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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, ...
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December 2002
200 E. Broadway Room 301 P.O. Box 7669 Missoula, MT 59807 406-329-
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Yosemite National Park
List of Tables
List of Tables ii
Yosemite National Park
Introduction
Introduction iii
Yosemite National Park
Nowhere on the NPS web site, Yosemite Park planning site sheets, nor in the YVP does it disclose that this proposal would be a significant amendment to the park's general management plan. (Individual, San Francisco, CA - #49)
This project is barely disclosed in the Yosemite Valley Plan, yet it will create significant cumulative impacts—none of which were disclosed in the YVP. (Individual, San Francisco, CA - #49) The brief, un-descriptive paragraph in the YVP does not disclose that this will be an expansion in numbers served and in footprint. It merely mentions that, "among the expanded facilities would be a science lab…" It does not disclose the many cumulative impacts at all and, e.g., does not mention the Great Gray Owl.... What good does it do to study and interpret such values when in order to do this, those very values are put at risk and destroyed? For example, the program might teach or interpret, "This was an area that used to support Great Gray Owls, but the development of these structures and the implementation of this program in 2004 served to disturb to destroy the environment which used to support them. They are no longer here." (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56)
The YVP should be based on a protective Merced River Plan. A full EIS should be completed for this plan after the YVP is in compliance with a protective Merced River Plan. (Individual, San Francisco, CA - #49)
I am very concerned that NPS is violating the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) regulation which implements the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). CEQ, in section 150.4(a) states, "Proposals or parts of proposals which are related to each other closely enough to be, in effect, a single course of action shall be evaluated in a single impact statement." (Individual, Houston, TX - #30)
Monetary incentives: Does NPS get a kick-back from YI expansion (i.e., do additional revenue opportunities for YI also mean increased revenue sharing with the NPS?) from YI additional outside rentals? Does NPS have a monetary incentive for YI and/or Crane Flat Campus expansion? (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56)
Alternatives
Alternatives—are these merely to make a show of satisfying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)? Has a predetermination already been made to keep the campus at Crane Flat and expand it—as on the schematic on the board at one of the NPS open Houses at the East Auditorium, Yosemite Valley Visitor Center? (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56)
Yosemite National Park
Alternatives need equal consideration in the decision making process with NEPA, and YNI Board. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #4)
Crane Flat ranks as an average facility in an extraordinary, nay, stupendous locale. To build more there seems antithetical to the stated purpose of the organization. Therefore, I support the No Action alternative. (Individual, Santa Cruz, CA - #25)
Wetlands
What are the important issues and opportunities to consider as Yosemite Institute and the National Park Service move forward with the project to redevelop the Crane Flat Campus? Spring Meadow sensitivity in additional people, possibility of soil compaction. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #4) I strongly support Yosemite Institute, a unit of the Yosemite National Institute, in its mission of environmental education. With respect to the proposed reconstruction and/or expansion of the present campus due to aging of the current structures and the increased maintenance costs associated with same, please do not permit any impacts that could result in further drainage or reduction of the Crane Flat meadow and its water table. (Individual, Citrus Heights, CA - #48)
Larger facility drawing down the meadow aquifer, affecting flora, etc. Subterranean water flow is a mysterious thing (look at helitack's need for a 600 foot deep well!); is there a chance that increased water withdrawals from the meadow wells will actually reduce groundwater that supplies the sequoia grove? Can you test for this before the facility is committed to and new wells are drilled? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
Vegetation
Pristine meadows and forests, how are you monitoring the health, well-being of the life living at Crane Flat with added people/development? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #41)
What are the important issues and opportunities to consider as Yosemite Institute and the National Park Service move forward with the project to redevelop the Crane Flat Campus? Soil compaction and Giant Sequoia shallow root systems are vulnerable to additional hiking groups. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #4) Areas of concern that need solid research if expansion occurs: Fragile shallow root system of giant sequoias, current use with 4-6 hiking groups on existing trails is a maximum number without impacting the grove, and soil surface. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #41)
Yosemite National Park
