B08_Attach_03_Appendix_C_General_Managment_Summary.pdf

FINAL GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2007

SUMMARY

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

NPS

U.S. Department of the Interior

Sequoia and Kings National Parks California i

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Background Information

Purpose of the Plan

Implementation of the Plan

Guidance for the Plan

Park Purpose and Significance

The Mission and Goals of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

CHAPTER TWO - THE PLAN

Introduction

Management Prescriptions

Overall Vision of the Selected Alternative

Park-wide Vision and Concepts

Specific Elements of the Selected Alternative

Backcountry/Wilderness

Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia National Park

ATTACHMENT 1

Zone Descriptions

Frontcountry Prescriptions

Backcountry (and Wilderness) Prescriptions

ATTACHMENT 2

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Desired Conditions Based on Laws, Executive Orders, Policies, and Other Guidance

ATTACHMENT 3

Mitigation Measures from the GMP

ATTACHMENT 4

Implement Carrying Capacity

Monitoring, Indicators, and Management Actions

CHAPTER 1

Introduction Background Information The purpose of this summary presentation is to provide an overview of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 2007 General Management Plan. The focus is on the selected alternative as described in the final document/record of decision. The specific components of the Wild and Scenic River Management Plan are not included in this summary document unless they include specific action items pertinent to any portion of the selected alternative.

The General Management Plan provides direction to park management for the next 15-20 years. The goal of the General Management Plan is to establish a vision for what Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks should be, including desired conditions for natural and cultural resources, as well as for visitor experiences.

Since the document was published, there have been various changes made in and around the parks. As of 2011, the park boundary now encompasses a total of 1,353 square miles and the wilderness boundary consists of 1,310 square miles which accounts for 96.85% of the parks. The current number of caves is now at approximately 265 with a cumulative length of 35 miles. Any technical alterations from the final GMP are included in italics and underlined.

Park Overview Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the guardians of one of the largest and most pristine spans of the Southern Sierra Nevada range with over 1,353 square miles of protected land and 842.4 miles of maintained trails. These parks contain an array of Sierra Nevada ecosystems ranging from the highest peak in the contiguous United States (Mount Whitney at an elevation of 14, 494 feet), to approximately to the foothills areas at approximately 1,370 feet. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have been jointly administered since 1943, with one superintendent overseeing the management of both parks.

Acres Kings Canyon N.P. 461, 901 acres 722 square miles Sequoia N.P. 404,063 acres 631 square miles

Total acreage 865,964 acres 1,353 square miles

A majority of the parks’ lands are designated as wilderness which defined under the Wilderness Act includes: land that is federally protected and has been undeveloped, does not allow permanent human habitation and provides opportunity for solitude or primitive human recreation, contains at least 5,000 acres of unimpaired land, and contains natural features that could be seen as beneficial to education, science, scenery, or of historical significance. As of 2011, approximately 807,962 acres are designated wilderness (93.4% of the parks) and approximately 30,000 additional acres are potential or proposed wilderness (totaling approximately 96.85% of the park acreage).

The parks include a diversity of wildlife and plant species. There are currently 14 amphibian species, 207 bird species, 12 fish species (5 native), 80 mammal species, 24 reptile species, and 1,530 plant species.

Amongst these are the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep which is currently listed as Federally Endangered, and the Little Kern golden trout which is currently listed as Federally Threatened. Three candidate species are being considered for federal listing: the mountain yellow-legged frog, Yosemite toad, and the Pacific fisher.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs General Management Plan Summary

Arguably the most notable of the organisms found in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is the Giant Sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum, which is the largest organism by volume in the world. There are a total of 24 Sequoia groves located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which account for roughly one-third of the naturally occurring groves in the world.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have a total of eight main watersheds which include: the Middle and South fork of the Kings River, the North Fork of the Kern River, the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, and the Marble, Middle, East, and South forks of the Kaweah River. Amongst these, there are several designated as Wild or Scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (P.L. 90-542, as amended) (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287), and several determined to be eligible for designation, and therefore are protected to preserve their values in accordance with NPS policies.

Table 1. Designated and Eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

River Designation Mileage North Fork of the Kern River Wild 28.9 miles Middle Fork of the Kings River Wild 29.5 miles South Fork of the Kings River – Upper Segment

