Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Thursday, July 29, 2010

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Tioga Road Work: The Mather road crew will be performing road maintenance
on theTioga Road starting at the Tenaya Lake area and working east. Expect
short traffic delays. Thanks for your cooperation. (B. Brantley - 7/23/10)

Construction Update

UPDATE - Hwy. 120 (East of Tioga Pass)
Guardrail  work will resume today, Monday 7/26/10 starting at Warren Creek
& continue east.  This work is expected to be completed by Fri 7/30/10 and
may cause minimal delays. (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
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Soda Springs Bridge Intermittent Closure: The Soda Springs Bridge (near the
Parson's lodge) will be closed periodically from July 12 - August 5 for
repairs. Sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause. (C. Hime -
7/12/10)
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El Portal Complex Photovoltaic System (July 22, 2010 - December 2010)
Paragon Industrial Applications (PIA) [contractor] started moving material
and equipment into the El Portal Complex area on July 22, 2010. To minimize
potential traffic and parking problems, PIA has agreed to work Thursday -
Sunday.
     This week beginning Thursday, July 29 the contractors will be moving
     people on site to begin trenching and structure work. PIA will be
     moving into their staging area (by the Wastewater Treatment Plant)
     with material, equipment and tools. On Friday July 30 the contractor
     will be excavating and cutting pavement in the area of the Planning
     Trailer in the North part of the Complex.  The construction area will
     be flagged and coned.  Employees should plan on parking at least 50
     yards from the Planning Trailer.
     Next month: Trenching for the new PV systems and work on the carports
     will begin in August. Work to begin setting the Photovoltaic panels
     will most likely not start for another month.

IMPORTANT - Get Creative to Avoid Extra Cars at the EP Complex: This week,
the area near the Planning Trailer will be impacted beginning Friday, July
30. El Portal Complex employees are strongly encouraged to carpool, use the
bus, ride your bike or walk to work during construction days as there will
be a noticeable decrease in parking during construction. Specific locations
of work will be posted throughout the project. NOTE: Please remember to
park Government vehicles in appropriate locations and avoid taking over the
limited parking available for personal vehicles (perimeter of complex).

INTERESTING PROJECT FACT: Renewable Solar Energy generated by this project
will not generate carbon dioxide that is a typical by-product of other
sources of electrical power (consider that 1,000,000 lbs. of CO2 per year
will not be added to the atmosphere).  (M. Ortiz - 7/29/10)
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Wawona Road Rehabilitation (June 1 - November 2010):
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are
numerous unpaved surfaces.

Paving work has begun on the Wawona Road. Contractors started north of
Wawona Campground, and they will be alternating lanes every night going
north. Just south of Chinquapin, the waterline is being placed so there is
no pavement there.
  *Today's work: Today, there will be placement of curb in the section
  between the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin) to the Wawona
  Tunnel.
  *Tonight's work: Tonight, there will be pulverization in the area
  between the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin) and the Wawona
  Tunnel. There will also be paving between the Wawona Campground to the
  Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin).  In addition, there will
  also be work on the water system improvements at the Glacier Point Road
  intersection (Chinquapin). (Please see the Wawona Tunnel work below for
  additional delays).
  *Tomorrow's work:  Tomorrow, there will be placement of curb in the area
  that begins approximately a half mile north of the South Entrance to
  Wawona.

  -For all Yosemite road construction information and updates, visit the
  park's website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm

  -For daily traffic control updates, call the park information line at
  (209) 372-0200 (then press 1, and 1 again). (M. Ortiz - 7/29/10)
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Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end of 2010)
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently working on the new sewer
lift station at the Ahwahnee Hotel as well as some of the fire hydrants and
valving on Ahwahnee Drive. Further work on the abandonment of old utilities
has been put on hold.

