The Merced Wild and Scenic River Values Draft Baseline Condition Report is now available for public review. The report summarizes research and information about the conditions of the Merced River values in 1987 (the year the river was designated Wild and Scenic) and 2010. Free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) form the three pillars of protection under the Wild and Scenic River Act. Successful protection and enhancement of the Merced River’s free-flowing condition, water quality, and 24 ORVs depend on an accurate understanding of the current conditions of the river values and their conditions at the time of designation. Your help can ensure that the final report is accurate and sufficient. We invite you to read the draft report and provide feedback by April 30, 2011. To provide comments on the report visit the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment Merced River page (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/MRPBaselineConditions). The report and five larger formatted maps are available to download at
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp_documents.htm.