Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 1

Yosemite National Park is an icon of scenic grandeur. When set aside in 1864, Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove were the first natural areas in the United States protected for public benefit and appreciation of the scenic landscape. Over three-million visitors come to Yosemite National Park each year to see its natural wonders.

The scenic vista program documents, protects, and reestablishes Yosemite’s important viewpoints and vistas, consistent with the natural processes and human influences that created them. The Finding of No Significant Impact for the Scenic Vista Management Plan (SVMP) environmental assessment was completed and signed in July of 2011 for sites outside of the Wild and Scenic River corridors. The Tuolumne River Wild and Scenic River Plan, Appendix I, describes actions for vista management consistent with preserving and enhancing the values of the river. The Merced River Wild and Scenic River Plan, Appendix H, describes actions for vista management within the Merced River corridor. Sites were ranked according to a visual resource assessment scale (VRA). Vistas were given a score between 1-18 based on the criteria of vividness, uniqueness, access, and intactness.

No more than 93 vista sites throughout the park will be initially managed, and an additional 21 sites monitored and maintained. A total of 32 sites have been initially managed, so far. Following the summary of work completed in 2017, is the work plan for 2018 with projected actions of three sites for initial management. This year’s work will take place through a grant from the Yosemite Conservancy.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016/2017

Resources Management and Science staff began work at five new scenic vista sites in 2016/2017: Valley View, Hanging Valley, Ahwahnee Dining Room, Four Mile Trailhead, and Wosky Pond. Four Mile Trailhead, Wosky Pond, and Hanging Valley are near completion, with the only a few remaining trees standing in the viewsheds. At the Valley View site, vast amounts of progress was made with an estimated two hundred greater than 6” DBH conifers felled. Cloud’s Rest, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome are now visible from the view point on Northside Drive. Additionally, the section of the Valley loop trail passing through the cleared area now has open, unobstructed views of Bridalveil Meadow and El Capitan.

Three other sites were scheduled in 2016/2017, but remain to be done: Cascades Falls, El Capitan Meadow, and Cathedral Spires Turnout. Due to the high mortality and large number of hazard trees, the park forestry crew was busy and was not available to remove any trees. All vista clearance was performed by qualified sawyers from RMS. The sawyers were not qualified to remove the largest trees at each site.

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

S C E N I C V I S T A M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R AM W O R K P L A N 2 0 1 8 / 2 0 1 9

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 2

SUMMARY OF 2016/2017 ACTIONS

TABLE 1: SUMMARY TABLE OF SCENIC VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTION ITEMS 2016-2017

Traditionally associated American Indian tribes and groups were notified of actions, and park staff and the public were notified via announcement in the daily report, and temporary onsite vista clearing road signs. The park received no comments on the work plan or the work in progress.

2018-2019 WORK PLAN

This work plan is provided to ensure the public is informed and the park’s implementation process is transparent. Comments about specific actions in the work plans are welcome. Park staff will review comments submitted to the Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. Individual, site-specific work plans may be adjusted or postponed based on additional information. The final work plan will be posted before any work begins, in the event there are any changes between the draft and final work plans.

This year we are proposing to work on up to twelve sites in Yosemite Valley. We do not anticipate completing all proposed vistas. Several of the vistas will require removing many trees to achieve full prescription. We are taking a staged approach and will clear portions of the larger vistas, but will spread the work over several years to gradually restore them.

SVMP ID Vista site Planned trees removed over 6” dbh

Actual trees removed over 6” dbh

Actual trees removed under 6” dbh

Trees trimmed

128 Valley View 624 200 75 0 76 Hanging Valley 23 17 25 0

161 Ahwahnee Dining Room 207 55 10 0 20 Four Mile Trailhead 24 24 8 0

157 Wosky Pond 81 32 100 0 35 Cascade Falls 14 1 3 0

FIGURE 1: BEFORE AND AFTER REMOVING CONIFERS AT FOUR MILE TRAILHEAD. MIDDLE AND LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS ARE NOW VISIBLE FROM SOUTHSIDE DRIVE

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MANAGEMENT ACTIONS COMMON TO ALL SITES

The following proposed site-specific work plans are within all guidelines set out in the Scenic Vista Management Plan environmental assessment Finding of No Significant Impact. Areas for tree removals are kept to a minimum and are within all set limits. There are numerous mitigations and protections to ensure effects of tree removal are minimized or eliminated.

