Initial Data Collection and Planning for The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan

Yosemite National Park Announces Initial Data Collection and Planning for The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan
Date: August 3, 2009

Acting Yosemite National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announces the initiation of data collection and planning for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) will be coordinated through the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA).

The public scoping period for the EA will be open on August 13, 2009 and extend through September 26, 2009. Public scoping comments will be used to assist the park in developing a range of reasonable and feasible alternatives that meet the purpose and need, including a no action alternative, and then analyzing the potential environmental effects of each alternative. Written scoping comments should be postmarked no later than September 26, 2009.

The purpose of this effort is to develop a comprehensive plan for phased, long-term rehabilitation of the Ahwahnee National Landmark hotel and associated guest cottages, employee dormitory and landscaped grounds.

Data collection for the planning process commences today and is being conducted through the collection of soils, structural, and construction materials from various areas at the Ahwahnee.

The plan will help guide efforts to restore, preserve, and protect the historic integrity of fabric and finishes at the hotel, improve energy efficient operations, and enhance the visitor experience through improved operational efficiency, increased accessibility, and rehabilitation of historic resources.

After more than 80 years of service, the hotel and associated structures are in need of rehabilitation to become compliant with building codes, replace outdated electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, and to provide a higher level of visitor services.

A public open house will take place on August 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Valley Visitor Center Auditorium in Yosemite Valley. Park admission fees will be waived for those attending the open house.

An additional scoping meeting, to be conducted within the park, will be announced shortly.

Written comments can be submitted at public scoping meetings, by mail, fax, email, and through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) commenting system. Comments may be submitted by the following means:

Mail:
Superintendent
Attn: The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan EA
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389

Fax: 209-379-1294

Online: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planning

Web: A new way to submit comments is available online called PEPC (Planning, Environment, and Public Comment). The site can be accessed at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yose