Wild 24.1 miles

South Fork of the Kings River – Lower Segment

Recreational 7.6 miles

South Fork of the San Joaquin River

Eligible - Wild 11.4 miles

East Fork of the Kaweah – Upper Segment

Eligible – Wild 1.0 mile

East Fork of the Kaweah – Middle Segment

Eligible – Recreational 5.2 miles

East Fork of the Kaweah – Lower Segment

Eligible – Wild 8.0 miles

Marble Fork of the Kaweah – Upper Segment

Eligible - Wild 4.1 miles

Marble Fork of the Kaweah – Lower Segment

Eligible – Recreational 11.2 miles

Middle Fork of the Kaweah – Upper Segment

Eligible - Wild 10.9 miles

Middle Fork of the Kaweah – Lower Segment

Eligible - Recreational 7.6 miles

South Fork of the Kaweah Eligible – Wild 11.4 miles

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain some of the most extensive caves and areas of karst hydrology and landscapes in the western United States. With a growing inventory of 265 caves, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks represent a remarkable national resource in cave systems and karst geology and hydrology. Caves within the parks’ include: Lilburn, California’s longest cave; caves with endemic cave-adapted species, such as Clough and Kaweah; caves with rare and fragile mineral resources, such as Hurricane Crawl and Ursa Minor; and, Crystal Cave, the most popular commercial tour cave in the state. The parks also contain at least 80 active karst aquifers and watersheds.

Over 1.5 million visitors visit the park annually to see the spectacular views, majestic trees, and the wildlife that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect. The parks offer restaurants, lodging, and recreational activities like horseback riding and cave tours to inspire visitors to create connections with their National Parks. Park visitation has been increasing in recent years with over 1.6 million in 2010.

Overall, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are prime examples of Sierra Nevada ecology and cultural history. When Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 the main focus was the protection of the giant sequoia groves but managers now know that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain so much more than initially imagined.

Regional Context Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in Central California between two major metropolitan areas – the Greater Los Angeles area is approximately 4½ hours south, while the San Francisco area is approximately 4½ hours north. Several communities are located near the parks, including Three Rivers, located west of Sequoia National Park and Squaw Valley and Dunlap located west of Kings Canyon National Park .Visalia and Fresno are also nearby and to the west of the parks.

Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, and Bishop, California are proximate to the eastern side of the parks.

There are no cross park roads; travelers must either travel north or south of the park to drive between the eastern and western sides of the parks.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are nearly surrounded by three National Forests: Sierra National Forest, northwest of the parks; Inyo National Forest east of the parks, and Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument, south and west of the parks. These Forest Service lands encompass four designated wilderness areas: Golden Trout Wilderness to the southeast, John Muir Wilderness to the north, Monarch Wilderness to the west, and Jennie Lakes Wilderness to the northwest.

Summary of Parks Legislative History and Timeline September 25, 1890: Sequoia National Park established

October 1, 1890: General Grant National Park established

July 3, 1926: Great Western Divide, Kern Canyon, and Mt. Whitney added to Sequoia NP

March 4, 1940: Kings Canyon NP established, which absorbed General Grant NP

August 6, 1965: Cedar Grove and Tehipite Valley added to Kings Canyon NP

November 10, 1978: Mineral King added to Sequoia NP

September 28, 1984: Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness designated and Chimney Rock added to

Kings Canyon NP

December 4, 2001: Dillonwood Grove added to Sequoia NP

March 30, 2009: John Krebs Wilderness designated, and an expansion of acreage added to the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness

Figure 1. Region

Purpose of the Plan This general management plan represents a commitment by the NPS to the public on how Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be managed for the next 15-20 years. It provides a vision for what these parks should be, and sets a framework for management and use of these parks. It establishes management zones in the parks; sets desired conditions for natural and cultural resources (based on mandates and guidance) and for visitor use; and implements carrying capacity by establishing management prescriptions, monitoring, indicators, and management actions for zones within the parks.

The plan serves as the basis for later more-detailed management documents, such as wilderness plans and frontcountry development plans.

The plan also includes the Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River and the North Fork of the Kern River. The purpose of the CRMP is to provide overall direction and guidance on the management of lands and uses within the river corridors, in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 USC 1271-1287; PL 90-542).

Implementation of the Plan The GMP provides for the overall direction for park management, however specific actions needed to implement the plan depend on service-wide, region-wide, and/or park-wide priorities, future funding, and resource protection needs. The plan does not guarantee that funding and implementation are forthcoming.

In addition, more detailed implementation plans, studies, environmental analysis, public and agency consultations will be completed, where necessary and appropriate, before certain proposed actions can be implemented. For example:

• A wilderness stewardship plan will be prepared to guide the preservation, maintenance, use, and restoration of wilderness within the parks.

• Development plans will be accomplished to address future needs in specific frontcountry areas of the parks.

• The parks 1999 Natural and Cultural Resource Plan will be updated as a Resource Stewardship

Strategy.

• A comprehensive interpretive plan will be prepared.

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be consulted concerning actions that may affect threatened and endangered species.

• National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review will occur prior to implementing specific plan actions.

• Tribes with traditional association with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be consulted on a government-to-government basis to address issues, identify ethnographic resources, and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate impacts on these resources.

• Appropriate permits will be obtained from federal and state agencies when necessary.

Guidance for the Plan Park Purpose and Significance The purposes of the parks are the reasons why Congress established these areas as part of the national park system. The purpose statements are basic to all other assumptions about the parks and the ways in which the parks should be used and managed. As defined by park managers, the following are the purposes of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, which incorporate the mission statement:

• Protect forever the greater Sierran ecosystem — including the sequoia groves and high Sierra regions of the park — and its natural evolution.