SAFETY

Employee and visitor safety will be the highest priority during vista clearing operations. Tree felling operations will occur under the direction of the park forester, and will follow all park safety protocols.

REVIEW

Park subject matter specialists review the annual work plan to ensure any potential adverse impacts are avoided, and appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.

TIMING

Work is scheduled to minimize potential impacts on bird and bat species. In general, September through December would be the best estimated time for vista clearing to take place, subject to site-specific conditions.

All work that generates noise levels above 76 decibels near residential or visitor use areas will be performed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Temporary road closures will generally not exceed one-half hour. Road closures will be scheduled in periods of low visitation when possible. Workers with signs will direct closures.

RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS

Features with obvious high value to wildlife, such as snags (particularly those with evidence of wildlife use), very large diameter trees, oak trees, large diameter logs, and decaying wood will be preserved in place where possible. In some locations such as North Country View or Valley View, where hundreds of dead trees exist, some larger dead trees will be left in place.

Key habitat features for Pacific fisher will be retained where possible.

Special-status plant species and wildlife habitat will be protected. No special status vegetation or wildlife species have been identified in areas proposed for 2018 work.

Equipment will be inspected before clearing activities commenced to ensure that machinery is clean and free of weed seed and propagules.

Within riparian corridors white alder trees (Alnus rhombifolia) will not be removed unless critical to restoring a vista of high or medium value. No removal of species in the willow family (Salix), including black cottonwood trees (Populus balsamifera) will occur. None of these species are proposed to be removed in 2018.

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Several vista sites in the 2018 Work Plan are near river banks, but trees located immediately adjacent to or overhanging the water’s edge will not be removed. No removal of in-stream, downed large wood will occur.

Old growth trees and trees older than the establishment date of a vista will not be removed.

Cultural Resource staff reviewed the work plan to avoid impacts to cultural resources from operations such as log or slash removal/disposal.

IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS

Biomass may be utilized or disposed of in any way that will not require additional compliance. This could be traditional cultural use, historic preservation projects, lop and scatter, onsite mulch, chip and haul, pile and burn, haul to woodlot, or contracted timber removal.

Noise levels near residential or visitor use areas will be minimized.

Work crews will avoid soil compaction or disturbance when operating trucks or heavy equipment in wet or compactable soils by distributing machinery weight with military landing mats, snow, heavy plywood, or alternatives. Operators will move tracked equipment straight in and out of work sites and avoid turning while off pavement. Disturbed soils will be rehabilitated by restoring slope contour and using other best practices.

Specific vegetation that is a critical component of a cultural landscape will not be removed.

California black oaks will be removed only if critical to reestablish a high-value vista in the lower montane forests.

Vehicles will contain equipment for the prevention and cleanup of spills. Any necessary temporary fuel storage and staging areas will be flagged, signed, and monitored. Work crews will use safe and environmentally friendly fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, and other fluids.

IMPLEMENTATION

Remove cut trees over 12” dbh from site. Flush cut stumps from newly cut trees when it has been determined that impacts will occur to the surrounding vegetation from the use of stump grinding equipment. Stumps will be ground down, or flush cut, and buried with debris to hide the obvious cut appearance. Larger stumps may have habitat value, and some may be retained as long as the stump does not appear to be cut and is in keeping with the surrounding area. Chip woody debris and disperse as mulch on site at a rate of no more than 1 inch deep. Scatter all large woody debris left on site from the newly cut trees to reduce visual impacts.

RESTORATION ACTIONS

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Mitigate all impacts associated with the cutting and removal of targeted trees by scarifying compacted soils and mulching disturbed areas with native forest litter except in culturally sensitive areas. Collect native grass and forb seed in late summer and early fall, as appropriate by species. Reseed any impacted areas upon completion of all forestry management actions.

CONTINUED MAINTENANCE

Evaluate and maintain site vistas every three years. Maintenance may include felling trees up to 6” dbh.

