Mariposa Grove Restoration Project

 

 

Overview

The Mariposa Grove is a popular destination for visitors in Yosemite National Park. The Mariposa Grove is comprised of approximately 500 mature giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and is the largest of three sequoia groves found within Yosemite National park. The national park idea is rooted in the Mariposa Grove. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." This landmark legislation holds an important place in our country's history and was enacted at a time when the nation was embroiled in the Civil War. For the first time in our nation's history, scenic natural areas were set aside and protected for the benefit of future generations.

The National Park Service embarked on a plan to restore the Mariposa Grove in 2011 in order to ensure it thrives and can be enjoyed by future generations. The park went on to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the restoration of giant sequoia habitat in the Mariposa Grove. A Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision was completed in late 2013.

The two primary goals of this project were to improve giant sequoia habitat and visitor experience. This included addressing the declining conditions of the Grove and nearby South Entrance that were adversely affecting the ecological health of the sequoias (e.g., roads, trails and other buildings encroaching on roots of the ancient trees, hydrology issues).

Some of the restoration project highlights include:

• Restoring giant sequoia and associated wetland habitat

• Realigning roads and trails that were located in sensitive sequoia habitat

• Constructing a welcome plaza near South Entrance, which allowed for the relocation of the parking area from Mariposa Grove

• Adding a shuttle service between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and Mariposa Grove Arrival Area

• Building accessible trails to allow for improved access without impacting sequoias and other sensitive areas

• Restoring natural hydrology

• Improving orientation and wayfinding

• Removing commercial activities from the Grove such as the gift shop and tram tours

The Mariposa Grove reopened in June, 2018, after being closed three years for restoration. Crews improved habitat for sequoias by removing parking lots and roads, and restoring the natural flow of water to the trees. Parking was relocated two miles away from the grove, and is connected by shuttle buses. The restoration also added accessible trails and improved bathrooms. This was the largest restoration project in the history of the park.

 

Documents

Record of Decision

• Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Final Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision (ROD) [5 MB PDF]

Final Environmental Impact Statement

• Introduction and Executive Summary [1.6 MB PDF]
• Chapter 1: Purpose and Need [4.5 MB PDF]
• Chapter 2: Alternatives [5.3 MB PDF]
• Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences [29 MB PDF]
• Chapter 4: Consultation, Coordination, and Preparers [2.6 MB PDF]
• Chapter 5: Bibliography [3.8 MB PDF]
• Appendix A Amendments to the GMP [3.6 MB PDF]
• Appendix B Cumulative Actions [4.5 MB PDF]
• Appendix C Public Comments and Responses [5.5 MB PDF]
• Appendix D Restoration Plan [4 MB PDF]
• Appendix E Mitigation Measures [3.9 MB PDF]
• Appendix F Draft SOF Wetlands [5.5 MB PDF]
• Appendix G Draft Memorandum of Agreement [4.2 MB PDF]

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

• Public Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement [1 MB PDF]
• Fact sheet Overview of Plan [234 kb PDF]
• Cover Letter [660 kb PDF]
• Introduction and Executive Summary [384 kb PDF]
• Chapter 1: Purpose and Need [6 MB PDF]
• Chapter 2: Alternatives [23.1 MB PDF]
• Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences [12.9 MB PDF]
• Chapter 4: Consultation, Coordination, and Preparers [2.6 MB PDF]
• Chapter 5: Bibliography [3.5 MB PDF]
• Appendix A Standard Mitigation Measures [3.5 MB PDF]
• Appendix B Cumulative Impact Projects [4.3 MB PDF]
• Appendix C Restoration Plan [4.9 MB PDF]
• Appendix D Wetland Statement of Findings [6.1 MB PDF]

Public Scoping and Related Documents

• Choosing By Advantages Workshop [7.2 MB PDF]
• May 2012 Open House Presentation [7.5 MB PDF]
• April 2012 Open House Presentation [7 MB PDF]
• Public Scoping Comment Letters [247 kb PDF]
• Informational Project Factsheet [1.7 MB PDF]
• September 2011 Open House Presentation [4.7 MB PDF]
• September 2011 Open House Posters [22 MB PDF]
• August 2011 Open House Presentation [1.8 MB PDF]
• Mariposa Grove Restoration Factsheet [1.3 MB PDF]
• Public Scoping Comment Form [149 kb PDF]
• Anniversary Planning Fact Sheet [292 kb PDF]

 

Mariposa Grove Restoration Video

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 55 seconds

The Mariposa Grove reopened in June, 2018, after being closed three years for restoration. Crews improved habitat for sequoias by removing parking lots and roads, and restoring the natural flow of water to the trees. Parking was relocated two miles away from the grove, and is connected by shuttle buses. The restoration also added accessible trails and improved bathrooms. This was the largest restoration project in the history of the park.