Allison Sierra (ASI) was recently awarded the contract for the new North
Pines sewer lift station project that is to start shortly after the
campground closes for the season. (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
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Wawona Tunnel (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction (contractor) will be controlling traffic in the
Wawona Tunnel tonight and the rest of the week for installation of a new
fire alarm system in the Wawona Tunnel.  The traffic control will be
between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.  Candelaria will be using a pilot car for
traffic movement through the tunnel.(M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
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Tecoya Housing (to be completed by October 1, 2010)
Allison Sierra (ASI) [contractor] will be working in the Lower Tecoya area
to replace old and failing water, sewer, and power lines and remove them
from sensitive ecological areas. This contractor (ASI) was also awarded the
contract for the new North Pines sewer lift station project that is to
start shortly.  (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)

Park and Partner News
Yosemite Fires – Update #3 – July 29, 2010
The park experienced thunder storms the weekend of July 24 – 25, which
resulted in two new fires within wilderness boundaries.  The fires are
being managed for multiple objectives.  This means fire managers and
firefighters may use less aggressive or minimal actions where the fire is
accomplishing benefits on the land.  For example, the fire may burn the
understory of trees, ridding the area of accumulations of dead and down
vegetation and accumulations of needle and leaf litter.

All fires listed are being monitored and data is being collected (fuel
moistures and weather) to determine what actions will be taken.  In
wilderness areas Minimum Impact Management Tactics (MIMT) are utilized by
using natural barriers of rock and lakes, or utilizing trails and past
fires thereby lessening the use of aggressive hand tools, i.e. chain saws.
Utilizing the minimal tool and natural features further reduces the work
needed to rehabilitate the fire area.  Firefighters do this without
diverting their attention from the safety of themselves or the public.
These adjustments firefighters make to effect minimum resource impacts are
essential if the spirit of wilderness and National Parks is to be
maintained.

New Fires
Slope fire: (37 54.572 x 119 40.924; 6900’ el., Tuolumne Co) The Slope fire
was found late afternoon Sunday the 25, of July, and is approximately one
mile n/w of Harden Lake in an area of frequent fires: 1985, 1996, 1999,
2002, 2005 and 2009. The lightning caused fire has burned 25 acres in the
last three days, and fire activity is  active. Fuels are receptive and the
fire perimeter is experiencing active flame production, and smoldering fire
behavior.  This fire has potential to grow larger. Periodic smoke may be
visible along Tioga Rd, O’Shaughnessy Dam of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir,
and across the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River toward Rancheria trail
area.  It is on a north aspect with cedar and fir trees, down tree limbs
and compacted short needles as the predominate vegetation.  There are
numerous trails in the area and hikers are advised to use caution and stay
on trails through the fire area; particularly affected will be the trail to
Smith Peak from Harden Lake.  “Fire near the Trail” warnings signs are in
place.

Olmsted fire: (37 48.319 x 119.28.836; 8400’ el., Mariposa Co.)  A single
tree was hit by lightning and is out.

Other fires:
Tuolumne:  (37 57.024 x 119 32.58; 8000’ el., Tuolumne Co).  This fire has
grown to 3.88 acres, but is showing very minimal fire growth. Due to
diminished fire behavior, fire crews were pulled from a spike camp, but
will continue to monitor the fire from the air and remote locations from
the south side of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River.

Wildcat 2: (37 56.865 x 119 30.447; 8000’ el., Tuolumne Co.)  This fire has
grown to 4.5 acres, and is also showing minimal fire activity within the
perimeter.  Fire crews will monitor this fire from the same location as the
Tuolumne fire.

The National Weather Service is predicting an increasing warming trend over
the next few days.  The park has experienced late afternoon to evening,
high altitude visible smoke from the West and Bull fires to the south, and
the Mono fire from the east.

Another update will be out in the next few days as new data is collected,
including photos.  Additional maps and photographs are available to view on
the Yosemite Webpage:  www.nps.gov/yose/fire.

“The National Park Service manages wildland fire to protect the public,
communities and infrastructure, conserve natural and cultural resources and
restore and maintain ecological health.”