SUMMARY OF SITES TO BE WORKED ON

TABLE 2: SUMMARY TABLE OF SCENIC VISTAS TO BE WORKED ON, 2018-2019

Number Vista site View of Recommended trees removed in EA

svmp number

Priority VRA score

1 Ahwahnee Dining Room Yosemite Falls

207 161 High 10.25

2 Four Mile trailhead Yosemite Falls

24 32 High 10.5

3 Sentinel Meadow Boardwalk

Yosemite Falls

65 24 High 13.5

4 El Capitan Meadow El Capitan 247 33 High 14.5 5 Cathedral Spires Turnout Cathedral

Spires and Rock

21 225 Medium 7.5

6 Wosky Pond Cathedral spires

81 42 High 12.25

7 Hanging Valley Bridalveil Fall

23 34 High 14

8 Valley View Yosemite Valley

519 146 High 16

9 Cascade Falls Cascade Falls

14 35 Medium 8

10 Roosevelt Turnout Bridalveil Falls

156 156 High 10.5

11 Bridalveil Straight, Interpretive Sign

Bridalveil Falls

55 38 High 13

12 El Capitan Postage Stamp Turnout

El Capitan, Merced River

96 3 Medium 9.5

The sites proposed for actions this year are high or medium value sites within the Merced River corridor. Actions at these sites will reestablish scenic vistas and restore vegetation. Specific actions are described in more detail in each site’s work plan. Information on these sites is compiled into a geographic information system database to track future management and maintenance needs. Work will also be coordinated with the Facilities Management Software System, and park staff will

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 6

begin to document and schedule the need for future cyclic maintenance. All other high priority sites that had initial actions taken, and other high priority sites not obscured, will be monitored and their status and maintenance needs recorded.

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 7

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 8

AHWAHNEE DINING ROOM

SCENIC VISTA: AWHANEE DINING ROOM

The Ahwahnee Dining Room is within the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Landmark. The large window at the end of the grand hall looks west to Yosemite Falls. It was intended to frame the dramatic view for the guests while dining.

The Ahwahnee Hotel was constructed in 1927, so trees established before this time should not be removed. This is the only vista that recommends removing California Black Oak. These trees are obscuring a view in which there is little opportunity for a viewer to move around. Trimming rather than removing would improve the current vista, but would likely need to be trimmed annually to maintain the vista. Trees in the middle ground up to 500 meters from the window are recommended for removal. We will remove conifers first. No oaks will be removed in 2018, until we evaluate the vista with competing conifers. Due to the large number of trees to be removed, this site will take several years to restore. Work is partially completed at this site. Biomass will be either hauled off-site, or piled and burned or chipped.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 3: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 1 Ahwahnee

Dining Room Yosemite Falls 161 High 10.25

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh <50” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa 56 26 48 23 3 156 Cedar 7 15 15 7 1 45 Black Oak 1 - 1 - - 2 Live Oak 4 - - - - 4 Total 68 41 64 30 4 207

FIGURE 2: ESTIMATED AREA WHERE TREES WILL BE REMOVED TO ENHANCE VIEW AT THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL DINING ROOM. AREA NOT TO SCALE.

FIGURE 3: AHWAHNEE DINING ROOM VIEW FACING YOSEMITE FALLS, 2013.

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 9

FOUR MILE TRAILHEAD

SCENIC VISTA: FOUR MILE TRAILHEAD Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 2 Four Mile

trailhead Yosemite Falls, Sentinel

34 High 10.5

The Four Mile Trail Trailhead is located on Southside Drive 1.75 miles east of the El Capitan Crossover. The trail was completed in 1872, although some alteration in the trail took place in the 1920s, and the trailhead was likely rerouted at that time. Four Mile Trailhead is a vista located on South Side Drive at the parking turnout for the popular Four Mile Trail. Because of its location in Yosemite Valley and ease of accessibility, this is a vista that is often enjoyed by a large number of park visitors. For many visitors this is there first view of Yosemite Falls. It also possesses spectacular views of the Sentinel. The foreground will require restoration as it is compacted from visitors spreading out to try and take a picture of the falls.

In 2016/2017, all trees on site greater than 6” DBH were felled. Remaining are many small conifer saplings and slash and logs left over from previous years’ work. The site will be cleared and completed in 2018.

