University of California-Merced

detailed evaluation of fifteen alternative sites within eastern Merced County to determine if any offered fewer environmental conflicts while still meeting institutional and community development goals.
These studies led to the creation of the Comprehensive Alternatives Analysis (CAA), which ultimately recommended relocating the main campus site. The new site, situated on the grounds of the former Merced Hills Golf Course, was located approximately three miles south of the original location, but still within Virginia Smith Trust property. In addition, the planned University Community was shifted southward off of highly sensitive environmental lands and closer to established urban areas and infrastructure, bringing the project into greater alignment with the City of Merced’s existing development patterns. By early 2001, both the university and Merced County had each prepared their own Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for the revised campus and community plans. At the same time, UC pursued federal environmental …