Eastern Sierra - Campground Improvement Pilot Project

INTRODUCTION

Degraded pavement along a campground loop road in Lower Grays Meadow Campground causes soil erosion, damages plant life, and exacerbates wildfire risks.

Recreation assets on federal public lands deliver important value to local economies in the Eastern Sierra. But the health of these public assets, and therefore of the communities that depend on them, is threatened by a backlog of maintenance and an ever-changing climate.

OUTDATED & OVERUSED INFRASTRUCTURE

The Inyo National Forest hosts more than 2.3 million visitors each year, contributing $391 million to the region’s economy. However, many of the Inyo National Forest’s 78 campgrounds were built 30 to 50 years ago with onetime funding and no long-term maintenance plan, resulting in outdated designs, flooding and wildfire vulnerabilities, insufficient visitor capacity, and a backlog of deferred maintenance. Although federal funding for deferred maintenance costs has increased, federal funding for infrastructure improvements is limited and competitive. As a result, many of the Inyo National Forest’s campgrounds do not meet contemporary standards, and visitors and gateway communities suffer.

THE INNOVATIVE FINANCE FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SOLUTION

The total cost of campground infrastructure improvements in the Inyo National Forest is too great for any single stakeholder to assume independently. The Innovative Finance for National Forests (IFNF) approach solves this problem by leveraging private and public funds outside of U.S. Forest Service’s annual appropriations to undertake large-scale projects on public land. Regional collaboration can combine and deploy both public and private investment at the scale needed to address the challenge at hand.

2.3 MILLION VISITORS SPEND $391 MILLION REGIONALLY EACH YEAR

Visitation and economic data provided by the Inyo National Forest and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

A water spigot at New Shady Rest Campground in Mammoth Lakes to be brought up to U.S. Forest Service standards.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP IS READY

The Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG), a regional Joint Powers Authority, has the authorities needed to combine and deploy funding from multiple sources and partner with the Inyo National Forest on project implementation. The ESCOG member agencies approved the Sustainable Recreation and Ecosystem Management Program (SREMP), a recreation-focused program of work that aims to pursue and administer funding to bolster the region’s sustainable outdoor recreation economy, a core sector of regional economic development.

The Inyo National Forest, together with its partners, has set the conditions for a blend of funding to go towards these soon-to-be shovel-ready projects. This includes local, state, and federal funding, as well as private funding from future campground concessionaires.

A faded wooden picnic table at Lower Grays Meadow Campground that will be brought to U.S. Forest Service standards for durability and accessibility.

FUNDING IN ACTION ON THREE PILOT SITES

The Inyo National Forest, in partnership with Quantified Ventures and the Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation (MLTPA), has identified three key campground areas in Inyo and Mono counties for major upgrades through a pilot innovative finance program. The selected campgrounds are in Independence Canyon, Shady Rest, and Lee Vining Canyon. These three campground areas collectively include nine campgrounds and were chosen due to their high visitor use, environmental degradation, and need for renovation.

$3.8 MILLION ESTIMATED ANNUAL SPENDING BY PILOT CAMPGROUND VISITORS

The redesigns of these campground areas aim to enhance the overall visitor experience by increasing capacity and updating amenities. On the environmental side, the designs will improve watershed quality and reduce wildfire risk. Local communities will experience the economic benefits of these campground improvements, with an estimated $3.8 million in annual camper spending and $200,000 in annual state and local tax benefits from these three campground areas, in addition to tax revenue from visitor spending at local businesses. The regional economic benefits of these campground improvements are described and documented in the Inyo National Forest Campground Business Plan, prepared by Quantified Ventures.

The Inyo National Forest received limited funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to develop architectural redesigns for these three campground areas. Additional financial support will be needed to complete the campground renovations.