The road in its current configuration was completed in 1928. Therefore trees established before 1928 should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 4: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh TOTAL Cedar 12 9 3 24

FIGURE 4: VIEW FACING YOSEMITE FALLS FIGURE 5: ESTIMATED AREA WHERE TREES WILL BE REMOVED TO ENHANCE VISTA AT FOUR MILE TRAIL VIEWING AREA. FIGURE NOT TO SCALE

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 10

SENTINEL MEADOW BOARDWALK

SCENIC VISTA: SENTINEL MEADOW BOARDWALK Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 3 Sentinel Meadow

boardwalk Yosemite Falls, Merced River

24 High 13.5

The Sentinel Meadow Boardwalk is located on Southside drive 2.3 miles east of the El Capitan Crossover. Views from Sentinel Meadow are listed as contributing features in the Yosemite Valley Historic District. The vista is above the south bank of the Merced River, looking to Yosemite Falls. Trees to be removed are north of the river. No riparian species are to be removed. Although this meadow has numerous examples of historic photographs from the 19th century, the year of 1928 is a conservative date that can establish the Southside Drive and turnouts in its present location as an intended vista point. Trees established before 1928 should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 5: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <50” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa 40 3 4 47 Cedar 5 6 - 11 Fir - 7 - 7 Total 45 16 4 63

FIGURE 6: ESTIMATED AREA OF TREE REMOVAL TO IMPROVE VIEW AT SENTINEL MEADOW BOARDWALK. FIGURE NOT TO SCALE

FIGURE 7: VIEW FACING YOSEMITE FALL FROM SENTINEL MEADOW BOARDWALK

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CATHEDRAL SPIRES TURNOUT

SCENIC VISTA: CATHEDRAL SPIRES TURNOUT

The Cathedral Spires Turnout on Southside Drive is located 1.3 miles east of the Wawona Road and Southside Drive intersection. This vista is listed as a contributing feature of the Yosemite Valley Historic District. The Valley Loop Road in its current configuration was constructed in 1928. Trees established before 1928 should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS TABLE 6: TABLE 6: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 4 Cathedral

Spires Turnout Cathedral Spires 225 Medium 7.5

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh <50” dbh TOTAL Cedar 5 - 6 1 - 12 Douglas Fir - 6 1 - 1 8 Ponderosa - 1 - - - 1 Total 5 7 7 1 1 21

FIGURE 9: VIEW FACING CATHEDRAL SPIRES

FIGURE 8: ESTIMATED AREA WHERE TREES WILL BE REMOVED TO INCREASE VIEW. AREA NOT TO SCALE

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EL CAPITAN MEADOW

SCENIC VISTA: EL CAPITAN MEADOW

The El Capitan Meadow vista is in the northeastern portion of El Capitan Meadow. The vista includes a large portion of the Yosemite Valley with iconic natural landmarks such as El Capitan, The Three Brothers, Cathedral Rocks, and the Cathedral Spires. Views from Northside Drive to El Capitan are also listed as a contributing vista to the Yosemite Valley Historical District. The Meadow is a popular location for visitors to watch climbers ascending the Yosemite Valley walls. Northside Drive in its current configuration was established by 1928; therefore trees established prior to this date should not be removed. Removing the trees will allow visitors to see El Capitan and the climbers from the side of the road, without trampling the meadow. In addition, conditions will improve for Black Oaks that have been shaded by the conifers. Actions in the site will be completed over several years. In 2015, meadow restoration work was done and trees encroaching the meadow were removed. Meadow restoration will continue in 2018.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 7: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

TABLE 8: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED IN 2018

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 5 El Capitan Meadow El Capitan 33 High 14.5

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa 38 29 50 35 152 Cedar 38 38 18 - 94 Fir - - 1 - 1

Total 20

FIGURE 10: EL CAPITAN VIEWING AREA

FIGURE 11: ESTIMATED AREA WHERE TREES WILL BE REMOVED TO IMPROVE THE VIEW OF EL CAPITAN FROM EL CAPITAN MEADOW VIEWING AREA. AREA NOT TO SCALE.

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WOSKY POND

SCENIC VISTA: WOSKY POND

Wosky Pond is about 2 miles west of the Yosemite Lodge on Northside Drive. The view of Cathedral Rock from Northside Drive is listed as a contributing vista in the Yosemite Valley Historical District. This is one of the few areas along Northside Drive that has a vista which is generally unobstructed. The intent of managing this vista is to remove the conifers which are encroaching on the meadow. There are trees to the south of the Meadow could obscure the Spires in the future. The circulation in the Valley was generally set in 1928 and therefore no trees established before this time should be removed.

