Yosemite Photos, Video and News

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, August 5, 2010

Weather

Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 93. West southwest wind between 9 and 11 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 50. West southwest wind between 7 and 10 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Southeast wind 5 to 11 mph becoming west southwest.

El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind around 9 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 53. Southwest wind between 6 and 9 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest between 8 and 11 mph.

Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. West southwest wind between 8 and 10 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 42. West southwest wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 7 and 10 mph.

Tuolumne Area
Today: Sunny, with a high near 71. West southwest wind between 10 and 13 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 36. Southwest wind between 5 and 11 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind between 6 and 13 mph.

Happening Today      (see Community News below for other events happening today)        

Construction Update  
UPDATE - El Portal Complex Photovoltaic (PV) 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.  

• Last week - Update:   Beginning Thursday, July 29    the contractors moved people and equipment onsite to begin trenching and structure work. The contractor's staging area is located by the Wastewater Treatment Plant, where they will keep their material, equipment and tools.
• Today & Tomorrow The contractor will continue work East of the Planning Trailer for more excavating and conduit runs. The contractor will also continue work on the top of Building J (Open storage/Archives, prepping for the module structures.  
• Coming soon: Trenching for the new PV systems and work on the carports will continue through August. Work to begin setting the Photovoltaic panels will most likely not start until later in the month.

IMPORTANT - Get Creative to Avoid Extra Cars at the EP Complex   : During contracted work days (Thursday - Sunday) 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 would require 1,100 to 1,500 barrels of oil per year to generate an equivalent amount of electricity.  (M. Ortiz - 8/5/10)
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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.

*Night work:   Contractors have been working to complete the water line project at Chinquapin (Glacier Point Road intersection). They have also begun work on the new electrical line. In addition, contractors have been pulverizing existing roadway south of the Wawona Tunnel.

*Day work:     Contractors have been repairing broken, cracked, and scratched curb in areas where there is new pavement (south of Chinquapin to Wawona Campground).

-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 - 8/5/10)

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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 before the campground closes for the season. (M. Ortiz - 8/4/10)
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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 #6 – August 4, 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 is now at approximately 320 acres.  It remains a ground fire with a moderate rate of spread and isolated spotting.   A blacklining burn was conducted August 3, near the west perimeter along a handline. This is done to reduce heat on crews holding the perimeter line and lessen chances for the fire spotting across control lines.  It eliminates fuel between the line and the active fire.  Combined with sparse vegetation on steep slopes and coinciding with favorable smoke dispersion and air quality the “firing” operation is all the more successful in transporting the smoke out of the area .  The success of this operation is dependent on the fire spread, behavior and current activity.  The north and southeast perimeters continue to be the most active.   Smoke is visible along Tioga Rd, O’Shaughnessy Dam of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Rancheria trail area and in the Tuolumne Meadows 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.  

Wildcat 2: (37 56.865 x 119 30.447; 8000’ el., Tuolumne Co.) This is at 16 acres.  It is slowly burning through fingers of fuel along Register Creek.  This fire and the Tuolumne are being monitored.  

The National Weather Service is predicting favorable air 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, with clearing by late morning.
   
“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
Firenews:   http://www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_firenews.cfm
Inciweb California:  http://www.inciweb.org/state/5/
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 - 8/5/10)
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Yosemite National Park Releases Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment for Public Review

Yosemite National Park announces the release of the Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment for public review.  Public comments regarding the Environmental Assessment will be taken from August 9, 2010 to September 17, 2010.  The public is invited to submit written ideas regarding this planning effort.  The Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment can be downloaded at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/vista.htm .  To learn more about scenic vistas, please visit www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/scenic-vistas.htm .

The purpose of the Scenic Vista Management Plan is to develop a systematic program to protect and restore Yosemite’s important viewpoints, vistas, and the natural processes that created them.  The plan will replace the park’s current case by case approach and will enable and guide management actions by the National Park Service.  

Yosemite has been involved in vista clearing since the 1850’s on a case by case basis.  This strategy has resulted in the loss several famous scenic viewpoints.  For example, two-thirds of the meadows in Yosemite Valley have been lost to unnatural conifer encroachment.

The Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment describes five alternative approaches for prioritizing and reestablishing scenic vistas.  The development of a framework for management actions will ensure that the natural and cultural resources and values of Yosemite National Park remain unimpaired.  Specifically, the plan will outline replacement of current viewpoints with new viewpoints featuring similar perspectives, as well as describe which methods of vegetation clearing are appropriate.  