BAT SPECIES Yosemite is habitat for many federal and state listed bat species. We can well imagine that the Crane Flat area is habitat for many of these species containing meadow and woodland interfaces. The historic buildings that NPS and YI propose to tear down undoubtedly provide roosting sites for many bats. Even if the buildings are torn down outside of roosting time frames, can NPS ensure that the bats will find suitable new sites in the same approximate areas? There are probably other sensitive species that also depend on the habitat and attributes of the Crane Flat area which would be negatively affected by this proposal. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56)
GREAT GRAY OWL I consider the meadow system to be of great importance as a home for breeding Great Gray Owls and as a migration stopping place. The impact an expanded campus could have on the meadow may mean the end of owl breeding in that area. (Individual, No Address - #2) The entire YI campus is within the potential nesting area (as judged by proximity to the meadow foraging areas) of the Great Gray Owl. More people, noise, etc., in this important habitat for the Great Gray Owl can only diminish the foraging success of the owl, which will ultimately lead to a decline in the nesting success of the owl. (Individual, El Portal, CA - #46) Great Gray Owls will be further impacted by any expansion in numbers and/or footprint at the Crane Flat Campus. The Great Gray Owl is very rare south of Canada and is listed as an Endangered California species. There are only around 75 owls in the entire state of CA. "Entire California population of this species is restricted to the Yosemite region," "Research suggests that human disturbance, could affect foraging success of this species, which may explain its absence from the [Yosemite] Valley." (YVP, K-25) They probably exist at all due to the existence of the Park, yet the Park proposes to impact and probably cause the demise of some or many of them, and their ability to reproduce, through this expansion at Crane Flat. Some or many of them use and probably depend on the Crane Flat area. (How ironic would it be for a children's environmental education organization to be the cause of the degradation of Yosemite's natural values and the death of Great Gray Owls and elimination of the owls' future generations.) (Individual, San Francisco, CA - #49) Great Gray Owl habitat. Marginal nesting habitat, because of human disturbance (opening the Tioga Road, increased traffic, opening Crane Flat Campground—in the middle of breeding season), yet used every year for breeding. The sustainability of this state endangered species presence in the region has already been compromised by the expansion of Crane Flat gas station operations with 24-hour service, 12-month service, and new, louder generator and compressor. Shouldn't the park be doing whatever it can to protect this bird's habitat? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
WOLVERINES There may be wolverines using the area between Crane Flat and Gin Flat, as well; very rare and sensitive to disturbance. Has anyone looked for their tracks in the area in winter, and how will growth at Crane Flat impact them? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
FISHERS "Fishers [Pacific fisher, Martes pennanti pacifica] have been seen within the last 10 years near Henness Ridge and Crane Flat." (YVP K-27) In fact in the last year, a Fisher was unexpectedly seen near the Crane Flat Campus. They are a Federal and California Species of Concern. All the more reason not to increase impacts at Crane Flat and potentially impact this unexpected good indication of their presence. Densities in the central Sierra Nevada where Yosemite is located are very low. (YVP K-27) (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56) Fisher habitat. Tracks are seen at the Crane Flat BRC each winter; this area is one of the few places in the Yosemite region where fishers seem to have a regular population. Have park biologists done winter track studies? How will program growth here affect these sensitive animals? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
Yosemite National Park
Cultural Resources
I am writing to encourage your support of a new Yosemite Institute campus at Crane Flat. Our school brings a group of 45-50 high school science students to Yosemite Institute every year, in February.... Our students learn through experiential education in the majestic setting of Yosemite National Park, where they hike, cross-country ski, and snowshoe to study sites. These students are given the opportunity to learn about science, as well as about each other. This is a program that cannot be recreated on our high school campus, and is one that would be better served by a new facility at Crane Flat. The Crane Flat area is ideal for the Yosemite Institute programs because it offers a very unique and varied environment, in a small area. (Individual, Moraga, CA - #5) The experience the YI provides is excellent. The instructors are well educated and knowledgeable about the area. Environmental sustainability is emphasized and my students leave the trip with a profound appreciation of the world around them. For many of my students, the experience at Yosemite is the highlight of their entire high school experience. I highly recommend that the Yosemite Institute experience be able to remain and look forward to any help that I can provide to them to accommodate this. (Individual, San Clemente, CA - #10) I am asking you and all members of the committee to consider allowing Y.I. to build new facilities at Crane Flat. This will insure the opportunity for young people to benefit from this experience will continue. (Individual, Fremont, CA - #6) I am pleased to be able to comment on the Environmental Education Campus Development Program. This program is of lasting importance to the citizen of California and the nation. Yosemite Park and its natural and historical importance to our people are better served with this partnership and the educational programs it provides. The need for a new facility is self-evident; the need to provide a safe and healthy