Improvements For Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias

Yosemite Valley, CA– Yosemite National Park will be making extensive improvements to its giant sequoia groves.

The opening of public scoping for the Mariposa Grove Restoration Plan Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) begins today and will extend through Saturday, October 15th. Comments will be used to assist the park in a plan that will meet the purpose and needs of the project.

The Mariposa Grove is the largest of the three giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park and was part of the original Yosemite Grant signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. The giant sequoias can measure up to 35 feet in diameter and up to 300 feet in height. There are approximately 500 mature sequoia trees in the grove.

The proposed plan aims to restore the Giant Sequoia habitat in the Mariposa Grove. This would be accomplished through a range of actions including restoring the natural hydrology within the grove, removing unnecessary infrastructure, realigning roads and trails in sensitive sequoia habitat and reducing visitor trampling of soils and vegetation around the giant sequoias.

A public Open House will take place today and again on Wednesday, September 28th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Yosemite Valley at the Visitor Center Auditorium. Park staff will be available to discuss the project, answer questions, and accept comments.

For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mgrove.htm

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com