Sequoia National Park completed an $11 million rehabilitation of the water distribution system in the Lodgepole Campground area, benefiting both visitors and park employees. The project addressed aging infrastructure, improving water delivery and storage capabilities to meet safety and operational standards.
Funding for the project included $1.6 million from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, with additional contributions from the National Park Service (NPS) Line-Item Construction Fund.
Lodgepole Campground, located at an elevation of 6,700 feet along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, is among the most frequented areas in the park, known for its proximity to hiking trails and the Giant Forest Grove, home to the General Sherman Tree.
The area includes 214 campsites, eight restrooms, a visitor center, a concessions market, and residential facilities for employees. The upgrades aim to reduce deferred maintenance and eliminate shutdowns caused by leaks and system failures.
According to a press release, Superintendent Clay Jordan emphasized the long-term advantages of the improvements. “We expect this upgraded system to provide substantive benefits to employees and visitors,” he said. Specific enhancements include the installation of fire hydrants, replacement of the water main, and road repaving for safer driving and improved snow removal. The Lodgepole Campground upgrades are expected to enhance the visitor experience while improving operational efficiency in this remote area of the park.
The Great American Outdoors Act, a significant source of funding for the project, was established to address maintenance backlogs in national parks. The act allocates up to $1.3 billion annually for five years to enhance infrastructure, ensuring parks remain accessible and preserved for future generations.
