Ahwahnee Meadow Southwest Restoration

Ahwahnee meadow has been significantly altered due to past human activities. These activities included agricultural activities (e.g. tilling, seeding and grazing), diversion of flows from the Indian Creek alluvial fan, and construction of roads, bike paths and houses adjacent to the meadow. The southwest portion of the meadow was disturbed by these activities, as well as the addition of soil acting as fill to this area, potentially in an effort to control mosquitos in the 1930s. These actions altered the natural topography, hydrology,
and plant communities, which resulted in loss of wetland habitat in this portion of the meadow.

It is now understood how important wetland ecosystems are; they provide critical habitat for wildlife, control flooding, and sequester carbon. Therefore, wetland habitat in this area is being restored by removing fill material, re-contouring topography to restore natural hydrology, and re-vegetating with native plants. This will provide connectivity to existing wetland habitat in the meadow and improve the overall condition of the meadow. Work will take place during the summer of 2021.

This restoration project is part of the broader Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, which aims to reverse some of the past human impacts to meadows and riverbanks, to protect and enhance river values and to promote visitor access and enjoyment of the river. To learn more about the this effort, visit: https://www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/mrp_finalplan.htm