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NEPA Number: DOI-BLM-CA-C080-2026-0009-EA
Project Name: Swift Water Rescue Class on Merced Wild and Scenic River

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Project Information

NEPA Number

DOI-BLM-CA-C080-2026-0009-EA
Project Name

Swift Water Rescue Class on Merced Wild and Scenic River
Project Type

EA
NEPA Status

Completed - Completed
Lead Office

Mother Lode Field Office
Last Updated

2/23/2026 5:00:00 PM

Project Description

The Merced River offers a good location for Swift Water Rescue (SWR) classes and various outfitters or training providers often inquire about teaching such a class. The proposed action is completely river-related; all activities would be conducted on the water or on the immediate shoreline of the Merced River. Swift Water Rescue groups would be accessing the river via established put-in and take-out facilities. The proposed action is to provide the environmental analysis required for Commercial Special Recreation Use Permits. A Commercial Special Recreation Use Permit for Swift Water Rescue Training would require the following:

•	General Liability Insurance, $1,000,000 per occurrence or current minimum spec.
•	Detailed Plan of Operations that explain the course objectives, logistics, scope of training drills and scenarios, daily itinerary, and Emergency Response Plan.
•	Map of intended use area
•	Special Recreation Use Permit Application and Fee paid in full. 
•	Maximum 25 students, plus 6 instructors/staff
•	Minimum 1 Wilderness First Responder instructor/staff
•	Any watercraft launches will only be allowed at the following established river access points:  Briceburg Day-Use-Area, Cable Rock, McCabe Flat, Willow Placer, Railroad Flat Take-out, Railroad Flat Campground.

Responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act for the proposed activity are complete.

What's New

None

Project Location

City	State/Territory	Zip Code	County(ies)
Midpines	California	95345	Mariposa County

Application Information

Applicant

Sierra Rescue
Program

Recreation and Visitor Services
Sub-Program

Special Recreation Permits (Guiding, Race Events, etc.)

Project Dates

Start Date

1/9/2026
End Date

2/23/2026
FONSI Date

2/23/2026

Project Office Information

Lead Office

Mother Lode Field Office
Offices

Mother Lode FO

Contacts

Contact 1 Name
Contact 1 Email
Contact 1 Phone