For Additional Information: Fire Information and Education Office:  (209)
372-0480 or online:
  Yosemite website:    www.nps.gov/yose/fire
  NASA satellite images of smoke:
     http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/index.php?subset=AERONET_Fresno.2010208.aqu
  USGS regional webcam images of smoke movement:
     http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swifers/pages/WebCam.htm  (G. Wuchner -
     7/29/10)
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YOSEMITE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES #38: Tuolumne Alpine Studies With Michael Ross
July 30 – August 1, 2010
Michael has honed his Tuolumne region expertise during his 33 seasons as a
Yosemite Conservancy naturalist, and is delighted to share the best parts
of Yosemite’s highest country.  You’ll feel the challenges of life at
altitude yourself, as you explore the geology, history, and alpine flora
and fauna of the Sierra crest.  Day hikes will allow plenty of discovery
time for the intensity of life at the top of the range.

Please contact Holly @ 209-379-2317 X17 or Pete 209-379-2317 X12 for more
information.  NPS goes for free. (H. Kuehn - 7/29/10)
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Park Wide toner and ink jet cartridge recycling is finally here. In
accordance with the efforts to make Yosemite National Park a greener work
environment the Supply and Property Management Branch (SPMB) has
implemented a used toner and ink jet cartridge recycling program.  To
recycle your used toner or ink jet cartridges place the used cartridge in a
sealable box and deposit it in the appropriate container located at one of
our designated recycling centers.  We currently have three recycling
centers conveniently located in the Yosemite Valley mail room, El Portal
mail room and the SPMB warehouse. Please do not leave used waste toner or
leaking containers in the receptacle. (D. St. Vincent - 7/29/10)
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The Human Resources office will be closed to all visitors and staff on
Monday, August 2 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.  Please plan your visits or
contact with the HR staff according. (P. Lendvay-Humphrey - 7/28/10)
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Did You See Smoke? Smoke from 2 large fires to our south was observed over
the park late Tuesday afternoon, the bulk of which was likely from the Bull
Fire near Kernville, which is about 140 miles away.  That fire burned at
least 11,000 acres since 4 pm Monday, and southerly winds have taken that
smoke north over Yosemite.  Little, if any of that smoke, was from Yosemite
fires.  Satellite images of the smoke plume from yesterday afternoon can be
seen at:
http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/index.php?subset=AERONET_Fresno.2010208.aqua.1km
Webcam images of the smoke as it made its way north are at:
http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swfrs/pages/WebCam.htm (L. Tarnay - 7/28/10)
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Uniform Ordering Deadline - August 31, 2010
Please reference the items noted below regarding both FY 2010 year end and
FY 2011 new year NPS uniform procedures.

  The last date to process the Uniform Account (UA) for Employee form for
  FY 2010 through the Fiscal Office is close of business August 12, 2010.
  Review your uniform account by August 12 as this is the last day of FY
  2010 that I am able to access the UA system for any necessary
  modifications.
  The  last  day  to  order  uniform items is August 31, 2010 6:00 PM EST.
  Order  now to alleviate potential problems.  Unspent UA balances are not
  carried  over  to the new fiscal year for all uniformed employees.  Note
  that  back-orders  for seasonal and temporary employees are cancelled at
  the end of each fiscal year.  Therefore, seasonal or temporary employees
  are  encouraged  to  attempt  an  exchange for an item that is available
  rather  than  have the money returned to WASO in a cancelled back-order.
  Permanent employees' back-orders are not cancelled.
  NPS uniform ordering website:   www.uniformsolutions.com/lma
  To  obtain lost of missing password:  Employees with access to NPS email
  may  email  VFSolutions  at  nps@vfc.com  to  obtain  this  information.
  Employees  without  access  to  an  NPS  computer  are  to contact their
  supervisors.
  Call VFSolutions customer service @ 800-448-7968 to address any ordering
  concerns,  including status of        back-order(s) for the seasonal and
  temporary  employee.  Employees without access to an NPS computer are to
  contact their supervisors.
  FY  2011:   October  1,  2010  NPS  uniform ordering for FY 2011 begins.
  Uniform   log-in   account   numbers  and  passwords  will  not  change.
  Supervisors  are  required to submit the UA form for the first period of
  FY  2011  in  order  to  reactivate each uniformed seasonal or temporary
  employee  yet  on  the rolls.  Also submit the UA form for any uniformed
  employee that may have entered on board after August 12, 2010.
  Permanent and term employees' uniform allowances are automatically
  advanced and will be reflected in the uniform account on October 1,
  2010.

