Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Weather
Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southwest between 8
and 11 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West southwest wind at 9 mph
becoming east northeast.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming west
southwest between 8 and 11 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Light and variable
wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 7 to 10 mph becoming west
southwest.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest between 6
and 9 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. West wind between 4 and 7 mph
becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 5 and 8 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Light and variable
wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 7 to 9 mph becoming
southwest.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south southwest
between 7 and 10 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. West wind between 5 and 8 mph
becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 6 and 9 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Light and variable
wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84. East wind 6 to 9 mph becoming
southwest.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.
Happening Today (see Community News below for other events happening today)
Hazard Tree Removal - LYV: Monday 6/21 through Thursday, 6/24: NPS Forestry
crews will be conducting hazard tree removal in Little Yosemite Valley
Campground and ranger supply camp areas. Campers may be asked to relocate
within the campground. Disturbance from running chain saws should be
expected Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30am to 5:00pm (L. Castro - 6/18/10)
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Big Oak Flat Road Forestry Work: Contractors will continue tree hazard
cleanup along the Big Oak Flat Road near Big Meadow Overlook. Intermittent
one-lane traffic control is anticipated with brief delays. (B. Mattos -
6/22/10)
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This week is Lightning Safety Week:
Lightning: What You Need to Know:
NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.
Safe shelter is a substantial building or inside an enclosed,
metal-topped vehicle.
Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap
of thunder.
Indoor Lightning Safety Tips
Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that
put you in direct contact with electricity.
Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete
walls.
Outdoor Lightning Safety Tips
If there is no safe shelter anywhere nearby:
Seek lower elevation areas.
Never use a tree for shelter.
Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes and other bodies of
water.
Stay away from all metallic objects (fences, power lines, poles,
etc.).
Do not raise umbrellas or golf clubs above you
For more information, go to http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ .
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Construction Update:
**For all road construction information and updates, visit the park's
website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm (M. Ortiz -
6/22/10)
Wawona Road Rehabilitation (June 1 - November 2010):
*Today's locations of work: Today, contractors will be installing
concrete curb in the 5 mile section that starts about one mile north of
the Wawona Campground.
*Tonight's locations of work: Tonight, contractors will be installing
culverts, installing underdrain crossings, and grinding pavement for a
water line in the 6 mile sections south of and north of the Glacier
Point Road intersection (Chinquapin).
*Wednesday's locations of work (June 24): Tomorrow, contractors will be
installing curb in the 5 mile section that starts about one mile north
of the Wawona Campground.
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are
numerous unpaved surfaces.
For daily traffic control updates, call the park information line at (209)
372-0200 (then press 1, and 1 again). (M. Ortiz - 6/22/10)
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Tioga Road Pavement Borings(June 7 - July 1, 2010) [Weather and conditions
permitting]
Beginning Monday, June 7 crews began pavement borings on the Tioga Road
between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Campground with up to 15-minute traffic
delays, Monday through Friday with no weekend delays. This work is being
conducted in preparation for a future rehabilitation project.
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Barite Mine Work in El Portal (May 25 - July 4, 2010 )
Contractors are working on mitigating hazards at the Barite Mine in El
Portal. The prime contractor is Sygnos, and Arizona Mine Reclamation is a
sub-contractor. Rancheria Flat residents may see contractor vehicles parked
at the top of the housing area, near the water tank; contractors have been
asked to drive carefully in the housing areas. This Recovery Act-funded
project is expected to be complete by July 4. If you have any questions or
concerns, please contact Joe Meyer at 379-1185.
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Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (ongoing)
Mozingo (contractor) has a very small crew working in the park this week
doing clean up and punch list work related to the Ahwahnee lift station.
Because of high water levels other work related to the utility project is
on hold. (M. Ortiz - 6/22/10)
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Wawona Tunnel (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction is continuing work on the fire alarm systems and
fans in the Wawona Tunnel. (M. Ortiz - 6/22/10)
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Tecoya Housing (ongoing)
Allison Sierra will be doing some cleanup work in the Lower Tecoya area but
wont be doing any excavating for a couple weeks due to high water levels.