$200,000+ ANNUAL TAX BENEFITS FROM PILOT CAMPGROUND FEES

Visitation and economic data provided by the Inyo National Forest and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

A MODEL FOR COLLABORATION IN REDS MEADOW

The Inyo National Forest has demonstrated its readiness for this type of project model through its partnership with the JMT Wilderness Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, on recreation area improvements in Reds Meadow beginning in 2022. Using funds from the State of California and private sector donations, the Inyo National Forest and JMT Wilderness Conservancy will restore, redesign, and renovate five public campgrounds, an outdoor amphitheater, and an unpaved parking lot.

This exciting partnership demonstrates the high social, economic, and environmental value of innovative finance on public lands. The Inyo National Forest and its partners are committed to improving the visitor experience, preserving the environment, and promoting sustainable outdoor recreation, all of which are critical for the region’s economic development.

The Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle, operated by the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, transports visitors from Mammoth Lakes to the Reds Meadow area during peak season. The shuttle reduces congestion on park and forest roads, protects resources from damage due to illegal parking, and reduces vehicle emissions.

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS

Inyo National Forest

The Inyo National Forest encompasses over 2 million acres of pristine lakes, rugged Sierra Nevada peaks, and arid Great Basin mountains along the California-Nevada border. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including 1,200 miles of trails and 78 campgrounds. The Inyo National Forest manages these campgrounds directly or through permits with concessionaires, making the agency a critical partner in this pilot project and model.

Quantified Ventures

Quantified Ventures (QV) is an outcomes-based capital firm that designs, structures, and develops innovative financing approaches for projects that achieve social, environmental, economic, and health outcomes in line with local community priorities. QV works with federal partners in rural communities to solve some of our most pressing challenges related to public lands, including deferred maintenance, underutilization of assets, over-demand in recreation, and wildfire risk.

Mammoth Lakes Trails & Public Access Foundation

The Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation (MLTPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature by creating sustainable trail and recreation systems and ensuring the public’s access. MLTPA facilitates monthly meetings of land and recreation managers in the region through the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership (ESSRP). MLTPA serves this project as an advisor on local issues and opportunities.

Eastern Sierra Council of Governments

The Eastern Sierra Council of Governments Joint Powers Authority (ESCOG JPA) consists of four member agencies: Inyo County, Mono County, the City of Bishop, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The ESCOG JPA has the authority to participate in programs and projects to develop the region’s sustainable outdoor recreation economy. The recent establishment of the ESCOG as a Joint Powers Authority, and its subsequent management of millions of dollars in state and federal grants, demonstrates the member agencies’ commitment to addressing opportunities as a region.

Eastern Sier ra Council of Governments

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Lesley Yen,

Forest Supervisor, Inyo National Forest

Independence Peak visible from Lower Grays Meadow Campground.

“Regional partnerships with local communities are key to sustaining our outdoor assets and way of life in the Eastern Sierra. The Inyo National Forest looks forward to continued collaboration with the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments on landscape-scale planning and projects to protect and restore key recreation infrastructure.”

THE BIG PICTURE: Three Pilot Projects

THE CHALLENGE:

Existing infrastructure is not designed for current demand.

Infrastructure is not designed to meet the preference of modern visitors.

Climate change impacts continue to inflict damage to campgrounds.

Gateway communities suffer as a result.

THE OPPORTUNITY: PROJECTED LOCAL TAX REVENUE INCREASE FROM THE THREE PILOT PROJECTS = 87%

Comparing Value of Upfront Investment to 10-Year Value of Camper Spending and Associated Tax Revenues

EASTERN SIERRA REGION

PROJECTED ANNUAL CAMPER SPENDING BENEFITS AND TAX REVENUES

IN MONO COUNTY:

Visitation and economic data provided by the Inyo National Forest and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

PROJECTED ANNUAL CAMPER SPENDING BENEFITS AND TAX REVENUES IN INYO COUNTY:

ANNUAL VISITOR SPENDING WITH IMPROVEMENT BY PILOT PROJECT AREA:

REDS MEADOW A Model for Collaboration

Devils Postpile National Monument, accessible from the Reds Meadow campgrounds via public transit.