• Provide appropriate opportunities to present and future generations to experience and understand park resources and values.

• Protect and preserve significant cultural resources.

• Champion the values of national parks and wilderness.

Park Significance Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are special and unique places because they have:

• the largest giant sequoia trees and groves in the world, including the world’s largest tree — the General Sherman Tree

• an extraordinary continuum of ecosystems arrayed along the greatest vertical relief (1,370 to 14,495 feet elevation) of any protected area in the lower 48 states

• the highest, most rugged portion of the high Sierra, which is part of the largest contiguous alpine environment in the lower 48 states

• magnificent, deep, glacially carved canyons, including Kings Canyon, Tehipite Valley, and Kern Canyon

• the core of the largest area of contiguous designated wilderness in California, the second largest in the lower 48 states

• the largest preserved southern Sierran foothills ecosystem

• approximately 265 known marble caverns, many inhabited by cave wildlife that is found nowhere else

• a wide spectrum of prehistoric and historic sites documenting human adaptations in their historic settings throughout the Sierran environments*

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

Dedicated and set apart as a public park for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and managed for the preservation from injury of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities or wonders, and for their retention in their natural conditions.

The Mission and Goals of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks The mission of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is based on the mission of the National Park Service (NPS), as defined by Congress in the 1916 Organic Act. This mission was further defined in a 1978 amendment (PL 95-250), The authorization of activities shall be construed and the protection, management, and administration of these areas shall be conducted in light of the high public value and integrity of the National Park System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the values and purposes for which these various areas have been established.

The Organic Act also authorizes the NPS to “regulate the use” of national parks, allowing the development of rules, regulations, and more detailed policies to implement the overarching policies set by Congress. Rules and regulations for the national park system are contained in title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). The NPS has articulated additional detailed policies in the NPS Management Policies 2006, which govern the way park managers are to make decisions on a wide range of issues.

Many resource requirements are mandated by federal law, as well as NPS policies, which stipulate that certain conditions must be achieved. These requirements are contained within the “Desired Conditions” component of the GMP (Attachment 1 of this Summary Plan).

Mission Goals The parks’ mission goals articulate the broad ideals and vision the NPS is striving to achieve at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The goals for the parks are directly linked to the mission goals contained in the NPS’s 1998 Strategic Plan. Park-specific resource requirements tier off each mission goal. Strategies and actions to meet legal and policy requirements associated with the mission goals are contained in the parks’ 1999 Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan.

• Mission Goal Ia: Natural and cultural resources and associated values are protected, restored, and maintained in good condition and managed within their broader ecosystem and cultural context.

• Mission Goal Ib: Legally designated and protected wilderness is managed to meet the standards and ideals of the Wilderness Act and as a component of a larger regional wilderness area.

• Mission Goal Ic: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contribute to knowledge about natural and cultural resources and associated values; management decisions about resources and visitors are based on the best available scholarly and scientific information.

• Mission Goal IIa: Visitors safely enjoy and are satisfied with the availability, accessibility, diversity, and quality of park facilities, services, and appropriate recreational opportunities.

The mission of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is to protect forever the greater Sierran ecosystem ⎯including the sequoia groves and high Sierra regions of the parks ⎯ and its natural evolution, and to provide appropriate opportunities to present and future generations to experience and understand park resources and values. All these legal mandates and policies provide the foundation for resource conditions that are to be achieved in the parks, as well as some aspects of visitor experiences.

• Mission Goal IIb: Park visitors and the general public understand and appreciate the preservation of the parks and their resources for this and future generations.

• Mission Goal IVa: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks use current management practices, systems, and technologies to better preserve park resources and to better provide for public enjoyment.

• Mission Goal IVb: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks increase managerial resources through initiatives and support from other agencies, organizations, and individuals.

CHAPTER TWO - THE PLAN

Introduction The goal of the selected alternative is to accommodate sustainable growth and visitor enjoyment, protect ecosystem diversity, and preserve the basic character while adapting to changing user groups.

This chapter includes descriptions of the management prescriptions, zoning, and the specific elements of the selected alternative. The general desired conditions (based on existing laws and policies), and mitigation measures are included as Attachments 1 and 2. Any modifications or additions included in the Record of Decision (ROD), specified as “Language from the ROD.”

Management Prescriptions Management prescriptions are guidelines for achieving desired conditions for both resources and visitor experiences, and they are based on public ideas presented in the scoping phases of the planning effort.

Management prescriptions are applied to geographic areas, which are referred to as zones. Management prescriptions generally illustrate carrying capacity at a level appropriate for a conceptual general management plan. Full descriptions of each zone/prescription is found in Attachment 1.

Elements Common to All Management Prescriptions/Zones These elements are the same across all zones unless differences are specifically called out within the specific zone.