(M. Ortiz - 6/22/10)
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Park and Partner News
Yosemite National Park Announces Beginning of 2010 Fire Season (June 18,
2010)
Park Implements Changes Since Big Meadow Fire of 2009
Yosemite fire managers have announced the 2010 Fire Season has begun. Fire
season officially begins when seasonal firefighting equipment and personnel
are in place, prepared and ready to respond. Firefighters have spent the
last week conducting their annual readiness reviews that demonstrate skills
and proficiency for fighting fire. In addition, daily weather patterns,
temperatures, and moisture levels are closely monitored, which aids in
determining if vegetation is within prescription for burning.
Yosemite National Park will begin implementing the prescribed burn program
for the 2010 season. This will be the first fire season since the escaped
Big Meadow Fire of August 2009. The prescribed burn escaped and eventually
burned approximately 7,500 acres. No structures or personnel were lost in
the escaped fire, however, several roads and campgrounds were closed due to
safety concerns.
After full containment of the Big Meadow fire in September, fire officials
from the Pacific West Regional Office for the National Park Service
performed a comprehensive fire review. The purposes of the review were to
examine the causes of the escaped prescribed burn and help the park
minimize potential escaped fires in the future. The Big Meadow Prescribed
Fire Review identified lessons learned, as well as methods for supporting
the lessons. Lessons learned and future action items include:
Yosemite will improve fire plans to address specific site conditions.
The park will consult with Regional Fire Management Staff prior to
the implementation of all prescribed burns.
The park will better record seasonal changes in fuel moisture, fire
danger, fire behavior, and weather.
Yosemite will develop a five year strategic fire program that meets
workforce capabilities.
The park will assure adequate formal training for all fire employees
and management staff.
The park will ensure sufficient communication between all park staff.
There are currently several proposed prescribed burns located in the
western portion of the park near Crane Flat. The purpose of these
prescribed burns is to reduce hazardous fuels near the park boundary,
protect the Rockefeller Grove of sugar pine trees, and protect the Crane
Flat area. The area was last treated by logging and mechanical thinning in
the 1920’s. Site preparation is underway, however the specific dates for
the prescribed burn have not been established.
Yosemite National Park officials are committed to ensuring sufficient fire
crews will be onsite during all prescribed burn activity. These resources
will monitor fire behavior and weather, as well as support burnout and
holding operations to ensure firefighter safety, public safety, and to
prevent prescribed fire escape. (K. Cobb - 6/22/10)
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Acting Designations
Marty Nielson will be the point of contact for the Lands Management Program
while Sean McCabe is on leave from June 24th until July 6th. If you need
immediate assistance please contact Marty by calling Wendy Malone on
209-372-0270. (S.McCabe - 6/22/10)
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George Harders will be the Acting Branch Chief for Utilities Thursday, June
24th and Monday June 28th. You may phone George at his El Portal office at
379-1828. If unavailable you may leave a message with Katie Bablitch at
379-1055. Rodney Raines will be the Acting Branch Chief for Utilities
Friday June 25th. You may phone Rodney at his Wawona office 375-9510. (S.
Gaynor - 6/22/10)
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Mark Husbands will be Acting Branch Chief for the Design Branch of the
Project Management Division from Tuesday, June 22, 2010 through Thursday,
June 24, 2010. Mark Husbands can be reached at 379-1364 or you may leave a
message with Tricia Radmacher at 379-1221. (T. Radmacher - 6/22/10)
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Renea Kennec will be Acting Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and
Compliance on June 23, 24, and 25. You may reach her at 370-1038. (K. Dera
- 6/21/10)
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Curator Barbara Beroza (372-0297) will be acting Branch Chief for the
Museum Program June 19 - July 7, 2010. (J. Bayless - 6/1710)
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Jay Shields will be the acting Mather District Ranger from 6/15 through
6/26. He can be reached at the Crane Flat Subdistrict Office, 379-1926. (K.
Killian - 6/15/10)
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Until further notice, Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) will be the Acting Park
Archivist while Paul Rogers is on a detail as the Acting Regional Archivist
(PWR). If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related
questions, you can also try calling at 379-1281 or 379-1104. (J. Bayless -
6/3/10)
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Until further notice, Lorene Schafer (379-1873) will be the Acting Chief
for Contracting and Procurement . If you have contracting related questions
and don't already have a point of contact, please call Helli Tucker at
379-1368. Please continue to route purchase request (PR) packages to Lorene
for Acquisition Approval in IDEAS.
