Merced River Canyon on Highway 140 in Mariposa, California
Credit: Sierra Sun Times/ Richard Hutchinson file photo
May 18, 2023 - EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office is seeking public comment on a draft business plan to expand amenity fees for recreation and services at the Merced River Recreation Area in Mariposa County. The BLM has prepared this plan recognizing that nature and recreational opportunities on public lands are essential to the health, well-being, and prosperity of every family and community in America. Public comments on the plan are welcome through June 16 and will be used to shape the final business plan for the Merced Recreation Area.
“We are looking forward to hearing from the public and our partners as we seek ways to improve recreational opportunities within the Merced River Recreation Area,” said Acting Mother Lode Field Manager Jeff Horn. “By getting involved in this planning effort, the public can help the BLM shape the future management of this recreational area.”
The Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Program includes active management of expanded and standard amenity recreation sites within the Merced River Recreation Area, including McCabe Flat Campground, Willow Placer Campground, Railroad Flat Campground, Briceburg Day Use Area and Visitor Center and Cable Rock Day Use Area.
This business plan will only address proposed fee increases at the McCabe Flat, Willow Placer and Railroad Flat Campgrounds. These campgrounds meet the expanded amenity parameters because the recreation areas provide five or more amenities, including: tent or trailer spaces, refuse containers, toilet facilities, reasonable visitor protection, food storage and simple devices for containing a campfire. The amenity for drinking water is provided at the start of Briceburg Road (Old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade), the entrance road to the campgrounds. No standard amenity fees for day-use within the Merced River Recreation Area currently exist and none are proposed currently.
The Merced River Recreation Management Area, located downstream from Yosemite National Park, is well known for excellent whitewater boating, wildflower viewing, camping, swimming and recreational gold panning/prospecting. Bird watching is good throughout the area most of the year. Fishing is popular for trout and bass along the entire river. Biking along the gravel roads and trails is popular with families and experienced mountain bikers alike. Hiking is great anytime of the year. To learn more about the recreation area, visit online at https://www.blm.gov/visit/merced-river.
To review the draft business plan visit: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans. Comments may be submitted electronically to BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov, or mail to the BLM Mother Lode Field Office, Attn: Merced Business Plan Proposal, 5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Contact the Mother Lode Field Office at 916-941-3101 with any questions.
Source: BLM