Giant Sequoia Groves The giant sequoia groves — particularly Giant Forest — and the ecosystems they occupy are restored, maintained, and protected.

River Protection Measures Wild and scenic river resources and outstandingly remarkable values are protected through a number of measures and management tools.

Parkwide Vision

The parks’ appeal is broadened to be more relevant to diverse user groups. Increased day use is accommodated, and overnight visitation is retained. The integrity of park resources is paramount. Stronger educational and outreach programs provide enjoyment and instill park conservation values. The basic character of park activities and the rustic architecture of facilities is retained so that the parks remain strikingly different from surrounding areas. Park administrative facilities are redesigned and may be relocated outside the parks. Park facilities accommodate sustainable growth.

Rivers in frontcountry areas (classified as “recreational”) are protected by seasonal closures; zoning;

limiting areas of development; managing overnight use by limiting the number of developed campsites, parking spaces, and lodging rooms; establishing development setbacks; removing facilities within floodplains; managing river-based recreation; defining river access points; prohibiting motorized watercraft; and regular inspection of the condition of resources, including the river’s outstandingly remarkable values.

The capacity of roads providing access to recreational rivers is not expected to increase.

Rivers in backcountry or wilderness areas (classified as “wild”) are protected by zone prescriptions, permits, overnight wilderness quotas, limits on stock party sizes, restrictions on use areas, and area closures. For both wild and recreational rivers, riverbanks would be restored as needed.

Light Pollution The night sky or natural dark is protected from light pollution to the extent possible. Emergency lighting is to be kept to a minimum and placed on switches or motion detectors.

Natural Sounds Opportunities are preserved in the parks for visitors to enjoy natural sounds, including quiet, to the extent possible. The parks continue to limit low-flying aircraft to avoid disturbing the natural setting. All visitors are reminded that their actions can disturb others.

Cultural Resources Archeological resources, historic structures, and cultural landscapes are inventoried, evaluated, protected, and preserved unless it is determined through environmental analysis and consultations with the California state historic preservation officer, Native American tribes, and other parties that either disturbance is unavoidable or natural deterioration is appropriate. If resources must be disturbed, techniques to adequately mitigate impacts are taken beforehand.

The parks continue to consult with affiliated American Indian tribes to identify ethnographic resources in order to develop and accomplish programs in a way that respects the beliefs, traditions, and other cultural values of the Indians who have ancestral ties to park lands.

Museum collections are inventoried, accessioned, and protected according to NPS standards.

Architectural and Site Character Public facilities in all zones comply with the parks’ guidelines for architectural design, lighting, and road character. The intent of the guidelines is to maintain rustic park architecture and character.

Accessibility for All Visitors New and remodeled federal and concession buildings and outdoor developed areas (e.g., campgrounds, trails, park attractions) are made accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities, to the extent required by federal standards. When an important park experience cannot be readily made physically accessible, interpretive brochures, wayside exhibits, or programs may be provided to help convey the experience to visitors.

Sustainability New and remodeled buildings and facilities, as well as adaptively reused historic facilities, reflect the NPS’s commitment to energy and resource conservation by their energy efficiency and durability.

Commercial Services In any zone where management prescriptions provide for visitor activities or facilities, such activities and facilities may be provided by authorized commercial services. Authorized commercial services are offered in parks to make available high-quality and safe visitor experiences while protecting and maintaining the desired resource conditions in each zone. Commercial services could include various types of lodging, camping, food service or restaurants, stores, public showers, laundry facilities, transportation, gas stations, stock rides (horses or mules), and pack stations.

Commercial service plans are prepared to describe in detail the facilities and actions required to provide commercial services, and to achieve related visitor experience and resource protection goals. Concession permits or commercial use authorizations also provide visitor services; they need only be “appropriate” in order to be authorized. Typically these permits are for guided backcountry activities, such as pack stock, cross-country skiing, or fishing trips. No more than a certain percentage of backcountry permits should be set aside for commercial operators on weekends in order to give the general public access to park resources. Activities listed as appropriate in any zone are generally suitable for concession permits.

However, commercial raft or nonmotorized watercraft use is not considered safe in rivers within the parks, so this type of business permit would not be authorized.

Utilities Utilities are limited to those determined to be necessary and appropriate for each site. The intent of park managers is to limit the number of such facilities and to minimize their impact. Services are to be provided in the most efficient and sustainable way possible, and future utility replacements, repairs, or new systems are to be located so as to minimize resource damage and to be inconspicuous. Related aboveground elements and access points are screened from visitors wherever possible. Electric powerlines and other utilities are placed underground whenever feasible.

Language from the ROD – A Summary of Other Key Elements from the Selected Alternative The integrity of park resources is paramount. The parks' Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan (1999) is affirmed by the GMP/FEIS. It perpetuates naturally functioning ecosystems; preserves natural biodiversity; restores damaged ecosystems by removing alien species and reintroducing native ones; and protects cultural resources. River protection measures in the GMP protect the parks' existing, and eligible and suitable wild and scenic rivers. Cultural resources that portray diverse cultural themes are preserved and required consultations continue.

