Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Friday, August 6, 2010

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, August 6, 2010

Weather

Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light wind becoming south southwest
between 10 and 13 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 5 to 11 mph
becoming north northwest.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south southwest
between 8 and 11 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind between
5 and 10 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West southwest wind between 6
and 9 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 8 and 11 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 52. West wind 6 to 9 mph becoming
northeast.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind at 10 mph becoming west
southwest.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. West wind 5 to 9 mph
becoming east.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph
becoming west southwest.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest between 8
and 11 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 41. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming north.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest between
7 and 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Southwest wind 5 to 8
mph becoming southeast.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90. West southwest wind between 5 and 10
mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Tuolumne Area
Today: Sunny, with a high near 72. West wind 5 to 14 mph becoming south.
Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. West southwest wind between 5
and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon.
Partly cloudy, with a high near 71. Light wind becoming south between 10
and 13 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before
11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. West southwest wind between 3
and 11 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly
cloudy, with a high near 69. West southwest wind between 5 and 7 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Happening Today (see Community News below for other events happening
today)
TODAY - Last Day to Pick up YARTS Vouchers! The last day to pick up your
YARTS Voucher is today, 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)

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)
******************************************************
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: Contractors will continue 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 - 8/6/10)

******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
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
Bear Facts July 25th-July 31st, 2010

Weekly Total

| # of | Damage
| Incidents |
----------------+---------------+------------
Parking Lots | 4 | $1,200
----------------+---------------+------------
Campgrounds | 8 | $260
----------------+---------------+------------
Other Areas | 2 | $1,200
----------------+---------------+------------
Backcountry | 0 | $0
----------------+---------------+------------
Total | 14 | $2,660

Yearly Total

| # of | Damage
| Incidents |
----------------+---------------+------------
Parking Lots | 98 | $38,848
----------------+---------------+------------
Campgrounds | 58 | $5,677
----------------+---------------+------------
Other Areas | 101 | $29,301
----------------+---------------+------------
Backcountry | 11 | $1,909
----------------+---------------+------------
Total | 268 | $75,535

*Additionally there have been 40 bear incidents where a bear obtained trash
that was left out or from trash cans or dumpsters that were not secure.
Year to Date Comparisons for the Week of July 25th-July 31st

| 1998 | 2010 | Percent | 2009 | 2010 | Percent
| | | Change | | | Change
------------+-----------+-----------+--------------+-----------+-----------+--------------
Incidents | 388 | 268 | -30.93% | 283 | 268 | -5.3%
------------+-----------+-----------+--------------+-----------+-----------+--------------
Damage | $178,741 | $75,735 | -57.63% | $26,246 | $75,735 | +188.56%

There have already been 14 bears hit, and 6 killed by vehicles this year.
Please obey speed limits and pay attention while driving!

WEEKLY INCIDENTS BY LOCATION

BEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY
It has been very warm lately and we are all looking for ways to keep cool
at home. Do not forget to close all windows when you leave your house. Do
not let your guard down because it’s hot. Bears have historically entered
houses during this time of year via open windows and found refrigerators
full of food to gorge themselves upon. When bears learn to associate
houses with food it is a very difficult temptation to break which often has
disastrous results for residents and the bears.

If you are visiting Yosemite, be aware that bears are extremely clever and
opportunistic. It is your responsibility as a visitor to ensure that bears
do not get your food. Please keep these animals wild by diligently
following all park laws. If you see a bear during your visit please report
it to the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322.

INTERESTING BEAR FACT
White-colored American black bears exist in parts of North America. These
bears, which are different from blonde or even albino bears, are genetic
anomalies known commonly as Kermode bears. (R. Leahy - 8/6/10)
******************************************************
Yosemite National Park Announces Public Meetings Regarding the Tuolumne
River Plan
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announces several
public meetings regarding the Comprehensive Management Plan for the
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River (Tuolumne River Plan). The public meetings
will take place at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows on August 20,
September 10, September 11, September 17, and September 18, 2010. All
meetings will occur from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

In 1984, the Tuolumne River became a federally protected Wild and Scenic
River. Yosemite National Park is currently drafting a management plan for
the 54 miles of the Tuolumne River that flows through the park. The
Tuolumne River Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be
released for public comment in late 2010 or early 2011.