Public wishing to submit comments about the Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment can do so by the following means:

• Mail:       Superintendent  
       Attn: Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment
       P.O. Box 577
       Yosemite, CA 95389    
• Fax: ( 209) 379-1294
• E-mail:  Yose_Planning@nps.gov
• Access PEPC  (Planning, Environment, and Public Comment) on the web at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yose .  Click on the “open for comments” link at the top of the page.  Click on “Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment” link and enter your comment. (K. Cobb - 8/5/10)

Acting Designations  
Gretchen Stromberg will be Acting Branch Chief for the Design Branch of Project Management Division from Monday, August 9 through and including Wednesday, August 11, 2010.  She can be reached at 379-1006.  If on Monday August 9, 2010 Gretchen in not available you may also leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.  On Tuesday or Wednesday, August 10 & 11 you may then leave a message with Tricia Radmacher at 379-1221. (T. Radmacher - 8/5/10)
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Paul DePascale is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology on Friday 8/6. (L. Kirn - 8/5/10)
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On Friday, August 6, Heather McKenny will be acting Branch Chief of Wildlife Management.  She can be reached at 379-1438. (S. Thompson - 8/5/10)
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Russ Kish will be acting Trails Supervisor Aug. 4 - 18.  Russ can be reached at 209-742-3540.(S. Baudaux - 8/4/10)
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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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Elexis Mayer will be 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  
Tomorrow - Last Day to Pick up YARTS Vouchers! The last day to pick up your YARTS Voucher is tomorrow, Friday the 6th of August. If you are on leave or on a detail please let me know so I can hold you voucher for you. Thank you and have a great day! (D. Buskeness - 8/5/10)


Community News  
Mosquito Festival!   It is that time of year again to help celebrate the end of the mosquito season! Join your friends and neighbors at the annual Yosemite Mosquito Festival & BBQ Dinner brought to you by the Yosemite Lion's Club on Thursday, August 5, 6:00 pm, at Yosemite Valley School. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child and Seniors/Vegetarian are $7. Dinner includes a choice of Tri-Tip or Chicken, Pasta Salad, Green Salad and Garlic Bread.

But wait, there's more. . . 7:00 p.m. Best Raffle in the Known World! with everyone's favorite MC:  Mike Osborne.  Tickets are $1.00 each or $5 for six (6) tickets. What a deal! Here are some of the fabulous prizes that you could win: Maxim Climbing Rope, La Sportiva Climbing Shoe Certificate,Trekking Poles, Signed copy of "First Light" by local Mike Osborne, DNC/Yosemite Gift Certificates, to name a few….

But wait, there's more. . .Try Your Luck at opening the Wine Treasure Box by Buying  a key or keys and attempt to open the treasure box with a
great bottle of wine inside.

But wait, (you guessed it), there's more. . . New this year:  your chance to bid on a seven nights in HAWAII! Valued at $3500!  A one week house rental on the north shore of Oahu!  Details at the Festival. (K. Youngdale - 8/5/10)  
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Groveland This Week
8/6   Karaoke with Shirley, the hill's most talented spinner The Lounge at Pine Mountain Lake www.PineMountainLake.com  209-962-8638 . Shirley keeps the music flowing! This is one of the most popular nights out, singing, dancing and enjoying friends and neighbors while meeting new people too. Great venue!

8/6  Hendrikz Mcleod Evergreen Lodge

8/7  Dyna-Mo The Lounge at Pine Mountain Lake

8/7  Movies in the Park: Little Rascals .  www.Groveland.org , Dusk

8/7  Monthly Flea Market hosted by the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce Lower Mary Laveroni Community Park $10 to Sell  info@groveland.org  www.Groveland.org  Laurie 209-962-0323 This monthly institution expands this year to 6 dates, the first Saturday of every month April-September. Find a new treasure or sell an old relic.

8/7  Tuolumne County Farm & Ranch Tour Various Locations. 209-928-3775 Tour the county at your leisure. Visiting local farms and ranches learning about the many facets of agriculture. www.farmsoftuolumnecounty.org .  10-4

8/10 PML Cooking Class (Guilt Free Appetizers: Wings, Shrimp...) Lake Lodge, 6:30 to 8:00  tomknoth@yahoo.com  209-962-5838 This monthly cooking demonstration has become quite popular with folks. Wineries showcasing wines, tastee treats to eat, a lesson learned. A great activity to do with fiends, family and neighbors.

Weekly at the Iron Door Saloon: Tuesdays, kids eat free, Wednesdays pool tournament, Thursdays Karaoke, Friday & Saturday live bands

Farmer's Market every Saturday morning at Mountain Sage.

MORE events and details online at www.HotelCharlotte.com/events.html   (Hotel Charlotte - 8/5/10)
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FOR RENT:  New 1 bedroom cottage in Midpines. Spacious and light. Jacuzzi tub, swamp cooler, laundry room. No smoking. $1000.00/month. 966 5402. (S. Lohwasser - 8/5/10)
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TONIGHT: 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)