The parks' appeal is broadened to be more relevant to diverse user groups while the parks remain strikingly distinct from surrounding areas. The basic character of park activities and the rustic architecture of facilities are retained. Park facilities accommodate sustainable growth. Increased day use is accommodated without unacceptable effects, and overnight visitation is retained. Increasing traffic, visitation and congestion are addressed by alternative transportation systems, entrance station improvements and redesign of some roads and parking.

Visitors are provided diverse opportunities to experience the parks. Stronger educational and outreach programs will provide enjoyment and introduce NPS conservation values.

Over time, facilities, including utilities, will be made more resource-efficient. Water conservation measures continue to be implemented as needed. Work camps for staff, partners and volunteers may be developed to support ranger activities, maintenance, resource protection, interpretation and interagency projects. Park administrative facilities are redesigned and may be relocated outside the parks if beneficial.

A small amount of private land would be a priority for acquisition, should it become available, to improve user access.

Overall Vision of the Selected Alternative

Park-wide Vision and Concepts Topic Vision/Concept Resources Management Plan

Perpetuate naturally functioning ecosystems and preserve native biodiversity in accordance with the 1999 Natural and Cultural Resource Management Plan. This plan prescribes resource protection and management practices derived from law and policy.

River Protection Measures/Wild and Scenic Rivers

Establish river protection measures, such as no overnight facilities (such as designated campsites) within 100- year floodplains. Base setback development on 100-year floodplains, which will vary depending on the terrain adjacent to the river. Other measures cover removal of facilities within floodplains, riverbased recreation management, riverbank restoration, and prohibition of motorized watercraft.

National wild and scenic rivers, as well as rivers that are being studied for designation, are preserved in free flowing condition, and they and their immediate environments are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. In managing these rivers, the NPS must protect and enhance the “outstandingly remarkable values” of each river segment, and it may provide for other uses of the river area so long as such use is not inconsistent with the protection and enhancement of outstandingly remarkable values and the public’s use and enjoyment of the area. The protection of natural river processes is a high priority. For rivers that are being considered for designation as wild and scenic rivers, no actions may be taken that could adversely affect the values that qualify a river for the national wild and scenic rivers system.

Management plans for the designated river segments need not specify detailed actions. River plans may instead prescribe management zoning, desired conditions, typical visitor activities and experiences, park facilities, and management activities allowed in the river corridors. Through these prescriptions the outstandingly remarkable values and the free flowing condition of the river corridors are protected and enhanced. Appropriate levels of public use and enjoyment are also prescribed.

Fire and Fuels Management

Manage wildland fire to address its profound ecological role in park ecosystems and its potential impacts on public safety, health, well-being, and property. As specified in the Fire and Fuels Management Plan, use prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to enhance ecosystem health while providing for public health, safety, well-being, and property protection. Give prescribed fire a higher priority than mechanical treatments in the Fire and Fuels Management Plan.

Accommodate Sustainable Growth and Visitor Enjoyment, Protect Ecosystem

Diversity, and Preserve Basic Character While Adapting to Changing User Groups

Sensitive Species Protect and manage threatened, endangered, and sensitive species in accordance with the NPS mission.

Cultural Resources Evaluate cultural resources.

Preserve, adaptively reuse, rehabilitate, or remove cultural resources, ensuring preservation of a full spectrum of resources that portray diverse park cultural themes.

Conduct section 106 consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office as required by law.

Native American Relations

Consult with local Native American tribes as required by law. Accommodate resource access and use of ethnographic resources to the extent allowed by law and policy; provide interpretation of Native American uses of the area; and offer local Native American crafts at park stores.

Transportation and Circulation – Parkwide

Vehicle Traffic Deal with increasing vehicle traffic by improving the north entrance station, redesigning some roads and parking, improving signs, and redirecting traffic.

Transit Systems Provide a transit system in Giant Forest. Explore the feasibility of additional alternative transportation parkwide. Pursue transit connections to valley hub locations (Fresno and Visalia).

Generals Highway Continue to rebuild the Generals Highway to sustain existing traffic and preserve character.

Explore special designation for the Generals Highway.

Visitor Use and Facilities – Parkwide

Visitation Accommodate moderate increased visitation, with an emphasis on day use.

Encourage diverse user groups.

Education Expand, redesign, or add educational facilities.

Park Education/Interpretive Programs

Prepare a comprehensive interpretation plan.

Increase park orientation in developed areas. Expand ranger naturalist programs that focus on understanding and helping preserve park resources, safety, and teaching backcountry skills. Increase interpretation of cultural resources. Provide more day use educational opportunities.