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Until further notice, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch
Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.
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Until further notice, Cindy Whitten will be the acting Human Resources
Officer - 209/379-1878.
Employee News
Welcome! I am very pleased to announce that Susan Vezeau has started a term
GS-9 social scientist position with the Visitor Use and Social Sciences
Branch in Resources Management and Science. She has earned a B.S. in
Anthropology minoring in Psychology from the College of Charleston, a M.S.
in Anthropology from Texas A&M University, and is a PhD candidate in Parks,
Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson University. Susan is the
George B. Hartzog Jr. Fellow for the university and was the assistant to
former National Park Service Director and Visiting Scholar, Fran Mainella.
She has held previous positions as Educational Program
Director/Archaeologist for the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, Senior
Research Specialist/Nautical Archaeologist for NOAA's National Marine
Sanctuary Program, and was the Submerged Cultural Resource Coordinator for
the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Sue's dissertation work is currently
focusing on program evaluation research within the Great Smoky Mountains
National Parks interpretation and education programs.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Susan as an exciting addition
to the Yosemite staff. (N. Nicholas - 6/22/10)
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Community News
Carpool opportunity! Anyone interested in carpooling ANYWHERE from
Chukchansi Casino (Hwy 41 and 417) to Bootjack (Hwy 49 and Darrah) to
Midpines at Triangle Rd or Midpines Market areas to El Portal and back
Monday through Friday and work between 7 am and 1600, please contact Brenna
at either brenna.egle@yahoo.com or 559-676-7739 via message or text! Will
stop 2-3 times a week near Bootjack store regardless. I'll do the driving
if you help with the gas :) (B. Eagle - 6/22/10)
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This weekend in Don Pedro: On June 26, 2010 - It's all happening at the Don
Pedro Lumber Cafe in Don Pedro on Merced Falls Road a few miles west of
Coulterville off Hwy. 132 - The John Muir Hwy. This Saturday presenting -
"Kil'n Time" - a 5 piece country band out of Mariposa. They will play for
your enjoyment from 6 - 10 P.M. As always, no cover and really great food -
world famous burgers - each patty 1/2 lb. and you can get up to 4 patties
on your bun !!! Try them if you dare !!! Also steaks and Mexican food,
beer and wine. Reserve for the best table - 209 852 0146. (6/23/10)
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Music at the Mobil: The Adam Burns Band will be playing at the Mobil
Station in Lee Vining this Thursday, June 24th, from 6pm to 9pm. (K. Ramsey
- 6/22/10)
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Mariposa Symphony Orchestra "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert,
Saturday, June 26 at 7:00 pm in the Amphitheatre at Mariposa County Park -
a spectacularly fun concert of very familiar classical 'pops'; a great way
to spend a cool summer's eve. Bring your picnic dinner - and enjoy this
great early celebration of our nation's Independence. This rousing
outdoor concert will be held at the Amphitheatre at Mariposa County Park:
4998 County Park Road, off Stroming Rd. (6th Street off Hwy 140) Tickets
are (Adults:) $6 and Students: $4. Advance ticket purchase is strongly
urged. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets for the lawn or
cushions for the seating area. For concert tickets and information:
call the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc. (209) 966-3155 (Monday -
Friday, 9/AM-5/PM) at 5009 5th Street, and at the Mariposa County Visitors
Center Hwy 49 & Hwy 140 intersection - (209) 966-7081. (D. Brownell -
6/22/10)
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FOR RENT: Studio apartment in town (Mariposa). Freshly painted; quiet
neighborhood; private. No pets; nonsmoking; one individual. $500/month.
Call 966-6726; ask for Mark or Frank. (Y. Radanovich - 6/22/10)
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FOR RENT: Beautifully remodeled 2 bedroom 2 bath manufactured home on 25
acres with views of the Clark Range, located off Colorado Road near
Chappel Vineyard. $900/month plus utilities. Please contact Tom Ronay
(209) 769-5065 (C. Ronay - 6/23/10)
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