campus that will meet the needs of a large group of participants is long past due. (Individual, Yuba City, CA - #47) I am a sixth grade teacher in Selma, California. Each year our school sends 90 sixth graders to the Yosemite Institute. Our kids are mostly lower socio-economic children and mostly Hispanic. Some are in "Honors" class, but most are "regular." The week-long trip to Yosemite is foundational in their young lives. It opens their minds and lives to a new world of natural water, plants, animals, weather, and ecosystems. The trip dovetails nicely with California's sixth grade science curriculum. We have been making this trip for almost 20 years, and we have seen our former students grow up and use the knowledge and experiences from Yosemite to make good decisions about the environment, camping, voting, and preserving nature. They pass these values on to their children. Y.I. is trying to expand their facilities to improve their program and make it available to more children. I am very much in favor of this expansion. (Individual, Selma, CA
What are the important issues... to consider as Yosemite Institute and the National Park Service move forward with the project to redevelop the Crane Flat Campus? Quality of education if programming is increased. (Individual, No Address - #3)
It's worth thinking about a housing facility that'd host a couple dozen high school juniors in a semester- length credit program that focuses on the values of national parks and wilderness. A small dormitory, with
Yosemite National Park
Too much is made of the cost of concessionaire lodging in this equation. It is a stretch to propose that the redevelopment of the existing campus would insure diversity. If cost is so important to insure diversity and ultimately meet Yosemite's goals and partner goals, the NPS could easily control lodging availability and pricing to insure student diversity. This would not necessitate increasing development at Crane Flat or numbers of visitors in the area. If Yosemite Valley concessionaire lodging prices are fair enough to encourage diversity of the visiting public, then shouldn't it be acceptable to insure diversity of the YI students? (Individual, El Portal, CA - #46)
Meetings, seminars, conferences, colloquiums: An additional wrinkle to this development is the ongoing and presumably future increase in accommodation of meetings and seminars of other groups. In the past, groups other than YI have held meetings or conferences at Crane Flat. We believe that it is appropriate for a children's educational group such as YI to educate the children about Yosemite on-site, as its value is as a hands-on site-based experience; however, groups, whether their subject is Yosemite or not, should not be meeting in Yosemite to discuss Yosemite or its values, and therefore unnecessarily negatively impact Yosemite by being there. Those groups should more appropriately meet in cities where meeting facilities abound for such purposes. (Individual, San Francisco, CA - #49)
Crane Flat has been plagued with "piece-meal" development because there is no comprehensive Design Plan for the Crane Flat area. Cumulative impacts of development cannot be assessed adequately if the future development and uses of the Crane Flat are left to "piece-meal" development. For example, within the last 12 years, the following incremental changes have taken place at Crane Flat: A) Closure of the Tuolumne Grove Road—increased visitor use at the Tuolumne Grove parking lot, more use in the meadow, more impacts on Great Gray Owl habitat, more need for waste water treatment (new vault toilet building) at the parking lot. B) Conversion of the gas station, from a seasonal operation with a seasonal generator for electricity, to a full year operation with a full time generator. There are a lot more visitors around the gas station and adjacent meadow areas. The generator runs full time. Also, there was a new building constructed for ground water remediation. C) Increased use of the Crane Flat Heliport in routing parking operations. Crane Flat Lookout has expanded both the helipads as well as a new Flight Operations Building, a well house/chlorinator building, new vault toilet, and new leach field and water well. More expansion of the heliport is planned. FMO would like to put a housing area at the Lookout! Increased helicopter use that is relatively low has to have an effect on Great Gray Owls as well as be disturbing to visitors. D) YCC [Yosemite Conservation Corps] camp at the old CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] camp. (Individual, El Portal, CA - #46) Despite any benefits to a valuable program like YI, is more development here, in the absence of an area Development Concept Plan, appropriate to the protection of the park's core values? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
The existing facilities at Crane Flat are clearly degraded, and I wholeheartedly support the Park Service's goal to provide an interpretive program of high quality, in a safe, modern, uncrowded, and attractive facility. The only way I see this possible is to redevelop and expand the existing facility. I have personally witnessed accidents and "close calls" among students due to inadequate facilities and old, worn out infrastructure, and I am hopeful that the Park Service will approve a plan to modernize and expand the campus in the interests of student safety. While I am sure there are other projects within the Park in need of
Yosemite National Park
