What actions will the NPS take to restore natural conditions along the El Portal Road?
As construction began, several measures were implemented to safeguard the resources of the area. Sensitive natural and cultural resources along the road corridor have been surveyed, fenced, and will not be disturbed. $1.5 million has been set aside to restore and revegetate the road corridor. Revegetation of the affected hillslopes and riverbanks adjacent to the road will be a multi-year project continuing for several years after the road construction is completed. Revegetation of the hillslopes occurred during the fall of 1999, when over 18,000 shrub and tree seedlings were planted to stabilize the newly constructed slopes. These plants were nursery-grown from native seeds collected in the Merced River corridor prior to construction. Native grasses were also seeded. Erosion control measures are currently in place to prevent sediment from entering the Merced River. Ongoing water quality monitoring of the Merced River has produced samples well within permit requirements.
