Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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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.

-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 - 8/3/10)

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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) is continuing the installation of the
new venitlation and fire alarm systems throughout the tunnel. (M. Ortiz -
8/3/10)
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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 #5 – August 1, 2010
The lightning caused fires of July continue to burn in Yosemite wilderness
and 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.

Slope fire: (37 54.572 x 119 40.924; 6900’ el., Tuolumne Co).  This fire
has grown to approximately 180 acres. It is approximately one mile n/w of
Harden Lake in an area of frequent fires: 1985, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005 and
2009. There is no recorded fire history in the immediate fire area.  The
fire is burning through the ground cover, with the occasional torching of
single trees or groupings of trees. The fire is backing slowly and flanking
the north slope with a low rate of spread although there has been short
range spotting. The north and southeast perimeters are the most active.
Smoke is 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.  The mixed conifer forest is on a north aspect, with
cedar and white fir trees, down tree limbs and compacted short needles as
the predominate vegetation. There are numerous trails in the area and all
remain open. “Fire near the Trail” warnings signs are in place, and hikers
are encouraged to heed the warning signs.
Cooperators include the San Francisco Water Quality and Public Utilities
Commission at Hetch Hetchy, and the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control
District.

Other fires:
Tuolumne:  (37 57.024 x 119 32.58; 8000’ el., Tuolumne Co).  This fire is
3.88 acres, and inactive.  It continues to be monitored.

Wildcat 2: (37 56.865 x 119 30.447; 8000’ el., Tuolumne Co.) This fire
became more active over the weekend of July 31 and August I, and has
increased to 16 acres.  It is burning through fingers of fuel along
Register Creek, and it continues to be monitored.

The National Weather Service is predicting favorable air models for smoke
dispersion for the Slope fire, with no long term stagnation in the
forecast. Early morning smoke may be present down the Grand Canyon of the
Tuolumne.

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
  Yosemite Online:     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 -
  8/2/10)
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Tuolumne River Plan Public Meetings in Tuolumne Meadows. Join project
manager and planner, Kristina Rylands, for an update on the Tuolumne River
Plan's progress. After nearly 6 years of research and study, as well as
involvement from the tribes, public, gateway communities, and other federal
agencies, the Tuolumne River Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
will be released for public comment in late 2010 or early 2011. Come and
learn  what makes the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River stand apart from other
rivers in the nation, and the actions the National Park Service is
considering to help protect and enhance river values into the future.

All presentations take place at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
from 1:00-3:00pm on August 20, September 10, 11, 17, and 18. There will be
a slide presentation followed by a short stroll by the river. Bring water,
sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. Allow 30 minutes to walk to the Lodge
from parking areas or shuttle stops. All participants will receive a free
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River postcard, and kids of all ages can spread
the word for how to protect the river as part of the "Tuolumne River Giver"
coloring contest. (Everybody--and the river--wins!) To learn more about the
Tuolumne River Plan, visit online at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. (K.
Rylands - 8/2/10)
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Yosemite Institute Winter Group Program openings
Residential Youth Education Programs in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Institute, a campus of NatureBridge, is announcing a unique
opportunity for school groups seeking a winter program that combines
academic study with physical challenges, team building, and leadership
development in the outdoors.

Program dates are available for groups of 12 to 160 participants in
December 2010 and January 2011. Interested teachers and youth group leaders
are encouraged to contact Rachel Dunn at 209.379.9511 ext.11 or
rdunn@naturebridge.org. To learn more, visit our website
www.yosemiteinstitute.org/yoswinter.

About Yosemite Institute
Yosemite Institute, a campus of NatureBridge, is committed to educating the
next generation of environmental stewards. For almost four decades our
field science education programs in Yosemite National Park have been
connecting kids from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to nature
and inspiring them to service. We use core science education to inspire
future generations to lifelong environmental stewardship. Our inquiry-based
programs ensure that our students return to their home communities with a
broadened view of the world and the tools to make positive impacts in their
neighborhoods.  www.yosemiteinstitute.org. (K. Cobb - 8/2/10)

