosemite Valley.