REDS MEADOW CAMPGROUNDS:

Upper Soda Springs Campground

Pumice Flat Campground

Pumice Flat Group Campground

Minaret Falls Campground

Reds Meadow Campground

Additional Sites: River Trail Parking Area & Pumice Flat Amphitheater

Mammoth Lakes

REDS MEADOW CAMPGROUNDS Reds Meadow

Minaret Falls Pumice Flat CG Group

INYO NATIONAL FOREST & THE JMT WILDERNESS CONSERVANCY COLLABORATION FOR REDS MEADOW

The JMT Wilderness Conservancy and Inyo National Forest recently launched a collaboration to improve five existing campgrounds, an amphitheater, and a public parking area in Reds Meadow. The project is funded by the State of California and the JMT Wilderness Conservancy’s private sector donations to improve recreation infrastructure and carry out restoration projects along the historic John Muir Trail.

The collaboration between the JMT Wilderness Conservancy and the Inyo National Forest will use $5 million in funding to redesign and renovate five existing campgrounds in Reds Meadow. Heavy visitor use in the area has led to environmental damage, and the project will focus on restoring riparian areas and preventing future damage, while providing visitors with a better camping experience.

A John Muir Trail thru-hiker takes in the view at Thousand Island Lake, 15 miles on trail from Reds Meadow. The Reds Meadow campgrounds are popular launch points for backpacking trips on the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails.

REDS MEADOW PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS

Protected Meadows, Riparian Areas, and the Wildland-Urban Interface

The Reds Meadow Campgrounds are located in a sensitive riparian zone in the headwaters of the San Joaquin River. The campground redesign will relocate campsites and walking paths away from riparian areas, restore riparian vegetation, and minimize the loss of campground capacity. The rebuild will also bring fire rings to current U.S. Forest Service standards to reduce the risk of a campfire causing a wildfire near the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

Upgraded Camper Amenities

The Reds Meadow campgrounds are in varying states of disrepair, with confusing layouts, poor site delineation, and deteriorating road and parking infrastructure. Some campsites lack site markers, level tent pads, or designated parking. The redesign and renovation will bring the campsites up to current U.S. Forest Service standards for design, accessibility, amenities, and safety.

Improved Campsite Desirability

The campground redesign and reconstruction aim to maximize the number of campsites within existing campground footprints, while removing campsites from riparian areas, providing visual separation of campsites, and ensuring adequate parking. The campsite improvements will make these campgrounds more desirable to visitors of the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails.

INDEPENDENCE Independence Canyon

Mt. Williamson, accessible from Independence and the Grays Meadow and Onion Valley campgrounds.

INDEPENDENCE CANYON CAMPGROUNDS:

INDEPENDENCE CANYON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

Protected Campsites and Riparian Areas

Grays Meadow and Onion Valley Campgrounds sit in a sensitive riparian zone, threatening high-quality wildlife habitat and increasing wildfire risk. A major redesign of the campgrounds will mitigate recreation impacts and provide a better experience for campers. Sites in the riparian zone will be decommissioned and moved into the nearby sagebrush flats. Riparian areas will be restored, and the campground redesign will help mitigate impacts from spring run-off, flooding, and erosion that can be a serious safety hazard for campers.

Repaired Roads and Amenities to Accommodate Larger Vehicles

Upper and Lower Grays Meadow Campgrounds are confined between Independence Creek and the road. Creating new campground loops on the south side of the road will allow for additional sites and accommodate RVs and larger vehicles with trailers. Additional utilities and water could be added to meet the demand for a higher-end experience.

Improved Tent Camping

Onion Valley Campground is an access point for wilderness trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and its highly desired sites are popular with walk-in, tent campers. The geographically confined campground has a low development scale but could be redesigned to make better use of the space and reduce habitat impacts and wildfire risks. Similarly, these campsites can be pulled out of the riparian area and the stream restored. The water system at the site and trailhead can be fixed to provide easier access for day hikers.

Improved Natural Resilience and Connections to Independence

The redesign and upgrades at both campgrounds will help pull campers into designated sites, reduce illegal dispersed camping, and lessen wildfire risks. Further, the upgrades will help draw tourists to local businesses in Independence and neighboring towns by expanding options for overnight accommodations.