Educational Programs outside the Parks

Support resource protection efforts within the parks through greatly enlarged outreach efforts. Develop numerous partnerships. Have NPS staff and/or partners take programs to many regional classrooms. Create a classroom-focused website to share the parks’ missions. Connect the parks with a more diverse public by enlarging educational efforts outside the parks.

Visitor Facilities Redesign and make existing developed areas more efficient to accommodate moderate increases and more diverse uses. When beneficial, move administrative facilities out of the parks.

Retain RV dump stations unless they cannot comply with state regulations.

Frontcountry Trails Diversify experiences provided by the existing extensive trail system; reopen, restore, and expand the trail system as needed; enhance the frontcountry trail system with signs, guides, and multi-lingual education.

Stock use Continue administrative, commercial, and private stock use under current NPS policies. Improve management through expanded use of controls on stock party size, regulation of dates and locations, designation of areas, and appropriate closures as needed.

Watercraft Prohibit motorized watercraft. Prohibit nonmotorized watercraft on the South Fork of the Kings River to protect resources and visitor experiences. Manage nonmotorized watercraft through means such as permits, quotas, restricted areas, and designated access points to protect resources and visitor experiences.

Winter Use Encourage and accommodate increased, sustainable winter use.

Caves Provide a limited number and type of tours to Crystal Cave.

Allow access to other caves by permit only.

New Activities Assess new activities to determine their impact on resources and other visitors;

allow those that have no impact or acceptable impacts and that relate to park resources; separate activities to improve visitor experiences.

Air Tours Pursuant to the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000, work cooperatively with the Federal Aviation Administration to control commercial sightseeing flights over the parks and to protect park values.

Private Lands and Special Use Permits – Parkwide

Inholdings Actively seek to purchase from willing sellers or acquire through donation private inholdings at Oriole Lake and the Mineral King Valley. Private inholdings continue at Wilsonia and Silver City, thereby perpetuating recreation communities. Purchase from willing sellers or acquire through donation properties at Wilsonia and Silver City as opportunities occur.

Special Use Permits Special use permits continue subject to law and regulation.

Adjoining Lands Cooperate with the regional land trust to find compatible uses for lands that adjoin the parks.

Park Administration and Operations – Parkwide

Facilities Redesign and make existing developed areas more efficient to provide for moderate increases and more diverse uses. Relocate some functions and facilities outside the parks to meet management needs (see specific areas).

Work Camps Provide work camps near developments for staff, partners, and volunteers to support ranger activities, maintenance, resource protection, interpretation, interagency projects.

Power/Telephone Provide sustainable and efficient electrical power, telephone, and propane systems for developed areas and facilities.

Underground overhead powerlines where possible.

Water Supplies Conduct in-depth watershed studies as part of the update of the 1989 Water Resources Management Plan to develop a system to monitor and manage water availability, spring water recharge, and groundwater availability under differing precipitation regimes.

Make more efficient use of existing water supply and upgrade water distribution system to reduce water loss.

Because water availability may periodically limit water use in some developed areas, limit dry season water withdrawals to average levels of the most recent five years until more refined information is available to protect resources.

Continue to implement drought plans as needed.

Wastewater Systems Upgrade wastewater treatment as necessary to meet requirements and to improve park resource protection.

Park Housing and Transit-related Housing

A limited amount of housing is provided in park developments for some permanent and seasonal employees.

Locate housing to support transit staff outside the parks when it does not fit within existing developed areas.

Roads and Parking Areas

Condition of many roads and parking areas continues to deteriorate; repair roads and parking areas as funding is available.

Specific Elements of the Selected Alternative

Backcountry/Wilderness

Subject GMP Selected Alternative Zones A mix of major and secondary trails and cross-country areas.

ROD Language: The parks' designated wilderness and other areas managed as wilderness are zoned to reflect the varying intensities of use of different areas.

The GMP provides conceptual guidance for park managers about the kinds of resource conditions, visitor services, and visitor experiences that best fulfill the mission of these parks.

The listing of categories of "appropriate facilities" within the individual zone prescriptions serves only to exemplify the types of facilities that may now exist or

Vision:

Most stressors to the backcountry are regionwide, such as air pollution and climate change, rather than from activities within the parks.

Up to 96.85% of the parks are designated wilderness or are compatible with management as wilderness. Resource conditions in the parks’ backcountry and wilderness areas are improved.

Facilities are evaluated for usefulness and compatibility with wilderness, and additional facilities are considered only in the nonwilderness backcountry.

Most stressors to the backcountry are regionwide, such as air pollution and climate change, rather than from activities within the parks.

that the parks may wish to consider at some point in the future. For a new facility to be considered, or for an existing facility to be repaired or replaced within the Major Trails, Secondary Trails, or Cross-Country Areas zones, the parks would conduct the appropriate level of compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (i.e., Categorical Exclusion, EA or EIS). Incorporated into any such compliance would be appropriate consideration of the Wilderness Act (Minimum requirement analysis), the Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

Further, installation of or repairs to facilities would have to comply with any prescriptions contained in the action alternatives considered in this plan. Only facilities that undergo additional site-specific compliance and that comply with all applicable legal and planning requirements would be constructed or repaired.