As always, contact me if you have any questions. (M. De Boer - 7/28/10)
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Yosemite Institute Field Research Course - Related Seminar
From August 1 - August 13, 20 high school students will be participating in
the Yosemite Institute Field Research Course (www.yosemitefieldresearch.org
). The students will be heading into the wilderness to ask, and answer
their questions about the ecology of Yosemite National Park. This is
adventurous inquiry based learning! They will design studies, collect data,
analyze their results and present their findings at a seminar, which you
are invited to.

The seminar will be on Friday, August 13th, from 10:00 - 12:00 in the
dining room at the Yosemite Institute Crane Flat campus. You will find out
all about the students projects, have an opportunity to ask them questions
and, learn something new about the park's ecosystems.

If you want to come, RSVP to aburns@naturebridge.org, 209 379 9511
extension 33. Space in the dining room is limited so please get in touch
soon if you plan to attend. (A. Burns - 7/28/10)
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37th Annual Youth Conservation Corps Parents Day Celebrated in Yosemite
National Park
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, the Yosemite Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
held their 37th annual Parents Day at Badger Pass in Yosemite National
Park.  Parents Day marks the half-way point for teenagers participating in
the YCC program at Yosemite, and provides an opportunity for parents to see
their children spend the day working in the park.  The day is concluded
with a barbecue prepared by the YCC kitchen crew and served at a gathering
at Badger Pass.

The YCC consists of young people, 15 years of age to 18 years of age, who
voluntarily spend the summer living and working on various conservation and
restoration projects throughout the park.  This year, the YCC has helped
with campground improvements, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal,
and the El Portal water tower clean-up.  Additionally, they have also
helped in assisting with the Indian Cultural Center project located at
Wahhoga Village in Yosemite Valley.  Specifically, the group has helped
debark oak and cedar debris that can be used in building materials and
installed fencing to limit access to construction sites throughout the
Valley.

For more information about Yosemite Youth Conservation Corps please visit:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/ycc.htm (K. Cobb - 7/28/10)

Acting Designations
Historical Landscape Architect Amy Hoke (379-1425) will be acting Branch
Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes on Friday, July 30, 2010. (D.
Humphrey - 7/29/10)
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Bill Kuhn will be the Acting Branch Chief of Physical Science and Landscape
Ecology on Thursday, July 29.  Bill can be reached at 379-1157. Greg Stock
will be the Acting Branch Chief of Physical Science and Landscape Ecology
on Friday, July 30.  Greg can be reached at 379-1420. (J. Meyer - 7/29/10)
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The following staff will be Acting A.O. while Katariina is out of the park
from July 29 -  August 17, 2010.  Dayna Jackson, July 29-30, (379-1872),
Dale St. Vincent, August 1 - 6  (379-1106),   Lorene Schafer, August 9 -
13, (379-1873),  Dayna Jackson, August 16-17 (379-1872).  (P. Lendvay
Humphrey - 7/29/10)
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Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
July 29th and 30th.  Mike may be reached by telephone at 379-1441 or if
unavailable you may leave a message with Mae Frantz at 379-1218.  (D.
Harrison - 7/28/10)
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Jim Bacon will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
August 2nd.  Jim may be reached by telephone at 379-1375 or if unavailable
you may leave a message with Mae Frantz at 379-1218.  (D. Harrison -
7/28/10)
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Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief August 3rd, 4th and 5th.
Mike may be reached by telephone at 379-1441 or if unavailable you may
leave a message with Mae Frantz at 379-1218. (D.Harrison - 7/28/10)
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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 379-1282 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
Come help us wish Pam Meierding well as she moves on to her next adventure!
She is leaving the NPS to become the Executive Director of the nonprofit
Balanced Rock.  Pam has worked for Yosemite since 2006 for the
Interpretation and Protection Divisions.  We're truly sad to see her go but
at least she will still be part of the community.  Please join us at 4 pm
on Tuesday, August 3rd at the Girls Club to celebrate!  If you can, feel
free to bring something to share.  Questions?  Contact Jeni Treutelaar at
372-0238 or Jennifer_Treutelaar@nps.gov (J. Treutelaar - 7/29/10)
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CPR and 1st Aid Classes: The Yosemite Training Center is offering more
classes for 1st Aid and CPR in August. We'll have 2 1st Aid classes, the
20th and 27th, and a HCP CPR refresher on the 30th. All classes are here at
the clinic starting at 0900. To sign up call 372-4637. (B. Shoor - 7/28/10)