equal if not greater attention, my feeling is that the positive experience a young person has while on an outdoor education trip goes a long way to creating attitudes and values that will shape that person's life and affect indirectly, in a beneficial way, the future of all of our national parks. As it is, a visit to the campus now does not leave a positive impression as far as basic accommodations are concerned. (Individual, No Address - #21) The current campus is in dire need of reconstruction. The bathhouse and dining room floors are slanted and weakening with age. The kitchen walls have so many open spaces in them that controlling rodent entry is a daily challenge. During heavy rainfall and harsh snowfall, there is inadequate space to allow instructors to teach their students in warm, dry places because the dining room is so small and the bunk houses are not designed to allow group activities to be conducted in their common spaces. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #44) Yosemite National Park assigned YI existing buildings at Crane Flat for overnight accommodations for school groups, staff housing and office space in the early 1970s. Most facilities, including dorms, our buildings and the septic system, toilets, dining room, and kitchen were built in the 1930s require substantial year-round maintenance. The septic system and toilets are in need of constant repair and present health and safety concerns for both students and faculty. The time is right to remove these outdated and unsafe facilities and build clean, low-impact, energy efficient infrastructure to house education and research for the park. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Oakland, CA - #52)
YI does not need a new campus. YI is the last organization that should ask for more development in the Park. YI should stand up for the integrity of the ecosystem, not build to make more money. (Individual, Santa Cruz, CA - #25)
We need to consider the impact of a “small campus” as a way to help students connect to each other and to place. A big campus loses personality and personal responsibility. Our role as instructors is to connect students to nature. The further “padded” our students are, the more pampered and sheltered, the harder it will be for them to realize they are out in the wild where Nature is in control. Our job will be harder the fancier and bigger our campus is. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #58.3-4.39100.) We hope to continue coming to Crane Flat in the years to come. I do hope that the development is environmentally friendly and in itself does not ruin the environment. I've actually liked the rustic aspect of the current Crane Flat campus. I enjoy the smallness of it, and hate to see it become a huge education site. (Individual, El Cerrito, CA - #17) YI is a great thing for Yosemite; new campus is a good call, keep it simple, no more than 90 beds, concentrate this function in Yosemite Valley by working with the concessionaire. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
It is true that the campus currently has a rustic feel, and the alternatives should reflect keeping that feel alive. The electricity for the program comes from a diesel generator. Dilapidated buildings should be fixed, but not done away with. Over the past four years, there have also been problems with the septic system. Even though it was supposedly fixed, the smell of sewage still wafts in the area making it unpleasant to be around the campus. I do not think an increase of participants will help this process. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #43)
Yosemite National Park
general, having a campus that teaches environmental education in its design. This campus could serve as a model for all other environmental education institutions in National Parks, and perhaps in the designing of how to make our Parks sustainable. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #43)
EXPANSION HARMS ENVIRONMENT My suggestion is that the campus be reconstructed on its current footprint, using as many recycled/sustainably produced materials as possible. It should be designed to house a maximum of 75 to 100 students instead of the proposed 125 to 250. I understand that it would be ideal to be able to house all of the Yosemite Institute students in one locale, but I fear that the impacts of so many people using that space day after day, not to mention the space required to build the structures necessary to host that many folks, would be too great for such a sensitive area. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #44) Plans for green building, while laudable (and should be the standard), do not mitigate for an expanded footprint or for expansion in numbers of students. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Bend, OR - #56)
EXPANSION HELPS ENVIRONMENT It is a good idea to build this new campus.... A new campus, even larger campus, would be more sustainable and have less impact on renewable resources. (Individual, Mariposa, CA - #36)
The forest meadow at Crane Flat appears to be the largest and most lush of its type seen from the Tioga Road. As such, it is unique, and it is especially important that it not be compromised. Inescapably, the visual impact of the water treatment facility as seen from the Tioga Road would be great. This is supposed to be a National Park. To the extent that facilities may be necessary, they most certainly should not be located right on a major scenic drive. The present facility already impairs the view, and a greatly expanded one would have an even greater impact. Particularly with a large parking lot immediately adjacent to the scenic road, as shown in the conceptual drawings. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, San Francisco, CA - #53)