This Plan does not designate specific trail segments or the geographic area around each trail segment that is included within this zone. Trails and the areas around each trail that fall within this zoning prescription will be considered as an element of the Wilderness Stewardship and Stock Use Plan.

The Wilderness Stewardship and Stock Use Plan will be accompanied by an EA or EIS and will involve many opportunities for advance public scoping and subsequent public review of the compliance document tiered to the GMP.

Carrying Capacity Revise trailhead/zone quota system in a new wilderness stewardship and stock use plan based on monitoring of wilderness character, wild and scenic rivers, outstandingly remarkable values, and travel patterns to protect resources and visitor experiences.

Language from the ROD: The parks will refine the visitor carrying capacity framework and use it to ensure the preservation of park resources and the quality of the visitor experience.

Hockett Plateau Compatible with management as wilderness. Explore a small nonwilderness backcountry exclusion (less than 40 acres) for a high Sierra camp.

Redwood Canyon, North Fork of the Kaweah, Chimney Rock

Compatible with management as wilderness.

Mineral King Area Manage Mineral King areas found eligible for wilderness (except road corridor, Silver City, Kaweah Han, cabin communities, and other present development).

Other Potential Wilderness and Other Areas

Designate areas at Bearpaw Meadow, Pear Lake, and two utility corridors as wilderness if facilities removed in accordance with the California Wilderness Act.

If inholdings at Oriole Lake acquired, designate as wilderness once facilities removed.

Historic Structures Preserve or rehabilitate historic ranger cabins, Smithsonian Institution shelter

(Mount Whitney shelter), Pear Lake ski hut, and other structures. Preserve and / or stabilize the Shorty Lovelace Historic District cabins or allow them to molder.

Evaluate some trails to determine their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places, plus provide historic trails information.

Backcountry Use Modify backcountry quota system as needed for resource protection;

accommodate sustainable levels of use. Determine party size limits through a wilderness stewardship and stock use plan.

Trail System Inventory and reassess elements of the trail network as part of the wilderness stewardship and stock use plan. Work with volunteer groups to maintain and improve the trail system.

Stock Use Provide for administrative, commercial, and private stock use up to current levels.

Conduct stock use, visitor capacity, and grazing studies to establish standards and indicators for monitoring, and adapt regulations.

Language from the ROD: Use of stock continues, both as a means of access to wilderness by visitors, and for the administration of wilderness and protection of wilderness values. A formal system of resource monitoring is used to adaptively adjust stock use through regulation and local closures.

Commercial Pack Stock Operations

Limit commercial pack operations and manage to protect park resources. Refine commercial stock use permit system for resource protection.

High Sierra Camps (commercial concession)

Continue the high Sierra camp at Bearpaw Meadow; study feasibility of a camp in a nonwilderness backcountry area on Hockett Plateau.

Backcountry Facilities

Assess backcountry ranger stations and replace or rehabilitate as necessary.

Language from the ROD: In heavily traveled zones, there exist engineered trails and bridges, food lockers, designated campsites, and toilets to protect park resources, while in less-used areas, amenities are minimal or non-existent.

Helicopter Use Limit emergency and administrative helicopter use to minimum necessary.

Kings Canyon National Park

Cedar Grove and the Floor of the Kings Canyon

Subject GMP Selected Alternative Current Status Zones Low-use frontcountry with park development.

Cultural Resources – Cedar Grove

Historic Resources Preserve Knapp’s cabin.

Visitor Facilities Evaluate roads, facilities, and structures for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.

Transportation and Circulation – Cedar Grove

Kings Canyon Highway (CA 180)

Encourage the California Department of Transportation to keep the highway open longer in the spring and fall.

Visitor Use and Facilities – Cedar Grove

Visitor Facilities Provide a visitor center.

Redesign or modestly expand lodging facilities to provide some variety in lodging;

Maintain the pack station;

No RV dump station.

Frontcountry Trails Improve the condition of the trail network.

Vision:

The Kings Canyon is a glacially carved deep canyon with waterfalls, lush meadows, campgrounds, and commercial facilities, as well as popular backcountry access.

The identity of the Kings Canyon is strengthened and enhanced, but the area remains less visited and quieter than Grant Grove or Giant Forest. Visitors come to see the canyon’s special features. The basic character of camping and wilderness / backcountry access remains. Cedar Grove village is made more efficient and offers a modestly greater variety of overnight accommodations. The area’s season includes more spring and fall time.

Backcountry Access Continue access to the existing system of trailheads.

Picnicking Provide formal picnic areas.

Bicycle Use Facilitate bicycle use by providing designated bicycle routes and bike lanes on the highway.

Close much of the River Road to public motorized vehicles.

River Access Define access points along the Kings River and tributaries with trails and guides to reduce bank damage from increased use.

