Mature giant sequoia trees in the Mariposa Grove

Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias EIS

Yosemite National Park » Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias EIS » Document List

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias contains about 500 mature giant sequoia trees that are among the oldest, rarest, and largest living organisms in the world. Comprehensive action is needed to ensure that the Grove continues to thrive and provide inspiration and enjoyment for future generations.

The Record of Decision for the Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Final Environmental Impact Statement (Mariposa Grove Final EIS) was signed as approved by the Regional Director on December 10, 2013. To review the decision, click on "Document List" on the left-hand side of the screen.

Upon consideration of the issues raised during the environmental impact analysis process; with due consideration of the public, agency, and tribal comments received during scoping and review of the Draft EIS; and in light of applicable laws, regulations, and policy; the NPS has selected Alternative 2, South Entrance Hub for implementation. Implementing this alternative will protect the long-term ecological health of Mariposa Grove, assist the park in the restoration of native ecosystems and natural processes, and balance protection of resources with the enjoyment of the awe-inspiring giant sequoia in the Mariposa Grove by all park visitors.

Alternative 2 was identified as the park's Preferred Alternative in the October 2013 Mariposa Grove Final EIS.The Selected Action in the Record of Decision is substantially the same as described for Alternative 2 in the Final EIS. More detail on Alternative 2 is available in the Final EIS by clicking on the "Document List" link on the left-hand side of this screen.

The NPS plans to initiate groundbreaking for smaller in-house elements of the Mariposa Grove project in June 2014. The larger components of the project, such as construction of the South Entrance parking hub and removal of the parking/ecological restoration in the lower Grove area require additional site design, contracting, and permit approval before work begins on the ground. The NPS expects this preliminary work for the larger elements to be complete in early 2015.

Contact Information

You may request copies of the Record of Decision for the Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias by email at yose_planning@nps.gov; by phone (209) 379-1002; or mail at Yosemite NP, Attn: Mariposa Grove, PO Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389.