Community News
YARD SALE
  When: Saturday, July 31
  Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
  Where: K 15 Stables - DNC residential area (shuttle stop #18)
  Items include: Climbing gear, Cannondale Women's mountain bike, Dell
  computer, gas grill with propane tank, guitar w/case, food processor,
  coffee maker, stereo system, humidifier, dust buster, CDs & DVDs, books,
  maps, pots & pans, kittchen utensils, lamp, water bottles, inflatable
  raft, Women and Men's clothing (Patagonia, Mammut, Prana, North Face,
  Marmot, Mountain Hardwear and more). Also available: 11 foot
  zodiac-style Mercury boat ($400) (M. Hansen - 7/29/10)
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TONIGHT: Sal's Tacos Thursday from 5-10 PM at the El Portal Community Hall.
Yosemite Employee Association (YEA) will, as always, provide beer and wine
for purchase. All proceeds benefit the community in the form of donations
to the local schools, sports teams, assistance to community events such as
the El Portal Music Festival and Spring Fling, Balanced Rock, and more! If
you would like to become a member, please ask at the bar for an
application. (M. Dale - 7/28/10)
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Open Mike Night/BBQ: Do you like:  (1) performing in front of an adoring
crowd, (2) winning prizes at the best raffle in town, (3) eating yummy,
freshly-cooked BBQ food, and/ or (4) drinking cold beverages? If you
answered YES to any of the previous questions, you should come to Yosemite
National Park Child Care's Open Mike Night/ BBQs on August 5th and August
19th at the El Portal Community Hall.  (Just remember:  the non-Sal's
Thursdays!)  Bring your guitar, your voice, or your xylophone and play your
heart out!  Bring some cash for raffle tickets and you could win a Mountain
Hardwear backpack or sleeping bag, a Penny Otwell orginal painting, a Fox
racing goodie bag, a wine gift basket, a dinner for two at the Mountain
Room, a $50 gift certificate to Savoury's, and so much more!  Call or email
Sarah for more info:  elportalchildcare@gmail.com or 379-2860 (S. Steele -
7/28/10)
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Mosquito Festival!
The Yosemite Lions Club presents their 58th Annual Mosquito Festival & BBQ
at Yosemite Elementary School on Thursday, August 5th.
     Dinner starts at 6pm followed by our Raffle at 7pm.
     BBQ Dinner is $10 for Adults, $5.00 for kids & $7.00 for Vegetarians
     & Seniors.
     Raffle Prizes include Maxim Climbing Rope, La Sportiva Gift
     Certificate, Trekking Poles, Dinner for 2 at the Mountain Room,
     Brunch for 2 at the Ahwahnee and a collection of Unique Gifts &
     Unusual Goodies.
We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the leaving of the
mosquitoes from the valley! (K. Youngdale - 7/28/10)
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FOR RENT:  3 Bedroom / 2 bath home.  Stove and refrig.  Two story /outside
storage building.  Located on Highway 140 in Midpines.  $825 /month +
utilities.  209 377-8450; (cell) 209 564-6546. (Y. Radanovich - 7/28/10)