Prohibit all watercraft to preserve the quality of the riparian corridor (natural quiet and riverbank vegetation).

Allow summer season water play.

Campgrounds Redesign campgrounds with fewer sites and to better meet the needs of separate user groups (RV, tents only, quiet areas); provide walk-in or bike-in campsites; provide larger sites for families and small groups; allow some sites to be reserved.

Park Administration and Operations – Cedar Grove

Operations Areas Replace maintenance and operations areas as needed, with replacement locations assessed for less resource impacts and improved sustainability.

Work Camps Provide a work camp at Lewis Creek.

Residential Areas Maintain the housing area. Remove housing from all of the “Picnic Estates” area.

Picnic Estates upgrade completed.

Utilities Continue operation of utility systems; upgrade as necessary to meet standards.

Bridges Replace Cedar Grove Village bridge (and other bridges as needed), with replacement locations assessed for less resource impacts and improved sustainability.

Replacement is in process.

Grant Grove

Zones A large park development zone along with a mix of both low- and high-use frontcountry.

Cultural Resources – Grant Grove

Historic Resources Adaptively reuse historic structures in village.

Adaptively reuse the Redwood Mountain residence.

Preserve historic resources at Grant Tree.

Cultural Landscapes Review the potential cultural significance of Big Stump Basin.

Wilsonia Historic District

Evaluate NPS historic buildings for preservation and adaptive use.

Evaluate NPS-owned historic buildings for adaptive reuse through the historic leasing program for seasonal staff residences, public lodging, or concession housing. (Septic constraints could limit adaptive reuse.)

Remove nonhistoric NPS structures and restore the areas. Acquire properties on a willing-seller / willing-buyer basis when funding is available or resources are threatened.

Update the Land Protection Plan to acknowledge the national register status of the Wilsonia Historic District.

NPS-owned historic buildings in Wilsonia are currently being evaluated for future use/disposition (2012).

Grant Grove is a pristine sequoia grove with the world’s third largest tree (the General Grant Tree) and the previously logged Big Stump Grove.

Grant Grove continues as a very popular destination, with a highly visited sequoia grove. Grant Grove village offers day and overnight activities. Incompatible visitor and operational functions are separated.

Facility development and use are limited to be consistent with sustainable water and sewer capacity.

Circulation is redesigned and improved to reduce congestion.

Transportation and Circulation – Grant Grove

Entrance Station Redesign or relocate the entrance station to facilitate traffic flow.

Big Stump entrance station construction underway.

Expected completion 2012.

Traffic, Parking, and Circulation

Redesign village roads, intersections, and parking areas for improved circulation.

Access to Hume Lake

Redirect Hume Lake traffic through Quail Flat (10-mile road).

Transit Assess viability for local transit. Continue parkwide transportation planning, including shuttle service from Grant Grove to Giant Forest and possibly to the San Joaquin Valley.

SEKI working with NPCA on transportation planning.

Grant Tree Area Continue parking at the Grant Tree with some redesign.

Redwood Saddle/Redwood Mountain

Continue low levels of vehicular access on the Redwood Mountain Road.

Visitor Use and Facilities – Grant Grove

Educational Facilities

Redesign and expand the visitor center.

Consider the gas station for a potential visitor facility

Trail System Upgrade the trail system, providing signs and guides. Connect with trails in Giant Sequoia National Monument (Converse Basin and areas to the east). Provide an enhanced, selfguided trail system for Grant Grove and the surrounding area.

Big Stump Basin Manage to maintain visible logging history, as well as to illustrate a recovering giant sequoia grove. Establish a self-guided trail.

Park Ridge Lookout Hiking and bicycle access to the lookout Picnicking Accommodate day use by converting part of

Crystal Springs to a picnic area, and the remainder to day use parking; continue picnicking at Big Stump and Columbine.

Stock Corral Retain the corral.

Campgrounds Redesign campgrounds to accommodate use patterns, and reduce the number of campsites and their resource impacts.

Convert Crystal Spring to day use and encourage the U.S. Forest Service to expand camping opportunities in adjacent Giant Sequoia National Monument.

RV Dump Station No RV Dump Station Other Services (concessioner)

Retain the store, restaurant, gift shop. Expand lodging per concession contract, with a traditional mix of rustic cabins and lodges.

No gas station provided.

Concessions contract prospectus in process.

Winter Use Maintain snowplay areas and extend cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Encourage more concession equipment rentals.

Private Land and Special Use Permits on Park Land – Grant Grove

Wilsonia / inholdings -privately owned inholdings

Private residential uses continue in the recreational community.

Snowmobile Use Continue to allow snowmobiles on private land / roads in Wilsonia.

Park Administration and Operations – Grant Grove

Work Camps Retain Swale fire crew housing / work camp.

Consider expansion for volunteer work crews.

Explore option to co-locate fire facilities on monument lands.

Residential Areas Retain current housing and park operations;

expand housing inside or outside the…