Location: Crane Flat: 1. Is Crane Flat the best location for this campus? 2. Is this to be a year around facility? 3. Is this a central location for field trips? 4. Is this location close to Yosemite NPS staff who are participating in the campus's educational programs or is travel time a consideration? 5. Is this location handicapped accessible? 6. Does the weather and road conditions limit accessibility? (Individual, Yuba City, CA - #47) As you deliberate the campus development options for Yosemite Institute, please consider that Adults as well as children have benefited greatly from YI's programs and that the location of their facility at Crane Flat is integral to this success. Being midway between the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows and adjacent to the Tuolumne Giant Sequoia Grove provides unparalleled opportunities for experiencing the diversity and range of ecosystems in Yosemite. (Recreational Organization, Walnut Creek, CA - #13)
I have always felt that having a "campus," however small, is problematical at this particular place. Visitors coming in from the Tioga Road see this as a first sign of "civilization" and are confused (there is even a sign posted saying that restrooms are further on at the gas station). It seems strange also to have this use so prominently along the road in a National Park—and somewhat elitist—also to be located beside a busy road is not best for the young students. (Individual, Mammoth Lakes, CA - #18) Will this bigger facility attract more drive-by visitors to stop in, looking for a Coke, a restroom, lodging? How will they feel being turned away? (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
Yosemite National Park
Environmental Education Campus Development: I heartily support the work of the Yosemite Institute, and am enthusiastic about its continuation and expansion. I cannot tell from the brief letter I received whether there is a plan to move the Institute from Crane Flats into the Valley. I feel very strongly that the Valley is overcrowded as it is, and that the physical plant for the institute can be expanded from its present site, while staying where it is. The fact of its removal from the scurry of the Valley can only improve the experience for all who attend the Institute's programs. (Individual, No Address - #35)
We are asking that your planning include both a new YI campus inside the park—Crane Flat is the obvious choice—and the opportunity for our students to stay overnight in Yosemite Valley. The future of Yosemite National Park must include room for our student citizens to have the ability stay in, and study in, Yosemite. To do anything less would be to help unravel what John Muir intended for our park. (Individual, Cupertino, CA - #19) I strongly urge the Yosemite Institute to keep the residential cabins and allow students to continue overnighting in the Valley. As a student who went through the program myself, I wholly believe that by eliminating these residential halls, the Institute would be denying future students the complete experience of absolute marvel and wonder that is Yosemite National Park. Nothing would better give students the feeling of respect and appreciation which the land deserves than the experience of living first-hand in the heart of the Valley itself. (Individual, Temple City, CA - #24)
Be assured I love young people and believe utmost in their getting an outdoor education, however I believe YI's students should be given just a very small portion of their time in Yosemite Valley as they are noisy, congest the buses, congest the trails—Perhaps most of their learning experience can occur outside of the Valley itself and their brief time in the valley be the culmination of their other studies—and also perhaps another place could be found for their headquarters. (Individual, Mammoth Lakes, CA - #18)
TO STUDENT EXPERIENCE We wanted to take a moment to jot down some of the reasons whey we enjoy the entire valley experience every February when we visit Yosemite National Park. Staying in the valley, we enjoy the beauty of the sun rising over the valley. Walking to breakfast in the morning we experience the changing weather in the valley. We are up at 6:30 AM for breakfast at 7:00 AM and meet our instructors at 8:00 AM to begin our day. We experience early morning wildlife, i.e. deer, coyotes, etc., before the valley "wakes up." During the evenings we enjoy the beauty of the moon risking over Half Dome. We ice skate in the village, outdoors! Our evening programs are so special when we take night hikes and see nocturnal animal life. And, of course, the snow falling at night is spectacular to walk through.... Transporting students in and out of the valley each day would add to the pollution problems you are trying to prevent! Temple City High School has been participating in the Yosemite Institute program for over twenty years, and we cherish the memories we have of our "valley experience." We would like to continue to offer students the special opportunity of "waking up in the beautiful Yosemite Valley." (Individual, Temple City, CA - #22) The busing experience for kids has to be detraction from their time in the park. Staring out the window for 45 minutes twice a day? What is the "high quality" advantage of anyone adding that to their experience of Yosemite? Time afield in Yosemite will be reduced by 20% for those riding buses each day. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
Yosemite National Park
There is still room in the YVP for the park to build an EE campus in Curry Village, that will really be more accessible to more students. YCS will moan about losing the business of tour bus companies, but they should put their money where their mouth is. If the park leadership thinks that the next generation of voters, consumers, citizens and park users is a special interest group, it needs to re-examine its priorities. Everyone wins with a campus in the Valley. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA - #57)
Alternate Location: 1. Is there a year around location that is more centrally located to NPS staff and to field trips within the park? 2. Would an alternate location be able to use the regular bus service within the park?
