Changes Yosemite Rafting

[markskor]

Under the preferred alternative 5 (the one they're planning to adopt), the limits for commercial boating (i.e. DNC raft rentals) will remain the same (from Stoneman Bridge to just beyond Swinging Bridge), but private boating will be greatly expanded.

1) Within Yosemite Valley, private watercraft will be able to navigate the Merced River from Clark's Bridge (the bridge that connects Upper & Lower Pines Campgrounds with North Pines Campground and the Stables) all the way downstream to the Pohono Bridge (the bridge that connects Northside Drive with Southside Drive at the very west end of Yosemite Valley).

2) Private (non-commercial) watercraft will also be allowed (via a new permit) to navigate the Merced River ABOVE Nevada Falls from the Headwaters of the main stem of the Merced River (just above Merced Lake?...Bunnell Cascades!) to the junction of the Half Dome and Merced Lake trails. The proposed permit quota for watercraft operating in this section of the Merced River (which is classified as a wild river) will be 20 boats per day.

see: Volume 1 Merced River Plan: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/upload ... 4Feb14.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[oldranger]

Mark,

The Tuolumne plan also allows private kayaking between the w end of Tuolumne Meadows down to Pate Valley. How would you like to carry a kayak out of Pate? Can't wait for Utube movies of kayaks doing all the heavy stuff at Glen Aulin and below. What will it look like with a kayak going over Waterwheel falls?

Mike