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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks » Restoration of Ecosystem Function in Cahoon Meadow, a Severely Eroded Wilderness Wetland in Sequoia National Park » Document List » Document Contents

Environmental Assessment for the Restoration of Cahoon Meadow, Sequoia National Park


The National Park Service (NPS) has released an environmental assessment (EA) evaluating a range of ecological restoration options to address a large erosion gully in Cahoon Meadow, located within the John Krebs Wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Note that there are two Cahoon meadows within the parks. The Cahoon Meadow referred to in this proposal is located 2.8 miles west of Hockett Meadow in the southwestern portion of Sequoia National Parks.

Cahoon Meadow, a 25.1 acre fen and wet meadow wetland complex, is the second largest wetland in the East Fork drainage of the Kaweah River. The site ranges from 7,260 to 7,430 feet in elevation, which is on the low end of the elevation range of wet meadows in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Cahoon Meadow has been severely degraded by past grazing practices and erosion. Currently, there is a 17-foot deep by 60- to 90-foot wide gully that is adversely affecting the wetlands area. Portions of the wetland have been completely drained of water, creating large areas of dry, bare ground and dead vegetation.

The purpose of this project is to protect the remaining intact wetlands and restore wetland ecosystem function to Cahoon Meadow in such a manner that minimizes impacts to park resources, while ensuring a sustainable and feasible solution. The NPS is considering three alternatives, ranging from no action with continued monitoring (Alternative A); stabilizing the meadow with a machine-built rock chute to protect the meadow from further erosion (Alternative B); or, filling the gully to fully restore and protect the wetland (Alternative C).

Commenters are encouraged to comment through this website. All written comments about this project must be transmitted, postmarked, or hand-delivered by April 22, 2016.
 
Comment Period: Closed        Mar 21, 2016 - Apr 22, 2016
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