IN REPLY REFER TO:

L7617

August 8, 2001

Dear Yosemite Friends:

With the help of public scoping comments, the Happy Isle Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project Environmental Assessment (EA) is now before you.  This bridge is located on the main stem of the Merced Wild and Scenic River in Yosemite Valley’s eastern end near the Nature Center at Happy Isles. Built in 1921, this reinforced-concrete girder structure was used as a pedestrian bridge prior to its closure in 1997 due to extensive structural damage sustained in the January 1997 flood.  The National Park Service intends to remove the failing bridge, which is the subject of this environmental assessment.

In April 2001, scoping was held, including an on-site public meeting at the bridge to discuss its potential removal while soliciting ideas and concerns from responsible agencies and the public.  Park staff reviewed 60 public comments that identified a range of issues and concerns.  These comments helped shape the project and the environmental assessment, which sets forth alternatives to help address the public health and safety concerns associated with the failing bridge.

There will be a 30-day public comment period on the environmental assessment.  If the environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact is approved, demolition of the Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge is expected to take place in fall 2001 in order for this work to occur during the period of low water.

Your involvement is a key element in the planning process, and we welcome your participation.  Comments must be submitted in writing by September 8, 2001 to:

Superintendent, Yosemite National Park

ATTN.:  Happy Isles Gauging Station Bridge Removal Project

P.O. Box 577

Yosemite, California 95389

FAX: 209-379-1294

EMAIL: YOSE_Planning@nps.gov

Sincerely,

David A. Mihalic

Superintendent