The public scoping period which allows for public comment on the developing Merced River Plan and the Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) of the Merced River corridor will close on July 31.

In June, the National Park Service released a Draft 2010 Outstandingly Remarkable Value (ORVs) Report for the Merced Wild and Scenic River.

The report states, “There are several criteria that guided the development of the ORVs contained in this report. Two of the most important criteria are contained in a technical paper on the river study process issued by the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council (available at http://www.rivers.gov/publications. html.).

To be outstandingly remarkable, a discerned value must meet two standards: 1. Be located on the river or on its immediate shorelands (generally within a quarter mile of either side of the river); 2. Contribute substantially to the functioning of the river ecosystem; and or owe (its) location or existence to the presence of the river.”

To date, according to the report, public scoping correspondence has been wide ranging, encompassing opinions that virtually limit access to the river at all to full development.

Public meetings on the ORV subject have been held in a number of related communities, and through statements, data, and multiple input sources, NPS planners will outline five plans.

The report quotes comments on the ORVs questions. Public scoping correspondence No. 18, in response to “what do you want to protect?” states, “Wildlife because sometimes people go off the trail and kill the flowers and plants.” In response to “what do you love?” the report lists four responses: “Special status wildlife and (e.g. YLF, Willow Flycatcher) - Wildlife and plant in general;” “The natural ecosystems and their proper evolutionary processes. The raw, untouched view of the wilderness, glaciation, natural erosions, and the whole experience;” “The pristine beauty of this corridor and the surrounding visual and sensory characteristics.”

The report cites several comments received that are not directly related to specific questions, including: “I love the Merced River because you can swim in it.” “My concern for this plan is the limiting the access to the river.” “Yosemite’s user capacity model should not unreasonably restrict access to outstandingly remarkable recreational values within the planning corridor.” “The Merced River corridor has been home to people for nearly 10,000 years, and it still contains vibrant communities,” and “All existing ‘historic’ structures need to be repaired and preserved. They have value.”

Anyone wishing to submit a comment can do so online by visiting www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp_c omment.htm(click on the link to PEPC), or written comments can be mailed to Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Atten: Merced River Plan ORVs, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389.

All comments must be received by the July 31 deadline.