For all those who photograph or are just sightseeing along the Merced River you might want to take time to read through some of the proposals and voice a word or two. Merced River
Posted by Lon Overacker on April 17, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Paul,
Thanks for posting this. I read through much of the material and "workbook" and it's pretty interesting to get some insight in to the process. Not sure about getting involved as far as commenting, but I'd be curious to have a discussion here about the various options being proposed. Proposals range from significant reductions in daily use, lodging and camping facilities, all the way to increased public use, lodging and campsites. Removal of bridges like Stoneman's bridge, etc.
One thing that immediately pops up in my head is the tremendous level of detail (and bureaucracy) being brought to bear for the MRP - Merced River Plan as a result of the Merced being designated a Wild and Scenic River (WSR.... ;-) ) If you've got nothing better to do, listen to the recorded webinars.... No wonder the government is so bloated - all be it with all the best intentions of keeping things like the Merced River, a wild and scenic resource.
I would have to say that to really catchup on this project to date one would have to download the 30 page PDF and read through it at least once if not more. I was amazed at their effort and professional scope applied to just gathering all the info and publishing it in the PDF attached at the bottom of the html I've linked here.
Obviously they are trying their best to come up with a common ground and designate the areas as best possible for sharing the resource. Never an easy task no matter what your take is on projects such as this. I know when Zion went to a shuttle system it almost seemed to tip the scales towards the general public who could not tell if they were in Zion or Disneyland. However, after seeing that system running during the peak visiting months over the years, it had to be done that way to keep the place from collapsing from the weight of humanity and road congestion.
There is quite a bit of information in those concepts. It was a good read, thanks for posting the link.
A few items seem to run though most if not all of the alternatives. However, no matter what they do, or do not do, there will be unhappy (and probably vocal) groups impacted.
This is nominally about the river,but since Yosemite Valley is such a small place that is so heavily visited, it will impact the park greatly no matter what they do.
I guess maybe a better way to say it is Yosemite Valley is being loved to death and they face many tough choices on how to protect it and still let people enjoy it.
Discussion
3 repliesMerced River
Thanks for posting this. I read through much of the material and "workbook" and it's pretty interesting to get some insight in to the process. Not sure about getting involved as far as commenting, but I'd be curious to have a discussion here about the various options being proposed. Proposals range from significant reductions in daily use, lodging and camping facilities, all the way to increased public use, lodging and campsites. Removal of bridges like Stoneman's bridge, etc.
One thing that immediately pops up in my head is the tremendous level of detail (and bureaucracy) being brought to bear for the MRP - Merced River Plan as a result of the Merced being designated a Wild and Scenic River (WSR.... ;-) ) If you've got nothing better to do, listen to the recorded webinars.... No wonder the government is so bloated - all be it with all the best intentions of keeping things like the Merced River, a wild and scenic resource.
off my box...
Lon
I would have to say that to really catchup on this project to date one would have to download the 30 page PDF and read through it at least once if not more. I was amazed at their effort and professional scope applied to just gathering all the info and publishing it in the PDF attached at the bottom of the html I've linked here.
Obviously they are trying their best to come up with a common ground and designate the areas as best possible for sharing the resource. Never an easy task no matter what your take is on projects such as this. I know when Zion went to a shuttle system it almost seemed to tip the scales towards the general public who could not tell if they were in Zion or Disneyland. However, after seeing that system running during the peak visiting months over the years, it had to be done that way to keep the place from collapsing from the weight of humanity and road congestion.
A few items seem to run though most if not all of the alternatives. However, no matter what they do, or do not do, there will be unhappy (and probably vocal) groups impacted.
This is nominally about the river,but since Yosemite Valley is such a small place that is so heavily visited, it will impact the park greatly no matter what they do.
I guess maybe a better way to say it is Yosemite Valley is being loved to death and they face many tough choices on how to protect it and still let people enjoy it.
Hope they can make wise and far-sighted choices.