Work is partially completed at this site. Biomass will be either hauled off-site, or piled and burned or chipped. In 2018, the remaining trees obscuring this viewshed will be felled and removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 9: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 6 Wosky

Pond Cathedral Spires, Cathedral Rocks, Wosky Pond

42 High 12.25

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa 22 19 29 11 81

FIGURE 12: VIEW FACING CATHEDRAL SPIRES AND CATHEDRAL ROCKS FROM WOSKY POND FIGURE 13: ESTIMATED AREA WHERE TREES

WILL BE REMOVED TO IMPROVE THE VIEW OF WOSKY POND. AREA NOT TO SCALE.

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 14

HANGING VALLEY

SCENIC VISTA: HANGING VALLEY

The Hanging Valley Viewpoint is on Northside Drive, approximately one mile west of El Capitan Crossover. The viewpoint gives visitors views across the Merced River to well-known Yosemite landmarks including Bridalveil Falls and the Leaning Tower. The viewpoint is part of the Yosemite Road Guide (marker V10) and is a contributing vista to the Yosemite Valley Historic District. The vista looks over a stand of California Black Oaks. The intention of managing this vista is to remove conifers encroaching into the oaks. Several trees will also be removed from the upper bank on the north side of the Merced River. This site will be completed in 2018. Work is mostly complete at this site. Biomass will be either hauled off-site, piled and burned or chipped.

The current configuration of Northside Drive is in place by 1928, therefore trees established before this time should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 10: TREE REMOVAL OVER 6” DBH

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 7 Hanging Valley Bridalveil Fall, Leaning

tower, Lower Cathedral 34 High 14

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh TOTAL Cedar 4 4 1 9 Ponderosa 4 5 5 14 Total 8 9 6 23

FIGURE 14: VIEW FACING BRIDALVEIL FALLS FROM NORTHSIDE DRIVE

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VALLEY VIEW

SCENIC VISTA: VALLEY VIEW

Valley View is memorialized on the 2010 quarter from the US Mint’s “America the Beautiful” series and ranks as one of the most iconic views in the Yosemite. El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridaveil Fall frame Yosemite Valley in the calm water of the Merced River. For many visitors, it may be the last view they see of Yosemite Valley before driving down the Merced River Canyon. Under the Scenic Vista Management EA, Valley View is rated one of the high priority views for restoration in Yosemite.

The primary objective is to open the mostly obscured view of Bridalveil Fall and to reduce conifer encroachment in and on the edge of Bridalveil Meadow to enhance the view east into the Valley. There are a large number of dead trees from a 2007 controlled burn. In the 2018/2019 seasons, conifers will continue to be removed and cleared from the site. Valley View will likely take two to three more years to fully complete.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 11: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

TABLE 12: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED IN 2016/2017

Total 200

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 8 Valley View Yosemite Valley 146 High 16

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh <50” dbh Total

Ponderosa 12 66 36 47 14 175 Cedar 102 96 73 48 6 327 Fir 0 5 9 3 0 17 Snags 105 0 0 0 0 105 Total 219 167 118 96 20 624

FIGURE 15: VALLEY VIEW (RIGHT, 2010 NPS; LEFT, 1880-1890 G.FISKE). NOTE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BRIDALVEIL FALL, EL CAPITAN, AND VIEWS INTO THE EAST VALLEY.

Scenic Vista Management Plan – 2018 Work Plans 16

CASCADE FALLS

SCENIC VISTA: CASCADE FALLS

Cascade Falls is located three miles east of the Arch Rock entrance station. The falls can be viewed from a formal viewing point located adjacent to the Cascade Falls parking area. The current view of the falls is narrow and should be opened to allow better visibility. Mature trees and shrubs in front of the viewing area and falls could obscure the view in the near future. This site contains mature California Black Oak, which is a species that will not be removed in a medium value vista. The oaks are growing between the viewing area and the waterfall, but they are unlikely to become much taller, and as a result will likely obscure only the bottom of the falls.