Visitors attending the public meetings will learn what makes the Tuolumne
River a Wild and Scenic River and why it stands out from other rivers.
Visitors will also learn ways in which to protect and enhance river values
for the future. Attendees at the meetings are encouraged to share ideas
regarding the planning effort. There are also special activities planned
for kids.

The meetings will include a slideshow presentation, followed by a short
walk to the Tuolumne River. Attendees are advised to bring water,
sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. Visitors should allow 30 minutes to
walk to Parsons Memorial Lodge from the Tioga Road.

To learn more about the Tuolumne River Plan, please visit
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. (K. Cobb - 8/6/10)
******************************************************
Please join us! Yosemite Forum - Sponsored by Resources Management and
Science, Yosemite National Park
Tuesday August 10, 2010
Auditorium, Yosemite Valley
Noon to 1 p.m.

The Hydroecology and Restoration of Meadows in the Sierra Nevada - Dr.
Steven Loheide, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin
Meadows are critical components of the Sierra Nevadan landscape providing
local productivity, biodiversity, and hydrologic buffering of watershed
processes. However, overgrazing, logging, and road/railroad construction
have impaired the ecologic and hydrologic function of meadow systems
altering the ecosystem services they provide. This presentation will focus
on the interrelationships between groundwater and soil water availability,
plant water use, and vegetation patterning in pristine, degraded and
restored meadow ecosystems.

Yosemite Forum is a partnership among:
The Yosemite Fund
USGS, Western Ecological Research Center, Yosemite Field Station
University of California, Sierra Nevada Research Institute
USFS, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Sierra Nevada Research Center (M.
Thornley - 8/6/10)
******************************************************
Yosemite Fires – Update #7 – August 5, 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 360 acres. It remains a ground fire with a moderate
rate of spread and isolated spotting. The most active part of the fire is
to the east, and southeast. A backline burning operation was conducted on
the west side of the fire. 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. The park
helicopter will be conducting water drops on the parts of the fire line
inaccessible to firefighters on the ground. 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. 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.

The Harden lake area and the trial to Pate Valley from Harden Lake are
closed. The White Wolf trailhead to Pate Valley and Lukens Lake remain
open. The trail closure is in effect today August 5, 2010. Wilderness
rangers and fire information personnel will in the area to help direct
hikers and backpackers.

Cooperators include the San Francisco Water Quality and Public Utilities
Commission at Hetch Hetchy, and the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control
District.

Other fires:
The Tuolumne and the Wildcat fires are both inactive.

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_Fres...
USGS regional webcam images of smoke movement:
http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swifers/pages/WebCam.htm (G. Wuchner -
8/6/10)
******************************************************
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
Lusetta Nelson (379-3284) will be Acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration on August 6. (J. Weaser - 8/6/10)
****************************************************
Paul DePascale is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology on Friday 8/6. (L.
Kirn - 8/5/10)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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 Kevin, you may call Tara Hawksley at 379-1054 and leave a message.
(A. Sharp - 8/3/10)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
Russ Kish will be acting Trails Supervisor Aug. 4 - 18. Russ can be
reached at 209-742-3540.(S. Baudaux - 8/4/10)
****************************************************
Niki Nicholas, Chief of Resource Management, will be acting Superintendent
from August 6-August 15. (D. Neubacher - 8/2/10)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
Historical Architect Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief
for History, Architecture & Landscapes from Tuesday, Aug. 3 thru Monday,
Aug. 9, 2010.
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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.
****************************************************
Until further notice, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch
Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.
****************************************************
Until further notice, Cindy Whitten will be the acting Human Resources
Officer - 209/379-1878.

Employee News
Availability of Contracting Officer Walt Schmidt
While the Contracting Office is closed from 7-9 am and 3:30-4:30 daily
through 1 Oct, Walt will be available throughout the workday. If you need
assistance during the hours noted above please call, email or visit Walt.
His number is 379-1195 and email address is walter_schmidt@nps.gov. (L.
Schafer - 8/6/10)

Community News
TONIGHT: ART HOP IN MARIPOSA
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 - 8/6/10)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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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Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Friday, August 6, 2010