YOSEMITE – The various alternatives for the Merced River Plan and the impacts it would have on recreation and services in Yosemite National Park have been the subject of a lot of heated debate over the past year.
The Park was under a court-approved settlement agreement deadline to publish a Record of Decision (ROD) for a new Merced River Wild and Scenic River Plan by the end July 2013.
Because of the extensive public comments received on the Draft Merced River Plan / EIS, the US District Court granted a schedule extension to publish a ROD by December 31, 2013. The extension grants the NPS more time to respond to comments and incorporate feedback into a final plan and ROD.
The Park received almost 30,000 comments for the Draft Merced River Plan/EIS. Park officials say public comments and concerns have been and continue to be an important part of this planning process.
Over the course of the entire planning period, the NPS conducted 66 public meetings and webinars to encourage public participation in developing the draft plan.
The Park will host a public meeting to address the changes between the draft and final plan later this fall, and wish to thank everyone for their continued participation in this important process.