INDEPENDENCE CANYON CAMPGROUNDS

MAMMOTH LAKES Shady Rest

The Mammoth Lakes Basin, accessible from the Shady Rest campgrounds via free public transit, provides a gateway to the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails.

SHADY REST

Old Shady Campground New Shady Campground Pine Glen Group Campground

6.2 Miles to Pacifc Crest Trail via public transit

SHADY REST CAMPGROUNDS PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

Consolidated Campgrounds

The proposed redesign would decommission Old Shady Rest Campground and absorb the campsites into New Shady Rest Campground across the street. The total number of sites between both Old and New Shady Rest campgrounds would be retained. The redesign will maintain separation between family campground sites and group campground sites. The camp ground loops may also be expanded north towards the Town of Mammoth Lake’s Shady Rest Park, providing additional space for each site. The redesign will increase the camping and tourism capacity for Mammoth Lakes.

Upgraded Camper Amenities

The entire water distribution system for the campgrounds was rebuilt in 2018, creating the opportunity for additional hookups and services, including flush toilets. The end state of the redesigned campground will offer a higher development scale with a loop for RV sites with hookups and additional loops for traditional family campsites able to accommodate larger vehicles. The redesign will also help accommodate proposals to build small cabins and yurts that could be open year-round.

Improved Connections to Mammoth Lakes

Upgrades to the Shady Rest campgrounds will provide a higher-end camping experience while balancing enhancements to sites with a more traditional Forest Service campground experience. Adjacent services—including shuttle stops, bike path connections, the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center—will provide better connectivity to the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The improvements will help offer a range of transit options for visitors.

MAMMOTH LAKES

SHADY REST CAMPGROUNDS

LEE VINING Lee Vining Canyon

Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, accessible from the Lower Lee Vining campgrounds by public transit.

LEE VINING CANYON

LEE VINING CANYON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

Major Reconstruction and Expansion

The Forest Service is proposing major reconstruction and expansion of the neighboring Moraine, Cattleguard, and Lower Lee Vining Campgrounds. The 70-acre site that encompasses all three campgrounds currently hosts 76 sites. Upgrades to the area would combine all three campgrounds into one and increase the number of available sites.

Upgraded Camper Amenities

The area’s existing sites are in very poor condition, lacking basic amenities such as permanent toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, bear boxes, and a water system. Despite its status as a Forest Service campground, Cattleguard Campground is essentially an undeveloped site. All three campgrounds are poorly designed, lack site delineation, and numerous campsites are inaccessible for low-clearance vehicles.

A deliberate redesign is past-due for these under-loved campgrounds. The Forest Service has also proposed adding basic utilities to provide a higher-end experience and accommodation for campground hosts and users.

Protected Campsites and Riparian Areas

Individual sites will be removed from the creek and the riparian area will be restored. Additional restoration in the canyon and vegetation screening could be added to protect the visual integrity of the Highway 120 corridor and separate campsites from the highway.

Enhanced Connections to Yosemite National Park and Lee Vining

Major upgrades to the Lower Lee Vining area will help pull recreationists down the canyon from Yosemite National Park and promote connectivity to Lee Vining and Mono County community and local businesses. A YARTS/ESTA bus stop could serve campers and provide additional transportation options to high-use recreation sites.

LEE VINING CANYON CAMPGROUNDS

LEARN MORE OR CONTACT US

To learn more about Inyo National Forest campground renovations and innovative finance opportunities, please reach out to:

• Andre Miller, Associate Director Quantified Ventures amiller@quantifiedventures.org

• Adam Barnett, Public Services Staff Officer Inyo National Forest adam.barnett@usda.gov

• Sherry Reckler, Conservation Finance & Corporate Social Responsibility Lead U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region sherry.reckler@usda.gov

• John Wentworth, CEO/Board President Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation johnwentworth@mltpa.org

INNOVATIVE FINANCE FOR NATIONAL FORESTS