Acting Designations
Charles Cuvelier, Chief Ranger will be acting Superintendent from July
31-August 5, and Niki Nicholas, Chief of Resource Management, will be
acting Superintendent from August 6-August 15. (D. Neubacher - 8/2/10)
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Judi Weaser is acting Division Chief for Resources Management and Science
August 2 through August 5, 2010.  She can be reached at 209-379-3296 or
209-379-1060. (M. Thornley - 8/3/10)
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Alan Hawksley will be the acting Building and Grounds Facility Management
Supervisor for August 4 and 5. He can be reached at 379-1278. Kevin Keheley
will be the acting Building and Grounds Facility Management Supervisor on
August 6. He can be reached at 379-1169. If you cannot get a hold of either
Alan, or Kevin, you may call Tara Hawksley at 379-1054 and leave a message.
(A. Sharp - 8/3/10)
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Sonny Montague is acting Branch Chief for Anthropology & Archeology from
8/2 through 8/5. (L. Kirn - 8/2/10)
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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. 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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Randy Fong will be Acting Division Chief for Project Management for
Tuesday, August 3, 2010.  Randy can be reached at 379-1022 or you may leave
a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.  Elexis Mayer will continue as
Acting Division Chief for Project Management on Wednesday, August 4, 2010,
through Friday, August 6, 2010.  Elexis can be reached at 379-1377 or you
may leave a message with Sarah Henderson. (S. Henderson - 8/3/10)
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Historical Architect Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief
for History, Architecture & Landscapes from Tuesday, Aug. 3 thru Monday,
Aug. 9, 2010.
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Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
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
YOSEMITE JOBS:
PERMANENT GOVERNMENT-WIDE ALL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
  Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-08, (HRF 10-263)
  Vacancy Ann #:HRF 10-263 (SR366114)
  Who May Apply: Status Candidates
  Pay Plan:WG-5703/08
  Appointment Type: Permanent
  Job Status: Full-Time
  Opening Date:07/30/2010
  Closing Date: 08/13/10

  Electrician (High Voltage)
  Vacancy Ann #:YP362486 RZ10
  Who May Apply: Status Candidates
  Pay Plan:WG-2810/10
  Appointment Type: Permanent
  Job Status: Full-Time
  Opening Date:07/21/2010
  Closing Date:  08/04/10

PERMANENT -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
  Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-08, (HRF 10-264)
  Vacancy Ann #:HRF 10-264 (SR366220)
  Who May Apply: Public
  Pay Plan: WG-5703/08
  Appointment Type: Permanent
  Job Status: Full-Time
  Opening Date: 07/30/2010
  Closing Date: 08/13/10

  Electrician (High Voltage)
  Vacancy Ann #:YP348126 RZ10
  Who May Apply:Public
  Pay Plan:WG-2810/10
  Appointment Type:Permanent
  Job Status:Full-Time
  Opening Date:07/14/2010
  Closing Date:08/04/10 ***Closing Date Extended***

TERM -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
  Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-08, (HRF 10-292)
  Vacancy Ann #:HRF 10-292 (SR369983)
  Who May Apply: Public
  Pay Plan:GS-0404/08
  Appointment Type: Term
  Job Status: Full-Time
  Opening Date:07/30/2010
  Closing Date: 08/16/10

  Biological Science Technician (HRF 10-293)
  Vacancy Ann #:HRF 10-293 (SR364912)
  Who May Apply:Public
  Pay Plan:GS-0404/06-07
  Appointment Type:Term
  Job Status:Full-Time
  Opening Date:07/13/2010
  Closing Date: 08/02/10 ***Closing Date Extended***
(I. Keheley - 8/3/10)

Community News
ONE DATE CANCELLED BUT ONE STILL ON! Yosemite National Park Child Care will
still be hosting a BBQ/ Open Mike Night/ Raffle at the El Portal Community
Hall on August 19th ONLY (starting at about 5 pm).  You should come!
You'll enjoy the food!  You'll enjoy the music!  You'll enjoy winning any
number of awesome prizes (including a Mountain Hardwear backpack or
sleeping bag, a Penny Otwell original painting, a $50 gift certificate to
Savoury's in Mariposa, and much more!).  Call or email Sarah with
questions:  379. 2860 or elportalchildcare@gmail.com (S. Steele - 8/3/10)
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Come for a Knit and Chat!
What: A chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones and learn
from other people in the craft.
When: Thursday, August 5 - 7:30pm
Where: 9766 Riverview Road (Rancheria)
To Bring: A blanket or a chair and the crafts of your choice.
Look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Call Keri Miller at 372-0359.
(K. Miller - 8/3/10)
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ART HOP IN MARIPOSA - FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH: AUGUST 6
Visit over 25 Art Hop venues throughout downtown Mariposa. Look for the
gold balloons!
  Meet local artists
  View their creations
  Mingle with friends
  Enjoy music and refreshments
For more information visit: www.MariposaArtHop.com (L. Leao - 8/3/10)
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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 - 8/2/10)