FORESTA I think Foresta would be a good location for the Campus, provided that the view of Big Meadow from the Big Oak Flat Road is not impacted, and the historic route of the Coulterville Road is not disturbed. (Individual, San Carlos, CA - #39)
MARIN HEADLANDS Please retain roughly the present building footprints and consider the alternatives of expansion at other sites such as in the Marin Headlands at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, or constructing a new campus in Martinez. (Individual, Citrus Heights, CA - #48)
MARTINEZ If YI wants to increase capacity to educate children regarding the environment, a campus in Martinez could be considered linking to the John Muir House and his environmental values, experiences, and writings. This would also provide access to lower and middle income and other communities not well served by environmental education. (Individual, San Francisco, CA - #49) Some potential alternate solutions: None of this should be accomplished by new development in Yosemite National Park. a. There should be no expansion at Crane Flat or development of a new campus anywhere in Yosemite. b. If YI wants to expand, a campus in Martinez could be of benefit. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56)
Yosemite National Park
EVERGREEN LODGE Evergreen Lodge is an existing facility just outside Yosemite National Park with a similar configuration to the existing Crane Flat Campus, but in good condition. It was recently for sale and might still be a possibility. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Bend, OR - #56)
HAZEL GREEN The big money behind YI should purchase land outside of Yosemite to develop. For example, why couldn't YI develop Hazel Green? They could build all of the affordable dormitories they desire and insure student diversity going by the logic presented by the NPS "planning document." (Individual, El Portal, CA - #46)
BETWEEN MARIPOSA AND EL PORTAL I favor the development of a center for environmental education. I think that easy access to a general purpose residential center is crucial. Presuming that there will be integration with programs at UC Merced, a location between Mariposa and El Portal seems best. It is outside the park and yet close by. From that major center, other locations in the park could be used as temporary or seasonal sites, depending on the needs of the programs that are supported through the center. Locations such as Wawona or Fish Camp would involve inconvenience in travel and no better access to areas of Yosemite. During the winter, it would involve travel in snowy and icy conditions to and from Yosemite Valley, and the road would have increased traffic from Badger Pass. (Individual, Fresno, CA - #37)
Neither Foresta nor Wawona should be considered as appropriate sites. These areas are in the Park and should not be further developed and impacted. The 1980 General Management Plan (GMP) intends Foresta to be restored, not developed. It should not be used for student or additional employee housing for the same reasons as at Crane Flat. Foresta is also Great Gray Owl territory. In the 90s many members of Friends of Yosemite Valley fought NPS proposed employee housing development in Foresta which would have greatly impacted the Great Gray Owls—let's not threaten the owls again. (Preservation/Conservation Organization, Yosemite National Park, CA - #56)
Find another (Sierra) Institute site and establish it outside Y.N.P. (Individual, Yosemite National Park, CA
The need is to replace these aging facilities and stop putting addition funds into repairing building that need to be completely rebuilt. The question is then of location and size. I would like to see maps of the alternative sites including roads to the sites. (Individual, Yuba City, CA - #47)
My first concern is that any planned growth will have a significant impact on the surrounding area. With an increase of students, there will be a larger footprint on the existing land, the students will undoubtedly need