The El Portal Road was constructed in 1908, but turnouts were not added until 1932. Trees established before 1932 should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 13: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 9 Cascade Falls Cascade Falls 35 Medium 8

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa 1 1 1 - 3 Cedar 6 - - 1 7 Live Oak - 1 1 - 2 Red Fir 3 - - - 3 Ceonothus (shrub) Trim - - -

Total 10 2 2 1 13

FIGURE 17: ESTIMATED AREA WHERE TREES WILL BE REMOVED TO IMPROVE VIEW AT CASCADE FALLS. AREA NOT TO SCALE.

FIGURE 16: VIEW FACING CASCADE FALLS FROM EL PORTAL ROAD

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ROOSEVELT TURNOUT

SCENIC VISTA: ROOSEVELT TURNOUT

The Roosevelt Turnout is located 0.45 miles east Pohono Bridge. The focal point of the Roosevelt Turnout is Bridalveil Falls with a portion of Bridalveil meadow in the foreground. This sign commemorates the general location of where John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt camped in 1903. The current view is completely obscured by many conifers going back to the Wawona Road. A number of trees less than 6” dbh would also be removed during initial management of the site. The road in its current configuration was completed in 1928. Trees established before 1928 should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 14: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 10 Roosevelt Turnout Bridalveil Falls 156 High 10.5

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh <50” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa - 11 14 4 1 30 Cedar 76 11 8 2 1 98 Fir 23 3 1 1 - 28 Total 156

FIGURE 18: VIEW FACING BRIDALVEIL FALL FROM ROOSEVELT TURNOUT

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BRIDALVEIL STRAIGHT, INTERPRETIVE SIGN

SCENIC VISTA BRIDALVEIL STRAIGHT, INTERPRETIVE SIGN

The Bridalveil Straight interpretive sign is located 0.25 miles east of the intersection of Southside Drive and Wawona Road. This vista is listed as a contributing feature to the Yosemite Valley Historic District. The focal point of the vista to be managed is Bridalveil Fall to the south. This location also has spectacular view of El Capitan to the east, over California Black Oaks. It is unlikely the oak trees will grow tall enough to obscure the view to El Capitan, but this area should also be monitored in the future for conifer encroachment. This area is highly trafficked during peak visitation months, therefore tree felling should be conducted in the fall and winter with special consideration towards visitor safety.

The road in its current configuration was constructed in 1928. Trees established before 1928 should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 15: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 11 Bridalveil Straight,

Interpretive Sign Bridalveil Falls 38 High 13

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <40” dbh <50” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa - 3 1 - 4 Cedar 8 31 5 45 45 Fir - 3 - 3 28 Black Oack Trim Branches On Oaks Total 55

FIGURE 19: VIEW FACING BRIDALVEIL FALL FROM SOUTHSIDE DRIVE

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EL CAPITAN POSTAGE STAMP TURNOUT

SCENIC VISTA: EL CAPITAN POSTAGE STAMP TURNOUT

The El Capitan Postage Stamp Turnout is located on Southside Drive 0.45 miles east of the El Capitan Drive intersection. The history of this vista began in 1868 when Carlton Watkins captured a photograph of El Capitan a few feet from the current turnout in 1868. This photograph was used in a postage stamp in 1934. It was a popular vista at one time, but is now almost completely obscured with conifers. There are a large number of dead trees in the area and the intention is to remove the smaller trees that have less habitat value and also reduce the fuel load. Several large deciduous riparian trees partially obscure the view, but will not be removed for vista management because of their high habitat potential. The road was completed in 1928, so trees established before then should not be removed.

VISTA MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

TABLE 16: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES >6” DBH REMOVED

Number Vista site View of svmp number Priority VRA score 12 El Capitan Postage

Stamp Turnout El Capitan, Merced River

3 Medium 9.5

Tree Species <12” dbh <20” dbh <30” dbh <40” dbh <50” dbh TOTAL Ponderosa 1 4 5 8 4 22 Cedar 53 4 4 9 3 73 Live Oak 1 - - - - 1 Snags (Cedar) 15 - - - - 15 Total 111

FIGURE 11: VIEW FACING EL CAPITAN FROM SOUTHSIDE DRIVE

FIGURE 101: CARLTON WATKINS POSTAGE STAMP. PHOTOGRAPH C. 1968